Bus bar, battery module, and electronic device

Abstract

A battery module according to the present invention comprises: a secondary battery including an electrode lead; and a bus bar electrically connected to the electrode lead, wherein the bus bar includes a support unit for supporting the electrode lead so that a bonding surface with the electrode lead is parallel to the extension direction of the secondary battery.

Description

Busbars, battery modules and electronic devices

[0001] [Cross-reference with related applications]

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0098014, filed July 24, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] [Technical Field]

[0004] The present invention relates to a busbar, a battery module, and an electronic device. More specifically, the invention relates to a busbar configured to prevent bending of an electrode lead, a battery module including the busbar, and an electronic device including the busbar.

[0005] As technological developments and demand for electric vehicles, mobile devices, and other devices increase, demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is also increasing. Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and reused even after a single use.

[0006] To manufacture such a secondary battery, first, an electrode active material slurry is applied to a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector to manufacture a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and these are laminated on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly. Then, the electrode assembly is housed in a battery case, an electrolyte is injected, and the battery case is sealed. The electrode assembly is connected to an electrode lead, one end of which is exposed to the outside of the battery case to supply power to the outside. The electrode lead may have a thin metal plate shape.

[0007] Since the voltage produced by a single secondary battery is lower than the required voltage, multiple secondary batteries can be connected to form a battery pack or battery module. In the process of electrically connecting multiple secondary batteries to each other, connection between electrode leads may be necessary. If multiple electrode leads are directly connected to each other, the electrode leads are thin and easily deformed, which may increase the difficulty of connection. To reduce the difficulty of connecting multiple electrode leads, a bus bar may be provided that is thicker than the electrode leads and configured to prevent deformation of the shape. The multiple electrode leads may be laser welded to the bus bar, and the bus bar may be connected to other components that require electricity.

[0008] However, if the electrode lead is bent during the process of connecting the electrode lead to the bus bar, the electrode lead may return to its original shape, which may cause the connection between the electrode lead and the bus bar to be broken. Furthermore, since the electrode lead needs to be bent, space for bending may be required, or the bending may cause interference between the electrode lead and the surrounding components. Furthermore, in order for the electrode lead to be bent, at least some of the electrode leads may need to be extended beyond their original length, which may cause the electrode lead to be disconnected during this process. Additionally, since the bending of the electrode lead requires an additional process, the problem of delaying the process time may occur.

[0009] The background technology described above is technology that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the disclosure of the present application, and cannot necessarily be said to be a publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the present application.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a bus bar configured to prevent bending of an electrode lead.

[0011] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0012] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a secondary battery including an electrode lead; and a bus bar configured to be electrically connected to the electrode lead, wherein the bus bar includes a support portion that supports the electrode lead such that a bonding surface with the electrode lead is parallel to an extension direction of the secondary battery.

[0013] The electrode leads may be configured to be supported on the support in a direction crossing the extension direction to prevent bending.

[0014] The busbar may include an extension extending from the support and extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the support.

[0015] The secondary battery includes a battery case including a receiving portion configured to receive an electrode assembly, and the bus bar can be positioned on a side of the receiving portion facing the electrode leads.

[0016] The secondary batteries are provided in multiple numbers, and the busbars are provided in multiple numbers to electrically connect electrode leads of adjacent secondary batteries to form a busbar unit, and the busbar unit can be configured such that the multiple busbars are electrically connected to each other.

[0017] The battery module may further include a busbar unit including a first busbar unit and a second busbar unit positioned adjacent to each other, and a connecting busbar electrically connecting the first busbar unit and the second busbar unit.

[0018] The battery module may further include a joining member that penetrates and joins a plurality of busbars of the busbar unit to each other.

[0019] The battery module may further include an insulator cover positioned on the opposite side of the busbar from the secondary battery, supporting the busbar and electrically insulating it.

[0020] The secondary batteries are provided in multiples, and the insulator covers can be arranged so that the distance to each of the multiple secondary batteries is constant.

[0021] The insulator cover can be combined with the busbar.

[0022] The busbar units may be arranged in multiples and spaced apart, and may further include an interference prevention member positioned between at least some of the plurality of busbar units and electrically insulating them.

[0023] The secondary batteries are provided in multiples, and at least some of the plurality of secondary batteries are provided such that adjacent electrode leads are in contact with each other, and at least some of the contacting electrode leads can be in contact with the support.

[0024] The secondary batteries may be provided in multiple numbers, the supports may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple supports may be provided to correspond to the electrode leads of each of the multiple secondary batteries.

[0025] The joining member may penetrate the electrode lead to join the busbar and the electrode lead.

[0026] The support member is provided in multiple forms, and further includes an interference prevention member positioned between at least some adjacent ones of the multiple support members, and the connecting member can be accommodated at one end within the interference prevention member.

[0027] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an electrical power generation member including an electrode terminal; an insulator cover positioned to face the electrode terminal; and a bus bar coupled to the insulator cover and configured to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal, wherein the bus bar includes a support portion that supports the electrode terminal such that a bonding surface with the electrode terminal is parallel to an extension direction of the electrical power generation member.

