Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. According to the disclosure, there is provided a battery pack including one or more battery modules, the battery module including: a plurality of battery cells each including a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal; a first busbar electrically connected with the plurality of first electrode terminals; a second busbar electrically connected with the plurality of second electrode terminals; and a first insulator disposed between the first busbar and the second busbar to insulate the first busbar from the second busbar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] A secondary battery is an energy storage device that can be charged and discharged through an electrochemical reaction. Secondary batteries can be applied in various fields that utilize electrical energy. For example, they are widely used in mobile devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, and are also seeking wider applications in transportation vehicles such as vehicles, aircraft, and ships. Furthermore, the demand for secondary batteries in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) that utilize surplus electricity is also increasing.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be used by electrically connecting multiple cells according to the voltage and current required by the load. That is, a secondary battery can be provided as a single cell, and multiple such cells can be combined to form a battery pack. In some cases, cells can be combined into intermediate units such as modules, and multiple such battery modules can be combined to form a battery pack. A battery pack can provide multiple cells by electrically connecting them in series and / or parallel, according to the voltage and current required by the load. For example, cells can be electrically connected via busbars to form battery modules, battery packs, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved Some embodiments of this disclosure may provide a battery pack.

[0005] Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a battery pack that makes it easier to achieve electrical connections between multiple cells.

[0006] Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a battery pack that can be easily manufactured.

[0007] Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a battery pack that can improve the reliability of electrical connections.

[0008] Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a battery pack that can improve structural stability.

[0009] Some embodiments of this disclosure can be widely applied to green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack may be provided, including one or more battery modules, the battery module comprising: a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells including a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal; a first busbar electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode terminals; a second busbar electrically connected to the plurality of second electrode terminals; and a first insulator disposed between the first busbar and the second busbar to insulate the first busbar from the second busbar.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first busbar may include: a first connecting portion, having a plurality of such portions corresponding to a plurality of first electrode terminals; and a first through hole, disposed in the first connecting portion, so that the second electrode terminal is exposed toward the second busbar.

[0012] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first through hole may be larger than the diameter of the second electrode terminal so as to include the second electrode terminal inside.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first insulator may include: a first guide surface, having a plurality of such first guide surfaces corresponding to a plurality of second electrode terminals and guiding the position of the second busbar; and a second through hole, having a first guide surface to expose the second electrode terminals toward the second busbar.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first guide surface may be configured to slope downward toward the second through hole.

[0015] In some embodiments, the diameter of the second through hole may correspond to the diameter of the second electrode terminal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second busbar may include: a plurality of second connecting portions, wherein the plurality of second connecting portions correspond to a plurality of second electrode terminals; and a second guiding surface, configured to correspond to the second connecting portions to guide the position of the second busbar relative to the first insulator.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second guide surface may be configured to slope downward toward the second connecting portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first busbar may be disposed on the upper part of the plurality of battery cells to be electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode terminals, and the second busbar and the first insulator may be integrally disposed on the upper part of the first busbar that is electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode terminals.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery module may further include a second insulator disposed on the opposite side of the surface on which the first insulator of the first busbar is disposed.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second insulator may include a third guiding surface that is fastened to the side of the cell to guide the position of the second insulator.

[0021] In some embodiments, the battery module may include: a second insulator disposed on the bottom surface of the first busbar; and a third insulator disposed on the top surface of the second busbar. The first insulator, the second insulator, and the third insulator may be disposed in sheet form and contain the first busbar and the second busbar within them and thermally bonded.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first electrode terminal may be disposed on the top edge region of the battery cell, the second electrode terminal may be disposed on the top center region of the battery cell, and the first busbar and the second busbar may be disposed on the upper part of the plurality of battery cells to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, respectively.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first electrode terminal may be disposed on the side region of the battery cell, the second electrode terminal may be disposed on the central region of the top surface of the battery cell, at least a portion of the first busbar may be disposed on the side region of the battery cell for electrical connection with the first electrode terminal, and the second busbar may be disposed on the upper part of the plurality of battery cells for electrical connection with the second electrode terminal.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first insulator may include protrusions that extend between adjacent cells and are close to the side region.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first busbar may be disposed on the protrusion and elastically pressed against the side region between adjacent cells.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first busbar may include an exposed portion that is exposed to the outside of the second busbar for electrical connection with other adjacent battery modules.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second busbar may include an extension that extends outward from the first busbar to be electrically connected to an adjacent other battery module.

[0028] (III) Beneficial Effects Some embodiments of this disclosure may provide a battery pack.

[0029] Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a battery pack that makes it easier to achieve electrical connections between multiple cells.

[0030] Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a battery pack that can be easily manufactured.

[0031] Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a battery pack that can improve the reliability of electrical connections.

[0032] Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a battery pack that can improve structural stability. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows an exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module.

[0036] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 An example diagram illustrating the assembly method of the battery module.

[0037] Figure 5 It shows that multiple Figure 1 A 3D view of a battery pack composed of battery modules.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the second busbar.

