Busbar assembly and battery pack containing it

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar; a first insulating portion surrounding the main body of the busbar; and second insulating portions surrounding each end of the busbar, wherein the second insulating portion includes a pair of cap portions surrounding the upper and side surfaces of each end of the busbar, and a connecting portion located between the pair of cap portions and integrated with the pair of cap portions, the connecting portion extending along the length of the busbar and located on the outer surface of the main body of the busbar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross-reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0022667 filed on February 16, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a bus bar assembly and a battery pack including the same, and more specifically, to a bus bar assembly capable of preventing an electrical short-circuit phenomenon between a peripheral metal structure and a bus bar and a heat propagation phenomenon caused by the same in a high-temperature environment due to the occurrence of an internal flame, and a battery pack including the same.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly applicable to a wide range of products and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source, power storage devices, etc. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency not only because of the primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because no by-products are generated during energy use.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are in the spotlight because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, allowing free charge and discharge, having a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed in a metal can according to the shape of the exterior material, and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] Recently, the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, particularly with the utilization of secondary batteries as energy storage sources. This has led to a growing demand for medium-to-large-sized modular battery packs, which are assembled from battery modules in which numerous secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel. Such battery modules improve capacity and output by connecting numerous battery cells in series or parallel to each other, forming a stack of battery cells. Furthermore, multiple battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a Battery Management System (BMS) and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0007] In particular, multiple battery modules are installed inside the battery pack, and adjacent battery modules may be electrically connected via busbars. In this case, the outer surface of the busbars is protected by a heat-insulating and insulating material, thereby preventing electrical short circuits caused by electrical contact with other metal structures (components).

[0008] However, when abnormal conditions such as overcurrent, overheating, or thermal runaway occur inside the battery pack, a high-temperature environment of over 1000 degrees Celsius is formed, causing the heat-insulating and insulating materials formed on the outer surface of the busbars to disappear, resulting in the outer surface of the busbars being exposed to the outside.

[0009] Thus, when the outer surface of the busbar is exposed to the outside, there is a high possibility that an electrical short circuit will occur due to the exposed outer surface of the busbar coming into contact with other metal structures (components) inside the battery pack 1000. When an electrical short circuit occurs, an electrically closed circuit is formed inside the battery pack, which can accelerate thermal runaway phenomena inside the battery pack.

[0010] This highlights the need to develop a busbar assembly and a battery pack containing it that can effectively prevent the outer surface of the busbar from being directly exposed to a high-temperature environment even if a high-temperature environment is formed inside the battery pack, thereby preventing the aforementioned electrical short-circuit phenomenon and the resulting thermal propagation or thermal runaway between adjacent battery modules. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, which includes a first insulating part surrounding the main body of the busbar and second insulating parts surrounding both ends of the busbar, and which can prevent electrical short circuits and heat propagation phenomena between the surrounding metal structure and the busbar in a high-temperature environment caused by the generation of an internal flame.

[0012] The problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned should be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar; a first insulating portion surrounding the main body of the busbar; and second insulating portions surrounding each end of the busbar, wherein the second insulating portion includes a pair of cap portions surrounding the upper and side surfaces of each end of the busbar, and a connecting portion located between the pair of cap portions and integrated with the pair of cap portions, the connecting portion extending along the length of the busbar and located on the outer surface of the main body of the busbar.

[0014] The connecting portion may be located on the outer surface of the main body of the busbar, and the system may further include a cover portion that surrounds the outer surface of the first insulating portion.

[0015] The cover portion may be made of glass fiber material.

[0016] The first insulating portion has a recessed portion formed on its outer surface toward the main body of the busbar, and the connecting portion may be inserted into the recessed portion.

[0017] The recessed portion may be formed to a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first insulating portion.

[0018] The connecting portion may be inserted inside the first insulating portion.

[0019] The connecting portion may be separated from the main body of the busbar.

[0020] The width of the connecting portion may be smaller than the width of the first insulating portion.

[0021] The connecting portion further includes a first reinforcing portion and a second reinforcing portion which are integrated with the connecting portion and made of the same material, wherein the first reinforcing portion is formed at a position where one of the pair of cap portions and the connecting portion are in contact with each other, and the second reinforcing portion may be formed at a position where the other of the pair of cap portions and the connecting portion are in contact with each other.

