Busbar cover and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a busbar cover is provided. The busbar cover comprises: a cover part for surrounding a body part of a busbar; and one or more protrusions protruding from an inner wall of the cover part toward the body part, wherein the cover part is spaced apart from the body part with a gap therebetween, and each of the cover part and the one or more protrusions can include a refractory material.

Description

Busbar cover and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a busbar cover and a battery pack including the same. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0132358, filed on September 30, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Battery packs applied to electric vehicles and the like have a structure in which multiple battery cell assemblies containing multiple secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel to obtain high output.

[0003] In addition, the above secondary battery is capable of repeated charging and discharging through electrochemical reactions between components including positive and negative current collectors, a separator, an active material, and an electrolyte.

[0004] A busbar is used to electrically connect the above battery cell assemblies. The busbar is used to electrically connect the terminals of adjacent battery cell assemblies or to connect the battery cell assemblies to an external electrical device.

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a busbar cover for a secondary battery with improved performance and reliability.

[0006] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved safety.

[0007] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved performance and reliability.

[0008] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a busbar cover is provided. The busbar cover comprises a cover portion surrounding a body portion of a busbar; and one or more protrusions protruding from an inner wall of the cover portion toward the body portion, wherein the cover portion is spaced apart from the body portion by a gap, and the cover portion and the one or more protrusions may each comprise a refractory material.

[0009] The above busbar extends in a first direction, the cover portion surrounds the body portion in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction, and the one or more protrusions may include a first protrusion protruding toward the body portion in the second direction.

[0010] The above one or more protrusions may further include a second protrusion extending in the third direction toward the body portion.

[0011] The first protrusion can come into contact with the body.

[0012] The first protrusion may not come into contact with the body part.

[0013] The above busbar extends in a first direction, and in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction, the gap may each include a rectangular, semicircular, L-shaped, or U-shaped form.

[0014] The gap may be defined by the cover portion, the one or more protrusions, and the bus bar.

[0015] The above cover portion and the one or more protrusions may each include a fire resistance barrier (FRB) or non-combustible glass fiber (NCG) material.

[0016] The device further includes caps coupled to both ends of the cover portion to seal the gap, and the caps may include a refractory material or an insulating material.

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing; a plurality of battery cell assemblies accommodated in the pack housing; a busbar electrically connecting the plurality of battery cell assemblies; and a busbar cover, wherein the busbar cover comprises: a cover portion surrounding a body portion of the busbar; and one or more protrusions protruding from an inner wall of the cover portion toward the body portion, wherein the cover portion is spaced apart from the body portion by a gap, and the cover portion and the one or more protrusions may comprise a fire resistance barrier (FRB) or non-combustible glass fiber (NCG) material.

[0018] It may further include an air layer within the gap above.

[0019] The above busbar extends in a first direction, the cover portion surrounds the body portion in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction, and the one or more protrusions may protrude toward the body portion in the second direction.

[0020] The above busbar cover may further include caps that are coupled to both ends of the cover portion to seal the gap.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the busbar cover protects the busbar from heat that may be generated outside the busbar, and at the same time, delays the transfer of heat that may be generated outside the busbar to the busbar by means of an air layer within the gap.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a busbar cover for a secondary battery with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0023] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery pack may include a busbar cover that covers the busbar, thereby protecting the busbar from heat that may be generated inside the battery pack.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with improved safety can be provided.

[0025] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0026] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a busbar to explain a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the coupling relationship of some components of a busbar cover according to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0040] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0041] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0042] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0043]

[0044] (1st embodiment)

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a busbar (130) and a busbar cover (140) covering the same.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a busbar (130) for explaining a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 1.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a busbar cover (140) covering a busbar (130) may be provided.

