Busbar assemblies and battery packs

Abstract

The present invention relates to a busbar assembly that facilitates measurement of a busbar temperature, and a battery pack including the busbar assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the busbar assembly, the busbar assembly including a thermistor assembly, the thermistor assembly being surrounded by the cover cap and in close contact with the busbar, the cover cap having a first accommodating portion that is arranged to surround a portion of the busbar that protrudes to one side of the cover member, and a second accommodating portion that is arranged between the first accommodating portion and the cover member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0126180 filed on October 4, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a busbar assembly in which the temperature of the busbar can be easily measured and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a busbar assembly in which the temperature of the busbar can be easily measured, and a battery pack including the same, capable of measuring and checking a temperature change of the busbar in real time. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, the demand for secondary batteries that can store electrical energy produced by the development of alternative energy sources due to air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels and energy depletion is increasing. Rechargeable secondary batteries are closely used in daily life, such as in mobile devices, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0004] Secondary batteries are used as energy sources for various electronic devices that are indispensable in modern society, and the required capacity is increasing due to the increased use and complication of mobile devices and the development of electric vehicles, etc. To meet user demand, many battery cells are arranged in small devices, while automobiles and the like use battery modules in which many battery cells are electrically connected, or battery packs equipped with many such battery modules.

[0005] Meanwhile, in a battery pack, a high current flows compared to the area of ​​the bus bar due to high speed charging, large capacity, and weight reduction, so that it is becoming increasingly important to sense and measure temperature changes in the bus bar.

[0006] 1 is a perspective view showing a busbar according to the related art. As shown in FIG 1, the flexible busbar assembly according to the related art includes a busbar 10 that electrically connects adjacent battery modules and a cover member 20 that surrounds the busbar 10.

[0007] A conventional flexible busbar assembly can be easily electrically connected to battery modules installed in a location with a complex path by forming the busbar into a desired shape by bending or deforming the necessary portions.

[0008] However, the conventional flexible busbar assembly does not include a separate temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the busbar 10, and even if it does include a temperature measuring device, there is a problem in that it does not include a means for fixing the temperature measuring device after closely contacting the busbar 10.

[0009] Also, since it is difficult to directly contact the temperature measuring device with the busbar 10, there is a problem in that the reliability of the measured temperature of the busbar 10 may be reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0101154 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a busbar assembly capable of directly contacting and fixing a temperature measuring device to a busbar, and a battery pack including the busbar assembly.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, which can measure the temperature of the busbar in real time by directly contacting the busbar, thereby improving the reliability of the busbar temperature value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the bus bar assembly according to the present invention includes a bus bar (100) made of, for example, copper, a cover member (200) surrounding a portion of the bus bar (100), a cover cap (300) provided to surround one side of the cover member (200) and the bus bar (100) protruding from one side of the cover member (200), and a thermistor assembly (400) provided to be surrounded by the cover cap (300) and in close contact with the bus bar (100), wherein the cover cap (300) is provided with a first receiving portion (310) provided to surround a portion of the bus bar (100) protruding from one side of the cover member (200), and a second receiving portion (320) located between the first receiving portion (310) and the cover member (200).

[0014] In the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the cover cap (300) is made of a material having insulating properties and elasticity.

[0015] In addition, in the busbar assembly according to the present invention, the material includes at least one of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, mica, plastic resin, glass fiber fabric, mPPO, glass fiber, or a mixture thereof.

[0016] In addition, in the busbar assembly according to the present invention, the thermistor assembly (400) includes a contact plate (410) that is in close contact with the busbar (100), a temperature measuring unit (420) that is attached to the contact plate (410) and measures the temperature of the busbar (100), and a wire (430) that is connected to the temperature measuring unit (420) and extends outside the cover cap (300).

[0017] In the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the temperature measuring part (420) is accommodated in the second accommodating part (320).

[0018] In the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the second receiving portion (320) is formed to have a size such that an inner surface of the second receiving portion (320) is in close contact with the temperature measuring portion (420).

[0019] In the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the second receiving portion (320) is formed to have a shape and size such that an inner surface of the second receiving portion (320) is spaced apart from the temperature measuring portion (420).

[0020] In the busbar assembly according to the present invention, the contact plate (410) is made of a material having electrical insulation and thermal conductivity.

[0021] In addition, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, an adhesive tape (500) for fixing the contact plate (410) is attached to the lower surface of the contact plate (410).

[0022] In the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the area of ​​the contact plate (410) is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving portion (320).

[0023] In the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the cover cap (300) is formed with a groove (330) recessed to a predetermined depth into which the wire (430) is inserted.

[0024] In addition, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the cover cap (300) is formed with an inclined portion (340) inclined at a predetermined angle from the lower end of the second receiving portion (320) toward the groove portion (330).

[0025] In addition, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, an adhesive tape (500) for fixing the wire (430) is attached to the lower surface of the wire (430).

