A busbar assembly and battery pack including the same that can prevent damage caused by fire.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, which can prevent damage caused by fire. Specifically, the present invention relates to a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, which includes a busbar made of a copper material and a cover member surrounding a portion of the busbar, the busbar including a first busbar protruding on both sides of the cover member and a second busbar surrounded by the cover member, and a width of the second busbar is smaller than a width of the first busbar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0125944 filed on October 4, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a busbar assembly capable of preventing damage caused by a fire and a battery pack including the same. Specifically, when a fire occurs in a battery cell accommodated in one of a plurality of battery modules, the present invention relates to a busbar assembly capable of preventing the fire from transferring to adjacent battery modules through the busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, thereby preventing damage caused by the fire.

Background Art

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

[0004] Secondary batteries used as an energy source for various electronic devices that are essential in modern society are increasing in required capacity due to an increase in the usage amount and complexity of mobile devices and the development of electric vehicles and the like. In order to meet the needs of users, a large number of battery cells are arranged in small devices, but battery modules that electrically connect a large number of battery cells or battery packs having a large number of such battery modules are used in vehicles and the like.

[0005] On the other hand, the battery cells accommodated in the battery module may cause a fire due to external impact, short circuit, overcurrent, etc., and such a fire may also cause secondary damage along the busbar that connects adjacent battery modules to each other.

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

[0007] Conventional flexible busbar assemblies can be easily electrically connected to battery modules located in areas with complex routing by being deformed, such as by bending the necessary parts, to form the desired shape.

[0008] However, if a fire occurs in the battery cells within the battery module, the cover member 20 may melt, and the exposed busbar 10 may come into contact with adjacent metal, potentially causing a short circuit.

[0009] Furthermore, there is a problem in that fire and venting gas can transfer to adjacent battery modules through the space between the busbar 10 and the cover member 20, potentially causing secondary damage such as fire transfer. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2015-0101154 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same that can prevent damage caused by fire, by suppressing the loss of the cover member due to fire and preventing short circuits from occurring due to contact between the busbar and adjacent metal.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same that can prevent damage from fire, by preventing fire from spreading to adjacent battery modules or secondary damage caused by the leakage of venting gas, as the pressure generated by the venting gas separates the busbar and the cover member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the busbar assembly according to the present invention includes a busbar (100) made of copper material and a cover member (200) surrounding a part of the busbar (100), wherein the busbar (100) includes a first busbar (110) protruding from both sides of the cover member (200) and a second busbar (120) surrounded by the cover member (200), characterized in that the width W2 of the second busbar (120) is smaller than the width W1 of the first busbar (110).

[0014] Furthermore, in the busbar assembly according to the present invention, the height (L2) of the second busbar (120) is lower than the height (L1) of the first busbar (110).

[0015] Furthermore, in the busbar assembly according to the present invention, one or more protrusions (121) are formed on the outer surface of the second busbar (120) at a position separated from the first busbar (110).

[0016] Furthermore, the busbar assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the cross-section of the projection (121) is square.

[0017] Furthermore, in the busbar assembly according to the present invention, a plurality of protrusions (121) are formed, forming a shape of unevenness.

[0018] Furthermore, the busbar assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the cross-section of the projection (121) is a right triangle.

[0019] Further, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the right triangle is formed such that the inclined surface faces the center of the second bus bar (120).

[0020] Further, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, metal layers 111 of a certain thickness are respectively formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the first bus bar (110).

[0021] Further, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the metal layer (111) is formed by CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) welding.

[0022] Further, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the cover member (200) is made of a fire-resistant material.

[0023] Further, in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, the fire-resistant material is a material containing any one or more of ceramized silicon, a mixed resin of polyethylene and an ethylene copolymer, and mica.

[0024] Further, the present invention can be a battery pack including the bus bar assembly having the above-described features.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] As described above, the bus bar assembly according to the present invention has an advantage that by forming a step between the first bus bar and the second bus bar, it is possible to suppress the inflow of fire and venting gas or the like between the bus bar and the cover member.

