Battery pack

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery pack, and aims to solve the technical problem of providing a battery pack in which vibrations and stress acting on a bus bar can be dispersed, thereby improving durability. To this end, the present disclosure provides a battery pack comprising: a first battery module; a second battery module which is positioned in a first direction relative to the first battery module; at least one bus bar which has a bent portion, is disposed to extend in the first direction, and is electrically connected to an electrode terminal of the first battery module and an electrode terminal of the second battery module; and a substrate which is positioned in a second direction relative to the first battery module and the second battery module and is coupled to the bus bar.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack.

[0002] Generally, unlike primary batteries which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries capable of both charging and discharging. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motor drive systems and power storage batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case housing the assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] A secondary battery can be used as a battery pack formed from a plurality of unit cell cells connected in series and / or parallel to provide high energy density. The battery pack can be formed by connecting the electrode terminals of a plurality of unit cells to each other to meet the required power amount and, for example, to realize a high-output secondary battery for an electric vehicle.

[0004] The information described above disclosed in the background technology of this invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0005] The present invention was created to improve upon the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of dispersing vibrations and stresses acting on the busbar and improving durability.

[0006] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0007] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem comprises: a first battery module; a second battery module located in a first direction of the first battery module; one or more bus bars arranged to extend in the first direction having a bent portion having a bent shape, and electrically connected to an electrode terminal of the first battery module and an electrode terminal of the second battery module; and a substrate located in a second direction of the first battery module and the second battery module and coupled to the bus bar.

[0008] The first battery module and the second battery module may include: one or more battery cells; a housing in which the battery cells are accommodated; a busbar holder disposed in the second direction of the battery cells; and an electrode terminal electrically connected to the battery cells, extending toward the busbar holder and in contact with the busbar, and having a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal.

[0009] The above busbar may include: a positive busbar arranged to extend in the first direction and electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal of the first battery module and the positive electrode terminal of the second battery module; and a negative busbar arranged to extend in the first direction and electrically connecting the negative electrode terminal of the first battery module and the negative electrode terminal of the second battery module.

[0010] The above busbar may include: a busbar body extending in the first direction; a first bend portion formed by bending a part of the busbar body in the second direction and contacting the electrode terminal of the first battery module in the second direction; a second bend portion formed by bending another part of the busbar body in the second direction and contacting the electrode terminal of the second battery module in the second direction; a third bend portion located between the first bend portion and the second bend portion and formed by bending another part of the busbar body in the third direction; and a substrate coupling portion formed to protrude in the second direction on at least one side of the first bend portion and the second bend portion and coupled to the substrate.

[0011] The above busbar body may include: a first body located between the first bending part and the third bending part and extending in the first direction; a second body located between the second bending part and the third bending part and extending in the first direction; and a space formed at a first interval between the first body and the second body.

[0012] The first bending portion may include: a first planar portion formed continuously with the busbar body and having a flat shape in the first direction and the third direction; a second planar portion disposed facing in the second direction with a second gap from the first planar portion and in contact with the electrode terminal of the first battery module; and an elastic bending portion formed continuously between the first planar portion and the second planar portion and having a shape that is convexly bent in the first direction or the third direction.

[0013] The first bending portion may further include a fastening hole formed by penetrating the first planar portion and the second planar portion in the second direction, into which the first fastening member is fastened.

[0014] The first fastening member may include a fastening body that is fastened to the first bending portion and the electrode terminal of the first battery module; and a head having a width extended beyond that of the fastening body; and the fastening hole may include a first fastening hole formed on the first planar portion and formed with a width through which the head can pass; and a second fastening hole formed on the second planar portion and having a width smaller than that of the head.

[0015] The third bending portion may include: a bending end portion formed to extend in the first direction and positioned at a third interval in the third direction from the first main body and the second main body; a first bending portion formed continuously between the bending end portion and the first main body and formed to bend in the first direction; and a second bending portion formed continuously between the bending end portion and the second main body and formed to bend in the first direction.

[0016] The first curved portion and the second curved portion may be formed symmetrically with each other, having a shape bent in an 'S' shape.

[0017] The first bend may include: a first semicircular bend formed continuously with the first main body and having a shape that is convexly bent in the first direction; and a second semicircular bend formed continuously between the first semicircular bend and the bending end and having a shape that is convexly bent in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0018] The first semicircular bend and the second semicircular bend may be bent into a semicircular shape having a diameter of at least 2 times and no more than 5 times the thickness of the bus bar.

[0019] The third bending portion may include: a first arc bending portion formed continuously with the first main body and having a shape that is convexly bent in the first direction; and a second arc bending portion formed continuously between the first arc bending portion and the second main body and having a shape that is convexly bent in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0020] The above busbar is formed by bending a plate, and the busbar body is positioned so that the plate surface of the plate faces the third direction, and is seated in the second direction on the busbar holder of the first battery module and the busbar holder of the second battery module, and at least one side of the first bending part and the second bending part can be seated in the second direction on at least one side of the electrode terminal of the first battery module and the electrode terminal of the second battery module.

[0021] The above busbar holder can be supported by the third bending part having a width in the third direction and stand on its own.

[0022] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a connecting member coupled to the substrate, wherein an insertion space is formed between the substrate and the connecting member such that the substrate coupling portion can be slidably inserted therein.

[0023] The above connecting member may include: an opposing body disposed facing the substrate in the third direction; a protrusion formed to protrude toward the substrate from the edge portion of the first direction of the opposing body and forming the insertion space between the opposing body and the substrate; a plurality of fixing legs formed to protrude toward the substrate from the protrusion and fitted into the substrate; and an insertion hole formed to be open between the edge portion of the second direction of the opposing body and the substrate, into which the substrate coupling portion is inserted.

[0024] The above connecting member further includes a first hole formed to penetrate the opposing main body and into which a second fastening member is fastened; and the second fastening member can be fastened by penetrating the first hole, the second hole formed on the substrate coupling part, and the third hole formed on the substrate.

[0025] The above connecting member further includes a locking hole formed to penetrate in the first direction on the protrusion and communicating with the insertion space; and the substrate coupling part may include an elastic clamp part having a clamp shape in which the width in the first direction is elastically variable and inserted into the insertion space through the insertion hole; and a locking projection formed to protrude in the first direction from the elastic clamp part and engaging with the locking hole when the elastic clamp part is inserted into the insertion space.

