Flexible heat-resistant tape and busbar comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat-resistant tape comprising: a flexible tape base material; an adhesive layer added to the outer surface of one side of the tape base material; and a heat-resistant layer arranged on a surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the heat-resistant tape can be stably attached and fixed due to the adhesive layer which is exposed when the tape base material is stretched.

Description

Flexible heat-resistant tape and busbar including the same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0031826, filed March 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a flexible heat-resistant tape and a busbar including the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a flexible heat-resistant tape formed by forming a highly heat-resistant material into a shape that is easily deformable and bonded to an elastic tape, and to a busbar including the same.

[0003]

[0004] Demand is growing for secondary batteries, which can address air pollution caused by fossil fuel use and store electric energy generated from alternative energy sources. For example, lithium secondary batteries, with their high energy density per unit weight, are used not only as a power source for mobile devices like cell phones, tablets, Bluetooth earphones, and e-cigarettes, but also as a power source for medium- to large-sized devices like electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric vehicles.

[0005] As the types of devices that use lithium secondary batteries as an energy source expand, the application of lithium secondary batteries is also expanding to devices that require high capacity and high output.

[0006] In line with this trend, the manufacturing and use of battery modules in which a number of battery cells are electrically connected and battery packs in which the battery modules are connected in series and / or parallel are increasing.

[0007] Meanwhile, if a flame or spark occurs due to ignition within the battery pack, the covering of the busbars electrically connecting the battery modules within the battery pack may melt, potentially causing the busbars to come into contact with adjacent conductive devices. This short circuit can further spread the flame, posing a serious threat to the user's safety.

[0008] Therefore, various technologies are being studied to secure insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance of electrical connecting members such as busbars.

[0009] Patent Document 1 relates to a flexible busbar including a conductor portion in which a plurality of plate-shaped conductors are laminated, a terminal portion formed by welding at each end in the longitudinal direction of the conductor portion, and a refractory tape wound around the conductor portion so as to have at least two overlapping layers in a predetermined section of the conductor portion, wherein the refractory tape is a mica layer bonded to an upper portion of a glass fiber fabric layer using an adhesive.

[0010] The fire-resistant tape of Patent Document 1 is a type in which a mica layer is attached to a glass fiber fabric layer using an adhesive, and the fire-resistant tape is added to the outer surface of the conductor portion of the bus bar, and a separate member is additionally required to fix the fire-resistant tape to the outer surface of the conductor portion of the bus bar.

[0011] The flexible mica tape of Patent Document 2 comprises a flexible glass fiber backing and a mica matrix structure bonded to the flexible glass fiber backing, wherein the mica matrix structure comprises nanoclay platelets inserted with metal ions selected from the group consisting of Cr, Sn, Zn and mixtures thereof and an insulating resin, and wherein the nanoclay platelets, the insulating resin and the mica matrix structure including the metal ions are disposed adjacent to the flexible glass fiber backing.

[0012] The flexible electrical insulating mica tape of Patent Document 2 has a mica matrix including mica, metal ions, and insulating resin arranged on one side of a flexible glass fiber backing. However, since the flexible electrical insulating mica tape does not include an adhesive layer exposed on the outer surface, it is a form that requires a separate member for attachment to another object.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a technology for a tape that can be attached to objects with complex external surfaces as well as simple external surfaces, does not require separate components for bonding and fixing, and has high insulating and heat resistance.

[0014] (Prior art literature)

[0015] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0049260 (May 9, 2016)

[0016] (Patent Document 2) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2002-0075414 (October 4, 2002)

[0017]

[0018] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem, and provides a flexible heat-resistant tape and a bus bar including the same, which includes an elastic tape base material and an adhesive layer, so that the adhesive layer is exposed at least when attached, enabling stable attachment and fixation to an attachment target, and which can maintain its shape even when exposed to fire or flame.

