Battery pack with improved safety

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack with improved safety by more effectively preventing thermal propagation between battery modules. The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, each including one or more battery cells and module terminals, a partition wall unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, and a bus bar unit that electrically connects the module terminals of different battery modules and is located at an end or inside of the partition wall unit to seal the end or inside of the partition wall unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0077047 filed on June 14, 2021, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery, and more particularly, to a battery pack with improved safety that can more effectively prevent thermal propagation between battery modules, an automobile and an energy storage system including the same, and a bus bar used therein.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has grown rapidly, and as the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely because they hardly exhibit a memory effect compared to nickel-series secondary batteries, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density.

[0005] This type of lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material that encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, that is, a battery case.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries are classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is built into a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used not only for small devices such as portable electronic devices but also for medium- and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS, power storage devices) for driving and energy storage. In particular, in the case of medium- and large-sized devices, in order to improve the output and / or capacity of the battery, a plurality of secondary batteries are electrically connected to each other to form one battery module, and a plurality of such battery modules can be connected to form one battery pack.

[0008] Typically, in an automotive battery pack, a plurality of battery modules can be housed in the internal space of the pack case, and such a plurality of battery modules can be electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel via a bus bar (module bus bar).

[0009] However, since a plurality of battery modules are included inside the battery pack in this way, the safety of the battery pack has emerged as a more important issue. In particular, when a situation such as thermal runaway occurs inside any one of the battery modules, it is necessary to appropriately suppress the thermal propagation between the battery modules. If, by any chance, the thermal propagation between the battery modules is not appropriately suppressed, the battery pack may malfunction, and an explosion or fire of the battery pack may occur, causing serious damage to human life and property.

[0010] Therefore, various attempts have been made to suppress heat transfer between battery modules. As a typical example, there is a configuration in which a partition wall is provided with a material and shape capable of blocking heat or flames between battery modules. However, the conventional partition wall configuration provided between battery modules has a problem that heat transfer cannot be completely blocked. In particular, although battery modules can be electrically connected to each other via a bus bar, there is a problem that flames or gas generated in a specific battery module flow into an adjacent battery module through a portion where such a bus bar is installed, and heat transfer occurs.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and also provides a battery pack capable of effectively suppressing heat transfer between battery modules even in a portion where a bus bar unit is installed, an automobile and an energy storage system including the same, and its bus bar unit.

[0012] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems at all, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the invention described below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] A battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a plurality of battery modules each including one or more battery cells and module terminals, a partition wall unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, and a bus bar unit that electrically connects between module terminals of different battery modules and is located at an end portion or inside of the partition wall unit to seal the end portion or inside of the partition wall unit.

[0014] Here, the battery pack according to the present invention is arranged in a shape orthogonal to the partition unit, and further includes a dividing unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, and the bus bar unit may be configured in a shape interposed between an end of the partition unit and a surface of the dividing unit.

[0015] In addition, the partition unit may have a receiving groove formed in a shape in which a part is cut out, and the bus bar unit may be configured to be seated in the receiving groove and fill the receiving groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the partition unit may be configured in a plate shape, and the receiving groove may be formed at a corner portion.

[0017] Furthermore, The bus bar unit is composed of a conductive material, and includes a conductive portion whose both ends are connected to module terminals of battery modules different from each other, and an enclosure portion that takes in the periphery of the conductive portion and is configured to protrude outside the conductive portion to seal an end or the inside of the partition unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the enclosure portion may be composed of an elastic material.

[0019] Furthermore, the bus bar unit may be composed of a material having a melting point higher than that of the enclosure portion, and may further include a cutoff portion attached to the surface of the enclosure portion.

[0020] Furthermore, the cutoff portion may be configured in a shape in which at least one side end is bent.

[0021] Furthermore, the enclosure portion may have a protrusion or a groove formed in a shape that is inserted and fastened to the receiving portion of the partition unit.

[0022] In addition to these, the enclosure portion may have a through hole formed so that a cable can pass through.

[0023] In addition, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0024] Furthermore, an energy storage system according to still another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, a bus bar according to still another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is composed of a conductive material, and includes a conductive portion connected between module terminals of battery modules whose both ends are different from each other, and a sealing portion that surrounds the periphery of the conductive portion and is configured to protrude outside the conductive portion and seals an end portion or the inside of the partition wall unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, a battery pack with improved safety can be provided.

[0027] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, when gas, flame, or the like is generated due to an event occurring in a specific battery module among a plurality of battery modules included in the battery pack, it is possible to more effectively prevent the propagation of gas, flame, or the like to other battery modules.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, by sealing the space for fastening the bus bar unit that electrically connects between the battery modules, it is possible to surely prevent heat propagation between the modules through the side where the bus bar unit is provided.

[0029] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, a structure for preventing heat and electromagnetic waves on the bus bar unit side can be realized even with a simple structure and a simple assembly process.

[0030] In addition to these, the present invention can exhibit various other effects, and descriptions thereof will be provided in each implementation configuration, or descriptions of effects that can be easily analogized by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0032]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to the ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventors should interpret them in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that they can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, in FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration of the battery pack is shown in a separated shape.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack according to the present invention includes a battery module 100, a partition unit 200, and a bus bar unit 300.

[0037] The battery module 100 may include one or more battery cells. Here, each battery cell may mean a secondary battery. The secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. For example, the battery cell provided in the battery module 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, other types of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries, may also be employed in the battery module 100 of the present invention.

[0038] A plurality of secondary batteries may be included in the battery module 100 in a stacked shape with respect to each other. For example, the plurality of secondary batteries may be stacked in a shape arranged horizontally (in the X-axis direction in the figure) while standing upright in the vertical direction (in the Z-axis direction in the figure). Each battery cell may include an electrode lead, and such an electrode lead may be located at both ends of each battery cell or may be located at one end.