[0028] The electrode terminal may be configured to be supported on a support member so as to prevent bending.

[0029] The busbar may include an extension extending from the support and extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the support.

[0030] The support members may be provided in multiple, spaced apart configurations, and may further include an interference prevention member positioned between at least some of the support members and electrically insulating them.

[0031] A bus bar according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an extension portion configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of electrode leads and extending in one direction; and a pair of support portions extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the extension portion from the extension portion and spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to a distance between adjacent electrode leads so as to be connected to adjacent electrode leads among the plurality of electrode leads.

[0032] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to prevent bending of the electrode lead by providing a bus bar including a support portion that supports the electrode lead such that the electrode lead and the bonding surface are parallel to the extension direction of the secondary battery.

[0033] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an insulator cover coupled to a bus bar, thereby blocking leakage current generated in the bus bar.

[0034] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can insulate adjacent bus bars by including an interference prevention member positioned between adjacent bus bars.

[0035] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can stably connect a plurality of bus bars by including a connecting member penetrating a plurality of bus bars.

[0036] A busbar according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of support members spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a distance between adjacent electrode leads so as to be connected to each of the adjacent electrode leads, so that the adjacent electrode leads can be joined to the adjacent electrode leads while preventing bending.

[0037] A battery device according to one embodiment of the present invention can obtain the above effects by including the above battery module.

[0038] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the battery module illustrated in Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a comparative example of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅳ-Ⅳ' shown in Figure 1.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the bus bar illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0044] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 14 is an exploded view of a battery pack according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0054] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0055] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0056] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0057] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0058] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0059] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0060] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0061] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order) (130a-1).

[0062] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0063] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0064] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0065] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0066] Meanwhile, the terms “upper and lower directions,” “lower side,” and “front and rear directions” used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0068] Example 1

[0069] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module (BM) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the battery module (BM) illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (BM) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a secondary battery (100) may be provided to generate and provide electricity. The secondary battery (100) may include an electrode assembly (not shown) positioned inside and a battery case (110) configured to accommodate the electrode assembly. The secondary battery (100) may include an electrode lead (120) exposed to the outside to transmit electricity to other components. The electrode lead (120) may include a conductor such as a metal, and thus may transmit electricity generated in the secondary battery (100) to the outside. Here, the electrode lead (120) may be understood as a component that transmits electricity generated in the secondary battery (100) to the outside.

[0072] The voltage produced by a single secondary battery (100) may be limited. To generate the required voltage, multiple secondary batteries (100) may be connected. For example, the voltage provided may be increased by connecting multiple secondary batteries (100) in series. As illustrated in FIG. 2, multiple secondary batteries (100) may be provided by forming a battery module (BM).

[0073] A battery module (BM) may include a module case (BM10) and a module cover (BM20). The module case (BM10) and the module cover (BM20) may accommodate a plurality of secondary batteries (100). The module case (BM10) may include, for example, a lower surface and side surfaces extending upward from both sides of the lower surface, as illustrated in FIG. 2. An opening may be formed on the upper surface of the module case (BM10), and the upper surface of the module case (BM10) may be covered by the module cover (BM20). In other words, the module cover (BM20) may cover the opening of the module case (BM10).

[0074] A battery module (BM) may include a busbar assembly (BA) to electrically connect a plurality of secondary batteries (100). The plurality of secondary batteries (100) may be connected in series by the busbar assembly (BA). The busbar assembly (BA) is described in more detail in the description with reference to FIG. 3 and below.

[0075] The battery module (BM) may include an end plate (BM40) provided to cover the busbar assembly (BA). The end plate (BM40) may cover the busbar assembly (BA) to prevent damage to the busbar assembly (BA).

[0076] The battery module (BM) may include a substrate (BM30) electrically connected to a secondary battery (100). The substrate (BM30) may be electrically connected to a battery management system (BMS) (not shown) and may provide information about the voltage of the secondary battery (100) to the battery management system. The battery management system may check for abnormal operation of the secondary battery (100) based on the information about the voltage of the secondary battery (100).

[0077] A plurality of secondary batteries (100) can form a battery module (BM) as described above. The plurality of secondary batteries (100) can be electrically connected to each other by a busbar assembly (BA). However, as shown in the comparative example below, a problem of bending of the electrode lead (120) may occur during the process of electrically connecting the plurality of secondary batteries (100) to each other. This will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0078] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to a comparative example of the present invention. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 3 illustrates the battery module (BM) according to the comparative example cut along a plane corresponding to Ⅳ-Ⅳ' illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, a battery module (BM) according to a comparative example of the present invention is described.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the electrode lead (120-0) of the secondary battery (100) included in the battery module (BM) according to the comparative example can be bent.

[0081] A busbar assembly (BA-0) according to a comparative example may include a busbar (200-0) configured to be connected to an electrode lead (120-0) and / or a busbar frame (300-0) configured to support the busbar (200-0).