[0026] The above busbar may further include a holder coupling part formed to protrude in a direction opposite to the second direction on at least one side of the first bending part and the second bending part, and fitted into a guide hole formed on at least one side of the busbar holder of the first battery module and the busbar holder of the second battery module.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a busbar is formed as a single sheet having a connection portion with the electrode terminal of a first battery module and the electrode terminal of a second battery module, and also having a connection portion with a substrate, thereby enabling the realization of a slim structure when electrically connecting a plurality of battery modules and a substrate using the busbar, and thereby improving the space utilization and workability of the battery pack.

[0028] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by forming a bending portion in the busbar, vibrations acting in a corresponding direction can be cushioned by the elastic force of the bending portion according to the bent direction of the bending portion, and stress on loads acting in that direction can be distributed. Accordingly, breakage of the busbar can be prevented, and the durability of the battery pack can be improved.

[0029] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by applying a plurality of bending parts having a bent shape in one or more directions among the x direction, y direction, and z direction, it is possible to achieve damping of vibrations in multiple directions including the x direction, y direction, and z direction, and stress distribution.

[0030] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention from a different direction from FIG. 1.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a front view of Fig. 1.

[0035] Figure 4 is a plan view of Figure 1.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention from a different direction from FIG. 7.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a bus bar according to a first embodiment of the present invention from a different direction from FIG. 9.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a rear view schematically illustrating a bus bar according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating a busbar according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a bus bar according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of section A of Fig. 1.

[0046] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the key part schematically illustrating the part shown in FIG. 14.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the state in which the first fastening member is provisionally fastened.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state in which a connecting member according to the first embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a substrate.

[0049] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating the assembly structure of a busbar and a substrate according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example in which a bus bar according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a bus bar according to the second embodiment are arranged in a first direction.

[0052] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example in which a bus bar according to the third embodiment of the present invention and a bus bar according to the fourth embodiment are arranged in a first direction.

[0055] FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state in which a connecting member according to a second embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a substrate.

[0058] FIG. 27 is a drawing illustrating the assembly structure of a bus bar according to the 5th and 6th embodiments of the present invention and a connecting member according to the 2nd embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below 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 their invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0060] Additionally, as used herein, “comprise, include” and / or “comprising, including” specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups.

[0061] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0062] The statement that two subjects of comparison are 'identical' means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0063] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0064] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0065] The fact that any configuration is placed on the “upper (or lower)” of a component or on the “upper (or lower)” of a component may mean not only that the any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0066] Furthermore, where one component is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or coupled to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "coupled" through another component.

[0067] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure relates to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.” Expressions such as “one or more” and “one or more” preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify individual elements of the list.

[0068] Throughout the specification, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and “C to D” means C or more and D or less, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0069] When syntax such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" is used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the syntax can refer to any suitable combination.

[0070] The term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variation of measured or calculated values ​​that a person skilled in the art would recognize.

[0071] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Accordingly, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be named the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0072] Spatial relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative positions are to be understood as encompassing different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, an element described as "below" or "below" is understood as "above" or "upper" of another element. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both the up and down directions.

[0073] The terms used in this specification are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0074] In exemplary embodiments of prismatic / pouch / circular batteries according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the prismatic / pouch / circular batteries is selected and the selected battery is described as having a general structure, and in the case of generally applicable technology, the general structure of the prismatic / pouch / circular battery is described.

[0075] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown from a different direction from FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a top view of FIG. 1.

[0076] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the shapes and arrangement relationships of the components will be described based on the x-direction, z-direction, and y-direction illustrated in FIG. 1. The first direction may correspond to the x-direction, the second direction to the z-direction, and the third direction to the y-direction. In FIG. 1, the x-direction refers to the left-right direction or the right direction, the y-direction refers to the front-back direction or the forward direction, and the z-direction refers to the up-down direction or the upward direction. When describing the first direction, the description is not limited to the notation "first direction"; any expression that is more helpful for the explanation among the first direction, x-direction, left-right direction, or right direction may be adopted. Accordingly, the first direction will be described interchangeably with the x-direction, left-right direction, or right direction. Furthermore, for the same reason as the first direction, the second direction will be described interchangeably with the z-direction, up-down direction, or upward direction. Furthermore, for the same reason as the first direction, the third direction will be described interchangeably with the y-direction, front-back direction, or forward direction.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules (10), a bus bar (20), and a substrate (30).

[0078] A plurality of battery modules (10) are provided, including a first battery module (10A) and a second battery module (10B). The second battery module (10B) is located in the first direction (x-direction) of the first battery module (10A). The first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) can be arranged side by side in the first direction (x-direction).

[0079] The first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) may each have the shape of a rectangular prism with a thin thickness in the front-rear direction (y-direction) overall. Alternatively, the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) may each have the shape of a rectangular prism that is flat in the front-rear direction overall. The top surface of the rectangular prism may have a rectangular shape in which the width in the left-right direction is longer than the width in the front-rear direction.

[0080] When a plurality of battery modules (10) are arranged in the left-right direction (x-direction), the plurality of battery modules (10) together may have the shape of a rectangular prism that is flat in the front-back direction (y-direction). The upper surface of the rectangular prism may have a rectangular shape in which the width in the left-right direction is significantly longer than the width in the front-back direction. A battery pack (1) having such a shape and arrangement of battery modules (10) may be referred to as a cartridge-type battery pack (1).

[0081] The busbar (20) electrically interconnects the electrode terminals (14) provided in each of the plurality of battery modules (10). The busbar (20) is arranged to extend in a first direction (x-direction) and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal (14) of the first battery module (10A) and the electrode terminal (14) of the second battery module (10B). The busbar (20) has a bent portion (22) having a bent shape. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one busbar (20) may be applied, or multiple busbars may be applied, as needed.

[0082] The substrate (30) is positioned in the second direction (z direction) of the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) and is coupled with the bus bar (20). The substrate (30) has the shape of a flat rectangular plate and can be positioned across the space between the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B), and can be positioned upright in the vertical direction (z direction) on the upper side of the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B).

[0083] The battery module (10), bus bar (20), and substrate (30) can be arranged to be stacked from the bottom. The bus bar (20) can be placed above (z-direction) the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B), and the substrate (30) can be placed above (z-direction) the bus bar (20).

[0084] The busbar (20) can be fixed at a set position on the upper side of the battery module (10) by being coupled to the electrode terminal (14) of the battery module (10). The substrate (30) can be fixed at a set position on the upper side of the busbar (20) by being coupled to the busbar (20). Due to the arrangement and shape of the battery module (10), busbar (20), and substrate (30) as described above, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention can be implemented as a cartridge type having the shape of a rectangular column that is flat in the front-rear direction (y-direction) overall.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the battery pack is disassembled differently from FIG. 5.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first battery module (10A) may include a battery cell (11), a housing (12), a busbar holder (13), and an electrode terminal (14). The second battery module (10B) may include a battery cell (11), a housing (12), a busbar holder (13), and an electrode terminal (14).