[0039] The battery module 100 may include module terminals. For example, in the battery module 100, the electrode leads of each battery cell may be positioned on the front and / or rear side, and the module terminals may be positioned in a shape electrically connected to the electrode leads. In particular, the module terminals may be positioned on the front and / or rear side of the battery module 100 and configured to protrude forward and / or rearward. Such module terminals can enable the secondary batteries (battery cells) included in the battery module 100 to be electrically connected to other components outside the battery module 100, such as other battery modules 100.

[0040] Further, the battery module 100 may include a module case. The module case may have an empty space formed inside thereof and may be configured to accommodate one or more battery cells in the internal space. For example, the module case may be configured to define the internal space by a top plate, a bottom plate, a left side plate, a right side plate, a front plate, and a rear plate, and may be configured to have a shape that accommodates a plurality of battery cells in the internal space. Alternatively, the battery module 100 may be configured in a shape excluding at least a part of the module case, such as a side plate or a top plate. Or, the battery module 100 may be configured in a shape including only a plurality of cell stacks without a module case.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to a specific shape or configuration of such a battery module 100, and various battery modules 100 known at the time of filing the present invention can be adopted in the battery pack of the present invention.

[0042] The battery pack according to the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules 100. In particular, at least two or more of the plurality of battery modules 100 or the entire battery module 100 may be configured in a shape arranged horizontally. For example, when the battery pack according to the present invention includes eight battery modules M1 to M8, the eight battery modules 100 can be arranged horizontally in two rows, and each row may be configured to include four battery modules 100. In this case, it can be said that the four battery modules M1 to M4 constitute one row, and the other four battery modules M5 to M8 constitute the other row.

[0043] The partition unit 200 may be configured to be interposed between adjacent battery modules 100. For example, when a plurality of battery modules 100 are arranged in the left - right direction, the partition unit 200 may be interposed between each battery module 100 to separate the space between the left - hand battery module and the right - hand battery module. As a specific example, in the configuration of FIG. 1, a partition unit W1 may be interposed between battery module M1 and battery module M2 to separate battery module M1 and battery module M2; a partition unit W2 may be interposed between battery module M2 and battery module M3 to separate battery module M2 and battery module M3; and a partition unit W3 may be interposed between battery module M3 and battery module M4 to separate battery module M3 and battery module M4.

[0044] In particular, the partition unit 200 may be configured in a plate shape. At this time, both sides of the partition unit 200 may be arranged horizontally and erected so as to face the side surface of the battery module. For example, the partition unit 200 may be interposed in a shape erected between the battery modules 100 arranged in the left - right direction, and the left side surface and the right side surface may be arranged so as to face the right side surface of the left - hand battery module 100 and the left side surface of the right - hand battery module 100, respectively.

[0045] The partition unit 200 may be composed of a shape and material that can block or reduce the transmission of heat and / or flame between the battery modules 100. For example, the partition unit 200 may be configured in the shape of a steel / aluminum / steel - type clad metal. Also, the partition unit 200 has an empty space inside and is configured to contain air or the like in the empty space, so that the heat - insulation function can be improved and the weight can be reduced. In addition to these, the partition unit 200 may be composed of various other shapes and materials that can block or suppress heat and / or flame.

[0046] The bus bar unit 300 may be configured to electrically connect between module terminals of different battery modules 100. For example, the bus bar unit 300 may include a plate made of a conductive material, such as a metal material. Further, both ends of such a plate made of a metal material may be configured to be respectively fastened to the module terminals of adjacent battery modules 100. In this case, fastening holes for fastening and fixing to the module terminals may be formed in the metal plate of the bus bar unit 300.

[0047] The bus bar unit 300 may be located at an end or inside of the partition unit 200. For example, when the partition unit 200 is configured to extend long in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) in a state of being erected in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction in the figure), the end of the partition unit 200 may be located on the front side and / or the rear side. At this time, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to be located at an end of such a partition unit 200, that is, at the front end and / or the rear end of the partition unit 200. For example, referring to FIG. 1, when the partition unit 200 is interposed between the battery modules M1 to M4, the bus bar unit 300 may be located at the front (+Y-axis in the figure) end of the partition unit 200. Further, in the configuration of FIG. 1, when the partition unit 200 is interposed between the battery modules M5 to M8, the bus bar unit 300 may be located at the rear (-Y-axis in the figure) end of the partition unit 200.

[0048] In particular, the bus bar unit 300 according to the present invention may be configured to be located at an end or inside of the partition unit 200 in this way and seal the end or inside of the partition unit 200. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0049] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the A1 portion of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a combined view of the configuration of FIG. 1.

[0050] First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a plate-shaped partition unit W1 is interposed in a shape standing between the side surfaces of two battery modules M1 and M2. At this time, each of the two battery modules 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and module terminals 120. In particular, the battery module M1 may include a module terminal T1, and the battery module M2 may include a module terminal T2. At this time, a bus bar unit 300 may be connected between the two module terminals T1 and T2, and a seating space (accommodating portion) for installing the bus bar unit 300 may be provided at the front end portion of the partition unit W1, as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 2.

[0051] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 3, the bus bar unit 300 may be seated in the accommodating portion at the front end portion of the partition unit W1. In particular, the bus bar unit 300 according to the present invention may be configured in a shape that seals the empty space (accommodating portion) formed at the front end portion of the partition unit 200. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 3, the bus bar unit 300 is seated in the empty space formed at the front end portion of the partition unit 200, as shown by arrow A2, and both ends are fastened to the module terminals T1 and T2 of the two battery modules M1 and M2, respectively, while being configured to seal the front end portion (accommodating portion) of the partition unit 200, as shown by arrow A2.

[0052] Further, at the front end of the partition unit 200, the inner surfaces of the dividing unit 500 and the pack case 400 having a shape similar to that of the partition unit 200 may be positioned. In this case, a free space may be formed between the front (+Y-axis direction) end of the partition unit 200 and the surface of such a dividing unit 500 or the inner surface of the pack case 400, and the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to seal the space between such a partition unit 200 and the dividing unit 500, or the space between the partition unit 200 and the pack case 400. For this purpose, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape that contacts the end of the partition unit 200. For example, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape in which the rear (-Y-axis direction) end is attached to the front end of the partition unit 200. Further, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape in which the front end contacts the inner surface of the dividing unit 500 or the pack case 400.

