Busbar assembly and battery pack including same

Abstract

A busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a busbar which guides electrical connections of battery modules inside a battery pack; a fire-resistant silicone member which has a recessed portion formed at the lower surface thereof; and a cover which has an open portion formed at the lower portion thereof. The fire-resistant silicone member is inserted into the cover through the open portion, and the busbar is mounted in the recessed portion of the fire-resistant silicone member.

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. 10-2023-0094532, filed July 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are 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 with improved fire resistance 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 fueling the growing 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 configured with 2-3 battery cells, but secondary batteries used in medium- to large-sized devices such as automobiles utilize battery modules in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected. These battery modules enhance 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 may 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, they are also more susceptible to explosion or fire if the cells fail to dissipate heat properly or if thermal runaway occurs.

[0010] Meanwhile, a bus bar is provided inside the battery pack to connect to the battery module. Fig. 1 is a drawing showing a conventional bus bar.

[0011] Referring to Fig. 1, a conventional bus bar (20) is a metal member in the shape of a bar extending along the longitudinal direction. The bus bar (20) serves as a medium for electrically connecting between terminal bus bars (22) of a battery module (1200). For example, each end of the bus bar (20) may be connected to a terminal bus bar (22) of the battery module (1200). For example, the bus bar (20) and the terminal bus bar (22) may be physically and electrically connected in such a manner that a bolt member (60) penetrates both the bus bar (20) and the terminal bus bar (22) and is coupled with a nut.

[0012] These bus bars (20) are components that are responsible for the HV (High Voltage) connection in the battery pack. The HV connection refers to a connection that serves as a power source for supplying electric power, and the bus bars (20) are components that guide the electrical connection of the battery modules and are generally made of a metal material with excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the bus bars (20) may include a copper (Cu) material.

[0013] A covering member (20P) can wrap around the bus bar (20). The covering member (20P) can include an electrically insulating material, for example, a silicone material or an epoxy material. Since the covering member (20P) 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 causing a short circuit. In addition, a cap (20C) covering a portion where the bus bar (20) and the terminal bus bar (22) are connected can be provided, and the cap (20C) can be fixed to the covering member (20P) by a tape (20T).

[0014] Recently, battery packs require equipment that prevents flames from spreading to the outside of the battery pack even if a fire occurs inside the battery pack. Since the flame generated inside the battery pack can reach a very high temperature of approximately 1000 degrees Celsius, the covering material (20P) surrounding the bus bar (20) may melt, exposing the bus bar (20). If the exposed bus bar (20) comes into contact with another electrical component or conductive material, causing a short circuit, 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 the vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted.

[0015] In addition, in the case where the cap (20C) covers the part where the bus bar (20) and the terminal bus bar (22) are connected, the bus bar (20) part is generally covered, but there is a risk that the terminal bus bar (22) may be exposed from the side. If dust or the like accumulates in the gap where the terminal bus bar (22) is exposed in this way, the risk of a short circuit with other electrical components inside the battery pack increases.

[0016] Accordingly, there is a need for technological development for a busbar assembly that can maintain electrical insulation.

[0017] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a busbar assembly that can maintain electrical insulation without melting even when a flame occurs inside the battery pack, and a battery pack including the same.

[0018] 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.

[0019] A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a busbar for guiding electrical connection of battery modules within a battery pack; a refractory silicone member having a recessed portion formed on a lower surface; and a cover having an opening formed on a lower surface. The refractory silicone member is fitted into the interior of the cover through the opening, and the busbar is mounted in the recessed portion of the refractory silicone member.

[0020] The above-mentioned indentation may include a first indentation having a shape corresponding to the shape of the bus bar.

[0021] The above bus bar may have at least two connection areas that are in contact with the terminal bus bars of the battery module.

[0022] The above-mentioned indentation may include a first indentation having a shape corresponding to the shape of the bus bar; and a second indentation having a shape that is more indented than the first indentation in a portion corresponding to the connection area.

[0023] The above connection area of ​​the above bus bar can be connected to the terminal bus bar of the above battery module by a bolting connection.

[0024] Among the above refractory silicone members, a plurality of grooves may be formed on the outer surface facing the inner surface of the cover.

