Bolts to which insulating covers are attached.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bolt comprising a threaded portion having a groove formed on its outer surface, a head located at one end of the threaded portion and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded portion, and an insulating cover coupled to the head, wherein the insulating cover has a groove for inserting a screwdriver, and the head has a recess or groove formed therein that engages with the insulating cover.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0094554 filed on July 17, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the said Korean Patent Application are included as part of the present specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a bolt coupled with an insulating cover. Specifically, the present invention relates to a bolt coupled with an insulating cover used as a means for ensuring the insulating property of the bolt of a coupling member when assembling a battery module and a battery pack including a plurality of lithium secondary batteries.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] As the provision of countermeasures against environmental pollution problems has become urgent, the industry's interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is increasing. Accordingly, as an alternative to fossil fuels, the field of use of lithium secondary batteries, which is a type of eco-friendly energy, is expanding.

[0004] In order to meet the output required by a device to which lithium secondary batteries are applied, a plurality of battery cells may be electrically connected to manufacture a battery module, and the battery modules may be connected in series / parallel to manufacture a high-output and high-capacity battery pack.

[0005] When an electrical connection structure is formed in the battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery modules with a straight busbar, the battery modules are arranged such that the terminals of the battery modules are disposed at the center of the battery pack, and the busbars are coupled to the terminals of the battery modules, whereby different battery modules can be electrically connected to each other.

[0006] Bolts can be used as a means of connecting busbars to the terminals of a battery module. Generally, bolts are made of electrically conductive metal. If thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell within a battery pack, ejected material may be released from the runaway battery cell, and this ejected material may scatter and adhere to the bolts connecting the terminals of the battery module to the busbars. If ejected material from battery cells scattered within the battery pack adheres to the bolts in this way, a short circuit may occur.

[0007] To prevent such problems, techniques are used that provide various forms of insulating covers on the bolt heads.

[0008] Figure 1 is an exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the first comparative example of a conventional method, Figure 2 is an exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the second comparative example of a conventional method, and Figure 3 is an exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the third comparative example of a conventional method. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the bolt is configured to include a threaded portion 110 with grooves formed on its outer surface and a head 120 coupled to one end of the threaded portion 110, with an insulating cover 130 coupled to the head 120.

[0009] In the bolt shown in Figure 1, the insulating cover 130 is configured as a cylindrical shape with a bottom so as to cover the top and sides of the head 120, and a screwdriver insertion groove 131 is formed in the center 132. The top surface of the head 120 is a smooth circular plane, and the bolt can be fastened by inserting a screwdriver into the screwdriver insertion groove 131 and rotating it while the insulating cover 130 is attached to the head 120. However, because the bonding force between the insulating cover 130 and the head 120 is weak, as the bolt is fastened, the insulating cover 130 may separate from the head 120, and a problem may occur where only the insulating cover 130 rotates freely.

[0010] In the bolt shown in Figure 2, the insulating cover 130 is configured as a ring shape with an open center 132. Therefore, when the insulating cover 130 is connected to the head 120, the head 120 is exposed through the center 132 of the insulating cover 130. The head 120 has a groove 121, so a screwdriver can be inserted into the groove 121 to fasten the bolt. However, since the electrically conductive head 120 is exposed, it is necessary to insulate the head 120 by applying heat-resistant silicone.

[0011] In the bolt shown in Figure 3, the insulating cover 130 is configured to completely surround the top, sides, and part of the bottom of the head 120. In such cases, the bolt must be manufactured by insert injection molding, but the cost of manufacturing the mold for insert injection molding is higher than the cost of manufacturing the insulating cover shown in Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, due to the nature of the bolts, which must be produced in quantities of several hundred thousand, recurring mold costs are necessary, which can increase manufacturing costs.

[0012] Therefore, in bolts used to connect electrical components inside a battery pack, there is a need for a technology that ensures the insulating cover is stably connected to the bolt head, thereby preventing the insulating cover from spinning freely on the bolt head when the bolt is fastened, resulting in a stable bolt connection and ensuring the insulating properties of the bolt itself. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a bolt with an insulating cover attached that can stably connect the parts to which the bolt is fastened by increasing the bonding force between the insulating cover and the head, thereby ensuring the insulating properties of the bolt. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A bolt according to the present invention for achieving this objective includes a threaded portion having a groove formed on its outer surface, a head located at one end of the threaded portion and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded portion, and an insulating cover coupled to the head, wherein the insulating cover has a groove for inserting a screwdriver, and the head may have a recess or groove that engages with the insulating cover.

[0015] The insulating cover may be attached in a manner that covers the entire upper surface of the head.