[0049] The busbar (130) may have a shape extending in a first direction (D1). The busbar (130) may include a body portion (131) and contact portions (132) at both ends. The contact portions (132) at both ends may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1) with the body portion (131) in between. Each contact portion (132) may include a fastening hole (133) for connecting to another electrical connection portion. The busbar (130) may include a metal conductor such as high-purity copper or aluminum, such as C1100.

[0050] The busbar cover (140) can cover the body portion (131) of the busbar (130). Specifically, the busbar cover (140) can surround the body portion (131) of the busbar (130) in a second direction (D2) and a third direction (D3). The second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3) can each intersect with the first direction (D1). The busbar cover (140) can overlap the body portion (131) of the busbar (130) in the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3).

[0051] The busbar cover (140) may not cover the contact portion (132) of the busbar (130). For example, the busbar cover (140) may not overlap the contact portion (132) of the busbar (130) in the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3).

[0052] Referring together with FIG. 3, the busbar cover (140) may include a cover portion (141) and one or more protrusions (142).

[0053] Specifically, the cover portion (141) can surround the body portion (131) of the bus bar (130). For example, the cover portion (141) can surround the body portion (131) of the bus bar (130) in a second direction (D2) and a third direction (D3). For example, the cover portion (141) can overlap the body portion (131) of the bus bar (130) in the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3).

[0054] Specifically, the protrusion (142) may protrude from the inner wall of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131). For example, the protrusion (142) may protrude from the first inner wall (141_1) of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131). The first inner wall (141_1) may extend in a second direction (D2). For example, the protrusion (142) may protrude from the first inner wall (141_1) of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131) in a third direction (D3).

[0055] For example, one or more protrusions (142) may be arranged in a second direction (D2). Some of the one or more protrusions (142) may overlap each other in the second direction (D2). Some of the one or more protrusions (142) may overlap each other in a third direction (D3). In some other embodiments, unlike illustrated, some of the one or more protrusions (142) may not overlap each other in the third direction (D3).

[0056] In the embodiments, one or more protrusions (142) can support the cover portion (141). For example, one or more protrusions (142) can support the cover portion (141) so that the cover portion (141) can be spaced apart from the body portion (131) at a certain distance. By doing so, a gap (150) can be formed between the cover portion (141) and the body portion (131).

[0057] For example, one or more protrusions (142) may come into contact with the body part (131). For example, each of the one or more protrusions (142) may come into contact with the body part (131).

[0058] In the embodiments, the gap (150) may be defined by the cover portion (141), the protrusion (142), and the body portion (131). Specifically, the space formed by the cover portion (141) and the protrusion (142) that is not occupied by the body portion (131) may be referred to as the gap (150). An air layer may be located within the gap (150).

[0059] In the embodiments, the cover portion (141) may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a gap (150) in between. The cover portion (141) may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a protrusion (142) in between. Specifically, the cover portion (141) may not be in direct contact with the body portion (131). For example, the cover portion (141) may not be in close contact with the body portion (131). For example, an air layer may be located between the cover portion (141) and the body portion (131).

[0060] For example, in a cross-section as exemplified in FIG. 3, the gap (150) may include a rectangular and a U-shape. For example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the busbar (130), the gap (150) may be a rectangular and a U-shape. For example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction (D1), the gap (150) may be a rectangular and a U-shape.

[0061] In the embodiments, the thermal insulation performance can be improved as an air layer is positioned between the cover portion (141) and the body portion (131). As a result, even if heat or flame is generated outside the busbar (130), the speed at which it is transmitted to the busbar (130) can be delayed.

[0062] The busbar cover (140) may include a fire-resistant and / or heat-resistant material. A fire-resistant and / or heat-resistant material may refer to a material whose structure does not deform easily even at high temperatures. For example, a fire-resistant and / or heat-resistant material may refer to a material that can maintain its structure at a temperature of 500°C or higher. By doing so, the busbar (130) can be protected from heat or flames that may occur outside the busbar (130).

