Bus bar bonding plate for battery module and battery module comprising same

Abstract

A busbar bonding plate for a battery module, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is coupled, in a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells, to a busbar in order to connect a circuit board and the busbar, the busbar being for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells. The busbar bonding plate for a battery module comprises: a busbar coupling portion coupled to the busbar; a substrate coupling portion connected to the circuit board; and a connecting portion that is between the busbar coupling portion and the substrate coupling portion. The busbar bonding plate and the battery module, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may prevent damage to a corresponding FPCB via the busbar bonding plate having a bent structure.

Description

Busbar joint plate for battery module and battery module including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly, to a busbar joint plate having a bending structure and a battery module in which FPCB damage is prevented through the busbar joint plate.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module and add other components to configure the battery pack. Here, the battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and the battery pack may refer to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] A battery module is composed of multiple cells electrically connected using a busbar, and the electrode leads of the battery cells are connected to the busbar.

[0006] Furthermore, these busbars are connected to the circuitry of the FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) of the busbar frame component within the module. The FPCB may be damaged during the module assembly process or by impact during operation. Cracks in the FPCB circuitry can cause serious problems with battery operation.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems described above, and provides a bending structure busbar joint plate for connecting a circuit portion of a FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) of a busbar frame component and a busbar, and a battery module capable of preventing damage to the FPCB through the busbar joint plate.

[0008] A busbar joint plate for a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a busbar joint plate for a battery module that is coupled to a circuit board and a busbar for electrical connection of a plurality of battery cells in a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, the busbar joint plate comprising: a busbar joint portion coupled to the busbar; a board joint portion connected to the circuit board; and a connection portion between the busbar joint portion and the board joint portion.

[0009] Additionally, the bus bar joint, the substrate joint, and the connecting portion may be formed integrally.

[0010] In addition, the busbar joint plate is formed in steps.

[0011] Additionally, the bus bar joint is positioned on the outside of the battery module relative to the substrate joint.

[0012] Additionally, one end of the connecting portion is bent at the bus bar joint and extends inwardly of the battery module.

[0013] Additionally, one end of the substrate joint is bent at the connecting portion and extends in the width direction of the battery module.

[0014] Additionally, the busbar joint plate is made of the same material as the busbar.

[0015] The above bus bar joint may be formed in a square shape.

[0016] The above substrate joint may have a rolled end.

[0017] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; and a bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells; a bus bar frame in which at least one bus bar is arranged on one side of the battery cell stack; and a circuit board arranged on the bus bar frame; and a bus bar joint plate coupled to the bus bar for electrically connecting the bus bar and the circuit board.

[0018] The circuit board on the above busbar frame may be formed of a flat plate.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a busbar joint plate and a battery module can prevent damage to the FPCB through a busbar joint plate having a bending structure.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 is a front view of a busbar frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a busbar frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a busbar joint plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a drawing of a busbar joint plate arranged on a busbar frame in an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0029] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing an example in which a busbar joint plate according to the second embodiment is arranged horizontally.

[0030] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example in which a busbar joint plate according to the second embodiment is arranged vertically.

[0031] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a busbar joint plate according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 13 is a drawing of a busbar joint plate placed on a busbar frame in the third embodiment, viewed from above.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0036]

[0037] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between.

[0038] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a front view of a bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a bus bar joint plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing viewed from above of a bus bar joint plate arranged on a bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked, a module case (200) that accommodates the battery cell stack (100), a bus bar frame (300) positioned on one side and / or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), an insulating cover (500) positioned on the outside of the bus bar frame (300), and an end plate (400) positioned on the outside of the insulating cover (500).

[0041] The above battery cell stack (100) may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110) along one direction, and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or -X-axis direction) in FIG. 2.

[0042] The direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Y-axis direction in the drawing. In addition, the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0043] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100) may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100), and the bus bars (310, 320) of the battery module (1000) may be positioned close to the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) to easily form an electrical connection with the electrode leads (111, 112).

[0044] The battery cell (110) may be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and the number of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cell (110) does not necessarily have to be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and may be provided in a square, cylindrical, or other various shapes.

[0045] A battery cell (110) provided in a pouch type may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (115) that accommodates the electrode assembly (see FIG. 3).

[0046] The cell case (115) of the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type cell case (115) for accommodating the electrode assembly. The cell case (115) includes a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be formed integrally. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connecting portions of the upper and lower cases may be formed in a structure in which they are bent and folded. In addition, as illustrated, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion (114) may be formed at the periphery.