[0082] The bus bar (200-0) can be extended in the left and right directions with reference to Fig. 3. With reference to Fig. 3, a bus bar frame (300-0) is positioned at the lower side of the bus bar (200-0) to fix the bus bar (200-0). A hole is formed in the bus bar frame (300-0) so that a plurality of electrode leads (120-0) can pass through it. The plurality of electrode leads (120-0) pass through the hole formed in the bus bar frame (300-0) and come into contact with each other, and the electrode leads (120-0) that come into contact with the bus bar (200-0) can be extended so as to come into contact with the bus bar (200-0) from the upper side of the bus bar (200-0) with reference to Fig. 3. The bus bar (200-0) and the electrode leads (120-0) can be joined by laser welding or the like. At this time, the secondary batteries (100) in which the electrode leads (120-0) are arranged to be in contact with each other can be defined as a single unit. With the secondary battery (100) of the single unit positioned at the far left as illustrated in FIG. 3 as a reference, at least some of the electrode leads (120-0) of each secondary battery (100) included in the single unit can be provided in a bent manner. More specifically, the electrode lead (120-0) adjacent to the receiving portion (111) of the battery case (110) can extend obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion (111) of the battery case (110) toward the hole formed in the busbar frame (300-0). When a single secondary battery (100) is manufactured, it may be ideal for the electrode lead (120-0) to be substantially parallel to the electric field direction of the secondary battery (100). However, since the electrode lead (120-0) must be inserted into the hole formed in the busbar frame (300-0), it can be bent by being inclined. The electrode lead (120-0) that passes through the hole formed in the busbar frame (300-0) can be bent to make contact with the busbar (200-0). In particular, like the leftmost one of the aforementioned one-unit secondary batteries (100) illustrated in FIG. 3, the electrode lead (120-0) can be bent toward the right.

[0083] Bending of the electrode lead (120-0) may cause a problem in that the electrode lead (120-0) is released from the connection with the bus bar (200-0) as it tries to return to its original shape. Furthermore, since bending of the electrode lead (120-0) is required, space for bending is required, or the electrode lead (120-0) may cause interference with surrounding structures due to the bending. Furthermore, in order for the electrode lead (120-0) to be bent, at least a portion of the electrode lead (120-0) may need to be extended beyond its original length, and in this process, a problem in that the electrode lead (120-0) is disconnected may occur. To prevent this, the battery module (BM) according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent the bending of the electrode lead (120-0). Additionally, since bending of the electrode lead (120-0) requires an additional process, a problem in that the process time may be delayed may occur. Hereinafter, a battery module (BM) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0084] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the bus bar (200) shown in Fig. 4.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a busbar assembly (BA) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0086] As described above, the battery module (BM) may include a plurality of secondary batteries (100) including electrode leads (120) and a busbar assembly (BA) connecting the plurality of secondary batteries (100) to each other. The busbar assembly (BA) may include a plurality of busbars (200) configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads (120). Furthermore, the busbar assembly (BA) may further include a joining member (500) connecting the plurality of busbars (200), an insulator cover (300) connected to the busbars (200), and / or an interference prevention member (400) configured to prevent current conduction between adjacent busbars (200).

[0087] First, the relationship between the bus bar (200) and the electrode lead (120) will be described. The bus bar (200) may be configured to prevent bending of the electrode lead (120). When the secondary battery (100) includes a battery case (110) including a receiving portion (111) configured to receive an electrode assembly, the bus bar (200) may be positioned on the side of the receiving portion (111) facing the electrode lead (120). The bus bar (200) may include a first bus bar (201) and a second bus bar (202), as illustrated in FIG. 4. Hereinafter, common features of the first bus bar (201) and the second bus bar (202) will first be described.

[0088] The bus bar (200) may include a support portion (210) that supports the electrode lead (120). Furthermore, the bus bar (200) may include an extension portion (220) that is connected to the support portion (210) to support the support portion (210). Referring to FIG. 4, the support portion (210) may extend in a vertical direction, and the extension portion (220) may extend in a left-right direction. The support portion (210) may extend along the extension direction of the electrode lead (120) to support the side surface of the electrode lead (120). Accordingly, the electrode lead (120) may contact the support portion (210) without being bent. Compared to the comparative example illustrated in FIG. 3, the electrode lead (120) illustrated in FIG. 4 does not need to face the hole formed in the busbar frame (300-0) and does not need to be bent toward the busbar (200), so that the original direction of the electrode lead (120) can be maintained.