[0019]

[0020] A heat-resistant tape according to the present invention for achieving this purpose may include an elastic tape base material, an adhesive layer added to one outer surface of the tape base material, and a heat-resistant layer positioned on the surface of the adhesive layer.

[0021] The above tape base material may include refractory silicone.

[0022] The above heat-resistant layer may be composed of MICA.

[0023] The above heat-resistant layer may be formed in a form in which mica pieces are arranged continuously.

[0024] In a state where the above tape base material is stretched, the mica pieces are spaced apart from each other, and the adhesive layer can be exposed between the mica pieces.

[0025] The width of the above mica pieces may be equal to or smaller than the width of the tape base material.

[0026] The above heat-resistant layer may be composed of a mica strip in a wrinkled shape.

[0027] In a state where the above tape base material is stretched, the wrinkles of the above mica strip can be straightened.

[0028] A plurality of mica strips can be arranged to be spaced apart along the width direction of the above heat-resistant layer.

[0029] The present invention provides a bus bar with the heat-resistant tape added thereto, wherein the heat-resistant tape is attached to the tape base material in an elongated state, and the heat-resistant tape is attached to the outer surface of the bus bar body by the adhesive layer exposed through the gap created between the mica pieces, and the heat-resistant tape can be added in a spiral shape so that the width overlaps by at least 50%.

[0030] The present invention also provides a bus bar with the heat-resistant tape added thereto, wherein the heat-resistant tape is attached to the tape base material in an elongated state, and the heat-resistant tape is attached to the outer surface of the bus bar body by the adhesive layer exposed between the mica strips, and the heat-resistant tape can be added in a spiral shape so that the width overlaps by at least 50%.

[0031] The present invention can also be provided in a form in which various means for solving the above problem are combined.

[0032]

[0033] The present invention can secure the heat resistance of an object to which the heat-resistant tape of the present invention is attached by providing a heat-resistant layer containing a material with high heat resistance to an elastic tape base material.

[0034] In addition, since the heat-resistant tape according to the present invention includes an elastic tape base material, it can be stably attached and fixed to an object having a complex outer surface as well as a simple outer surface.

[0035]

[0036] Figure 1 is a plan view of a heat-resistant tape according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines AA' and B-B' of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heat-resistant tape according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Figure 3.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a bus bar with a heat-resistant tape added according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of Fig. 6.

[0043]

[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, so that those with ordinary skill in the art can easily practice the present invention. In describing the operating principles of the embodiments of the present invention in detail, if a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0045] Parts with similar functions and actions are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the drawings. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections with other elements intervening. Furthermore, inclusion of a component does not exclude other components unless otherwise specifically stated, but rather implies the inclusion of additional components.

[0046] The description that concretizes or adds to the components may be applied to all inventions unless there is a special limitation, and is not limited to the description of a specific invention.

[0047] Throughout the description and claims of the invention herein, the singular includes the plural unless otherwise stated.

[0048] Throughout the description and claims of the present invention, the term "or" includes "and" unless otherwise stated. Therefore, "comprising A or B" means all three cases of including A, including B, or including A and B.

[0049] The present invention is described in detail with examples according to the drawings.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a heat-resistant tape according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines AA' and B-B' of Fig. 1.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a heat-resistant tape according to a first embodiment includes an elastic tape base material (100), an adhesive layer (200) added to one outer surface of the tape base material (100), and a heat-resistant layer (300) positioned on the surface of the adhesive layer (200).

[0052] An adhesive layer (200) is added to the entire surface of one side of the tape base material (100), and a heat-resistant layer (300) is formed on the outer surface of the adhesive layer (200) that does not face the tape base material (100).

[0053] The tape base material (100) may be composed of a highly heat-resistant material that maintains its shape without melting or burning out when exposed to flames or sparks. For example, the tape base material (100) may include refractory silicone, and additionally, may further include non-combustible materials such as ceramics, inorganic materials, and glass fibers, and refractory agents such as mica, zeolite, and diatomaceous earth.

