Busbar assembly and battery pack including same

Abstract

A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a busbar; a first insulation unit that encompasses a body unit of the busbar; and a second insulation unit that encompasses each of the two end portions thereof, wherein the second insulation unit includes a pair of cap portions that encompass each of the upper and side surfaces of the two end portions of the busbar, and a connection portion located between the pair of cap portions and integrated with the pair of cap portions, the connection portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the busbar and being located on the outer surface of the body unit of the busbar.

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. 10-2024-0022667, filed February 16, 2024, 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 capable of preventing an electrical short-circuit phenomenon and a heat transfer phenomenon resulting therefrom between a surrounding metal structure and a busbar in a high temperature environment due to internal flame generation, and a battery pack including the same.

[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 battery pack comprises multiple battery modules, and adjacent battery modules can be electrically connected to each other via busbars. The outer surface of the busbars is protected by insulating materials, thereby preventing electrical shorts resulting from electrical contact with other metal structures (components).

[0009] However, when an abnormal situation such as overcurrent, overheating, or thermal runaway occurs inside the battery pack, a high temperature environment of 1000 degrees Celsius or higher is formed, and the insulating and insulating material formed on the outer surface of the bus bar is lost, causing the outer surface of the bus bar to be exposed to the outside.

[0010] In this way, when the outer surface of the bus bar is exposed to the outside, there is a high possibility that an electrical short phenomenon will occur as the outer surface of the bus bar exposed to the outside comes into contact with other metal structures (parts) inside the battery pack (1000), and when an electrical short phenomenon occurs, an electrical closed circuit is formed inside the battery pack, which has the problem of accelerating a thermal runaway phenomenon inside the battery pack.

[0011] Accordingly, there is an increasing need to develop a busbar assembly and a battery pack including the same that can effectively prevent the electrical short-circuit phenomenon described above and the resulting thermal propagation or thermal runaway phenomenon between adjacent battery modules by preventing the outer surface of the busbar from being directly exposed to the high-temperature environment even when a high-temperature environment is formed inside the battery pack.

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention relates to a busbar assembly including a first insulating portion that surrounds the main body of the busbar and a second insulating portion that surrounds each of both ends of the busbar, which can prevent an electrical short-circuit phenomenon and a heat transfer phenomenon resulting therefrom between a surrounding metal structure and the busbar in a high temperature environment due to internal flame generation, and a battery pack including the same.

[0013] 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 technical field to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0014] A busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a busbar; a first insulating portion that surrounds a main body of the busbar; and a second insulating portion that surrounds each of both ends of the busbar, wherein the second insulating portion includes a pair of cap portions that surround upper and side surfaces of each of the both ends of the busbar, and a connecting portion positioned between the pair of cap portions and integrally formed with the pair of cap portions, wherein the connecting portion extends along a longitudinal direction of the busbar and is positioned on an outer surface of the main body of the busbar.

[0015] In a state where the above connecting portion is located on the outer surface of the main body of the bus bar, a cover portion that surrounds the outer surface of the first insulating portion may be further included.

[0016] The above cover part may be made of glass fiber material.

[0017] The first insulating portion may have a recessed portion formed from the outer surface of the first insulating portion toward the main body of the bus bar, and the connecting portion may be inserted into the recessed portion.

[0018] The above-mentioned recessed portion may be formed with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first insulating portion.

[0019] The above connecting portion may be inserted inside the first insulating portion.

[0020] The above connecting portion may be spaced apart from the main body of the bus bar.

[0021] The width of the above connecting portion may be smaller than the width of the first insulating portion.

[0022] The above connecting portion may further include a first reinforcing portion and a second reinforcing portion made of the same material as the connecting portion and being integral with the connecting portion, the first reinforcing portion may be formed at a position where the connecting portion and one of the pair of cap portions are in contact with each other, and the second reinforcing portion may be formed at a position where the connecting portion and the other of the pair of cap portions are in contact with each other.