[0039] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the battery module.

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the battery module.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the battery module and battery pack.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the battery pack.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100: Battery module; 110: Battery cell 120: First busbar 130: Second busbar 140: First insulator; 200: Battery pack Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows an exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0047] For convenience, the following will be in the format of Figure 1 Using the coordinate axes shown in the figure as a reference, the X-axis direction is called the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction is called the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction is called the up-down direction.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the battery pack 200 (see reference) Figure 5 The battery pack 200 may include more than one battery module 100. That is, the battery pack 200 may be provided by combining one or more battery modules 100. For reference, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery module 100 is shown, which will be described later. Figure 5 A battery pack 200 is shown, which combines multiple (exemplarily, two) such battery modules 100. Refer to the description to be given later. Figure 5 Before describing the battery pack 200, we will first describe the battery module 100 that constitutes the battery pack 200.

[0049] In some embodiments, the battery pack 200 includes one or more battery modules 100. Each battery module 100 may include: a plurality of cells 110, including a first electrode terminal 111 and a second electrode terminal 112; a first busbar 120 electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode terminals 111; a second busbar 130 electrically connected to the plurality of second electrode terminals 112; and a first insulator 140 disposed between the first busbar 120 and the second busbar 130 to insulate the first busbar 120 from the second busbar 130.

[0050] Specifically, the battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110. In some embodiments, the battery cells 110 may be configured as cylinders with a predetermined diameter and height. For example, the battery cell 110 may have a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 80 mm. In some cases, a battery cell 110 with this form factor may be referred to as a "4680 battery". As another example, the battery cell 110 may have a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 80 mm, or a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 95 mm, or a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 110 mm. In some cases, a battery cell 110 with this form factor may be referred to as a "46xx battery". The "xx" in the above "46xx" may indicate the height of the corresponding form factor. As yet another example, the battery cell 110 may have a diameter of 48 mm and a height of 75 mm, or a diameter of 48 mm and a height of 80 mm, or a diameter of 48 mm and a height of 110 mm. In some cases, a battery cell 110 with the above form factors may be referred to as a "48xx battery". The "xx" in "48xx" above can indicate the height of the corresponding size specification. However, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the diameter and height of the battery cell 110 can be varied in many ways and are not necessarily limited to the examples above.

[0051] On the other hand, although a cylindrical cell 110 is used as an example in this description, the size specifications of the cell 110 in the embodiments of this disclosure are not necessarily limited to the example shown. Embodiments of this disclosure can be suitably implemented or applied to cell 110 in button-shaped, prismatic, pouch-shaped, and other unconventional shapes, within the scope of the technical ideas described later.

[0052] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the battery cell 110 may include a first electrode terminal 111 and a second electrode terminal 112. The first electrode terminal 111 may be configured as a positive or negative terminal, and the second electrode terminal 112 may be configured as a corresponding negative or positive terminal. For example, the first electrode terminal 111 may be configured as a negative terminal, and the second electrode terminal 112 may be configured as a positive terminal.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112 may be disposed on the same surface of the battery cell 110. For example, as shown in the figure, the first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112 may all be disposed on the top surface region of the battery cell 110. Furthermore, the first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112 may be disposed in mutually separated regions on one side (top surface) of the battery cell 110. For example, as shown in the figure, the first electrode terminal 111 may be disposed on the edge region of the top surface of the battery cell 110, and the second electrode terminal 112 may be disposed on the central region of the top surface of the battery cell 110. The first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112 may be appropriately electrically insulated by insulating devices such as gaskets.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second electrode terminal 112 may be provided by a rivet fastened to the top surface of the battery cell 110. The rivet may be insulated from the top surface of the battery cell 110 by an insulating device such as a washer. Thus, the second electrode terminal 112 may be configured to be insulated from both the top surface of the battery cell 110 and the first electrode terminal 111. In some embodiments, the rivet may be configured to protrude from the top surface of the battery cell 110 by a predetermined height. That is, the top surface of the rivet may be configured to be higher than the top surface of the battery cell 110 by a predetermined degree. Therefore, the second electrode terminal 112 corresponding to the top surface of the rivet and the first electrode terminal 111 corresponding to the top surface of the battery cell 110 may have a predetermined height difference. That is, the second electrode terminal 112 may be disposed above the first electrode terminal 111.

[0055] In some embodiments, multiple battery cells 110 may be provided. The multiple battery cells 110 may be arranged in the front-back and left-right directions on a plane. In some embodiments, the multiple battery cells 110 may be arranged in a densely packed structure on a plane. A densely packed structure may refer to a structure in which three battery cells 110 are arranged on a plane corresponding to the vertices of an equilateral triangle. A densely packed structure can reduce the dead space of the cylindrical battery cells 110.