[0047] Both the upper and lower cases can be formed of a laminate structure including an inner covering layer, a metal layer, and an outer covering layer. The inner covering layer is located on the inside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so it must have insulation and electrolytic resistance. In addition, in order to seal it from the outside, the sealing portion where the inner layers are thermally bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the inner covering layer and the outer covering layer and serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferable material for the metal layer in contact with the inner covering layer is an aluminum (Al) thin film that is lightweight and has excellent formability. The outer covering layer is located on the outside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer, and this outer covering layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0048] A receiving groove (116) can be formed in each of the upper and lower cases, and an electrode assembly can be accommodated in the receiving groove (116) of the upper and lower cases.

[0049] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case (115) may be one of a group consisting of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly having unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are rolled up by a long separator film, and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other.

[0050] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads (111, 112) each connected to the electrode tabs by a weld.

[0051] Among the two electrode leads (111, 112), one electrode lead (111, 112) may be a positive lead connected to the positive tab, and the other electrode lead (111, 112) may be a negative lead connected to the negative tab. For example, the positive electrode lead (111) may be made of aluminum (Al), and the negative electrode lead (112) may be made of copper (Cu).

[0052] A lead film (113) may be attached to each of the electrode leads (111, 112). The lead film (113) coupled to the electrode leads (111, 112) is positioned between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115), thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115) and improving the sealing force, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte, etc.

[0053] The two electrode leads (111, 112) are shown as being arranged on each side of the electrode assembly, but may be arranged on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0054] The above module case (200) may be for protecting the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact, and the module case (200) may accommodate the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case (200).

[0055] The structure of the module case (200) may vary, and for example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a mono-frame structure. Here, the mono-frame may be in the form of a metal plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and both side surfaces that are integrated. The mono-frame may be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (upper surface (201)) are combined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined, the structure of the module case (200) may be formed by combining an upper plate on the upper side of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate having a lower surface and both side surfaces that are combined or integrated, and each frame or plate may be manufactured by press molding. In addition, the structure of the module case (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a mono-frame or a U-shaped frame, and may be provided as various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0056] The structure of the module case (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may not be covered by the module case (200). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may not be covered by the module case (200). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be covered by a bus bar frame (300), an end plate (400), or bus bars (310, 320) to be described later, and through this, the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0057] A compression pad (150) may be positioned between one side of the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200).

[0058] The compression pad (150) can be arranged to face the battery cell (110) at the outermost end of the battery cell stack (100) in the X-axis direction in the drawing.

[0059] Also, although not shown, a thermally conductive resin may be injected between the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200), and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between one of the inner surfaces of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200) by the injected thermally conductive resin. At this time, the thermally conductive resin layer may be positioned on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack (100), and the thermally conductive resin layer may be formed between the battery cell stack (100) and the bottom surface positioned on the -Z-axis of the module case (200).

[0060] The above busbar frame (300) is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (100), and can cover one side of the battery cell stack (100) and simultaneously guide the connection between the battery cell stack (100) and an external device. Specifically, the busbar frame (300) can be positioned on the front or rear side of the battery cell stack (100) as illustrated, and can also be positioned on the upper side, lower side, or side. At least one of a busbar (310, 320) and a module connector can be mounted on the busbar frame (300). As illustrated in FIG. 2, one side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to one side or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), and the other side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to the busbar (310, 320).

[0061] The busbar frame (300) may be made of an electrically insulating material or may include an insulating material. The busbar frame (300) may limit contact between the busbars (310, 320) and other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the parts where the busbars are connected to the electrode leads (111, 112), and may prevent electrical short circuits from occurring.

[0062] The busbar frame (300) may be positioned on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (100).

[0063] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a busbar frame (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention. A busbar (310, 320) may be mounted on one surface of the busbar frame (300), and the busbar (310, 320) may be for electrically connecting the battery cell stack (100) or the battery cells (110) and an external device circuit. A plurality of busbars (310, 320) may be arranged, and are positioned between the battery cell stack (100) or the busbar frame (300) and the end plate (400), thereby protecting the battery from external impacts, etc., and minimizing the deterioration of durability due to external moisture, etc.

[0064] The busbar (310, 320) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (100) through the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110).

[0065] Specifically, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) can be bent and connected to the bus bars (310, 320) after passing through the lead slit formed in the bus bar frame (300).

