Busbar spacers and battery module with it

Abstract

Battery module (10), comprising: a cell assembly (100) including a plurality of battery cells (110); a support frame (330) disposed on at least one side of the cell assembly (100); a plurality of bus bars (310) disposed on the support frame (330) and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells (110); and a busbar spacer (500) disposed at least partially between the plurality of busbars (310) and separating adjacent busbars (310) from the plurality of busbars (310).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bus bar spacer and a battery module including the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries, have the convenience of being able to be charged and discharged, and thus are receiving significant attention as energy sources for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, and the like.

[0003] These secondary batteries may include battery cells in which an electrode assembly formed by stacking cathode plates, anode plates, and separators or winding them into a roll is housed together with an electrolyte in a container or casing. A plurality of battery cells may be stacked in a predetermined direction.

[0004] A plurality of bus bars that electrically connect the battery cells may be provided. The bus bars may be supported by a support frame. If the internal temperature of the battery cells rises to a critical level, a thermal runaway event may occur within the enclosure, which may cause the support frame supporting the bus bars to melt.

[0005] If the support frame melts, the barriers between the plurality of bus bars may be eliminated, allowing contact between adjacent bus bars or allowing bus bars to contact adjacent electrically conductive elements, resulting in a short circuit.

[0006] Accordingly, a structure is desired that can prevent a bus bar from shorting when a high temperature or thermal runaway event occurs within a battery module or battery pack. SUMMARY

[0007] Provided herein are a bus bar spacer and a battery module including the same. In some embodiments, the bus bar spacer and the battery module including the same are provided for preventing a short circuit between a plurality of bus bars or battery cells.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when a high temperature event such as thermal runaway or the like occurs, an array of a plurality of bus bars may be supported.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a support frame disposed on at least one side of the cell assembly; a plurality of bus bars disposed on the support frame and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells; and a bus bar spacer disposed at least partially between the plurality of bus bars and separating adjacent bus bars from the plurality of bus bars.

[0010] In one embodiment, a melting point temperature of the busbar spacer may be higher than a melting point temperature of the support frame.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plurality of bus bars and the bus bar spacer may be arranged to face each other with the support frame disposed therebetween.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bus bar spacer may be disposed between the support frame and the cell assembly and may protrude at least partially to be disposed between the plurality of bus bars.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bus bar spacer may include a spacer body provided to face the support frame; and a projection projecting from the spacer body toward a gap between the plurality of bus bars.

[0014] In one embodiment, the protrusion may include a first protrusion supporting a first surface of the plurality of bus bars facing the cell assembly; and a second protrusion protruding further than the first protrusion and supporting a second surface opposite the first surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first protrusion may include a first support contacting the first surface of the plurality of bus bars, the second protrusion may include a second support contacting the second surface of the plurality of bus bars, and at least one of the plurality of bus bars may be disposed and inserted between the first support and the second support.

[0016] In one embodiment, the support frame may include a spacer hole provided between the plurality of bus bars so that at least a portion of the projection may be inserted therein.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first projection and the second projection may be arranged alternately.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion may be provided, and the one or more first protrusions may be disposed between a plurality of the one or more second protrusions.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second support may include a hook to which edges of a plurality of adjacent busbars are hooked.

[0020] In one embodiment, the spacer body may have a height that is greater than a height of the plurality of bus bars.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a support frame arranged to face the cell assembly; a plurality of bus bars arranged on the support frame and including a first bus bar and a second bus bar adjacent to each other; and a bus bar spacer arranged at least partially between the first bus bar and the second bus bar and coupling the first bus bar and the second bus bar to each other.