[0026] The present invention may also be a battery pack including a bus bar assembly having the above-mentioned features. Effect of the Invention

[0027] As described above, the bus bar assembly according to the present invention has an advantage that it is provided with a cover cap to maintain an insulating state, and that it is easy to fix the thermistor assembly when measuring the temperature of the bus bar via the thermistor assembly.

[0028] In addition, the bus bar assembly according to the present invention has an advantage that the accuracy and speed of measurement results are improved since the temperature measuring portion of the thermistor assembly can directly measure the temperature of the bus bar. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a bus bar according to the prior art. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a busbar assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a vertical cross section of a busbar assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the diagram shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in the diagram shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a vertical cross section of a busbar assembly according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the diagram shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a vertical cross section of a bus bar assembly according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the diagram shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a vertical cross section of a busbar assembly according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the diagram shown in FIG. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the present invention. However, when describing the operation principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, detailed description of related well-known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed description may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0031] In addition, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts having similar functions and actions. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only the case where the part is directly connected to another part, but also the case where the part is indirectly connected via another element between the two parts. In addition, when a part includes a certain component, it does not mean that the other component is excluded, but that the part may further include the other component, unless otherwise specified.

[0032] Hereinafter, a busbar assembly capable of easily measuring the temperature of a busbar according to the present invention and a battery pack including the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a busbar assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the busbar assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention cut vertically, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the diagram shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the diagram shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the bus bar assembly according to the present invention includes a bus bar 100, a cover member 200, a cover cap 300, and a thermistor assembly 400.

[0035] The bus bar 100 may be made of, for example, flat copper, and both ends of the bus bar 100 may be electrically connected to adjacent battery modules or the like.

[0036] The cover member 200 surrounds a portion of the bus bar 100, thereby preventing the bus bar 100 from coming into contact with an adjacent metal structure and causing a short circuit.

[0037] The cover member 200 may be provided to surround the central portion of the bus bar 100 excluding the ends, and as described above, may be made of an insulating material to prevent contact between the bus bar 100 and adjacent metals, and may be made of an elastic material as necessary to protect the bus bar 100 from external impacts, etc.

[0038] The material of the cover member 200 may include, for example, any one or more of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, mica, plastic resin, glass fiber fabric, mPPO, glass fiber, or a mixture thereof, and is not limited thereto as long as it is a material that can maintain a shape surrounding the bus bar 100 and can maintain insulation by preventing the bus bar 100 from contacting an adjacent metal structure.

[0039] The cover cap 300 may be provided to surround the end of the bus bar 100 that is not surrounded by the cover member 200 and a portion of the cover member 200 .

[0040] The cover cap 300 may have a first receiving portion 310 that forms a certain space in a portion protruding from one side of the cover member 200, and a second receiving portion 320 that is formed between the first receiving portion 310 and the cover member 200.

[0041] The first accommodating portion 310 is a space that can accommodate bolts and nuts when the bus bar 100 is connected to a battery module, etc., by bolts and nuts, and can maintain the insulation of the bolts and nuts fastened to the bus bar 100.

[0042] The second receiving portion 320 is formed between the first receiving portion 310 and the cover member 200 to form a certain space to receive the thermistor assembly 400 therein.

[0043] The second receiving portion 320 may prevent the received thermistor assembly 400 from contacting an adjacent metal member, such as a module case that receives a battery cell, to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit.

[0044] The groove 330 is a space capable of receiving the wire 430 of the thermistor assembly 400, and may be formed such that the wire 430 and the cover cap 300 are in close contact with each other.

[0045] The groove 330 is adapted to surround the wire 430, and can protect the wire 430 from external impact.

[0046] Next, the thermistor assembly 400 is for measuring the temperature of the busbar 100 and may include a contact plate 410 , a temperature measuring portion 420 , and a wire 430 .

[0047] The contact plate 410 may have a flat plate shape, be made of a material having thermal conductivity and insulation properties, and be provided below the second receiving portion 320.

[0048] The contact plate 410 is formed to be larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving portion 320, and can support the temperature measuring portion 420 provided on the upper surface.

[0049] The temperature measuring unit 420 may be a sensor that is received in the second receiving unit 320 and is located on the upper surface of the contact plate 410 to measure the temperature of the busbar 100 .

[0050] The temperature measuring unit 420 has an advantage in that it can measure the temperature of the bus bar 100 transferred through the contact plate 410 in real time and can immediately respond to a change in the temperature of the bus bar 100 .

[0051] Here, the second receiving part 320 receiving the temperature measuring part 420 is formed to have a size to be in close contact with the temperature measuring part 420, and can protect the temperature measuring part 420 from external impact.

[0052] One side of the wire 430 may be connected to the temperature measuring unit 420, and the other side may be connected to a control member such as a BMS (Battery management system).

[0053] The wire 430 can transmit the temperature measurement value and signal of the bus bar 100 measured by the temperature measuring unit 420 to a control member (not shown).

[0054] The adhesive tape 500 is formed on the lower surface of the contact plate 410 and on the lower surface of the wire 430 accommodated in the groove 330, respectively, to fix the contact plate 410 and the wire 430, respectively.