[0063] Specifically, the cover portion (141) and the protrusion (142) may include a fire-resistant and / or heat-resistant material. For example, the cover portion (141) and the protrusion (142) may include a fire resistance barrier (FRB) or non-combustible glass fiber (NCG) material.

[0064]

[0065] The busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 may include a fire-resistant / heat-resistant material to protect the busbar (130) from heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130). Additionally, the cover portion (141) of the busbar cover (140) may be spaced apart from the busbar (130) with an air layer in between within the gap (150), thereby delaying the transfer of heat generated outside the busbar (130) to the busbar (130).

[0066] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover (140) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.

[0067]

[0068] (2nd Example)

[0069] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover (140A) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section along line AA of FIG. 1. Below, the explanation will focus on the differences from the busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 3.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, the busbar cover (140A) may include a cover portion (141) and one or more protrusions (142A). The cover portion (141) may surround the body portion (131) of the busbar (130). The protrusions (142A) may protrude from the inner wall of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131).

[0071] Specifically, the protrusion (142A) may protrude in a third direction (D3) toward the body portion (131) from the inner wall of the cover portion (141). For example, one or more protrusions (142A) may be arranged in a second direction (D2). Some of the one or more protrusions (142A) may overlap each other in the second direction (D2). Some of the one or more protrusions (142A) may overlap each other in a third direction (D3).

[0072] For example, one or more protrusions (142A) may not come into contact with the body portion (131). For example, each of the one or more protrusions (142A) may not come into contact with the body portion (131).

[0073] For example, the cover portion (141) may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a gap (150A) in between. One or more protrusions (142A) may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a gap (150A) in between. An air layer may be located within the gap (150A).

[0074] For example, in a cross-section as exemplified in FIG. 4, the gap (150A) may include a rectangular and a U-shape. For example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the busbar (130), the gap (150A) may include a rectangular and a U-shape.

[0075] The busbar cover (140A) described with reference to FIG. 4 protects the busbar (130) from heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130), and at the same time, can delay the transfer of heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130) to the busbar (130) by means of an air layer within the gap (150A).

[0076] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover (140A) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.

[0077]

[0078] (3rd Example)

[0079] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover (140B) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section along line AA of FIG. 1. Below, the explanation will focus on the differences from the busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 3.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, the busbar cover (140B) may include a cover portion (141) and one or more protrusions (142B_1, 142B_2). The cover portion (141) may surround the body portion (131) of the busbar (130). The protrusions (142B_1, 142B_2) may protrude from the inner wall of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131).

[0081] Specifically, the protrusions (142B_1, 142B_2) may protrude in a third direction (D3) toward the body part (131) from the inner wall of the cover part (141). For example, one or more protrusions (142B_1) may be arranged in a second direction (D2). One or more protrusions (142B_1) may overlap each other in the second direction (D2). For example, one or more protrusions (142B_2) may be arranged in the second direction (D2). One or more protrusions (142B_2) may overlap each other in the second direction (D2). One or more protrusions (142B_1, 142B_2) may overlap each other in a third direction (D3).

[0082] For example, some of the protrusions (142B_1, 142B_2) may not come into contact with the body part (131). For example, some of the protrusions (142B_2) may come into contact with the body part (131).

[0083] For example, the cover portion (141) may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a gap (150B) in between. Some of the one or more protrusions (142B_1, 142B_2), such as protrusions (142B_1), may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a gap (150B) in between. An air layer may be located within the gap (150B).

[0084] For example, in a cross-section as exemplified in FIG. 5, the gap (150B) may include rectangular and U-shaped forms. For example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the busbar (130), the gap (150B) may include rectangular and U-shaped forms.

[0085] The busbar cover (140B) described with reference to FIG. 5 protects the busbar (130) from heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130), and at the same time, can delay the transfer of heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130) to the busbar (130) by means of an air layer within the gap (150B).

[0086] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover (140B) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.