[0087] One or more battery cells (11) may be provided. The battery cell (11) may function as a unit structure that stores and supplies power in the battery pack (1). Below, the battery cell (11) is described as a cylindrical battery as a lithium-ion secondary battery. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the battery cell (11) may be a lithium polymer battery or a prismatic battery.

[0088] Although the battery can (not indicated by a reference numeral) is depicted as circular in the drawing, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the case (not indicated by a reference numeral) may be configured in various shapes, such as rectangular or pouch-type. Additionally, the battery can may be composed of metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel, or a laminate film or plastic constituting the pouch.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 5, the battery cells (11) have a cylindrical shape and can be arranged in multiple numbers in the left-right direction (x-direction). Accordingly, the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) can have a rectangular column shape in which the length in the left-right direction (x-direction) is longer than the length in the front-back direction (y-direction). The housing (12) can have the shape of a container in which the battery cells (11) can be accommodated.

[0090] The busbar holder (13) can be positioned on the upper side of the battery cell (11). The upper part of the housing (12) may have a shape in which at least a portion is open, and the busbar holder (13) may be positioned on the upper part of the housing (12) to cover the upper surface of the battery cell (11). A busbar (20) may be seated on the upper surface of the busbar holder (13), and a plurality of them may be arranged in the left-right direction (x-direction).

[0091] The electrode terminal (14) is electrically connected to the battery cell (11) and extends upward from the busbar holder (13) to come into contact with the busbar (20). The electrode terminal (14) can be divided into a positive electrode terminal (15) and a negative electrode terminal (16). The positive electrode terminal (15) can be electrically connected to the positive electrode of one or more battery cells (11). The negative electrode terminal (16) can be electrically connected to the negative electrode of one or more battery cells (11).

[0092] The positive electrode terminal (15) may be located to the left (-x direction) of the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B). In the description of the present invention, the -x direction is the opposite direction to the x direction shown in the drawing. When the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) are arranged in the left-right direction (x direction), the positive electrode terminals (15) of the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0093] The negative electrode terminal (16) may be located to the right (x-direction) of the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B). When the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) are arranged in the left-right direction (x-direction), the negative electrode terminals (16) of the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0094] The busbar (20) can be divided into a positive busbar (20A) and a negative busbar (20B). The positive busbar (20A) is arranged to extend in the left-right direction (x-direction) and can electrically connect the positive electrode terminal (15) of the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B). The negative busbar (20B) is arranged to extend in the left-right direction (x-direction) and can electrically connect the negative electrode terminal (16) of the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B).

[0095] The positive busbar (20A) may have a left-right (x-direction) length extending from the positive electrode terminal (15) of the first battery module (10A) to the positive electrode terminal (15) of the second battery module (10B). The left end of the positive busbar (20A) may be seated on the positive electrode terminal (15) of the first battery module (10A). The right end of the positive busbar (20A) may be seated on the positive electrode terminal (15) of the second battery module (10B). The middle portion of the positive busbar (20A), located between the left end and the right end of the positive busbar (20A), may be seated on the busbar holder (13).

[0096] The negative busbar (20B) may have a length in the left-right direction (x-direction) extending from the negative electrode terminal (16) of the first battery module (10A) to the negative electrode terminal (16) of the second battery module (10B). The left end of the negative busbar (20B) may be seated on the negative electrode terminal (16) of the first battery module (10A). The right end of the negative busbar (20B) may be seated on the negative electrode terminal (16) of the second battery module (10B). The middle portion of the negative busbar (20B), located between the left end and the right end of the negative busbar (20B), may be seated on the busbar holder (13).

[0097] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention from a different direction from FIG. 7.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a battery pack (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules (10), a bus bar (20), and a substrate (30), similar to the battery pack (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. The first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) of the battery pack (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (11), a housing (12), a bus bar holder (13), and an electrode terminal (14), similar to the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B) of the battery pack (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 5, the battery cells (11) of the battery pack (1) according to the present invention have a cylindrical shape and can be arranged in multiple numbers in the left-right direction (x-direction). As shown in FIG. 7, the battery cells (11) of the battery pack (1) according to the present invention have a cylindrical shape and can be arranged in multiple numbers in the left-right direction (x-direction) and can be arranged in multiple rows in the front-back direction (y-direction). The battery cells (11) may be arranged in a single line in the front-back direction (y-direction) as shown in FIG. 5, or arranged in multiple rows of two or more as shown in FIG. 7.

[0100] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, other battery modules (10) may be placed in the left-right direction (x-direction) in addition to the first battery module (10A) and the second battery module (10B). If the battery pack (1) according to the present invention can be electrically connected to the busbar (20) and the substrate (30), then three or more battery modules (10) may be arranged in the left-right direction (x-direction).

[0101] In configuring a single battery module (10), the output and energy capacity of the battery pack (1) can be increased in proportion to the increase in the number of rows of battery cells (11) by arranging multiple battery cells (11) in the left-right direction (x-direction) as shown in FIG. 5, or by arranging them to form multiple rows in the front-back direction (y-direction) as shown in FIG. 7. Additionally, by adding more battery modules (10), the output and energy capacity of the battery pack (1) can be increased in proportion to the increase in the number of battery modules (10).

[0102] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a busbar according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar according to a first embodiment of the present invention from a different direction from FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a schematic rear view illustrating a busbar according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating a busbar according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, a bus bar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a bus bar body (21), a bending part (22), a substrate coupling part (26), and a holder coupling part (27).

[0104] The busbar (20) according to the present invention can be manufactured by designing a flat plate material into a shape including a busbar body (21), a bending part (22), a substrate coupling part (26), and a holder coupling part (27), cutting it, and then bending the boundary portion between the busbar body (21), the bending part (22), the substrate coupling part (26), and the holder coupling part (27), and the portion corresponding to the bending part (22). The plate material may be made of a material having electrical conductivity, flexibility, and elasticity, such as metal.

[0105] The busbar body (21) may be formed to extend in the left-right direction (x-direction). The busbar body (21) may have a shape in which the plate surface of a flat strip-shaped plate is positioned facing in the front-back direction (y-direction). The busbar body (21) may include a first body (211), a second body (212), and a spaced-out space (213).

