Bus bar assembly and battery pack including the same

Abstract

A bus bar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a bus bar that guides electrical connection of battery modules inside a battery pack; a fire-resistant silicone member formed with a recessed portion at a lower surface thereof; and a cover formed with an opening portion at a lower portion thereof. The refractory silicone member is inserted into the cover through the opening portion, and the bus bar is mounted in the recess portion of the refractory silicone member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0094532, filed July 20, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0003] The disclosure relates to a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a busbar assembly having improved fire resistance and a battery pack including the same. BACKGROUND

[0004] In modern society, as portable devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, camcorders, and digital cameras are used on a daily basis, technical development in the field related to the above mobile devices has been initiated. In addition, rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), and the like in an attempt to address problems such as air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the necessity for developing secondary batteries is growing.

[0005] Secondary batteries that are currently commercialized include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, and the like. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have become the focus of attention because they have advantages such as exhibiting almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, thereby allowing free charging and discharging, and having a very low self-discharge rate and a high energy density.

[0006] Such a lithium secondary battery generally uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively, are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and a battery case sealingly accommodating the electrode assembly and an electrolyte.

[0007] Depending on the shape of an external material, in general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is incorporated into a metal can, and pouch-type batteries in which an electrode assembly is incorporated into a bag made of an aluminum laminate.

[0008] In the case of a secondary battery for a small device, two to three battery cells are provided, but in the case of a secondary battery for a medium and large device such as a car, a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected is used. In such a battery module, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel with each other to form a cell assembly, thereby improving capacity and output. Further, one or more battery modules can be installed together with various control and protection systems such as a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), a BMS (Battery Management System), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0009] In a battery pack configured to gather a plurality of battery modules, heat generated from a plurality of battery cells can be accumulated in a narrow space, so that the temperature can be rapidly and excessively increased. In other words, a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and a battery pack equipped with the battery module can obtain high output, but when heat dissipation of the battery cells is not properly performed or a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the battery cells, the possibility of explosion or fire is high.

[0010] Meanwhile, the busbar connected to the battery module is provided inside the battery pack. Figure 1 is a view illustrating a conventional busbar.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1 , the conventional busbar 20 is a rod-shaped metal member extending in a length direction. The busbar 20 is a medium electrically connected between the terminal busbars 22 of the battery module 1200, and as an example, each of both ends of the busbar 20 can be connected to the terminal busbar 22 of the battery module 1200. For example, the busbar 20 and the terminal busbar 22 can be physically and electrically connected such that a bolt member 60 penetrates both the busbar 20 and the terminal busbar 22 and is coupled with a nut.

[0012] Such a busbar 20 is configured to be responsible for HV (High Voltage) connection in the battery pack. The HV connection refers to a connection serving as a power source to supply power, and the busbar 20 is configured to guide the electrical connection of the battery module, and generally includes a metal material having excellent electrical conductivity. As an example, the busbar 20 can include a copper (Cu) material.

[0013] A covering member 20P can be wrapped around the busbar 20. The covering member 20P can include an electrically insulating material, and as an example, it can include a silicone material or an epoxy material. Since the covering member 20P is wrapped around the busbar 20 through which a high current flows, it prevents the busbar 20 from coming into contact with other electrical components or conductive members other than the terminal busbar of the battery module to cause a short circuit. Further, a cap 20C covering the portion where the busbar 20 and the terminal busbar 22 are connected can be provided, in which the cap 20C can be fixed to the covering member 20P by a band 20T.

[0014] In recent years, there is a demand for a device that prevents flames from being ejected outside of a battery pack even if a fire occurs inside the battery pack. Since the flame generated inside the battery pack has a very high temperature of about 1000 degrees Celsius, the covering material 20P covering the bus bar 20 can melt, so that the bus bar 20 can be exposed. If the exposed bus bar 20 comes into contact with other electrical components or conductive materials to cause a short circuit, the internal fire can further spread and can be transmitted to the outside of the battery pack. Eventually, this can cause the battery pack or a vehicle equipped with the battery pack to explode.