[0066] The bus bar (310) may be for electrically connecting battery cells, and electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may be connected to both sides of the bus bar (310), and the electrode lead (111) connected to one side of the bus bar (310, 320) may be a positive lead, and the electrode lead (112) connected to the other side of the bus bar (310, 320) may be a negative lead.

[0067] In addition, a busbar weld plate (330) can be joined to the busbars (310, 320). The busbar weld plate (330) can be connected to a circuit board (FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board)) (340) of a sensing unit (sensing plate) (350).

[0068] That is, the sensing unit (350) is connected to the busbar (310, 320) through the busbar joint plate (330) coupled to the busbar (310, 320) and can sense the voltage of the battery cell (110), etc.

[0069] In this embodiment, the circuit board (FPCB) (340) of the sensing unit (350) can be placed on the busbar frame (300), and the circuit board (340) can be formed in a flat shape on the busbar frame (300).

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar joint plate (330) may be formed in a stepped shape as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0071] Specifically, the busbar joint plate (330) may include a busbar joint portion (331), a connection portion (332), and a substrate joint portion (333), and overall, the busbar joint plate (330) may extend in the width direction (X-axis direction or -X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000) in the form of a thin plate. The busbar joint plate (330) may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the busbars (310, 320).

[0072] The busbar joint (331) is a portion that is joined to the busbar (310, 320) from the busbar joint plate (330), and may extend in the width direction (X-axis direction or -X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000), and may be joined to the busbar (310, 320) by welding or the like from the upper portion of the busbar (310, 320). An electrode lead (111, 112) of a battery cell (110) may be joined to one side (front side) of the busbar (310, 320), and the busbar joint (331) may be joined to a portion of the busbar (310, 320) to which the electrode lead (111, 112) is joined, where the electrode lead (111, 112) is not connected. The busbar joint (331) can extend from the upper left to the right side of the busbar (310, 320).

[0073] The connecting portion (332) connects the busbar connecting portion (331) and the substrate connecting portion (333) to each other.

[0074] The connecting portion (332) may be bent at one end at the busbar connecting portion (331) and may extend inwardly (in the direction of the battery cell (110)) (Y-axis direction or -Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000). One end of the connecting portion (332) may be bent at about 90 degrees at the busbar connecting portion (331). As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the connecting portion (332) may be bent at the right end of the busbar connecting portion (331) and may be arranged on the side of the busbar (310, 320).

[0075] The substrate joint (333) is a portion that connects the busbar joint plate (330) to the circuit board (FPCB) (340), and one end of the substrate joint (333) can be bent at the connection portion (332) to extend in the width direction (X-axis direction or -X-axis direction) of the battery module (1000) or in the direction of the adjacent busbar (310, 320).

[0076] In the busbar joint plate (330), the busbar joint portion (331), the connection portion (332), and the substrate joint portion (333) may be formed integrally or in a stepped form. In the present embodiment, the busbar joint plate (330) may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum or copper. In addition, the busbar joint plate (330) may be formed of the same material as the busbars (310, 320). That is, if the busbars (310, 320) are formed of aluminum, the busbar joint plate (330) may also be formed of aluminum, and if the busbars (310, 320) are formed of copper, the busbar joint plate (330) may also be formed of copper.

[0077] In this way, when the busbar joint plate (330) is made of the same material as the busbar (310, 320), it can be joined by welding and weldability can be improved.

[0078] In the battery module (1000), the bus bars (310, 320) may not be arranged on a plane for the circuit board (FPCB) (340).

[0079] That is, the bus bars (310, 320) may be arranged to protrude further in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction or -Y-axis direction) of the battery module than the circuit board (FPCB) (340). In this case, a step section or a bent section may occur in the circuit board (FPCB) (340), and there is a possibility that cracks may occur in the step section or the bent section of the circuit board (FPCB) (340) during the assembly process, or the battery module (1000) may be damaged by impact while driving a vehicle equipped with the circuit board (FPCB) (340).

[0080] In this embodiment, by applying a step configuration or a bending configuration to the busbar joint plate (330), the circuit board (FPCB) (340) can be configured as a flat plate without a bend section (step configuration) or by minimizing the bend section, thereby reducing the possibility of a short circuit within the circuit board (FPCB) (340).

[0081] Battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (100) can be connected in series or parallel by bus bars (310, 320).