[0025] The plurality of said grooves may extend along one side, the upper surface and the other side of the refractory silicone member.

[0026] The above refractory silicone member may include a fixed guide portion that supports a portion of the lower surface of the bus bar.

[0027] The above busbar assembly may further include a fiberglass tape wrapping the outer surface of the cover.

[0028] The above refractory silicone material may include a silicone material that becomes ceramic at high temperatures.

[0029] The above cover may include MICA material.

[0030] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least one busbar assembly; 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. 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, or the BDU module and the BMS module.

[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, a refractory silicone member that is ceramicized at high temperature or flame and a cover covering the refractory silicone member are provided in a busbar assembly, so that the electrical insulation of the busbar assembly can be maintained even if a flame occurs inside the battery pack.

[0032] Additionally, the refractory silicone material and cover can completely cover the connection between the busbar and terminal busbar. This eliminates the risk of dust accumulating on the busbar or the terminal busbar of the battery module, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits with other electrical components within the battery pack.

[0033] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0034] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a conventional bus bar.

[0035] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack of FIG. 2.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the battery module of Fig. 3 with the module frame and end plate removed.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention connected to a battery module.

[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a cover included in the busbar assembly of Figure 5.

[0040] Figure 7 is a plan view of the busbar assembly of Figure 5 viewed from above.

[0041] Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the busbar assembly of Fig. 5.

[0042] Figures 9 (a) and (b) are drawings showing cross-sections taken along the cutting line A-A' and the cutting line B-B' of Figure 8, respectively.

[0043] Figures 10 (a) and (b) are a plan view and a side view showing a refractory silicone member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a busbar assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 11.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a cover and a glass fiber tape according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the direction opposite to gravity.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar assembly (100); 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), or 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing one of the battery modules included in the battery pack of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the battery module of Fig. 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 an internal space formed by the module frame (30) and the end plate (40).

[0060] The battery cell according to the present embodiment may be a pouch-type battery cell, a square battery cell, or a cylindrical battery cell. However, in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pouch-type battery cell is described as an example of the present invention. The pouch-type battery cell may 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. The battery cell (11) may be formed in a rectangular sheet structure. The electrode lead (11L) connected to the electrode assembly protrudes outside the pouch case, and the electrode leads (11L) of each battery cell (11) may be electrically connected to each other via a lead bus bar (21). Meanwhile, at least one electrode lead (11L) may be connected to a terminal bus bar (22). A portion of the terminal bus bar (22) may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (1200) as illustrated in FIG. 3. Both the lead busbar (21) and the terminal busbar (22) may include a metal material with excellent electrical conductivity.

[0061] 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).

[0062]

[0063] Hereinafter, a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10.

[0064] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention connected to a battery module. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a cover included in the busbar assembly of Fig. 5.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar (200) that guides electrical connection of a battery module (1200) within a battery pack (1000); a refractory silicone member (300) having a recessed portion formed on a lower surface; and a cover (400) having an open portion formed on a lower surface.

[0066] The busbar (200) is a structure for guiding the electrical connection of the battery module, i.e., the HV connection, and may include a metal material with excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the busbar (200) may include a copper (Cu) material. The busbar (200) may be a metal bar extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0067] A refractory silicone material (300) is fitted into the interior of the cover (400) through an opening (400H) formed in the cover (400). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cover (400) may have a form in which an empty space is formed inside and this empty space is connected to the opening (400H) formed at the bottom. That is, the cover (400) may include an upper portion and four side portions, and the internal space formed by the upper portion and the four side portions may be connected to the opening (400H) formed at the bottom.

[0068] This cover (400) may include a mica material. The cover (400) including the mica material can provide fire resistance and structural rigidity to the busbar assembly (100). Even if a flame occurs due to thermal runaway in the battery pack (1000), the cover (400) does not melt and protects the busbar (200) inside from the surrounding structure, thereby preventing additional short circuits from occurring.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the busbar assembly of Fig. 5 as viewed from above. Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the busbar assembly of Fig. 5 as viewed from below. Fig. 9 (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views taken along the cutting line A-A' and the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 8, respectively. Considering the angle in Fig. 7, the refractory silicone member (300) fitted into the cover (400) is not visible, but for the convenience of explanation, the refractory silicone member (300) is expressed in a dotted line.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 9, a recessed portion (300D) is formed on the lower surface of the refractory silicone member (300) according to the present embodiment, and a bus bar (200) is mounted on this recessed portion (300D). That is, with the bus bar (200) mounted on the recessed portion (300D) formed on the lower surface of the refractory silicone member (300), the bus bar (200) and the refractory silicone member (300) are fitted into the interior of the cover (400) through the opening (400H) of the cover (400).