[0053] Furthermore, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to seal the free space in the extending direction of the partition unit 200. For example, in the configurations of FIGS. 2 and 3, the partition unit 200 may be configured in a plate shape that extends long in the front-rear direction (±Y-axis direction) of the battery pack, and the bus bar unit 300 may be interposed in the free space between the partition unit 200 and the dividing unit 500 to seal the front (+Y-axis direction) side at the front end of the partition unit 200 so that such a free space does not exist.

[0054] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 can effectively prevent heat transfer between different battery modules 100. In particular, according to the above-described embodiment configuration, even when the partition unit 200 is present between the battery modules 100, the blocking function of the partition unit 200 may be reduced due to the space for electrically connecting between the battery modules 100. However, the bus bar unit 300 can compensate for such a reduction in the blocking function of the partition unit 200. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment configuration of the present invention, the inflow of flame and gas into the bus bar unit 300 and the outflow of flame and gas from the bus bar unit 300 are blocked, so that the heat transfer prevention performance between the battery modules 100 can be stably ensured.

[0055] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include a pack case 400 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0056] An empty space may be formed inside the pack case 400, and a plurality of battery modules 100, a partition unit 200, and a bus bar unit 300 may be configured to be accommodated in this empty space. For example, the pack case 400 may include a lower case 410 and an upper case 420, and the lower case 410 and the upper case 420 may be fastened to each other so as to seal the internal space. For example, the lower case 410 may be configured in a box shape with an open upper portion, and the upper case 420 may be configured in a shape that covers the open upper end portion of such a lower case 410.

[0057] In particular, each of the upper and lower ends of the partition unit 200 may be configured to be in contact with the lower surface of the upper case 420 and the upper surface of the lower case 410, respectively. In this case, it is possible to prevent gas and flame from leaking between the upper and lower end portions of the partition unit 200 and the inner upper and lower surfaces of the pack case 400.

[0058] Also, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured such that its upper end or lower end contacts the lower surface of the upper case 420 or the upper surface of the lower case 410. For example, when the bus bar unit 300 is located at the upper part on the front side of the partition unit 200, the upper end of the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to contact the lower surface of the upper case 420. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured such that in a state of being fastened to the module terminal 120 of the battery module 100, its upper end (upper surface) is located on the same plane as the upper end (upper surface) of the partition unit 200. That is, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured such that in a state of being installed in the accommodation part of the partition unit 200, the height of its upper end is the same as the height of the upper end of the partition unit 200. In this case, it may be configured such that no empty space is formed between the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 and the upper case 420. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from existing between the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 and the upper case 420.

[0059] The pack case 400 may be configured in various shapes known at the time of filing the application of the present invention, and the battery pack according to the present invention does not limit such a pack case 400 to a specific shape.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a split unit 500.

[0061] Similar to the partition unit 200, the dividing unit 500 may be configured to be interposed between adjacent battery modules 100. In particular, the dividing unit 500 may be interposed between different columns of the battery modules 100. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 1, the dividing unit 500 may be arranged in a shape interposed between the first column M1 to M4 of the battery modules 100 and the second column M5 to M8 of the battery modules 100. In this case, the dividing unit 500 may be interposed between the battery modules 100 arranged in the front-rear direction (±Y-axis direction). For example, in the configuration of FIG. 1, the dividing unit 500 may be configured in a shape interposed between the battery module M1 and the battery module M5, and between the battery module M2 and the battery module M6. In particular, the dividing unit 500 may be arranged to face the front side or the rear side where the module terminal 120 is located in the battery module 100, and may be configured to divide between the battery modules 100.

[0062] Similar to the partition unit 200, the dividing unit 500 may be configured in a plate shape and may be configured to stand upright so that both sides face the horizontal direction. In particular, the dividing unit 500 may be configured such that both surfaces face the front or the rear of the battery module 100. Further, the dividing unit 500 may be composed of various shapes and materials that can block heat and / or flames. For example, the dividing unit 500 may be configured in the shape of a clad metal of steel / aluminum / steel material. Further, the dividing unit 500 may be configured in a shape with an empty space formed inside.

[0063] The dividing unit 500 may be configured in a shape orthogonal to the partition unit 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the partition unit 200 is arranged in a plate shape extending long in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction), the dividing unit 500 may be arranged in a plate shape extending long in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0064] In such an implementation configuration, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape interposed between the end of the partition wall unit 200 and the surface of the division unit 500. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, there may be a separation space indicated by A2 between the end of the partition wall unit 200 and the surface of the division unit 500, and the bus bar unit 300 may be inserted into the separation space so as to fill the separation space between the partition wall unit 200 and the division unit 500.

[0065] In particular, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape where both ends are in contact between the division unit 500 and the partition wall unit 200. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the rear end of some of the bus bar units 300 may be in contact with the front end of the partition wall unit 200, and the front end of the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape in contact with the rear side surface of the division unit 500.

[0066] According to such a configuration of the present invention, when a plurality of battery modules 100 are arranged in a plurality of rows, the spaces divided by the division unit 500 and the partition wall unit 200 can be reliably sealed from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the battery modules 100 are arranged in two or more rows and two or more battery modules 100 are arranged in each row with their sides facing each other, the spaces where the respective battery modules 100 are located may be thermally independent of each other by the division unit 500, the partition wall unit 200, and the bus bar unit 300. In particular, a space for electrically connecting between the battery modules 100 can be provided between the division unit 500 and the partition wall unit 200, and since this space is sealed by the bus bar unit 300, heat transfer due to the inflow and outflow of gas, flame, etc. between the battery modules 100 can be effectively prevented or reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, a receiving groove may be formed in the partition wall unit 200, and the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to fill such a receiving groove. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in which the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention are separated, and FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in which the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 in FIG. 4 are combined.