[0106] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a bus bar according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 13, the first main body (211) is positioned between the first bending part (23) and the third bending part (25) and can be extended in the left-right direction (x-direction). The second main body (212) is positioned between the second bending part (24) and the third bending part (25) and can be extended in the left-right direction (x-direction). The spacing space (213) can be formed as a first gap (d1) between the first main body (211) and the second main body (212).

[0108] A third bending section (25) is formed between the first main body (211) and the second main body (212). The first main body (211) and the second main body (212) can be elastically moved relative to each other by the third bending section (25) (described below). The first main body (211) and the second main body (212) can be moved relative to each other in the left-right direction (x-direction) and the front-back direction (y-direction) by the third bending section (25). The first main body (211) and the second main body (212) can be moved relative to each other so as to be spaced apart by the third bending section (25). The first main body (211) and the second main body (212) can be moved relative to each other so as to be spaced apart in the left-right direction (x-direction) so as to be moved relative to each other so as to be close together.

[0109] A plurality of bending sections (22) may be provided, including a first bending section (23), a second bending section (24), and a third bending section (25). The first bending section (23) may be formed by bending the left end of the busbar body (21) in the up-and-down direction (z-direction). The second bending section (24) may be formed by bending the right end of the busbar body (21) in the up-and-down direction (z-direction). The third bending section (25) may be formed by bending the middle part of the busbar body (21), located between the first bending section (23) and the second bending section (24), in the front-back direction (y-direction).

[0110] The first bending part (23) and the second bending part (24) can be formed at each end of the busbar body (21) in the left-right direction (x-direction). The first bending part (23) and the second bending part (24) can be fastened by the first fastening member (51) while seated on the electrode terminal (14) of the first battery module (10A) and the electrode terminal (14) of the second battery module (10B), respectively.

[0111] The busbar body (21) can be placed on the upper surface of the busbar holder (13) of the first battery module (10A) and the busbar holder (13) of the second battery module (10B) with the plate surface facing the front-rear direction (y-direction). At the same time, the first bending part (23) and the second bending part (24) can be placed on the upper surface of the electrode terminal (14) of the first battery module (10A) and the electrode terminal (14) of the second battery module (10B), respectively.

[0112] When the busbar (20) is applied as a positive busbar (20A), one side of the first bending part (23) and the second bending part (24) can be coupled to the positive electrode terminal (15) of the first battery module (10A), and the other side of the first bending part (23) and the second bending part (24) can be seated and coupled to the positive electrode terminal (15) of the second battery module (10B). Accordingly, the positive electrode terminal (15) of the first battery module (10A) and the positive electrode terminal (15) of the second battery module (10B) can be electrically interconnected by the busbar (20).

[0113] When the busbar (20) is applied as a negative busbar (20B), one side of the first bending part (23) and the second bending part (24) can be seated and coupled to the negative electrode terminal (16) of the first battery module (10A), and the other side of the first bending part (23) and the second bending part (24) can be seated and coupled to the negative electrode terminal (16) of the second battery module (10B). Accordingly, the negative electrode terminal (16) of the first battery module (10A) and the positive electrode terminal (15) of the second battery module (10B) can be electrically interconnected by the busbar (20).

[0114] The busbar (20) may be named 'positive busbar (20A)' or 'negative busbar (20B)' depending on whether it is connected to the positive electrode terminal (15) or the negative electrode terminal (16). Accordingly, in the description of the present invention, the positive busbar (20A) is adopted and described as the first embodiment of the busbar (20), thereby substituting for the description of the negative busbar (20B).

[0115] The first bending part (23) and the second bending part (24) may be named 'first bending part (23)' or 'second bending part (24)' depending on whether they are connected to the positive electrode terminal (15) of the first battery module (10A) or the positive electrode terminal (15) of the second battery module (10B). Therefore, in the description of the present invention, the description of the first bending part (23) serves as a substitute for the description of the second bending part (24).

[0116] The first bending part (23) may include a first flat part (231), a second flat part (232), an elastic bending part (233), and a fastening hole (234).

[0117] The first planar section (231) may be formed continuously with the first main body (211). The first planar section (231) may have a flat shape in the left-right direction (x-direction) and the front-back direction (y-direction). The second planar section (232) may be arranged facing the first planar section (231) in the up-down direction (z-direction). The second planar section (232), like the first planar section (231), may have a flat shape in the left-right direction (x-direction) and the front-back direction (y-direction).

[0118] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 1, and FIG. 15 is a schematic rear view of the part shown in FIG. 14.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the second planar portion (232) may be positioned facing the first planar portion (231) with a second gap (d2) in the vertical direction (z-direction). The second planar portion (232) may be located below the first planar portion (231) and may be seated on the electrode terminal (14) of the first battery module (10A). The second planar portion (232) may be in surface contact with the electrode terminal (14) of the first battery module (10A).

[0120] The elastic bending portion (233) may be formed continuously between the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232). The elastic bending portion (233) may have a shape that is convexly bent in the left-right direction (x-direction) or the front-back direction (y-direction). The elastic bending portion (233) may have a height corresponding to the second interval (d2).

[0121] The busbar main body (21), the first planar section (231), the elastic bending section (233), and the second planar section (232) can be connected sequentially. An elastic bending section (233) can be formed between the first planar section (231) and the second planar section (232). The first planar section (231) and the second planar section (232) are interconnected by the elastic bending section (233) and can be elastically moved relative to each other by the elastic bending section (233). The first planar section (231) and the second planar section (232) can be moved relative to each other in the up-down direction (z-direction) by the elastic bending section (233).

[0122] The fastening hole (234) is formed by penetrating the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) in the vertical direction (z-direction). The first fastening member (51) can be fastened by penetrating the fastening hole (234) and the electrode terminal (14). The first bending portion (23) can be fixed to the electrode terminal (14) by the first fastening member (51), and the first bending portion (23) and the electrode terminal (14) can be in close surface contact. Accordingly, the bus bar (20) and the electrode terminal (14) can be electrically connected in a state where they are in close contact with each other.

[0123] The fastening hole (234) may include a first fastening hole (235) formed on a first planar portion (231) and a second fastening hole (236) formed on a second planar portion (232). The second fastening hole (236) may be located below the first fastening hole (235), and the first fastening member (51) may sequentially pass through the first fastening hole (235) and the second fastening hole (236) and be coupled to the electrode terminal (14).