[0022] The first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion may have a greater width than the connecting portion, a greater thickness than the connecting portion, or both a greater width and a greater thickness than the connecting portion.

[0023] The connecting portion further includes at least one third reinforcing portion which is integrated with the connecting portion and made of the same material, and the at least one third reinforcing portion may be formed between the two ends of the connecting portion.

[0024] The at least one third reinforcing part may have a width greater than that of the connecting part, a thickness greater than that of the connecting part, or both a width and a thickness greater than those of the connecting part.

[0025] The first insulating part and the second insulating part may each be made of a refractory silicon material.

[0026] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack including at least one of the bus bar assemblies described above, and includes a pack frame that houses a plurality of battery modules. The bus bar assembly electrically connects between a pair of adjacent battery modules among the plurality of battery modules to each other, and both ends of the bus bar may be electrically connected to the pair of adjacent battery modules, respectively.

[0027] It may further include a fixing part that penetrates both ends of the bus bar and fixes both ends of the bus bar to the pair of adjacent battery modules, respectively.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bus bar assembly of the present invention and the battery pack including the same can prevent an electrical short - circuit phenomenon between a peripheral metal structure and the bus bar and a heat propagation phenomenon caused thereby in a high - temperature environment due to the occurrence of an internal flame.

[0029] At the same time, in the bus bar assembly of the present invention and the battery pack including the same, the foamed silicon part can delay the thermal propagation or thermal runaway time between adjacent battery modules.

[0030] The advantages of the present invention are not limited to the advantages described above, and the advantages not mentioned should be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows one side of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows one side of the busbar assembly with the cover removed from the busbar assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows one side of the busbar assembly after the second insulating section has been removed from the busbar assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a cross-section obtained by cutting along the a-a' axis in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a cross-section obtained by cutting along the b-b' axis in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, specifically a view of the busbar assembly with the cover removed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows one side of the busbar assembly after removing the second insulating section from the busbar assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a cross-section taken along the same axis as in Figure 4. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a cross-section obtained by cutting along the same axis as in Figure 5. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows one side of the second insulating portion included in a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly of Figure 1, which is arranged between adjacent battery modules in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0033] To clearly explain the present invention, unnecessary explanatory parts have been omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0034] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrary for illustrative purposes, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. Thicknesses are shown enlarged in the drawings to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

[0035] Furthermore, when a specification states that a part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included.

[0036] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject is viewed from above, and "on a cross-section" means when the subject is viewed from the side of a cross-section obtained by cutting the subject perpendicularly.

[0037] The following describes a busbar assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 1 shows one side view of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows one side view of the busbar assembly with the cover portion removed from the busbar assembly of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows one side view of the busbar assembly with the second insulating portion removed from the busbar assembly of Figure 2. Figure 4 shows a cross-section cut along the a-a' axis of Figure 1. Figure 5 shows a cross-section cut along the b-b' axis of Figure 1.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the busbar assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar 110; a first insulating portion 150 surrounding the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110; and second insulating portions 200 surrounding both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar, respectively.

[0040] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in the busbar assembly 100, the busbar 110 may include both ends 111, 112 and a main body 115. More specifically, the both ends 111, 112 of the busbar 110 may include a first end 111 and a second end 112. Also, the both ends 111, 112 of the busbar and the main body 115 may be integrated with each other.

[0041] The ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110 may be electrically connected to internal components such as electrical components or battery modules housed inside the battery pack 1000 (Figure 11). For example, the busbar 110 may be a flexible busbar and may have a portion bent to conform to the empty space inside the battery pack 1000 (Figure 5).

[0042] More specifically, the lower surfaces of both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110 may be exposed to the outside. In other words, the lower surfaces of both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110 do not have to be surrounded by the first insulating portion 150 and the second insulating portion 200. Here, the lower surfaces of both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110 may be in contact with internal components such as electrical components or battery modules housed inside the battery pack 1000 (Figure 11) and electrically connected to said components.

[0043] For example, the busbar 110 may be made of a metal sheet material such as copper (Cu). However, the material of the busbar 110 is not limited to this, and any electrically conductive metal sheet material can be used in this embodiment.

[0044] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, the busbar 110 can electrically connect battery modules to each other in the complex and narrow space between adjacent battery modules.

[0045] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the first insulating portion 150 can surround the outer surface of the busbar 110. More specifically, the first insulating portion 150 may surround the outer surface of the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110. In other words, the first insulating portion 150 may surround the outer surface of the remaining portion of the busbar 110, excluding both ends 111 and 112.