[0069] First, referring to FIG. 4, as shown by arrow G, a receiving groove may be formed in the partition unit 200. In particular, such a receiving groove G may be formed in a shape in which a part of the partition unit 200 is cut out. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 4, a part of the upper end of the partition unit 200 may be cut down by a predetermined distance downward to form a receiving groove G having a concave shape downward. Of course, such a receiving groove G may be formed in a shape in which the receiving groove G is initially formed when manufacturing the partition unit 200 without actually cutting out a part of the partition unit 200.

[0070] The bus bar unit 300 may be configured to be seatable in such a receiving groove G. For example, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to move downward as shown by the arrow in FIG. 4 and be seatable in the receiving groove G of the partition unit 200. At this time, at least a part of the lower end portion of the bus bar unit 300 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the receiving groove G, that is, a matching shape.

[0071] Further, the bus bar unit 300 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the receiving groove as a whole or partially. In particular, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to completely fill the receiving groove G when seated in the receiving groove G of the partition unit 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the partition unit 200 is configured in a substantially square plate shape and the receiving groove G is formed in a part of the upper end on the front (+Y-axis direction) side, the bus bar unit 300 can be inserted into the receiving groove G of the partition unit 200 to completely embed the receiving groove G. In this case, the entire area of the quadrilateral indicated by A3 may be sealed by the combination of the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300.

[0072] Therefore, if gas or flames occur in any one of the two battery modules 100 adjacent to the partition unit 200, the generated gas or flames can be blocked not only by the partition unit 200 but also by the bus bar unit 300. Thus, heat transfer can be suppressed by blocking the transmission of gas, flames, etc. between the battery modules 100 that are electrically connected to each other via the bus bar unit 300 with the partition unit 200 in between.

[0073] In particular, the partition unit 200 may be configured in a plate shape such that an accommodation groove G is formed in the corner portion. Further, the accommodation groove G of the partition unit 200 may be formed near the apex of the partition unit 200. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the partition unit 200 may have an accommodation groove formed in a shape that is recessed downward from the upper end corner. In particular, it can be said that such an accommodation groove G is also formed across the corner on the front side (+Y-axis direction) of the partition unit 200. In this case, it can be said that the accommodation groove G is formed near the apex where the upper end corner and the front side corner of the partition unit 200 are in contact.

[0074] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the bus bar unit 300 and the partition wall unit 200 can be coupled by a simple assembly process. In particular, the module terminal 120 may be positioned at the upper end on the front side of the battery module 100. According to the above-described embodiment configuration, the bus bar unit 300 may be positioned in a form suitable for the configuration of such a battery module 100. Further, according to the above-described embodiment configuration, the coupling process between the bus bar unit 300 and the partition wall unit 200 can be easily performed. That is, in a state where the battery module 100 and the partition wall unit 200 are located inside the pack case 400, the bus bar unit 300 may move downward and seat in the accommodation groove G formed at the upper end of the partition wall unit 200. Thereby, the assembly process of the bus bar unit 300 with respect to the accommodation groove G of the partition wall unit 200 can be easily performed, and the sealing configuration of the accommodation groove G of the partition wall unit 200 by the bus bar unit 300 can also be realized only by a simple assembly process.

[0075] Furthermore, when the bus bar unit 300 is located near the corner of the partition wall unit 200, particularly near its apex, the outer corner of the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape that is in a straight line or in a plane with the corner of the partition wall unit 200.

[0076] For example, referring to FIG. 5, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape such that, in a state of being inserted into the accommodation groove of the partition wall unit 200, the upper end corner is in a straight line or in a plane with the upper end corner of the partition wall unit 200. Further, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured such that, in a state of being inserted into the accommodation groove of the partition wall unit 200, the front (+Y-axis direction) side corner is in a straight line or in a plane with the front side corner of the partition wall unit 200.

[0077] According to such a configuration of the present invention, a sealed configuration by the bus bar unit 300 and the partition unit 200 can be more surely achieved. In particular, the upper corner and the front side corner of the partition unit 200 may each be in contact with the surfaces of the upper case 420 and the split unit 500. When the corners of the partition unit 200 and the corners of the bus bar unit 300 are configured in a shape that forms a straight line or a plane in this way, the sealing property with respect to the surfaces of the upper case 420 and the split unit 500 can be ensured as a whole.

[0078] The bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape that seals the end or the inside of the partition unit 200 while electrically connecting different battery modules 100 to each other. A more specific configuration of such a bus bar unit 300 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the bus bar unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to the configurations of FIGS. 1 to 3 together with FIG. 6, the bus bar unit 300 may include a conductive part 310 and a sealing part 320.

[0081] First, the conductive part 310 may be configured such that both ends are connected to the module terminals 120 of different battery modules 100. For example, the conductive part 310 may be configured in a shape extending in the X-axis direction, and fastening holes H1 indicated by H1 may be formed at both ends in the X-axis direction. Further, with the module terminals 120 of different battery modules 100 in contact with both ends of the conductive part 310, fastening members, for example bolts, may be inserted into the fastening holes H1 and fastened respectively. For example, the negative terminal of one battery module 100 may be connected and fastened to the fastening hole H1 formed at one end of the conductive part 310, and the positive terminal of another battery module 100 may be connected and fastened to the fastening hole H1 formed at the other end of the conductive part 310. In this case, the two battery modules 100 may be connected in series with each other by the conductive part 310 of the bus bar unit 300. In particular, the conductive part 310 is a component for electrically connecting different battery modules 100 and may be made of a conductive material. For example, the conductive part 310 may be made of a metal material such as copper, aluminum, or nickel. As a more specific example, the conductive part 310 may be formed in a shape such as a copper bar or a copper plate extending in one direction.

[0082] Next, the sealing part 320 may be configured to surround at least a part of the periphery of the conductive part 310. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sealing part 320 may be configured to surround the central part of the conductive part 310 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, excluding both ends of the conductive part 310 to which the module terminals 120 are connected, particularly the part where the fastening holes H1 are formed. Further, the sealing part 320 may be configured to protrude outward from the conductive part 310. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sealing part 320 may be configured to protrude in the front-rear direction (±Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (±Z-axis direction) from the conductive part 310.