[0015] Further, in a case where the cap 20C covers the portion where the bus bar 20 and the terminal bus bar 22 are connected, the bus bar 20 portion is generally covered, but there is a risk that the terminal bus bar 22 can be exposed in the lateral direction. If dust particles or the like accumulate in the gap exposed in this way by the terminal bus bar 2, the risk of short circuit with other electrical components inside the battery pack increases.

[0016] Therefore, there is a demand for development of a technology of a bus bar assembly that can maintain an electrical insulation property. SUMMARY

[0017] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0018] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a bus bar assembly and a battery pack including the same, which can maintain an electrical insulation property without melting even when a flame occurs inside the battery pack.

[0019] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical idea included in the present disclosure.

[0020] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a bus bar assembly is provided, the bus bar assembly including: a bus bar guiding electrical connection of a battery module inside a battery pack; a fire-resistant silicone member in which a recessed portion is formed on a lower surface; and a cap in which an opening portion is formed on a lower portion, wherein the fire-resistant silicone member is fitted to an inside of the cap through the opening portion, and wherein the bus bar is installed in the recessed portion of the fire-resistant silicone member.

[0022] The recessed portion can include a first recessed portion configured to be recessed in correspondence with a shape of the bus bar.

[0023] The bus bar can have at least two connection regions as portions in contact with a terminal bus bar of the battery module.

[0024] The recesses can include first recesses configured to be recessed corresponding to a shape of the bus bar, and second recesses configured to be more recessed than the first recesses in portions corresponding to the connection regions.

[0025] The connection regions of the bus bar can be connected with the terminal bus bars of the battery module by bolt connection.

[0026] A plurality of grooves can be formed on an outer surface of the fireproof silicone member facing the inner surface of the cover.

[0027] The plurality of grooves can extend along one side surface portion, an upper surface portion, and another side surface portion of the fireproof silicone member.

[0028] The fireproof silicone member can include a fixed guide portion supporting a portion of a lower surface of the bus bar.

[0029] The bus bar assembly can further include a glass fiber tape wrapped around an outer surface of the cover.

[0030] The fireproof silicone member can include a silicone material that is ceramicized at a high temperature.

[0031] The cover can include a MICA material.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a battery pack including at least one bus bar assembly, a battery module, a battery disconnect unit (BDU) module for controlling electrical connection of the battery module, and a battery management system (BMS) module for monitoring and controlling operation of the battery module, wherein the at least one bus bar assembly is electrically connected to at least one of between the battery modules, between the battery module and the BDU module, between the battery module and the BMS module, or between the BDU module and the BMS module.

[0033] Advantageous effects

[0034] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the bus bar assembly includes a fireproof silicone member that is ceramicized at a high temperature or flame and a cover covering the fireproof silicone member, such that the electrical insulation properties of the bus bar assembly can be maintained even when a flame is generated inside the battery pack.

[0035] Further, the fireproof silicone member and the cover can completely cover a portion where the bus bar and the terminal bus bar are connected. Accordingly, there is no risk of dust particles or the like accumulating on the bus bar or the terminal bus bar of the battery module, thereby enabling reduction in the risk of short circuit with other electrical components inside the battery pack.

[0036] Effects that can be obtained from the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a view showing a conventional busbar.

[0038] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a battery module included in Figure 2

[0040] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which a module frame and an end plate are removed in the battery module of Figure 3

[0041] Figure 5 is a view showing a state in which a busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a battery module.

[0042] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a cover included in the busbar assembly of Figure 5

[0043] Figure 7 is a plan view of the busbar assembly of Figure 5

[0044] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the busbar assembly of Figure 5

[0045] Figure 9 (a) of FIG. 11 and (b) of FIG. 11 are views showing cross sections cut along cut lines A-A’ and B-B’ of Figure 9 Figure 8

[0046] Figure 10 (a) of FIG. 13 and (b) of FIG. 13 are a plan view and a side view showing a fire-resistant silicone member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10

[0047] Figure 11 is a bottom view of a busbar assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 12 is a view showing a cross section cut along cut line C-C’ of Figure 11

[0049] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a cover and a glass fiber tape according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] ​​​​​​​​​Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so as to be easily implemented by those skilled in the art. The present disclosure, however, can be varied in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0051] For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions not related to the description will be omitted, and throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like or similar elements.