[0023] The first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion may have a width greater than that of the connecting portion, a thickness greater than that of the connecting portion, or a width and a thickness greater than that of the connecting portion.

[0024] The above connecting portion may further include at least one third reinforcing portion formed of the same material as the connecting portion and integrated with the connecting portion, and the at least one third reinforcing portion may be formed between each end of the connecting portion.

[0025] The at least one third reinforcing member may have a width greater than the connecting member, a thickness greater than the connecting member, or a width and a thickness greater than the connecting member.

[0026] The first insulating portion and the second insulating portion may each be made of a refractory silicone material.

[0027] 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 may be electrically connected to each of the pair of adjacent battery modules.

[0028] The bus bar may further include a fixing member that penetrates both ends of the bus bar and fixes both ends of the bus bar to the adjacent pair of battery modules, respectively.

[0029] According to embodiments, the busbar assembly of the present invention and the battery pack including the same can prevent an electrical short-circuit phenomenon and a heat transfer phenomenon resulting therefrom between a surrounding metal structure and the busbar in a high temperature environment due to internal flame generation.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing one side of a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing one side of the busbar assembly of Fig. 1 with the cover removed.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing one side of the busbar assembly of Fig. 2 with the second insulation removed.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along the a-a' axis of Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along the b-b' axis of Figure 1.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing one side of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the cover portion removed.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing one side of the busbar assembly of Fig. 6 with the second insulation removed.

[0039] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along the same axis as Figure 4.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along the same axis as Fig. 5.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing one side of a second insulating part included in a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the busbar assembly of FIG. 1 is arranged between adjacent battery modules.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Hereinafter, a busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0049] 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 one side of the busbar assembly of FIG. 1 with a cover removed. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing one side of the busbar assembly of FIG. 2 with a second insulation removed. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along the a-a' axis of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along the b-b' axis of FIG. 1.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar (110); a first insulating portion (150) that surrounds a main body (115) of the busbar (110); and a second insulating portion (200) that surrounds both ends (111, 112) of the busbar, respectively.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the busbar assembly (100), the busbar (110) may include both ends (111, 112) and a main body (115). More specifically, the both ends (111, 112) of the busbar (110) may include a first end (111) and a second end (112). In addition, the both ends (111, 112) of the busbar and the main body (115) may be integrated with each other.

[0052] The two ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) can be electrically connected to internal components such as electrical components or battery modules accommodated inside the battery pack (1000, Fig. 11). For example, the bus bar (110) is a flexible bus bar and may have a shape in which a portion thereof is bent along an empty space inside the battery pack (1000, Fig. 5).

[0053] More specifically, the lower surfaces of both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) may be exposed to the outside. In other words, the lower surfaces of both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) may not be covered by the first insulating portion (150) and the second insulating portion (200). Here, the lower surfaces of both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) may come into contact with internal components such as electrical components or battery modules accommodated within the battery pack (1000, FIG. 11), and may be electrically connected to the components.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the busbar (110) can electrically connect the battery modules to each other within a complex and narrow space between adjacent battery modules.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the first insulating portion (150) may surround the outer surface of the bus bar (110). More specifically, the first insulating portion (150) may surround the outer surface of the main body (115) of the bus bar (110). In other words, the first insulating portion (150) may surround the outer surface of the remaining portion of the bus bar (110) except for the two ends (111, 112).

[0057] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the first insulating portion (150) surrounds the outer surface of the main body (115) of the busbar (110), thereby forming an insulating structure for the main body (115) of the busbar (110) from the external environment, and can prevent an electrical short between the main body (115) of the busbar (110) and other metal structures and / or electrical components.

[0058] The first insulating portion (150) may be made of a material having a heat-resistant temperature in a high-temperature environment. For example, the first insulating portion (150) may be made of refractory silicone, refractory plastic, or a material mixed with refractory silicone and refractory plastic.

