Bus bar and battery module comprising same

Abstract

A bus bar and a battery module are disclosed. The bus bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a front coupler; a bridge extending backward from the front coupler; and a rear coupler extending backward from the bridge, wherein the bridge includes: a front hump, which extends backward from the front coupler and protrudes upward; a valley, which extends backward from the front hump and protrudes downward; and a rear hump, which extends backward from the valley, is connected to the rear coupler and protrudes upward.

Description

Busbar and battery module including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a busbar and a battery module including the same.

[0002] A battery module may include a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of bus bars electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells. The bus bars may be welded to two battery cells.

[0003] When a battery cell needs to be replaced among multiple battery cells, the typical procedure is to remove the busbar connected to the cell and install a new battery cell and busbar. However, the process of removing the busbar welded to the battery cell can be costly and time-consuming.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a busbar that is easily replaceable and a battery module including the same can be provided.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a busbar having a fuse function and a battery module including the same can be provided.

[0006] A busbar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a front coupler; a bridge extending rearward from the front coupler; and a rear coupler extending rearward from the bridge, wherein the bridge may include a front hump extending rearward from the front coupler and convex upward; a belly extending rearward from the front hump and convex downward; and a rear hump extending rearward from the belly and connected to the rear coupler and convex upward.

[0007] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of battery cells, each including a first battery cell and a second battery cell positioned behind the first battery cell; and a plurality of bus bars, each including a first bus bar connecting the first battery cell and the second battery cell, wherein the bus bar comprises: a front coupler coupled to the first battery cell; a bridge extending rearward from the front coupler; and a rear coupler extending rearward from the bridge and coupled to the second battery cell, wherein the bridge may include: a front hump extending rearward from the front coupler and convex upward; a belly extending rearward from the front hump and convex downward; and a rear hump extending rearward from the belly and connected to the rear coupler and convex upward.

[0008] A method for replacing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided in a battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a front-rear direction and a plurality of bus bars sequentially connecting the plurality of battery cells, wherein a method for replacing a replacement target battery cell, which is one of the plurality of battery cells, with a replacement battery cell comprises the steps of: separating a distal coupler and a bridge of a replacement target bus bar coupled to the replacement target battery cell among the plurality of bus bars; removing the replacement target battery cell and positioning the replacement battery cell at a location where the replacement target battery cell was located; and connecting an adjacent battery cell adjacent to the replacement target battery cell and the replacement target battery cell with a replacement bus bar, wherein each of the plurality of bus bars and the replacement bus bar includes a front coupler; a bridge extending rearward from the front coupler; and a rear coupler extending rearward from the bridge, wherein the distal coupler can be coupled to the adjacent battery cell among the front coupler and the rear coupler.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a busbar and a battery module including the same can facilitate easy replacement of the busbar.

[0010] A busbar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a fuse function.

[0011] A busbar and a battery module including the same according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and solar and wind power generation using batteries.

[0012] The busbar of the present disclosure and the battery module including the same can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc. to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a bus bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing a cross-section of the bus bar illustrated in Fig. 2 taken along line A1-A2.

[0016] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the bus bar illustrated in Figure 3 as viewed from above.

[0017] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a battery module with a bus bar connected to the battery cell illustrated in Fig. 1, viewed from above.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module illustrated in Fig. 5 taken along line B1-B2.

[0019] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of C of the battery module illustrated in Figure 6.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a part of the first bus bar and the first battery cell illustrated in FIG. 7 have been removed.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a new battery cell and a new busbar are connected to another part of the first busbar illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0022] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. However, these are merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described as examples.

[0023] The battery module of the present disclosure can be applied to pouch cells, cylindrical cells, square cells, etc. The electrode assembly (not shown) can be of a winding type, a stacking type, a z-folding type, or a stack-folding type.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience of explanation in FIG. 1, the display of the case and bus bar of the battery module (10) may be omitted.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery module (10) may include battery cells (100). The battery cells (100) may be provided in multiples. For example, the battery module (10) may include multiple battery cells (100).

