Interbus bar assembly and battery module connection structure and connection structure of battery module-relay box including the same

Abstract

The interbus bar assembly of the present invention comprises: an interbus bar having terminal insertion holes formed at both ends; a nut for fastening onto the terminal insertion holes of the interbus bar; and a connecting member connecting the nut and the interbus bar. In addition, the present invention provides a battery module-relay box connection structure including the battery interbus bar assembly and a battery module connection structure.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an interbusbar assembly for connecting battery modules or battery modules with other electrical components.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to an interbusbar assembly capable of preventing the loss of a nut fastened to a terminal bolt of a battery module and preventing the omission of said nut fastening.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to a battery module connection structure including the interbus bar assembly and a battery module-relay box connection structure. Background Technology

[0005] With the technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for rechargeable batteries is also rising rapidly. In particular, lithium-ion batteries are widely used as an energy source for various electronic products as well as mobile devices, due to their high energy density and operating voltage, as well as their excellent storage and lifespan characteristics.

[0006] These types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. Additionally, lithium secondary batteries are classified into prismatic, pouch, and cylindrical types depending on their shape.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium to large devices such as battery packs or power storage devices for hybrid or electric vehicles.

[0008] In particular, a vehicle battery pack includes multiple secondary batteries, and these secondary batteries are connected in series and parallel to improve capacity and output. The battery pack is composed of multiple battery modules, and each battery module also has multiple battery cells. Each battery module is equipped with terminal bolts that electrically connect the multiple battery cells, and the battery modules are electrically connected by connecting the terminal bolts of each battery module with an interbus bar.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example in which a battery module and a vehicle's relay box are connected by a conventional interbus bar.

[0010] The battery module (M) contains a predetermined number (e.g., 18) of battery cells, and terminal bolts (B) electrically connected to the battery cells are installed on both upper sides of the battery module (M). A relay box is installed adjacent to the battery module. The relay box (also called a fuse box or junction box) is a device that serves as a distribution center supplying power to individual electrical and electronic components of the vehicle. Terminal bolts electrically connected to a fuse or circuit board installed inside the relay box are exposed on the upper side of the relay box.

[0011] An interbus bar is used to electrically connect the battery module and the relay box. Terminal insertion holes are formed at both ends of the interbus bar. By inserting the terminal bolts of the battery module and the relay box into the terminal insertion holes of the interbus bar, respectively, and tightening nuts to the terminal bolts, the battery module and the relay box can be electrically connected.

[0012] However, conventionally, as shown in Fig. 1, the nut was transported separately from the interbus bar and fastened to the terminal bolt, so there was a risk of losing the small nut.

[0013] In addition, when the terminal bolt is inserted into the terminal insertion hole of the interbus bar, the terminal bolt and the interbus bar make point contact and current flows. Consequently, there were cases where the operator perceived the electrical connection between the battery module and the relay box as complete and transferred it to a subsequent process. In such cases, the interbus bar failed to form a solid surface contact with the terminal located below the terminal bolt, resulting in localized overcurrent flow only at the point contact area, causing problems such as the area burning out.

[0015] Therefore, when connecting interbusbar assemblies between battery modules or between battery modules and other electrical components, it is desirable to develop technology that can prevent the loss of nuts and prevent the omission of nut fastening. Prior art literature

[0017] Republic of Korea Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1737489 The problem to be solved

[0018] The present invention is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an interbusbar assembly capable of preventing the loss of nuts and omission of fastening when connecting a battery module with other electrical components or multiple battery modules via an interbusbar.

[0019] In addition, a battery module-relay box connection structure and a battery module connection structure are provided by this interbusbar assembly. means of solving the problem

[0021] An interbus bar assembly of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: an interbus bar having terminal insertion holes formed at both ends; a nut for fastening on the terminal insertion holes of the interbus bar; and a connecting member connecting the nut and the interbus bar.

[0022] It is preferable that the above interbus bar has a covering formed on the body portion other than both ends, and that the above connecting member is coupled to the covering of the interbus bar.

[0023] As an example, a groove for connecting a connecting member is formed around the body of the nut, and the connecting member can be connected to the groove and coupled to the nut.