[0059] Here, the refractory silicone material refers to a material that is easy to manufacture as an injection-molded material and maintains its insulating properties while ceramizing when exposed to high-temperature environments such as flames. For example, refractory silicone can be ceramized at temperatures between 500°C and 1,700°C, but the temperature range at which refractory silicone ceramizes is not limited to this temperature range.

[0060] For example, the refractory silicone may include a silicone polymer and silica. For example, the silicone polymer may be a polysiloxane-based compound having a vinyl group as a functional group, and may serve as a substrate for the refractory silicone material. For example, the silica may be fumed silica, a reinforcing filler included in the silicone polymer. A high-purity silicon chloride (SiCl4) compound can be manufactured using metallic silicon as 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 may include platinum (Pt) as a catalyst.

[0061] When refractory silicone is exposed to flame or high heat, the silicone polymer decomposes and silica (SiO2) cross-links, forming a ceramic material. The first insulating member (150) of one embodiment comprising refractory silicone maintains electrical insulation properties by being ceramicized rather than burning or melting, even when exposed to flame or in a high-temperature environment.

[0062] Additionally, a refractory plastic material may refer to a material with excellent fire resistance. In particular, a refractory plastic material can block flames without forming holes or drips for a certain period of time when exposed to flame. Specifically, a refractory plastic can protect internal structures by forming a carbonized layer in flames. For example, a refractory plastic may include at least one of a PPO (Polyphenylene Oxide) material, a PA (Polyamide) material, and a PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) material.

[0063] Here, the high temperature environment may be an environment in which the temperature inside the battery pack (1000) is increased due to phenomena such as overcurrent, overheating, and thermal runaway of a plurality of battery modules (1100a, 1100b) mounted together inside the battery pack (1000). For example, the high temperature environment may be an environment in which a fire occurs in a battery cell located inside the battery pack (1000) due to a cell event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon, and some of the internal components of the battery pack (1000) are heated to a temperature that may be destroyed. In other words, the high temperature environment may mean an ultra-high temperature environment in which the temperature rapidly soars to over 1200 degrees Celsius.

[0064] Accordingly, when the first insulating portion (150) is made of a refractory silicone material, it is not lost in a high-temperature environment such as a flame and becomes ceramicized, thereby preventing an electrical short between the main body (115) of the bus bar (110) and other metal structures and / or electrical components even in a high-temperature environment. In addition, when the first insulating portion (150) is made of a refractory plastic material, the insulation and fire resistance are improved, so that the bus bar can be protected from flames generated from the outside.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the second insulating portion (200) may include a pair of cap portions (210, 220) that surround the upper and side surfaces of the two ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110), respectively, and a connecting portion (250) positioned between the pair of cap portions (210, 220) and integrated with the pair of cap portions (210, 220).

[0066] The second insulating portion (200) may be formed of a material having a heat-resistant temperature in a high-temperature environment. For example, the second insulating portion (200) may be formed of a refractory silicone material. Here, the refractory silicone material may be described in the same manner as the refractory silicone material of the first insulating portion (150) described above. In particular, the refractory silicone material included in the second insulating portion (200) has relatively high elasticity compared to the refractory plastic material included in the first insulating portion (150), so that the pair of cap portions (210, 220) can be folded relatively easily, and the connection portion (250) can be easily fixed to the first insulating portion (150).

[0067] Accordingly, the second insulating portion (200) is ceramicized without being lost in a high-temperature environment such as a flame, thereby preventing an electrical short between the two ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) and other metal structures and / or electrical components even in a high-temperature environment.

[0068] A pair of cap portions (210, 220) may include a first cap portion (210) and a second cap portion (220). The first cap portion (210) and the second cap portion (220) may each have a structure that surrounds both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) and a fixing portion (500, FIG. 11) that penetrates both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110). In addition, the interior of the first cap portion (210) and the second cap portion (220) may be sunken in the opposite direction to the direction toward the two ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110), and the fixing portion (500, FIG. 11) may be positioned together with the two ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) in the space sunken in each of the first cap portion (210) and the second cap portion (220).