[0056] In some embodiments, the battery pack 200 may be configured to consist of multiple layers of stacked battery cells 110. For reference, the illustrated embodiment shows multiple battery cells 110 arranged in a single layer. In some embodiments, the battery pack 200 may be configured to consist of multiple layers of stacked battery modules 100.

[0057] In some embodiments, the number of cells 110 constituting the battery module 100, the number of battery modules 100 constituting the battery pack 200, etc., can be appropriately selected according to the voltage, current, etc. required by the load. In this disclosure, there are no particular limitations on the number of cells 110 constituting the battery module 100, the number of battery modules 100 constituting the battery pack 200, etc.

[0058] On the other hand, although not shown, in some embodiments, the battery module 100 may include a housing that encloses the battery cells 110. The housing may be configured in various forms depending on the number, arrangement, etc., of the battery cells 110. In some embodiments, part or all of the housing may be built into or integrated into the mounting object. For example, part or all of the housing may be built into or integrated into the vehicle body, chassis, etc. In some cases, such building into or integration into the housing may be referred to in the industry as Cell to Body (CTB), Cell to Chassis (CTC), etc.

[0059] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the battery module 100 may include a first busbar 120. The first busbar 120 may be electrically connected to a plurality of first electrode terminals 111. That is, the first busbar 120 may be electrically connected to the first electrode terminals 111 disposed in each of the battery cells 110.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first busbar 120 may be configured as a plate with a predetermined planar shape. For example, as shown, the first busbar 120 may be configured as a generally rectangular plate with a short side in the left-right direction and a long side in the front-back direction. This shape of the first busbar 120 can also be similarly reflected in the second busbar 130 and the first insulator 140 described later. However, the specific shape of the first busbar 120 may vary depending on the number, arrangement, etc. of the cells 110, and is not necessarily limited to the example shown.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first busbar 120 may include a first connection portion 121. The first connection portion 121 may be configured to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 of each battery cell 110. Therefore, multiple first connection portions 121 may be provided, with multiple first connection portions 121 corresponding to multiple first electrode terminals 111. In addition, the multiple first connection portions 121 may be configured to be spaced apart in the front-back and left-right directions on a plane to correspond to the multiple first electrode terminals 111.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 121 may be formed by a recess in the top surface of the first busbar 120. For example, as shown, the first connecting portion 121 may be formed by a recess in the top surface of the first busbar 120 in a circular planar shape. In some embodiments, this recessed shape may serve to guide the position of the first insulator 140. That is, the bottom surface of the first insulator 140 may be disposed on the aforementioned recessed shape, thereby being positioned at an appropriate assembly location on the top surface of the first busbar 120 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0063] In some embodiments, the first busbar 120 may include a first through-hole 122. The first through-hole 122 may be disposed in each of the first connecting portions 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the first through-hole 122 is disposed in the center of the first connecting portion 121. The first through-hole 122 may be configured to extend vertically through the first busbar 120. Therefore, the second electrode terminal 112 disposed on the lower side of the first busbar 120 may be exposed through the first through-hole 122. Furthermore, the exposed second electrode terminal 112 may be close to the second busbar 130 disposed on the upper side. That is, the second electrode terminal 112 may be exposed to the second busbar 130 through the first through-hole 122.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first through-hole 122 may be formed to be larger than the second electrode terminal 112 by a predetermined degree. Specifically, the first through-hole 122 may have a predetermined diameter D1 in the plane, and the second electrode terminal 112 may also have a predetermined diameter D2 in the plane (see Figure 122). Figure 3 Here, the diameter D1 of the first through hole 122 can be formed to be larger than the diameter D2 of the second electrode terminal 112 by a predetermined degree. That is, the first through hole 122 can have a diameter D1 on the plane that is larger than the diameter of the second electrode terminal 112 by a predetermined degree, so as to include the second electrode terminal 112 inside. Therefore, the first busbar 120 can be appropriately spaced from the second electrode terminal 112 (G1).

[0065] Additionally, in some embodiments, the battery pack 200 may include a first insulator 140. The first insulator 140 may be disposed between the first busbar 120 and the second busbar 130 to electrically insulate the first busbar 120 from the second busbar 130. For example, as shown, the first insulator 140 may be positioned above the first busbar 120, and the second busbar 130 may be positioned above such a first insulator 140, thereby being insulated from the first busbar 120.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first insulator 140 may be configured as a plate having a predetermined planar shape. For example, as shown, the first insulator 140 may be configured as a generally rectangular plate corresponding to the first busbar 120. However, the specific shape of the first insulator 140 may be varied as needed and is not necessarily limited to the example shown.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first insulator 140 may include a first guide surface 141. Multiple first guide surfaces 141 may be provided, with each of the multiple first guide surfaces 141 corresponding to a multiple of the second electrode terminals 112. Furthermore, the multiple first guide surfaces 141 may be configured to be spaced apart in a plane along the front-back and left-right directions to correspond to the multiple second electrode terminals 112.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first guide surface 141 can serve to guide the position of the second busbar 130. That is, the assembly position of the second busbar 130 with the first insulator 140 can be guided by placing the second guide surface 132 of the second busbar 130 (described later) on the first guide surface 141. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first guide surface 141 can be configured as a slope. For example, as shown, the first guide surface 141 can be configured to slope downward toward the center. Such a first guide surface 141 can serve to properly guide the engagement of the second busbar 130.