[0089] In other words, the support member (210) can be arranged so that the contact surface with the electrode lead (120) is parallel to the extension direction of the secondary battery (100). By supporting the electrode lead (120), the support member (210) can prevent the bending of the electrode lead (120). Here, the extension direction of the secondary battery (100) can be the vertical direction as illustrated in FIG. 4. However, although it is expressed in the vertical direction in FIG. 4, it can be the front-back direction with reference to FIG. 2. The electrode lead (120) can be extended parallel to the extension direction of the secondary battery (100) before forming the battery module (BM). The bus bar (200) can come into contact with the side surface of the electrode lead (120) without changing the extension direction of the electrode lead (120). Since the bus bar (200) is in contact with the side surface of the electrode lead (120), the joint surface of the bus bar (200) and the electrode lead (120) can be parallel to the extension direction of the secondary battery (100), which is the extension direction of the original electrode lead (120). Here, the extension direction of the joint surface is illustrated as being in the vertical direction in FIG. 4, and is consistent with the vertical direction, which is the extension direction of the secondary battery (100), but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the extension direction of the joint surface according to the spirit of the present invention also includes a direction having a predetermined angle with the vertical direction, and excludes a direction formed vertically, such as a left-right direction, and also includes a case where the bending angle of the electrode lead (120) is not sharp.

[0090] Furthermore, since the electrode lead (120) is supported by the bus bar (200) and is prevented from bending in the lateral direction, the bus bar (200) can also prevent bending of the electrode lead (120). In other words, the electrode lead (120) can be configured to be prevented from bending by being supported by the support member (210) in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the electrode lead (120).

[0091] The electrode lead (120) and the bus bar (200) can be joined. For example, the electrode lead (120) and the bus bar (200) can be joined by laser welding. Since the extension direction of the joining member (500) described below can be parallel to the extension direction of the electrode lead (120), it is difficult to penetrate the electrode lead (120), and therefore, the electrode lead (120) and the bus bar (200) can be joined by a separate joining method that does not rely on a separate joining member (500).

[0092] As a reason why the electrode lead (120) may not be bent, it may be considered that the busbar (200) is not positioned on the outside of the busbar frame (300-0) of the comparative example. The busbar (200) according to the first embodiment may be positioned on the side of the insulator cover (300) facing the secondary battery (100) corresponding to the busbar frame (300-0) of the comparative example. Accordingly, the electrode lead (120) may not need to be bent by penetrating the insulator cover (300).

[0093] Furthermore, the support portion (210) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple support portions (210) may be provided to correspond to the respective electrode leads (120) of the multiple secondary batteries (100). In the description of the first embodiment, it is described that the multiple bus bars (200) have one or more support portions (210), but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto, and a single bus bar (200) having support portions (210) corresponding to all the electrode leads (120) may also be provided.

[0094] The bus bar (200) may include an extension portion (220) extending from the support portion (210) and extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the support portion (210), as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 . More specifically, the extension portion (220) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the support portion (210). Accordingly, when the extension portion (220) contacts the insulator cover (300), the support portion (210) may extend along the extension direction of the electrode lead (120).

[0095] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the bus bar (200) may have a hole formed therein through which a connecting member (500) may pass. This will be described in more detail in the description of the connecting member (500).

[0096] The busbar (200) may include a first busbar (201) and a second busbar (202). However, the busbar (200) according to the concept of the present invention may be provided in multiple configurations, or may be provided as an integral part. The description of the first embodiment assumes that it is provided in multiple configurations.

[0097] Referring back to FIG. 4, the first bus bar (201) may be configured to be coupled with a single electrode lead (120). The second bus bar (202) may be configured to be coupled with a plurality of electrode leads (120). However, the first bus bar (201) and the second bus bar (202) according to the invention are not limited to this distinction, and may have distinct configurations. More specifically, the first bus bar (201) may include a support portion (210) that extends singly from a single extension portion (220). In this case, the support portion (210) of the first bus bar (201) may extend from an end of the extension portion (220). The second bus bar (202) may include a plurality of support portions (210) that extend from a single extension portion (220). At this time, some of the support portions (210) of the second bus bar (202) may extend from the end of the extension portion (220), and the rest may extend apart from the end of the extension portion (220). By extending the support portion (210) from the end of the extension portion (220), the space unnecessarily occupied by the extension portion (220) within the battery module (BM) may be reduced.

[0098] In particular, the second bus bar (202) is a bus bar (200) configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of electrode leads (120), and may include an extension portion (220) extending in one direction and a pair of support portions (210) extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the extension portion (220) from the extension portion (220) and spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to a distance that adjacent electrode leads (120) are spaced apart from each other so as to be connected to adjacent electrode leads (120) among the plurality of electrode leads (120). Accordingly, the pair of electrode leads (120) connected to the second bus bar (202) can come into contact with the second bus bar (202) while being prevented from bending.

[0099] The first bus bar (201) and the second bus bar (202) can form a bus bar unit (290). As mentioned above, a plurality of secondary batteries (100) can define some of the adjacent ones as a single unit. The secondary batteries (100) of a single unit can be combined into a single bus bar unit (290). In other words, the secondary batteries (100) are provided in plurality, and the bus bars (200) can be provided in plurality to electrically connect the electrode leads (120) of the adjacent plurality of secondary batteries (100) to form the bus bar unit (290). The bus bar unit (290) can be configured such that the plurality of bus bars (200) are electrically connected to each other. The plurality of bus bars (200), that is, the first bus bar (201) and the second bus bar (202), can be combined with each other. The extension (220) of the first bus bar (201) can be combined with the extension (220) of the second bus bar (202).