[0124] A bolt member may be used as the first fastening member (51). The first fastening member (51) may include a fastening body (52) and a head (53). The fastening body (52) may be provided with male screw threads and may be fastened to the first bending part (23) and the electrode terminal (14) of the first battery module (10A). The head (53) may have a width extended beyond that of the fastening body (52) and may be positioned on the upper part of the fastening body (52).

[0125] The first fastening hole (235) may be formed on the first planar portion (231) and may be formed with a width through which the head (53) can pass. The second fastening hole (236) may be formed on the second planar portion (232) and may have a width smaller than that of the head (53). The second fastening hole (236) may be formed with a width through which the fastening body (52) can pass, but through which the head (53) cannot pass.

[0126] As the second fastening hole (236) has a width smaller than that of the head (53), when the first fastening member (51) is fastened to the first bending part (23) or the second bending part (24), the head (53) can be in close contact with the second flat part (232). The head (53) can be in close contact with the second flat part (232) with a strength corresponding to the fastening force of the first fastening member (51). By placing a washer (not indicated in the drawing) between the second flat part (232) and the head (53), contact between the second flat part (232) and the head (53) can be made more clearly.

[0127] The upper surface of the electrode terminal (14) may have a distance corresponding to a first height (h1) from the upper surface of the busbar holder (13). When the first bending portion (23) is seated and coupled to the electrode terminal (14), the second flat portion (232) may be positioned at a height corresponding to a first height (h1) from the upper surface of the busbar holder (13).

[0128] The first planar section (231) may be positioned further up from the second planar section (232) by a second interval (d2). The first planar section (231) may be connected in series with the busbar body (21). The busbar body (21) may have a vertical width equal to the second interval (d2) added to the first height (h1) when the plate surface of the plate material is positioned horizontally so that it faces the front-rear direction (y-direction). When setting the second interval (d2) and the first height (h1), the thickness of the electrode terminal (14) and the first bending section (23) was ignored for convenience of explanation. In actual manufacturing, it is desirable to consider the thickness of the electrode terminal (14) and the first bending section (23).

[0129] The first bending section (23) has a structure in which the first planar section (231), the elastic bending section (233), and the second planar section (232) are connected in a continuous manner, thereby allowing for elastic deformation force in the vertical direction. Additionally, as the busbar body (21) and the first planar section (231) are connected in a continuous manner, the vertical width of the busbar body (21) can be further expanded by the second gap (d2), and the allowable current can be further increased by an amount corresponding to the expanded width.

[0130] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the state in which the first fastening member is provisionally fastened.

[0131] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a state in which the first fastening member (51) is fastened. When assembling the first fastening member (51) to the first bending part (23), the first fastening member (51) may first be temporarily fastened as shown in FIG. 16, and then the fastening of the first fastening member (51) may be completed as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Here, temporary fastening means temporarily connecting the first fastening member (51) to the first bending part (23) and the electrode terminal (14). In the temporary fastening state, the lower part of the fastening body (52) may be fastened to a depth sufficient to penetrate the electrode terminal (14). In the state where the first fastening member (51) is fastened, the upper part of the fastening body (52) may be fastened to a depth sufficient to penetrate the electrode terminal (14).

[0132] When the first fastening member (51) is in a provisional fastening state, the head (53) must be exposed to the outside of the first bending part (23) so that a tool (not shown) can be easily fitted to the head (53). When provisionally fastening the first fastening member (51) to the first bending part (23), it is preferable that the head (53) be positioned higher than the first planar part (231) to ensure ease of assembly. Accordingly, the second gap (d2) can be limited by considering the provisional fastening state of the first fastening member (51).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 13, the third bending portion (25) may include a bending end portion (251), a first bending portion (252), and a second bending portion (255).

[0134] The bending end (251) may be positioned at a distance of a third interval (d3) in the front-rear direction (y-direction) from the first body (211) and the second body (212), and may be formed to extend in the left-right direction (x-direction). The bending end (251) may have a left-right width equal to the first interval (d1). The width of the bending end (251) may have a left-right width different from the first interval (d1).

[0135] The first bend (252) may be formed continuously between the bend end (251) and the first main body (211). The second bend (255) may be formed continuously between the bend end (251) and the second main body (212). The first bend (252) and the second bend (255) may be formed to be bent in the left-right direction (x-direction). The first bend (252) and the second bend (255) may be bent in the left direction (x-direction) and the right direction (-x-direction). The first bend (252) and the second bend (255) may be formed symmetrically with each other, having an 'S'-shaped bent form.

[0136] The first curved portion (252) may include a first semicircular curved portion (253) and a second semicircular curved portion (254). The first semicircular curved portion (253) may be formed continuously with the first main body (211) and may have the shape of an arc that is convexly bent to the right (x-direction). The second semicircular curved portion (254) may be formed continuously between the first semicircular curved portion (253A) and the bending end portion (251) and may have the shape of an arc that is convexly bent to the left (-x-direction). In the description of the present invention, the -x-direction is the opposite direction to the x-direction shown in the drawings.

[0137] For example, the first semicircular bend (253) and the second semicircular bend (254) may be bent into a semicircular shape having a diameter (D) that is at least 2 times and no more than 5 times the thickness (t) of the bus bar (20). More preferably, the first semicircular bend (253) and the second semicircular bend (254) may be bent into a semicircular shape having a diameter (D) that is 7 / 2 times the thickness (t) of the bus bar (20). At this time, the bending end (251) may have a left-right width equal to the first gap (d1).

[0138] The second curved section (255) has a shape symmetrical to the first curved section (252) and can be arranged facing each other in the left-right direction (x-direction). Since the second curved section (255) has a shape symmetrical to the first curved section (252), the description of the second curved section (255) is replaced by the description of the first curved section (252).

[0139] The width of the first semicircular bend (253) and the second semicircular bend (254) in the front-rear direction (y-direction) can be elastically varied. The distance in the left-right direction (x-direction) between the first bend (252) and the second bend (255) can also be elastically varied. The first main body (211) and the second main body (212) can be continuously connected to the first bend (252) and the second bend (255), respectively.

[0140] Accordingly, the first body (211) and the second body (212) can be elastically moved relative to each other by the third bending part (25). The first body (211) and the second body (212) can be moved relative to each other in the left-right direction (x-direction) and the front-back direction (y-direction) by the third bending part (25). The first body (211) and the second body (212) can be moved relative to each other so as to be spaced apart by the third bending part (25).

