Busbar assembly and battery pack including same

Abstract

A busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a busbar which includes a body portion extending in a first direction and end portions disposed at both ends of the body portion in the first direction and having through-holes formed therein; and a protective cover which includes a cover portion for covering the busbar and a plurality of wing portions protruding from the body portion in a second direction which intersects the first direction.

Description

Busbar assembly and battery pack including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0075855, filed June 13, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a busbar assembly capable of improving fire resistance and preventing dust or the like from accumulating at a part joining portion, and a battery pack including the same.

[0004] In modern society, the widespread use of portable devices like cell phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras has fueled active development of technologies related to these devices. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are increasingly being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) to address air pollution caused by conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, further increasing the need for secondary battery development.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0006] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, with a separator interposed between them, and a battery case that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0007] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0008] Secondary batteries used in small devices are arranged with 2-3 battery cells, but secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles use battery modules in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected. These battery modules have improved capacity and output by forming a battery cell stack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel. In addition, one or more battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), a Battery Management System (BMS), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0009] Battery packs comprised of multiple battery modules can experience rapid and severe temperature increases due to the accumulation of heat from the numerous battery cells within a confined space. In other words, while battery modules stacked with multiple battery cells and battery packs equipped with these modules can achieve high output, if the heat dissipation between the cells is inadequate or if thermal runaway occurs, there is a high risk of continual fires or subsequent explosions.

[0010] Meanwhile, inside the battery pack, a bus bar is provided that connects to the battery module.

[0011] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view and a combined perspective view of a conventional busbar assembly.

[0012] Referring to Fig. 1, a conventional busbar assembly (10) includes a busbar (20), a covering (20C) covering the busbar (20), a cap (CP), and a tape (AL) for fixing the cap (CP). The busbar (20) is a metal member in the shape of a rod extending along the longitudinal direction. Through holes (HH) for connection with terminal busbars of a battery module may be formed at both ends of the busbar (20). This busbar (20) is a component that is responsible for HV (High voltage) connection in a battery pack. The HV connection refers to a connection that serves as a power source for supplying electric power, and the busbar (20) is a component that guides the electrical connection of the battery module, and generally includes a metal material with excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the busbar (20) may include a copper (Cu) material.

[0013] The covering (20C) can wrap around the bus bar (20). The covering (20C) can include an electrically insulating material, for example, a material such as silicone or epoxy. Since the covering (20C) wraps around the bus bar (20) through which a high current flows, the bus bar (20) is prevented from coming into contact with other electrical components or conductive members other than the terminal bus bar of the battery module, thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring.

[0014] A fastening member is inserted into the through hole (HH) of the bus bar (20) to connect the bus bar (20) to the terminal bus bar of the battery module. For insulation, a cap (CP) is attached to both ends of the bus bar (20). The cap (CP) may be, for example, a rubber cap. The cap (CP) may be attached to the covering (20C) using a tape (AL).

[0015] However, when a flame occurs inside the battery pack, the temperature of the flame is very high, approximately 1000°C, so the covering (20C) surrounding the bus bar (20) may melt, or the cap (CP) and tape (AL) may melt, exposing the bus bar (20). If the exposed bus bar (20) comes into contact with another conductive member and a short circuit occurs, the internal flame may spread further and may even spread to the outside of the battery pack. Ultimately, this may lead to an explosion of the battery pack or a vehicle equipped with the battery pack.

[0016] In addition, to prevent this, even if the protective structure is formed integrally with the bus bar (20), the through hole (HH) of the bus bar (20) needs to be exposed for electrical connection of the bus bar (20). In this case, there is a problem that if dust, etc. accumulates inside the through hole (HH) through the exposed portion, a short circuit may occur between components due to the accumulated dust.

[0017] Accordingly, there is a need for technology development for a busbar assembly that can maintain electrical insulation even when a flame occurs inside a battery pack, simplify the configuration, and protect the component joints from dust accumulation.

[0018] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same, which can maintain electrical insulation without melting even when a flame occurs inside the battery pack, and which can protect the part joining portion from dust and the like while simplifying the configuration.