[0052] Further, in the drawings, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, regions, and the like is exaggerated for the convenience of description. In the drawings, the thickness of components and regions is exaggerated for the convenience of description.

[0053] Further, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, then there are no intervening elements present. In addition, a specific component that is "above" or "on" a reference portion indicates that the specific component is above or below the reference portion, and does not particularly indicate that the specific component is "above" or "on" the reference portion in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0054] Further, throughout the specification, when a portion is referred to as "including" or "comprising" a component, unless otherwise specified, it means that the portion can further include other components without excluding the other components.

[0055] Further, throughout the specification, when referred to as "plan view", it means that a target portion is observed from the upper side, and when referred to as "cross-sectional view", it means that a target portion is observed from the side of a vertically cut cross-section.

[0056] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to Figure 2The battery pack 1000 according to the embodiment of the disclosure includes: a busbar assembly 100; battery modules 1200; a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) module 1300 for controlling electrical connection of the battery modules 1200; and a BMS (Battery Management System) module 1400 for monitoring and controlling operation of the battery modules 1200. At least one busbar assembly 100 according to the embodiment electrically connects at least one of the following positions: between the battery modules 1200, between the battery modules 1200 and the BDU module 1300, between the battery modules 1200 and the BMS module 1400, or between the BDU module 1300 and the BMS module 1400. Specifically, a plurality of battery modules 1200 can be accommodated in a battery pack frame 1100, and electrical connection between the battery modules 1200 or electrical connection between the battery modules 1200 and the BDU module 1300 can be achieved by the busbar assembly 100. That is, the busbar assembly 100 according to the embodiment can be responsible for high voltage (HV) connection. Here, the HV connection is a connection as a power source for supplying power requiring high voltage, and indicates a connection between battery cells or a connection between battery modules.

[0058] The BDU module 1300 is a means for controlling electrical connection of the battery modules 1200, and can interrupt power between the power conversion device and the battery modules 1200. When a situation in which current exceeds a set range occurs, the BDU module 1300 can interrupt power of the battery pack 1000, thereby ensuring safety of the battery pack 1000.

[0059] Meanwhile, the LV connection means 100' according to the present embodiment can be responsible for electrical connection between the battery modules 1200 and the BMS module 1400. The electrical connection herein is a low voltage (LV) connection, which indicates a sensing connection for detecting and controlling voltage and temperature of the battery modules 1200. Specifically, a sensor or the like is arranged inside the battery modules 1200, and real-time temperature information or voltage information of the battery modules 1200 is transmitted to the BMS module 1400 via the LV connection means 100'. Real-time operating status of the battery modules 1200 can be monitored and controlled via the BMS module 1400. Although not specifically shown in the drawings, an HV current sensor can be integrated into the BMS module 1400. In this case, the busbar assembly according to the present embodiment can be responsible for electrical connection between the battery modules 1200 and the BMS module 1400 or between the BDU module 1300 and the BMS module 1400.

[0060] Next, the busbar assembly 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4A battery module 1200 according to the present embodiment is described. However, the battery module 1200 described below is an exemplary structure of a battery module including a plurality of battery cells 11, and various types of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells can be applied.

[0061] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing one battery module included in a battery pack of Figure 2 . Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which a module frame and an end plate are removed from the battery module of Figure 3 .

[0062] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the battery module 1200 according to the present embodiment can include a battery cell stack 11A in which a plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked. The battery cell stack 11A is shown in Figure 4 . The battery cell stack 11A can be accommodated in an internal space formed by the module frame 30 and the end plate 40.

