Busbar assembly and battery pack containing it

Abstract

A busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar for guiding electrical connections of battery modules inside a battery pack, a refractory silicon member having a recess formed on its lower surface, and a cover having an opening formed in its lower portion. The refractory silicon member is fitted into the cover through the opening, and the busbar is attached to the recess of the refractory silicon member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0094532 filed on July 20, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are incorporated as a part of the present 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 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, laptop computers, video cameras and digital cameras has become commonplace, and development of technologies in the field related to such mobile devices is being actively carried out. In addition, rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries are a solution for solving problems such as air pollution of existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels, and are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) and the like, so the necessity for development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries and the like. Among these, lithium secondary batteries barely cause memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, allow free charging and discharging, have a very low self-discharge rate and high energy density, and therefore have been attracting attention for these advantages.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery comprises a positive electrode plate coated with the positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with the negative electrode active material, an electrode assembly in which a separator is disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and a battery case that seals and accommodates the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[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] In the case of secondary batteries used in small devices, two to three battery cells are arranged, but in the case of secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles, a battery module is used in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected. In such battery modules, the capacity and output are improved by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to each other to form 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 composed of multiple battery modules, heat from multiple battery cells can accumulate in a confined space, potentially causing a rapid increase in temperature. In other words, while high output can be obtained with battery modules that stack multiple battery cells and battery packs that incorporate these modules, there is a high possibility of explosion or fire if the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not performed properly or if thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells.

[0009] On the other hand, a busbar is provided inside the battery pack, which connects to the battery module. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a conventional busbar.

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, a conventional busbar 20 is a rod-shaped metal member extending along its length. The busbar 20 is an intermediary that electrically connects the terminal busbars 22 of the battery module 1200, and as an example, each end of the busbar 20 may be connected to the terminal busbars 22 of the battery module 1200. For example, a bolt member 60 may pass through both the busbar 20 and the terminal busbar 22 and be connected with a nut, thereby physically and electrically connecting the busbar 20 and the terminal busbar 22.

[0011] Such a busbar 20 is configured to handle the HV (High Voltage) connection in the battery pack. HV connection refers to the connection of the power source that supplies power, and the busbar 20 is configured to guide the electrical connection of the battery module and is generally made of a highly conductive metal material. For example, the busbar 20 may be made of copper (Cu).

[0012] The covering member 20P can enclose such a busbar 20. The covering member 20P may include an electrically insulating material, such as a silicone material or an epoxy material. Because the covering member 20P 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 a short circuit. In addition, a cap 20C may be provided to cover the portion where the busbar 20 and the terminal busbar 22 are connected, and the cap 20C may be fixed to the covering member 20P by tape 20T.

[0013] In recent years, battery packs have been required to have features that prevent flames from spreading to the outside of the battery pack even if a fire occurs inside. Because flames generated inside a battery pack reach extremely high temperatures of approximately 1000°C, the covering material 20P surrounding the busbar 20 may melt, exposing the busbar 20. When the exposed busbar 20 comes 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.

[0014] Furthermore, if the cap 20C covers the portion where the bus bar 20 and the terminal bus bar 22 are connected, the bus bar 20 will be almost completely covered, but the terminal bus bar 22 may be exposed on the side. If dust or other debris accumulates in the gap where the terminal bus bar 22 is exposed in this way, the risk of a short circuit occurring with other electrical components inside the battery pack increases.

[0015] In response to this, there is a need for technological development of busbar assemblies that can maintain electrical isolation. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a busbar assembly and a battery pack containing the same that can maintain electrical insulation without melting even if a flame is generated inside the battery pack.

[0017] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be extended in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] A bus bar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a bus bar that guides electrical connection of battery modules inside a battery pack; a fire-resistant silicone member having a recessed portion formed on a lower surface thereof; and a cover having an open portion formed at a lower portion thereof. The fire-resistant silicone member is fitted into the cover through the open portion, and the bus bar is mounted in the recessed portion of the fire-resistant silicone member.

