Busbar and battery module comprising same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a module case for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; and one or more busbars for electrically connecting the battery cells. Each of the busbars comprises: a first busbar; and a second busbar spaced apart from the first busbar. The first busbar is disposed on one side of an electrode lead of the battery cell, and the second busbar is disposed on the other side of the electrode lead of the battery cell connected to the first busbar. The busbar and the battery module comprising same according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce the weight and volume of the busbar, thereby lightening the battery module and reducing manufacturing costs.

Description

Busbar and battery module including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a busbar and a battery module including the same, and more particularly, to a busbar and a battery module including two parts in which both sides of electrode leads of a battery cell are respectively arranged.

[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] Additionally, since these busbars are generally made of metal, the weight of the battery module increases along with the weight of the busbar, and the weight of the vehicle equipped with these battery modules also increases.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems described above, and aims to reduce the weight and volume of a busbar, thereby reducing the weight of a battery module and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bus bar for electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells comprises: a first bus bar; and a second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar; wherein the first bus bar is arranged on one side of an electrode lead of the battery cell, and the second bus bar is arranged on the other side of an electrode lead of the battery cell connected to the first bus bar.

[0009] In addition, the first bus bar includes a support portion on which the electrode lead of the battery cell is arranged; and a connecting portion arranged on one side of the support portion.

[0010] In addition, the connecting portion is arranged to be bent at each end of the support portion.

[0011] Additionally, the length of the first bus bar is formed to be longer than that of the second bus bar.

[0012] In addition, the second bus bar includes a support portion on which the electrode leads of the battery cell are arranged; and a connecting portion arranged on one side of the support portion of the second bus bar.

[0013] Additionally, the connecting portion of the second bus bar is bent and arranged at each end of the support portion of the second bus bar.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module includes a module case for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; and one or more bus bars for electrically connecting the battery cells; wherein each bus bar includes a first bus bar; and a second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar; wherein the first bus bar is arranged on one side of an electrode lead of the battery cell, and the second bus bar is arranged on the other side of an electrode lead of the battery cell connected to the first bus bar.

[0015] Additionally, a plurality of the battery cells are accommodated in the module case as a battery cell stack in which the battery cells are stacked.

[0016] In addition, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a busbar frame on which the busbar is arranged, and the first busbar includes a support portion on which the electrode lead of the battery cell is arranged; and a coupling portion arranged on one side of the support portion and coupled to the busbar frame.

[0017] Additionally, the first busbar is arranged at the upper portion of the busbar frame, and the second busbar is arranged at the lower portion of the busbar frame.

[0018] Additionally, the busbar frame includes a first joining groove into which a joining portion of the first busbar is joined.

[0019] In addition, the above-mentioned connecting portion is arranged to be bent in the direction of the busbar frame at each end of the above-mentioned supporting portion.

[0020] In addition, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a sensing unit including a circuit board; and a busbar joint plate disposed on the first busbar and electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0021] In addition, the second bus bar includes a support portion on which the electrode leads of the battery cell are arranged; and a coupling portion arranged on one side of the support portion of the second bus bar and coupled to the bus bar frame.

[0022] Additionally, the busbar frame includes a second joining groove into which a joining portion of the second busbar is joined.

[0023] In addition, the connecting portion of the second bus bar is arranged to be bent in the direction of the bus bar frame at each end of the support portion of the second bus bar.

[0024] Additionally, the electrode lead of one of the battery cells is arranged on the first and second bus bars on one side of the bus bar, and the electrode lead of another of the battery cells is arranged on the first and second bus bars on the other side of the bus bar.

[0025] Additionally, the electrode leads of the two battery cells arranged on the first and second bus bars on both sides of the bus bar are joined to each other by welding.

[0026] A busbar and a battery module including the same according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce the weight and volume of the busbar, thereby reducing the weight of the battery module and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 is a front view of a busbar frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a busbar mounted on a busbar frame in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 7,

[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of (a) a first bus bar and (b) a second bus bar constituting a bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0041] 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 drawing illustrating a bus bar mounted on a bus bar frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of (a) a first bus bar and (b) a second bus bar constituting a bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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 as a single piece. 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads (111, 112) each connected to the electrode tabs by a weld.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] The busbar frame (300) may be positioned on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (100).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] In this embodiment, each bus bar (310) may be formed by including two separated first bus bars (311) and second bus bars (312) as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0070] The first bus bar (311) can be placed on one side of the bus bar frame (300) (the upper part of the bus bar frame (300) in the drawing) and can include a support portion (311a) and a connecting portion (311b).