[0022] In one embodiment, the plurality of bus bars and the bus bar spacer may be arranged to face each other with the support frame interposed therebetween, and the bus bar spacer may include a spacer body disposed between the support frame and the cell assembly; and a projection projecting from the spacer body toward a space between the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

[0023] In one embodiment, the protrusion may include a first protrusion supporting a first surface of the first bus bar and the second bus bar; and a second protrusion disposed at least partially between the first bus bar and the second bus bar and supporting a second surface of the first bus bar and the second bus bar opposite the first surface.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first bus bar and the second bus bar may be configured to be coupled to each other while being at least partially disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0025] By using the bus bar spacers and battery modules disclosed herein, short circuits in battery packs or secondary batteries manufactured therewith can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 illustrates a bus bar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of a bus bar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a bus bar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the bus bar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure of Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 illustrates a busbar spacer mounted to a support frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the busbar spacer of Fig. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 shows a cross section of the busbar spacer of Fig. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along the line II'. Fig. 11 shows a cross-section of the busbar spacer of Fig. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along the line II-II'. Fig. 12 shows a cross section of the busbar spacer of Fig. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along the line III-III'. Fig. 13 shows a busbar assembly where the support frame has melted and disappeared. Fig. 14 represents the busbar assembly of Fig. 13 when viewed from the opposite side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Here, exemplary systems provide one or more bus bar spacers and battery modules including a plurality of battery cells (e.g., rechargeable secondary battery cells). According to various embodiments, a battery pack may be provided including an array of one or more battery modules. Each battery module of the one or more battery modules may include a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the battery packs and battery modules described herein can ensure the safety and longevity of secondary batteries. The structures described herein can enable the prevention of short circuits in secondary batteries that experience high internal temperatures or thermal runaway events.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment, Fig. 3 is a drawing illustrating a busbar assembly according to an embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a drawing of a bus bar assembly according to one embodiment, viewed from the front.

[0030] With joint reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment may include a cell assembly 100 including a plurality of battery cells 110, a support frame 330 arranged to face the cell assembly 100, a plurality of bus bars 310 arranged in the support frame 330 and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 110, and a bus bar spacer 500 disposed at least partially between the plurality of bus bars 310 to separate adjacent bus bars 310 among the plurality of bus bars 310. In this case, the bus bar spacer 500 separating adjacent bus bars may mean at least one of "maintaining the gap between adjacent bus bars 310," "preventing short circuits between bus bars 310 by spacing the adjacent bus bars 310 apart," and "forming a gap or space between adjacent bus bars 310."In one embodiment, the busbar spacer may prevent adjacent busbars from electrically contacting each other.

[0031] In detail, the battery module 10 may include a cell assembly 100 including a plurality of battery cells 110, a housing 200 having a receiving space for receiving the cell assembly, and a bus bar assembly 300 electrically connected to the battery cells 110. Additionally, the battery module 10 may include a circuit unit (not shown) that detects various electrical signals from the battery cells 110, and a connector (not shown) connected to the circuit unit and externally connected.

[0032] A plurality of battery cells 110 housed in the battery module 10 may be stacked in one direction (X-axis direction) to form at least a portion of a cell assembly 100. Each battery cell 110 may output or store electrical energy. In the cell assembly 100, the battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to one another by a bus bar assembly 300.

[0033] The plurality of battery cells 110 may be configured to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and supply power to an external circuit, or to receive external energy and convert electrical energy into chemical energy and store electricity. For example, the battery cell 110 may be configured as a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery or a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that can be charged and discharged.

[0034] A plurality of battery cells 110 may be provided by incorporating an electrode assembly (not shown) formed by stacking cathode plates and anode plates, respectively. The electrode assembly may be configured in a form in which the cathode plates and the anode plates are stacked with a separator therebetween, while projecting surfaces thereof face each other. The separator may be configured to prevent electrical short circuiting between the cathode plates and the anode plates and to allow ion flow. For example, the separator may include a porous polymer film or a porous nonwoven fabric.

[0035] In addition, the electrode assembly may be housed in a container in various ways, such as a stack type, a zigzag folding type, a stack folding type, a jelly roll type formed by winding in a predetermined direction, and the like.

[0036] The plurality of battery cells 110 may be bag-shaped, prismatic, or cylindrical secondary batteries, depending on the structure of the container.

[0037] The battery cell 110 of the present disclosure may include a container 111 that houses the electrode assembly and a later-described lead tab 112 that protrudes from at least one side of the container and is electrically connected to a bus bar 310.