[0082] Meanwhile, FIGS. 10 and 11 are drawings illustrating a busbar joint plate (330) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] A difference between the busbar joint plate (330) according to the second embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that in the second embodiment, the busbar joint portion (331) of the busbar joint plate (330) is formed in a square shape. The busbar joint plate (330) of the second embodiment may also include a busbar joint portion (331), a connection portion (332), and a substrate joint portion (333).

[0084] In this way, in the second embodiment, the busbar joint (331) of the busbar joint plate (330) is formed in a square shape, so that the direction of the busbar joint plate (330) can be changed from horizontal to vertical.

[0085] Fig. 10 illustrates an example in which a busbar joint plate (330) is arranged in the width direction (X-axis direction) of a busbar frame (300), and Fig. 11 illustrates an example in which a busbar joint plate (330) is arranged in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of a busbar frame (300). In Fig. 10, the connecting portion (332) of the busbar joint plate (330) is formed in a form that covers the side surfaces of the busbars (310, 320), and in Fig. 11, the connecting portion (332) of the busbar joint plate (330) may be formed in a form that covers the upper surfaces of the busbars (310, 320).

[0086] In the second embodiment, there is an advantage in that the direction of the busbar joint plate (330) can be changed horizontally or vertically depending on the arrangement of the busbar (310, 320), busbar frame (300), and circuit board (340).

[0087] As for other configurations and effects, they are the same as in the first embodiment described above, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0088] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are drawings illustrating a busbar joint plate (330) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] A difference between the busbar joint plate (330) according to the third embodiment and the previous embodiment is that in the third embodiment, the end of the substrate joint portion (333) of the busbar joint plate (330) can be bent toward the connection portion (332) and can be formed in a rolled form toward the connection portion (332). The busbar joint plate (330) of the second embodiment can also include a busbar joint portion (331), a connection portion (332), and a substrate joint portion (333).

[0090] In the third embodiment, the substrate joint portion (333) of the busbar joint plate (330) may have an end portion (333a) that is bent toward the connection portion (332) or rolled toward the connection portion (332).

[0091] As illustrated in Fig. 13, the substrate bonding portion (333) can pass through the hole (341) of the circuit board (340). That is, the substrate bonding portion (333) can pass through the hole (341) on one side of the circuit board (340) and come out on the opposite side, and the bent end (333a) or the rolled end (333a) can contact the circuit board (340) on the other side of the circuit board (340).

[0092] In the third embodiment, the substrate joint (333) is inserted into the hole (341) of the circuit board (340), and the end (333a) that is rolled toward the connection portion (332) comes into contact with the circuit board (340), thereby enabling the circuit board (340) to be more firmly joined and the electrical connection to be stably maintained. In addition, the end (333a) of the substrate joint (333) can have improved rigidity.

[0093] The busbars (310, 320) may include terminal busbars (320) for electrically connecting one battery module (1000) to another battery module (1000).

[0094] At least a portion of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed to the outside of the end plate (400) to be connected to another battery module (1000), and the end plate (400) may be provided with a terminal opening (410) for this purpose.

[0095] The terminal bus bar (320) can have one end (second part (322)) exposed through the opening (510) of the insulating cover (500) and the terminal opening (410) of the end plate (400).

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the terminal bus bar (320) may include a first portion (321) connected to the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and a second portion (322) exposed to the outside through a terminal opening (410). In addition, the terminal bus bar (320) may further include a bending portion (323) formed between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322).

[0097] In the terminal bus bar (320), the first part (321) can be connected to the second part (322) through the bending part (323), and one side of the first part (321) and one side of the second part (322) can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a bent bending part (323) in the terminal bus bar (320), the second part (322) can protrude and be seated in the seating part (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) can be electrically connected to the pack bus bar (not shown). A joining hole (322a) is formed in the second part (322) constituting one end of the terminal bus bar (320), and the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by a fixing pin (not shown) inserted into the joining hole (322a).

[0098] In this embodiment, two terminal bus bars (320) can be arranged on both sides of the bus bar frame (300).

[0099] Among the two terminal bus bars (320), one terminal bus bar (320) may be a positive (+) terminal bus bar (320), and the other may be a negative (-) terminal bus bar (320).

[0100] In this embodiment, the terminal bus bar (320) on the left in FIG. 6 may be a positive (+) terminal bus bar (320) and may be made of aluminum (Al).

[0101] An anode electrode lead (111) made of aluminum can be joined to the terminal bus bar (320) on the left side made of aluminum, and weldability can be improved by joining the same type of metal.

