Busbar assembly and battery pack including same

Abstract

A busbar assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a busbar; an insulating member covering the outer surface of the busbar; and a foamed silicone unit positioned between the outer surface of the busbar and the insulating member, wherein the two ends of the insulating member are spaced apart from each other such that the foamed silicone unit is exposed, between the two ends of the insulating member, to the outside.

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. 10-2023-0106185, filed August 14, 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 including the same, which comprises a busbar, an insulating member covering an outer surface of the busbar, and a foamed silicone part positioned between the outer surface of the busbar and the insulating member, thereby preventing arcing and / or electrical short-circuiting of the busbar and delaying thermal propagation or thermal runaway time between adjacent battery modules.

[0004] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product groups, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electrical power sources, as well as in power storage devices. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for their primary advantage of dramatically reducing fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[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] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical or square 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.

[0007] Recently, with the growing need for large-capacity secondary battery structures, including the increasing use of secondary batteries as energy storage sources, demand is growing for battery packs with medium- to large-sized modular structures, which are composed of multiple secondary batteries connected in series or parallel. These battery modules, in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form a battery cell stack, offer increased capacity and output. Furthermore, multiple battery modules can be mounted with various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Management System (BMS) and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0008] In particular, a plurality of battery modules are mounted inside a battery pack, and adjacent battery modules can be electrically connected to each other via a bus bar. However, the outer surface of the bus bar has a structure protected by insulation and insulating materials. However, in the event of an abnormal situation such as overcurrent, overheating, or thermal runaway inside the battery pack, the insulation and insulating materials are lost, resulting in the outer surface of the bus bar being exposed to a high-temperature environment.

[0009] In this way, when the outer surface of the bus bar is exposed to the outside, an arcing phenomenon may occur, which may expose a flame to the outside of the battery pack. In addition, there is a high possibility that an electrical short phenomenon may occur as the outer surface of the bus bar exposed to the outside comes into contact with other electrical components inside the battery pack (1000), and when an electrical short phenomenon occurs, an electrical closed circuit is formed inside the battery pack, which may accelerate a thermal runaway phenomenon inside the battery pack.

[0010] Accordingly, there is an increasing need to develop a battery pack that can prevent the occurrence of the above-described arcing and / or electrical short-circuit phenomenon by preventing the outer surface of the busbar from being directly exposed to a high-temperature environment even if an abnormal situation occurs inside the battery pack, and can delay the thermal propagation or thermal runaway time between adjacent battery modules.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a busbar assembly and battery pack that can prevent arcing and / or electrical short-circuiting of a busbar and delay thermal propagation or thermal runaway time between adjacent battery modules, by including a busbar, an insulating member covering an outer surface of the busbar, and a foamed silicone part positioned between the outer surface of the busbar and the insulating member.

[0012] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0013] A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a busbar; an insulating member covering an outer surface of the busbar; and a foamed silicone part positioned between the outer surface of the busbar and the insulating member, wherein both ends of the insulating member are spaced apart from each other, such that the foamed silicone part is exposed to the outside between the both ends of the insulating member.

[0014] The above busbar may be a flexible busbar.

[0015] In a high temperature environment, the foamed silicone material included in the foamed silicone part may form a silicone expansion part in which the foamed silicone material expands toward the outside of the bus bar.

[0016] Both ends of the insulating member may extend along the length of the bus bar from one side of the bus bar.

[0017] Both ends of the above insulating member may protrude toward the outside of the bus bar.

[0018] The above silicone expansion portion may be formed along the direction in which both ends of the insulating member protrude.

[0019] The above foamed silicone part can be formed in at least one of a tube shape, a tape shape, and a liquid silicone injection shape.

[0020] The above insulating member may be made of a material having a heat-resistant temperature of 120 degrees Celsius or higher and 150 degrees Celsius or lower.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack includes at least one busbar assembly as described above, and includes a pack frame that accommodates a plurality of battery modules, wherein the busbar assembly electrically connects a pair of adjacent battery modules among the plurality of battery modules, and both ends of the busbar are exposed to the outside, and both ends of the busbar may be electrically connected to each of the pair of adjacent battery modules.