[0019] The recessed portion may include a first recessed portion that is recessed in a form corresponding to the shape of the bus bar.

[0020] The bus bar may have at least two connection regions that are portions in contact with terminal bus bars of the battery module.

[0021] The recessed portion may include: a first recessed portion that is recessed in a form corresponding to the shape of the bus bar; and a second recessed portion that is at a portion corresponding to the connection region and further recessed than the first recessed portion.

[0022] The connection region of the bus bar may be connected to the terminal bus bar of the battery module by bolting.

[0023] A plurality of grooves may be formed on an outer surface of the fire-resistant silicone member facing the inner surface of the cover.

[0024] The plurality of grooves may communicate with each other along one side surface, an upper surface, and the other side surface of the fire-resistant silicone member.

[0025] The fire-resistant silicone member may include a fixing guide portion that supports a part of a lower surface of the bus bar.

[0026] The bus bar assembly may further include a glass fiber tape wrapping an outer surface of the cover.

[0027] The fire-resistant silicone member may include a silicone material that ceramizes at high heat.

[0028] The cover may comprise a mica material.

[0029] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least one bus bar assembly; the battery module; a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) module for controlling electrical connection of the battery module; and a BMS (Battery Management System) module for monitoring and controlling operation of the battery module. The at least one bus bar assembly electrically connects at least one selected from the group consisting of between the battery modules, between the battery module and the BDU module, between the battery module and the BMS module, and between the BDU module and the BMS module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bus bar assembly is provided with a refractory silicon member that is ceramized by high heat or flame, and a cover enclosing the refractory silicon member, so that the electrical insulation of the bus bar assembly can be maintained even if a flame occurs inside the battery pack.

[0031] Further, the refractory silicon member and the cover can completely cover a portion where the bus bar and a terminal bus bar are connected. Accordingly, there is no possibility that dust or the like accumulates on the bus bar or the terminal bus bar of the battery module, and the risk of occurrence of a short circuit with other electrical components inside the battery pack can be reduced.

[0032] The effects of the invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a drawing showing a conventional bus bar. [Figure 2]This is a plan view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing the battery module with the module frame and end plate removed. [Figure 5] This is a drawing showing how a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a battery module. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the cover included in the busbar assembly. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a top view of the busbar assembly. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the busbar assembly, seen from below. [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing cross-sections obtained by cutting along the cutting lines A-A' and B-B' in Figure 8, respectively. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are a plan view and a side view showing a fire-resistant silicone member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a bottom view of a busbar assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, seen from below. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing a cross-section obtained by cutting along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing a cover and glass fiber tape according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] 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 them. The present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] To clearly explain the present invention, unnecessary parts have been omitted, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0036] 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. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are shown enlarged to clearly represent them. Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are shown exaggerated for illustrative purposes.

[0037] Furthermore, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on top of" or "above" 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 one part is "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, being "on top of" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on top of" or "above" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0038] Furthermore, when a specification states that a part of it "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise specified, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included.

[0039] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" refers to a view of the subject from above, and "on a cross-section" refers to a view of a cross-section of the subject, obtained by cutting it perpendicularly, from the side.

[0040] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2, 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. At least one busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment electrically connects at least one of the following: between the battery modules 1200, between the battery module 1200 and the BDU module 1300, between the battery module 1200 and the BMS module 1400, or between the BDU module 1300 and the BMS module 1400. Specifically, multiple battery modules 1200 may be housed in a pack frame 1100, and the electric connections between the battery modules 1200 and between the battery module 1200 and the BDU module 1300 can be made by the busbar assembly 100. In other words, the busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment can handle HV (High Voltage) coupling. Here, HV coupling refers to the coupling of power sources that supply power requiring high voltage, and means coupling between battery cells or between battery modules.

[0042] 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.