[0026] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in one direction. For example, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a front-back direction. The front-back direction may be the Y-axis direction or may be parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0027] For example, a plurality of battery cells (100) may include a first battery cell (100a), a second battery cell (100b), and a third battery cell (100c). The first battery cell (100a), the second battery cell (100b), and the third battery cell (100c) may be arranged sequentially from front to back.

[0028] The thickness direction of the battery cell (100) may be parallel to the direction in which the plurality of battery cells (100) are arranged. For example, the thickness direction of the battery cell (100) may be the front-back direction. For example, the thickness direction of the battery cell (100) may be parallel to the Y direction.

[0029] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) may intersect with the thickness direction of the battery cell (100). For example, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) may be perpendicular to the thickness direction of the battery cell (100). For example, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) may be in the up-down direction. For example, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) may be parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0030] The width direction of the battery cell (100) may intersect the length direction and thickness direction of the battery cell (100), respectively. The width direction of the battery cell (100) may be perpendicular to the length direction and thickness direction of the battery cell (100), respectively. For example, the width direction of the battery cell (100) may be the left-right direction. For example, the width direction of the battery cell (100) may be parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0031] The battery cell (100) can be charged and discharged. For example, the electrical energy stored in the battery cell (100) may increase during the charging process. For example, the electrical energy stored in the battery cell (100) may decrease during the discharging process.

[0032] The battery cell (100) may include a cell case (110). The cell case (110) may accommodate an electrode assembly (not shown). The cell case (110) may form the exterior of the battery cell (100). The cell case (110) may be sealed. When the cell case (110) is sealed, the electrode assembly (not shown) may be separated from the exterior of the cell case (110).

[0033] The cell case (110) can form or maintain rigidity. For example, the cell case (110) can protect the electrode assembly (not shown) from external impact, etc. The cell case (110) can be formed of a material including metal.

[0034] The cell case (110) may include a cell top (111). The cell top (111) may form an upper face of the battery module (10). For example, the cell top (111) may form an upper face of the cell case (110). The cell top (111) may form a plate shape overall.

[0035] The cell case (110) may include a cell side (112). The cell side (112) may be connected or coupled to a cell top (111). For example, the cell side (112) may form a shape extending downward from the perimeter of the cell top (111). For example, the upper end of the cell side (112) may be connected or coupled to the perimeter of the cell top (111).

[0036] The battery cell (100) may include an electrode terminal (120). For example, the electrode terminal (120) may be connected or coupled to a cell top (111). The electrode terminal (120) may form a portion of the upper surface of the battery cell (100). The electrode terminal (120) may be exposed to the outside. For example, the electrode terminal (120) may be exposed toward the top of the battery cell (100).

[0037] The electrode terminal (120) may be connected to an electrode assembly (not shown). For example, the electrode terminal (120) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (not shown). The electrode terminal (120) may form polarity. The electrode terminal (120) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0038] For example, the electrode terminal (120) may include a first electrode terminal (121) and a second electrode terminal (122). The first electrode terminal (121) may form a first polarity or a first electric potential. The second electrode terminal (122) may form a second polarity or a second electric potential.

[0039] The first polarity and the second polarity may be different from each other. For example, the first polarity may be positive and the second polarity may be negative. The first potential and the second potential may be different from each other. For example, the "potential difference" may be the difference between the first potential and the second potential. For example, the potential difference between the first electrode terminal (121) and the second electrode terminal (122) may be the voltage of the battery cell (100).