[0022] The busbar assembly may be positioned on top of the adjacent pair of battery modules, and the busbar assembly may be arranged such that both ends of the insulating member face the lower portion of the pack frame.

[0023] In a high temperature environment inside the pack frame, the foamed silicone portion exposed between both ends of the insulating member can expand in a direction toward the lower portion of the pack frame.

[0024] In the above busbar assembly, both ends of the insulating member may extend along between the adjacent pair of battery modules.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack comprises at least one busbar assembly as described above, and comprises a pack frame accommodating at least one metal structure, wherein the busbar assembly extends between the metal structure and the pack frame, the busbar assembly is arranged such that both ends of the insulating member face the metal structure, and the metal structure may be at least one of a battery module, an electrical component, and a fixing member.

[0026] In a high temperature environment inside the pack frame, the foamed silicone portion exposed between both ends of the insulating member can expand in a direction toward the metal structure.

[0027] According to embodiments, the busbar assembly of the present invention and the battery pack including the same include a busbar, an insulating member covering an outer surface of the busbar, and a foamed silicone part positioned between the outer surface of the busbar and the insulating member, thereby preventing occurrence of arcing and / or electrical short-circuiting of the busbar.

[0028] In addition, in the busbar assembly of the present invention and the battery pack including the same, the foamed silicone part can delay thermal propagation or thermal runaway time between adjacent battery modules.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing one side of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing the other surface of the busbar assembly of Fig. 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the busbar assembly of Figure 1 taken along the a-a' axis in a normal environment.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the busbar assembly of Fig. 1 taken along the a-a' axis in a high temperature environment.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack in a normal environment according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the busbar assembly of FIG. 1 arranged between adjacent battery modules.

[0035] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery pack of Figure 5 in a high temperature environment.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack in a normal environment according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the busbar assembly of FIG. 1 extending along between the metal structure and the pack frame.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery pack of Fig. 7 in a high temperature environment.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Hereinafter, a busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a drawing showing one side of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a drawing showing the other side of the busbar assembly of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the busbar assembly of Fig. 1 taken along the a-a' axis in a normal environment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the busbar assembly of Fig. 1 taken along the a-a' axis in a high-temperature environment.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar (110), an insulating member (120) surrounding the outer surface of the busbar (110), and a foamed silicone part (130) positioned between the outer surface of the busbar (110) and the insulating member (120).

[0046] In the busbar assembly (100), both ends of the busbar (110) may be exposed to the outside. In other words, both ends of the busbar (110) may be electrically connected to internal components, such as electrical components or battery modules, accommodated within the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5). More specifically, the busbar (110) may be a flexible busbar and may have a shape in which a portion thereof is bent along an empty space within the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5).

[0047] For example, the bus bar (110) may be a metal plate such as copper (Cu). However, the material of the bus bar (110) is not limited thereto, and any metal plate having electrical conductivity can be applied to the present embodiment.

[0048] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar (110) can electrically connect the battery modules to each other within a complex and narrow space between adjacent battery modules.

[0049] The insulating member (120) can surround the outer surface of the bus bar (110). More specifically, the insulating member (120) surrounds the outer surface of the bus bar (110), and both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) can be positioned on one surface of the bus bar (110).

[0050] For example, the insulating member (120) may be made of a material such as thermoplastic rubber, such as Santoprene or TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate). As another example, the insulating member (120) may be made of a material having a heat-resistant temperature of 120 degrees Celsius or higher and 150 degrees Celsius or lower.

[0051] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating member (120) surrounds the outer surface of the busbar (110), thereby forming an insulating structure of the busbar (110) from the external environment, and primarily prevents arcing of the busbar (110) and / or electrical short circuit with other electrical components.

[0052] The foamed silicone part (130) may be positioned on the outer surface of the bus bar (110) and the insulating member (120). More specifically, the foamed silicone part (130) may surround the entire outer surface of the bus bar (110), and the insulating member (120) may surround the outer surface of the bus bar (110) that is surrounded by the foamed silicone part (130).

