Busbar assembly and battery pack

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The present invention relates to a busbar assembly that allows easy temperature measurement of the busbar and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a busbar assembly that allows easy temperature measurement of the busbar, capable of measuring and checking temperature changes of the busbar in real time, and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

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

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

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

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

[0007] The flexible busbar assembly according to the related art can be formed into a desired shape by bending or deforming the necessary portions, thereby easily electrically connecting battery modules installed in locations with complex paths.

[0008] However, conventional flexible busbar assemblies do not include a separate temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the busbar 10, and even if they do include a temperature measuring device, they have the problem of not including a means for fixing the temperature measuring device after it is in close contact with the busbar 10.

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

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

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a bus bar assembly in which a temperature measuring device can be directly contacted and fixed to a bus bar, and a battery pack including the same.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, which have improved reliability in terms of busbar temperature values ​​because the busbar temperature can be measured in real time by directly contacting the busbar. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

[0015] In the busbar assembly according to the present invention, the material may be selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, mica, plastic resin, and glass fiber woven fabric. Modified Polyphenylene Oxide: mPPO ) , glass fiber, or a mixture thereof.

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

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

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

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

[0020] In addition, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the contact plate (410) is made of a material having insulating and thermal conductivity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0028] Furthermore, the bus bar assembly according to the present invention has the advantage that the temperature measuring portion of the thermistor assembly can directly measure the temperature of the bus bar, thereby improving the accuracy and speed of the measurement results. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

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

[0031] Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts having similar functions and actions. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection via another element therebetween. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "including a certain element" does not mean that other elements are excluded, but that other elements may also be included.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0038] Examples of the material of the cover member 200 include silicone, rubber, polyurethane, mica, plastic resin, glass fiber fabric, Modified Polyphenylene Oxide: mPPO )The material may include one or more of metals, glass fibers, or a mixture thereof, and is not limited thereto as long as it is a material that can maintain a shape surrounding the bus bar 100 and can maintain insulation by preventing the bus bar 100 from contacting adjacent metal structures.

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

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

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

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

[0043] The second receiving portion 320 can prevent the received thermistor assembly 400 from contacting an adjacent metal member, for example, a module case that receives a battery cell, thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring.

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] The temperature measuring unit 420 may be a sensor that is accommodated in the second accommodating unit 320 and positioned on the upper surface of the contact plate 410 to measure the temperature of the bus bar 100 .

[0050] The temperature measuring unit 420 has the advantage of being able to measure the temperature of the bus bar 100 transmitted through the contact plate 410 in real time and respond immediately to any temperature change in the bus bar 100 .

[0051] Here, the second receiving part 320 receiving the temperature measuring part 420 is formed to have a size that allows it to be in close contact with the temperature measuring part 420, thereby protecting the temperature measuring part 420 from external impact.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0063] The inclined portion 340 is formed to make the angle of the bent portion of the wire 430 gentler, which has the advantage of improving damage to the wire 430 due to bending.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

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

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

3. 3. The busbar assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cover member includes at least one of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, mica, plastic resin, woven glass fiber, modified polyphenylene oxide (mPPO), glass fiber, and a mixture thereof.

4. 2. The bus bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermistor assembly includes: a contact plate that comes into close contact with the bus bar; a temperature measuring unit that is attached to the contact plate and measures a temperature of the bus bar; and a wire that is connected to the temperature measuring unit and extends outside the cover cap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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