[0083] Also, due to such a protruding configuration, the sealing portion 320 may be configured to seal the end or the inside of the partition unit 200. That is, the sealing portion 320 may be configured to protrude forward, backward, upward, and downward from the conductive portion 310 in order to seal the accommodating portion formed at the end or inside of the partition unit 200. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an accommodating groove G is formed at the front end portion of the partition unit 200, and such an accommodating groove G can be completely filled by the sealing portion 320 of the bus bar unit 300, so that the front end portion of the partition unit 200 can be sealed.

[0084] The sealing portion 320 may be made of a non-conductive material. Since an electric current flows through the conductive portion 310, it is necessary for the sealing portion 320 to prevent the electric current flowing through such a conductive portion 310 from flowing to other components (such as the pack case 400, the partition unit 200, the divided unit 500, etc.). That is, since the sealing portion 320 is made of a non-conductive material, the conductive portion 310 can be electrically insulated from other components.

[0085] Also, the sealing portion 320 may be made of an elastic material. In particular, the sealing portion 320 may be configured in a shape that seals the end or the inside of the partition unit 200 so that there is no empty space at the end or the inside of the partition unit 200. At this time, in order to enhance the sealing force by the sealing portion 320, the sealing portion 320 may be made of an elastic material.

[0086] Furthermore, the sealing portion 320 may be configured to have the same size as or slightly larger than the accommodating portion of the partition unit 200. For example, before being inserted into the accommodating groove of the partition unit 200, the sealing portion 320 may have a size slightly larger than the accommodating groove of the partition unit 200, and may be configured in a shape that is slightly compressed as an elastic body when inserted into the accommodating groove of the partition unit 200.

[0087] For example, the sealing portion 320 may be configured to include a material such as rubber. Or, the sealing portion 320 may be configured to include a foamed material such as polyurethane foam.

[0088] According to the configuration of such an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing force by the sealing portion 320 can be further increased.

[0089] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the bus bar unit 300 may further include a blocking portion 330.

[0090] The blocking portion 330 may be made of a material having a melting point higher than that of the sealing portion 320. In particular, the blocking portion 330 may be configured to include a material having strong resistance to heat and / or flame. For example, the blocking portion 330 may be made of a mica material. As a more specific example, the blocking portion 330 may be configured in the shape of a mica sheet.

[0091] Further, the blocking portion 330 may be configured to be attached to the surface of the sealing portion 320. In particular, the blocking portion 330 may be configured to be located at least on the surfaces in the direction toward the space in which each battery module 100 is accommodated, that is, both surfaces where the conductive portion 310 protrudes. For example, referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the conductive portions 310 may protrude from both sides in the X-axis direction of the sealing portion 320, and the blocking portion 330 may be configured in a sheet shape attached to both surfaces in the X-axis direction of such a sealing portion 320.

[0092] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the sealing force by the bus bar unit 300 can be stably maintained even when an event occurs. In particular, when flames or gas are generated from any one of the battery modules 100, high-temperature flames or heat may be applied to the bus bar unit 300. At this time, since the flames or heat can be blocked or reduced from being transmitted to the sealing portion 320 by the blocking portion 330, it is possible to prevent the sealing portion 320 from melting or deforming due to the flames or heat. Therefore, in this case, the shape of the bus bar unit 300 can be generally maintained, and in particular, it can be maintained as it is without significantly changing the shape and sealing characteristics of the sealing portion 320. Further, in this case, the sealing portion 320 may adopt a material having a sealing property higher than the thermal stability in order to more stably ensure the sealing force by the bus bar unit 300.

[0093] The blocking portion 330 may be configured to have a shape in which at least one side end portion is bent. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0094] FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the bus bar unit 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a view schematically showing a part of the configuration in which the bus bar unit 300 of FIG. 7 is provided between the partition unit 200, the pack case 400, and the divided unit 500. In particular, FIG. 8 can be said to be a view showing the bus bar unit 300 viewed in the horizontal direction. For example, FIG. 8 can be said to be a view showing an example of a cross-sectional shape along the line A4 - A4' in a state where the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 shown in the configuration of FIG. 5 are included inside the pack case 400. In the present embodiment, mainly, the parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described, and detailed descriptions of the parts the same as or similar to the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the blocking portion 330 of the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape in which the outer end portions and outer corners are bent, as shown by C1 and C2. In particular, the blocking portion 330 of the bus bar unit 300 may be configured in a shape in which the corner portions that contact the surfaces of other components, such as the upper case 420 and the divided unit 500, are bent.

[0096] As a more specific example, the blocking portion 330 may be configured in a shape in which the upper end portion contacts the lower surface of the upper case 420. In this case, the upper end portion of the blocking portion 330 may be configured in a shape bent outward along the lower surface of the upper case 420, as shown by C1 in the figure. For example, based on the configuration of FIG. 8, the respective blocking portions 330 are provided on the left and right sides of the sealing portion 320. However, the upper end portion of the left blocking portion 330 may be bent in the left direction, and the upper end portion of the right blocking portion 330 may be bent in the right direction.

[0097] Also, the blocking portion 330 may be configured in a shape in which the front end portion contacts the surface of the divided unit 500. In this case, the front end portion of the blocking portion 330 may be configured in a shape bent outward along the surface of the divided unit 500, as shown by C2 in the figure. For example, based on the configuration of FIG. 8, the blocking portion 330 may be provided on the left and right sides of the sealing portion 320. The front end portion of the left blocking portion 330 may be bent in the left direction, and the front end portion of the right blocking portion 330 may be bent in the right direction.

[0098] Furthermore, as in the above-described embodiment configuration, the blocking portion 330 may be configured such that the upper end portion and / or the front end portion are bent in an L shape.