[0016] The lower part of the insulating cover may include a concave joint that surrounds the upper and side surfaces of the head.

[0017] A groove may be formed on the bottom surface of the joint portion, having a shape corresponding to the recess formed in the head portion.

[0018] A recess corresponding to the groove formed in the head may be formed on the bottom surface of the joint.

[0019] The screwdriver insertion groove formed in the insulating cover is formed in relief on the joint formed on the inner surface of the insulating cover, and a receiving groove for accommodating the screwdriver insertion groove may be formed on the head.

[0020] With the insulating cover attached to the head, the bottom of the driver insertion groove can be in close contact with the inner surface of the housing groove.

[0021] The head may have a stepped shape formed around its outer periphery so that it is thinner around the outer periphery than in the center.

[0022] Multiple slits are formed around the outer periphery of the head, and these slits are formed to extend from the outer periphery of the head toward the center of the head. Multiple protrusions may be formed on the lower part of the insulating cover, which are inserted into each of the multiple slits.

[0023] A plurality of slits may be formed on the outer periphery of the head, the plurality of slits being formed to be inclined at an angle greater than -90° and less than 0°, or greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the circumferential direction of the head, and a plurality of protrusions respectively inserted into the plurality of slits may be formed at a lower portion of the insulating cover.

[0024] All of the plurality of slits may be configured to be inclined at the same angle.

[0025] Four or more of the plurality of slits may be formed, and the inclination angle of the plurality of slits with respect to the circumferential direction of the head may be configured in a form where -x° and y° (0<x<90, 0<y<90) are repeated.

[0026] The insulating cover may include a central portion having the driver insertion groove and a peripheral portion that is the outer periphery of the central portion, and the central portion may be configured to be recessed relative to the peripheral portion.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention can also be provided in a form of various combinations of the means for solving the above problems. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] When the battery modules are connected using the bolt according to the present invention, even if the ejected matter generated during thermal runaway of the battery cell scatters and adheres to the head of the bolt, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring because the head is completely covered by the insulating cover.

[0029] In addition, since the coupling force between the bolt and the insulating cover is improved, components coupled using the bolt can be stably fixed.

[0030] Moreover, since a separate process for insulating the head of the bolt can be omitted in this way, the assembly process can be simplified. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] These are exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the first comparative example of the conventional method. [Figure 2] These are exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the conventional second comparative example. [Figure 3] These are exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the conventional third comparative example. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view and a perspective view of a bolt according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an exploded view and a perspective view of a bolt according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an exploded view and a perspective view of a bolt according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an exploded view and a perspective view of a bolt according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view and a perspective view of a bolt according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments that allow a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs to to be easily carried out will be described in detail. In describing the operating principles of embodiments of the present invention in detail, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0033] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals shall be used for parts that have similar functions and operations. In the specification, when it is said that one part is connected to another part, this includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection through other elements in between. Furthermore, when it is said that a component is included, unless otherwise stated, it does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included.

[0034] Descriptions that limit or specify the constituent elements are applicable to all inventions and are not limited to a particular invention, unless otherwise specified.

[0035] Throughout the description of this invention and the claims, singular nouns include plural nouns unless otherwise specified.

[0036] Throughout the description and claims of this invention, "or" includes "and" unless otherwise specified. Therefore, "including A or B" means three cases: including A, including B, or including both A and B.

[0037] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, along with specific embodiments.

[0038] Figures 4 to 8 show exploded views and perspective views of bolts according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] The bolt according to the present invention includes a threaded portion 210 having a groove formed on its outer surface, a head 220 located at one end of the threaded portion 210 and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded portion 210, and an insulating cover 230 coupled to the head 220. The insulating cover 230 may be coupled to the head 220 in a manner that covers the entire upper surface of the head 220. More specifically, the insulating cover 230 may be provided on the outer surfaces of the upper and side surfaces of the head 220.

[0040] The lower part of the insulating cover 230 may have a concave joint formed so as to surround the top and sides of the head 220.

[0041] The insulating cover 230 includes a central part 232 in which a screwdriver insertion groove 231 is formed, and a peripheral part 233 which is the outer periphery of the central part 232, and the central part 232 may be configured to be more recessed than the peripheral part 233.

[0042] However, it goes without saying that, unlike this, the central part can be constructed in a hemispherical shape, with the periphery extending towards the head.

[0043] Furthermore, the head may be configured not only as a circle but also as a polygon on a flat surface, and the insulating cover may be configured in a shape corresponding to the head so as to be tightly attached to the head.