[0054] The above refractory silicone is known as a highly insulating material because, unlike general silicone that burns when exposed to flame, it maintains its shape as it becomes ceramicized, thereby ensuring insulation.

[0055] In addition, since the refractory silicone and the adhesive layer are elastic in themselves, when the heat-resistant tape is attached to an object, it stretches due to its own elasticity. Therefore, even if the outer surface of the object to which the heat-resistant tape is attached has a complex shape, the heat-resistant tape can be stably attached to the object through the adhesive layer.

[0056] The heat-resistant layer (300) may be composed of mica. Mica is a representative heat-resistant and flame-resistant material, a silicate mineral whose main component is alumina silicate, and has a thin plate-like structure. It is primarily used in sheet form or in the form of a thermo-compressed sheet, and has limited flexibility, limiting its use in folded applications unless processed thinly.

[0057] In the heat-resistant tape according to the first embodiment, the heat-resistant layer (300) is configured in a form in which mica pieces (310) are arranged continuously.

[0058] The picture shown above in Fig. 1 shows the state before the heat-resistant tape is stretched, and the picture shown below shows the state in which the heat-resistant tape is stretched in the direction of the left and right arrows.

[0059] As shown in the figure below in Fig. 1, when the tape base material (100) and adhesive layer (200) of the heat-resistant tape are stretched, the mica pieces (310) are spaced apart from each other, and the adhesive layer (200) is exposed between the mica pieces (310).

[0060] That is, the heat-resistant layer (300) is configured in a form in which a plurality of mica pieces (310) are arranged continuously, and when the heat-resistant tape is not stretched, the mica pieces (310) are arranged continuously without being spaced apart, as shown in the drawings above FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. However, in the process of attaching the heat-resistant tape to the object, the remaining portion of the heat-resistant tape can be attached while pulling the end while attaching it to the object. When the heat-resistant tape is deformed in this way to be stretched, the heat-resistant tape is stretched taut by the elasticity of the tape base material (100) and the adhesive layer (200) itself, and the gap between the mica pieces (310) widens. The adhesive layer (200) is exposed between the mica pieces stretched in this way, and the heat-resistant tape can be attached to the object by the exposed adhesive layer (200).

[0061] Referring again to FIG. 1, the width (H1) of the mica piece (310) is formed to be the same as the width (H2) of the tape base material (100), so that the adhesive strength of the heat-resistant tape can be secured by the adhesive layer (200) exposed between the mica pieces.

[0062] Alternatively, the width (H1) of the mica pieces (310) can be configured to be smaller than the width (H2) of the tape base material (100), so that the area of ​​the surface of the adhesive layer (200) where the mica pieces (310) are attached becomes narrower and the area where the adhesive layer (200) is exposed increases, so that even if the heat-resistant tape is not attached while being stretched, the adhesive strength of the heat-resistant tape can be secured.

[0063] Alternatively, mica pieces (310) may be arranged at regular intervals along the direction in which the heat-resistant tape is stretched, but the width (H1) of the mica pieces (310) may be less than 50%, less than 30%, or less than 20% of the width (H2) of the tape base material (100). In this case, the mica pieces (310) may be added in the form of two or more rows. For example, in a state in which the heat-resistant tape is stretched, the adhesive layer (200) may be exposed in a lattice structure and the mica pieces may be configured to fill the lattice.

[0064] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a heat-resistant tape according to a second embodiment, Fig. 4 is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Fig. 3.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the heat-resistant tape according to the second embodiment is identical to the heat-resistant tape according to the first embodiment, except that the heat-resistant layer (300) is composed of a wrinkled mica strip (320). Therefore, the descriptions of the tape base material and adhesive layer of the heat-resistant tape according to the first embodiment can be applied equally.

[0066] In the heat-resistant tape according to the second embodiment, the heat-resistant layer (300) is arranged with wrinkled mica strips (320) along the longitudinal direction (x) of the heat-resistant tape, and at least two mica strips (320) are arranged at a constant interval (G) along the width direction (y) of the heat-resistant layer (320).