[0019] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0020] A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar including a body portion extending in a first direction and end portions positioned at both ends of the body portion in the first direction and having through holes formed therein, a cover portion covering the busbar, and a protective cover including a plurality of wing portions protruding from the body portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0021] The cover portion may include a center portion that surrounds the upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of the body portion of the bus bar, and a peripheral portion that surrounds the upper surface and side surface of the end portion of the bus bar and includes a joining hole corresponding to the through hole.

[0022] The above wing portion may include a first wing portion protruding from the peripheral portion, and a second wing portion protruding from the center portion.

[0023] The above second wing portion may have a bent shape by being further extended in the first direction from the end protruding in the second direction.

[0024] The above protective cover may include refractory silicone that is ceramicized at high temperatures.

[0025] The above protective cover may further include a protective layer covering the outer side of the refractory silicone.

[0026] The above protective layer may be a glass fiber layer or a mica layer.

[0027] The protective cover can be covered on the bus bar by insert injection molding injecting the refractory silicone into a mold into which the bus bar is inserted.

[0028] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar assembly, a plurality of battery modules, a BDU (battery disconnect unit) module for controlling electrical connection of the battery modules, and a BMS (battery management system) module for monitoring and controlling operation of the battery modules, wherein at least one busbar assembly electrically connects at least one of the battery modules, the battery module and the BDU module, the battery module and the BMS module, and the BDU module and the BMS module.

[0029] The above battery pack may further include a fastening member coupled to the through hole of the at least one bus bar assembly.

[0030] The above wing portion can cover the through hole and fastening member of the neighboring bus bar assembly.

[0031] The busbar assembly of the present invention can maintain electrical insulation without melting even when a flame occurs inside a battery pack, and can protect the part joining portion from dust and the like while simplifying the configuration.

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

[0033] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view and a combined perspective view of a conventional busbar assembly.

[0034] Figure 2 is a plan view of a battery pack of one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the battery modules included in the battery pack of FIG. 2.

[0036] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing the battery module of Figure 3 with the module frame and end plate removed.

[0037] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a busbar assembly of one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 is a top view of the assembled busbar assembly of Figure 5.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 6.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Fig. 6.

[0042] Figure 10 is a top view showing a state in which a busbar assembly of one embodiment is mounted on a battery pack.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of Fig. 10.

[0044] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0045] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0046] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0047] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. When we say that a part is "directly on" another part, we mean that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, when we say that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part, we mean that it is located above or below the reference part, and we do not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the reference part in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0048] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to “include” a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0049] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0050] Additionally, throughout the specification, the first direction (X-axis direction), the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the third direction (Z-axis direction) are used as relative concepts. The first direction (X-axis direction), the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the third direction (Z-axis direction) may be perpendicular to each other.

[0051] Throughout the specification, the concepts of upper and lower are described as being distinguished along the third direction (the Z-axis). Accordingly, “thickness” in the specification refers to the length measured along the third direction (the Z-axis).

[0052] Figure 2 is a plan view of a battery pack of one embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment includes a busbar assembly (100), a pack frame (1100), battery modules (1200), a BDU (battery disconnect unit) module (1300) for controlling electrical connection of the battery modules (1200), and a BMS (battery management system) module (1400) for monitoring and controlling operation of the battery modules (1200). At least one busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment electrically connects at least one of the battery modules (1200), between the battery modules (1200) and the BDU module (1300), between the battery modules (1200) and the BMS module (1400), and between the BDU module (1300) and the BMS module (1400). Specifically, a plurality of battery modules (1200) can be housed in a pack frame (1100), and electrical connections between the battery modules (1200) or electrical connections between the battery modules (1200) and the BDU module (1300) can be made by the busbar assembly (100). That is, the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment can be responsible for HV (High voltage) connections. Here, the HV connection is a connection that serves as a power source for supplying power requiring high voltage, and means a connection between battery cells or a connection between battery modules.

[0054] Meanwhile, the BDU module (1300) is a member for controlling the electrical connection of the battery module (1200) and can cut off power between the power conversion device and the battery module (1200). The BDU module (1300) can cut off power to the battery pack (1000) when a condition occurs in which the current exceeds a set range, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery pack (1000).