[0053] The foamed silicone part (130) may be formed in at least one of a tube shape, a tape shape, and a liquid silicone injection shape. For example, when the foamed silicone part (130) is formed in a tube shape, the inside of the foamed silicone part (130) has a hollow shape, and a bus bar (110) may be inserted into the inside of the foamed silicone part (130). As another example, when the foamed silicone part (130) is formed in a tape shape, a pair of foamed silicone parts (130) may be attached to each other with a bus bar (110) therebetween. As another example, when the foamed silicone part (130) is formed in a liquid silicone injection shape, a liquid foamed silicone material may be injected between the outer surface of the bus bar (110) and the inner surface of the insulating member (120) to form the part. However, the shape of the foamed silicone part (130) is not limited to this, and any shape that can form the foamed silicone part (130) between the bus bar (110) and the insulating material (120) can be applied to this embodiment.

[0054] More specifically, when the foamed silicone part (130) is directly exposed to a high-temperature environment such as flame or fire, the foamed silicone material contained in the foamed silicone part (130) can be ceramicized. At this time, the ceramicized foamed silicone can swell to about 4 to 5 times its original volume. In addition, the ceramicized foamed silicone has a relatively very low hardness, so that even if the volume becomes relatively large, it may not damage other components inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5).

[0055] For example, the foamed silicone part (130) is formed of foamed silicone containing glass fibers. Here, the foamed silicone may refer to a composition in which a blowing agent is included in the silicone composition. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any material that can expand in a high-temperature environment, such as a flame or fire generated inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5), may be applied to the present embodiment.

[0056] Accordingly, the busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a foam silicone material in which the foam silicone part (130) can expand in a high-temperature environment, so that the busbar assembly (100) can maintain an insulating structure even in a high-temperature environment such as a flame or fire. In particular, since the hardness of the expanded foam silicone material in the foam silicone part (130) is relatively low, the busbar assembly (100) can maintain an insulating structure without damaging other components outside the busbar assembly (100).

[0057] In particular, in a high-temperature environment where phenomena such as overcurrent, overheating, and thermal runaway occur inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5), as described above, the insulating member (120) has a heat-resistant temperature of 120 degrees Celsius or more and 150 degrees Celsius or less, and thus the insulating member (120) may be destroyed in the high-temperature environment.

[0058] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if the insulating member (120) is lost in a high-temperature environment, the foamed silicone part (130) surrounds the outer surface of the busbar (110), so that the busbar (110) can maintain an insulating structure between other components even in a high-temperature environment such as a flame or fire, and secondarily, arcing of the busbar (110) and / or electrical short-circuiting with other electrical components can be prevented.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the two ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) may be positioned spaced apart from each other. In other words, the busbar assembly (100) may have the foamed silicone portion (130) exposed to the outside between the two ends (120P) of the insulating member (120). That is, in the busbar assembly (100), the foamed silicone portion (130) may be exposed to the outside through a space where the two ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) are spaced apart from each other.

[0060] In the busbar assembly (100), both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) may extend along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the busbar (110) on one side of the busbar (110). For example, both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the busbar (110) in a straight shape, as shown in FIG. 2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the busbar (110) in a curved shape, unlike FIG. 2.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the busbar assembly (100) may be exposed to a high temperature environment, and the foamed silicone portion (130) exposed between the two ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) may expand toward the outside. In other words, in a high temperature environment, a silicone expansion portion (130P) may be formed in which the foamed silicone material included in the foamed silicone portion (130) expands toward the outside of the busbar (110).

[0062] More specifically, both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) may protrude toward the outside of the bus bar (110). In this case, in a high-temperature environment, the foamed silicone portion (130) exposed between the both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) may expand along the direction in which the both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) protrude. That is, the silicone expansion portion (130P) may be formed along the direction in which the both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) protrude.

[0063] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) can guide the expansion direction of the foamed silicone part (130) in a high temperature environment. Here, considering the heat resistance temperature of the insulating member (120), both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) can primarily guide the expansion direction of the foamed silicone part (130) and then be lost due to heat.