[0102] In Fig. 4, an electrode lead (111) can be welded to a first portion (321) of a terminal bus bar (320). The terminal bus bar (320) can be nickel-plated (Ni plating) and tin-plated (Sn plating).

[0103] In addition, a busbar joint plate (330) may be coupled to the bending portion (323) of the terminal busbar (320). As described above, the sensing unit may be connected to the terminal busbar (320) through the busbar joint plate (330) coupled to the terminal busbar (320) to sense the voltage of the battery cell (110), etc. The busbar joint plate (330) of the embodiments described above may also be applied to the terminal busbar (320).

[0104] In this embodiment, an aluminum busbar joint plate (330) can be joined to the left terminal busbar (320) made of aluminum. Accordingly, the terminal busbar (320) of the anode made of aluminum can be welded to the same type, and weldability can be improved.

[0105] In Fig. 6, the terminal bus bar (320) on the right may be a negative (+) terminal bus bar (320) and may be made of copper (Cu).

[0106] A negative electrode lead (112) made of copper can be joined to the terminal bus bar (320) on the right side made of copper, and weldability can be improved by forming a joint of the same metal.

[0107] In addition, a busbar joint plate (330) can be joined to the terminal busbar (320) on the right side, and a copper busbar joint plate (330) can be welded to the negative terminal busbar (320) made of copper, thereby improving weldability.

[0108] The end plate (400) may be used to protect the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by covering the open surface of the module case (200). To this end, the end plate (400) may be manufactured from a material having a predetermined strength, and for example, the end plate (400) may include a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material.

[0109] A terminal opening (410) may be formed in the end plate (400). The terminal openings (410) may be positioned on each side of the end plate (400), and a portion of the insulating cover (500) and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the terminal openings (410).

[0110] In addition, a connector opening may be located between terminal openings (410) located on both sides of the end plate (400), and a module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0111] The end plate (400) can be combined with the module case (200) while covering the busbar frame (300) or busbar (310, 320) located on one side of the battery cell stack (100). Each corner of the end plate (400) can be combined with a corresponding corner of the module case (200) by welding, bolting, hooking, or the like.

[0112] The end plate (400) can be positioned on one side and the other side of the module case (200) to cover both sides of the battery cell stack (100). In this embodiment, an example in which the end plate (400) is positioned on the front and rear sides of the module case (200) is shown.

[0113] The insulating cover (500) may be positioned inside the end plate (400) and outside the busbar frame (300). In addition, an insulating cover (500) for electrical insulation may be positioned between the end plate (400) and the busbar frame (300). That is, the busbar frame (300), the insulating cover (500), and the end plate (400) may be sequentially positioned outside the battery cell stack (100). Like the end plate (400), the busbar frame (300) and the insulating cover (500) may each be configured in multiples.

[0114] The insulating cover (500) may be made of or include an electrically insulating material and may block the busbar (310, 320) from contacting the end plate (400).

[0115] The insulating cover (500) may include an opening (510) and a mounting portion (530). The openings (510) may be positioned on each of the upper sides of the insulating cover (500), and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the openings (510).

[0116] In addition, a connector opening may be located between the openings (510) located on both sides of the insulating cover (500), and the module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0117] The insulating cover (500) may be positioned on the inner surface of the end plate (400) and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate (400), but this is not necessarily the case.

[0118] As described above, one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be exposed through the opening (510), and the exposed one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be seated on the mounting portion (530). Accordingly, the mounting portion (530) can be positioned adjacent to the opening (510) and can be positioned on the upper outer surface.

[0119] The mounting portion (530) may have a second portion (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) mounted on its upper surface, and thus the upper surface of the mounting portion (530) may form a mounting surface. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mounting portion (530) may include a fixing member (531) for fixing the terminal bus bar (320).

[0120] The fixing member (531) can fix the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) and may include a fixing hole (531a).

[0121] A fixing pin (not shown) can be inserted into the fixing hole (531a) above. A fixing pin (not shown) inserted into a joining hole (322a) formed in a second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by being coupled to the fixing hole (531a), thereby fixing the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) to the insulating cover (500).

[0122] Accordingly, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is seated on the mounting portion (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) is seated on the fixing member (531) arranged on the mounting portion (530) and comes into contact with it.

[0123] In addition, a terminal cover portion (not shown) covering one end (second portion (322)) of the exposed terminal bus bar (320) can be placed on the insulating cover (500).