[0040] The first electrode terminal (121) and the second electrode terminal (122) may be arranged spaced apart from each other. For example, the first electrode terminal (121) and the second electrode terminal (122) may be arranged in the width direction of the battery cell (100). For example, the first electrode terminal (121) and the second electrode terminal (122) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0041] The battery cell (100) may include a vent plate (130). The vent plate (130) may be coupled, connected, or formed to the cell case (110). For example, the vent plate (130) may be coupled, connected, or formed to the cell top (111). For example, the vent plate (130) may be positioned in an opening formed in the cell top (111) and may block the opening formed in the cell top (111). For example, the vent plate (130) may be positioned between the first electrode terminal (121) and the second electrode terminal (122).

[0042] If a fire or heat runaway occurs in the battery cell (100), the internal pressure of the cell case (110) may increase. If the internal pressure of the cell case (110) exceeds a certain pressure, the vent plate (130) may rupture. If the vent plate (130) ruptures, gas or flames inside the cell case (110) may be discharged to the outside through the ruptured portion of the vent plate (130).

[0043] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a busbar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a cross-section of the busbar shown in FIG. 2 taken along line A1-A2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a top view of the busbar shown in FIG. 3.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the busbar (200) can electrically connect different battery cells (100, see FIG. 1). For example, the busbar (200) can connect adjacent battery cells (100, see FIG. 1).

[0045] The busbar (200) may include a coupler (210). The coupler (210) may have a plate shape. The coupler (210) may be coupled to an electrode terminal (120, see FIG. 1). For example, the coupler (210) may be welded to the electrode terminal (120, see FIG. 1).

[0046] A coupler (210) may be provided in multiples. For example, the bus bar (200) may include a front coupler (211) and a rear coupler (212). The coupler (210) may include or mean at least one of the front coupler (211) and the rear coupler (212).

[0047] The adjacent battery cells (100, see FIG. 1) may include a front battery cell (100, see FIG. 1) and a rear battery cell (100, see FIG. 1). The bus bar (200) may be connected or coupled to the adjacent battery cells (100, see FIG. 1). For example, the bus bar (200) may be connected or coupled to a first battery cell (100a, see FIG. 1) and a second battery cell (100b, see FIG. 1), respectively.

[0048] The front coupler (211) may be connected or coupled to a front battery cell (100, see FIG. 1) among adjacent battery cells (100, see FIG. 1). For example, the front coupler (211) may be connected or coupled to an electrode terminal (120, see FIG. 1) of a first battery cell (100a, see FIG. 1).

[0049] The rear coupler (212) may be connected or coupled to a rear battery cell (100, see FIG. 1) among adjacent battery cells (100, see FIG. 1). For example, the rear coupler (211) may be connected or coupled to an electrode terminal (120, see FIG. 1) of a second battery cell (100b, see FIG. 1).

[0050] The busbar (200) may include a bridge (220). The bridge (220) may connect the front coupler (211) and the rear coupler (212). For example, the bridge (220) may extend backward from the front coupler (211) and be connected to the rear coupler (212).

[0051] The front coupler (211), the bridge (220), and the rear coupler (212) can be formed integrally. For example, the front coupler (211), the bridge (220), and the rear coupler (212) can be formed by pressing a single metal plate.

[0052] For example, the bus bar (200) may form both faces. For example, one face and the other face of the bus bar (200) may be formed opposite each other. For example, one face of the bus bar (200) may face and contact the battery cell (100, see FIG. 6).

[0053] The bridge (220) may have elasticity. For example, the bridge (220) may form a wrinkled shape. For example, the bridge (220) may form the shape of a wrinkled plate. For example, the bridge (220) may be convex or concave in the vertical direction. The convex or concave shape of the bridge (220) may be distinguished based on the upward direction.

[0054] The bridge (220) may include, for example, a hump (221). The hump (221) may be convex toward the top. The hump (221) may be concave toward the bottom. The hump (221) may be connected to the coupler (210). For example, the hump (221) may extend from the coupler (210).

[0055] The hump (221) may be provided in multiples. For example, the bridge (220) may include a front hump (221a) and a rear hump (221b). The hump (221) may include or mean at least one of the front hump (221a) and the rear hump (221b).