[0038] In addition, the cell assembly 100 may further include a protective pad (not shown). The protective pad may be at least partially disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110 such that projecting surfaces thereof face each other therebetween. The protective pad may prevent damage to other battery cells due to an event (e.g., a situation where high-temperature gas or flame is generated or a battery cell expands abnormally). For example, the protective member may include a material capable of blocking heat to prevent heat spread between adjacent battery cells 110. Alternatively, the protective member may include a material capable of exerting surface pressure on the battery cell 110 and may perform a function of suppressing expansion of the battery cell 110.

[0039] A plurality of battery cells 110 including a cell assembly 100 may be electrically connected to one another by a bus bar assembly 300 via lead tabs 112. At least a portion of the bus bar assembly 300 may face the cell assembly 100 in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the cell stacking direction.

[0040] Housing 200 provides an interior space in which one or more cell assemblies 100 may be housed. Housing 200 may be formed from a material having a predetermined rigidity to protect cell assembly 100 and other electrical components housed within the interior space from external impact. For example, housing 200 may include a metallic material, such as aluminum.

[0041] The housing 200 may include a first cover 210, a second cover 220, and an end plate 230 covering the side and disposed facing the cell assembly 100 in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0042] The first cover 210 is arranged on the upper side of the cell assembly 100 and can therefore also be referred to as a “top cover”.

[0043] The second cover 220 may be arranged on the lower side of the cell assembly 100 to support the cell assembly 100. The second cover 220 may be arranged facing the upper cover 210 and may include a lower plate 221 that supports the lower side of the cell assembly 100 and a side plate 223 that is arranged on the side of the cell assembly 100 and in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell assembly 100.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second cover 220 is arranged on the lower side of the cell assembly 100 and can therefore also be referred to as a “bottom cover”.

[0045] The end plate 230 may cover a portion not covered by the upper cover 210 and the lower cover 220. For example, the end plates 230 may be provided as a pair and arranged to cover both side surfaces in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the cell assembly 100.

[0046] Additionally, the battery module of the present disclosure may include an insulating cover 240 formed of an electrically insulating material and disposed between the bus bar assembly 300 and the housing 200 [the side plate 223] to electrically protect the battery cell 110.

[0047] For example, the insulating cover 240 may be disposed between the bus bar assembly 300 and the housing 200 so as to face the bus bar assembly 300. The insulating cover 240 may include an insulating material, thereby preventing an electrical connection from occurring between the bus bar assembly 300 and the housing 200. For example, the insulating cover 240 may be formed from a plastic injection-molded product containing polypropylene or modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO). However, the material of the insulating cover 240 is not limited thereto. By disposing the insulating cover 240, an electrical short circuit can be prevented from occurring between the cell assembly 100 and the housing 200 or between the bus bar 310 and the housing 200.

[0048] However, the structure of the housing 200 is not limited thereto, and any shape is possible as long as it can have an internal space in which at least one cell assembly 100 can be accommodated. For example, the housing 200 may be integrally formed with the top cover 210 and may be configured as an integral monoframe with both side surfaces open.

[0049] The bus bar assembly 300 may be connected to the circuit unit. The circuit unit may be connected to the cell assembly 100 to detect the operating state, the ambient state, the humidity, the current pressure of the battery cells 110, or the like. The connector may connect the circuit unit and the exterior of the battery module 10, for example, a battery management system (BMS), to transmit and receive information about the battery cell 110 to and from the exterior. The connector may be exposed to the exterior of the battery module 10 through a cavity formed in the housing 200.

[0050] The bus bar assembly 300 may include a bus bar 310 that electrically connects one battery cell 110 to another battery cell 110, and a support frame 330 that supports the bus bar 310. The bus bar assembly 300 and the circuit unit are illustrated in a state arranged together, but the bus bar assembly 300 is not limited thereto in the present disclosure, and any may be included, as long as the bus bar 310 and the support frame 330 that supports it are included.