[0124] Meanwhile, electrical connection between battery modules (1000) can be made through a pack bus bar (not shown). The pack bus bar is a member for connecting one battery module (1000) to another adjacent battery module (1000) or a BDU (Battery Disconnection Unit), and can be connected to an exposed end (second part (322)) of a terminal bus bar (320). For example, the pack bus bar can be connected to overlap the upper end (second part (322)) of one end of the terminal bus bar (320).

[0125] After one end of the pack bus bar is placed overlapping the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), a fixing pin is sequentially inserted into the coupling hole of the pack bus bar and the coupling hole (322a) of the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), and then the fixing pin is fixed to the fixing groove (531a) of the mounting portion (530), so that the pack bus bar can be connected to the terminal bus bar (320).

[0126] And, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be fixed to the insulating cover (500) together with the pack bus bar by a fixed pin.

[0127] As described above, one or more battery modules (1000) according to the present invention can form a battery pack (2000). As illustrated in FIG. 14, a battery pack (2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention can accommodate at least one battery module (1000) inside a pack case (2100), and can include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0128] The pack case (2100) may include a lower housing (2110) and an upper housing (not shown) coupled to the upper side of the lower housing (2110), and a plurality of battery modules (1000) may be stored in the internal space of the lower housing (2110) and the upper housing.

[0129] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example is shown in which a plurality of battery modules (1000) are accommodated inside a battery pack (2000), but a plurality of battery cells (110) may be directly arranged inside the battery pack (2000).

[0130] The battery module (1000) and battery pack (2000) according to the present invention, configured as described above, can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, or ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0131] Fig. 15 is a drawing illustrating an electric vehicle (V) equipped with a battery pack (2000). In the electric vehicle (V), the wheels are driven by a motor that receives power from the battery pack (2000) so that the electric vehicle can be driven.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0133] The present invention can provide a busbar joint plate having a bending structure capable of preventing FPCB damage and a battery module including the same.

Claims

1. In a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a busbar joint plate for connecting a busbar and a circuit board for electrical connection of a plurality of battery cells is connected to the busbar. The above busbar joint plate A busbar joint coupled to the above busbar; a substrate joint connected to the circuit board; and A connection between the above bus bar joint and the above substrate joint; Busbar joint plate for battery module including.

2. In paragraph 1, A busbar joint plate in which the busbar joint, the substrate joint, and the connection are formed integrally.

3. In paragraph 1, The above busbar joint plate is a busbar joint plate formed in steps.

4. In paragraph 1, The above busbar joint is a busbar joint plate arranged on the outside of the battery module relative to the above substrate joint.

5. In paragraph 1, A busbar joint plate in which one end of the above connecting portion is bent at the busbar joint and extends inwardly of the battery module.

6. In paragraph 5, A busbar joint plate in which one end of the above substrate joint is bent at the above connecting portion and extends in the width direction of the battery module.

7. In paragraph 1, The above busbar joint plate is a busbar joint plate made of the same material as the above busbar.

8. In paragraph 1, The above busbar joint is a busbar joint plate formed in a square shape.

9. In paragraph 1, The above substrate joint is a busbar joint plate having a rolled end.

10. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A module case for accommodating the above battery cell stack; and A bus bar for electrically connecting the above battery cells; A busbar frame in which one or more of the busbars are arranged on one side of the battery cell stack; and A circuit board arranged on the above bus bar frame; A battery module comprising a busbar joint plate coupled to the busbar for electrical connection between the busbar and the circuit board.

11. In paragraph 10, The above busbar joint plate A busbar joint coupled to the above busbar; a substrate joint connected to the circuit board; and A connection between the above bus bar joint and the above substrate joint; A battery module including:

12. In paragraph 10, A battery module in which the busbar joint, the substrate joint, and the connection are formed integrally.

13. In paragraph 11, The above busbar joint plate is a battery module formed in steps.

14. In paragraph 11, A battery module in which the busbar joint is positioned on the outside of the battery module relative to the substrate joint.

15. In paragraph 11, The above busbar joint is a battery module formed in a square shape.

16. In paragraph 11, A battery module having an end portion that is rolled in the direction of the connecting portion.

17. In paragraph 11, A battery module in which one end of the above connecting portion is bent at the bus bar joint and extends inwardly of the battery module.

18. In paragraph 17, A battery module in which one end of the substrate joint is bent at the connecting portion and extends in the width direction of the battery module.

19. In paragraph 10, The above busbar joint plate is a battery module made of the same material as the above busbar.

20. In paragraph 10, A battery module in which the circuit board on the busbar frame is formed of a flat plate.

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