[0064] For example, in a high temperature environment, the silicone expansion member (130P) of the busbar assembly (100) can be positioned at a location to prevent electrical contact between components inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5), thereby maintaining an insulating distance between components inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5).

[0065] As another example, in a high temperature environment, the silicon expansion portion (130P) of the busbar assembly (100) is positioned at a location to physically block overcurrent, overheating, thermal runaway phenomenon, etc. generated inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5) from propagating to other components, thereby preventing or delaying heat propagation or additional thermal runaway phenomenon inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 5).

[0066] Below, a battery pack (1000, 1001) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack in a normal environment according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the busbar assembly of FIG. 1 arranged between adjacent battery modules. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack of FIG. 5 in a high-temperature environment.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a battery pack (1000) according to another embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack (1000) including at least one busbar assembly (100), and includes a pack frame (2000) that accommodates a plurality of battery modules (200).

[0069] Here, the pack frame (2000) may include a lower pack frame (not shown) on which a plurality of battery modules (200) are mounted, and an upper pack frame (not shown) positioned above the battery modules (200). More specifically, the upper pack frame may cover the upper portion of the lower pack frame while the plurality of battery modules (200) are mounted on the lower pack frame. Here, the lower pack frame and the upper pack frame may be joined to each other by a method such as welding or adhesion, thereby sealing the inside of the battery pack (1000).

[0070] For example, the pack frame (2000) may be formed of an insulating material. For example, the pack frame (2000) may be formed of an aluminum extrusion structure. As another example, the pack frame (2000) may be formed of a dissimilar metal bonding material such as a clad metal, or may be a structure including an insulating material such as an aerogel or an EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam. As another example, the pack frame (2000) may be a structure including a material such as a silicone foam, mica, or a glass fiber pad. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pack frame (2000) may be used without limitation as long as it is formed of an insulating material having a predetermined rigidity.

[0071] The battery module (200) includes a battery cell stack (not shown) in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a module frame (not shown) that accommodates the battery cell stack (not shown).

[0072] The above battery cell is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, the battery cell can be manufactured by housing the electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and an inner layer, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the pouch case. The battery cell can be formed in a rectangular sheet-like structure. The battery cell can be composed of a plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack (not shown). Here, the number of battery cells constituting the battery cell stack (not shown) can be adjusted as needed.

[0073] The above module frame (not shown) may include an upper cover and a U-shaped frame. Here, the U-shaped frame may include a bottom portion and two side portions extending upward from both ends of the bottom portion. At this time, the bottom portion may cover a lower surface of a battery cell stack (not shown), and the side portions may cover a side surface of the battery cell stack (not shown). The upper cover and the U-shaped frame may be joined by welding or the like in a state where corresponding corner portions are in contact with each other, thereby forming a structure that covers the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the battery cell stack (not shown). To this end, the upper cover and the U-shaped frame may be made of a metal material having a predetermined strength.

[0074] However, the structure of the module frame (not shown) is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the module frame (not shown) may have a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal plate in which the upper surface, lower surface, and both sides are integrated. The monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding. In addition, the structure of the module frame (not shown) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a monoframe or a U-shaped frame, and may also be provided in various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0075] In addition, the battery module (200) further includes a busbar frame positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (not shown) and an end plate covering the busbar frame. Here, a busbar (not shown) electrically connected to the battery cell stack (not shown) may be positioned on the busbar frame. Accordingly, the end plate can physically protect the battery cell stack (not shown) and other electrical components from external impact.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, a busbar assembly (100) can electrically connect a pair of adjacent battery modules (200) among a plurality of battery modules (200). More specifically, in the busbar assembly (100), both ends of the busbar (110) are exposed to the outside, and both ends of the busbar (110) can be electrically connected to each of the pair of adjacent battery modules (100).

[0077] Accordingly, in a battery pack (1000) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the busbar assembly (100) described above electrically connects a pair of adjacent battery modules (200) to each other, thereby preventing the busbar (110) from being exposed to the outside in a high-temperature environment inside the battery pack (1000). In addition, the battery pack (1000) according to the present embodiment prevents the busbar (110) from being exposed to the outside in a high-temperature environment inside the battery pack (1000), thereby preventing flame exposure to the outside of the battery pack (1000) and acceleration of heat transfer speed due to arcing of the busbar (110) and / or electrical short-circuiting with other electrical components.