[0024] As an example, the interbus bar may further be provided with a protective cap that is connected to the covering portion and is located on both ends of the interbus bar to cover the terminal insertion hole.

[0025] In this case, the nut can be received and maintained within the protective cap at both ends of the interbus bar.

[0026] As another example, the above interbus bar may further comprise a reinforcing member that wraps around and joins the connection portion of the covering portion and the protective cap.

[0027] As an example, the nut may be a cap nut having a flange portion at the bottom and a closed top.

[0028] As another example, the nut may be a flange nut having a flange portion at the bottom.

[0029] As another aspect of the present invention, a battery module-relay box connection structure comprises: a battery module having a plurality of battery cell modules embedded therein and a terminal bolt protruding to be electrically connected to the battery cell modules; a relay box installed adjacent to the battery module and having a terminal bolt protruding to be electrically connected to electrical components of a vehicle; and an interbus bar assembly coupled to the battery module and the relay box, respectively, to electrically connect the battery module and the relay box; wherein the terminal bolt of the battery module and the terminal bolt of the relay box are respectively inserted into terminal insertion holes formed at both ends of the interbus bar of the interbus bar assembly, and a nut connected to the interbus bar by the connecting member is respectively fastened to the inserted terminal bolt.

[0030] As another aspect of the present invention, a battery module connection structure comprises: a plurality of battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cell modules embedded therein and a terminal bolt protruding therefrom that is electrically connected to the battery cell modules; and an interbus bar assembly that is coupled to the terminal bolt of an adjacent battery module to electrically connect the plurality of battery modules, wherein the terminal bolt of the adjacent battery module is inserted into terminal insertion holes formed in the interbus bar of the interbus bar assembly, and a nut connected to the interbus bar by the connecting member is fastened to the inserted terminal bolt. Effects of the invention

[0032] According to the present invention, an interbus bar can be connected to a battery module without the risk of losing a nut for electrical connection between the battery module and other electrical components or between battery modules. In addition, the interbus bar can be securely connected to an adjacent battery module, etc., while preventing omission of nut fastening. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example in which a battery module and a vehicle's relay box are connected by a conventional interbus bar. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interbus bar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nut provided in the interbusbar assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interbus bar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interbus bar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interbus bar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state in which a battery module and a vehicle's relay box are combined by the interbus bar assembly of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the state in which battery modules are combined with each other by the interbusbar assembly of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the state in which terminal bolts of a battery module or relay box are fastened to the interbusbar assembly of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0035] The detailed configuration of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings and various embodiments. The embodiments described below are presented as examples to aid in understanding the present invention, and the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale to aid in understanding the invention, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0036] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0038] The interbus bar assembly of the present invention comprises: an interbus bar having terminal insertion holes formed at both ends; a nut for fastening onto the terminal insertion holes of the interbus bar; and a connecting member connecting the nut and the interbus bar.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interbus bar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The interbusbar assembly (100) of the present invention is provided with an interbusbar (10) for connecting battery modules or a battery module with other electrical components, such as a relay box. The interbusbar (10) has terminal insertion holes (11a) formed at both ends (11) into which terminal "L" installed in the battery module or relay box is inserted. For electrical connection with the battery module or relay box, the interbusbar (10) is made of a conductive member (e.g., a conductive metal), and terminal bolts of the battery module or relay box are connected to both ends (11).

[0041] In order to protect the above-mentioned interbus bar (10) and prevent a worker from being injured by electricity during electrical work, the interbus bar has an electrically insulating covering formed on the body portion (12) other than both ends thereof.

[0042] A nut (20) is provided to be placed on the terminal insertion hole (11a) of both ends (11) of the interbus bar and to be coupled with a terminal bolt to be inserted into the terminal insertion hole later. A characteristic feature of the present invention is that, unlike conventional methods, the interbus bar (10) is not separated from the nut (20) but is physically connected to it by a connecting member (30). For example, if the connecting member (30) is made of a fibrous material such as a string or a band and the connecting member is coupled to the interbus bar (10) and the nut (20) respectively, the nut (20) is positioned adjacently together with the interbus bar (10) when the interbus bar (10) is fastened to a battery module, etc., so there is no risk of losing the nut. In addition, since the nut (20) is always connected to the interbus bar (10) and the operator can recognize the presence of the nut, there is almost no risk of the nut being omitted. Accordingly, according to the present invention, when connecting battery modules or electrical components such as a battery module and a relay box with an interbus bar (100), there is an advantage in that the loss of nuts or the omission of nut fastening can be prevented.