[0069] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the first insulator 140 may include a second through-hole 142. The second through-hole 142 may be disposed on each of the first guide surfaces 141. In the illustrated embodiment, the second through-hole 142 is disposed at the center of the first guide surface 141. The second through-hole 142 may be configured to penetrate the first insulator 140 vertically. Therefore, the second electrode terminal 112 disposed on the lower side of the first insulator 140 may be exposed to the upper side of the second busbar 130 through the second through-hole 142.

[0070] In some embodiments, the second through hole 142 may be formed to a size corresponding to the second electrode terminal 112. Specifically, the second through hole 142 may have a predetermined diameter D3 on a plane, and the diameter D3 of the second through hole 142 may be formed to a size corresponding to the diameter D2 of the aforementioned second electrode terminal 112 (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, the assembly position of the first insulator 140 and the cell 110 can be properly guided by fastening the second through hole 142 of the first insulator 140 to the second electrode terminal 112.

[0071] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the battery module 100 may include a second busbar 130. The second busbar 130 may be electrically connected to a plurality of second electrode terminals 112. That is, the second busbar 130 may be electrically connected to the second electrode terminals 112 disposed in each battery cell 110.

[0072] In some embodiments, the battery module 100 can electrically connect multiple battery cells 110 in parallel via the first busbar 120 and the second busbar 130 described above. That is, each first electrode terminal 111 of the multiple battery cells 110 constituting a battery module 100 is electrically connected to the first busbar 120, and each second electrode terminal 112 is electrically connected to the second busbar 130, thereby connecting them in parallel. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the battery pack 200 can be configured to provide multiple such battery modules 100 electrically connected in series (see [reference]). Figure 5 ).

[0073] In some embodiments, the second busbar 130 may be configured as a plate having a predetermined planar shape. For example, as shown, the second busbar 130 may be configured as a generally rectangular plate corresponding to the first busbar 120 and the first insulator 140. However, the specific shape of the second busbar 130 may be varied as needed and is not necessarily limited to the example shown.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second busbar 130 may include a second connection portion 131. The second connection portion 131 may be configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of each battery cell 110. Multiple second connection portions 131 may be provided, each corresponding to a plurality of second electrode terminals 112, and the multiple second connection portions 131 may be configured to be spaced apart in a plane along the front-back and left-right directions to correspond to the plurality of second electrode terminals 112.

[0075] In some embodiments, the second connection portion 131 may be formed by a recess in the top surface of the second busbar 130. For example, as shown, the second connection portion 131 may be formed by a downward recess in the top surface of the second busbar 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connection portion 131 is disposed in the center of this recessed shape and can be electrically connected to the lower second electrode terminal 112.

[0076] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the second busbar 130 may include a second guide surface 132. Multiple second guide surfaces 132 may be provided, each corresponding to a different second connecting portion 131. The second guide surface 132 serves to guide the position of the second busbar 130 relative to the first insulator 140. That is, the assembly position of the second busbar 130 and the first insulator 140 can be appropriately guided by placing the second guide surface 132 of the second busbar 130 on the first guide surface 141 of the first insulator 140.

[0077] In some embodiments, the second guide surface 132 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the second busbar 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the second guide surface 132 is configured to surround a portion of the bottom surface of the second busbar 130 in a plane. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second guide surface 132 may be configured as an inclined surface corresponding to the first guide surface 141. For example, as shown, the second guide surface 132 may be configured to slope downward toward the central second connection 131. Such a second guide surface 132, together with the first guide surface 141, can guide the assembly position of the second busbar 130 to the correct position.

[0078] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module.

[0079] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a configuration with a battery cell 110 as the center, where the first busbar 120 and the second busbar 130 are electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112, respectively. (Refer to...) Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first busbar 120 may be disposed on the upper part of a plurality of battery cells 110 for electrical connection with a plurality of first electrode terminals 111. For example, as shown in the figure, the first busbar 120 may be disposed on the top surface of the battery cell 110, such that the first connection portion 121 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 disposed in the edge region of the top surface of the battery cell 110.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first insulator 140 may be disposed on the upper portion of the first busbar 120. Furthermore, the second busbar 130 may be disposed on the upper portion of the first insulator 140. The second busbar 130 may be insulated from the first busbar 120 by the first insulator 140. Additionally, the second busbar 130 may be configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of second electrode terminals 112. For example, as shown, the second electrode terminals 112 may be exposed upwards through the first busbar 120 and the first insulator 140, and the second busbar 130 may be electrically connected to such exposed second electrode terminals 112.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first insulator 140 and the second busbar 130 described above can be integrally formed. For example, the first insulator 140 and the second busbar 130 can be integrally formed by insert injection molding. The integral first insulator 140 and the second busbar 130 can help simplify the assembly process of the battery module 100.