[0067] For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the mica strip (320) may be configured in a wrinkled shape folded in a zigzag shape, such that a bond to the adhesive layer (200) may be formed in a portion protruding toward the adhesive layer (200) among the zigzag shapes, and in other portions, no bond to the adhesive layer (200) is formed, and a space is formed between the adhesive layer (200) and the mica strip (320).

[0068] The picture shown above in Fig. 5 shows the state before the heat-resistant tape is stretched, and the picture shown below shows the state after the heat-resistant tape is stretched, as indicated by the left and right arrows.

[0069] Since the mica strip (320) itself is not elastic, if the mica strip (320) is configured in a form without wrinkles, the mica strip (320) may be separated from the adhesive layer (200) as the elastic tape base material (100) and the adhesive layer (200) stretch. However, as in the present invention, by providing a mica strip (320) in a wrinkled form, when the tape base material (100) and the adhesive layer (200) stretch, the wrinkles of the mica strip (320) are deformed into an unfolded form, so that the mica strip (320) can be prevented from being separated from the adhesive layer (200).

[0070] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a bus bar with a heat-resistant tape added according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of Fig. 6.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a heat-resistant tape (1000) according to the first embodiment is wound in a spiral shape around the outer surface of a busbar body (400). The busbar body (400) may be a metal bar made of an electrically conductive material such as copper, nickel, and aluminum, and a coupling hole may be formed at both ends of the busbar body (400) to form an electrical connection with an electronic component.

[0072] When attaching a heat-resistant tape (1000) to a busbar body (400), if the heat-resistant tape is attached while being pulled, the tape base material (100) and the adhesive layer (200) are attached in an elongated state, so that the gap between the mica pieces (310) widens and the adhesive layer (200) is exposed therebetween. The exposed adhesive layer (200) functions as the adhesive layer of the heat-resistant tape (1000), so that when the heat-resistant tape (1000) is attached while spirally wrapping around the outer surface of the busbar body (400), it can be stably attached to the outer surface of the heat-resistant tape attached to the inner side. At this time, the heat-resistant tape (1000) can be attached in a spiral shape so that the width overlaps by at least 50%. In detail, when the heat-resistant tape (1000) is attached so that the width overlaps by 50%, the heat-resistant tape (1000) can be added in two layers on the outer surface of the busbar body (400), and when the heat-resistant tape (1000) is attached so that the width overlaps by 2 / 3, the heat-resistant tape (1000) can be added in three layers on the outer surface of the busbar body (400).

[0073] Fig. 7 illustrates a state in which a heat-resistant tape (1000) is added in three layers, and at this time, the heat-resistant tape (1000) may be composed of an innermost layer, a middle layer, and an outermost layer. Considering the purpose of maintaining insulation without damaging the busbar body (400) by the mica pieces included in the heat-resistant layer, it is preferable that the mica pieces (310) included in the insulating layers included in each of the innermost layer, the middle layer, and the outermost layer be arranged so that at least a portion of the innermost layer, the middle layer, and the outermost layer overlaps. That is, mica pieces are added to the outer surface of the busbar body (400) in at least one layer among the innermost layer, the middle layer, and the outermost layer, so as to prevent the busbar body from being exposed to or damaged by flames or sparks.

[0074] At this time, considering that the mica pieces do not have elongation properties, the heat-resistant tape can be attached so that the mica pieces are added only to the flat outer surface of the busbar body while appropriately controlling the degree of elongation so that the mica pieces are not added to the corners of the busbar body.

[0075] Alternatively, if the thickness of the mica piece is about 0.2 mm, or more specifically, 0.18 mm or less, it may be in a bendable form, so that even if the mica piece is placed at the corner of the busbar body, the mica piece can be attached so as to be in close contact with the outer surface of the busbar body while being bent.