[0043] The above connecting member (30) is preferably made of an insulating fiber material or a plastic resin material, but the material is not specifically limited as long as it can connect the interbus bar (10) and the nut (20). In addition, the shape or thickness can be a string, a band, or a chain shape as shown in FIG. 2, and is not specifically limited as long as it can stably connect the interbus bar and the nut.

[0044] It is preferable that the connecting member (30) be coupled to the sheath (12) of the interbus bar (10). This is because if the connecting member (30) is coupled to the two ends (11) of the interbus bar (10) where the conductive member is exposed, there is a possibility that the connecting member (30) may be damaged by electrical flow. The connecting member (30) may be inserted into a part of the sheath (12) of the interbus bar and attached with an adhesive. Alternatively, a binding form in which it is tied to the sheath (12) of the interbus bar (10) is also possible. In addition, the other end of the connecting member (30) is coupled to the nut (20), so, for example, the connecting member (30) can be tied around the nut and connected to the interbus bar.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nut (20) provided in the interbus bar assembly (100) of FIG. 2.

[0046] The nut of FIG. 3 is a so-called cap nut (20) having a flange portion (21) at the bottom and a closed top. Since the cap nut (20) has a closed top, when a terminal bolt is inserted into the terminal insertion hole (11a) of the interbus bar (10) and the nut (20) is fastened to the terminal bolt, the terminal bolt is covered by the cap portion (23) of the cap nut and is not exposed, thus having the advantage of preventing contamination of the terminal bolt. A groove (22a) for connecting a connecting member is formed around the body (22) of the cap nut. Conventional nuts have a smooth surface, making it difficult to fasten a connecting member in the form of a string or band to the nut body. In this embodiment, a groove (22a) for fastening a connecting member is formed around the body of the nut, so a connecting member (30) can be easily fastened to the nut (20).

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interbus bar assembly (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In this embodiment, the interbus bar (10) is provided with a protective cap (14) that covers the terminal insertion hole (11a) at both ends (11). The protective cap (14) may be formed integrally with a covering part (12) that surrounds the body part of the interbus bar or may be connected to the covering part, and is positioned on both ends (11) of the interbus bar (10) to cover the terminal insertion hole (11a). The protective cap (14) serves to cover and protect the terminal bolt and nut when the terminal bolt is inserted into the terminal insertion hole (11a) and the nut (20) is fastened to the terminal bolt. The protective cap (14) can be lifted from both ends (11) as shown in FIG. 4 so as not to interfere when the nut (20) is positioned in the terminal insertion hole (11a) at both ends. That is, the connection portion (13) between the protective cap and the covering portion is flexible so that the protective cap (14) can be lifted up and down. In this embodiment, the nut (20) can be received and maintained within the protective cap (14) at both ends of the interbus bar. The nut (20) is connected to the interbus bar (10) by the connecting member (30) to prevent loss, and in this embodiment, the nut (20) can be received within the protective cap and transported together with the interbus bar, so the interbus bar assembly (200) can be easily transported and handled.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interbus bar assembly (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The interbus bar (10) of the present embodiment further comprises a reinforcing member (15) that wraps around and connects the connection portion (13) between the covering portion and the protective cap. When the terminal bolt and the interbus bar-nut are repeatedly fastened, the connection portion (13) between the protective cap (14) and the covering portion may be structurally weakened if the protective cap (14) is repeatedly lifted and lowered. Therefore, by installing a reinforcing member (15) at the connection portion (13) between the covering portion and the protective cap, this structural vulnerability can be reinforced. Furthermore, the reinforcing member (15) can also serve as a regulating member to prevent the protective cap from easily coming off from both ends of the interbus bar. That is, since the reinforcing member (15) is installed at the connection portion (13) between the protective cap (14) and the covering portion and presses against the starting portion of the protective cap (14), it can prevent the protective cap from being easily lifted from both ends. Therefore, for example, when transporting the interbus bar (10) by placing a nut (20) on the two ends and housing it within the protective cap, the protective cap (14) is not easily lifted by the reinforcing member (15), so the interbus bar can be transported more stably. In addition, since the reinforcing member regulates the protective cap so that it can stably cover and maintain the fastening member even when the terminal bolt is fastened later, the protection of the connection part between the battery module, etc. and the interbus bar can also be performed more effectively.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interbus bar assembly (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In this embodiment, instead of a cap nut, a flange nut (40) having a flange portion (41) at the bottom is used as the nut. A groove (42a) for connecting a connecting member is also formed around the body (42) of the flange nut (40). Therefore, the connecting member (30) can be positioned in the groove (42a) to easily connect the connecting member (30) to the flange nut (40).

