Busbar assembly and battery pack containing it
The busbar assembly with a refractory silicone layer and glass fiber tape addresses the issue of fire resistance and insulation in battery packs, preventing short circuits and explosions by maintaining insulation and facilitating gas discharge.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Conventional busbar assemblies in battery packs lack sufficient fire resistance and electrical insulation, leading to potential short circuits and flame spread when exposed to high temperatures, which can cause explosions.
A busbar assembly featuring a refractory silicone layer covered by a glass fiber tape with through holes, providing insulation and gas discharge paths to maintain electrical insulation even in high-temperature conditions.
The assembly maintains electrical insulation and prevents flame spread by ceramicizing at high temperatures, while allowing gas discharge through the tape's through holes, ensuring safety and structural integrity.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0011440 filed on January 30, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to a bus bar assembly and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a bus bar assembly with improved fire resistance and a battery pack including the same.
Background Art
[0003] In modern society, the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, video cameras, and digital cameras has become common, and the development of technologies related to such mobile devices has been active. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug - in hybrid electric vehicles (P - HEVs), etc. as a solution to problems such as air pollution in existing gasoline vehicles that use fossil fuels, and the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.
[0004] Current commercially available secondary batteries include nickel - cadmium batteries, nickel - metal hydride batteries, nickel - zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention for their advantages of almost no memory effect compared to nickel - based secondary batteries, free charge and discharge, very low self - discharge rate, and high energy density.
[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium - based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such positive electrode active material and negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator therebetween, and a battery case for hermetically storing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.
[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into two types based on the shape of their casing: can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of aluminum laminate sheet.
[0007] For secondary batteries used in small devices, two to three battery cells are typically arranged. However, for secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles, a battery module is used, which consists of numerous electrically connected battery cells. In such battery modules, the capacity and output are improved by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to each other, forming a stack of battery cells. Furthermore, one or more battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), a BMS (Battery Management System), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.
[0008] In battery packs, where numerous battery modules are assembled, the heat generated by the many battery cells accumulates in a confined space, potentially causing a rapid increase in temperature. In other words, while high output can be achieved with battery modules and battery packs equipped with such modules, there is a high probability of explosion or fire if the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not properly managed or if thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells.
[0009] On the other hand, the battery pack is equipped with busbars that connect to the battery modules. Figure 1 is a plan view showing a conventional busbar, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1.
[0010] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a conventional busbar 20 is a rod-shaped metal member extending along its length, and holes may be formed at both ends of the busbar 20 for connection to the terminal busbar of the battery module. Such a busbar 20 is configured to handle the HV (High Voltage) connection in the battery pack. The HV connection refers to the connection that acts as a power source for supplying power, and the busbar 20 is configured to guide the electrical connection of the battery module and is generally made of a metal material with excellent electrical conductivity. As an example, the busbar 20 may be made of copper (Cu).
[0011] The covering member 20C can enclose such a busbar 20. The covering member 20C may include an electrically insulating material, such as a silicone material or an epoxy material. Since the covering member 20C encloses the busbar 20 through which high current flows, it prevents the busbar 20 from coming into contact with other electrical components or conductive materials other than the terminal busbar of the battery module, thus preventing short circuits.
[0012] Recently, battery packs have been required to have features that prevent flames from spreading to the outside of the battery pack even if ignition occurs inside the battery pack. Because the flames generated inside the battery pack reach extremely high temperatures of approximately 1000°C, the covering material 20C surrounding the busbars 20 may melt, exposing the busbars 20. When the exposed busbars 20 come into contact with other electrical components or conductive materials, causing a short circuit, the internal flames can spread further, potentially reaching the outside of the battery pack. Ultimately, this could lead to the explosion of the battery pack or the vehicle in which it is installed.
[0013] Therefore, there is a need for the development of busbar assembly technology that can maintain electrical insulation even if a flame occurs inside the battery pack. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0014] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same that can maintain electrical insulation without melting even if a flame is generated inside the battery pack.