[0046] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, the first insulating portion 150 surrounds the outer surface of the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110, forming an insulating structure from the external environment to the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110, and preventing electrical short circuits between the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110 and other metal structures and / or electrical components.

[0047] The first insulating part 150 may be made of a material that has a heat resistance temperature in a high-temperature environment. For example, the first insulating part 150 may be made of fire-resistant silicone, fire-resistant plastic, or a material which is a mixture of fire-resistant silicone and fire-resistant plastic.

[0048] Here, refractory silicone material refers to a material that is injection-molded, easy to manufacture, and maintains its insulating properties by ceramicizing when exposed to high-temperature environments such as flames. For example, refractory silicone may ceramicize at temperatures between 500 and 1700 degrees Celsius, but the temperature range in which refractory silicone ceramicizes is not limited to this range.

[0049] As an example, refractory silicone can include a silicone polymer and silica. For instance, the silicone polymer used may be a polysiloxane compound having a vinyl group as a functional group, and can serve as the base material for the refractory silicone material. For example, the silica used may be a reinforcing filler contained in the silicone polymer, and may be fumed silica. High-purity silicon chloride (SiCl4) compounds can be produced by reacting metallic silicon with hydrochloric acid and purifying them, and fumed silica can be obtained by reacting this with hydrogen and oxygen in a high-temperature flame. Furthermore, refractory silicone can contain platinum (Pt) as a catalyst.

[0050] When refractory silicone is exposed to flames or high temperatures, decomposition of the silicone polymer occurs, along with cross-linking of silica (SiO2), forming a ceramic material. In one embodiment, the first insulating part 150 containing refractory silicone does not burn or melt away even when exposed to flames or placed in a high-temperature environment, but instead ceramicizes and maintains its electrical insulation properties.

[0051] Furthermore, fire-resistant plastic materials can refer to materials that possess excellent fire resistance. In particular, fire-resistant plastic materials can block flames for a certain period of time without the formation of holes or drips when exposed to flames. Specifically, fire-resistant plastics can protect internal structures by forming a carbonized layer in the flame. As an example, fire-resistant plastics may contain at least one of the following: PPO (Polyphenylene Oxide)-based materials, PA (Polyamide)-based materials, and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)-based materials.

[0052] Here, a high-temperature environment may be an environment in which the temperature inside the battery pack 1000 rises due to phenomena such as overcurrent, overheating, or thermal runaway in the multiple battery modules 1100a and 1100b installed together inside the battery pack 1000. For example, a high-temperature environment may be an environment in which a fire occurs in a battery cell located inside the battery pack 1000 due to a cell event such as thermal runaway, and the temperature is heated to such a level that some of the internal components of the battery pack 1000 may be destroyed. In other words, a high-temperature environment may mean an ultra-high temperature environment in which the temperature has rapidly risen to over 1200 degrees Celsius.

[0053] As a result, if the first insulating part 150 is made of fire-resistant silicone material, it will ceramicize without disappearing in high-temperature environments such as flames, preventing electrical short circuits between the main body 115 of the busbar 110 and other metal structures and / or electrical components even in high-temperature environments. In addition, if the first insulating part 150 is made of fire-resistant plastic material, it has the advantage of improved insulation and fire resistance, which can protect the busbar from flames generated from the outside.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4, the second insulating portion 200 may include a pair of cap portions 210, 220 that surround the upper and side surfaces of both ends 111, 112 of the busbar 110, and a connecting portion 250 that is located between the pair of cap portions 210, 220 and is integrated with the pair of cap portions 210, 220.

[0055] The second insulating part 200 may be made of a material that has a heat resistance temperature in high-temperature environments. For example, the second insulating part 200 may be made of a fire-resistant silicone material. Here, the fire-resistant silicone material can be described in the same way as the fire-resistant silicone material of the first insulating part 150 described above. In particular, the fire-resistant silicone material included in the second insulating part 200 has relatively high elasticity compared to the fire-resistant plastic material included in the first insulating part 150, and the pair of cap parts 210 and 220 can be bent relatively easily, and the connecting part 250 can be easily fixed to the first insulating part 150.

[0056] As a result, the second insulating portion 200 does not disappear in high-temperature environments such as flames, but is instead ceramicized, preventing electrical short circuits between the ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110 and other metal structures and / or electrical components, even in high-temperature environments.