[0056] Meanwhile, the upper part of the flange nut (40) is open, so the terminal bolt may be exposed through the opening (43) when the terminal bolt is fastened. However, since the interbus bar (10) is equipped with a protective cap (14), the terminal bolt and the nut fastening part can be covered to prevent exposure.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state in which a battery module (M) and a vehicle relay box (R) are combined by the interbus bar assembly of the present invention.

[0059] A plurality of battery cell modules are embedded within the battery module (M), and a terminal bolt (B) electrically connected to the battery cell module is formed protruding from the outside of the battery module case.

[0060] In addition, a relay box (R) is installed adjacent to the battery module (M). The relay box (R) is a device that serves as a distribution center supplying power to individual electrical and electronic components of the vehicle, and is a key component that electrically connects the battery module (M), the vehicle, and the components. Inside the relay box (R), multiple relay components, fuses, and circuit boards connected to individual components of the vehicle are installed, and terminal bolts electrically connected to the components inside the relay box (R) are formed protruding from the relay box cover.

[0061] The battery module (M) and the relay box (R) can be electrically connected using the interbus bar assembly of the present invention. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the protective cap (14) placed on both ends (11) of the interbus bar (10) is lifted to expose the terminal insertion holes at both ends. Then, the terminal bolt (B) of the battery module (M) and the terminal bolt (B) of the adjacent relay box (R) are inserted and positioned into the terminal insertion holes at both ends of the interbus bar, respectively. Next, the nut (20) connected to the interbus bar (10) by the connecting member (30) is fastened to the terminal bolt (B) at both ends, respectively, to electrically connect the battery module (M) and the relay box (R). Finally, the protective cap of the interbus bar is placed over the terminal bolt-nut fastening part to complete the fastening process. In this case, since the interbusbar assembly of the present invention has the interbusbar (10) and the nut (20) connected by a connecting member (30), there is almost no risk of losing the nut or omitting the nut connection during fastening.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the state in which battery modules are combined with each other by the interbusbar assembly of the present invention.

[0064] Each of the above battery modules (M1, M2) contains a plurality of battery cell modules, and a terminal bolt that is electrically connected to the battery cell module is formed protrudingly on the outer side of the battery module case. The terminal bolt (B) is formed protrudingly on each side of the upper part of the battery module case so as to be connected to adjacent battery modules (M1, M2).