[0141] The busbar body (21) can be placed on the upper surface of the busbar holder (13) of the first battery module (10A) and the busbar holder (13) of the second battery module (10B) with the plate surface facing the front-rear direction (y-direction). At this time, the busbar holder (13) can be supported by a third bending part (25) having a width in the front-rear direction (y-direction) and stand on its own. Since the busbar (20) can stand on its own anywhere on the busbar holder (13), the assembly of the busbar (20) can be improved.

[0142] The substrate coupling portion (26) may be formed to protrude upward (in the z-direction) on at least one side of the first bending portion (23) and the second bending portion (24). The substrate coupling portion (26) may be formed to protrude upward on the first planar portion (231). The substrate (30) may be coupled to the substrate coupling portion (26) on the upper side of the first bending portion (23) and the second bending portion (24).

[0143] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state in which a connecting member according to a first embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a substrate, and FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating an assembly structure of a bus bar and a substrate according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 6, 17, and 18, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a connecting member (40) that mediates the connection between a substrate (30) and a bus bar (20).

[0145] The connecting member (40) is coupled to the substrate (30) and can form an insertion space (43) between the substrate (30) and the substrate coupling portion (26) of the bus bar (20) into which it can be slidably inserted. The connecting member (40) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include an opposing main body (41), a protrusion (42), a fixed leg (44), an insertion hole (45), and a first hole (46).

[0146] The opposing body (41) has an upright flat plate shape and can be positioned facing the substrate (30) in the front-rear direction (y-direction). The protrusion (42) can be formed to protrude toward the substrate (30) from the right and left ends of the opposing body (41). When the connecting member (40) is coupled to the substrate (30), the protrusion (42) can come into contact with the front or rear surface of the substrate (30). The protrusion (42) can also be formed to protrude toward the substrate (30) from the upper part of the opposing body (41).

[0147] By forming a protrusion (42), an insertion space (43) can be formed between the opposing body (41) and the substrate (30) with a width in the front-rear direction (y-direction) corresponding to the protrusion width of the protrusion (42). The insertion space (43) may have a width in the front-rear direction (y-direction) corresponding to the thickness of the substrate coupling part (26). The protrusion (42) may be formed to protrude with a width in the front-rear direction (y-direction) corresponding to the thickness of the substrate coupling part (26).

[0148] If the insertion space (43) has a width in the front-to-back direction (y-direction) corresponding to the thickness of the substrate coupling part (26), the substrate coupling part (26) can come into contact with the connecting member (40) and the substrate (30) without any gap while the substrate coupling part (26) is inserted into the insertion space (43). If the connecting member (40) is made of a conductive material, the substrate coupling part (26) can be electrically and stably connected to the connecting member (40). The substrate coupling part (26) can also be electrically and stably connected to a connection part (not shown) provided on the substrate (30).

[0149] A fixing leg (44) is formed to protrude from the protrusion (42) toward the substrate (30), and a plurality of fixing legs may be provided. The fixing leg (44) may be formed on the upper and lower portions of the left protrusion (42) and the right protrusion (42), respectively. Four fixing legs (44) may be provided. The four fixing legs (44) may be inserted into each of the four holes (not indicated in the drawing) formed in the substrate (30) to be combined and fixed.

[0150] The insertion hole (45) may be formed open between the lower part of the opposing body (41) and the substrate (30). The substrate coupling part (26) may be slidably inserted into the insertion space (43) through the insertion hole (45). The upper part of the substrate coupling part (26) may have a shape in which the width in the left-right direction (x-direction) narrows toward the top so that it is easy to slide into the insertion hole (45). The upper part of the substrate coupling part (26) may have a semicircular shape that is convex toward the top.

[0151] The first hole (46) may be formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction on the opposing main body (41). A second hole (261) may be formed on the substrate coupling part (26). The second hole (261) may be positioned to correspond to the insertion hole (45) when the substrate coupling part (26) is inserted. A third hole (36) may be formed on the substrate (30). The third hole (36) may be positioned to correspond to the insertion hole (45). The second fastening member (54) may be fastened by penetrating the first hole (46), the second hole (261), and the third hole (36).

[0152] In this way, the substrate coupling portion (26) of the bus bar (20) can be coupled to the substrate (30) by means of a connecting member (40) and a second fastening member (54). The substrate coupling portion (26), the substrate (30), and the connecting member (40) can be more closely connected in the front-rear direction (y-direction) by means of the second fastening member (54) and can be stably connected. If the second fastening member (54) is made of a conductive material, the second fastening member (54) may function as a conductive member that electrically connects the substrate coupling portion (26), the substrate (30), and the connecting member (40).

[0153] The holder coupling portion (27) may be formed to protrude downward on at least one side of the first bending portion (23) and the second bending portion (24). The holder coupling portion (27) may be formed to protrude downward from the second planar portion (232) toward the busbar holder (13). The holder coupling portion (27) may have an up-and-down length longer than the first height (h1), which is the protruding height of the electrode terminal (14).

[0154] The lower part of the holder coupling part (27) can be fitted into a guide hole (137) formed on at least one side of the bus bar holder (13) of the first battery module (10A) and the bus bar holder (13) of the second battery module (10B). By fitting the holder coupling part (27) into the guide hole (137), the bus bar (20) can be easily assembled at a desired set position and direction.

[0155] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an example of a bus bar according to a second embodiment arranged in a first direction.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 19, the bus bar (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention has some differences from the bus bar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 in terms of the position, width, and direction of bending at mutual boundaries of the bus bar body (21), the first bending part (23), the second bending part (24), the third bending part (25), the substrate coupling part (26), and the holder coupling part (27).

[0157] However, the busbar (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a structure corresponding to the busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention in that it includes a busbar body (21), a first bending part (23), a second bending part (24), a third bending part (25), a substrate coupling part (26), and a holder coupling part (27), just like the busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and its functional effect is also the same. Therefore, the description of the busbar (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be replaced with the description of the busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] The busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied as an anode busbar (20A). The busbar (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied as a cathode busbar (20B). Conversely, the busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be applied as a cathode busbar (20B), and the busbar (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be applied as an anode busbar (20A).

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 9, 19, and 20, the positive bus bar (20A) and the negative bus bar (20B) can be arranged to form a single row extending together in the left-right direction (x-direction). At this time, the first bend (23) and the second bend (24) of the positive bus bar (20A) and the first bend (23) and the second bend (24) of the negative bus bar (20B) can be arranged alternately in the left-right direction (x-direction). The first bend (23) of the negative bus bar (20B) can be placed between the first bend (23) and the second bend (24) of the positive bus bar (20A).