[0057] The pair of cap portions 210 and 220 may include a first cap portion 210 and a second cap portion 220. The first cap portion 210 and the second cap portion 220 may each have a structure that surrounds the fixing portion 500, Figure 11, which penetrates both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110, together with the ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110. The interiors of the first cap portion 210 and the second cap portion 220 may each be recessed in opposite directions toward the ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110, and the fixing portion 500, Figure 11, may be located in the recessed space of the first cap portion 210 and the second cap portion 220, together with the ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110.

[0058] The pair of cap portions 210 and 220 can have a width that can cover both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110. For example, the pair of cap portions 210 and 220 can have the same width as the first insulating portion 150, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As another example, the pair of cap portions 210 and 220 can have a width greater than the first insulating portion 150, unlike in Figures 1 and 2. As yet another example, the pair of cap portions 210 and 220 can have a width smaller than the first insulating portion 150 and a width greater than both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110, unlike in Figures 1 and 2.

[0059] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, the pair of cap portions 210 and 220 surround the fixing portion 500 (Figure 11) together with both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110, forming an insulating structure from the external environment to both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110. At the same time, the insulation of the electrical connection structure between both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110 and internal components such as electrical components or battery modules housed inside the battery pack 1000 (Figure 11) can be improved.

[0060] The pair of cap portions 210 and 220 can have a structure that allows them to be freely attached to and detached from both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110. For example, the pair of cap portions 210 and 220 may be attached to and detached from both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110 by being lifted away from the upper surfaces of both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110, or lowered towards them.

[0061] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, the pair of cap portions 210 and 220 included in the second insulating portion 200 can be freely attached to and detached from both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110, and the busbar assembly 100 can be easily connected to internal components such as electrical components or battery modules housed inside the battery pack 1000 (Figure 11).

[0062] The connecting portion 250 may be integrated with the pair of cap portions 210 and 220. In other words, one end of the connecting portion 250 may be integrated with the first cap portion 210, and the other end of the connecting portion 250 may be integrated with the second cap portion 220. For example, the connecting portion 250 and the pair of cap portions 210 and 220 may be formed by injection molding as a single unit.

[0063] The connecting portion 250 may extend along the length of the busbar 110 between the pair of cap portions 210 and 220. For example, the connecting portion 250 may be located on the upper surface of the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, and may extend along the length of the busbar 110 with respect to the center of the main body portion 115. However, the position of the connecting portion 250 is not limited to this and can be adjusted to an appropriate position as needed.

[0064] The connecting portion 250 can have a width sufficient to stably fix the pair of cap portions 210 and 220 together. For example, the connecting portion 250 can have a width smaller than the first insulating portion 150, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5. As another example, the connecting portion 250 can have the same width as the first insulating portion 150, unlike in Figures 2, 3, and 5.

[0065] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, the pair of cap portions 210, 220 and the connecting portion 250 are integrated with each other, eliminating the need for separate fastening means such as tape, thus simplifying the manufacturing process, and further strengthening the fixing force between the pair of cap portions 210, 220 and the connecting portion 250.

[0066] Referring to Figures 1, 4, and 5, the busbar assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover portion 300 that surrounds the outer surface of the first insulating portion 150, with the connecting portion 250 positioned on the outer surface of the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110. More specifically, the cover portion 300 may surround the entire outer surface of the first insulating portion 150.

[0067] The cover portion 300 may be made of at least one material from the group consisting of fire-resistant silicone, glass fiber, and mica. For example, the cover portion 300 may be made of a tape-like member coated with fire-resistant silicone, or a tape-like member containing mica. As another example, the cover portion 300 may be a structure in which multiple sheets are laminated, each composed of at least two materials from the group consisting of fire-resistant plastic, glass fiber, and mica. However, the material of the cover portion 300 is not limited to these, and any material having fire resistance and structural rigidity may be included in this embodiment.

[0068] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, the cover portion 300 surrounds the outer surface of the first insulating portion 150, thereby temporarily forming an insulating structure from the external environment to the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110 while improving structural rigidity. In other words, the cover portion 300 prevents the busbar 110, the first insulating portion 150, and the second insulating portion 200 located inside the cover portion 300 from being directly exposed to flames, thereby further improving fire resistance.