[0099] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, the performance of the blocking portion 330 that protects the sealed portion 320 from heat, flames, etc. can be further improved. In particular, in the case of the above implementation configuration, the path that can be formed in the gap between the blocking portion 330 and other components, for example, between the blocking portion 330 and the upper case 420, or between the blocking portion 330 and the divided unit 500, can be lengthened due to the bent portion of the blocking portion 330. Therefore, the inflow of gas, flames, etc. through such a gap path can be more reliably blocked. Therefore, according to this implementation configuration, it is more reliably prevented that the sealed portion 320 is deformed or melted by gas, flames, etc., so that the sealing performance by the sealed portion 320 can be more stably ensured.

[0100] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bus bar unit 300 may further include a coating portion 340 between the conductive portion 310 and the sealed portion 320. Here, the coating portion 340 may be made of a material that can ensure or improve the electrical insulation of the conductive portion 310.

[0101] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a configuration in which a bus bar unit 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention is installed between the partition unit 200, the pack case 400, and the divided unit 500. In particular, FIG. 9 can be said to be a modified example of the implementation configuration of FIG. 8. In this embodiment, mainly the parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 9, the sealing portion 320 of the bus bar unit 300 may be provided with a thermal expansion material as shown by D1. Here, the thermal expansion material D1 is a material that expands in volume by a predetermined value or more when heat is applied, and those having various thermal expansion characteristics known at the time of filing of the present invention can be adopted. For example, at least a part of the sealing portion 320 may be configured to include a polymer material such as thermally expandable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS: Poly-Di-Methyl-Siloxane), polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene, butyl (meth) acrylate, hexyl (meth) acrylate, n-octyl (meth) acrylate, isooctyl (meth) acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate, isononyl (meth) acrylate, etc.

[0103] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, since the thermal expansion material D1 is included in the sealing portion 320, when heat, flame, high-temperature gas, etc. are generated from a specific battery module 100, the sealing force of the sealing portion 320 can be improved. As a more specific example, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, when flame or gas is generated in the battery module 100 located on the left side of the bus bar unit 300, the thermal expansion material of the sealing portion 320 may expand due to the heat. Further, due to this expansion, the sealing portion 320 can further seal the space between the partition unit 200 and the upper case 420, and the space between the partition unit 200 and the dividing unit 500. Therefore, the flame or gas generated in the battery module 100 located on the left side of the bus bar unit 300 cannot easily move to the battery module 100 located on the right side of the bus bar unit 300.

[0104] Further, the sealing portion 320 may have a protrusion or a groove formed in a shape that can be inserted and fastened to the accommodating portion of the partition unit 200.

[0105] For example, as shown by the arrow P1 in FIG. 4, the sealing portion 320 may have a protrusion formed to protrude downward. Further, in the accommodating portion of the partition unit 200, a groove having a shape corresponding to the protrusion P1 may be formed as shown by E1. In such an implementation configuration, when the bus bar unit 300 seats in the accommodating portion of the partition unit 200, the protrusion P1 of the sealing portion 320 may be inserted into the groove E1 of the accommodating portion.

[0106] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the fastening between the bus bar unit 300 and the partition unit 200 can be performed more stably. That is, when inserting the bus bar unit 300 into the accommodating portion of the partition unit 200, the coupling of the protrusion P1 and the groove E1 can restrict the movement of the bus bar unit 300 in the Y-axis direction. Further, according to the above implementation configuration, the fastening position between the bus bar unit 300 and the partition unit 200 can be guided by the protrusion P1 and the groove E1, so that the assemblability between the bus bar unit 300 and the partition unit 200 can be improved.

[0107] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a partial configuration of the bus bar unit 300 and the partition unit 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 10 is a view of another embodiment showing a state in which the bus bar unit 300 and the partition unit 200 are viewed in the A4 - A4' direction of FIG. 5, showing a state in which the bus bar unit 300 and the partition unit 200 are separated. Also in this embodiment, mainly the parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 10, the sealing portion 320 of the bus bar unit 300 may have a groove formed in a concave shape upward as shown by E2. Further, the partition unit 200 may have a protrusion P2 formed in a convex shape upward in a shape corresponding to the groove E2 of such a sealing portion 320. In this case, when the bus bar unit 300 moves downward as shown by the arrow and seats on the upper end of the partition unit 200, the protrusion P2 of the partition unit 200 may be inserted into the groove E2 of the sealing portion 320 and fastened.

[0109] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, the fastening force between the bus bar unit 300 and the partition wall unit 200 can be ensured more stably. In particular, in the above embodiment, it can be said that the unevenness exists in the left - right direction (±X - axis direction), that is, the arrangement direction of the battery modules 100. Therefore, in this case, the movement of the bus bar unit 300 in the left - right direction can be restricted. In particular, when a flame or gas is generated in a specific battery module 100, the bus bar unit 300 can receive a force that allows it to move in the left - right direction due to pressure. However, according to the above implementation configuration, the movement of the bus bar unit 300 in the left - right direction may be restricted due to the uneven coupling between the bus bar unit 300 and the partition wall unit 200. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to prevent the bus bar unit 300 from detaching from the accommodation portion of the partition wall unit 200 due to pressure. In addition, according to the above implementation configuration, since the boundary between the bus bar unit 300 and the partition wall unit 200 is formed in an uneven shape, the path through which the flame or gas flows out through the boundary portion can be lengthened. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the outflow of the flame or gas through such a boundary portion.

[0110] On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, one protrusion P2 is formed on the partition wall unit 200, but a plurality of protrusions P2 may be formed. In particular, the partition wall unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 can have unevenness formed in corresponding shapes and positions with respect to each other.

[0111] FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a bus bar unit 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a view schematically showing a part of the configuration of a battery pack to which the bus bar unit 300 of FIG. 11 is applied. Also in this embodiment, mainly the parts different from the above - mentioned embodiment will be described.