[0071] The refractory silicone member (300) may include a refractory silicone material. The refractory silicone member (300) having electrical insulation properties including a refractory silicone material functions as an insulating layer that protects the bus bar (200), thereby preventing the bus bar (200) from coming into contact with other electrical components or conductive members, thereby causing a short circuit.

[0072] The above refractory silicone material is a material that becomes ceramic when exposed to flame or high temperature, unlike general silicone materials that burn when exposed to flame or high temperature. The refractory silicone material may include a silicone polymer and silica. The applicable silicone polymer may be a polysiloxane series compound having a vinyl group as a functional group, and corresponds to the base material of the refractory silicone material. Silica may be fumed silica as a reinforcing filler included in the silicone polymer. A high-purity silicon chloride (SiCl4) compound can be manufactured using metallic silicon as a 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 material may include platinum (Pt) as a catalyst.

[0073] When the above refractory silicone material is exposed to flame or high temperature, the silicone polymer decomposes and silica (SiO2) is cross-linked to form a ceramic material. The refractory silicone member (300) according to the present embodiment maintains electrical insulation properties by being ceramicized rather than burning or melting even when exposed to internal flame or placed in a high-temperature environment.

[0074] The bus bar (200) guides electrical connections within the battery pack (1000). As an example, FIG. 5 illustrates a bus bar (200) electrically connecting terminal bus bars (22) of a battery module (1200). Each of the two ends of the bus bar (200) can be connected to a terminal bus bar (22) of the battery module (1200).

[0075] For this bus bar (200), when the refractory silicone member (300) is joined from top to bottom, the bus bar (200) can be mounted in the indentation (300D) of the refractory silicone member (300). In addition, when the cover (400) is joined from top to bottom, the bus bar (200) and the refractory silicone member (300) can be positioned in the internal space of the cover (400). Accordingly, even if a flame occurs in the battery pack (1000) due to thermal runaway, the cover (400) protects the bus bar (200) and the refractory silicone member (300). In addition, the refractory silicone member (300) can maintain electrical insulation properties by being ceramicized rather than being burned or melted away. Ultimately, the electrical insulation of the busbar assembly (100) is maintained, and additional short circuits are prevented from occurring from the busbar assembly (100), thereby preventing flames from leading to an explosion of the battery pack or a vehicle equipped with the battery pack.

[0076] In addition, when the cover (400) includes a mica material, while its structural rigidity is enhanced, there is a risk of it being broken or cracked by external vibrations or impacts. The refractory silicone member (300) according to the present embodiment can absorb external vibrations or impacts while positioned on the inside of the cover (400). That is, due to the elastic properties of the refractory silicone member (300), external vibrations or impacts are not directly transmitted to the cover (400). Accordingly, the risk of the cover (400) being broken or cracked can be reduced.

[0077] Meanwhile, in the case of the conventional covering member (20P) illustrated in Fig. 1, there is a concern that the busbar (20) and the terminal busbar (22) may be exposed from the side because the cap (20C) fixed by the tape (20T) covers the portion where the busbar (20) and the terminal busbar (22) are connected. On the other hand, in the case of the present invention, since the refractory silicone member (300) and the cover (400) are assembled from top to bottom with respect to the busbar (200), the portion where the busbar (200) and the terminal busbar (22) are connected can be completely covered, including the busbar (200). Accordingly, there is no concern that dust or the like may accumulate on the busbar (200) or the terminal busbar (22) of the battery module (1200), and the risk of a short circuit occurring inside the battery pack (1000) can be reduced.