[0069] In addition, the cover portion 300 can protect the busbar 110, the first insulating portion 150, and the second insulating portion 200 located inside the cover portion 300 from physical external forces and prevent damage due to mechanical friction.

[0070] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the first insulating portion 150 has a recessed portion 155 formed on its outer surface toward the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110, and the connecting portion 250 may be inserted into the recessed portion 155.

[0071] The recessed portion 155 may extend along the length of the busbar 110. In other words, the recessed portion 155 may extend along the length of the connecting portion 250 included in the second insulating portion 200. For example, the recessed portion 155 may extend along the length of the busbar 110 with respect to its center, as shown in Figures 2 to 5. However, the position of the recessed portion 155 is not limited to this and can be adjusted to an appropriate position depending on the position of the connecting portion 250.

[0072] The recessed portion 155 may be formed with a thickness less than the thickness of the first insulating portion 150. Alternatively, the recessed portion 155 may be formed with a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the connecting portion 250.

[0073] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, with the connecting portion 250 inserted into the recessed portion 155, the outer surface of the first insulating portion 150 can be surrounded by the cover portion 300, and the second insulating portion 200 can be stably fixed inside the cover portion 300.

[0074] Figure 6 shows a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed, and shows one side view of the busbar assembly. Figure 7 shows a busbar assembly with the second insulating part removed from the busbar assembly of Figure 6. Figure 8 shows a cross-section cut along the same axis as Figure 4. Figure 9 shows a cross-section cut along the same axis as Figure 5.

[0075] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment differs from the busbar assembly 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5 only in the position of the connecting portion 250a. All other components can be described in the same way, and the following description will focus on the position of the connecting portion 250a.

[0076] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the connecting portion 250a may be inserted inside the first insulating portion 150a. More specifically, the connecting portion 250a may be inserted inside the first insulating portion 150a located on the upper surface of the main body portion 115a of the busbar. In other words, an insertion hole 155a may be formed inside the first insulating portion 150a located on the upper surface of the main body portion 115a of the busbar, and the connecting portion 250a may be inserted into the insertion hole 155a. Here, the connecting portion 250a may be separated from the main body portion 115 of the busbar 110.

[0077] The insertion hole 155a may extend along the length of the busbar 110a. In other words, the insertion hole 155a may extend along the length of the connecting portion 250a included in the second insulating portion 200a. For example, the insertion hole 155a may extend along the length of the busbar 110a with respect to its center, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. However, the position of the insertion hole 155a is not limited to this and can be adjusted to an appropriate position depending on the position of the connecting portion 250a.

[0078] The insertion hole 155a may be formed with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first insulating portion 150a. Alternatively, the insertion hole 155a may be formed with a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the connecting portion 250a. Alternatively, the insertion hole 155a may be formed with a thickness equal to or less than the thickness of the connecting portion 250a.

[0079] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, with the connecting portion 250a inserted into the insertion hole 155a formed inside the first insulating portion 150a, the outer surface of the first insulating portion 150 can be surrounded by the cover portion 300, and the second insulating portion 200 can be more stably fixed inside the cover portion 300.

[0080] Figure 10 shows one side of the second insulating portion included in a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to Figure 10, the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment differs from the busbar assembly 100 shown in Figures 1 to 9 only in the shape of the second insulating part 200b. All other components can be described in the same way, and the following description will focus on the second insulating part 200b.

[0082] In the second insulating portion 200b, the connecting portion 250b may further include a first reinforcing portion 251b and a second reinforcing portion 252b, which are integrated with the connecting portion 250b and made of the same material.

[0083] More specifically, the first reinforcing portion 251b is formed at a position where one of the pair of cap portions 210b, 220b and the connecting portion 250b are in contact with each other, and the second reinforcing portion 252b may be formed at a position where the other of the pair of cap portions 210b, 220b and the connecting portion 250b are in contact with each other.

[0084] The first reinforcing portion 251b and the second reinforcing portion 252b may have a greater width than the connecting portion 250b, or a greater thickness than the connecting portion 250b, or both a greater width and a greater thickness than the connecting portion 250b.

[0085] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, the first reinforcing part 251b and the second reinforcing part 252b can more firmly reinforce the connection between the pair of cap parts 210b and 220b of the second insulating part 200b and the connecting part 250b. In addition, the pair of cap parts 210b and 220b can be freely attached to and detached from both ends 111 and 112 of the busbar 110, which may cause the space between the pair of cap parts 210b and 220b and the connecting part 250b to be frequently folded, and there is an advantage that the first reinforcing part 251b and the second reinforcing part 252b can compensate for damage caused by this.