[0082] The first busbar 120 and the second busbar 130 can be disposed on the upper part of the plurality of battery cells 110 in the manner described above, and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112 of each battery cell 110. In some embodiments, the first busbar 120 and the second busbar 130 can be configured to connect the plurality of battery cells 110 in parallel. That is, the first busbar 120 is electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode terminals 111, and the second busbar 130 is electrically connected to the plurality of second electrode terminals 112, so that the battery module 100 can be configured to connect the plurality of battery cells 110 in parallel. On the other hand, as described later, in some embodiments, the battery pack 200 can be configured to connect a plurality of such battery modules 100 in series (see [reference]). Figure 5 ).

[0083] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 An example diagram illustrating the assembly method of the battery module.

[0084] Figure 4The diagram shows the assembly of a first busbar 120, a first insulator 140, and a second busbar 130, centered on a single battery cell 110. (Refer to...) Figure 4 In some embodiments, the battery module 100 can be assembled by sequentially stacking the first busbar 120, the first insulator 140, and the second busbar 130 on top of the battery cell 110. This stacking assembly method can help simplify the manufacturing of the battery module 100.

[0085] Specifically, multiple battery cells 110 can be prepared. The multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged on a plane according to a preset configuration.

[0086] Next, a first busbar 120 can be disposed on the upper part of the plurality of battery cells 110. The first busbar 120 can be configured such that the first connection portion 121 is disposed on the top surface of the battery cell 110. The second electrode terminal 112 of the battery cell 110 can be exposed upward through a first through hole 122 provided in the first busbar 120. In some cases, the exposed second electrode terminal 112 can be used to determine whether the first busbar 120 has been properly assembled.

[0087] Next, the first connecting portion 121 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111. Thus, the first busbar 120 can be electrically connected to multiple battery cells 110. The electrical connection between the first connecting portion 121 and the first electrode terminal 111 can be achieved in various ways. In the embodiments of this disclosure, there are no particular limitations on the method of electrical connection between the first connecting portion 121 and the first electrode terminal 111. For example, the first connecting portion 121 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 by welding, conductive adhesive, etc. For reference, since this step is before setting the first insulator 140, etc., adequate working space can be ensured on the upper side of the first busbar 120, thereby allowing welding equipment, etc., to easily approach the upper side of the first connecting portion 121.

[0088] Next, the first insulator 140 can be mounted on top of the first busbar 120. Furthermore, the second busbar 130 can be mounted on top of the first insulator 140. In some cases, the second busbar 130 can be pre-assembled with its mounting on top of the first insulator 140, or it can be provided integrally with the first insulator 140. In this case, the first insulator 140 and the second busbar 130 can be assembled together on top of the first busbar 120.

[0089] In some embodiments, the assembly position of the first insulator 140 can be properly guided by fastening the second through-hole 142 of the first insulator 140 to the second electrode terminal 112. In some cases, the second electrode terminal 112 exposed through the second through-hole 142 can be used to determine whether the first insulator 140 has been properly assembled. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the assembly position of the second busbar 130 can be properly guided by fastening the second guide surface 132 of the second busbar 130 to the first guide surface 141 of the first insulator 140.

[0090] As described above, when the first insulator 140 and the second busbar 130 are properly positioned, the second connecting portion 131 provided in the second busbar 130 can be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 of the battery cell 110. Similar to the aforementioned first connecting portion 121, there are no particular limitations on the method of electrical connection between the second connecting portion 131 and the second electrode terminal 112. For example, the second connecting portion 131 and the second electrode terminal 112 can be electrically connected by welding, conductive adhesive, etc. In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 131 can be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 112 by laser welding. For example, as shown in the figure, the second connecting portion 131 can form a solder point S1 with a generally circular trajectory and be laser welded to the second electrode terminal 112.

[0091] As described above, when the first busbar 120 and the second busbar 130 are electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112 respectively, the battery module 100 can be provided in a state where multiple battery cells 110 are electrically connected.

[0092] Figure 5 It shows that multiple Figure 1 A 3D view of a battery pack composed of battery modules.

[0093] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, the battery pack 200 may be provided by combining more than one battery module 100. For convenience, Figure 5 The illustration shows a combination of two battery modules 100. However, the number of battery modules 100 constituting the battery pack 200 can be configured in various ways as needed. For convenience, the battery modules 100 will be referred to below as the first battery module 100-1 and the second battery module 100-2.

[0094] In some embodiments, the battery pack 200 may be provided by electrically connecting a first battery module 100-1 and a second battery module 100-2. For example, the battery pack 200 may be provided by electrically connecting the first battery module 100-1 and the second battery module 100-2 in series. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the second busbar 130-1 of the first battery module 100-1 may be electrically connected to the first busbar 120-2 of the second battery module 100-2, thereby allowing the first battery module 100-1 and the second battery module 100-2 to be electrically connected in series.