[0100] The busbar unit (290) may include a first busbar unit (291) and a second busbar unit (292) that are positioned adjacent to each other. The busbar unit may further include a connecting busbar (203) that electrically connects the first busbar unit (291) and the second busbar unit (292). The connecting busbar (203) may extend along the arrangement direction of the first busbar unit (291) and the second busbar unit (292). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the connecting busbar (203) may extend in the left-right direction.

[0101] The connecting busbar (203) may be arranged to cross the electrode lead (120) corresponding to the positive electrode of the secondary battery (100) and the electrode lead (120) corresponding to the negative electrode. In other words, in the secondary battery (100) illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, the electrode lead (120) positioned on the upper side may be the positive electrode and the electrode lead (120) positioned on the lower side may be the negative electrode. Three busbar units (290) connecting the electrode leads (120) positioned on the upper side are illustrated. The connecting busbar (203) positioned on the upper side may connect the busbar unit (290) positioned on the right side among the upper busbar units (290). The connecting busbar (203) positioned on the lower side may connect the busbar unit (290) positioned on the left side among the lower busbar units (290). Accordingly, an electrical flow such as the arrow illustrated in FIG. 4 may be formed. Since a plurality of secondary batteries (100) form a battery module (BM) to increase voltage, the connection between them must be in series. The busbar unit (290) mentioned above can increase the voltage of the plurality of secondary batteries (100) by implementing a connection between the plurality of secondary batteries (100) in series.

[0102] The connecting bus bar (203) can be coupled to the insulator cover (300). The connecting bus bar (203) can extend along the length direction of the insulator cover (300) so as to be supported by the insulator cover (300). Furthermore, the connecting bus bar (203) can be inserted into the insulator cover (300), thereby preventing the extension portion (220) of the bus bar (200) from being coupled to the insulator cover (300) at an angle with respect to the left and right directions.

[0103] The busbar assembly (BA) may further include a joining member (500) that penetrates and connects a plurality of busbars (200) of the busbar unit (290). That is, the joining member (500) may penetrate and connect the first busbar (201) and the second busbar (202). However, the joining member (500) according to the spirit of the present invention is not limited to connecting the first busbar (201) and the second busbar (202) by penetrating them, and may also include a case where the first busbar (201) and the second busbar (202) are joined by adhesive or welding. However, in the description of the first embodiment, it is assumed and described that the joining member (500) penetrates the first busbar (201) and the second busbar (202). The joining member (500) can be joined by penetrating the extension (220) of the first bus bar (201) and the extension (220) of the second bus bar (202). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the joining member (500) can include a bolt (520) penetrating the first bus bar (201) and the second bus bar (202) and a nut (510) fastened to the bolt (520) to prevent separation of the bolt (520).

[0104] Furthermore, the joining member (500) may penetrate the connecting bus bar (203) and / or the insulator cover (300). At this time, the insulator cover (300) fixes the first bus bar (201), the second bus bar (202), and / or the connecting bus bar (203) to the joining member (500), so that it may have sufficient rigidity to prevent the joining by the joining member (500) from being released. For this purpose, the insulator cover (300) may have sufficient thickness.

[0105] The insulator cover (300) can be coupled to the busbar (200). The insulator cover (300) and the busbar (200) can be coupled by the coupling member (500) as mentioned above. The insulator cover (300) can be positioned on the opposite side of the busbar (200) toward the secondary battery (100) to support and electrically insulate the busbar (200). The insulator cover (300) can be, for example, MPPO (Modified Polyphenylene Oxide) including glass fiber. Since the busbar (200) is a configuration in which electricity transferred from the electrode lead (120) flows, in order to prevent leakage current from occurring through the busbar (200), the insulator cover (300) can cover the busbar (200) on the outside of the busbar (200) to prevent contact between the busbar (200) and the external configuration.

[0106] At this time, the insulator cover (300) may be positioned so that the distance to each of the plurality of secondary batteries (100) is constant. As mentioned above, since the electrode lead (120) in the first embodiment does not need to be extended for connection with the bus bar (200), the electrode lead (120) of each of the plurality of secondary batteries (100) included in the battery module (BM) may have the same length. Accordingly, the length from the insulator cover (300) to the end of each electrode lead (120) may also be constant.