[0015] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be broadly expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]
[0016] A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar for guiding electrical connections inside a battery pack; a fire-resistant silicone layer covering the outer surface of the busbar; and a glass fiber tape covering the fire-resistant silicone layer, wherein the glass fiber tape has a plurality of through holes.
[0017] The glass fiber tape can be wrapped multiple times along the length of the busbar so as to form layers in which at least some areas overlap.
[0018] The glass fiber tape can be wrapped diagonally around the fire-resistant silicone layer multiple times such that a portion of the area between one of the layers of the glass fiber tape and another adjacent layer overlaps.
[0019] At least one of the through-holes formed in any layer of the glass fiber tape can overlap at least partially with at least one of the through-holes formed in an adjacent layer of the glass fiber tape.
[0020] The glass fiber tape may be a rectangular tape having a long side and a short side, and the glass fiber tape can wrap the fire-resistant silicone layer along the long side of the glass fiber tape.
[0021] The through holes can include vertical through holes extending along a direction parallel to the long side of the glass fiber tape and horizontal through holes extending along a direction parallel to the short side of the glass fiber tape.
[0022] All of the vertical through holes and the horizontal through holes can be composed of a plurality, and each of the vertical through holes and the horizontal through holes can be arranged along the long side of the glass fiber tape.
[0023] The glass fiber tape can be wound a plurality of times along the length direction of the bus bar so as to form layers where at least some regions overlap. At least one of the vertical through holes formed in any layer of the glass fiber tape and at least one of the horizontal through holes formed in another adjacent layer of the glass fiber tape can have at least a part of the opened portions overlapping each other.
[0024] The refractory silicon layer can include a silicon material that is ceramized at high heat.
[0025] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of the bus bar assemblies; a battery module; a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) module for controlling the electrical connection of the battery module; and a BMS (Battery Management System) module for monitoring and controlling the operation of the battery module. At least one of the bus bar assemblies electrically connects at least one of between the battery modules, between the battery module and the BDU module, between the battery module and the BMS module, or between the BDU module and the BMS module.
Advantages of the Invention
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refractory silicon layer that is ceramized by high heat or flame and a glass fiber tape that wraps such a refractory silicon layer are provided in the bus bar assembly, so that the electrical insulation of the bus bar assembly can be maintained even if a flame occurs inside the battery pack.
[0027] In addition, a plurality of through holes are formed in the glass fiber tape, and the gas generated when the bus bar assembly is exposed to the flame can be quickly discharged.
[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0029] [Figure 1] It is a plan view showing a conventional bus bar. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a partial perspective view showing a state where the module frame and the end plate are removed from the battery module of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a plan view showing a bus bar and a refractory silicon layer included in a bus bar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing a glass fiber tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a plan view showing a state where the glass fiber tape of FIG. 8 is wound around the bus bar assembly of FIG. 6. [Figure 10]This is a plan view showing how the fiberglass tape shown in Figure 8 is wrapped around the busbar assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 11] This is a plan view showing a glass fiber tape according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing how the fiberglass tape shown in Figure 11 is wrapped around the busbar assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing how the fiberglass tape shown in Figure 11 is wrapped around the busbar assembly shown in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. The present invention can be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.
[0031] To clearly explain the present invention, irrelevant parts have been omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.
[0032] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for the sake of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. In the drawings, the thicknesses are shown enlarged to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are shown exaggerated for the sake of explanation.
[0033] Furthermore, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on top of" or "on top of" another part, this includes not only when it is "directly above" the other part, but also when there is another part in between. Conversely, when we say that one part is "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in the middle. Also, when we say that a part is "on top of" or "on top of" a reference part, it means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "on top of" or "on top of" the opposite direction of gravity.
[0034] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, it means that it may include other components rather than excluding them.
[0035] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject is viewed from above, and "on a cross-section" means when the cross-section of the subject is viewed from the side after being cut perpendicularly.