[0078] The busbar assembly (100) may be positioned on top of a pair of adjacent battery modules (200). Here, the busbar assembly (100) may be arranged such that both ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) face the lower portion of the pack frame (2000) (-z-axis direction). More specifically, in the busbar assembly (100), both ends of the insulating member (120) may extend along a space between the pair of adjacent battery modules (200).

[0079] In a high temperature environment inside the pack frame (2000), as shown in FIG. 6, the foamed silicone portion (130) exposed between the two ends (120P) of the insulating member (120) can expand in a direction (-z-axis direction) toward the bottom of the pack frame (2000). More specifically, the silicone expansion portion (130P) can be formed by expanding the foamed silicone material included in the foamed silicone portion (130) in a direction toward the bottom of the pack frame (2000). Here, the silicone expansion portion (130P) can extend along between a pair of adjacent battery modules (200).

[0080] Here, the high temperature environment inside the pack frame (2000) may be an environment in which the temperature inside the pack frame (2000) is increased due to phenomena such as overcurrent, overheating, and thermal runaway of a plurality of battery modules (200) mounted together inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 3). More specifically, the high temperature environment inside the pack frame (2000) may mean an environment in which a fire occurs due to a cell event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon in a battery cell located inside the battery pack (1000), and some of the internal components of the pack frame (2000) are exposed to flames. For example, the high temperature environment inside the pack frame (2000) may be an environment in which some of the internal components of the pack frame (2000) are heated to a temperature at which they can be destroyed by flames. In other words, the high temperature environment inside the pack frame (2000) may mean an ultra-high temperature environment that rapidly rises to a temperature exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius.

[0081] Accordingly, in a battery pack (1000) according to another embodiment of the present invention, in a high-temperature environment inside a pack frame (2000), a silicon expansion portion (130P) of a busbar assembly (100) is formed between a pair of adjacent battery modules (200), thereby maintaining an insulating distance between a pair of battery modules (200) or between a battery module (200) and other components.

[0082] In addition, in a high-temperature environment, the silicon expansion portion (130P) of the busbar assembly (100) is formed between a pair of adjacent battery modules (200), so that phenomena such as overcurrent, overheating, and thermal runaway occurring inside the battery pack (1000) can be physically blocked from propagating between adjacent battery modules (200), and heat propagation or additional thermal runaway phenomena inside the battery pack (1000) can be prevented or delayed.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack in a normal environment according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the busbar assembly of FIG. 1 extending along between the metal structure and the pack frame. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery pack of FIG. 7 in a high-temperature environment.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a battery pack (1001) according to another embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack (1001) including at least one busbar assembly (101), and includes a pack frame (2001) that accommodates at least one metal structure (301). Here, the description of the pack frame (2001) may be the same as that of the pack frame (2000) described in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0085] The metal structure (301) may be at least one of a battery module, an electrical component, and a fixing member. Here, the battery module may be described in the same manner as the battery module (200) described in FIGS. 5 and 6. In addition, the electrical component may be a component for electrical connection between components within the battery pack (1000), and the fixing member may be a component that fixes the components within the battery pack (1000) to each other or to the pack frame (2001).

[0086] The busbar assembly (101) can be described in the same manner as the busbar assembly (100) described in FIGS. 1 to 4, and only the parts that are different from the busbar assembly (100) described in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described below.

[0087] The busbar assembly (101) may extend along between the metal structure (301) and the pack frame (2001). More specifically, the busbar assembly (101) may be arranged such that both ends (121P) of the insulating member (121) face the metal structure (301). Here, the silicone expansion member (130P) may extend along the outer surface of the metal structure (301).