[0044] The head portion 220 may have a recess or groove that engages with the insulating cover 230. A groove corresponding to the recess formed in the head portion 220 may be formed on the bottom surface 234 of the insulating cover 230, or a recess corresponding to the groove formed in the head portion 220 may be formed on the bottom surface 234 of the insulating cover 230. The engagement of the recess and groove improves the bonding force between the head portion 220 and the insulating cover 230. Therefore, when using the bolt according to the present invention to connect a busbar to the terminals of a battery module, it is possible not only to prevent the insulating cover 230 from separating from the head portion 220 and causing only the insulating cover 230 to rotate freely, but also to increase the bonding force of the bolt, thereby enabling stable connection of the busbar to the terminals of the battery module.

[0045] The material of the insulating cover 230 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating substance, and may be composed of one or more selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber, ceramic, polycarbonate, and polybutylene terephthalate.

[0046] Figure 4 is an exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4, the bolt according to the first embodiment has a recess 221 formed on the upper surface of the head 220, and a groove 235 formed on the bottom surface 234 of the joint that connects to the upper surface of the head 220 in the insulating cover 230. The groove 235 formed on the bottom surface 234 of the joint is configured to correspond to the recess 221 formed in the head 220. That is, the groove 235 is configured to be the same size and shape as the recess 221 and is formed in a corresponding position to each other. When the insulating cover 230 is connected to the head 220, the recess 221 is inserted into the groove 235, allowing the insulating cover 230 and the head 220 to be stably connected. Therefore, when the bolt is rotated to fasten it, the state in which the insulating cover 230 and the head 220 are connected can be stably maintained.

[0048] Figure 5 is an exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5, the bolt according to the second embodiment has a groove 222 formed on the upper surface of the head 220, and a recess formed on the bottom surface 234 of the joint that connects to the upper surface of the head 220 in the insulating cover 230. The recess formed on the bottom surface 234 is formed by the screwdriver insertion groove 231 formed in the insulating cover 230 protruding in relief from the bottom surface 234 of the joint formed on the inner surface of the insulating cover 230, and the groove 222 formed in the head 220 becomes a housing groove that accommodates the screwdriver insertion groove 231.

[0050] When a bolt is tightened with a screwdriver inserted into the screwdriver insertion groove 231, the bottom of the screwdriver insertion groove 231 may be configured to be in close contact with the inner surface of the housing groove while the insulating cover 230 is coupled to the head 220, in order to transmit the rotational force of the screwdriver to the bolt. Therefore, since the screwdriver inserted into the screwdriver insertion groove can rotate while fully inserted into the housing groove, the screwdriver can rotate together with the insulating cover and head.

[0051] On the other hand, the shape of the head 220 may be such that the outer periphery of the upper and lower surfaces are the same, as in the bolt according to the first embodiment, or it may be such that there is a step around the outer periphery of the head 220, as in the bolt according to the second embodiment. That is, the head 220 may be thinner around the outer periphery than in the center. If the head 220 has a step, as in the bolt according to the second embodiment, the insulating cover 230 may be configured to extend only to the upper surface of the outer periphery of the head 220.

[0052] Figure 6 is an exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to Figure 6, the bolt according to the third embodiment is configured such that, like the bolt according to the second embodiment, a groove 222 is formed on the upper surface of the head 220 and a recess is formed on the bottom surface 234 of the insulating cover 230.

[0054] In the third embodiment, the bolt has a plurality of slits 223 formed around the outer periphery of the head 220, and the plurality of slits 223 are formed in such a way that they extend from the outer periphery of the head 220 toward the center of the head 220. A plurality of protrusions 236 are formed on the lower part of the insulating cover 230, which are inserted into each of the plurality of slits 223.

[0055] The bolt according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of slits 223 and a plurality of projections 236 inserted into the plurality of slits 223, thereby increasing the bonding force between the insulating cover 230 and the head 220. In particular, since the projections 236 extend in the thickness direction of the head 220 so as to penetrate the head 220 and are inserted into the slits 223, when the insulating cover 230 is rotated with a screwdriver connected to the screwdriver insertion groove 231 of the insulating cover, the rotational force of the insulating cover 230 is transmitted to the head 220, causing the head 220 to rotate. Thus, it is possible to prevent the insulating cover 230 from separating from or coming off the head 220.

[0056] Figure 7 is an exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to Figure 7, the bolt according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the bolt according to the third embodiment in that a plurality of slits 223 are formed in the head 220, and a plurality of projections 236 are formed on the lower part of the insulating cover 230, which are inserted into each of the plurality of slits 223.

[0058] However, in the bolt according to the fourth embodiment, the orientation of the multiple slits 223 differs from that of the multiple slits formed in the bolt according to the third embodiment.

[0059] In the bolt according to the fourth embodiment, the multiple slits 223 are formed in a shape that is inclined at an angle greater than -90° and less than 0° or greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the circumferential direction of the head 220.