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 20, two substrate coupling portions (26) formed on the positive bus bar (20A) and two substrate coupling portions (26) formed on the negative bus bar (20B) can be arranged in the left-right direction (x-direction). The substrate coupling portions (26) of the positive bus bar (20A) and the substrate coupling portions (26) of the negative bus bar (20B) can be arranged alternately in the left-right direction (x-direction).

[0161] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a busbar according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a busbar according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example in which a busbar according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a busbar according to a fourth embodiment are arranged in a first direction.

[0162] With reference to FIGS. 21 to 23, when describing the busbar (20) according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, any configurations identical to or corresponding to the busbar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be replaced with the description of the busbar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. When describing the busbar (20) according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, the description will focus on configurations that differ from the busbar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 21, the bus bar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention has a difference in the shape of the bus bar body (21) and the third bending part (25) compared with the bus bar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 to 12.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, the busbar body (21) of the busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be arranged such that the first body (211) and the second body (212) form a straight line in the left-right direction (x-direction). Additionally, the third bending part (25) of the busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be formed to protrude in the front-back direction (y-direction) between the first body (211) and the second body (212) and may have a shape that is symmetrical in the left-right direction (x-direction).

[0165] In comparison, the busbar body (21) of the busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which the first body (211) and the second body (212) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction (y-direction). Additionally, the third bending part (25) of the busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may have a structure including one first arc bending part (253B) and one second arc bending part (254B).

[0166] The first arc-curved portion (253B) is formed continuously with the first main body (211) and may have a shape that is bent convexly to the right. The second arc-curved portion (254B) is formed continuously between the first arc-curved portion (253B) and the second main body (212) and may have a shape that is bent convexly to the left.

[0167] According to the busbar body (21) and the third bending part (25) of the busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the first body (211) and the second body (212) have different phases in the front-rear direction (y-direction). Therefore, it can be usefully applied when interference with other parts occurs at a position corresponding to either the first body (211) or the second body (212), or when there is a need to avoid that position. For example, if the object to be avoided is located at a position corresponding to the second body (212) of the busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in which the second body (212) is located at the rear compared to the first body, can be applied.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 22, the busbar (20) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention differs in some aspects regarding the position and width of the busbar body (21) and the third bending part (25) compared to the busbar (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 921. However, the busbar (20) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has a structure corresponding to the busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention in that it includes the busbar body (21), the first bending part (23), the second bending part (24), and the third bending part (25), just like the busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and its functional effect is also the same. Therefore, the description of the busbar (20) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be replaced with the description of the busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] The busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied as an anode busbar (20A). The busbar (20) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied as a cathode busbar (20B). Conversely, the busbar (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be applied as a cathode busbar (20B), and the busbar (20) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be applied as an anode busbar (20A).

[0170] In the bus bar (20) according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the substrate coupling part (26) and the holder coupling part (27) are omitted, but it is obvious that the substrate coupling part (26) and the holder coupling part (27) can be formed in the bus bar (20) according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the positive bus bar (20A) and the negative bus bar (20B) may be arranged to form a single row extending together in the left-right direction (x-direction). At this time, the first bend (23) and second bend (24) of the positive bus bar (20A) and the first bend (23) and second bend (24) of the negative bus bar (20B) may be arranged alternately in the left-right direction (x-direction). The first bend (23) of the negative bus bar (20B) may be placed between the first bend (23) and the second bend (24) of the positive bus bar (20A).

[0172] FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a bus bar according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state in which a connecting member according to the second embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a substrate, and FIG. 27 is a drawing illustrating the assembly structure of the bus bar according to the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention and the connecting member according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] With reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, when describing the busbar (20) according to the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention, any configurations identical to or corresponding to the busbar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 9 and 19 will be replaced with the description of the busbar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. When describing the busbar (20) according to the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention, the description will focus on configurations that differ from the busbar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 24, the bus bar (20) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention has a difference in the shape of the substrate coupling portion (26) compared to the bus bar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 19.

[0175] The substrate coupling portion (26) of the bus bar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention may have a structure in which a second hole (261) is formed through which a second fastening member (54) can pass and be fastened. The substrate coupling portion (26) of the bus bar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention may be coupled to the substrate (30) and the connecting member (40) by the second fastening member (54).

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 24 to 27, the substrate coupling portion (26) of the bus bar (20) according to the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention has a structure that can be directly snap-fitted to the connecting member (40) compared to the substrate coupling portion (26) of the bus bar (20) according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 24, the substrate coupling portion (26) having a snap-fit ​​fastening structure may be formed on both the first bending portion (23) and the second bending portion (24), as in the bus bar (20) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 25, the substrate coupling portion (26) having a snap-fit ​​fastening structure may be formed on either the first bending portion (23) or the second bending portion (24), as in the bus bar (20) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, in describing the connecting member (40) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, any configurations identical to or corresponding to the connecting member (40) according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 will be replaced with the description of the connecting member (40) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In describing the connecting member (40) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the description will focus on configurations that differ from the connecting member (40) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] The connecting member (40) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which the substrate coupling portion (26) can be snap-fit ​​fastened compared to the connecting member (40) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The connecting member (40) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include an opposing body (41), a protrusion (42), a fixing leg (44), and an insertion hole (45), similar to the connecting member (40) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] The connecting member (40) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a locking hole (47) in which a locking projection (263) is engaged, instead of a first hole (46) in which a second fastening member (54) is fastened, compared to the connecting member (40) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The locking hole (47) may be formed to penetrate in the left-right direction (x-direction) on the protrusion (42) and may be in communication with the insertion space (43). The connecting member (40) according to the present invention may have a structure that includes all of the opposing main body (41), the protrusion (42), the fixing leg (44), the insertion hole (45), the first hole (46), and the locking hole (47).

[0181] The substrate coupling part (26) having a snap-fit ​​fastening structure may include an extendable clamp part (262) and a locking projection (263).

[0182] The expandable clamp part (262) may have a clamp shape in which the width in the left-right direction (x-direction) can be elastically variable. The expandable clamp part (262) may be inserted into the insertion space part (43) through the insertion hole (45) of the connecting member (40). The expandable clamp part (262) may be slidably inserted into the insertion space part (43) through the insertion hole (45). The upper part of the expandable clamp part (262) may have a shape in which the width in the left-right direction (x-direction) narrows toward the top so that it is easy to slide inserted through the insertion hole (45). The upper part of the expandable clamp part (262) may have a semicircular shape that is convex toward the top.