[0063] The battery cell according to the present embodiment can be a pouch-type battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a cylindrical battery cell. However, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a case in which the battery cell 11 is a pouch-type battery cell is described as an example of the present disclosure. The pouch-type battery cell can be formed by accommodating an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then fusing a peripheral portion of the pouch case. Such a battery cell 11 can be formed in a rectangular sheet-like structure. Electrode leads 11L connected to the electrode assembly protrude to the outside of the pouch case, in which the electrode leads 11L of each battery cell 11 can be electrically connected to each other via a lead bus bar 21. On the other hand, at least one electrode lead 11L can be connected to a terminal bus bar 22. As shown in Figure 3 , a portion of the terminal bus bar 22 can be exposed to the outside of the battery module 1200. Both the lead bus bar 21 and the terminal bus bar 22 can include a metal material having excellent electrical conductivity.

[0064] The bus bar assembly 100 according to the present embodiment is electrically connected to such a terminal bus bar 22, and thus the above-described HV connection can be achieved. That is, the battery module 1200 can be electrically connected to another battery module 1200, a BDU module 1300, or a BMS module 1400 via the bus bar assembly 100 connected to the terminal bus bar 22.

[0065] Next, the bus bar assembly according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 10 .

[0066] Figure 5This is a diagram showing the state in which the busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the battery module. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of the cover included in the busbar assembly.

[0067] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the busbar assembly 100 includes: a busbar 200 that guides the electrical connection of the battery module 1200 inside the battery pack 1000; a refractory silicone member 300 in which a recess is formed on the lower surface; and a cover 400 in which an opening is formed at the lower part.

[0068] Busbar 200 is configured to guide electrical connections (i.e., HV connections) of the battery module and may comprise a metallic material with excellent conductivity. As an example, busbar 200 may comprise copper (Cu) material. Busbar 200 may be a metal rod extending along its length.

[0069] The refractory silicone material 300 is fitted into the interior of the cover 400 through an opening 400H formed in the cover 400. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the cover 400 may have a shape in which it has an interior blank space that is connected to the opening 400H formed at the bottom. That is, the cover 400 may include an upper surface portion and four side surface portions, and the interior space formed by the upper surface portion and the four side surface portions may communicate with the opening 400H formed at the bottom.

[0070] The cover 400 may include MICA material. The cover 400 including MICA material can give the busbar assembly 100 fire resistance and structural rigidity. Even if a flame occurs due to thermal runaway in the battery pack 1000, the cover 400 may not melt, but instead protect the internal busbar 200 from the surrounding structure, thereby preventing additional short circuits.

[0071] Figure 7 It is viewed from above. Figure 5 Plan view of the busbar assembly. Figure 8 This is viewed from below. Figure 5 A bottom view of the busbar component. Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) shows the directions along... Figure 8 A diagram of the cross-section cut by cutting lines A-A' and B-B'. Considering... Figure 7 From the angle shown, the refractory silicone component 300 assembled into the cover 400 cannot be seen, but for ease of explanation, the refractory silicone component 300 is represented by a dashed line.

[0072] ReferenceFigure 5 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 A recessed portion 300D is formed on the lower surface of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to the present embodiment, and the bus bar 200 is mounted on the recessed portion 300D. That is, in a state in which the bus bar 200 is mounted on the recessed portion 300D formed on the lower surface of the fire-resistant silicone member 300, the bus bar 200 and the fire-resistant silicone member 300 are assembled to the inside of the cover 400 through the opening portion 400H of the cover 400.

[0073] The fire-resistant silicone member 300 can include a fire-resistant silicone material. The fire-resistant silicone material 300, which includes the fire-resistant silicone material having an electrically insulating property, serves as an insulating layer that protects the bus bar 200, thereby preventing the bus bar 200 from being in contact with other electrical components or electrically conductive materials to cause a short circuit.

[0074] Unlike a general silicone material exposed to a flame or burned at a high temperature, the fire-resistant silicone material is a material that is ceramicized when exposed to a flame or a high temperature. The fire-resistant silicone material can include a silicone polymer and silicon dioxide. The silicone polymer applied can be a polysiloxane compound having a vinyl group as a functional group, and corresponds to a base material of the fire-resistant silicone material. The silicon dioxide can be fumed silica, which is a reinforcing filler included in the siloxane polymer. A metal silicon can be used as a main raw material, a high-purity silicon chloride (SiCl4) compound is produced through a reaction with hydrochloric acid and a purification process, and it can react with hydrogen and oxygen in a high-temperature flame to obtain fumed silica. In addition, the fire-resistant silicone can include platinum (Pt) as a catalyst.