[0056] The front hump (221a) may be connected to the front coupler (211). For example, the front hump (221a) may extend from the front coupler (211). The front hump (221a) may be located behind the front coupler (211).

[0057] The rear hump (221b) may be connected to the rear coupler (212). For example, the rear hump (221b) may extend from the rear coupler (212). The rear hump (221b) may be located in front of the rear coupler (212).

[0058] The bridge (220) may include a belly (222). The belly (222) may be concave upward. The belly (222) may be convex downward. The belly (222) may be connected to a hump (221). For example, the belly (222) may be located between a front hump (221a) and a rear hump (221b). For example, the belly (222) may extend backward from the front hump (221a) and connect to the rear hump (221b).

[0059] The bridge (220) may include a bridge top (223). The bridge top (223) may be formed on a hump (221). The bridge top (223) may be a part of the hump (221). The bridge top (223) may face upward or face toward the hump.

[0060] The bridge (220) may include a plurality of bridge tops (223). For example, the bridge (220) may include a front bridge top (223a) and a rear bridge top (223b). The bridge top (223) may include or mean at least one of the front bridge top (223a) and the rear bridge top (223b). The front bridge top (223a) may be formed on the front hump (221a). The rear bridge top (223b) may be formed on the rear hump (221b).

[0061] The bridge (220) may include a bridge bottom (224). The bridge bottom (224) may be formed in the belly (222). The bridge bottom (224) may face downward or face toward the belly.

[0062] The bridge (220) may include bridge segments (225, 226, 227, 228). The bridge segments (225, 226, 227, 228) may be provided in plurality. For example, the bridge (220) may include a first bridge segment (225), a second bridge segment (226), a third bridge segment (227), and a fourth bridge segment (228). The bridge segments (225, 226, 227, 228) may include or mean at least one of the first bridge segment (225), the second bridge segment (226), the third bridge segment (227), and the fourth bridge segment (228).

[0063] The first bridge segment (225) may extend upwardly from the front coupler (211). The front bridge top (223a) may extend backward from the top of the first bridge segment (225).

[0064] The second bridge segment (226) may extend downwardly from the rear end of the front bridge top (223a). The bridge bottom (224) may extend backward from the lower end of the second bridge segment (226).

[0065] The third bridge segment (227) may extend upwardly from the rear end of the bridge bottom (224). The rear bridge top (223b) may extend backward from the upper end of the third bridge segment (227).

[0066] The fourth bridge segment (228) may extend downwardly from the rear end of the rear bridge top (223b). The lower end of the fourth bridge segment (228) may be connected to the front end of the rear coupler (212).

[0067] The front hump (221a) may be formed by a first bridge segment (225), a second bridge segment (226), and a front bridge top (223a). For example, the front hump (221a) may be formed by at least a portion of the first bridge segment (225), at least a portion of the second bridge segment (226), and the front bridge top (223a).

[0068] The rear hump (221b) may be formed by the third bridge segment (227), the fourth bridge segment (228), and the rear bridge top (223b). For example, the rear hump (221b) may be formed by at least a portion of the third bridge segment (227), at least a portion of the fourth bridge segment (228), and the rear bridge top (223b).

[0069] The belly (222) may be formed by a second bridge segment (226), a third bridge segment (227), and a bridge bottom (224). For example, the belly (222) may be formed by at least a portion of the second bridge segment (226), at least a portion of the third bridge segment (227), and the bridge bottom (224).

[0070] The bridge (220) may include a bridge opening (229). The bridge opening (229) may be an opening formed in a plate forming the bridge (220). For example, the bridge opening (229) may be formed in the bridge top (223).

[0071] The bridge opening (229) can penetrate the bridge (220) as an opening. For example, the bridge opening (229) can be connected to one side and the other side of the bridge (220).

[0072] For another example, the bridge opening (229) may be formed as a groove on at least one of one side and the other side of the bridge (220). In this case, the bridge opening (229) may be referred to as a “bridge groove.”