[0043] On the other hand, the LV connecting 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 arranged, and real-time temperature and voltage information of the battery module 1200 is transmitted to the BMS module 1400 via the LV connecting member 100'. The real-time operating state of the battery module 1200 can be monitored and controlled via the BMS module 1400. Although not specifically shown, an HV current sensor may be incorporated 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.

[0044] The battery module 1200 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. However, the battery module 1200 described below is just one example of a battery module structure including multiple battery cells 11, and various forms of battery modules including multiple battery cells can be applied.

[0045] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing the battery module from Figure 3 with the module frame and end plate removed.

[0046] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the battery module 1200 according to this embodiment may include a battery cell stack 11A in which a plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked. The battery cell stack 11A is shown in Figure 4. Such a battery cell stack 11A may be housed in the internal space formed by the module frame 30 and the end plate 40.

[0047] The battery cell in this embodiment may be a pouch-type battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a cylindrical battery cell. However, in Figures 3 and 4, the battery cell 11 is described as a pouch-type battery cell as an example of the present invention. A pouch-type battery cell can be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet containing a resin layer and a metal layer, and then fusing the outer periphery of the pouch case. Such a battery cell 11 may be formed in a rectangular sheet structure. The electrode leads 11L connected to the electrode assembly protrude to the outside of the pouch case, but the electrode leads 11L of each battery cell 11 may be electrically connected to each other via a lead busbar 21. On the other hand, at least one electrode lead 11L may be connected to a terminal busbar 22. A portion of the terminal busbar 22 may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 1200, as shown in Figure 3. Both the lead busbar 21 and the terminal busbar 22 may contain a metal material with excellent conductivity.

[0048] The busbar assembly 100 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to such a terminal busbar 22, enabling the HV connection described above. That is, the battery module 1200 may 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.

[0049] A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 10.

[0050] Figure 5 is a diagram showing how a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a battery module. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the cover included in the busbar assembly of Figure 5.

[0051] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a busbar assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar 200 that guides the electrical connections of a battery module 1200 inside a battery pack 1000; a fire-resistant silicone member 300 with a recess formed on its lower surface; and a cover 400 with an opening formed at the bottom.

[0052] The busbar 200 is a component that guides the electrical connections of the battery module, i.e., HV coupling, and may contain a highly conductive metal material. For example, the busbar 200 may contain copper (Cu) material. The busbar 200 may also be a metal rod extending along its length.

[0053] The fire-resistant silicone member 300 is fitted into the interior of the cover 400 through an opening 400H formed in the cover 400. As shown in Figure 6, the cover 400 may have an internal space, and this internal space may be connected to an opening 400H formed at the bottom. That is, the cover 400 may include a top surface and four side surfaces, and the internal space formed by the top surface and the four side surfaces may communicate with the opening 400H formed at the bottom.

[0054] Such a cover 400 may contain mica material. A cover 400 containing mica material can provide fire resistance and structural rigidity to the busbar assembly 100. Even if flames are generated due to thermal runaway in the battery pack 1000, the cover 400 will not melt, protecting the internal busbars 200 from surrounding structures and preventing further short circuits.

[0055] Figure 7 is a top view of the busbar assembly shown in Figure 5. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the busbar assembly shown in Figure 5. Figures 9(a) and 9(b) show cross-sections obtained by cutting along the cutting lines A-A' and B-B' in Figure 8, respectively. Considering the angles in Figure 7, the fire-resistant silicone member 300 fitted into the cover 400 is not visible, but for the sake of explanation, the fire-resistant silicone member 300 is represented by a dotted line.

[0056] Referring to Figures 5, 7, 8, and 9, a recessed portion 300D is formed on the lower surface of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to this embodiment, and the bus bar 200 is attached to this recessed portion 300D. That is, with the bus bar 200 attached to the recessed portion 300D formed on the lower surface of the fire-resistant silicone member 300, the bus bar 200 and the fire-resistant silicone member 300 are fitted into the interior of the cover 400 through the opening 400H of the cover 400.