[0036] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Referring to Figure 3, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar assembly 100; a battery module 1200; a BDU (battery disconnect unit) module 1300 for controlling the electrical connections of the battery module 1200; and a BMS (Battery Management System) module 1400 for monitoring and controlling the operation of the battery module 1200. In this embodiment, at least one busbar assembly 100 electrically connects at least one of the following: between battery modules 1200, between battery modules 1200 and BDU modules 130, between battery modules 1200 and BMS modules 1400, or between BDU modules 1300 and BMS modules 1400. Specifically, multiple battery modules 1200 can be housed in a pack frame 1100, and the electrical connections between battery modules 1200 and between battery modules 1200 and BDU modules 1300 can be made by the busbar assembly 100. In other words, the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment can be responsible for HV (High voltage) connections. Here, HV connection refers to a connection that acts as a power source to supply power where high voltage is required, and means connections between battery cells or between battery modules.
[0038] On the other hand, the BDU module 1300 is a component for controlling the electrical connection of the battery module 1200, and can interrupt the power supply between the power converter and the battery module 1200. The BDU module 1300 can ensure the safety of the battery pack 1000 by interrupting the power supply to the battery pack 1000 when conditions occur that cause the current to exceed a set range.
[0039] On the other hand, the LV connection member 100' according to this embodiment can be responsible for the electrical connection between the battery module 1200 and the BMS module 1400. The electrical connection here is an LV (Low voltage) connection, meaning a sensing connection for sensing and controlling the voltage and temperature of the battery module 1200. Specifically, sensors such as those inside the battery module 1200 are placed there, and real-time temperature and voltage information of the battery module 1200 is transmitted to the BMS module 1400 via the LV connection member 100'. The real-time operating state of the battery module 1200 can be monitored and controlled through the BMS module 1400. Although not specifically shown, an HV current sensor may be integrated into the BMS module 1400. In this case, the busbar assembly according to this embodiment can be responsible for the electrical connection between the battery module 1200 and the BMS module 1400 or between the BDU module 1300 and the BMS module 1400.
[0040] The battery module 1200 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. However, the battery module 1200 described below is one example structure of a battery module containing multiple battery cells 11, and various forms of battery modules containing multiple battery cells can be applied.
[0041] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing the battery module from Figure 4 with the module frame and end plate removed.
[0042] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the battery module 1200 according to this embodiment may include a battery cell stack 11A in which multiple battery cells 11 are stacked. The battery cell stack 11A is shown in Figure 5. Such a battery cell stack 11A can be housed in a module frame 30 and an end plate 40.
[0043] The battery cell 11 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell can be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a laminate sheet pouch case containing a resin layer and a metal layer, and then fusing the outer periphery of the pouch case. Such a battery cell 11 can be formed in a rectangular sheet structure. The electrode leads 11L connected to the electrode assembly protrude to the outside of the pouch case, and the electrode leads 11L of each battery cell 11 can be electrically connected to each other via a lead busbar 21. On the other hand, at least one electrode lead 11L can be connected to a terminal busbar 22. A portion of the terminal busbar 22 can be exposed to the outside of the battery module 1200, as shown in Figure 4. Both the lead busbar 21 and the terminal busbar 22 can include a metal material with excellent electrical conductivity.
[0044] The busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment can be electrically connected to such a terminal busbar 22, and the above-described HV connection can be made. In other words, the battery module 1200 can be electrically connected to other battery modules 1200, BDU modules 1300, or BMS modules 1400 via the busbar assembly 100 connected to the terminal busbar 22.
[0045] As described above, the battery cells and battery modules shown in Figures 4 and 5 are illustrative structures, and there are no special restrictions on the type or form of battery cells and battery modules included in the battery pack to which the busbar assembly according to this embodiment is applied. In other words, although pouch-type battery cells were described as an example, prismatic battery cells and cylindrical battery cells can also be applied to the battery modules according to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, although a battery module in which battery cells are housed in a module frame was described as an example, a CTP (cell to pack) type battery module in which a large number of battery cells are mounted in a battery pack without being housed in a module frame can also be applied as an example of the present invention.