[0095] In some embodiments, the second busbar 130-1 of the first battery module 100-1 and the first busbar 120-2 of the second battery module 100-2 can be electrically connected via module busbar 210. For reference, in Figure 5 The diagram only shows the general connection configuration of the module bus 210. The module bus 210 can be configured such that its first end is electrically connected to the aforementioned second bus 130-1, and its second end is electrically connected to the aforementioned first bus 120-2, thereby extending between the first and second ends. Furthermore, depending on the positions of the first bus 120-2 and the second bus 130-1, in some embodiments, the module bus 210 can be configured in an inclined or curved shape.

[0096] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the first busbars 120-1 and 120-2 may include exposed portions 123-1 and 123-2. The exposed portions 123-1 and 123-2 may be configured to expose to the outside of the planar region of the second busbars 130-1 and 130-2 for electrical connection with adjacent battery modules. Furthermore, the second busbars 130-1 and 130-2 may include extension portions 133-1 and 133-2. The extension portions 133-1 and 133-2 may be configured to extend to the outside of the planar region of the first busbars 120-1 and 120-2 for electrical connection with adjacent battery modules. Such exposed portions 123-1 and 123-2 and extension portions 133-1 and 133-2 can be used for electrical connection between adjacent battery modules 100-1 and 100-2. In some embodiments, the exposed portions 123-1, 123-2 and the extension portions 133-1, 133-2 may replace the aforementioned module busbar 210.

[0097] More specifically, focusing on the illustrated embodiment, the rear edge of the first battery module 100-1 may have an exposed portion 123-1, and the front edge may have an extension portion 133-1. The exposed portion 123-1 may be configured to expose upward from the rear end portion of the first busbar 120-1. The second busbar 130-1 may be partially removed in the area corresponding to the exposed portion 123-1. The extension portion 133-1 may be configured to extend forward from the front end portion of the second busbar 130-1. Thus, the second busbar 130-1 may extend outward from the planar area of ​​the first busbar 120-1 in the area corresponding to the extension portion 133-1. Furthermore, such exposed portions 123-1 and extension portions 133-1 may also be provided similarly or in a similar manner on the second battery module 100-2.

[0098] The extension 133-1 of the first battery module 100-1 can be disposed on and electrically connected to the exposed portion 123-2 of the second battery module 100-2. For example, the extension 133-1 of the first battery module 100-1 can be electrically connected to the exposed portion 123-2 of the second battery module 100-2 by welding, conductive adhesive, etc. Thus, the second busbar 130-1 of the first battery module 100-1 can be electrically connected to the first busbar 120-2 of the second battery module 100-2. That is, the first battery module 100-1 and the second battery module 100-2 can be electrically connected in series. Such extensions 133-1 and 133-2 and exposed portions 123-1 and 123-2 can help reduce the assembly spacing between battery modules 100-1 and 100-2.

[0099] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the second busbar.

[0100] For convenience, the following description will focus on the differences from the aforementioned embodiments.

[0101] Figure 6 The embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in the shape of the second connecting portion 331. (Refer to...) Figure 6 In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 331 may be configured as an extended leg. Specifically, the second busbar 330 may be provided with a third through hole 333 corresponding to each battery cell 310, and the second connecting portion 331 may be formed by extending in a leg shape from the edge of the third through hole 333 toward the inside of the third through hole 333.

[0102] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the battery module. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module.

[0103] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the battery module 400 may further include a second insulator 450. The second insulator 450 may be disposed on the opposite surface of the surface on which the first insulator 440 of the first busbar 420 is disposed. For example, as shown, the second insulator 450 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first busbar 420.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second insulator 450 may be integrally formed with the first busbar 420. For example, the second insulator 450 and the first busbar 420 may be integrally formed by insert injection molding. The integrated second insulator 450 and the first busbar 420 may help simplify the assembly process of the battery module 400.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second insulator 450 may include a third guiding surface 451, which guides the assembly position with the battery cell 410. For example, the bottom surface of the second insulator 450 may be provided with an upwardly recessed groove corresponding to each battery cell 410, and the third guiding surface 451 may be set as the inner side surface of such groove. When the second insulator 450 is assembled on the upper end of the battery cell 410, the third guiding surface 451 is fastened to the upper side surface 413 of the battery cell 410 and serves to guide the assembly position of the second insulator 450.

[0106] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the battery module.

[0107] Reference Figure 9 In some embodiments, the first busbar 520 and the second busbar 530 may be disposed inside the first to third insulators 540, 550, and 560, which are provided in sheet form. Specifically, the battery module 500 may include the first to third insulators 540, 550, and 560. The first insulator 540 may be disposed between the first busbar 520 and the second busbar 530, the second insulator 550 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first busbar 520, and the third insulator 560 may be disposed on the top surface of the second busbar 530. The first busbar 520 and the second busbar 530 may be disposed inside the first to third insulators 540, 550, and 560 in a manner where the areas of the first connection portion 521 and the second connection portion 531 for electrical connection with the battery cell 510 are partially exposed.