[0073] For example, the bridge opening (229) may be formed in the bridge bottom (224). For example, the bridge opening (229) may be formed in the bridge segments (225, 226, 227, 228).

[0074] For example, the bridge opening (229) may be connected to the bridge bottom (224) and the bridge segments (225, 226, 227, 228). For example, the bridge opening (229) may be located at the boundary between the bridge bottom (224) and the second bridge segment (226). For example, the bridge opening (229) may be located at the boundary between the bridge bottom (224) and the third bridge segment (227).

[0075] For example, the bridge opening (229) may be connected to the bridge top (223) and the bridge segments (225, 226, 227, 228). For example, the bridge opening (229) may be located at the boundary between the front bridge top (223a) and the first bridge segment (225). For example, the bridge opening (229) may be located at the boundary between the front bridge top (223a) and the second bridge segment (226). For example, the bridge opening (229) may be located at the boundary between the rear bridge top (223b) and the third bridge segment (227). For example, the bridge opening (229) may be located at the boundary between the rear bridge top (223b) and the fourth bridge segment (228).

[0076] When the bridge opening (229) is located at the boundary between the bridge (220) and the coupler (210), separation of the bridge (220) and the coupler (210) can be facilitated. In this case, replacement of the bus bar (200) can be made easier.

[0077] A current may flow or be formed in the bus bar (200). When a current flows or is formed in the bus bar (200), the bus bar (200) may be heated by ohmic heating due to the electric resistance formed in the bus bar (200).

[0078] For example, current may flow from the front coupler (211) to the rear coupler (212). If the intensity of the current flowing or formed in the bus bar (200) exceeds a certain intensity, the battery module (10, see FIG. 1) may malfunction. By the bridge opening (229), the intensity of the current flowing or formed in the bus bar (200) may not exceed a certain intensity.

[0079] For example, the bus bar (200) may function as a fuse. The current density flowing in the portion adjacent to the bridge opening (229) among the bridges (220) may be relatively high. Therefore, when a current of a certain strength or greater flows or is formed in the bus bar (200), the bridge (220) may be ruptured by heat generated in the portion adjacent to the bridge opening (229).

[0080] The bridge opening (229) may have various shapes. For example, as illustrated in the drawing, the bridge opening (229) may have a rhombus shape. For example, the bridge opening (229) may have at least one shape among a polygon, a circle, and an ellipse.

[0081] The width of the bridge opening (229) may vary along the longitudinal direction of the bus bar (200). For example, the width of the bridge opening (229) may vary along the front-back direction. For example, the width of the bridge opening (229) may increase toward the rear and then decrease again.

[0082] A plurality of bridge openings (229) may be provided. For example, a plurality of bridge openings (229) may be arranged along the width direction of the bridge (220). For example, a plurality of bridge openings (229) may be formed in the bridge top (223) and arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the bridge (200). The width direction of the bridge (220) may be, for example, the left-right direction.

[0083] Fig. 5 is a top view of a battery module with a busbar connected to the battery cell illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module illustrated in Fig. 5 taken along line B1-B2. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of section C of the battery module illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, adjacent battery cells (100) can be connected by a bus bar (200). When adjacent battery cells (100) are connected by a bus bar (200), the adjacent battery cells (100) can be electrically connected by the bus bar (200).

[0085] A plurality of bus bars (200) may be provided. For example, a battery module (10) may include a plurality of bus bars (200). For example, the battery module (10) may include a first bus bar (200a) and a second bus bar (200b). The bus bar (200) may include or mean at least one of the first bus bar (200a) and the second bus bar (200b).