[0055] Meanwhile, the LV connecting member (100') according to the present embodiment can be responsible for the electrical connection between the battery module (1200) and the BMS module (1400). The electrical connection here is a LV (Low voltage) connection, which means a sensing connection for detecting and controlling the voltage and temperature of the battery module (1200). Specifically, sensors, etc. are arranged inside the battery module (1200), and real-time temperature information or voltage information of the battery module (1200) is transmitted to the BMS module (1400) through the LV connecting member (100'). The real-time operating status of the battery module (1200) can be monitored and controlled through the BMS module (1400). Although not specifically illustrated, there are cases where an HV current sensor is integrated into the BMS module (1400). In this case, the busbar assembly according to the present embodiment may be responsible for electrical connection between the battery module (1200) and the BMS module (1400) or between the BDU module (1300) and the BMS module (1400).

[0056] Hereinafter, a battery module (1200) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. However, the battery module (1200) described below is an exemplary structure of a battery module including a plurality of battery cells (11), and various types of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells may be applied.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack of FIG. 2.

[0058] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing the battery module of Figure 3 with the module frame and end plate removed.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the battery module (1200) according to the present embodiment may include a battery cell stack (11A) in which a plurality of battery cells (11) are stacked. The battery cell stack (11A) is illustrated in FIG. 4. This battery cell stack (11A) may be accommodated in a module frame (30) and an end plate (40).

[0060] Various types of battery cells can be applied as the battery cells (11) constituting the battery cell laminate (11A). For example, the battery cells (11) may be pouch-shaped battery cells. Such pouch-shaped battery cells can be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then fusing the outer periphery of the pouch case. Such battery cells (11) can be formed in a rectangular sheet structure. However, the structure of the battery cells (11) is not limited thereto, and various types of battery cells can be applied.

[0061] The electrode leads (11L) connected to the above electrode assembly protrude outside the case of the battery cell (11), and the electrode leads (11L) of each battery cell (11) can be electrically connected to each other via a lead bus bar (21). Meanwhile, at least one electrode lead (11L) can be connected to a terminal bus bar (22). A portion of the terminal bus bar (22) can be exposed to the outside of the battery module (1200) as illustrated in FIG. 3. Both the lead bus bar (21) and the terminal bus bar (22) can include a metal material having excellent electrical conductivity.

[0062] The busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment is electrically connected to the terminal busbar (22), so that the above-described HV connection can be made. That is, the battery module (1200) can be electrically connected to another battery module (1200), BDU module (1300), or BMS module (1400) via the busbar assembly (100) connected to the terminal busbar (22).

[0063] Hereinafter, a busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0064] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment, Fig. 6 is a top view of the busbar assembly of Fig. 5 in an assembled state, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 6, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Fig. 6.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 5, a bus bar (200) guides electrical connections within a battery pack (1000, see FIG. 2). The bus bar (200) is configured to guide electrical connections, i.e., HV connections, of a battery module (1200, see FIG. 2), and may include a metal material having excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the bus bar (200) may include a copper (Cu) material. The body portion (210) may have a rod shape extending in one direction. In FIG. 5, as an example, the bus bar (200) is illustrated as having a rod shape extending in a first direction (X-axis direction).

[0066] A bus bar (200) of one embodiment includes a body portion (210) and an end portion (220). The body portion (210) may correspond to the center of the bus bar (200). The end portions (220) are located at both ends of the body portion (210). In this specification, for convenience, the bus bar (200) is described as including the body portion (210) and the end portion (220), but the body portion (210) and the end portion (220) have an integral shape.

[0067] A through hole (HH) is formed in the end portion (220). A fastening member (BL, see FIGS. 7 and 11) is inserted into the through hole (HH) to connect the bus bar (200) to an external electrical device. For example, a bolt may be inserted into the through hole (HH) of the end portion (220) to connect the bus bar (20) and the terminal bus bar (22, see FIG. 3) of the battery module (1200, see FIG. 3).

[0068] The protective cover (300) includes a cover portion that wraps around the bus bar (200), and a plurality of wing portions (330) that protrude from the cover portion in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects the first direction (X-axis direction). At this time, the cover portion includes a center portion (310) that wraps around the upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of the body portion (210) of the bus bar (200), and a peripheral portion (320) that wraps around the upper surface and side surface of the end portion (220) of the bus bar (200). The center portion (310), the peripheral portion (320), and the wing portion (330) are formed by being connected integrally.