[0087]

[0088] (Fourth Example)

[0089] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover (140C) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section along line AA of FIG. 1. Below, the explanation will focus on the differences from the busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 3.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the busbar cover (140C) may include a cover portion (141) and one or more protrusions (142C). The cover portion (141) may surround the body portion (131) of the busbar (130). The protrusions (142C) may protrude from the inner wall of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131).

[0091] Specifically, the first protrusion (142_1) may protrude in a third direction (D3) toward the body portion (131) from the first inner wall (141_1) of the cover portion (141). The first protrusion (142_1) may overlap in the third direction (D3).

[0092] Specifically, the second protrusion (142_2) may protrude in a second direction (D2) toward the body portion (131) from the second inner wall (141_2) of the cover portion (141). The second inner wall (141_2) may extend in a third direction (D3). The second protrusion (142_2) may overlap in the second direction (D2).

[0093] For example, one or more protrusions (142C) may come into contact with the body portion (131). For example, each of the first protrusion (142_1) and the second protrusion (142_2) may come into contact with the body portion (131).

[0094] For example, the cover portion (141) may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a gap (150C) in between. An air layer may be located within the gap (150C).

[0095] For example, in a cross-section as exemplified in FIG. 6, the gap (150C) may include an L-shape and an L-shape. For example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the busbar (130), the gap (150C) may be an L-shape or an L-shape.

[0096] The busbar cover (140C) described with reference to FIG. 6 protects the busbar (130) from heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130), and at the same time, can delay the transfer of heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130) to the busbar (130) by means of an air layer within the gap (150C).

[0097] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover (140C) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.

[0098]

[0099] (5th Example)

[0100] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a busbar cover (140D) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section along line AA of FIG. 1. Below, the explanation will focus on the differences from the busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 3.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 7, the busbar cover (140D) may include a cover portion (141) and one or more protrusions (142D). The cover portion (141) may surround the body portion (131) of the busbar (130). The protrusions (142D) may protrude from the inner wall of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131).

[0102] Specifically, the protrusion (142D) may protrude in a third direction (D3) toward the body portion (131) from the inner wall of the cover portion (141). For example, one or more protrusions (142D) may be arranged in a second direction (D2).

[0103] For example, one or more protrusions (142D) may come into contact with the body portion (131). For example, each of the first protrusion (142_1) and the second protrusion (142_2) may come into contact with the body portion (131).

[0104] For example, the cover portion (141) may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a gap (150D) in between. An air layer may be located within the gap (150D).

[0105] For example, in a cross-section as exemplified in FIG. 7, the gap (150D) may include a semicircular shape. For example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the bus bar (130), the gap (150D) may include a semicircular shape.

[0106] The busbar cover (140D) described with reference to FIG. 7 protects the busbar (130) from heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130), and at the same time, can delay the transfer of heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130) to the busbar (130) by means of an air layer within the gap (150D).

[0107] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover (140D) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.

[0108]

[0109] (6th Example)

[0110] FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining a busbar cover (140P) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0111] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the connection relationship of some components of a busbar cover (140P) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the connection of a cap (145) of a busbar cover (140P).

[0112] Below, I will explain the differences from the busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a busbar cover (140P) covering a busbar (130) may be provided. The busbar cover (140P) may include a cover portion (141), one or more protrusions (142), and a cap (145). The cover portion (141) may surround the body portion (131) of the busbar (130). The protrusion (142) may protrude from the inner wall of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131).

[0114] In the embodiments, the cap (145) may be attached to both ends of the cover portion (141). The gap (150, see FIG. 3) may be sealed by the cap (145). The cap (145) may include a fire-resistant and / or heat-resistant material. For example, the cap (145) may include a fire resistance barrier (FRB) or non-combustible glass fiber (NCG) material. The cap (145) may also include an insulating material. For example, the cap (145) may include a mica, aerogel, silicon, or polyurethane (PU) material.