[0107] The busbar assembly (BA) may further include a plurality of spaced apart busbar units (290), and an interference prevention member (400) positioned between at least some of the plurality of busbar units (290) and electrically insulated. The interference prevention member (400) may be positioned between adjacent busbar units (290) where no connecting busbar (203) is positioned. As mentioned above, the connecting busbar (203) may be configured to implement a series connection of a plurality of secondary batteries (100). At this time, it may be desirable for adjacent busbar units (290) that are not connected by the connecting busbar (203) to be prevented from conducting electricity to each other. If adjacent busbar units (290) that are not connected by the connecting busbar (203) are electrically connected to each other, a loop circuit is formed at that location, which may cause a short circuit. To prevent this, it may be desirable to prevent current flow between adjacent busbar units (290) that are not connected by a connecting busbar (203). The interference prevention member (400) can prevent unintended current flow between adjacent busbar units (290) by preventing contact between adjacent busbar units (290).

[0108] The interference prevention member (400) may extend along the extension direction of the electrode lead (120). More specifically, the interference prevention member (400) may extend in the vertical direction, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The interference prevention member (400) may extend from the insulator cover (300). If necessary, the interference prevention member (400) may be formed integrally with the insulator cover (300).

[0109] In the first embodiment, the secondary battery (100) may have an electrode lead (120) extending from a thickness-wise midpoint of the receiving portion (111). More specifically, in the first embodiment, the secondary battery (100) may have a pair of receiving portions (111) formed, and the pair of receiving portions (111) may be arranged to face each other and contact each other. Accordingly, since the electrode lead (120) is positioned between the pair of receiving portions (111), the electrode lead (120) may extend from a thickness-wise midpoint of the pair of receiving portions (111). When a plurality of secondary batteries (100) according to the first embodiment are arranged in one direction, the plurality of electrode leads (120) may be arranged at regular intervals.

[0110] Additionally, the battery module (BM) may include a compression pad (101) disposed between adjacent secondary batteries (100) among a plurality of secondary batteries (100). The compression pad (101) may prevent a shape change due to thermal runaway of the secondary battery (100). Considering the compression pad (101), the spacing between the plurality of electrode leads (120) may be temporarily changed at positions corresponding to the compression pad (101), and the remaining plurality of electrode leads (120) may be disposed at a constant spacing.

[0111] Below, embodiments different from the first embodiment are described. Commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the other embodiments will be described focusing on differences. In other words, it should be clear that any details not described in the other embodiments can be supplemented by the first embodiment.

[0112] Second Example

[0113] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery module (BM) according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0115] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the electrode lead (120-1) of the secondary battery (100) extends from the edge side of the receiving portion (111).

[0116] In the case where a plurality of secondary batteries (100) are arranged in a row in the second embodiment, any adjacent secondary batteries (100) may not be spaced apart from each other by electrode leads (120-1). In this case, at least some of the plurality of secondary batteries (100) may be arranged so that the adjacent electrode leads (120-1) are in contact. At least some of the contacting electrode leads (120-1) may be arranged so as to be in contact with the support portion (210) of the bus bar (200-1).

[0117] Third Example

[0118] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 7, a battery module (BM) according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0120] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the bus bar (200) is connected to the electrode lead (120) by a connecting member (500).

[0121] In the third embodiment, the bus bar (200) and the electrode lead (120) can be joined by a joining member (500) rather than laser welding. However, if necessary, the bus bar (200) and the electrode lead (120) can be laser welded and joined by the joining member (500).

[0122] At this time, the bus bar (200) may include only the support portion (210-2) and may not include the extension portion (220).

[0123] A spacer (204-2) may be coupled between adjacent supports (210-2). The spacer (204-2) may prevent adjacent electrode leads (120) from bending toward each other by maintaining a gap between the supports (210-2). In other words, the spacer (204-2) may support the supports (210-2) so that the supports (210-2) may support the electrode leads (120).

[0124] The interference prevention member (400-2) can be in contact with the electrode lead (120). Accordingly, the electrode lead (120) can be prevented from bending by being supported by the support member (210) on one side and by the interference prevention member (400-2) on the other side. The interference prevention member (400-2) can support the electrode lead (120) on the outside of the secondary batteries (100) of a single unit.

[0125] At this time, the joining member (500) can penetrate the electrode lead (120) to join the bus bar (200) and the electrode lead (120). In other words, the joining member (500) can penetrate the bus bar (200), spacer (204-2), interference prevention member (400-2) and / or electrode lead (120) forming a single unit with the electrode leads (120) of the secondary battery (100) of one unit to join them to each other. More specifically, the interference prevention member (400-2)-electrode lead (120)-busbar (200)-spacer (204-2)-busbar (200)-electrode lead (120)-busbar (200)-spacer (204-2)-busbar (200)-electrode lead (120)-interference prevention member (400-2) are arranged in that order, and the bolt (520) can be arranged to penetrate these.

[0126] Among the connecting members (500), the bolt (520) may have a bolt head (521-2). The bolt head (521-2) may be at least partially accommodated in the interference prevention member (400), thereby reducing the space occupied within the battery module (BM). To this end, the interference prevention member (400) may be double-injected and formed in the bolt head (521-2). The nut (510) may be positioned on the outside of the interference prevention member (400) to secure the bolt (520).

[0127] Example 4

[0128] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 8, a battery module (BM) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0130] The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that it further includes an insulating washer (410-3) and a connecting bus bar (203-3).