[0069] A pair of cap portions (210, 220) may have a width that can cover both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110). For example, the pair of cap portions (210, 220) may have the same width as the first insulating portion (150) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As another example, the pair of cap portions (210, 220) may have a width greater than the first insulating portion (150) unlike in FIGS. 1 and 2. As another example, the pair of cap portions (210, 220) may have a width smaller than the first insulating portion (150) but greater than the both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) unlike in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0070] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, a pair of cap portions (210, 220) surround the fixed portion (500, FIG. 11) together with both ends (111, 112) of the busbar (110), thereby forming an insulating structure for both ends (111, 112) of the busbar (110) from the external environment. In addition, the insulation of the electrical connection structure between the both ends (111, 112) of the busbar (110) and internal components such as electrical components or battery modules accommodated inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 11) can be increased.

[0071] A pair of cap portions (210, 220) may have a structure that allows them to be freely attached and detached from both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110). For example, a pair of cap portions (210, 220) may be detached from both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) by being lifted away from the upper surface of the both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110) or lowered toward the upper surface of the both ends (111, 112) of the bus bar (110).

[0072] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, a pair of cap portions (210, 220) included in the second insulating portion (200) can be freely detached from both ends (111, 112) of the busbar (110), so that the busbar assembly (100) can be easily connected to internal components such as electrical components or battery modules accommodated inside the battery pack (1000, FIG. 11).

[0073] The connecting portion (250) may be integrated with a pair of cap portions (210, 220). In other words, one end of the connecting portion (250) may be integrated with the first cap portion (210), and the other end of the connecting portion (250) may be integrated with the second cap portion (220). For example, the connecting portion (250) and the pair of cap portions (210, 220) may be formed as an integral structure by injection molding.

[0074] The connecting portion (250) may extend along the length direction of the bus bar (110) between a pair of cap portions (210, 220). For example, the connecting portion (250) may be positioned on the upper surface of the main body (115) of the bus bar (110) as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, and may extend along the length direction of the bus bar (110) based on the center of the main body (115). However, the position of the connecting portion (250) is not limited thereto and may be adjusted to an appropriate position as needed.

[0075] The connecting portion (250) may have a width sufficient to stably secure between a pair of cap portions (210, 220). For example, the connecting portion (250) may have a width smaller than that of the first insulating portion (150), as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5. As another example, the connecting portion (250) may have the same width as the first insulating portion (150), unlike FIGS. 2, 3, and 5.

[0076] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, a pair of cap portions (210, 220) and a connection portion (250) are integrated with each other, so that there is no need to include a separate fixing means such as tape, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, and the fixing force between the pair of cap portions (210, 220) and the connection portion (250) can be further strengthened.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, a busbar assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover portion (300) that surrounds the outer surface of the first insulating portion (150) while the connecting portion (250) is positioned on the outer surface of the main body portion (115) of the busbar (110). More specifically, the cover portion (300) may surround the entire outer surface of the first insulating portion (150).

[0078] The cover part (300) may be made of at least one material from the group consisting of refractory silicone, glass fiber, and mica (MICA). For example, the cover part (300) may be made of a material such as a tape on which refractory silicone is applied or coated, or may be made of a material such as a tape containing mica (MICA). As another example, the cover part (300) may have a structure in which a plurality of sheets each made of at least two materials from the group consisting of refractory plastic, glass fiber, and mica (MICA) are laminated. However, the material of the cover part (300) is not limited thereto, and any material having refractory properties and structural rigidity may be included in the present embodiment.

[0079] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the cover portion (300) wraps around the outer surface of the first insulating portion (150), thereby improving structural rigidity while primarily forming an insulating structure for the main body portion (115) of the busbar (110) from the external environment. That is, the cover portion (300) can prevent the busbar (110), the first insulating portion (150), and the second insulating portion (200) located inside the cover portion (300) from being directly exposed to flame, thereby further improving fire resistance.