[0057] The fire-resistant silicone member 300 may contain fire-resistant silicone material. The fire-resistant silicone member 300, which contains fire-resistant silicone material and has electrical insulating properties, functions as an insulating layer to protect the busbar 200 and prevents the busbar 200 from coming into contact with other electrical components or conductive members and causing a short circuit.

[0058] Unlike general silicone materials that burn when exposed to flames or high temperatures, the aforementioned refractory silicone material is a material that ceramicizes when exposed to flames or high temperatures. The refractory silicone material may contain a silicone polymer and silica. The silicone polymer used may be a polysiloxane compound having a vinyl group as a functional group, and corresponds to the base material of the refractory silicone material. Silica is a reinforcing filler contained in the silicone polymer and may be fumed silica. 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 silicone material may also contain platinum (Pt) as a catalyst.

[0059] 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 member 300 according to this embodiment does not burn or melt away even when exposed to internal flames or placed in a high-temperature environment, but instead ceramicizes and maintains its electrical insulation properties.

[0060] The busbar 200 guides electrical connections within the battery pack 1000, but Figure 5 shows, as an example, that the busbar 200 electrically connects the terminal busbars 22 of the battery module 1200. Each end of the busbar 200 may also be connected to a terminal busbar 22 of the battery module 1200.

[0061] A fire-resistant silicone member 300 is attached to the busbar 200 from above, allowing the busbar 200 to be mounted in the recessed portion 300D of the fire-resistant silicone member 300. Furthermore, a cover 400 is attached from above, allowing the busbar 200 and the fire-resistant silicone member 300 to be positioned within the internal space of the cover 400. Therefore, even if a flame is generated due to thermal runaway in the battery pack 1000, the cover 400 protects the busbar 200 and the fire-resistant silicone member 300. Additionally, the fire-resistant silicone member 300 does not burn or melt away, but rather ceramicizes, maintaining its electrical insulation properties. Ultimately, the electrical insulation of the busbar assembly 100 is maintained, preventing further short circuits in the busbar assembly 100 and preventing flames from leading to the explosion of the battery pack or the vehicle to which it is installed.

[0062] Furthermore, when the cover 400 contains mica material, while its structural rigidity is improved, it may be susceptible to damage or cracking due to external vibrations or impacts. The fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to this embodiment can absorb external vibrations and impacts while being located inside the cover 400. In other words, due to the elastic properties of the fire-resistant silicone member 300, external vibrations and impacts are not directly transmitted to the cover 400. Therefore, the risk of damage or cracking of the cover 400 can be reduced.

[0063] On the other hand, in the case of the conventional covering member 20P shown in Figure 1, the cap 20C fixed by tape 20T covers the portion where the bus bar 20 and the terminal bus bar 22 are connected, so there is a risk that the bus bar 20 and the terminal bus bar 22 will be exposed in the lateral direction. On the other hand, in the present invention, the fire-resistant silicone member 300 and the cover 400 are assembled from top to bottom with respect to the bus bar 200, so the bus bar 200 and the portion where the bus bar 200 and the terminal bus bar 22 are connected can be completely covered. As a result, there is no risk of dust or other debris accumulating on the bus bar 200 and the terminal bus bar 22 of the battery module 1200, and the risk of a short circuit occurring inside the battery pack 1000 can be reduced.

[0064] The indented portion 300D of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to this embodiment may include a first indented portion 300D1 that is indented in a manner corresponding to the shape of the busbar. Specifically, the first indented portion 300D1 according to this embodiment may be in a manner that is indented from the lower surface to the upper part of the fire-resistant silicone member 300. The busbar 200 may be inserted into such a first indented portion 300D1 and the busbar 200 may be fixed within the fire-resistant silicone member 300. For effective fixing of the busbar 200, it is preferable that the first indented portion 300D1 corresponding to the shape of the busbar 200 has a width in the x-axis direction equal to the width of the busbar 200, a width in the y-axis direction equal to the length of the busbar 200, and a depth in the z-axis direction equal to the thickness of the busbar 200.