[0131] The interference prevention member (400-3) in contact with the nut (510) can be replaced with an insulating washer (410-3). The insulating washer (410-3) can strengthen the connection between the bolt (520) and the nut (510).

[0132] Furthermore, if a connection between electrode leads (120) of adjacent secondary batteries (100) is required, a connecting bus bar (203-3) may be provided. At this time, the connecting bus bar (203-3) may be formed to extend integrally from the support portion (210-3) of the bus bar (200), as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0133] Example 5

[0134] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 9, a battery module (BM) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0136] The fifth embodiment relates to a case where the bus bar (200) of the third embodiment described above is connected to a secondary battery (100) having an electrode lead (120-4) extending from the edge of the receiving portion (111) as in the second embodiment.

[0137] A detailed description is replaced with a description of a bolt (520) including a spacer (204-4), a bus bar (200), and a bolt head (521-4) corresponding to the third embodiment, and a description is replaced with a description of an electrode lead (120-4) corresponding to the second embodiment.

[0138] Example 6

[0139] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 10, a battery module (BM) according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0141] The sixth embodiment relates to a case where the busbar (200) and / or the connecting busbar (203-5) of the fourth embodiment is connected to a secondary battery (100) having an electrode lead (120-5) extending from the edge of the receiving portion (111) as in the second embodiment.

[0142] A specific description is replaced with a description of a bus bar (200) including a spacer (204-5), a support (210-5), a bolt (520) including a bolt head (521-5), an insulating washer (410-5), and a connecting bus bar (203-5) corresponding to the fourth embodiment, and is replaced with a description of an electrode lead (120-5) corresponding to the second embodiment.

[0143] Example 7

[0144] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 11, a battery module (BM) according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0146] The seventh embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the connecting bus bar (203-6) is formed integrally with the bus bar (200).

[0147] Example 8

[0148] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery module (BM) according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0150] The eighth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the bus bar (200-7) is not bent to form a support portion (210).

[0151] Example 9

[0152] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (BM) according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 13, a battery module (BM) according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0154] The ninth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that a spacer (204-2) is not provided separately and the bus bar (200-8) is thickened to support all adjacent electrode leads (120).

[0155] Example 10

[0156] Figure 14 is an exploded view of a battery pack (BP-9) according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 14, a battery pack (BP-9) according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0158] The 10th embodiment is different in that the busbar (200) is connected to the battery module (BM) rather than being connected to the secondary battery (100).

[0159] The battery pack (BP-9) can accommodate a battery module (BM). More specifically, the battery pack (BP-9) can include a pack case (BP10-9) configured to accommodate the battery module (BM) and have an opening formed therein, and a pack cover (BP20-9) configured to cover the opening of the pack case (BP10-9).

[0160] The battery module (BM) includes an end busbar (BM50), and the busbar (200) may be provided to be connected to the end busbar (BM50). The relationship between the busbar (200) and the end busbar (BM50) may correspond to the relationship between the busbar (200) and the electrode lead (120) in the first embodiment.

[0161] At this time, the electrode terminal (120, BM50) can be defined as a concept including an electrode lead (120) and an end bus bar (BM50). The power generation member (100, BM) can be defined as a concept including a secondary battery (100) and a battery module (BM). Furthermore, the electronic device can be defined as a concept including a battery module (BM) and a battery pack (BP-9). In the embodiment referring to the drawings above, the case where the secondary battery (100) forms the battery module (BM) and the case where the battery module (BM) forms the battery pack (BP-9) were given as examples, but the above concept can also be applied to a cell to pack (Cell to Pack) in which the secondary battery (100) directly forms the battery pack (BP-9). When utilizing such definitions, the present invention can be defined as follows.

[0162] An electronic device may include a power generation member (100, BM) including an electrode terminal (120, BM50) and a bus bar (200-9) configured to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal (120, BM50). The bus bar (200-9) may include a support member (210) that supports the electrode terminal (120, BM50) such that a bonding surface with the electrode terminal (120, BM50) is parallel to the extension direction of the power generation member (100, BM).

[0163] At this time, the insulator cover (300) can be positioned to face the electrode terminal (120, BM50). The bus bar (200-9) can be coupled to the insulator cover (300).

[0164] The electrode terminal (120, BM50) can be configured to be supported by the support member (210) to prevent bending.

[0165] The bus bar (200-9) may include an extension (220) extending from the support (210) and extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the support (210).

[0166] The support members (210) are provided in multiples and spaced apart from each other, and may further include an interference prevention member (400) positioned between at least some of the support members (210) and electrically insulated.

[0167] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments described above may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, combinations between embodiments may be considered possible, unless one embodiment is explicitly restricted from being combined with another embodiment. Combinations of one embodiment with another embodiment are deemed to be disclosed in this document.