[0051] The bus bar assembly 300 may be arranged to face at least one side of the battery cell 110. For example, according to one embodiment, the bus bar assembly 300 may include a first bus bar assembly 300a arranged on one side of the battery cell 110 and a second bus bar assembly 300b arranged on the other side thereof. In this case, the first bus bar assembly 300a and the second bus bar assembly 300b may differ in the position where they are arranged with respect to the battery cell 110, but there may be no difference in the detailed configuration. Although the present disclosure describes that the bus bar assembly 300 is arranged on both sides of the battery cell 110, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0052] The busbar assembly 300 is described below with additional reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 described in detail.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a busbar assembly and Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 5.

[0054] In one embodiment, one or more of the bus bars 310 of the bus bar assembly 300 may include a terminal portion 315 that may be electrically connected to a power source external to the battery module 10. The terminal portion 315 may be exposed to the exterior of the battery module 10 through a hole formed in the housing 200.

[0055] In the case of bus bars 310, a plurality of bus bars 310 may be coupled to a support frame 330. The support frame 330 may be formed from an electrically insulating material to prevent an inadvertent short circuit from occurring between the plurality of bus bars 310. The support frame 330 may face at least one side of the cell assembly 100.

[0056] The bus bar 310 is formed of a conductive material and can electrically connect a plurality of battery cells 110 to one another.

[0057] In detail, the bus bar 310 has a slotted hole 312 formed therein, and the lead tab 112 of the battery cell 110 can be inserted into the slotted hole 312 to be electrically connected. In this case, various welding methods, including laser welding, can be used to connect the bus bar 310 and the lead tab 112. However, the connection method is not limited to welding, and any connection method that can electrically connect two metallic materials can be used.

[0058] The support frame 330 is formed of an electrically insulating material and can prevent a short circuit between the plurality of bus bars 310. An insertion hole 332 communicating with the elongated hole 312 of the bus bar 310 can be formed in the support frame 330. Therefore, the lead tab 112 of the battery cell 110 can be inserted into the elongated hole 312 while passing through the insertion hole 332.

[0059] The plurality of bus bars 310 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the support frame 330. However, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs when the support frame 330 melts, a short circuit may occur when the plurality of bus bars 310 come into contact with each other. Accordingly, according to one embodiment, a bus bar spacer 500 may be included, which is arranged between the plurality of bus bars 310.

[0060] The busbar spacer 500 may be arranged between two adjacent busbars 310 among the plurality of busbars 310 for support while maintaining the distance between the two adjacent busbars 310. The busbar spacer 500 may be secured by being at least partially inserted into a spacer hole 335 formed in the support frame 330. The spacer hole 335 may be formed between a plurality of busbars 310.

[0061] For example, according to one embodiment, the support frame 330 may include a spacer hole 335 formed between a plurality of bus bars 310 such that at least a portion of the protrusion 520 may be inserted. The bus bar spacer 500 may be attached to the support frame 330 while the protrusion 520 is inserted into the spacer hole 335.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the plurality of bus bars 310 and the bus bar spacer 500 may be arranged to face each other with the support frame 330 therebetween. The support frame 330 is arranged between the cell assembly 100 and the plurality of bus bars 310, and the bus bar spacer 500 may be arranged between the support frame 330 and the cell assembly 100.

[0063] In detail, the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked in the first direction (X-axis direction) in the drawing, and the plurality of bus bars 310 may be arranged on the support frame 330 so as to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the bus bar spacer 500 may be arranged between the bus bars 310 that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of bus bars 310 based on the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0064] Additionally, the bus bar spacer 500 may be disposed between the support frame 330 and the cell assembly 100, but may protrude so that at least a portion thereof is disposed between the plurality of bus bars 310.

[0065] The bus bar spacer 500 may include a spacer body 510 and a projection 520 protruding from the spacer body 510.

[0066] The spacer body 510 may be disposed between the support frame 330 and the battery cell 110. The spacer body 510 may extend further in the height direction (Z-axis direction) than the bus bar 310. For example, at least a portion of the spacer body 510 may be disposed at at least one of the upper and lower portions of the plurality of bus bars 310. For example, the height of the spacer body 510 is provided to be greater than the height of the plurality of bus bars 310, so that the upper end and the lower end of the spacer body 510 may be disposed above and below the plurality of bus bars 310, respectively.