[0075] When the fire-resistant silicone material is exposed to a flame or a high temperature, the silicon dioxide (SiO2) is crosslinked with a decomposition product of the silicone polymer to form a ceramic material. The fire-resistant silicone layer 300 according to the present embodiment does not burn or melt, but can be ceramicized to maintain an electrically insulating property even when exposed to a flame or placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0076] The bus bar 200 guides an electrical connection within the battery pack 1000. In Figure 5 , as an example, the bus bar 200 electrically connects a gap between the terminal bus bars 22 of the battery module 1200. Each of both ends of the bus bar 200 can be connected to the terminal bus bars 22 of the battery module 1200.

[0077] When the refractory silicone component 300 is connected from top to bottom toward the busbar 200, the busbar 200 can be installed in the recess 300D of the refractory silicone component 300. Furthermore, when the cover 400 is connected from top to bottom, the busbar 200 and the refractory silicone component 300 can be located within the interior space of the cover 400. Therefore, even if a flame is generated due to thermal runaway in the battery pack 1000, the cover 400 protects the busbar 200 and the refractory silicone component 300. Moreover, the refractory silicone component 300 can be ceramicized to maintain its electrical insulation properties, rather than burning or melting. Ultimately, the electrical insulation properties of the busbar assembly 100 are maintained, and additional short circuits are prevented in the busbar assembly 100, thereby preventing the flame from causing an explosion of the battery pack or a vehicle equipped with the battery pack.

[0078] Furthermore, while the structural rigidity is improved when the cover 400 incorporates MICA material, there is a risk of cracking or breaking due to external vibration or impact. According to this embodiment, the refractory silicone member 300, located inside the cover 400, can absorb external vibration or impact. That is, due to the elastic properties of the refractory silicone member 300, external vibration or impact is not directly transmitted to the cover 400. Therefore, the risk of the cover 400 cracking or breaking can be reduced.

[0079] At the same time, Figure 1 In the case of the conventional cover member 20P shown, since the portion where the busbar 20 and the terminal busbar 22 are connected is covered by the cap 20C fixed by the strap 20T, there is a problem that the busbar 20 and the terminal busbar 22 are exposed in the lateral direction. On the other hand, in the case of this disclosure, since the refractory silicone member 300 and the cover 400 are assembled from top to bottom toward the busbar 200, the busbar 200 and the portion where the busbar 200 and the terminal busbar 22 are connected can be completely covered. Therefore, there is no need to worry about dust particles or the like accumulating on the busbar 200 or the terminal busbar 22 of the battery module 1200, and the risk of short circuits inside the battery pack 1000 can be reduced.

[0080] The recessed portion 300D of the refractory silicone member 300 according to this embodiment may include a first recessed portion 300D1, which is configured to be recessed in accordance with the shape of the busbar. Specifically, the first recessed portion 300D1 according to this embodiment may be configured to be recessed upward from the lower surface of the refractory silicone member 300. When the busbar 200 is inserted into the first recessed portion 300D1, the busbar 200 can be fixed within the refractory silicone member 300. In order to effectively fix the busbar 200, it is preferable that the width of the first recessed portion 300D1 corresponding to the shape of the busbar 200 in the x-axis direction is the width of the busbar 200, the length in the y-axis direction is the length of the busbar 200, and the depth in the z-axis direction is the thickness of the busbar 200.

[0081] Simultaneously, the busbar 200 may have at least two connection areas 210, which are portions that contact the terminal busbars 22 of the battery module 1200. Any one connection area 210 of the busbar 200 can be connected while simultaneously contacting the terminal busbars 22 of any battery module 1200, and the other connection area 210 of the busbar 200 can be connected while simultaneously contacting the terminal busbars 22 of another battery module 1200. Therefore, the busbar 200 can electrically connect the terminal busbars 22 of the battery modules 1200 to each other. There are no particular limitations on the connection method between the busbar 200 and the terminal busbars 22, as long as physical and electrical connection is possible. As an example, the connection area 210 of the busbar 200 can be connected to the terminal busbars 22 of the battery module 1200 via bolt connection. Specifically, the busbar 200 and the terminal busbars 22 can be physically and electrically connected in such a way that the bolt member 600 penetrates the hole 200H of the busbar 200 (see...). Figure 3 The hole of the terminal busbar 22 and the connection with the nut (not shown).