[0168] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0169] [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 100: Secondary battery

[0171] 100, BM: Absence of electricity generation

[0172] 110: Battery case

[0173] 111: Reception area

[0174] 120, 120-0, 120-1, 120-4: Electrode leads

[0175] 120, BM50: Electrode terminal

[0176] 101: Compression Pads

[0177] BP-9: Battery Pack

[0178] BP10-9: Pack Case

[0179] BP20-9: Pack Cover

[0180] BM: Battery module

[0181] BM10: Modular Case

[0182] BM20: Module Cover

[0183] BM30: Board

[0184] BM40: End Plate

[0185] BM50: End busbar

[0186] BA, BA-0: Busbar assembly

[0187] 200, 200-0, 200-1, 200-7, 200-8, 200-9: Busbar

[0188] 201: Busbar No. 1

[0189] 202: Second bus bar

[0190] 203, 203-3, 203-5, 203-6: Connecting busbars

[0191] 204-2, 204-3, 204-4, 204-5: Spacer

[0192] 210, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4, 210-5: Supports

[0193] 220: Extension

[0194] 290: Busbar unit

[0195] 291: Busbar Unit 1

[0196] 292: Second busbar unit

[0197] 300: Insulator cover

[0198] 300-0: Busbar frame

[0199] 400, 400-2, 400-3, 400-4, 400-5: No interference prevention

[0200] 410-3, 410-5: Insulating washers

[0201] 500: Joining member

[0202] 510: Nut

[0203] 520: Volt

[0204] 521-2, 521-3, 521-4, 521-5: Bolt heads

Claims

1. A secondary battery including an electrode lead; and A bus bar is included that is configured to be electrically connected to the electrode lead, A battery module in which the bus bar includes a support portion that supports the electrode lead so that the electrode lead and the bonding surface are parallel to the extension direction of the secondary battery.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module configured such that the electrode lead is supported on the support in a direction crossing the extension direction, thereby preventing bending.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the bus bar includes an extension extending from the support and extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the support.

4. In paragraph 1, The secondary battery includes a battery case including a receiving portion configured to receive an electrode assembly, A battery module in which the above bus bar is positioned on the side facing the electrode lead with respect to the above receiving portion.

5. In paragraph 1, The above secondary batteries are provided in multiples, The above busbars are provided in multiple numbers to electrically connect the electrode leads of adjacent multiple secondary batteries to form a busbar unit, The above busbar unit is a battery module configured such that a plurality of the above busbars are electrically connected to each other.

6. In paragraph 5, The above busbar unit includes a first busbar unit and a second busbar unit positioned adjacently, A battery module further comprising a connecting busbar electrically connecting the first busbar unit and the second busbar unit.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery module further comprising a joining member that penetrates and joins a plurality of the busbars of the busbar unit to each other.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising an insulator cover positioned on the opposite side of the busbar toward the secondary battery and supporting the busbar and electrically insulating the busbar.

9. In paragraph 8, The above secondary batteries are provided in multiples, A battery module in which the above insulator cover is arranged so that the distance to each of the plurality of secondary batteries is constant.

10. In paragraph 8, The above insulator cover is a battery module connected to the above bus bar.

11. In paragraph 6, The above busbar units are spaced apart and provided in multiples, A battery module further comprising an interference prevention member positioned between at least some of the plurality of busbar units and electrically insulating them.

12. In paragraph 1, The above secondary batteries are provided in multiples, At least some of the plurality of secondary batteries are arranged so that adjacent electrode leads are in contact with each other, A battery module wherein at least some of the electrode leads that are in contact with the support member.

13. In paragraph 1, The above secondary batteries are provided in multiples, The above support members are provided in multiples, A battery module in which a plurality of the above-described supports are provided to correspond to the electrode leads of each of the plurality of the above-described secondary batteries.

14. In paragraph 7, A battery module in which the above-mentioned joining member penetrates the electrode lead to join the bus bar and the electrode lead.

15. In paragraph 7, The above support members are provided in multiples, Further comprising an interference prevention member positioned between at least some of the adjacent supports, The above-mentioned bonding member is a battery module in which one end is accommodated within the above-mentioned interference prevention member.

16. An electrical generating member including an electrode terminal; An insulator cover positioned to face the electrode terminals; and A bus bar is coupled to the insulator cover and configured to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal, An electronic device in which the bus bar includes a support portion that supports the electrode terminal so that the electrode terminal and the bonding surface are parallel to the extension direction of the power generation member.

17. In paragraph 16, An electronic device in which the electrode terminal is configured to be prevented from bending by being supported by the support member.

18. In paragraph 16, An electronic device in which the bus bar includes an extension extending from the support and extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the support.

19. In paragraph 16, The above support members are provided in multiples at intervals, An electronic device further comprising an interference prevention member positioned between at least some of the plurality of said supports and being electrically insulated.

20. A bus bar configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of electrode leads, an extension extending in one direction; and A bus bar including a pair of support portions extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the extension portion and spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a distance at which adjacent electrode leads are spaced apart so as to be connected to adjacent electrode leads among the plurality of electrode leads, respectively.

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