[0069] The center portion (310), as illustrated in FIG. 7, may include a first portion (310a) covering the upper surface of the body portion (210) of the bus bar (200), a second portion (310b) covering the lower surface of the body portion (210), and a side portion (not illustrated) connecting them. In this case, although the first portion (310a) is illustrated as thicker in the drawing, it is not limited thereto, and unlike the peripheral portion (320), the first portion (310a) of the center portion (310) may be formed thinner. In this way, since the upper surface, lower surface, and side surfaces of the body portion (210) of the bus bar (200) are wrapped by the center portion (310), the bus bar (200) can be protected from contaminants (dust, particulate matter, etc.) or flames.

[0070] The peripheral part (320) surrounds the upper surface and the side surface of the end part (220) of the bus bar (200) and exposes the lower surface. In addition, it includes a coupling hole (H) at a position corresponding to the through hole (HH) of the bus bar (220). The lower surface of the end part (220) of the bus bar (200) exposed by the peripheral part (320) is placed in contact with an object to be electrically connected, and in that state, a fastening member (BL) is inserted into the through hole (HH) to make an electrical connection. At this time, since the coupling hole (H) is also formed in the peripheral part (320), there is no need to separately expose the through hole (HH). That is, the fastening member (BL) can be installed in the through hole (HH) by inserting the fastening member (BL) into the coupling hole (H) and advancing the fastening member (BL) along the coupling hole (H). At this time, the fastening member (BL) can be connected to an electrical connection part of another electrical device by penetrating the through hole (HH) and protruding to the back surface of the bus bar (200). In this way, the bus bar (200) can be easily connected to another electrical connection part by the joining hole (H) formed in the peripheral part (320) formed integrally with the center part (310). In addition, since there is no need to perform additional deformation (e.g., folding, etc.) of the protective cover (300) to expose the through hole (HH) during this process, damage to the bus bar assembly (100) can be minimized and structural rigidity can be improved.

[0071] However, even after the fastening member (BL) is fastened, if the upper part of the joining hole (H) is exposed, there is a problem that contaminants such as dust or dirt may enter and accumulate inside the joining hole (H), and especially, if such contaminants accumulate, a short circuit may occur between the bus bar (200) and the fastening member (BL) or another electrical connection part at the electrically connected part. In order to prevent this, in the present embodiment, as described below, a configuration is adopted in which the upper part of the joining hole (H) where the joining is completed is covered by a wing portion (330) protruding from an adjacent bus bar assembly (100).

[0072] Referring mainly to FIGS. 8 and 9 along with FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of wing portions (330) may be formed to protrude in a second direction from a cover portion that surrounds the bus bar (200), i.e., a center portion (310) and a peripheral portion (320). That is, the center portion (310) and the peripheral portion (320) are formed corresponding to a portion where the bus bar (200) is formed, and the wing portions (330), which are configured to cover an adjacent bus bar assembly (100) as described below, are formed to protrude outward from an area where the bus bar (200) is arranged in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects the first direction (X-axis direction) that is the extension direction of the bus bar (200). However, in this embodiment, it has been described that the wing part (330) protrudes in the second direction (Y-axis direction), but this is not limited thereto, and the formation position of the wing part (330) can be appropriately determined depending on the direction that the wing part (330) is intended to cover and protect.

[0073] Since the wing portion (330) is configured to cover the joining hole (H) of the adjacent busbar assembly (100), it is formed to protrude from the upper portion of the cover portion in the thickness direction so as to cover the upper portion of the joining hole (H). In addition, as long as the thickness is sufficient to cover the joining hole (H) and prevent the accumulation of contaminants, it can be formed to a thinner thickness than the cover portion.

[0074] The number of wing parts (330) can be determined according to the number of joining holes (H) to be covered, but since the bus bar (200) generally has two through holes (HH) located at both ends, it can include two wing parts (330) as shown in the drawing of the present embodiment. At this time, the first wing part (331) can protrude in a straight shape along the second direction (Y-axis direction) from the peripheral part (320), and the second wing part (332) can protrude in a straight shape along the second direction (Y-axis direction) from the center part (310) and then protrude in a shape that is bent along the first direction (X-axis direction) at the end. The reason for configuring it this way is that, as described later, the two neighboring busbar assemblies (100) must be configured to cover the joining holes (H) of the facing busbar assemblies (100) by the wing parts (330) each provided. However, if the wing parts (330) are configured to protrude only at the portions where the joining holes (H) are uniformly formed, they will interfere with each other during assembly, thereby reducing the assembling performance. In addition, by configuring the first and second wing parts (331, 332) to protrude at different positions so that the second wing part (332) has a bent shape, the gap between the neighboring busbar assemblies (100) is also covered by the wing parts (330), thereby preventing the accumulation of contaminants in the corresponding portion (the portion where the case of the battery module, etc. is arranged) and the occurrence of a short circuit due to the same.