[0078] The indentation (300D) of the refractory silicone member (300) according to the present embodiment may include a first indentation (300D1) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the bus bar. Specifically, the first indentation (300D1) according to the present embodiment may be a shape that is indented upward from the lower surface of the refractory silicone member (300). When the bus bar (200) is inserted into this first indentation (300D1), the bus bar (200) may be fixed within the refractory silicone member (300). In order to effectively fix the bus bar (200), the first indentation (300D1) corresponding to the shape of the bus bar (200) preferably has a width in the x-axis direction equivalent to the width of the bus bar (200), a width in the y-axis direction equivalent to the length of the bus bar (200), and a depth in the z-axis direction equivalent to the thickness of the bus bar (200).

[0079] Meanwhile, the bus bar (200) may have at least two connection areas (210) that are in contact with the terminal bus bars (22) of the battery modules (1200). One connection area (210) of the bus bar (200) may be connected by making contact with the terminal bus bar (22) of one battery module (1200), and another connection area (210) of the bus bar (200) may be connected by making contact with the terminal bus bar (22) of another battery module (1200). Accordingly, the bus bar (200) may electrically connect the terminal bus bars (22) of the battery modules (1200) to each other. As long as physical and electrical connection is possible, there is no particular limitation on the connection method between the bus bar (200) and the terminal bus bar (22). For example, the connection area (210) of the bus bar (200) may be connected to the terminal bus bar (22) of the battery module (1200) by a bolting connection. Specifically, the bus bar (200) and the terminal bus bar (22) may be physically and electrically connected in such a manner that the bolt member (600) penetrates both the hole (200H, see FIG. 3) of the bus bar (200) and the hole of the terminal bus bar (22) and is connected with a nut (not shown).

[0080] At this time, the indentation (300D) according to the present embodiment may include a second indentation (300D2) that is more indented than the first indentation (300D1) in a portion corresponding to the connection area (210). That is, the second indentation (300D2) may be provided by indenting the portion of the refractory silicone member (300) corresponding to the connection area (210) further upward than the first indentation (300D1). The bolt member (600) that connects the bus bar (200) and the terminal bus bar (22) may be positioned in the space formed by the second indentation (300D2). When the bus bar (200) and the terminal bus bar (22) are protected by the refractory silicone member (300) and the cover (400), the bolt member (600) may also be protected within the second indentation (300D2).

[0081] Fig. 10(a) and (b) are a plan view and a side view showing a refractory silicone member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10(a) is a view of a refractory silicone member (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, and Fig. 10(b) is a view of a refractory silicone member (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side.

[0082] Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 5 and FIG. 10, a plurality of grooves (300G) may be formed on the outer surface facing the inner surface of the cover (400) among the refractory silicone members (300) according to the present embodiment. The grooves (300G) may be formed in a shape that extends along a certain direction. For example, the plurality of grooves (300G) may extend along one side portion (320), the upper surface (310), and the other side portion (330) of the refractory silicone member (300). For example, as illustrated, a grooved shape on the outer surface of the refractory silicone member (300) may extend along one side portion (320), the upper surface (310), and the other side portion (330) of the refractory silicone member (300) such that each groove (300G) is formed, and these grooves (300G) may be spaced apart from each other along the y-axis direction.

[0083] By forming a plurality of grooves (300G) on the outer surface of the refractory silicone member (300), when the busbar assembly (100) is exposed to flame or a high temperature, a space for the refractory silicone member (300) to expand can be provided. In addition, when the busbar assembly (100) is exposed to flame or a high temperature, gas may be generated in the refractory silicone member (300), and this gas can be discharged to the outside of the busbar assembly (100) along the plurality of grooves (300G). In this way, since a space for the refractory silicone member (300) to expand exists and the gas generated in the refractory silicone member (300) can be easily discharged, even in a flame and high temperature environment, the force and stress applied to the cover (400) are reduced, and the shapes of the refractory silicone member (300) and the cover (400) can be easily maintained.

[0084]

[0085] Fig. 11 is a bottom view of a busbar assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 11.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a busbar assembly (100) according to a modified embodiment of the present invention includes a refractory silicone member (300) and a cover (400), and a recessed portion (300D) having a first recessed portion (300D1) may be formed in the refractory silicone member (300). In addition, the recessed portion (300D) may include a second recessed portion (300D2). Up to this point, the structure is similar to the embodiment described above, but the refractory silicone member (300) according to a modified embodiment of the present invention may include a fixed guide portion (300F) that supports a portion of the lower surface of the busbar. The fixed guide portions (300F) may be provided in a form that protrudes in a mutually located direction from both corner portions of the refractory silicone member (300).