[0086] The connecting portion 250b further includes at least one third reinforcing portion 255b which is integrated with the connecting portion 250b and made of the same material, and the third reinforcing portion 255b may be formed between the two ends of the connecting portion 250b. For example, as shown in Figure 10, one third reinforcing portion 255b may be formed at the center of the connecting portion 250b. As another example, unlike in Figure 10, the number of third reinforcing portions 255b may be at least two or more, and the position of the third reinforcing portion 255b may be between the center of the connecting portion 250b and one end of the connecting portion 250b.

[0087] The third reinforcing portion 255b may have a greater width than the connecting portion 250b, or a greater thickness than the connecting portion 250b, or both a greater width and a greater thickness than the connecting portion 250b.

[0088] As a result, in the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment, the first reinforcing part 251b, the second reinforcing part 252b, and the third reinforcing part 255b are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connecting part 250b, which has the advantage of fixing the shape of the connecting part 250b in the longitudinal direction of the connecting part 250b and preventing the connecting part 250b from bending in the width direction.

[0089] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly of Figure 1, which is arranged between adjacent battery modules in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to Figure 11, another embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack 1000 comprising at least one busbar assembly 100, and including a pack frame 1200 that houses a plurality of battery modules 1100a, 1100b.

[0091] Here, the pack frame 1200 may include a lower pack frame (not shown) to which a plurality of battery modules 1100a, 1100b are attached, and an upper pack frame (not shown) located above the battery modules 1100a, 1100b. More specifically, the upper pack frame can cover the upper part of the lower pack frame when the plurality of battery modules 1100a, 1100b are attached to the lower pack frame. Here, the lower pack frame and the upper pack frame can be joined to each other by methods such as welding or bonding to seal the inside of the battery pack 1000.

[0092] The battery modules 1100a and 1100b include a battery cell stack (not shown) in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a module frame (not shown) that houses the battery cell stack (not shown).

[0093] The battery cell is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, the battery cell may be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet containing a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing the pouch case. The battery cell may be formed as a rectangular sheet-type structure. The battery cell may consist of multiple cells, and the multiple battery cells are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack (not shown). Here, the number of battery cells constituting the battery cell stack (not shown) can be adjusted depending on the circumstances.

[0094] The module frame (not shown) may include an upper cover and a U-shaped frame. Here, the U-shaped frame may include a bottom and two side portions extending upward from both ends of the bottom. In this case, the bottom can cover the lower surface of the battery cell stack (not shown), and the side portions can cover the sides of the battery cell stack (not shown). The upper cover and the U-shaped frame can be joined by welding or other means with their corresponding corner portions in contact, forming a structure that covers the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the battery cell stack (not shown). Therefore, the upper cover and the U-shaped frame may be made of a metal material having a predetermined strength.

[0095] However, the structure of the module frame (not shown) is not limited to this, and in other embodiments, the module frame (not shown) may have a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal plate in which the top surface, bottom surface and both sides are integrated. The monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding. Furthermore, the structure of the module frame (not shown) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a monoframe or U-shaped frame, and may be provided as a variety of structures not described in the above examples. In addition, battery modules 1100a and 1100b according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which the module frame is omitted. In other words, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the module frame is omitted from the components of the battery modules 1100a and 1100b, which reduces the weight of the battery pack 1000 and further increases the utilization rate of space inside the battery pack 1000.

[0096] Furthermore, the battery modules 1100a and 1100b further include busbar frames located on the front and rear surfaces of a battery cell stack (not shown), respectively, and end plates covering the busbar frames. Here, busbars (not shown) electrically connected to the battery cell stack (not shown) can be located on the busbar frames. This allows the end plates to physically protect the battery cell stack (not shown) and other electrical components from external impacts.

[0097] Referring to Figure 11, the busbar assembly 100 may electrically connect a pair of adjacent battery modules 1100a, 1100b from among a plurality of battery modules 1100a, 1100b. More specifically, the busbar assembly 100 may be located above a pair of adjacent battery modules 1100a, 1100b, or it may extend along the space between a pair of adjacent battery modules 1100a, 1100b.

[0098] In the busbar assembly 100, the lower surfaces of both ends of the busbar 110 are exposed toward the battery modules 1100a and 1100b, and both ends of the busbar 110 may be electrically connected to an adjacent pair of battery modules 1100a and 1100b, respectively.