[0067] Therefore, the spacer body 510 can not only increase the contact area with the support frame 330, but also support the upper and lower sides of the bus bar 310 when the support frame 330 melts, thereby minimizing contact between adjacent elements.

[0068] For example, the height of the spacer body 510 may be provided to be greater than the height of the plurality of bus bars 310.

[0069] The projection 520 may protrude from the spacer body 510 into the gap between the two adjacent bus bars 310 to support the two adjacent bus bars 310.

[0070] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the protrusion 520 can secure the two adjacent bus bars 310 to each other. The bus bar spacer 500 can secure adjacent bus bars 310 to each other so that the bus bars 310 can maintain a distance from each other even if the support frame 330 melts. In detail, the bus bar spacer 500 can maintain the arrangement of a plurality of bus bars 310 even if the support frame 330 is removed.

[0071] Hereinafter, the coupling structure of the busbar spacer 500 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0072] Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 6, Fig. Figure 8 is a drawing showing the busbar spacer mounted on the support frame, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of Fig. 8 when viewed from a different direction.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 9, the busbar spacer 500 may be mounted according to one embodiment by inserting at least a portion into a spacer hole 335 formed in the support frame 330.

[0074] The bus bar spacer 500 may include a spacer body 510 supported by contacting the support frame 330 on one side, and a protrusion 520 protruding from the spacer body 510, at least a portion of which is disposed between a plurality of bus bars 310. The protrusion 520 may be disposed between a plurality of bus bars 310 while being inserted into the spacer hole 335.

[0075] According to one embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 520 are provided in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and can be inserted with the bus bar 310 interposed therebetween based on a predetermined direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). For example, by supporting one side and the other side of the bus bar 310, respectively, and causing the bus bar to be inserted between the protrusions 520, two adjacent bus bars 310 can be supported and fixed to each other.

[0076] In detail, the protrusion 520 may include first protrusions 521 supporting first surfaces (surfaces facing the support frame 330 or the cell assembly 100, or surfaces in the -Y-axis direction) of the plurality of bus bars, and second protrusions 523 supporting second surfaces (surfaces opposite the first surfaces or surfaces in the +Y-axis direction) of the bus bars. In this way, the second protrusion 523 may protrude more than the first protrusion 521, so that at least a portion thereof may be disposed on the second surface of the bus bar 310.

[0077] Therefore, the bus bar 310 may be arranged between the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523 based on the protruding direction (Y-axis direction) of the protrusion 520.

[0078] The first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523 may be arranged in the height direction (Z-axis direction) in the spacer body 510.

[0079] Hereinafter, the arrangement structure between the bus bar spacer 500 and the bus bar 310 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0080] Fig. 10 is a cross section along II' of Fig. 8, Fig. 11 is a cross section along II-II' of Fig. 8 and Fig. 12 is a cross section along III-III' of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a cross section along the first projection 521 and Fig. 11 is a cross-section along the second projection 523.

[0081] With reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the second projection 523 protrudes further than the first projection 521 so that the bus bar 310 can be arranged therebetween.

[0082] In detail, the first protrusion 521 may include a first support 521a contacting the first surface of the bus bar 310, and the second protrusion 523 may include a second support 523a contacting the second surface of the bus bar 310. At this time, at least one of the plurality of bus bars 310 may be arranged and inserted between the first support 521a and the second support 523a.

[0083] In more detail, in the present disclosure, the first support 521a and the second support 523a may refer to the portions where the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523 contact the bus bar 310, respectively, and may refer to the terminal portions of the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523, respectively.

[0084] The first support 521a of the first protrusion 521 can support the first surfaces of the two adjacent bus bars 310. The second support 523a of the second protrusion 523 can support the second surfaces of the two adjacent bus bars 310. For example, the second support 523a can be provided as a hook or flange extending in one direction (X-axis direction) toward the two adjacent bus bars 310.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the second support 523a may include a hook provided to hook the edge of the bus bar 310 to prevent the bus bar 310 from being detached outward (in the -Y axis direction).

[0086] For example, the first protrusion 521 may support the bus bar 310 outward (in the -Y axis direction), and the second protrusion 523 may support the bus bar 310 inward (in the +Y axis direction).