[0071] The support (311a) may be formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular flat plate, and one side of the electrode lead (111, 112) may be supported by the support (311a), and one side of the electrode lead (111, 112) may be electrically connected by being in contact with the support (311a).

[0072] The connecting portion (311b) may be formed by protruding from one end of the support portion (311a) toward the busbar frame (300), and as illustrated, the connecting portions (311b) may be positioned at each end of the support portion (311a). The connecting portions (311b) may be bent at approximately 90 degrees toward the busbar frame (300) at both ends of the support portion (311a) to form a bent portion.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8, a pair of coupling portions (311b) can be respectively coupled to a pair of first coupling grooves (301) formed on the upper portion of the busbar frame (300). The first coupling grooves (301) can be formed on a protrusion protruding from the busbar frame (300) in the direction of the first busbar (311).

[0074] In this way, the connecting portion (311b) is connected to the first connecting groove (301) of the busbar frame (300), so that the first busbar (311) can be fixed to the busbar frame (300). As illustrated in Fig. 7, the first busbar (311) may have a longer vertical length than the second busbar (312).

[0075] The second bus bar (311) may be spaced apart from the first bus bar (312) and placed on the other side of the bus bar frame (300) (the lower part of the bus bar frame (300) in the drawing), and may include a support portion (312a) and a connecting portion (312b).

[0076] The support (312a) may be formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular flat plate, and the other side of the electrode lead (111, 112) may be supported by the support (312a), and the other side of the electrode lead (111, 112) may be electrically connected by being in contact with the support (312a).

[0077] The connecting portion (312b) may be formed by protruding from one end of the support portion (312a) toward the busbar frame (300), and as illustrated, the connecting portions (312b) may be positioned at each end of the support portion (311a). The connecting portions (311b) may be bent at approximately 90 degrees toward the busbar frame (300) at both ends of the support portion (311a) to form a bent portion.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 8, a pair of coupling portions (312b) can be respectively coupled to a pair of second coupling grooves (302) formed at the lower portion of the busbar frame (300). The second coupling grooves (302) can be formed on a protrusion protruding from the busbar frame (300) toward the second busbar (312).

[0079] In this way, the connecting portion (312b) is connected to the second connecting groove (302) of the busbar frame (300), so that the second busbar (312) can be fixed to the busbar frame (300).

[0080] Electrode leads (111, 112) of a battery cell can be connected to both sides of each bus bar (310), and as in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper part of the electrode lead (111, 112) on the left can be placed on the first bus bar (311), and the lower part of the electrode lead (111, 112) on the left can be placed on the second bus bar (312).

[0081] And, the upper part of the electrode lead (111, 112) on the right can be placed on the first bus bar (311), and the lower part of the electrode lead (111, 112) on the right can be placed on the second bus bar (312).

[0082] The polarities of the electrode leads (111, 112) connected together to the first and second bus bars (311, 312) may be opposite to each other as shown, or as another example, may be the same polarity.

[0083] In this embodiment, each bus bar (310) is composed of a first bus bar (311) and a second bus bar (312) arranged at the upper and lower portions, respectively, as described above, thereby reducing the volume and weight of the bus bar (310), thereby contributing to weight reduction and cost reduction of the module (1000).

[0084] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the electrode leads (111, 112) on both sides arranged on the first and second bus bars can be overlapped and welded to each other by a welding portion (110a). When welding the electrode leads (111, 112), both sides of the welding jig (600) are supported by the first and second bus bars (311, 312) to serve as guides, thereby facilitating the lead welding work and reducing welding defects. As another example, the welding portion (110a) can be positioned on the first and second bus bars (311, 312) on which the electrode leads (111, 112) are arranged, or the electrode leads (111, 112) and the first and second bus bars (311, 312) can be welded together.

[0085] In addition, the busbar joint plate (330) can be attached to the first busbar (311), thereby increasing the degree of freedom in setting the circuit path of the circuit board (FPCB, 340).

[0086] The first and second bus bars (311, 312) may be made of a conductive material, for example, a metal material.

[0087] As described above, a busbar weld plate (330) may be joined to the busbars (310, 320). In the present embodiment, the busbar weld plate (330) may be joined to the support portion (311a) of the first busbar (311) by welding or the like.