[0046] A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 10.
[0047] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a busbar and a refractory silicone layer included in a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section obtained by cutting along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 6.
[0048] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a busbar assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar 200 for guiding electrical connections inside the battery pack 1000; a fire-resistant silicone layer 300 covering the outer surface of the busbar 200; and a glass fiber tape covering the fire-resistant silicone layer 300.
[0049] The busbar 200 is a component that guides the electrical connections of the battery module, i.e., the HV connections, and may include a metal material with good electrical conductivity. For example, the busbar 200 may be made of copper (Cu). The busbar 200 may also be a metal rod extending along the longitudinal direction (Ld).
[0050] The fire-resistant silicone layer 300 may include a fire-resistant silicone material. Specifically, the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 can be formed by molding the fire-resistant silicone material onto the outer surface of the busbar 200. Such a fire-resistant silicone layer 300 can cover the outer surface of the busbar 200, excluding some areas at both ends of the busbar 200 that are connected to the terminal busbar 22 (see Figure 5). The electrically insulating fire-resistant silicone layer 300 functions as an insulating layer to protect the busbar 200, preventing the busbar 200 from coming into contact with other electrical components or conductive members and causing a short circuit.
[0051] Unlike general silicon materials that burn when exposed to flames or high temperatures, the aforementioned refractory silicon material is a material that ceramicizes when exposed to flames or high temperatures. The refractory silicon material may also be a silicon material that ceramicizes above a certain temperature. The refractory silicon material may contain a silicon polymer and silica. The silicon polymer used may be a polysiloxane-based compound having a vinyl group as a functional group, and corresponds to the base material of the refractory silicon material. Silica may be fumed silica as a reinforcing filler contained in the silicon polymer. High-purity silicon chloride (SiCl4) compounds can be produced using metallic silicon as the main raw material through a reaction with hydrochloric acid and a purification process, and fumed silica can be obtained by reacting this with hydrogen and oxygen in a high-temperature flame. The refractory silicon material may also contain platinum (Pt) as a catalyst.
[0052] When the aforementioned refractory silicone material is exposed to flames or high temperatures, decomposition of the silicone polymer occurs, along with cross-linking of silica (SiO2), forming a ceramic substance. The refractory silicone layer 300 according to this embodiment does not burn or melt even when exposed to internal flames or placed in a high-temperature environment, but rather ceramicizes and maintains its electrical insulation properties.
[0053] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a glass fiber tape according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9 and 10 are plan views showing the glass fiber tape of Figure 8 wrapped around the busbar assembly of Figure 6. Specifically, Figure 9 shows the glass fiber tape 400a before the last portion is wrapped around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300, and Figure 10 shows the glass fiber tape 400a completely wrapped around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300.
[0054] Referring to Figures 6, 8, 9, and 10, the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment includes a fiberglass tape 400a that wraps around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300, and the fiberglass tape 400a has a plurality of through-holes 400H formed therein. The fiberglass tape 400a can wrap around the outer surface of the fire-resistant silicone layer 300.
[0055] The glass fiber tape 400a may include a glass fiber layer and an adhesive layer formed on one surface of such a glass fiber substrate layer. The glass fiber layer may be a woven fabric containing glass fibers, and the adhesive layer may include at least one of acrylic resin or silicone resin. The glass fiber tape 400a may be a rectangular tape having a long side 400L and a short side 400S. That is, in this specification, the long side 400L refers to the relatively long side in the rectangular tape, and the short side 400S refers to the relatively short side in the rectangular tape. Such a glass fiber tape 400a can wrap the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 along the long side 400L of the glass fiber tape 400a. Specifically, the glass fiber tape 400a can be wrapped around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 multiple times along the longitudinal direction (Ld) of the busbar 200 so as to form layers 410, 420 in which at least some areas overlap. Here, layers 410 and 420 of the glass fiber tape 400a correspond to an interlayer structure formed by overlapping at least a portion of adjacent glass fiber tape 400a portions. More specifically, the glass fiber tape 400a can be wrapped diagonally around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 multiple times such that a portion of the area between one layer 410 of the glass fiber tape 400a and the other adjacent layer 420 overlaps. In Figures 9 and 10, portions of both ends of the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 are shown as exposed and not wrapped around the glass fiber tape 400a, but this is for the sake of explanation, and the entire area of the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 can be wrapped around the glass fiber tape 400a.