[0076] In the case of attaching the heat-resistant tape according to the second embodiment to the busbar body, when the heat-resistant tape is attached while being pulled, the tape base material (100) and the adhesive layer (200) are attached in an elongated state, so that the wrinkles of the mica strip (320) are deformed into an unfolded shape. The heat-resistant tape according to the second embodiment has an adhesive layer (200) exposed between a plurality of mica strips (320), so that as the wrinkles of the mica strips unfold, the thickness of the heat-resistant layer (300) is reduced, and the heat-resistant tape is attached to the outer surface of the busbar body (400) by the adhesive layer (200) exposed between the mica strips (320). At this time, the heat-resistant tape may be attached in a spiral shape around the busbar body so that the width overlaps by at least 50%.

[0077] In order to attach the heat-resistant tape to the busbar body through the adhesive layer located outside the heat-resistant layer based on the surface of the busbar body, the thickness of the heat-resistant layer may be formed thinner than the thickness of the tautly stretched adhesive layer. Accordingly, the heat-resistant tape according to the first and second embodiments is attached in a state in which the mica pieces (310) constituting the heat-resistant layer (300) are embedded in the adhesive layer (200), as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0078] The heat-resistant tape according to the second embodiment is formed with a mica strip continuously along the length direction of the heat-resistant tape, and the thickness of the mica strip is configured to be about 0.2 mm, specifically, 0.18 mm or less so that it can be bent at the edge of the busbar body, so that the heat-resistant tape can be attached so that the outer surface thereof is in close contact with the outer surface of the busbar body.

[0079]

[0080] Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains will be able to perform various applications and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on the above contents.

[0081] (Explanation of symbols)

[0082] 100: Tape material

[0083] 200: Adhesive layer

[0084] 300: Heat-resistant layer

[0085] 310: Mica Piece

[0086] 320: Mica Strip

[0087] 400: Busbar body

[0088] 1000: Heat-resistant tape

[0089] G: Spacing

[0090] H1: Width of the mica fragment

[0091] H2: Width of tape material

Claims

1. Flexible tape base material; An adhesive layer added to one outer surface of the above tape base material; and A heat-resistant layer positioned on the surface of the adhesive layer; Heat resistant tape containing .

2. In paragraph 1, The above tape base material is a heat-resistant tape containing refractory silicone.

3. In paragraph 1, The above heat-resistant layer is a heat-resistant tape composed of MICA.

4. In paragraph 3, The above heat-resistant layer is a heat-resistant tape composed of mica pieces arranged in a continuous manner.

5. In paragraph 4, A heat-resistant tape in which the mica pieces are spaced apart from each other and the adhesive layer is exposed between the mica pieces while the tape base material is stretched.

6. In paragraph 4, A heat-resistant tape having the width of the above mica pieces equal to or smaller than the width of the above tape base material.

7. In paragraph 3, The above heat-resistant layer is a heat-resistant tape composed of a wrinkled mica strip.

8. In paragraph 7, A heat-resistant tape in which the wrinkles of the mica strip are straightened when the above tape base material is stretched.

9. In paragraph 7, A heat-resistant tape in which a plurality of mica strips are spaced apart along the width direction of the heat-resistant layer.

10. In a bus bar to which a heat-resistant tape according to any one of clauses 1 to 6 is added, The above heat-resistant tape is attached to the tape base material in an extended state, The heat-resistant tape is attached to the outer surface of the busbar body by the adhesive layer exposed through the gap created between the mica pieces, The above heat-resistant tape is added in a spiral shape to the busbar so that the width overlaps by at least 50%.

11. In a bus bar with a heat-resistant tape added according to any one of clauses 7 to 9, The above heat-resistant tape is attached to the tape base material in an extended state, The heat-resistant tape is attached to the outer surface of the busbar body by the adhesive layer exposed between the mica strips, The above heat-resistant tape is added in a spiral shape to the busbar so that the width overlaps by at least 50%.

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