[0088] In a high temperature environment inside the pack frame (2001), the foamed silicone portion (not shown) exposed between the two ends (121P) of the insulating member (121) can expand in a direction toward the metal structure (301). More specifically, the silicone expansion portion (131P) can expand the foamed silicone material included in the foamed silicone portion (not shown) in a direction toward the metal structure (301).

[0089] Accordingly, in a battery pack (1001) according to another embodiment of the present invention, in a high-temperature environment inside a pack frame (2001), the silicon expansion portion (131P) of the busbar assembly (101) is formed on the outer surface of the metal structure (301), thereby maintaining an insulating distance between the busbar assembly (101) and the metal structure (301).

[0090] In addition, even if a part of the structure of the insulating member (121) or the metal structure (301) is lost due to phenomena such as overcurrent, overheating, or thermal runaway occurring inside the battery pack (1000), the insulation distance between the busbar assembly (101) and the metal structure (301) can be maintained.

[0091] The battery pack described above can be applied to various devices. These devices include electric bicycles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and other means of transportation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices that utilize battery modules and battery packs containing the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0092] 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.

[0093] [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100, 101: Busbar assembly

[0095] 110, 111: Bus bar

[0096] 120, 121: Insulating member

[0097] 120P, 121P: Both ends of the insulating member

[0098] 130, 131: Foamed silicone part

[0099] 200: Battery module

[0100] 301: Metal Structure

[0101] 1000, 1001: Battery pack

[0102] 2000, 2001: Pack Frame

Claims

1. Busbar; Insulating material covering the outer surface of the above bus bar; and Including a foamed silicone part positioned between the outer surface of the above bus bar and the above insulating member, A busbar assembly in which the two ends of the insulating member are spaced apart from each other, and the foamed silicone part is exposed to the outside between the two ends of the insulating member.

2. In paragraph 1, The above busbar is a flexible busbar assembly.

3. In paragraph 1, A busbar assembly in which the foamed silicone portion exposed between the two ends of the insulating member expands outwardly in a high temperature environment.

4. In paragraph 3, A busbar assembly in which a silicone expansion portion is formed in which the silicone foam material included in the silicone foam portion expands toward the outside of the busbar in a high temperature environment.

5. In paragraph 4, A busbar assembly in which both ends of the insulating member extend along the longitudinal direction of the busbar from one side of the busbar.

6. In paragraph 4, A busbar assembly in which both ends of the insulating member protrude toward the outside of the busbar.

7. In paragraph 5, A busbar assembly in which the above silicone expansion member is formed along the direction in which both ends of the insulating member protrude.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the above-mentioned foamed silicone part is formed in at least one of a tube shape, a tape shape, and a liquid silicone injection shape.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery pack wherein the above insulating material is made of a material having a heat-resistant temperature of 120 degrees Celsius or higher and 150 degrees Celsius or lower.

10. A battery pack comprising at least one busbar assembly of paragraph 1, Comprising a pack frame accommodating multiple battery modules, The above busbar assembly electrically connects a pair of adjacent battery modules among a plurality of battery modules, A battery pack in which both ends of the bus bar are exposed to the outside, and both ends of the bus bar are electrically connected to each of the adjacent pairs of battery modules.

11. In Article 10, The above busbar assembly is positioned on top of the adjacent pair of battery modules, The above busbar assembly is a battery pack in which both ends of the insulating member are arranged in a direction toward the lower part of the pack frame.

12. In Article 11, A battery pack in which, in a high temperature environment inside the pack frame, the foamed silicone portion exposed between both ends of the insulating member expands in a direction toward the lower part of the pack frame.

13. In Article 12, A battery pack in which both ends of the insulating member in the above busbar assembly extend along between the adjacent pair of battery modules.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one busbar assembly of paragraph 1, comprising a pack frame accommodating at least one metal structure; The above busbar assembly extends along between the metal structure and the pack frame, The above busbar assembly is arranged such that both ends of the insulating member are directed toward the metal structure, A battery pack wherein the above metal structure is at least one of a battery module, an electrical component, and a fixing member.

15. In paragraph 14, A battery pack in which, in a high temperature environment inside the pack frame, the foamed silicone portion exposed between both ends of the insulating member expands in a direction toward the metal structure.

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