[0056] The glass fiber tape 400a can protect the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 from flames. In other words, the glass fiber tape 400a completely encloses the fire-resistant silicone layer 300, providing primary protection to the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 from flames generated inside the battery pack.
[0057] Furthermore, the glass fiber tape 400a can complement the structural rigidity of the busbar 200 and the refractory silicone layer 300, thereby improving the insulation performance of the busbar 200. Specifically, when the refractory silicone layer 300 is ceramicized in a flame or high-temperature environment, the electrical insulation of the refractory silicone layer 300 can be maintained, but the strength of the refractory silicone layer 300 weakens, and it may break due to external forces. The glass fiber tape 400a can complement the rigidity of such a refractory silicone layer 300, preventing it from being damaged by external forces.
[0058] On the other hand, if the busbar assembly 100 is exposed to flames or becomes hot, gas may be generated from the adhesive layer between the refractory silicone layer 300 and the glass fiber tape 400a. The gas generated from the refractory silicone layer 300 and the glass fiber tape 400a can accelerate internal flames, impair the structural stability of the busbar assembly 100, and adversely affect its insulation performance to the busbars 200. Specifically, if the generated gas becomes trapped in the tightly adhering glass fiber tape 400a and cannot be released, a portion of the glass fiber tape 400a may bulge, eventually causing the glass fiber tape 400a to rupture and be damaged. When the glass fiber tape 400a is damaged, the refractory silicone layer 300 will also collapse without being able to form a dense structure, ultimately impairing the mechanical rigidity and electrical insulation of the busbar assembly 100. Furthermore, the gas generated from the adhesive layer between the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 and the glass fiber tape 400a may contain carbonized components, and if these carbonized components accumulate internally, they may adversely affect electrical insulation.
[0059] In this embodiment, the glass fiber tape 400a has multiple through-holes 400H formed in it, which allows for effective discharge of gases generated from the refractory silicone layer 300 and the adhesive layer of the glass fiber tape 400a. In this embodiment, the busbar assembly 100 is constructed by winding the glass fiber tape 400a multiple times around the refractory silicone layer 300 to ensure insulation and structural stability. However, gases generated from flame conditions can be easily discharged through the multiple through-holes 400H in the refractory silicone layer 300.
[0060] Furthermore, at least one of the through-holes 400H1 formed in any of the layers 410 of the glass fiber tape 400a can overlap at least partially with at least one of the through-holes 400H2 formed in the adjacent layers 420 of the glass fiber tape 400a. Figures 9 and 10 show layers 410 and 420 where at least a portion of the areas overlap. Figure 9 shows the state before a portion of one layer 410 overlaps with an adjacent layer 420, and Figure 10 shows the state after a portion of one layer 410 overlaps with an adjacent layer 420. When the glass fiber tape 400a wraps the refractory silicone layer 300, the through-holes 400H1 and 400H2 of the adjacent layers 410 and 420 overlap in this way, allowing gases generated inside to be discharged more quickly. The number and density of through-holes 400H formed in the glass fiber tape 400a must be designed taking such gas discharge paths into consideration.