[0080] In addition, the cover part (300) can protect the bus bar (110), the first insulation part (150), and the second insulation part (200) located inside the cover part (300) from physical external force, thereby preventing damage due to mechanical friction.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the first insulating portion (150) has a recessed portion (155) formed from the outer surface of the first insulating portion (150) toward the main body (115) of the bus bar (110), and a connecting portion (250) may be inserted into the recessed portion (155).

[0082] The recessed portion (155) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the bus bar (110). In other words, the recessed portion (155) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion (250) included in the second insulating portion (200). For example, the recessed portion (155) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the bus bar (110) based on the center of the bus bar (110) as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. However, the position of the recessed portion (155) is not limited thereto, and may be adjusted to an appropriate position depending on the position of the connecting portion (250).

[0083] The recessed portion (155) may be formed with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first insulating portion (150). In addition, the recessed portion (155) may be formed with a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the connecting portion (250).

[0084] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the outer surface of the first insulating portion (150) can be wrapped through the cover portion (300) while the connecting portion (250) is inserted into the recessed portion (155), so that the second insulating portion (200) can be stably fixed inside the cover portion (300).

[0085]

[0086] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing one side of a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed. Fig. 7 is a drawing showing one side of the busbar assembly of Fig. 6 with the second insulation removed. Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along the same axis as Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along the same axis as Fig. 5.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment is different from the busbar assembly (100) described in FIGS. 1 to 5 only in the position of the connecting portion (250a), and the description of all other components can be described in the same manner, and the following description will focus on the position of the connecting portion (250a).

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the connecting portion (250a) may be inserted into the first insulating portion (150a). More specifically, the connecting portion (250a) may be inserted into the first insulating portion (150a) positioned on the upper surface of the main body (115a) of the bus bar. In other words, an insertion hole (155a) may be formed in the first insulating portion (150a) positioned on the upper surface of the main body (115a) of the bus bar, and the connecting portion (250a) may be inserted into the insertion hole (155a). Here, the connecting portion (250a) may be spaced apart from the main body (115) of the bus bar (110).

[0089] The insertion hole (155a) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the bus bar (110a). In other words, the insertion hole (155a) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the connection portion (250a) included in the second insulating portion (200a). For example, the insertion hole (155a) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the bus bar (110a) based on the center of the bus bar (110a), as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. However, the position of the insertion hole (155a) is not limited thereto, and may be adjusted to an appropriate position depending on the position of the connection portion (250a).

[0090] The insertion hole (155a) may be formed with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first insulating portion (150a). In addition, the insertion hole (155a) may be formed with a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the connecting portion (250a). In addition, the insertion hole (155a) may be formed with a thickness equal to or smaller than the thickness of the connecting portion (250a).

[0091] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the outer surface of the first insulating portion (150) can be wrapped by the cover portion (300) while the connecting portion (250a) is inserted into the insertion hole (155a) formed inside the first insulating portion (150a), so that the second insulating portion (200) can be more stably fixed inside the cover portion (300).

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing one side of a second insulating part included in a busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 10, the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment is different from the busbar assembly (100) described in FIGS. 1 to 9 only in the shape of the second insulating portion (200b), and the description of all other components can be described in the same manner, and the following description will focus on the second insulating portion (200b).

[0095] In the second insulating portion (200b), the connecting portion (250b) may further include a first reinforcing portion (251b) and a second reinforcing portion (252b) that are integral with the connecting portion (250b) and made of the same material.

[0096] More specifically, the first reinforcing portion (251b) may be formed at a position where one of the pair of cap portions (210b, 220b) and the connecting portion (250b) are in contact with each other, and the second reinforcing portion (252b) may be formed at a position where the other of the pair of cap portions (210b, 220b) and the connecting portion (250b) are in contact with each other.

[0097] The first reinforcing portion (251b) and the second reinforcing portion (252b) may have a width greater than that of the connecting portion (250b), a thickness greater than that of the connecting portion (250b), or a width and thickness greater than that of the connecting portion (250b).