[0065] On the other hand, the busbar 200 may have at least two connecting regions 210, which are portions that come into contact with the terminal busbars 22 of the battery module 1200. One connecting region 210 of the busbar 200 may be connected in contact with the terminal busbar 22 of one of the battery modules 1200, and the other connecting region 210 of the busbar 200 may be connected in contact with the terminal busbar 22 of the other battery module 1200. Thus, the busbar 200 can electrically connect the terminal busbars 22 of the battery modules 1200 to each other. As long as physical and electrical connection is possible, there are no particular restrictions on the method of connection between the busbar 200 and the terminal busbars 22. As an example, the connecting regions 210 of the busbar 200 may be connected to the terminal busbars 22 of the battery module 1200 by bolt connections. Specifically, the busbar 200 and the terminal busbar 22 may be physically and electrically connected such that the bolt member 600 passes through both the hole 200H of the busbar 200 (see Figure 3) and the hole of the terminal busbar 22 and connects with a nut (not shown).

[0066] In this embodiment, the indentation 300D may include a second indentation 300D2 that is further indented than the first indentation 300D1 in the portion corresponding to the connecting region 210. That is, the portion of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 corresponding to the connecting region 210 can be further indented upward than the first indentation 300D1 to include the second indentation 300D2. The bolt member 600 connecting the bus bar 200 and the terminal bus bar 22 can be located in the space formed by the second indentation 300D2. When the bus bar 200 and the terminal bus bar 22 are protected by the fire-resistant silicone member 300 and the cover 400, the bolt member 600 can also be protected within the second indentation 300D2.

[0067] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a fire-resistant silicone member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10(a) is a top view of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10(b) is a side view of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to Figures 5 and 10(a) and 10(b), in this embodiment, a plurality of grooves 300G may be formed on the outer surface of the other fire-resistant silicone member 300 that faces the inner surface of the cover 400. The grooves 300G may be connected along a certain direction. For example, the plurality of grooves 300G may be connected along one side portion 320, the top portion 310 and the other side portion 330 of the fire-resistant silicone member 300. For example, as shown, a shape that curves inward from the outer surface of the fire-resistant silicone member 300 can be connected along one side portion 320, the top portion 310 and the other side portion 330 of the fire-resistant silicone member 300, forming each groove 300G, and such grooves 300G may be spaced apart from each other along the y-axis direction.

[0069] By forming multiple grooves 300G on the outer surface of the refractory silicone member 300, a space can be provided for the refractory silicone member 300 to expand when the busbar assembly 100 is exposed to flames or becomes hot. Furthermore, when the busbar assembly 100 is exposed to flames or becomes hot, gas may be generated from the refractory silicone member 300, but such gas may be discharged to the outside of the busbar assembly 100 along the multiple grooves 300G. In this way, a space exists for the refractory silicone member 300 to expand, and gas generated from the refractory silicone member 300 can be easily discharged, so even in a flame and high-temperature environment, the force and stress applied to the cover 400 are reduced, and the shape of the refractory silicone member 300 and the cover 400 can be easily maintained.

[0070] Figure 11 is a bottom view of a busbar assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a drawing showing a cross-section obtained by cutting along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 11.

[0071] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a modified busbar assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fire-resistant silicone member 300 and a cover 400, and the fire-resistant silicone member 300 may have a recessed portion 300D having a first recessed portion 300D1. The recessed portion 300D may also include a second recessed portion 300D2. Up to this point, the structure is the same as that of the embodiment described above, but the fire-resistant silicone member 300 according to one modified embodiment of the present invention may include a fixed guide portion 300F that supports a part of the lower surface of the busbar. Fixed guide portions 300F can be provided at both corners of the fire-resistant silicone member 300, in a form that protrudes in directions relative to each other.