[0108] The first to third insulators 540, 550, and 560 can be provided in sheet form. Furthermore, the first to third insulators 540, 550, and 560, provided in sheet form, can internally include and thermally bond the first busbar 520 and the second busbar 530. That is, based on the illustration, the second insulator 550, the first busbar 520, the first insulator 540, the second busbar 530, and the third insulator 560 can be stacked sequentially, and the stacked first to third insulators 540, 550, and 560 can be thermally bonded to the first busbar 520 and the second busbar 530, respectively. Therefore, a modular component integrating the first to third insulators 540, 550, and 560 and the first and second busbars 520 and 530 can be provided. Furthermore, such a modular component can be assembled and electrically connected to the battery cell 510 to provide a battery module 500.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first to third insulators 540, 550, 560 and / or the first and second busbars 520, 530 may be provided with guides for properly guiding the assembly position during the stacking process. For example, the guides may include reference holes, protrusions, ribs, mating surfaces, etc., capable of guiding the assembly position of each busbar 520, 530 relative to each insulator 540, 550, 560. In some cases, the guides may also function as fixing devices for securing the assembly position between the insulators 540, 550, 560 and the busbars 520, 530.

[0110] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the battery module and battery pack.

[0111] Reference Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first electrode terminal 711 may be disposed on the side region of the battery cell 710. For example, as shown in the figure, the first electrode terminal 711 may be disposed on the upper side region of the battery cell 710. On the other hand, the second electrode terminal 712 may be disposed on the central region of the top surface of the battery cell 710. The second electrode terminal 712 may be disposed with reference to... Figure 1 The same settings as those mentioned above.

[0112] As described above, the first busbar 720 and the second busbar 730 can be disposed across the first insulator 740 and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 711 and the second electrode terminal 712, respectively. The second busbar 730 can be disposed on the upper part of the battery cell 710 to be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 712, which is generally consistent with the reference. Figure 1 Similar to the aforementioned content. On the other hand, at least a portion of the first busbar 720 may be disposed in the side region of the cell 710 for electrical connection with the first electrode terminal 711.

[0113] Specifically, in some embodiments, the first insulator 740 may include a protrusion 743. The protrusion 743 may extend between adjacent cells 710 and be located near the side region of the cell 710. For example, as shown, the protrusion 743 may project downwards from the bottom surface of the first insulator 740 and extend towards the upper side region of the cell 710. In some embodiments, such a protrusion 743 may serve to maintain proper spacing between adjacent cells 710 or guide proper placement.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first busbar 720 may be disposed on the aforementioned protrusion 743. Therefore, at least a portion of the first busbar 720 may be disposed on the side region of the battery cell 710. Furthermore, the first busbar 720 may be configured to be elastically pressed against the side region between adjacent battery cells 710. For example, part or all of the first busbar 720 may be made of an elastic material and disposed in a shape that protrudes a predetermined degree toward the side region of the battery cell 710. Furthermore, the first busbar 720 may be configured to be inserted between adjacent battery cells 710 in the aforementioned protruding shape. Therefore, the first busbar 720 may be configured to be elastically pressed against the side region between adjacent battery cells 710. Furthermore, the first busbar 720 may be pressed against the side region of each battery cell 710 in this manner, thereby electrically connecting to the first electrode terminal 711 disposed on the side region of each battery cell 710. In some cases, a conductive adhesive may be added between the first busbar 720 and the first electrode terminal 711.

[0115] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the second busbar 730 may include an extension 724, which can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal of an adjacent battery module 700-2. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first battery module 700-1 may have an extension 724 at its front end facing the second battery module 700-2, and the extension 724 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal of the second battery module 700-2. Thus, the first battery module 700-1 and the second battery module 700-2 can be electrically connected.

[0116] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the battery pack.

[0117] Reference Figure 11In some embodiments, the first busbar 820 may be omitted from a portion of the multiple protrusions 843a and 843b. That is, the protrusions 843a and 843b may include a first protrusion 843a with the first busbar 820 as in the aforementioned embodiments and a second protrusion 843b with the first busbar 820 omitted. The first protrusions 843a and the second protrusions 843b may be identical or similar to each other and are distinguished by whether or not the first busbar 820 is fastened.

[0118] The first protrusion 843a and the first busbar 820 may be configured in a manner substantially the same as or similar to those described in the previous embodiments. The first busbar 820 may be disposed on the first protrusion 843a and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 811 disposed on the side region of each battery cell 810.

[0119] Conversely, the first busbar 820 can be omitted from the second protrusion 843b. That is, the second protrusion 843b can be a portion of the plurality of protrusions 843a and 843b provided on the first insulator 840, omitting the first busbar 820. Since the first busbar 820 is omitted, the battery cell 810 disposed across the second protrusion 843b can be electrically disconnected. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode terminal 811-1 of the battery cell 810-1 at the front end of the first battery module 800-1 and the first electrode terminal 811-2 of the battery cell 810-2 at the rear end of the second battery module 800-2 can be electrically disconnected. Therefore, a suitable series electrical connection between the first battery module 800-1 and the second battery module 800-2 can be achieved.