[0082] At this time, the recessed portion 300D according to this embodiment may include a second recessed portion 300D2, which is configured to be more recessed than the first recessed portion 300D1 in the portion corresponding to the connection region 210. That is, the portion of the refractory silicone member 300 corresponding to the connection region 210 may be more upwardly recessed than the first recessed portion 300D1 to provide the second recessed portion 300D2. The bolt member 600 connecting the busbar 200 and the terminal busbar 22 may be located in the space formed by the second recessed portion 300D2. When the busbar 200 and the terminal busbar 22 are protected by the refractory silicone member 300 and the cover 400, the bolt member 600 may also be protected within the second recessed portion 300D2.

[0083] Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 (b) is a plan view and a side view showing a refractory silicone component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 (a) is a view from above of the refractory silicone member 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 (b) is a side view of the refractory silicone member 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10(b), the fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to the present embodiment can be formed with a plurality of grooves 300G on an outer surface facing an inner surface of the cover 400. The grooves 300G can be formed in a shape extending along a certain direction. As an example, the plurality of grooves 300G can extend along one side surface portion 320, the upper surface portion 310, and the other side surface portion 330 of the fire-resistant silicone member 300. For example, as illustrated, the grooves formed on the outer surface of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 can extend along one side surface portion 320, the upper surface portion 310, and the other side surface portion 330 of the fire-resistant silicone member 300, so that each groove 300G can be formed, in which the grooves 300G can be arranged apart from each other along the y-axis direction.

[0085] The outer surface of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 is formed with a plurality of grooves 300G, which provide a space for the expansion of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 when the busbar assembly 100 is exposed to a flame or high temperature. In addition, when the busbar assembly 100 is exposed to a flame or high temperature, gas can be generated from the fire-resistant silicone member 300, and such gas can be discharged to the outside of the busbar assembly 100 along the plurality of grooves 300G. In this way, there is a space for the expansion of the fire-resistant silicone member 300, and the gas generated from the fire-resistant silicone member 300 is easily discharged, whereby the force and stress applied to the cover 400 are reduced, and the shapes of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 and the cover 400 can be easily maintained, even in a flame and high temperature environment.

[0086] Figure 11 is a bottom view of a busbar assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a view showing a cross section cut along a cutting line C-C’ of Figure 11 .

[0087] Referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the busbar assembly 100 according to the modified embodiment of the present disclosure includes the fire-resistant silicone member 300 and the cover 400, and a recessed portion 300D having a first recessed portion 300D1 can be formed in the fire-resistant silicone member 300. In addition, the recessed portion 300D can include a second recessed portion 300D2. The structure of the fire-resistant silicone member is similar to that of the previously described embodiments, but the fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to the modified embodiment of the present disclosure can include a fixed guide portion 300F supporting a portion of the lower surface of the busbar. The fixed guide portion 300F configured to protrude in the mutual positioning direction can be provided at both corner portions of the fire-resistant silicone member 300.

[0088] When the fire-resistant silicone member 300 is coupled toward the busbar 200 from the top to the bottom, the fixing guide 300F can be naturally folded and unfolded again, and disposed on the lower surface of the busbar 200 to support a portion of the lower surface of the busbar 200. Accordingly, the busbar 200 can be more firmly fixed within the fire-resistant silicone member 300. Furthermore, even when subjected to external vibration or impact, the fixing guide 300F can prevent the fire-resistant silicone member 300 from being separated from the busbar 200.

[0089] Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a cover and a glass fiber tape according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0090] Referring to Figure 13 , the busbar assembly according to the present embodiment can further include a glass fiber tape 500 wrapped around an outer surface of the cover 400.