[0112] First, referring to FIG. 11, a through hole may be formed in the sealing portion 320 of the bus bar unit 300 as indicated by arrow H2. In particular, the battery pack may include one or more cables 600, and the through hole H2 may be configured to allow such a cable 600 to pass through. Here, the cable 600 may be a sensing cable for transmitting sensing information of each battery module 100, such as voltage sensing information, to a control unit such as a battery management system (BMS). Alternatively, the cable 600 may be a power supply cable for supplying power to a specific component. Such a cable 600 may be included in a form that passes between the accommodation spaces of each battery module 100 divided into the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300. According to the above-described embodiment, the cable 600 may be configured to pass through the sealing portion 320 of the bus bar unit 300. In particular, as shown in FIG. 11, when a blocking portion 330 such as a mica sheet is attached to the outer surface of the sealing portion 320, a through hole may also be formed in the blocking portion 330.

[0113] According to the above-described embodiment, the cable 600 may pass between the accommodation spaces of the battery module 100, and the passage space of such a cable 600 may prevent or reduce the passage of flames and gases. In particular, the sealing portion 320 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. In this case, the through hole H2 may be formed with a dimension similar to or smaller than the dimension of the cable 600 so that the through hole H2 of the sealing portion 320 and the cable 600 are in close contact with each other. In this case, leakage of flames, gases, etc. from the gap between the through hole H2 of the sealing portion 320 and the cable 600 can be minimized.

[0114] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a part of a configuration in which a bus bar unit 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a partition unit 200. In particular, FIG. 13 can be said to be another modification according to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 11. Also in this embodiment, mainly the parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 13, as shown by arrow F, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured such that the blocking portion 330 extends further in the direction in which the partition unit 200 is located than the sealing portion 320. That is, the blocking portion 330 may be configured to cover not only the sealing portion 320 but also a part of the partition unit 200. For example, the bus bar unit 300 may be seated on the upper end of the partition unit 200, and the blocking portion 330 may be configured to cover both the left and right side surfaces of the sealing portion 320 and thus extend further downward. Also, the bus bar unit 300 may be provided at the front end of the partition unit 200, and the blocking portion 330 may be configured to extend further rearward from the surface of the sealing portion 320.

[0116] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the sealing performance between the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 can be further improved. That is, as shown by arrow F in the configuration of FIG. 13, when the blocking portion 330 of the bus bar unit 300 extends to cover a part of the bus bar unit 300, the gap between the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 can be blocked by the blocking portion 330. Therefore, leakage of gas, flame, etc. through the gap between the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 can be more reliably prevented.

[0117] Moreover, according to the above-described implementation configuration, the connectivity between the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 can be improved. In particular, when gas is generated in any one of the plurality of battery modules 100, pressure may be applied to the adjacent bus bar unit 300. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 13, when gas is generated in the battery module 100 located on the left side of the bus bar unit 300, the internal pressure of the corresponding space increases, and thus the bus bar unit 300 can receive a force in the right direction (+X-axis direction). At this time, the rightward movement of the bus bar unit 300 can be restricted by the extending portion of the blocking portion 330 as indicated by the arrow F. Therefore, in this case, the bus bar unit 300 can be stably positioned in the installation space without detaching from the partition unit 200.

[0118] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configurations of the bus bar unit 300 and the partition unit 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment as well, mainly the parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 14, the partition unit 200 may have a receiving hole penetrating in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) as indicated by I. Further, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to be inserted into the receiving hole I of such a partition unit 200. That is, in the implementation configuration of FIG. 14, the bus bar unit 300 may be moved to the left or right direction of the partition unit 200 and coupled to the partition unit 200 in a form of being inserted into the receiving hole of the partition unit 200. In this case, it can be said that the bus bar unit 300 is located inside the partition unit 200. Further, when the bus bar unit 300 is inserted into the receiving hole I of the partition unit 200 in this way, it may be configured to completely block the receiving hole I. That is, in the case of such an implementation configuration, the inside of the partition unit 200 can be completely sealed by the bus bar unit 300.

[0120] Therefore, in this case, by coupling the bus bar unit 300, it is possible to block the transfer of heat and / or flames between the left and right spaces of the partition unit 200. Also, according to the above-described implementation configuration, the movement of the bus bar unit 300 in the front-rear direction (±Y-axis direction) can be restricted. For this reason, the coupling between the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300 can be performed more stably.

[0121] On the other hand, even in the implementation configuration of FIG. 14 as described above, various implementation configurations described above, for example, various configurations of the blocking portion 330, the protrusion-groove fastening configuration, etc. may be similarly applied.

[0122] FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Also in this embodiment, mainly the parts different from the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 15, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to be coupled to the end of the partition unit 200 to seal the end of the partition unit 200 and to be seated on other components located at the end of the partition unit 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the split unit 500 is located at the front (+y-axis direction) side end of the partition unit 200 and can form a sealed space together with the partition unit 200. At this time, the split unit 500 may be configured in a shape in which a part of the bus bar unit 300 can be mounted, as indicated by arrow Q2. That is, in the bus bar unit 300, most of it may be seated in the accommodation groove G of the partition unit 200, but the front end portion indicated by arrow Q1 may extend forward longer than the dimension of the accommodation groove and may be configured to be seated on the seating portion Q2 of the split unit 500.

[0124] According to such a configuration of the present invention, by seating the bus bar unit 300 on both the partition unit 200 and the split unit 500, the fixity of the bus bar unit 300 can be improved. Moreover, since the interface (gap) between the bus bar unit 300 and the split unit 500 does not form the same plane as the inner surface of the split unit 500, the sealing force between the bus bar unit 300 and the split unit 500 can be enhanced.

[0125] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Also in this embodiment, mainly the parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 16, the split unit 500 and the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to have protrusions, grooves and / or unevenness formed in corresponding shapes to be inserted and fastened to each other. For example, as shown by J1 in FIG. 16, the split unit 500 may have a protrusion formed in the direction toward the bus bar unit 300. Further, the bus bar unit 300 may have a groove formed in a shape corresponding to such a protrusion J1.