[0115]

[0116] The busbar cover (140P) described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 may further include a cap (145) that seals the interior to protect the protrusion (142). The busbar cover (140P) protects the busbar (130) from heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130), and at the same time, can delay the transfer of heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130) to the busbar (130) by means of an air layer within the gap (150).

[0117] The busbar cover (140P) described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 further includes a cap (145) that seals the interior, so that the cover portion (141) can be supported even when at least some of the protrusions (142) of the busbar cover (140P) do not come into contact with the body portion (131) as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0118] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover (140P) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0119]

[0120] (7th Example)

[0121] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a battery pack (100) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0122] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (100) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) of a battery pack (100).

[0123] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (100) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a busbar (130) covered by a busbar cover (140) being coupled to a battery cell assembly (120) of the battery pack (100).

[0124]

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), and cross beams (117). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0126] The pack housing (110) may provide a space for mounting battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) and a center beam (116).

[0127] Here, the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) may be substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate (111) (i.e., the surface facing the battery cell assembly (120)), and the third direction (D3) may be substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate (111).

[0128] The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111). The center beam (116) may extend in a first direction (D1). The center beam (116) may be interposed between the side walls (112, 113).

[0129] The base plate (111) may include a plurality of cooling channels. The plurality of cooling channels may provide a passage for the movement of a refrigerant, such as water. The plurality of cooling channels may extend in a first direction (D1). The plurality of cooling channels may be spaced apart in a second direction (D2).

[0130] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be placed on a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110). The base plate (111) may support the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0131] In FIG. 10, the arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be described as a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) disclosed in FIG. 10 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in an M * N arrangement (where M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) based on what is described herein.

[0132] The battery pack (100) may further include leads coupled to the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) of the pack housing (110). The leads may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and electrical components. The leads may be secured to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0133] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery pack (100). The battery pack (100) may include measuring instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0134] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be prevented.

[0135] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components such as a cooling device, a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltage, such as a voltage surge, occurs. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) and the side wall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120) and the side wall (115) may be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0136] In FIG. 11, the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) of the battery pack (100) are each illustrated as battery modules, but the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, they may be battery modules having a module housing of a modular structure configured to have at least one side open, or cell blocks in which the entire top, bottom, left, and right sides are open. In this way, according to the technical concept of the present invention, a so-called cell-to-pack structure battery pack (100) composed of cell blocks or battery modules in which all or part of the module housing is omitted can be configured.

[0137] A battery cell assembly (120) may include a module housing (121) and a plurality of battery cells (not shown) inside. The plurality of battery cells are connected to each other as a series and / or parallel circuit so that charging and discharging occur at a specified voltage and current. A pair of high-voltage terminals (122) are provided on the outside of the battery cell assembly (120) as input / output terminals for the electrically connected plurality of battery cells. The pair of high-voltage terminals (122) may be positioned on the front of the module housing (121). The pair of high-voltage terminals (122) may consist of a positive and a negative high-voltage terminal (122).

[0138] A pair of module lifting holes (123) may be provided between a pair of high-voltage terminals (122). Since the battery cell assembly (120) equipped with multiple battery cells is quite heavy, a lifting device is used to perform the operation of storing or removing the battery pack (10). The module lifting holes (123) are provided in the module housing (121) for handling the battery cell assembly (120), and a pair of module lifting holes (123) are provided on the front and rear of the module housing (121) respectively for balance.

[0139] The battery pack (100) may further include a busbar that electrically connects a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Specifically, the busbar may be coupled to a high-voltage terminal (122) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0140] Specifically, referring to FIG. 12, the busbar (130) can electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) within the battery pack (100). Specifically, the busbar (130) can be electrically coupled to the high-voltage terminal (122) of each of two adjacent battery cell assemblies (120) among the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). For example, the busbar (130) can be coupled to the high-voltage terminal (122) of the battery cell assembly (120) by fastening a fastening member to the fastening hole (133) of the busbar (130).