[0087] In this way, by being inserted between the first support 521a of the first projection 521 and the second support 523a of the second projection 523, two adjacent bus bars 310 can be fixed to each other.

[0088] Meanwhile, according to a Fig. 11 and Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, the plurality of bus bars 310 includes a first bus bar 310a and a second bus bar 310b disposed adjacent to the first bus bar 310a. In this case, at least a portion of the bus bar spacer 500 may be disposed between the first bus bar 310a and the second bus bar 310b to couple the first bus bar 310a and the second bus bar 310b to each other.

[0089] In more detail, the first bus bar 310a and the second bus bar 310b may be provided to be at least partially disposed between the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523 and coupled to each other.

[0090] In this case, “coupled together” may mean that adjacent bus bars 310, for example, the first bus bar 310a and the second bus bar 310b, are attached to the support frame 330 so that they do not come close to each other even without the support frame 330.

[0091] Fig. 12 is a drawing based on the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the spacer body 510 in cross section. Referring to Fig. 12, based on the spacer body 510, the projection length d2 of the second projection 523 may be greater than the projection length d1 of the first projection 521.

[0092] Additionally, each of the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523 may be provided as at least one or more according to an embodiment. Additionally, to prevent the force applied to the bus bar 310 from being biased, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523 may be arranged alternately.

[0093] For example, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523 are each provided as at least one or more, and the first protrusion 521 may be arranged between a plurality of the second protrusions 523.

[0094] In the drawing, the first protrusion 521 is shown as being located in the central portion in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and arranged between the second protrusions 523, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, even if the second protrusion 523 is located in the central portion in the height direction and arranged between the first protrusions 521, all of them can be included in the present disclosure.

[0095] Meanwhile, the spacer body 510 is illustrated in the present disclosure as being disposed between the support frame 330 and the cell assembly 100, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may be disposed between a plurality of bus bars 310 and the housing 200 (in detail, the side plate 223).

[0096] In detail, as long as it can support a spaced-apart state of a plurality of bus bars 310, the bus bar spacer 500 may be disposed on the outside of the bus bar assembly 300 rather than on the inside thereof. When the bus bar spacer 500 is disposed outside the bus bar assembly 300, the first support 521a may be provided to support the second surface of the bus bar 310, and the second support 523a may be provided to support the first surface of the bus bar 310.

[0097] Additionally, as described above, the bus bar spacer 500 of the present disclosure can be provided to support a plurality of bus bars 310 even if the support frame 330 melts. This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0098] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing that the support frame in Fig. 4 melted and disappeared, and Fig. 14 is a drawing showing the melted support frame of Fig. 13 is a view from the opposite side of the busbar assembly 300.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the bus bar spacer 500 may have a melting point temperature that is higher than the melting point temperature of the support frame 330.

[0100] When an event such as thermal runaway occurs within the battery module 10, the temperature within the housing 200 may rise to approximately 1000 degrees Celsius or more. For example, in some cases, the melting point of the support frame 330 may have a melting point of approximately 110 to 130 degrees Celsius. Accordingly, when a thermal runaway occurs, the support frame 330 may melt.

[0101] In one embodiment, a bus bar spacer 500 according to the embodiment may be provided having a melting point temperature higher than the melting point temperature of the support frame 330. In another embodiment, the bus bar spacer 500 may have a melting point higher than the internal temperature of the housing 200 during thermal runaway.

[0102] For example, in one embodiment, the melting point temperature of the bus bar spacer 500 may be greater than about 1000 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, the bus bar spacer 500 may include a heat-resistant material capable of withstanding a temperature of about 1200 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes or more without melting. In one embodiment, the protrusion 520, capable of withstanding a temperature of about 1200 degrees Celsius without melting, may keep the adjacent bus bars 310 spaced apart from each other.

[0103] In one embodiment, the bus bar spacer 500 attached to the support frame 330 prevents the one or more bus bars 310 of the plurality of bus bars from becoming misaligned when the support frame 330 melts under high-temperature conditions. In some embodiments, the high-temperature conditions are temperatures higher than the melting point temperature of the support frame. In some embodiments, the bus bar spacer 500 prevents the one or more of the plurality of bus bars 310 from contacting each other at high temperatures, resulting in short circuits.