[0098] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the first reinforcing portion (251b) and the second reinforcing portion (252b) can reinforce the connection between the pair of cap portions (210b, 220b) of the second insulating portion (200b) and the connection portion (250b) to be more solid. In addition, since the pair of cap portions (210b, 220b) can freely attach and detach the opposite ends (111, 112) of the busbar (110), there is an advantage in that the space between the pair of cap portions (210b, 220b) and the connection portion (250b) can frequently fold, and damage caused by this can be compensated for by the first reinforcing portion (251b) and the second reinforcing portion (252b).

[0099] The connecting portion (250b) further includes at least one third reinforcing portion (255b) made of the same material as the connecting portion (250b), and the third reinforcing portions (255b) may be formed between each end of the connecting portion (250b). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, one third reinforcing portion (255b) may be formed at the center of the connecting portion (250b). As another example, unlike FIG. 10, the number of third reinforcing portions (255b) may be at least two, and the position of the third reinforcing portion (255b) may be located between the center of the connecting portion (250b) and one end of the connecting portion (250b).

[0100] The third reinforcing member (255b) may have a width greater than that of the connecting member (250b), a thickness greater than that of the connecting member (250b), or a width and thickness greater than that of the connecting member (250b).

[0101] Accordingly, in the busbar assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, since the first reinforcing portion (251b), the second reinforcing portion (252b), and the third reinforcing portion (255b) are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion (250b), there is an advantage in that the shape of the connecting portion (250b) can be fixed in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion (250b), and bending in the width direction of the connecting portion (250b) can be prevented.

[0102]

[0103] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the busbar assembly of FIG. 1 is arranged between adjacent battery modules.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, 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 (1200) that accommodates a plurality of battery modules (1100a, 1100b).

[0105] Here, the pack frame (1200) may include a lower pack frame (not shown) on which a plurality of battery modules (1100a, 1100b) are mounted, and an upper pack frame (not shown) positioned above the battery modules (1100a, 1100b). More specifically, the upper pack frame may cover the upper portion of the lower pack frame while the plurality of battery modules (1100a, 1100b) 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).

[0106]

[0107] The battery module (1100a, 1100b) 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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, the 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 be provided in various structures not described in the above-described examples. In addition, the battery module (1100a, 1100b) according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which the module frame is omitted. That is, the battery pack (1000) according to the present embodiment can reduce the weight of the battery pack (1000) while further increasing the space utilization rate inside the battery pack (1000) by omitting the module frame among the components of the battery modules (1100a, 1100b).

[0111] In addition, the battery module (1100a, 1100b) further includes a busbar frame positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack (not shown), respectively, 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.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 11, a busbar assembly (100) can electrically connect a pair of adjacent battery modules (1100a, 1100b) among a plurality of battery modules (1100a, 1100b). More specifically, the busbar assembly (100) can be positioned above a pair of adjacent battery modules (1100a, 1100b), and the busbar assembly (100) can extend along a space between the pair of adjacent battery modules (1100a, 1100b).

[0113] In the busbar assembly (100), the lower surfaces of both ends of the busbar (110) are exposed toward the battery modules (1100a, 1100b), and both ends of the busbar (110) may be electrically connected to each of a pair of adjacent battery modules (1100a, 1100b).

[0114] In the battery pack (1000) according to the present embodiment, a fixing member (500) may be further included that penetrates both ends of a bus bar (110) located inside a pair of cap parts (210, 220) and fixes both ends (111, 115) of the bus bar (110) to a pair of adjacent battery modules (1100a, 1100b).

[0115] For example, the fixing member (500) may be a component such as a bolt. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any component that can stably fix the two ends (111, 115) of the bus bar (110) and a pair of battery modules (1100a, 1100b) to each other while maintaining an electrical connection between them may be included in the present embodiment.