[0072] As the fire-resistant silicone member 300 is joined to the busbar 200 from top to bottom, the fixing guide portion 300F naturally folds and then unfolds again, positioned on the underside of the busbar 200, and can support a portion of the underside of the busbar 200. Therefore, the busbar 200 can be more firmly fixed within the fire-resistant silicone member 300. In addition, the fixing guide portion 300F can prevent the fire-resistant silicone member 300 from detaching from the busbar 200 even due to external vibrations or impacts.

[0073] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a cover and glass fiber tape according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to Figure 13, the busbar assembly according to this embodiment may further include a fiberglass tape 500 that wraps around the outer surface of the cover 400.

[0075] The glass fiber tape 500 may include a base layer containing glass fibers and an adhesive layer formed on one surface of the base layer. The base layer may be a fabric containing glass fibers, and the adhesive layer may contain at least one of acrylic resin or silicone resin. The glass fiber tape 500 may be a rectangular tape having a long side and a short side.

[0076] In Figure 13, the fiberglass tape 500 is shown as covering only a portion of the outer surface of the cover 400. This is for illustrative purposes only; the fiberglass tape 500 may cover the entire outer surface of the cover 400, and the cover 400 may not be directly exposed.

[0077] Such fiberglass tape 500 can serve as a primary fire barrier. Specifically, the fiberglass tape 500 can improve the fire resistance of the busbar assembly by directly protecting the fire-resistant silicone member 300 and cover 400 from flames. In addition, taping the outer surface of the cover 400 to the fiberglass tape 500 can increase its structural rigidity.

[0078] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down were used, but these terms are for explanatory convenience and can change depending on the position of the object in question, the observer's position, etc.

[0079] One or more battery modules according to the above-described embodiment 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.

[0080] The aforementioned battery modules and battery packs may be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, they are applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, as well as to ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited to these, and can be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0081] 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 claims below, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100 Busbar Assembly 200 bus bar 300 Fire-resistant silicone material 300G groove 400 Cover 500 Glass Fiber Tape 600 Bolt Member 1000 Battery Pack 1100 Pack Frame 1200 Battery Module 1300 BDU modules 1400 BMS module

Claims

1. Busbars that guide the electrical connections of battery modules within a battery pack; A fire-resistant silicone member having a recessed portion formed on its lower surface; and A cover having an opening at the bottom; The fire-resistant silicone member is fitted inside the cover through the opening. A busbar assembly in which the busbar is attached to the recessed portion of the fire-resistant silicone member.

2. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the indentation includes a first indentation that is indented in a manner corresponding to the shape of the busbar.

3. The busbar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the busbar has at least two connecting regions which are portions that come into contact with the terminal busbar of the battery module.

4. The busbar assembly according to claim 3, wherein the indentation includes a first indentation that is indented in a manner corresponding to the shape of the busbar, and a second indentation that is indented further than the first indentation in a manner corresponding to the connecting region.

5. The busbar assembly according to claim 3, wherein the connecting region of the busbar is connected to the terminal busbar of the battery module by bolt connection.

6. The busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of grooves are formed on the outer surface of the fire-resistant silicone member that faces the inner surface of the cover.

7. The busbar assembly according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of grooves are connected along one side surface, the top surface, and another side surface of the fire-resistant silicone member.

8. The busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fire-resistant silicone member includes a fixing guide portion that supports a portion of the lower surface of the busbar.

9. The busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a fiberglass tape wrapping the outer surface of the cover.

10. The busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fire-resistant silicone member includes a silicone material that ceramicizes at high temperatures.

11. The busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover comprises mica material.

12. At least one busbar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The aforementioned battery module; A BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) module for controlling the electrical connections of the battery module; and Includes a Battery Management System (BMS) module for monitoring and controlling 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.

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