[0104] However, the numerical values ​​of the temperature at the time of occurrence of the above-described thermal runaway, the melting point of the support frame 330, and the melting point of the bus bar spacer 500 are illustrative, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above-described temperature. For example, if the melting point temperature of the bus bar spacer 500 is higher than the melting point temperature of the support frame 330, it is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0105] As explained above, short circuits between multiple bus bars can be prevented by using bus bar spacers or battery modules containing bus bar spacers therein.

[0106] In a battery module according to one embodiment, the assembly of multiple bus bars may be supported when a high-temperature event, such as thermal runaway or the like, occurs. Additionally, the bus bar spacers and battery modules described herein may be used to prevent short circuits in secondary batteries by preventing melting of bus bar supports and subsequent electrical contact between adjacent bus bars.

[0107] While the exemplary embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations could be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0108] (Aspect 1) A battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a support frame disposed on at least one side of the cell assembly; a plurality of bus bars disposed on the support frame and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells; and a bus bar spacer disposed at least partially between the plurality of bus bars and separating adjacent bus bars from the plurality of bus bars.

[0109] (Aspect 2) In the battery cell according to aspect 1, a melting point of the bus bar spacer may be higher than a melting point of the support frame.

[0110] (Aspect 3) In the battery cell according to aspect 1 or 2, the plurality of bus bars and the bus bar spacer may be arranged to face each other with the support frame interposed therebetween.

[0111] (Aspect 4) In the battery cell according to aspect 3, the bus bar spacer may be disposed between the support frame and the cell assembly and may protrude at least partially to be disposed between the plurality of bus bars.

[0112] (Aspect 5) In the battery cell according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, the bus bar spacer may include a spacer body provided to face the support frame; and a projection protruding from the spacer body toward a gap between the plurality of bus bars.

[0113] (Aspect 6) In the battery cell according to aspect 5, the protrusion may include a first protrusion supporting a first surface of the plurality of bus bars facing the cell assembly; and a second protrusion protruding further than the first protrusion and supporting a second surface opposite to the first surface.

[0114] (Aspect 7) In the battery cell according to aspect 6, the first protrusion may include a first support contacting the first surface of the plurality of bus bars, the second protrusion may include a second support contacting the second surface of the plurality of bus bars, and at least one of the plurality of bus bars may be arranged and inserted between the first support and the second support.

[0115] (Aspect 8) In the battery cell according to any one of aspects 5 to 7, the support frame may include a spacer hole provided between the plurality of bus bars such that at least a portion of the protrusion is inserted therein.

[0116] (Aspect 9) In the battery cell according to aspect 6 or 7, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be arranged alternately.

[0117] (Aspect 10) In the battery cell according to aspect 6 or 7, at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion may be provided, and the first protrusion may be arranged between a plurality of the second protrusions.

[0118] (Aspect 11) In the battery cell according to aspect 7, the second support may include a hook to which edges of a plurality of adjacent bus bars are hooked.

[0119] (Aspect 12) In the battery cell according to any one of aspects 5 to 11, the spacer body may have a height greater than a height of the plurality of bus bars.

[0120] (Aspect 13) A battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a support frame arranged to face the cell assembly; a plurality of bus bars arranged on the support frame and including a first bus bar and a second bus bar adjacent to each other; and a bus bar spacer arranged at least partially between the first bus bar and the second bus bar and coupling the first bus bar and the second bus bar to each other.

[0121] (Aspect 14) In the battery cell according to aspect 13, the plurality of bus bars and the bus bar spacer may be arranged to face each other with the support frame interposed therebetween, and the bus bar spacer may include a spacer body disposed between the support frame and the cell assembly; and a projection protruding from the spacer body toward a space between the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

[0122] (Aspect 15) In the battery cell according to aspect 14, the protrusion may include a first protrusion supporting a first surface of the first bus bar and the second bus bar; and a second protrusion disposed at least partially between the first bus bar and the second bus bar and supporting a second surface of the first bus bar and the second bus bar opposite the first surface.