[0075] The center portion (310), the peripheral portion (320), and the wing portion (330) of the protective cover (300) may be formed integrally, and may include refractory silicone to improve fire resistance. For example, the protective cover (300) may be formed by injecting refractory silicone into a mold into which the bus bar (200) is inserted, and performing insert injection molding. Unlike general silicone materials that burn when exposed to flame or at high temperatures, refractory silicone can be ceramized at high temperatures. Therefore, when exposed to flame, the refractory silicone does not burn but is ceramized, thereby maintaining insulation for the bus bar (200). For example, the refractory silicone may be ceramized at a temperature of 500 degrees Celsius or higher and 1700 degrees Celsius or lower. However, the temperature range at which the refractory silicone is ceramized is not limited thereto.

[0076] Refractory silicone may include a silicone polymer and silica. For example, the silicone polymer may be a polysiloxane-based compound having a vinyl group as a functional group, and may serve as a substrate for the refractory silicone material. For example, the silica may be fumed silica, a reinforcing filler included in the silicone polymer. A high-purity silicon chloride (SiCl4) compound can be manufactured using metallic silicon as the main raw material through a reaction with hydrochloric acid and a purification process. Fumed silica can be obtained by reacting this with hydrogen and oxygen in a high-temperature flame. In addition, the refractory silicone may include platinum (Pt) as a catalyst.

[0077] When refractory silicone is exposed to flame or high heat, the silicone polymer decomposes and silica (SiO2) cross-links, forming a ceramic material. A protective cover (300) comprising refractory silicone according to one embodiment maintains electrical insulation properties by ceramicizing rather than burning or melting, even when exposed to flame or in a high-temperature environment.

[0078] Accordingly, the protective cover (300) can insulate the body (210) of the bus bar (200) even in flames or at high temperatures, thereby preventing the bus bar (200) from coming into contact with other electrical components or conductive members, thereby causing a short circuit.

[0079] Meanwhile, an additional protective layer (not shown) may be formed on the outside of the protective cover (300). For example, a protective layer may be formed by winding a tape such as a glass fiber tape or a mica tape on a protective cover (300) made of refractory silicone. Alternatively, the protective layer may be formed by attaching glass fiber or mica on a flat surface, or by coating, applying, spraying, or other various known methods. By additionally providing such a protective layer, fire resistance, insulation, and heat resistance can be further improved.

[0080] In this way, according to the busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the peripheral portion (320) in which the joining hole (H) for joining the fastening member (BL) is formed is integrally formed with the protective cover (300) for insulating the busbar (200), it can have excellent fire resistance and insulation properties, and at the same time, it can have easy assembly, and also, a problem that may occur at this time, that is, a problem that contaminants may penetrate into the joining hole (H) and cause a short circuit, can be solved by covering the joining hole (H) of the neighboring busbar assembly (100) with the wing portion (330) integrally formed with the protective cover (300).

[0081] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, this effect, i.e., the configuration for preventing accumulation of contaminants in the joining hole (H) by the wing portion (330), will be described in more detail.

[0082] Fig. 10 is a top view showing a state in which a busbar assembly of one embodiment is mounted on a battery pack, and Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of Fig. 10.