[0061] On the other hand, by adjusting the position of the through-hole 400H when the glass fiber tape 400a wraps around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300, the degree of overlap between the overlapping layers 410 and 420 of the glass fiber tape 400a can be confirmed. In other words, the through-hole 400H can function not only as a gas release point but also as an indicator to confirm the degree of overlap of the glass fiber tape 400a. For example, when wrapping the glass fiber tape 400a so that the through-hole 400H located in the center of the glass fiber tape 400a is not visible, the overlapping layers 410 and 420 can be wrapped so that they overlap by approximately 50%.
[0062] A modified embodiment of the busbar assembly according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 13.
[0063] Figure 11 is a plan view showing a glass fiber tape according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12 and 13 are plan views showing the glass fiber tape of Figure 11 wrapped around the busbar assembly of Figure 6. Specifically, Figure 12 shows the glass fiber tape 400b before the last portion is wrapped around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300, and Figure 13 shows the glass fiber tape 400b after the last portion is completely wrapped around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300.
[0064] Referring together to Figures 6, 11, 12, and 13, a busbar assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar 200 for guiding electrical connections inside the battery pack 1000; a fire-resistant silicone layer 300 covering the outer surface of the busbar 200; and a glass fiber tape 400b covering the fire-resistant silicone layer 300. A description of the busbar 200 and the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 will be omitted as it will be redundant with the previously described content.
[0065] The fiberglass tape 400b according to this embodiment can be a rectangular tape having a long side 400L and a short side 400S, similar to the fiberglass tape 400a described earlier, and can form a plurality of through holes 400H. However, the fiberglass tape 400b according to this embodiment differs from the fiberglass tape 400a described earlier in the shape and arrangement of the through holes 400H.
[0066] The through-hole 400H in this embodiment may include a vertical through-hole 400Ha extending along a direction parallel to the long side 400L of the fiberglass tape 400b, and a horizontal through-hole 400Hb extending along a direction parallel to the short side 400S of the fiberglass tape 400b. The vertical through-hole 400Ha is a hole in which the width in the direction parallel to the long side 400L of the fiberglass tape 400b is wider than the width in the direction parallel to the short side 400S of the fiberglass tape 400b. The horizontal through-hole 400Hb is a hole in which the width in the direction parallel to the short side 400S of the fiberglass tape 400b is wider than the width in the direction parallel to the long side 400L of the fiberglass tape 400b.
[0067] Both vertical through-holes 400Ha and horizontal through-holes 400Hb can be configured in multiples, and each of them can be arranged along the long side 400L of the fiberglass tape 400b. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the vertical through-holes 400Ha can be arranged in two rows along the long side 400L of the fiberglass tape 400b, and the horizontal through-holes 400Hb can be arranged in one row along the long side 400L of the fiberglass tape 400b. The number and width of each of the vertical through-holes 400Ha and horizontal through-holes 400Hb may vary depending on the design.
[0068] The glass fiber tape 400b can be wrapped around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300 multiple times along the length (Ld) of the busbar 200 so as to form layers 410 and 420 that overlap in at least a portion of their area. At this time, at least one vertical through-hole 400Ha formed in one of the layers 410 of the glass fiber tape 400b and at least one horizontal through-hole 400Hb formed in the other adjacent layer 420 of the glass fiber tape 400b can overlap in at least a portion of their openings. Figures 12 and 13 show layers 410 and 420 that overlap in at least a portion of their area. Figure 12 shows the state before a portion of one layer 410 and the other adjacent layer 420 overlap, and Figure 13 shows the state after a portion of one layer 410 and the other adjacent layer 420 overlap. When the glass fiber tape 400b wraps the fire-resistant silicone layer 300, the vertical through-holes 400Ha of one layer 410 and the horizontal through-holes 400Hb of the other layer 420 can overlap each other.
[0069] In particular, in this embodiment, since vertical through-holes 400Ha and horizontal through-holes 400Hb with even wider widths in either direction are formed in the glass fiber tape 400b, it is easy to overlap the through-holes 400Ha and 400Hb between adjacent layers 410 and 420, and it is possible to form an even wider overlapping area between the through-holes 400Ha and 400Hb. As a result, gas can be discharged to the outside more quickly from the inside of the glass fiber tape 400b.