[0026] In addition, since the bus bar assembly according to the present invention has protrusions formed on the second bus bar, there is an advantage that it is possible to suppress the movement of fire and venting gas that has flowed between the bus bar and the cover member.

[0027] In addition, since the cover member does not disappear due to fire in the bus bar assembly according to the present invention, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit by blocking the contact between the bus bar and the adjacent metal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a flexible bus bar assembly according to the prior art. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the bus bar assembly according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention cut in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the bus bar assembly according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention cut in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the bus bar assembly according to a preferred third embodiment of the present invention cut in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the bus bar assembly according to a preferred fourth embodiment of the present invention cut in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, based on the accompanying drawings, embodiments will be described in detail with which those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the present invention. However, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention in explaining the operating principle of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] Furthermore, the same reference numerals shall be used throughout the drawings for parts that have similar functions and operations. Throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as being connected to another part, this includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections through other elements in between. Also, when a component is included, unless otherwise stated, it does not exclude other components, but rather means that other components may be included.

[0031] The busbar assembly and battery pack containing the same, which can prevent damage caused by fire according to the present invention, will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention, cut vertically and horizontally.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the busbar assembly according to the present invention includes a busbar 100 and a cover member 200 that surrounds a portion of the busbar 100.

[0034] The busbar 100 can be made of a flat copper material and may include first busbars 110 located at both ends, and second busbars 120 surrounded by a cover member 200 and connecting the first busbars 110 at both ends.

[0035] The first busbar 110 is connected to the terminals of the adjacent battery module, and the second busbar 120 remains surrounded by the cover member 200, and in the case housing the battery modules, it penetrates the walls that demarcate the battery module areas and connects the first busbars 110 on both sides.

[0036] The width W2 of the second busbar 120 is smaller than the width W1 of the first busbar 110, and the height L2 of the second busbar 120 is lower than the height L1 of the first busbar 110, thereby creating a step between the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120.

[0037] The cover member 200 surrounds the second bus bar 120, so that even if a fire or venting gas is generated in the direction of the first bus bar 110, the step formed between the first bus bar 110 and the second bus bar 120 makes it difficult for venting gas to flow between the second bus bar 120 and the cover member, thereby improving safety.

[0038] The cover member 200 surrounds the second busbar 120 to prevent short circuits from occurring due to contact between the second busbar 120 and adjacent metal, and may be made of an insulating material.

[0039] Furthermore, the cover member 200 is made of a fire-resistant material that does not melt in the event of a fire or high temperature. For example, it may be made of a material containing one or more of the following: ceramicized silicon, ceramic material, mixed resin of polyethylene and ethylene copolymer, mica, glass fiber fabric, and a mixture of mPPO and GF20.

[0040] The cover member 200 can have its longitudinal movement restricted by the stepped shape between the first bus bar 110 and the second bus bar 120, thereby improving its fixing force.

[0041] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention, cut vertically and horizontally, respectively.

[0042] Referring to Figure 3, the busbar assembly according to the preferred second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the busbar assembly according to the first embodiment described in Figure 2, except for the shape of the second busbar 120, so a description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0043] In a busbar assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the second busbar 120 has one or more projections 121 formed in a strip shape along the periphery of the second busbar 120 on its outer surface, and the cross-section of such projections 121 may be square.

[0044] Multiple protrusions 121 can be formed, and they can also be shaped with a bumpy (uneven) form so that they are spaced a certain distance apart from each other.

[0045] When multiple protrusions 121 are formed, each protrusion 121 can block the venting gas that flows between the second busbar 120 and the cover member 200, thus improving the effect of blocking the movement of venting gas compared to when a single protrusion 121 is formed.

[0046] Here, the outermost projection 121 may be formed at a distance from the first busbar 110. This is because if the projection 121 is formed to be in close contact with the first busbar 110, the step between the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120 will be eliminated, which may reduce the effect of suppressing the inflow of venting gas due to the step.