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the protective cap (14) placed on both ends of the interbus bar (10) is lifted to expose the terminal insertion holes at both ends. Next, the terminal bolt of the battery module (M1) and the terminal bolt (B) of the adjacent battery module (M2) are inserted and positioned into the terminal insertion holes at both ends of the interbus bar, respectively. Then, the nut (40) connected to the interbus bar (10) by the connecting member (30) is fastened to the terminal bolt (B) at both ends, respectively, to electrically connect the adjacent battery modules. Finally, the protective cap of the interbus bar is placed over the terminal bolt (B)-nut (40) fastening part to complete the fastening process.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the state in which terminal bolts of a battery module or relay box are fastened to the interbusbar assembly of the present invention. FIG. 9 more clearly shows the fastening structure of the interbusbar assembly of the present invention and the terminal bolts between the battery module or relay box and the battery module in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. As shown, FIG. 9 shows the state in which the terminal bolt (B) of the battery module or relay box is inserted into the terminal insertion hole (11a) of both ends (11) protruding from the covering portion (12) of the interbusbar (10) of the present invention, nuts (20, 40) are fastened to the terminal bolt (B), and the protective cap (14) of the interbusbar (10) is covered to complete the fastening. FIG. 9(a) shows that a flange nut (40) is used as the nut, and FIG. 9(b) shows that a cap nut (20) is used and combined. In this case, the bolt-nut fastening part can be covered by the protective cap (14) of the interbus bar to prevent contamination from the outside.

[0069] From the above, since the interbusbar assembly of the present invention has the interbusbar and the nut connected by a connecting member, there is almost no risk of losing the nut or omitting the nut fastening during fastening. Therefore, according to the interbusbar assembly of the present invention, when electrically connecting a battery module and a relay box, or when electrically connecting battery modules to each other, the omission of nut fastening is prevented, thereby enabling a stable and convenient battery module-relay box connection structure or a battery module connection structure.

[0071] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application. Explanation of the symbols

[0073] 10: Interbusbar 11: Both ends 11a: Terminal insertion hole 12: Covering part 13: Connection part 14: Protective cap 15: Reinforcing member 20: Cap nut 21: Flange section 22: Nut body 22a: Groove for fastening connecting members 23: Cap part 30: Connecting member 40: Cap nut 41: Flange section 42: Nut body 42a: Groove for connecting member fastening 43: Open section B: Terminal bolt M, M1, M2: Battery Module R: Relay box 100, 200, 300, 400: Interbusbar Assembly

Claims

Claim 1 An interbus bar assembly comprising: an interbus bar having terminal insertion holes formed at both ends; a nut for fastening on the terminal insertion holes of the interbus bar; and a connecting member connecting the nut and the interbus bar, wherein a groove for fastening the connecting member is formed around the body of the nut and the connecting member is fastened to the fastening groove and coupled to the nut. Claim 2 In claim 1, the interbus bar is an interbus bar assembly having a covering formed on the body portion other than both ends. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the connecting member is an interbus bar assembly coupled to the covering portion of the interbus bar. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 In paragraph 2, the interbus bar assembly further comprises a protective cap connected to the covering portion and positioned on both ends of the interbus bar to cover the terminal insertion hole. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, an interbusbar assembly in which the nut is received and maintained within the protective cap at both ends of the interbusbar. Claim 7 In claim 5, the interbusbar assembly further comprises a reinforcing member that wraps around and joins the connection portion of the covering portion and the protective cap. Claim 8 In claim 1, the nut is an interbusbar assembly having a flange portion at the bottom and a cap nut with a closed top. Claim 9 In claim 1, the nut is an interbusbar assembly having a flange portion at the bottom, which is a flange nut. Claim 10 A battery module having a plurality of battery cell modules embedded therein and a terminal bolt protruding to be electrically connected to the battery cell modules; a relay box installed adjacent to the battery module and having a terminal bolt protruding to be electrically connected to electrical components of a vehicle; and an interbus bar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 9, which is coupled to the battery module and the relay box respectively to electrically connect the battery module and the relay box; wherein the terminal bolt of the battery module and the terminal bolt of the relay box are respectively inserted into terminal insertion holes formed at both ends of the interbus bar of the interbus bar assembly, and a nut connected to the interbus bar by the connecting member is respectively fastened to the inserted terminal bolt. Claim 11 A battery module connection structure comprising: a plurality of battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cell modules embedded therein and a terminal bolt protruding therefrom that is electrically connected to the battery cell modules; and an interbus bar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 9, which is coupled to the terminal bolt of an adjacent battery module to electrically connect the plurality of battery modules; wherein the terminal bolt of an adjacent battery module is inserted into terminal insertion holes formed in the interbus bar of the interbus bar assembly, and a nut connected to the interbus bar by the connecting member is fastened to the inserted terminal bolt.

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