[0088] The busbar joint plate (330) can be connected to a circuit board (FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board)) (340) of a sensing unit (sensing plate) (350).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] In this embodiment, the busbar joint plate (330) may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper. In addition, the busbar joint plate (330) may be made of the same material as the busbars (310, 320). That is, if the busbars (310, 320) are made of aluminum, the busbar joint plate (330) may also be made of aluminum, and if the busbars (310, 320) are made of copper, the busbar joint plate (330) may also be made of copper.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (100) can be connected in series or parallel by bus bars (310, 320).

[0094] The busbars (310, 320) may include terminal busbars (320) for electrically connecting one battery module (1000) to another battery module (1000).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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).

[0099] In this embodiment, two terminal bus bars (320) can be arranged on both sides of the bus bar frame (300).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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 portion 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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).

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] The fixing member (531) can fix the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) and may include a fixing hole (531a).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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.

[0128] As described above, one or more battery modules (1000) according to the present invention can form a battery pack (2000). As illustrated in FIG. 10, 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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 (V), hybrid vehicles, and ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0132] Fig. 11 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] The present invention can provide a busbar and battery module that can reduce the weight and volume of the busbar, thereby reducing the weight of the battery module and reducing manufacturing costs.

Claims

1. In a bus bar for electrically connecting multiple battery cells, The above bus bar 1st bus bar; and A second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar; The first bus bar is arranged on one side of the electrode lead of the above battery cell, A bus bar in which the second bus bar is arranged on the other side of the electrode lead of the battery cell connected to the first bus bar.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first bus bar A support portion on which the electrode leads of the above battery cell are arranged; and A bus bar including a connecting portion arranged on one side of the above support portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned connecting portion is a bus bar that is bent and arranged at each end of the support portion.

4. In paragraph 1, A busbar in which the length of the first busbar is formed longer than that of the second busbar.

5. In paragraph 2, The above second bus bar A support portion on which the electrode leads of the above battery cell are arranged; and A bus bar including a connecting portion arranged on one side of a support portion of the second bus bar.

6. In paragraph 5, The connecting portion of the second bus bar is a bus bar that is bent and arranged at each end of the support portion of the second bus bar.

7. A module case for accommodating multiple battery cells; and One or more bus bars for electrically connecting the above battery cells; Including, Each of the above bus bars 1st bus bar; and A second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar; The first bus bar is arranged on one side of the electrode lead of the above battery cell, A battery module in which the second bus bar is arranged on the other side of the electrode lead of the battery cell connected to the first bus bar.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery module in which a plurality of the above battery cells are accommodated in the module case as a battery cell stack in which the above battery cells are stacked.

9. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a busbar frame in which the above busbar is arranged, The above first bus bar A support portion on which the electrode leads of the above battery cell are arranged; and A battery module including a coupling member arranged on one side of the support member and coupled to the bus bar frame.

10. In paragraph 9, The above first busbar is arranged on the upper part of the busbar frame, The second busbar is a battery module arranged at the bottom of the busbar frame.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery module in which the busbar frame includes a first joining groove into which the joining portion of the first busbar is joined.

12. In paragraph 9, A battery module in which the above-mentioned connecting portion is arranged by being bent in the direction of the busbar frame at each end of the above-mentioned supporting portion.

13. In paragraph 7, A sensing unit including a circuit board; and A battery module further comprising a busbar joint plate arranged on the first busbar and electrically connected to the circuit board.

14. In paragraph 9, The above second bus bar A support portion on which the electrode leads of the above battery cell are arranged; and A battery module including a coupling portion arranged on one side of the support portion of the second bus bar and coupled to the bus bar frame.

15. In paragraph 14, A battery module in which the busbar frame includes a second joining groove into which the joining portion of the second busbar is joined.

16. In paragraph 14, A battery module in which the connecting portion of the second bus bar is bent and arranged in the direction of the bus bar frame at each end of the support portion of the second bus bar.

17. In paragraph 7, An electrode lead of one of the above-mentioned battery cells is arranged on one side of the above-mentioned bus bar to the first and second bus bars, A battery module in which the electrode leads of another battery cell are arranged on the first and second bus bars on the other side of the bus bar.

18. In paragraph 17, A battery module in which the electrode leads of the two battery cells arranged on the first and second bus bars on both sides of the above bus bar are joined to each other by welding.

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