[0099] The battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include fixing parts 500 that pass through both ends of the bus bar 110 located inside a pair of cap parts 210, 220, and fix both ends 111, 112 of the bus bar 110 to an adjacent pair of battery modules 1100a, 1100b, respectively.

[0100] For example, the fixing part 500 may be a component such as a bolt. However, it is not limited to this, and any component that can maintain the electrical connection between both ends 111, 112 of the busbar 110 and the pair of battery modules 1100a, 1100b and stably fix them to each other may be included in this embodiment.

[0101] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned busbar assembly 100 electrically connects a pair of adjacent battery modules 1100a and 1100b to each other, preventing the busbar 110 from being exposed to the outside through the first insulating part 150, the second insulating part 200, and / or the cover part 300 in the high-temperature environment inside the battery pack 1000. At the same time, it is possible to prevent flame exposure and accelerated heat propagation outside the battery pack 1000 due to electrical short circuits between the busbar 110 and other metal structures and / or electrical components.

[0102] The aforementioned battery pack can be applied to a variety of devices. Such devices include means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is applicable to a variety of devices that use battery modules and battery packs containing them, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0103] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art, utilizing the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the following claims, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 100: Busbar Assembly 110, 110a: Busbar 111, 111a: First end 112, 112a: Second end 115, 115a: Main body 150, 150a: First insulating section 200, 200a, 200b: Second insulating section 210, 210a, 210b: First cap section 220, 220a, 220b: Second cap section 250, 250a, 250b: Connection part 251b: 1st reinforcement part 252b:Second reinforcement part 255b: Third reinforcement section 300, 300a: Cover section 500: Fixed part 1000: Battery pack 1100a: First battery module 1100b: Second battery module 1200: Pack Frame

Claims

1. A busbar comprising a main body and end portions located at both ends of the main body; A first insulating portion surrounding the outer surface of the main body of the busbar; and Including the second insulating part, The second insulating portion includes a pair of cap portions that surround the upper and side surfaces of each of the ends of the busbar, and a connecting portion that is located between the pair of cap portions and is integrated with the pair of cap portions. The connecting portion extends along the length of the busbar and is located on the outer surface of the main body of the busbar, forming a busbar assembly.

2. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a cover portion that surrounds the outer surface of the first insulating portion, with the connecting portion positioned on the outer surface of the main body portion of the busbar.

3. The busbar assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cover portion is made of glass fiber material.

4. The first insulating portion has a recessed portion formed on its outer surface toward the main body of the busbar, The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is inserted into the recessed portion.

5. The busbar assembly according to claim 4, wherein the recessed portion is formed to a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first insulating portion.

6. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is inserted inside the first insulating portion.

7. The busbar assembly according to claim 6, wherein the connecting portion is separated from the main body portion of the busbar.

8. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the width of the connecting portion is smaller than the width of the first insulating portion.

9. The connecting portion further includes a first reinforcing portion and a second reinforcing portion which are integrated with the connecting portion and made of the same material. The first reinforcing portion is formed at a position where one of the pair of cap portions and the connecting portion are in contact with each other. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second reinforcing portion is formed at a position where one of the pair of cap portions and the connecting portion are in contact with each other.

10. The busbar assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion have a greater width than the connecting portion, or a greater thickness than the connecting portion, or both a greater width and a greater thickness than the connecting portion.

11. The connecting portion further includes at least one third reinforcing portion which is integrated with the connecting portion and made of the same material, The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one third reinforcing portion is formed between the two ends of the connecting portion.

12. The busbar assembly according to claim 11, wherein the third reinforcing portion has a greater width than the connecting portion, or a greater thickness than the connecting portion, or both a greater width and a greater thickness than the connecting portion.

13. The first insulating part is made of fire-resistant silicone, fire-resistant plastic, or a material which is a mixture of fire-resistant silicone and fire-resistant plastic. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the second insulating parts is made of fire-resistant silicone material.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Includes a pack frame that houses multiple battery modules, The busbar assembly electrically connects adjacent pairs of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules, A battery pack in which both ends of the busbar are electrically connected to the pair of adjacent battery modules, respectively.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, further comprising fixing portions that penetrate both ends of the busbar and fix both ends of the busbar to the adjacent pair of battery modules, respectively.

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