[0086] For example, the first bus bar (200a) can connect the first battery cell (100a) and the second battery cell (100b). For example, the second bus bar (200b) can connect the second battery cell (100b) and the third battery cell (100c). For example, the first battery cell (100a), the second battery cell (100b), and the third battery cell (100c) can be electrically connected in series.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a part of the first bus bar and the first battery cell illustrated in FIG. 7 have been removed.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, there may be a need to replace the first battery cell (100a) with a new battery cell (100x, see FIG. 9). In the process of replacing the battery cell (100) with the new battery cell (100), a portion of the bus bar (200) welded to the battery cell (100) may be separated.

[0089] For example, a coupler (210, see FIGS. 2 to 4) may be welded to an electrode terminal (120, see FIG. 1). At the boundary between the bridge (220, see FIGS. 2 to 4) and the coupler (210, see FIGS. 2 to 4), a busbar (200) may be cut.

[0090] For example, the first battery cell (100a), the front coupler (211, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the first bus bar (200a), and the bridge (200, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the first bus bar (200a) can be removed from the battery module (10, see FIG. 5). At least a portion of the rear coupler (212, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the first bus bar (200a) can remain coupled to the second battery cell (100b).

[0091] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a new battery cell and a new busbar are connected to another part of the first busbar illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the first battery cell (100a) can be replaced with a new battery cell. For example, the connection between the first battery cell (100a) and the second battery cell (100b) can be released, and the replacement battery cell (100x) can be coupled to the second battery cell (100b).

[0093] Among the first bus bars (200a), the portion connected to the first battery cell (100a) can be removed. Among the first bus bars (200a), the portion connected to the second battery cell (100b) can be connected to the replacement bus bar (200x).

[0094] For example, the replacement bus bar (200x) can connect the replacement battery cell (100x) and the second battery cell (100b). For example, the front coupler (211, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the replacement bus bar (200x) can be coupled to the electrode terminal (120, see FIG. 1) of the replacement battery cell (100x). For example, the rear coupler (212, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the replacement bus bar (200x) can be coupled to the rear coupler (212) of the first bus bar (200a).

[0095] The height of the front coupler (211, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the replacement busbar (200x) may be lower than the height of the rear coupler (212, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the replacement busbar (200x). For example, the difference between the height of the front coupler (211, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the replacement busbar (200x) and the height of the rear coupler (212, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the replacement busbar (200x) may be the thickness of the rear coupler (212) of the first busbar (200a). The thickness of the rear coupler (212) may be measured based on the up-down direction.

[0096] Even if the heights of the front coupler (211, see FIGS. 2 to 4) and the rear coupler (212, see FIGS. 2 to 4) of the replacement busbar (200x) are different, the replacement busbar (200x) can stably connect the replacement battery cell (100x) and the second battery cell (100b) due to the elasticity of the bridge (220, see FIGS. 2 to 4). The replacement busbar (200x) can be connected to the second battery cell (100b) through the rear coupler (212) of the first busbar (200a).

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, when replacing a battery cell (100), the battery cell (100) can be easily replaced and connected to another battery cell (100) by cutting one side of the bus bar (200) connected to the battery cell (100) to be replaced without cutting both sides. As a result, the process of replacing the battery cell (100) can be improved.

[0098] The bus bar (200) can form a plate shape overall. For example, the bus bar (200) can form an upper face and a lower face. The space between the upper and lower faces of the bus bar (200) can form the thickness of the bus bar (200).

[0099] The upper surface of the bus bar (200) may face upward or face toward the electrode terminal (120). The lower surface of the bus bar (200) may face downward or face toward the electrode terminal (120). For example, the lower surface of the coupler (210) may face or contact the electrode terminal (120). For example, the lower surface of the coupler (210) may be coupled or connected to the electrode terminal (120). For example, the lower surface of the rear coupler (212) of the replacement bus bar (200x) may be coupled or connected to the rear coupler (212) of the first bus bar (200a).