[0116] 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 (1100a, 1100b) to each other, and prevents the busbar (110) from being exposed to the outside through the first insulating member (150), the second insulating member (200), and / or the cover portion (300) in a high-temperature environment inside the battery pack (1000). In addition, it is possible to prevent flame exposure and heat transfer speed from being accelerated to the outside of the battery pack (1000) due to an electrical short between the busbar (110) and other metal structures and / or electrical components.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100: Busbar assembly

[0121] 110, 110a: Busbar

[0122] 111, 111a: Part 1

[0123] 112, 112a: Second section

[0124] 115, 115a: Main body

[0125] 150, 150a: 1st insulation part

[0126] 200, 200a, 200b: Second insulation

[0127] 210, 210a, 210b: First cap

[0128] 220, 220a, 220b: Second cap

[0129] 250, 250a, 250b: Connection

[0130] 251b: First Reinforcement Section

[0131] 252b: Second Reinforcement Section

[0132] 255b: Third Reinforcement Division

[0133] 300, 300a: Cover

[0134] 500: Fixed part

[0135] 1000: Battery pack

[0136] 1100a: First battery module

[0137] 1100b: Second battery module

[0138] 1200: Pack Frame

Claims

1. Busbar; A first insulating part surrounding the main body of the above bus bar; and Including a second insulating part that wraps around each end of the above bus bar, The above second insulating part, It includes a pair of cap parts each covering the upper surface and side surface of both ends of the bus bar, and a connecting part located between the pair of cap parts and integrated with the pair of cap parts, A busbar assembly in which the above connecting portion extends along the longitudinal direction of the busbar and is located on the outer surface of the main body of the busbar.

2. In paragraph 1, A busbar assembly further comprising a cover portion that surrounds the outer surface of the first insulating portion, wherein the connecting portion is positioned on the outer surface of the main body of the busbar.

3. In paragraph 2, The above cover part is a busbar assembly made of glass fiber material.

4. In paragraph 1, The first insulating portion is formed with a recessed portion that is recessed from the outer surface of the first insulating portion toward the main body of the bus bar, A busbar assembly in which the connecting portion is inserted into the above-mentioned recessed portion.

5. In paragraph 4, A busbar assembly in which the above-mentioned recessed portion is formed with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first insulating portion.

6. In paragraph 1, The above connecting portion is a busbar assembly inserted inside the first insulating portion.

7. In paragraph 6, The above connecting portion is a busbar assembly spaced apart from the main body of the busbar.

8. In paragraph 1, A busbar assembly wherein the width of the above connecting portion is smaller than the width of the above first insulating portion.

9. In paragraph 1, The above connecting portion further includes a first reinforcing portion and a second reinforcing portion made of the same material as the above connecting portion, The above first reinforcing part is formed at a position where one of the pair of cap parts and the connecting part are in contact with each other, A busbar assembly in which the second reinforcing member is formed at a position where the other cap member among the pair of cap members and the connecting member are in contact with each other.

10. In paragraph 9, A busbar assembly wherein the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion have a width greater than that of the connecting portion, a thickness greater than that of the connecting portion, or a width and a thickness greater than that of the connecting portion.

11. In paragraph 1, The above connecting portion further includes at least one third reinforcing portion made of the same material as the above connecting portion, A busbar assembly in which at least one third reinforcing member is formed between each end of the connecting member.

12. In paragraph 11, A busbar assembly in which the third reinforcing member has a width greater than that of the connecting member, a thickness greater than that of the connecting member, or a width and thickness greater than that of the connecting member.

13. In paragraph 1, The above first insulating part is made of refractory silicone, refractory plastic, or a material mixed with refractory silicone and refractory plastic, The above second insulating part is a busbar assembly each made of a refractory silicone material.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one busbar assembly of paragraph 1, Includes a pack frame that accommodates 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 above bus bar are electrically connected to each of the adjacent pair of battery modules.

15. In paragraph 14, A battery pack further comprising a fixing member that penetrates both ends of the bus bar and fixes both ends of the bus bar to a pair of adjacent battery modules, respectively.

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