[0083] In Fig. 10, first to fourth battery modules (1200-a, 1200-b, 1200-c, 1200-d), a first busbar assembly (100), and a second busbar assembly (100') are illustrated. The first and second battery modules (1200-a, 1200-b) are electrically connected by the second busbar assembly (100'), and the third and fourth battery modules (1200-c, 1200-d) are electrically connected by the first busbar assembly (100). That is, the battery modules (1200) that are parallel in the first direction (X-axis direction) are electrically connected by the busbar assembly (100, 100'), and in this state, the battery modules (1200) that are parallel in the second direction (Y-axis direction) are configured to cover the through hole (H) into which the fastening member (BL) is inserted by the wing parts (330, 330') of each other.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 11, which shows a cross-section based on the first busbar assembly (100), the first busbar assembly (100) is configured to electrically connect the third and fourth battery modules (1200-c, 1200-d). That is, the fastening member (BL) passing through the coupling hole (H) and the through hole (HH) located at one end of the first busbar assembly (100) passes through the hole formed in the terminal busbar (1201-c) of the third battery module (1200-c), and the fastening member (BL) passing through the coupling hole (H) and the through hole (HH) located at the other end passes through the hole formed in the terminal busbar (1201-d) of the fourth battery module (1200-d), thereby electrically connecting the third and fourth battery modules (1200-c, 1200-d). At this time, each fastening member (BL) is fastened while the upper portion of the coupling hole (H) is exposed, and after the fastening is completed, the upper portion of the coupling hole (H) is covered by the wing portion (330') protruding from the neighboring second busbar assembly (100') in the Y-axis direction, thereby blocking the inside of the hole where the fastening member (BL) is located. Although the cross-section is not shown, the coupling hole (H) of the second busbar assembly (100') can also be covered by the wing portion (330) protruding from the first busbar assembly (100) in the same manner.

[0085] According to this configuration, the fastening member (BL) can be easily joined without the wing portion (330, 330') being covered, and after the joining is completed, the joining hole (H) and the components inside it can be blocked and protected by the wing portion (330, 330'), so that contaminants (dust, dust, etc.) can be prevented from accumulating at the electrically connected portion and causing a short circuit between the electrically connected components. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, an example of applying the busbar assembly (100) to the joining portion between a plurality of battery modules (1200) has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present embodiment can be applied to various portions that can be electrically connected by the busbar assembly (100).

[0086] In this example, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The above battery module or battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to transportation vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, as well as ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but is not limited thereto. It can also be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0089] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0090] [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100: Busbar assembly

[0092] 200: Busbar

[0093] 210: Body

[0094] 220: End

[0095] HH: Through hole

[0096] 300: Protective cover

[0097] 310: Center section

[0098] 320: Periphery

[0099] H: coupling hole

[0100] 330: Wings

[0101] 331: First Wing

[0102] 332: Second Wing

[0103] 1000: Battery pack

[0104] 1100: Pack Frame

[0105] 1200: Battery module

[0106] 1300: BDU module

[0107] 1400: BMS module

Claims

1. A bus bar including a body portion extending in a first direction and an end portion positioned at both ends of the body portion in the first direction and having a through hole formed therein; and A busbar assembly comprising a cover portion that surrounds the busbar, and a protective cover including a plurality of wing portions that protrude from the cover portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cover part, A center portion that surrounds the upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of the body portion of the above bus bar, and A busbar assembly comprising a peripheral portion that surrounds the upper surface and side surfaces of the end portion of the busbar and includes a coupling hole corresponding to the through hole.

3. In paragraph 2, The above wing part, A busbar assembly comprising a first wing portion protruding from the peripheral portion and a second wing portion protruding from the center portion.

4. In paragraph 3, A busbar assembly having a shape in which the second wing portion is bent by being further extended in the first direction from the end portion protruding in the second direction.

5. In paragraph 1, The above protective cover is a busbar assembly comprising refractory silicone that is ceramicized at high temperatures.

6. In paragraph 5, The above protective cover is a busbar assembly further comprising a protective layer covering the outer side of the refractory silicone.

7. In paragraph 6, The above protective layer is a busbar assembly which is a glass fiber layer or a mica layer.

8. In paragraph 5, A busbar assembly in which the protective cover is covered on the busbar by insert injection molding in which the refractory silicone is injected into a mold into which the busbar is inserted.

9. One busbar assembly of any one of paragraphs 1 to 8; Multiple battery modules; A BDU (battery disconnect unit) module for controlling the electrical connection of the above battery modules; and Includes a BMS (Battery Management System) module that monitors and controls the operation of the above battery module, A battery pack in which at least one of the busbar assemblies electrically connects at least one of the battery modules, the battery module and the BDU module, the battery module and the BMS module, and the BDU module and the BMS module.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack further comprising a fastening member coupled to the through hole of at least one busbar assembly.

11. In paragraph 10, The above wing portion is a battery pack that covers the through hole and fastening member of the neighboring bus bar assembly.

Images