[0091] The glass fiber tape 500 can include a base layer including glass fibers and an adhesive layer formed on one surface of the base layer. The base layer can be a fabric body including glass fibers, and the adhesive layer can include at least one of an acrylic resin or a silicone resin. The glass fiber tape 500 can be a rectangular tape having a long side and a short side.

[0092] In Figure 13 , the glass fiber tape 500 is illustrated as wrapping only a portion of the outer surface of the cover 400, but this is for ease of illustration, and if the glass fiber tape 500 wraps around the entire outer surface of the cover 400, the cover 400 can not be directly exposed.

[0093] The glass fiber tape 500 can function as a primary fire-resistant wall. That is, the glass fiber tape 500 directly protects the fire-resistant silicone member 300 and the cover 400 from the influence of flames, thereby improving the fire resistance of the busbar assembly. Furthermore, since the outer surface of the cover 400 is wrapped with the glass fiber tape 500, the structural rigidity can be increased.

[0094] In the present embodiment, terms indicating directions (for example, front side, rear side, left side, right side, upper side, and lower side) have been used, but the terms used are merely provided for the convenience of description, and can be different according to the position of an object, the position of an observer, etc.

[0095] One or more battery modules according to the embodiments of the disclosure described above can be installed together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0096] A battery module or a battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to a vehicle device such as an electric bicycle, an electric vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle, or an ESS (energy storage system), and can be applied to various devices capable of using a secondary battery without being limited thereto.

[0097] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications and improvements can be made thereto without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0098] Description of reference numerals

[0099] 100: busbar assembly

[0100] 200: busbar

[0101] 300: fire-resistant silicone member

[0102] 300G: groove

[0103] 400: cover

[0104] 500: glass fiber tape

[0105] 600: bolt member

[0106] 1000: battery pack

[0107] 1100: battery pack frame

[0108] 1200: battery module

[0109] 1300: BDU module

[0110] 1400: BMS module

Claims

1.A busbar assembly comprising: a busbar guiding electrical connection of battery modules inside a battery pack; a fire resistant silicone member in which a recessed portion is formed on a lower surface; and a cover in which an opening portion is formed on a lower portion, wherein the fire resistant silicone member is fitted to an inside of the cover through the opening portion, and wherein the busbar is installed in the recessed portion of the fire resistant silicone member. 2.The busbar assembly of claim 1, wherein: the recessed portion comprises a first recessed portion configured to be recessed corresponding to a shape of the busbar. 3.The busbar assembly of claim 1, wherein: the busbar has at least two connection regions as portions in contact with terminal busbars of the battery modules. 4.The busbar assembly of claim 3, wherein: the recessed portion comprises a first recessed portion configured to be recessed corresponding to a shape of the busbar, and a second recessed portion configured to be more recessed than the first recessed portion in a portion corresponding to the connection regions. 5.The busbar assembly of claim 3, wherein: the connection regions of the busbar are connected with the terminal busbars of the battery modules by bolt connection. 6.The busbar assembly of claim 1, wherein: a plurality of grooves are formed on an outer surface of the fire resistant silicone member facing an inner surface of the cover. 7.The busbar assembly of claim 6, wherein: the plurality of grooves extend along one side surface portion, an upper surface portion, and another side surface portion of the fire resistant silicone member. 8.The busbar assembly of claim 1, wherein: the fire resistant silicone member comprises a fixed guide portion supporting a portion of the lower surface of the busbar. 9.The busbar assembly of claim 1, the busbar assembly further comprises a glass fiber tape wrapped around an outer surface of the cover. 10.The busbar assembly of claim 1, wherein: the fire resistant silicone member comprises a silicone material that is ceramicized at high temperature. 11.The busbar assembly of claim 1, wherein: the cover comprises a MICA material. 12.A battery pack comprising: at least one busbar assembly according to claim 1; the battery modules; a battery disconnect unit (BDU) module for controlling electrical connection of the battery modules; and a battery management system (BMS) module for monitoring and controlling operation of the battery modules, wherein the at least one busbar assembly electrically connects at least one of the following locations: between the battery modules, between the battery modules and the BDU module, between the battery modules and the BMS module, or between the BDU module and the BMS module.

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