[0060] The aforementioned circumferential direction refers to the tangential direction of the circular head on a plane when the head 220 is viewed from above. When the head is viewed from above, the multiple slits 223 must not coincide with the tangential direction of the head, nor are they formed to be perpendicular to the tangential direction. That is, they are formed in a shape that is inclined at an angle greater than -90° and less than 0° or greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the tangential direction.

[0061] When the slit is formed in this inclined shape, the rotational force that rotates the insulating cover 230 can be transmitted to the head 220 more effectively compared to the bolt according to the third embodiment.

[0062] In one specific example, all of the aforementioned slits may be formed with the same inclination angle, as shown in Figure 7. In such a case, if the multiple slits 223 are formed to be inclined at an angle greater than -90° and less than 0° with respect to the circumferential direction of the head 220, the rotational force that rotates the insulating cover can be effectively transmitted to the head.

[0063] Figure 8 is an exploded view and perspective view of a bolt according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, the bolt according to the fifth embodiment differs from the bolt according to the fourth embodiment in that the direction of the multiple slits 223 is not constant.

[0064] The bolt according to the fifth embodiment has four or more slits 223a, 223b formed thereon, and in Figure 8, eight slits 223a, 223b are formed. The angle at which the multiple slits 223a, 223b are inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the head 220 may be configured in a repeating manner of -x° and y°. Here, x and y can each be a value greater than 0 and less than 90°. In Figure 8, the inclination angle of the slit 223a is configured to be greater than -90° and less than 0°, and the inclination angle of the slit 223b is configured to be greater than 0° and less than 90°.

[0065] Thus, when the inclination directions of the multiple slits 223 are formed alternately in the negative and positive directions, the rotational force that rotates the insulating cover can be effectively transmitted to the head not only when tightening the bolt, but also when loosening it.

[0066] A person with ordinary skill in the field to which this invention belongs will be able to make various applications and modifications within the scope of this invention based on the above content. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 110, 210 Screw part 120, 220 head 121 Groove 130, 230 Insulating Cover 131, 231 Screwdriver insertion grooves 132, 232 center 221 Recess 222, 235 grooves 223, 223a, 223b Slit 233 Peripheral area 234 Bottom 236 Protrusion

Claims

1. A screw portion with grooves formed on its outer surface, A head located at one end of the screw portion and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the screw portion, An insulating cover attached to the head, Includes, The insulating cover has a groove for inserting a screwdriver. A bolt having a recess or groove formed in its head that engages with the insulating cover.

2. The bolt according to claim 1, wherein the insulating cover is attached in a manner that covers the entire upper surface of the head.

3. The bolt according to claim 1, wherein the lower part of the insulating cover includes a concave joint that surrounds the upper and side surfaces of the head.

4. The bolt according to claim 3, wherein a groove portion corresponding to the recess formed in the head portion is formed on the bottom surface of the joint portion.

5. The bolt according to claim 3, wherein a recess corresponding to the groove formed in the head is formed on the bottom surface of the joint portion.

6. The screwdriver insertion groove formed in the insulating cover is formed in relief on the joint formed on the inner surface of the insulating cover. The bolt according to claim 1, wherein the head has a receiving groove for accommodating the screwdriver insertion groove.

7. The bolt according to claim 6, wherein the insulating cover is attached to the head and the bottom of the driver insertion groove is in close contact with the inner surface of the housing groove.

8. The bolt according to claim 1, wherein the head has a stepped shape on its outer periphery such that the outer periphery is thinner than the central part.

9. Multiple slits are formed around the outer periphery of the head, The plurality of slits are formed in a manner that extends from the outer periphery of the head toward the center of the head, The bolt according to claim 1 or 6, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on the lower part of the insulating cover, which are inserted into each of the plurality of slits.

10. Multiple slits are formed around the outer periphery of the head, The plurality of slits are formed in a shape that is inclined at an angle greater than -90° and less than 0° or greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the circumferential direction of the head. The bolt according to claim 1 or 6, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on the lower part of the insulating cover, which are inserted into each of the plurality of slits.

11. The bolt according to claim 10, wherein all of the aforementioned multiple slits are configured to be inclined at the same angle.

12. The aforementioned multiple slits are formed in four or more locations. The bolt according to claim 10, wherein the angle at which the plurality of slits are inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the head is configured such that -x° and y° (0 < x < 90, 0 < y < 90) are repeated.

13. The insulating cover includes a central part having a groove for inserting the driver, and a peripheral part that is the outer periphery of the central part. The bolt according to claim 1, wherein the central part is configured to be recessed compared to the peripheral part.

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