[0100] The busbar (200) can be formed by bending a metal plate. For example, the busbar (200) can be formed by press-processing the metal plate. The busbar (200) can be formed integrally, for example.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, a method of replacing a busbar (200) may be considered. For example, if the first busbar (200a) illustrated in FIG. 5 is determined to be defective, the first busbar (200a) needs to be replaced with a replacement busbar (200x). Since the first busbar (200a) is the busbar (200) that needs to be replaced, the first busbar (200a) may be referred to as a "busbar to be replaced."

[0102] A method for replacing a busbar (200) may include a step of separating a coupler (210) and a bridge (220) of a busbar (200a) to be replaced. In this step, each of the front coupler (211) and the rear coupler (212) of the busbar (200a) to be replaced may be separated from the bridge (220) of the busbar (200a) to be replaced.

[0103] A method for replacing a busbar (200) may include a step of coupling a replacement busbar (200x) to a coupler (210) of a busbar to be replaced (200a). In this step, a front coupler (211) of the replacement busbar (200x) may be coupled to a front coupler (211) of the busbar to be replaced (200a), and a rear coupler (212) of the replacement busbar (200x) may be coupled to a rear coupler (212) of the busbar to be replaced (200a).

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, a method for replacing a battery cell (100) may be considered. The method for replacing a battery cell (100) may be referred to as a “battery cell replacement method.”

[0105] For example, if the first battery cell (100a) illustrated in FIG. 5 is determined to be defective, the first battery cell (100a) needs to be replaced with a replacement battery cell (100x). Since the first battery cell (100a) is the battery cell (100) that needs to be replaced, the first battery cell (100a) may be referred to as a "replacement target battery cell."

[0106] A method of replacing a battery cell (100) may include a step of separating a distal coupler (212) and a bridge (220) of a bus bar (200a) coupled to a battery cell (100a) to be replaced.

[0107] For example, if the battery cell (100a) to be replaced is the first battery cell (100a), the front coupler (211) of the bus bar (200a) coupled to the battery cell (100a) to be replaced may be referred to as a “proximal busbar” at the point where it is coupled to the battery cell (100a) to be replaced, and the rear coupler (212) of the bus bar (200a) coupled to the battery cell (100a) to be replaced may be referred to as a “distal busbar” at the point where it is coupled to a battery cell (100b) adjacent to the battery cell (100a) to be replaced.

[0108] A method of replacing a battery cell (100) may include a step of removing a battery cell (100a) to be replaced and positioning a replacement battery cell (100x) in the position where the battery cell (100a) to be replaced was positioned.

[0109] A method of replacing a battery cell (100) may include a step of connecting a battery cell (100b) adjacent to a replacement battery cell (100x) and the replacement battery cell (100x) with a replacement busbar (200x). In this step, one of the couplers (210) of the replacement busbar (200x) may be coupled to the replacement battery cell (100x), and another of the couplers (210) of the replacement busbar (200x) may be coupled to a coupler of a replacement busbar (200a) coupled to a battery cell (100b) adjacent to the replacement battery cell (100x).

[0110] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Front coupler; A bridge extending backward from the above front coupler; and Including a rear coupler extending backward from the above bridge, The above bridge, A front hump extending backward from the front coupler and convex upward; A belly extending backward from the anterior hump and convex downward; and extending backward from the above belly and connected to the above rear coupler, and including a rear hump convex upwards; Bus bar.

2. In paragraph 1, The above bridge has elasticity, Bus bar.

3. In paragraph 1, The above bridge, A bridge opening formed in at least one of the front hump, the belly, and the rear hump, Bus bar.

4. In paragraph 1, The above bridge, A first bridge segment extending upward from the rear end of the above front coupler; A front bridge top extending backward from the top of the first bridge segment; A second bridge segment extending downward from the rear end of the above front bridge tower; A bridge bottom extending backward from the lower end of the second bridge segment; A third bridge segment extending upward from the rear end of the above bridge bottom; A rear bridge top extending backward from the top of the third bridge segment; and including a fourth bridge segment extending downward from the rear end of the rear bridge top and connected to the front end of the rear coupler; Bus bar.