[0087] In the process of the refractory silicone member (300) being joined from above to below toward the bus bar (200), the fixed guide part (300F) can be naturally folded and unfolded again, and can be placed on the lower surface of the bus bar (200) to support a portion of the lower surface of the bus bar (200). Accordingly, the bus bar (200) can be more firmly fixed within the refractory silicone member (300). In addition, the fixed guide part (300F) can prevent the refractory silicone member (300) from being separated from the bus bar (200) even in the event of external vibration or impact.

[0088] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a cover and a glass fiber tape according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 13, the busbar assembly according to the present embodiment may further include a glass fiber tape (500) wrapping the outer surface of the cover (400).

[0090] A glass fiber tape (500) may include a substrate layer comprising glass fibers and an adhesive layer formed on one surface of the substrate layer. The substrate layer may be a fabric comprising glass fibers, and the adhesive layer may include at least one of an acrylic resin and a silicone resin. The glass fiber tape (500) may be a rectangular tape having long sides and short sides.

[0091] In Fig. 13, the glass fiber tape (500) is shown as wrapping only a portion of the outer surface of the cover (400), but this is for convenience of explanation, and the glass fiber tape (500) may wrap the entire outer surface of the cover (400) without the cover (400) being directly exposed.

[0092] This glass fiber tape (500) can serve as a primary fire barrier. That is, the glass fiber tape (500) can improve the fire resistance of the busbar assembly by directly protecting the refractory silicone member (300) and the cover (400) from flames. In addition, since the outer surface of the cover (400) is taped with the glass fiber tape (500), the structural rigidity can be increased.

[0093]

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] Description of the symbol

[0099] 100: Busbar assembly

[0100] 200: Busbar

[0101] 300: Refractory silicone material

[0102] 300G: Home

[0103] 400: Cover

[0104] 500: Fiberglass Tape

[0105] 600: Bolt member

[0106] 1000: Battery pack

[0107] 1100: Pack Frame

[0108] 1200: Battery module

[0109] 1300: BDU module

[0110] 1400: BMS module

Claims

1. A bus bar that guides the electrical connection of battery modules inside the battery pack; A refractory silicone member having a recess formed on the lower surface; and A cover having an opening formed at the bottom; The refractory silicone material is fitted into the inside of the cover through the opening, A busbar assembly in which the busbar is mounted in the recessed portion of the refractory silicone member.

2. In paragraph 1, A busbar assembly including a first indentation portion having a shape corresponding to the shape of the busbar.

3. In paragraph 1, The above busbar is a busbar assembly having at least two connection areas that are in contact with the terminal busbar of the battery module.

4. In paragraph 3, A busbar assembly including a first indentation portion having a shape corresponding to the shape of the busbar; and a second indentation portion having a shape more indented than the first indentation portion in a portion corresponding to the connection area.

5. In paragraph 3, The above connection area of ​​the above busbar is a busbar assembly connected to the terminal busbar of the above battery module by a bolting joint.

6. In paragraph 1, A busbar assembly having a plurality of grooves formed on the outer surface facing the inner surface of the cover among the above-mentioned refractory silicone members.

7. In paragraph 6, A plurality of said grooves are a busbar assembly extending along one side, upper surface and another side of said refractory silicone member.

8. In paragraph 1, The above refractory silicone member is a busbar assembly including a fixed guide portion that supports a portion of the lower surface of the busbar.

9. In paragraph 1, A busbar assembly further comprising a fiberglass tape wrapping the outer surface of the cover.

10. In paragraph 1, The above refractory silicone member is a busbar assembly including a silicone material that becomes ceramic at high temperature.

11. In paragraph 1, The above cover is a busbar assembly containing MICA material.

12. At least one busbar assembly according to paragraph 1; The above battery modules; A BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) module for controlling the electrical connection of the above battery modules; and 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, or the BDU module and the BMS module.

Images