[0141] The busbar (130) can be coupled to the battery pack (100) while being covered by the busbar cover (140). For a description of the busbar cover (140) of FIG. 12, refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3.

[0142] Specifically, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 together, a busbar cover (140) covering a busbar (130) of a battery pack (100) may include a cover portion (141) and one or more protrusions (142). The cover portion (141) may surround the body portion (131) of the busbar (130). The protrusions (142) may protrude from the inner wall of the cover portion (141) toward the body portion (131). The busbar cover (140) may include a fire-resistant / heat-resistant material.

[0143] For example, the cover portion (141) may be spaced apart from the body portion (131) with a gap (150) in between. An air layer may be located within the gap (150).

[0144] For example, the busbar cover (140) does not cover the contact portion (132) of the busbar (130), and thus the contact portion (132) of the busbar (130) can be connected to each high-voltage terminal (122) of the battery cell assembly (120).

[0145] Accordingly, the busbar cover (140) can protect the busbar (130) from ignition occurring within the battery pack (100) or heat from charging and discharging being transferred to the busbar (130). Additionally, the cover portion (141) of the busbar cover (140) can be spaced apart from the busbar (130) with an air layer in between within the gap (150), thereby delaying the transfer of heat or flames that may occur inside the battery pack (100) to the busbar (130).

[0146]

[0147] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a battery pack (100) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0148] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a battery pack (100) with improved safety can be provided.

[0149]

[0150] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A cover portion surrounding the body portion of the busbar; and It includes one or more protrusions protruding from the inner wall of the cover portion toward the body portion, and The above cover portion is spaced apart from the above body portion with a gap in between, A busbar cover characterized in that the above-mentioned cover portion and the above-mentioned one or more protrusions each comprise a fire-resistant material.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above busbar extends in a first direction, and The above cover portion surrounds the body portion in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction, and A busbar cover characterized in that one or more of the above protrusions include a first protrusion protruding in the second direction toward the body portion.

3. In Paragraph 2, A busbar cover characterized in that the above one or more protrusions further include a second protrusion extending toward the body portion in the third direction.

4. In Paragraph 2, A busbar cover characterized in that the first protrusion contacts the body part.

5. In Paragraph 2, A busbar cover characterized in that the first protrusion does not come into contact with the body part.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above busbar extends in a first direction, and A busbar cover characterized in that, in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction, the gap includes a rectangular, semicircular, L-shaped, or U-shaped form.

7. In Paragraph 1, A busbar cover characterized in that the gap is defined by the cover portion, the one or more protrusions, and the busbar.

8. In Paragraph 1, A busbar cover characterized in that the above cover portion and the above one or more protrusions each comprise a fire resistance barrier (FRB) or non-combustible glass fiber (NCG) material.

9. In Paragraph 1, It further includes caps coupled to both ends of the cover portion to seal the gap, and A busbar cover characterized in that the above cap includes a fire-resistant material or an insulating material.

10. Pack Housing; A plurality of battery cell assemblies accommodated in the above-mentioned pack housing; A busbar electrically connecting the plurality of battery cell assemblies; and Includes busbar cover, The above busbar cover is, A cover portion surrounding the body portion of the above-mentioned busbar; and It includes one or more protrusions protruding from the inner wall of the cover portion toward the body portion, and The above cover portion is spaced apart from the above body portion with a gap in between, A battery pack characterized in that the above cover portion and the above one or more protrusions comprise a fire resistance barrier (FRB) or non-combustible glass fiber (NCG) material.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery pack characterized by further including an air layer within the gap.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above busbar extends in a first direction, and The above cover portion surrounds the body portion in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction, and A battery pack characterized in that one or more of the above protrusions protrude in the second direction toward the body portion.

13. In Paragraph 10, A battery pack characterized in that the busbar cover further includes caps coupled to both ends of the cover portion to seal the gap.

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