[0070] On the other hand, by adjusting the position of the through-hole 400H when the glass fiber tape 400b wraps around the fire-resistant silicone layer 300, the degree of overlap between the overlapping layers 410 and 420 of the glass fiber tape 400b can be confirmed. In other words, the through-hole 400H can function not only as a gas release point but also as an indicator to confirm the degree to which the glass fiber tape 400b overlaps. For example, when wrapping the glass fiber tape 400b so that the vertical through-hole 400Ha of the glass fiber tape 400b is not visible, it can be wrapped so that the overlapping layers 410 and 420 overlap by approximately 50%.
[0071] In this embodiment, terms such as front, back, left, right, up, and down were used to represent directions. However, these terms are for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the observer's position, etc.
[0072] One or more battery modules according to the embodiment described above can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.
[0073] The aforementioned battery modules and battery packs can be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, they can be applied to transportation methods such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, as well as ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited to these; they can be applied to a variety of devices that can use secondary batteries.
[0074] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. 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]
[0075] 100 Busbar Assembly 200 bus bar 300 Fire-resistant silicone layer 400a, 400b Fiberglass Tape 400H, 400H1, 400H2 through-holes 400Ha Vertical Through Hole 400Hb Horizontal Through Hole 1000 Battery Pack 1100 Pack Frame 1200 Battery Module 1300 BDU modules 1400 BMS module
Claims
1. Busbars for guiding electrical connections within the battery pack; A fire-resistant silicone layer covering the outer surface of the busbar; and Includes a glass fiber tape enclosing the fire-resistant silicone layer; The glass fiber tape has a plurality of through holes formed therein to release gas generated from the fire-resistant silicone layer. The glass fiber tape is wound multiple times along the length of the busbar such that it forms layers in which at least some areas overlap. A busbar assembly wherein at least one of the through holes formed in any layer of the fiberglass tape overlaps at least partially with the opening of at least one of the through holes formed in another adjacent layer of the fiberglass tape.
2. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fiberglass tape is wrapped diagonally multiple times around the fire-resistant silicone layer such that a portion of the area between any one layer of the fiberglass tape and any other adjacent layer overlaps.
3. The aforementioned fiberglass tape is a rectangular tape having a long side and a short side. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the glass fiber tape wraps the fire-resistant silicone layer along the long side of the glass fiber tape.
4. Busbars for guiding electrical connections inside a battery pack; A fire-resistant silicone layer covering the outer surface of the busbar; and Includes a glass fiber tape enclosing the fire-resistant silicone layer; The glass fiber tape has a plurality of through holes formed therein to release gas generated from the fire-resistant silicone layer. A busbar assembly comprising a through-hole including a vertical through-hole extending in a direction parallel to the long side of the fiberglass tape and a horizontal through-hole extending in a direction parallel to the short side of the fiberglass tape.
5. The aforementioned vertical through-holes and horizontal through-holes are all composed of multiple units. The busbar assembly according to claim 4, wherein each of the vertical through-holes and the horizontal through-holes is arranged along the long side of the fiberglass tape.
6. The glass fiber tape is wound multiple times along the length of the busbar so as to form layers in which at least some areas overlap. The busbar assembly according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the vertical through holes formed in any layer of the fiberglass tape and at least one of the horizontal through holes formed in any other adjacent layer of the fiberglass tape have at least a portion of their open portions overlapping each other.
7. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the refractory silicone layer includes a silicone material that is ceramicized at high temperatures.
8. At least one busbar assembly according to claim 1; Battery module; A BDU (battery disconnect unit) module for controlling the electrical connections of the battery module; and It includes a Battery Management System (BMS) module that monitors and controls the operation of the aforementioned battery module, A battery pack in which at least one of the busbar assemblies electrically connects at least one of the following: between the battery modules, between the battery modules and the BDU module, between the battery modules and the BMS module, or between the BDU module and the BMS module.