[0123] (Aspect 16) In the battery cell according to aspect 15, the first bus bar and the second bus bar may be configured to be coupled to each other while being at least partially disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The solution according to the present disclosure has been described above, but this is illustrative, and it should be understood that other configurations not mentioned are also included in the present disclosure.

[0124] A battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, a support frame arranged to face the cell assembly, a plurality of bus bars arranged on the support frame and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, and a bus bar spacer arranged at least partially between the plurality of bus bars and provided to maintain the spacing between adjacent bus bars among the plurality of bus bars.

Claims

[1] Battery module (10), comprising: a cell assembly (100) including a plurality of battery cells (110); a support frame (330) disposed on at least one side of the cell assembly (100); a plurality of bus bars (310) disposed on the support frame (330) and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells (110); and a busbar spacer (500) disposed at least partially between the plurality of busbars (310) and separating adjacent busbars (310) from the plurality of busbars (310). [2] The battery module (10) according to claim 1, wherein a melting point temperature of the bus bar spacer (500) is higher than a melting point temperature of the support frame (330). [3] The battery module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of bus bars (310) and the bus bar spacer (500) are arranged to face each other with the support frame (330) interposed therebetween. [4] The battery module (10) of claim 3, wherein the bus bar spacer (500) is disposed between the support frame (330) and the cell assembly (100) and at least partially protrudes to be disposed between the plurality of bus bars (310). [5] Battery module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the busbar spacer (500) includes: a spacer body (510) provided to face the support frame (330); and a projection (520) projecting from the spacer body (510) toward a gap between the plurality of bus bars (310). [6] Battery module (10) according to claim 5, wherein the projection (520) includes: a first projection (521) supporting a first surface of the plurality of bus bars (310) facing the cell assembly (100); and a second projection (523) projecting further than the first projection (521) and supporting a second surface opposite the first surface. [7] The battery module (10) according to claim 6, wherein the first projection (521) includes a first support (521a) contacting the first surface of the plurality of bus bars (310), the second projection (523) includes a second support (523a) contacting the second surface of the plurality of bus bars (310), and at least one of the plurality of busbars (310) is arranged and inserted between the first support (521a) and the second support (523a). [8] The battery module (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the support frame (330) includes a spacer hole (335) provided between the plurality of bus bars (310) such that at least a portion of the projection (520) is inserted therein. [9] Battery module (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first projection (521) and the second projection (523) are arranged alternately. [10] The battery module (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one first protrusion (521) and at least one second protrusion (523) are provided; and the first protrusion (521) is arranged between a plurality of the second protrusions (523). [11] The battery module (10) of claim 7, wherein the second support (523a) includes a hook to which edges of a plurality of adjacent bus bars (310) are hooked. [12] The battery module (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the spacer body (510) has a height greater than a height of the plurality of bus bars (310). [13] Battery module (10), comprising: a cell assembly (100) containing a plurality of battery cells (110); a support frame (330) arranged to face the cell assembly (100); a plurality of busbars (310) arranged on the support frame (330) and including a first busbar (310a) and a second busbar (310b) adjacent to each other; and a busbar spacer (500) arranged at least partially between the first busbar (31a) and the second busbar (310b) and coupling the first busbar (310a) and the second busbar (310b) to one another. [14] The battery module (10) according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of bus bars (310) and the bus bar spacer (500) are arranged to face each other with the support frame (330) interposed therebetween; and wherein the bus bar spacer (500) includes: a spacer body (510) disposed between the support frame (330) and the cell assembly (100); and a projection (520) projecting from the spacer body (510) toward a space between the first bus bar (310a) and the second bus bar (310b). [15] The battery module of claim 14, wherein the projection (520) includes: a first projection (521) supporting a first surface of the first bus bar (310a) and the second bus bar (310b); and a second projection (523) disposed at least partially between the first bus bar (310a) and the second bus bar (310b) and supporting a second surface of the first bus bar (310a) and the second bus bar (310b) opposite the first surface.

Images