[0127] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the coupling force between the split unit 500 and the bus bar unit 300 can be improved. In particular, when gas or the like is generated from the battery module 100 and the pressure in the internal space defined by the split unit 500 and the partition unit 200 increases, the bus bar unit 300 may receive a force in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). However, according to the above-described configuration, the protrusion-groove fastening configuration between the split unit 500 and the bus bar unit 300 can prevent such movement, thereby preventing the problem that the bus bar unit 300 detaches from the accommodating portion of the partition unit 200.

[0128] On the other hand, in order to enhance such effects, as shown by J2 in FIG. 16, there may be a protrusion-groove fastening structure between the partition unit 200 and the bus bar unit 300, as described above.

[0129] On the other hand, in the various embodiments described above, the battery pack includes the split unit 500, and the description has centered on the configuration in which the bus bar unit 300 is disposed between the split unit 500 and the partition unit 200. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. For example, the battery pack may not include the split unit 500, or the bus bar unit 300 may be located in other parts other than between the partition unit 200 and the split unit 500. A related embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 17.

[0130] FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment as well, mainly the parts different from the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 17, the internal space of the pack case 400 does not include the split unit 500, and the front end portion of the partition unit 200 may be configured to abut against a part of the inner surface of the pack case 400, for example, the part indicated by K1. In this case, the bus bar unit 300 may be interposed between the upper part of the front end of the partition unit 200 and the inner surface of the pack case 400. In such an implementation configuration, the bus bar unit 300 may be configured to seal at least a part of the space between the front end portion of the partition unit 200 and the inner surface of the pack case 400.

[0132] However, in such an embodiment, it is the same as the various embodiments described above, except that the front end portion of the bus bar unit 300 contacts the pack case 400 without contacting the split unit 500, and the descriptions of the various implementation configurations described above are applicable in the same or similar manner. That is, when the configuration of the split unit 500 described above is replaced with the configuration of the pack case 400, various configurations of the present embodiment can be described. Therefore, a more detailed description of the configuration of such an embodiment is omitted.

[0133] The battery pack according to the present invention is applicable to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention may include one or more battery packs according to the present invention. In addition, an automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery pack. For example, an automobile according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. in addition to the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0134] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention is applicable to an energy storage system. That is, an energy storage system according to the present invention may include one or more battery packs according to the present invention. In addition, an energy storage system according to the present invention may further include various other components of an energy storage system known at the time of filing of the present invention. Furthermore, such an energy storage system can be used in various places and devices such as a smart grid system and an electric charging station.

[0135] On the other hand, in this specification, directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are merely used for ease of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that they may vary depending on the position of the object to be described and the position of the observer.

[0136] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to limited embodiments and drawings. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited thereto at all, and it goes without saying that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of the present invention and the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0137] 100 Battery module 110 Battery cell 120 Module terminal 200 Partition unit 300 Bus bar unit 310 Conductive part 320 Sealed part 330 Cut-off part 340 Coating part 400 Pack case 410 Lower case 420 Upper case 500 Dividing unit 600 Cable

Claims

1. A plurality of battery modules each including one or more battery cells and module terminals, A partition unit interposed between adjacent battery modules in an adjacent direction, A bus bar unit that electrically connects between module terminals of different battery modules and is located at an end of the partition unit in a front-rear direction orthogonal to the adjacent direction and the up-down direction to seal the end of the partition unit, A battery pack including the above.

2. A plurality of battery modules each including one or more battery cells and module terminals, A partition unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, A bus bar unit that electrically connects between module terminals of different battery modules and is located at or inside an end of the partition unit to seal the end or inside of the partition unit, Including, Further including a dividing unit arranged in a shape orthogonal to the partition unit and interposed between adjacent battery modules, The bus bar unit is interposed between an end of the partition unit and a surface of the dividing unit, a battery pack.

3. A plurality of battery modules each including one or more battery cells and module terminals, A partition unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, A bus bar unit that electrically connects between module terminals of different battery modules and is located at or inside an end of the partition unit to seal the end or inside of the partition unit, Including, The partition unit has a receiving groove formed in a shape with a part cut out, and the bus bar unit seats in the receiving groove to fill the receiving groove, a battery pack.

4. The partition unit is configured in a plate shape, and the receiving groove is formed at a corner portion, the battery pack according to claim 3.

5. A plurality of battery modules each including one or more battery cells and module terminals, A partition unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, A bus bar unit that electrically connects between module terminals of different battery modules and is located at or inside an end of the partition unit to seal the end or inside of the partition unit, Including, The bus bar unit includes a conductive portion made of a conductive material and connected at both ends to module terminals of battery modules that are different from each other, and a sealing portion that surrounds the periphery of the conductive portion and is configured to protrude outward from the conductive portion and seal the end portion or the inside of the partition wall unit. A battery pack comprising the same.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the sealing portion is made of an elastic material.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the bus bar unit is made of a material having a melting point higher than that of the sealing portion, and further includes a blocking portion attached to the surface of the sealing portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein at least one end portion of the blocking portion is bent.

9. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the sealing portion has a protrusion or a groove that is inserted and fastened to the accommodating portion of the partition wall unit.

10. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the sealing portion has a through hole formed so that a cable can pass therethrough.

11. Including a battery pack, The battery pack is A plurality of battery modules each including one or more battery cells and module terminals, A partition wall unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, A bus bar unit that electrically connects between module terminals of battery modules that are different from each other and is located at an end portion or inside of the partition wall unit to seal the end portion or inside of the partition wall unit, An automobile including the same.

12. Including a battery pack, The battery pack is A plurality of battery modules each including one or more battery cells and module terminals, A partition wall unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, A bus bar unit that electrically connects between module terminals of battery modules that are different from each other and is located at an end portion or inside of the partition wall unit to seal the end portion or inside of the partition wall unit, An energy storage system including the same.

13. A conductive portion made of a conductive material and connected between module terminals of battery modules that are different from each other at both ends, A sealing portion that surrounds the periphery of the conductive portion and is configured to protrude outward from the conductive portion and seal the end portion or the inside of the partition wall unit interposed between adjacent battery modules, A bus bar including the same.

Images