[0183] The locking projection (263) may be formed to protrude in the left-right direction (x-direction) from the retractable clamp part (262). The locking projection (263) may have a triangular shape with a width that narrows toward the top, and may be formed symmetrically on the right and left sides of the retractable clamp part (262). When the retractable clamp part (262) is inserted into the insertion space part (43), a pair of left and right locking projections (263) may be caught in the locking hole (47).

[0184] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0185] Therefore, the technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the following patent claims.

Claims

1. First battery module; A second battery module located in the first direction of the first battery module; One or more busbars having a bending portion having a bent shape and arranged to extend in the first direction, and electrically connected to the electrode terminal of the first battery module and the electrode terminal of the second battery module; and A battery pack characterized by including a substrate positioned in the second direction of the first battery module and the second battery module and coupled to the busbar.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first battery module and the second battery module are, One or more battery cells; A housing that accommodates the above battery cell; A busbar holder disposed in the second direction of the battery cell; and A battery pack characterized by including an electrode terminal that is electrically connected to the battery cell, extends toward the busbar holder and contacts the busbar, and is equipped with a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above busbar is, A positive bus bar arranged to extend in the first direction and electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal of the first battery module and the positive electrode terminal of the second battery module; and A battery pack characterized by including a negative busbar that is arranged to extend in the first direction and electrically connects the negative electrode terminal of the first battery module and the negative electrode terminal of the second battery module.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above busbar is, Busbar body extending in the first direction above; A part of the above busbar body is formed by bending in the above second direction, and a first bending part that contacts the electrode terminal of the above first battery module in the above second direction; Another part of the busbar body is formed by bending in the second direction, and a second bending part that contacts the electrode terminal of the second battery module in the second direction; A third bending portion located between the first bending portion and the second bending portion, and formed by bending another part of the busbar body in a third direction; and A battery pack characterized by including a substrate coupling portion formed to protrude in the second direction on at least one side of the first bending portion and the second bending portion and coupled to the substrate.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above busbar body is, A first main body positioned between the first bending part and the third bending part and extending in the first direction; A second main body positioned between the second bending part and the third bending part and extending in the first direction; and A battery pack characterized by including a spacing space formed at a first interval between the first main body and the second main body.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above first bending part is, A first planar portion formed continuously with the busbar body and having a flat shape in the first direction and the third direction; A second planar portion disposed facing the first planar portion in the second direction with a second gap between them and contacting the electrode terminal of the first battery module; and A battery pack characterized by including an elastic bending portion formed continuously between the first planar portion and the second planar portion, and having a shape that is convexly bent in the first direction or the third direction.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above first bending part is, A battery pack further comprising: a fastening hole formed by penetrating the first planar portion and the second planar portion in the second direction, wherein a first fastening member is fastened thereto.

8. In Paragraph 7, The first fastening member above is, A fastening body that is fastened to the first bending portion and the electrode terminal of the first battery module; and A head having a width extended beyond the above-mentioned fastening body; comprising, The above fastening hole is, A first fastening hole formed on the first planar portion and formed with a width through which the head can pass; and A battery pack characterized by including a second fastening hole formed on the second planar portion and having a width smaller than that of the head.

9. In Paragraph 5, The above third bending part is, A bending end portion positioned at a third interval in the third direction from the first main body and the second main body, and formed to extend in the first direction; A first bending portion formed continuously between the above bending end and the first main body and formed to be bent in the first direction; and A battery pack characterized by including: a second bending portion formed continuously between the bending end portion and the second main body and formed to be bent in the first direction.

10. In Paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the first and second curved portions are formed symmetrically with each other and have an 'S'-shaped curve.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned first curved portion is, A first semicircular curved portion formed continuously with the first main body and having a shape that is convexly bent in the first direction; and A battery pack characterized by including: a second semicircular bend formed continuously between the first semicircular bend and the bend end, and having a shape that is convexly bent in the direction opposite to the first direction.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery pack characterized in that the first semicircular bend and the second semicircular bend are bent into a semicircular shape having a diameter of at least 2 times and no more than 5 times the thickness of the bus bar.

13. In Paragraph 5, The above third bending part is, A first arc-curved portion formed continuously with the first main body and having a shape that is convexly bent in the first direction; and A battery pack characterized by including: a second arc-curved portion formed continuously between the first arc-curved portion and the second main body, and having a shape that is convexly bent in the direction opposite to the first direction.

14. In Paragraph 4, The above busbar is formed by bending a plate, and The above busbar body is positioned so that the plate surface of the plate material faces the third direction, and is seated in the second direction on the busbar holder of the first battery module and the busbar holder of the second battery module. A battery pack characterized in that at least one side of the first bending part and the second bending part is seated in the second direction on at least one side of the electrode terminal of the first battery module and the electrode terminal of the second battery module.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above-described busbar holder is characterized by being self-standing and supported by the third bending portion having a width in the third direction.

16. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack further comprising: a connecting member coupled to the substrate, wherein an insertion space is formed between the substrate and the connecting member such that the substrate coupling portion can be slidably inserted therein.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above connecting member is, A counter body positioned facing the above substrate and the above third direction; A protrusion formed to protrude toward the substrate side from the edge portion of the first direction of the above-mentioned opposing body, and forming the insertion space portion between the above-mentioned opposing body and the substrate; A plurality of fixing legs formed to protrude from the above protrusion toward the substrate side and fitted into the substrate; and A battery pack characterized by including an insertion hole formed open between the second direction edge portion of the opposing body and the substrate, into which the substrate coupling portion is inserted.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above connecting member is, It further includes a first hole formed to penetrate the above-mentioned opposing body and into which a second fastening member is fastened; A battery pack characterized in that the second fastening member is fastened by penetrating the first hole, the second hole formed on the substrate coupling portion, and the third hole formed on the substrate.

19. In Paragraph 17, The above connecting member is, It further includes a locking hole formed to penetrate in the first direction on the above protrusion and communicating with the insertion space; The above substrate coupling part is, An elastic clamp part having a clamp shape in which the width in the first direction is elastically variable and inserted into the insertion space through the insertion hole; and A battery pack characterized by including: a locking projection formed to protrude in the first direction from the above-mentioned expandable clamp portion, which engages with the locking hole when the above-mentioned expandable clamp portion is inserted into the insertion space portion.

20. In Paragraph 4, The above busbar is, A battery pack further comprising: a holder coupling part formed to protrude in a direction opposite to the second direction on at least one side of the first bending part and the second bending part, and fitted into a guide hole formed on at least one side of the busbar holder of the first battery module and the busbar holder of the second battery module.

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