[0047] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly according to a preferred third embodiment of the present invention, cut vertically and horizontally.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4, the busbar assembly according to a preferred third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the busbar assembly according to the first embodiment described in Figure 2, except for the shape of the second busbar 120, so a description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0049] In a busbar assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the second busbar 120 may have one or more strip-shaped projections 121 formed on its outer surface along its periphery.

[0050] The projection 121 has a right-angled triangular cross-section, and the inclined surface of the right-angled triangular shape is formed to be tilted at a certain angle toward the center of the second busbar 120.

[0051] Multiple such protrusions 121 can be formed spaced apart from each other. Therefore, when multiple protrusions 121 are formed, each protrusion 121 can block the venting gas that flows between the second busbar 120 and the cover member 200, thereby improving the effect of blocking the movement of venting gas compared to when a single protrusion 121 is formed.

[0052] Here, the outermost projection 121 may be formed at a distance from the first busbar 110. This is because if the projection 121 is formed to be in close contact with the first busbar 110, the step between the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120 will be eliminated, which may reduce the effect of suppressing the inflow of venting gas due to the step.

[0053] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly according to a preferred fourth embodiment of the present invention, cut vertically and horizontally.

[0054] Referring to Figure 5, the busbar assembly according to a preferred fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the busbar assembly according to the first embodiment described in Figure 2, except that a metal layer 111 is formed on the first busbar 110, so a description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0055] In a busbar assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, metal layers 111 of a certain thickness may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first busbars 110 at both ends.

[0056] The metal layer 111 is, for example, made of aluminum and can be formed by CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) welding.

[0057] By forming a metal layer 111 on the upper and lower surfaces of the first busbar 110 and creating a step between the first busbar 110 and the second busbar 120, it is possible to prevent venting gas from flowing between the second busbar 120 and the cover member 200.

[0058] For example, although the drawing shows that the height of the first busbar 110 excluding the metal layer 111 is greater than the height of the second busbar 120, it is irrelevant whether the height of the first busbar 110 excluding the metal layer 111 and the height of the second busbar 120 are the same, since the metal layer 111 can be formed on the first busbar 110 to create a step.

[0059] Furthermore, the present invention is a battery pack including the aforementioned busbar assembly, and may be a device to which the aforementioned battery pack is attached.

[0060] A person with ordinary skill in the field to which this invention belongs will be able to make various applications and modifications within the scope of this invention based on the above content. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 100 Bus Bar 110 First Bus Bar 111 Metal layer 120 Second Bus Bar 121 Protrusion 200 Cover component W1 Width of the first busbar W2 Width of the second busbar L1 Height of the first busbar L2 Height of the second busbar

Claims

1. A bus bar made of copper, Includes a cover member that surrounds a portion of the busbar, The busbar includes a first busbar protruding from both sides of the cover member and a second busbar surrounded by the cover member. A busbar assembly in which the second busbar is formed as a concave step relative to the first busbar, the width of the second busbar is smaller than the width of the first busbar, and the width of the outermost edge of the cover member surrounding the second busbar is larger than the width of the first busbar.

2. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the height of the second busbar is lower than the height of the first busbar.

3. The busbar assembly according to claim 2, wherein one or more protrusions are formed on the outer surface of the second busbar at a position spaced apart from the first busbar.

4. The busbar assembly according to claim 3, wherein the cross-section of the projection is square.

5. The busbar assembly according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed to form the shape of the uneven portion.

6. The busbar assembly according to claim 3, wherein the cross-section of the projection is a right triangle.

7. The busbar assembly according to claim 6, wherein the right-angled triangle is formed such that its inclined surface faces the center of the second busbar.

8. The busbar assembly according to claim 2, wherein a metal layer of a certain thickness is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first busbar, respectively.

9. The busbar assembly according to claim 8, wherein the metal layer is formed by CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) welding.

10. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is made of a fire-resistant material.

11. The busbar assembly according to claim 10, wherein the fire-resistant material is a material comprising one or more of the following: ceramicized silicon, ceramic material, mixed resin of polyethylene and ethylene copolymer, mica, glass fiber fabric, and a mixture of mPPO and GF20.

12. A battery pack comprising a busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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