[0120] In some embodiments, the battery pack can be formed as described above, integrating the first battery module 800-1 and the second battery module 800-2 into a single electrical connection structure. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first insulator 840 of the first battery module 800-1 and the first insulator 840 of the second battery module 800-2 can be integrally disposed and provided as a single insulating component. Therefore, the first battery module 800-1 and the second battery module 800-2 can be provided as an integrated battery pack. That is, the aforementioned technical concept can be implemented in the same or similar manner on a single battery pack basis.

[0121] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure may provide a battery pack.

[0122] Some embodiments of this disclosure include multiple battery cells, which can be electrically connected via a first busbar and a second busbar. Furthermore, the first busbar and the second busbar can be appropriately insulated by a first insulator disposed between them. Therefore, some embodiments of this disclosure can more easily achieve the electrical connection of multiple battery cells.

[0123] Some embodiments of this disclosure can be configured as a structure in which a first busbar, a first insulator, a second busbar, etc., are stacked sequentially. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first busbar, the first insulator, the second busbar, etc., can be provided as pre-assembled or integrated components of two or more parts. Therefore, some embodiments of this disclosure can be easily manufactured.

[0124] Some embodiments of this disclosure can be provided with a structure in which a first busbar and a second busbar are separated by a first insulator. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the assembly positions of the first busbar and the second busbar can be appropriately guided by mechanical coupling elements. Therefore, some embodiments of this disclosure can improve the reliability of electrical connections.

[0125] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure, and other configurations may be included without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising one or more battery modules, The battery module includes: Multiple battery cells, each of the multiple battery cells including a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal; The first busbar is electrically connected to a plurality of the first electrode terminals; The second busbar is electrically connected to a plurality of the second electrode terminals; as well as A first insulator is disposed between the first busbar and the second busbar to insulate the first busbar from the second busbar.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The first bus bar includes: A first connecting portion is provided, and the plurality of first connecting portions correspond to a plurality of first electrode terminals; and A first through hole is provided in the first connection portion so that the second electrode terminal is exposed toward the second busbar.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The diameter of the first through hole is larger than the diameter of the second electrode terminal so as to include the second electrode terminal inside.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulator includes: A first guiding surface is provided, wherein multiple first guiding surfaces correspond to multiple second electrode terminals and guide the position of the second busbar; and A second through hole is provided on the first guide surface so that the second electrode terminal is exposed toward the second busbar.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The first guide surface is configured to slope downward toward the second through hole.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The diameter of the second through hole corresponds to the diameter of the second electrode terminal.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The second busbar includes: The second connecting portion is provided in multiple forms, and the multiple second connecting portions correspond to multiple second electrode terminals; and The second guide surface is configured to correspond to the second connecting portion to guide the position of the second busbar relative to the first insulator.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The second guide surface is configured to slope downward toward the second connecting portion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The first busbar is disposed on the upper part of the plurality of battery cells for electrical connection with the plurality of first electrode terminals. The second busbar and the first insulator are integrally formed and are disposed on the upper part of the first busbar which is electrically connected to a plurality of the first electrode terminals.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery module further includes a second insulator disposed on the opposite side of the surface on which the first insulator of the first busbar is disposed.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The second insulator includes a third guiding surface that is fastened to the side of the cell to guide the position of the second insulator.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery module includes: A second insulator is disposed on the bottom surface of the first busbar; and The third insulator is disposed on the top surface of the second busbar. The first insulator, the second insulator, and the third insulator are arranged in sheet form and configured to contain the first busbar and the second busbar inside and be thermally bonded.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode terminal is disposed in the top edge region of the battery cell. The second electrode terminal is disposed in the central region of the top surface of the battery cell. The first busbar and the second busbar are disposed on the upper part of the plurality of battery cells to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, respectively.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode terminal is disposed on the side region of the battery cell. The second electrode terminal is disposed in the central region of the top surface of the battery cell. At least a portion of the first busbar is disposed in the side region of the battery cell for electrical connection with the first electrode terminal. The second busbar is disposed on the upper part of the plurality of said cells for electrical connection with the second electrode terminal.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein, The first insulator includes a protrusion that extends between adjacent cells and is close to the side region.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein, The first busbar is disposed on the protrusion and is elastically pressed against the side region between adjacent cells.

17. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The first busbar includes an exposed portion that extends outward from the second busbar for electrical connection with adjacent other battery modules.

18. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The second busbar includes an extension that extends outward from the first busbar to be electrically connected to other adjacent battery modules.

19. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell is configured as a cylinder with a predetermined diameter and height. The multiple cells are arranged in a densely packed structure.

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