5. In paragraph 4, The above first bridge segment, the front bridge top, and the above second bridge segment, forming the above front hump, Bus bar.

6. In paragraph 4, The second bridge segment, the bridge bottom, and the third bridge segment, Forming the above belly, Bus bar.

7. In paragraph 4, The third bridge segment, the rear bridge top, and the fourth bridge segment, forming the above posterior hump, Bus bar.

8. In paragraph 1, The above front hump and the above rear hump, concave downwards, The above belly, concave upwards, Bus bar.

9. In paragraph 1, The above bridge, A plurality of bridge openings formed in at least one of the front hump, the belly, and the rear hump and spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions, Bus bar.

10. In paragraph 1, The above bridge, A bridge opening formed between the coupler and the boundary of the bridge, The above coupler, At least one of the front coupler and the rear coupler is included, Bus bar.

11. A plurality of battery cells, comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell positioned behind the first battery cell; and A plurality of bus bars are included, including a first bus bar connecting the first battery cell and the second battery cell, The above bus bar, A front coupler coupled to the first battery cell; A bridge extending backward from the above front coupler; and a rear coupler extending backward from the bridge and coupled to the second battery cell; The above bridge, A front hump extending backward from the front coupler and convex upward; A belly extending backward from the anterior hump and convex downward; and extending backward from the above belly and connected to the above rear coupler, and including a rear hump convex upwards; Battery module.

12. In paragraph 11, The above bridge, A bridge opening formed in at least one of the front hump, the belly, and the rear hump, Battery module.

13. In paragraph 11, The above bridge, A first bridge segment extending upward from the rear end of the above front coupler; A front bridge top extending backward from the top of the first bridge segment; A second bridge segment extending downward from the rear end of the above front bridge tower; A bridge bottom extending backward from the lower end of the second bridge segment; A third bridge segment extending upward from the rear end of the above bridge bottom; A rear bridge top extending backward from the top of the third bridge segment; and including a fourth bridge segment extending downward from the rear end of the rear bridge top and connected to the front end of the rear coupler; Battery module.

14. In paragraph 13, The above first bridge segment, the front bridge top, and the above second bridge segment, forming the above front hump, Battery module.

15. In paragraph 13, The second bridge segment, the bridge bottom, and the third bridge segment, Forming the above belly, Battery module.

16. In paragraph 13, The third bridge segment, the rear bridge top, and the fourth bridge segment, forming the above posterior hump, Battery module.

17. In paragraph 11, The above front hump and the above rear hump, concave downwards, The above belly, concave upwards, Battery module.

18. In paragraph 11, The above bridge, A bridge opening formed between the coupler and the boundary of the bridge, The above coupler, At least one of the front coupler and the rear coupler is included, Battery module.

19. A method for replacing a replacement target battery cell, which is one of the plurality of battery cells, with a replacement battery cell in a battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a front-rear direction and a plurality of bus bars sequentially connecting the plurality of battery cells, A step of separating the distal coupler and bridge of the bus bar to be replaced, which is coupled to the battery cell to be replaced among the plurality of bus bars; A step of removing the battery cell to be replaced and placing the replacement battery cell in the location where the battery cell to be replaced was located; and A step of connecting the adjacent battery cell adjacent to the above replacement target battery cell and the above replacement target battery cell with a replacement bus bar, Each of the above plurality of bus bars and the above replacement bus bars, Front coupler; A bridge extending backward from the above front coupler; and Including a rear coupler extending backward from the above bridge, The above distal coupler, Among the above front couplers and the above rear couplers, coupled to the adjacent battery cell, How to replace battery cells.

20. In paragraph 19, The above bridge, The above bridge, A front hump extending backward from the front coupler and convex upward; A belly extending backward from the anterior hump and convex downward; and extending backward from the above belly and connected to the above rear coupler, and including a rear hump convex upwards; How to replace battery cells.

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