[0055] The adhesive tape 500 is made of a material having thermal conductivity and insulation, for example, epoxy resin, and is not limited thereto as long as it is a material that has thermal conductivity and insulation, can fix the contact plate 410 and the wire 430, respectively, and can transfer heat generated in the bus bar 100 to the contact plate 410.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along line AA.

[0057] 6 and 7, the busbar assembly according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is similar to the busbar assembly according to the first embodiment described in FIGS. 2 to 5, except for the size of the second accommodating portion 320, and therefore a description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0058] In the busbar assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the second receiving portion 320 may be formed to have a shape and size such that an inner surface of the second receiving portion 320 and the temperature measuring portion 420 are spaced apart from each other so as not to come into contact with each other.

[0059] The second receiving part 320 according to the second embodiment is separated from the temperature measuring part 420, and a space is formed between the second receiving part 320 and the temperature measuring part 420, which has the advantage of being able to play a role in buffering external shocks.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 taken along line AA.

[0061] 8 and 9, the busbar assembly according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is similar to the busbar assembly according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, except that the cover cap 300 is formed with an inclined portion 340, and therefore a description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0062] In the bus bar assembly according to the third embodiment, a cover cap 300 is formed with an inclined portion 340 that is inclined at a predetermined angle from a lower end of a second receiving portion 320 toward a groove portion 330 .

[0063] Since the angle of the bent portion of the wire 430 is gentle due to the formation of the inclined portion 340, there is an advantage in that damage to the wire 430 caused by bending can be improved.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a busbar assembly according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 taken along line AA.

[0065] 10 and 11, the busbar assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is similar to the busbar assembly according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, except for the size of the second accommodating portion 320 and the inclined portion 340 formed on the cover cap 300, and therefore a description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0066] In the busbar assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the second accommodating portion 320 is formed to have a size and shape that allows it to be separated from the temperature measuring portion 420 accommodated in the second accommodating portion 320, so that the space formed between the second accommodating portion 320 and the temperature measuring portion 420 can serve to buffer external impacts.

[0067] The inclined portion 340 is formed in the shape of an inclined surface inclined at a predetermined angle from the lower end of the second accommodating portion 320 toward the groove portion 330, thereby making the angle of the bent portion of the wire 430 connected from the lower end of the second accommodating portion 320 to the groove portion 330 gentler, which has the advantage of reducing the occurrence of damage to the wire 430 due to bending.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a battery pack including the bus bar assembly described above, and may be a device equipped with the battery pack described above.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various applications and modifications within the scope of the present invention will be possible based on the above content. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 100 Busbar 200 Cover member 300 Cover Cap 310 First Storage Unit 320 Second Storage Unit 330 Groove 340 Inclined section 400 Thermistor Assembly 410 Close contact plate 420 Temperature measurement section 430 Wire 500 Adhesive Tape

Claims

1. A bus bar, a cover member surrounding a portion of the bus bar; a cover cap provided to surround one side of the cover member and the bus bar protruding from the one side of the cover member; a thermistor assembly surrounded by the cover cap and in close contact with the bus bar; the cover cap is formed with a first accommodating portion arranged to surround a portion of the bus bar protruding toward one side of the cover member, and a second accommodating portion arranged between the first accommodating portion and the cover member.

2. The busbar assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cover cap is made of an insulating and elastic material.

3. 3. The busbar assembly of claim 2, wherein the material comprises one or more of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, mica, plastic resin, woven fiberglass, mPPO, fiberglass, or mixtures thereof.

4. 2. The bus bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermistor assembly includes: a contact plate in contact with the bus bar; a temperature measuring portion attached to the contact plate and configured to measure a temperature of the bus bar; and a wire connected to the temperature measuring portion and extending outside the cover cap.

5. The busbar assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the temperature measuring portion is accommodated in the second accommodating portion.

6. The busbar assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the second receiving portion is sized so that an inner surface of the second receiving portion is in close contact with the temperature measuring portion.

7. The busbar assembly of claim 5 , wherein the second receiving portion is formed to have a shape and size such that an inner surface of the second receiving portion is spaced apart from the temperature measuring portion.

8. The busbar assembly of claim 4 , wherein the contact plate is made of a material having electrical insulating and thermally conductive properties.

9. The busbar assembly according to claim 4 , wherein an adhesive tape is attached to a lower surface of the contact plate for fixing the contact plate.

10. The busbar assembly according to claim 4 , wherein an area of ​​the contact plate is greater than a horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving portion.

11. The busbar assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the cover cap is formed with a groove recessed to a predetermined depth into which the wire is inserted.

12. The bus bar assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the cover cap has an inclined portion inclined at a predetermined angle from a lower end of the second receiving portion toward the groove portion.

13. The busbar assembly according to claim 10 , wherein an adhesive tape is attached to a lower surface of the wire for fixing the wire.

14. A battery pack comprising the busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images