Busbar and battery pack including same

Abstract

A busbar, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a first coupling portion coupled to a terminal busbar of one battery module; a first downward extension portion extending downward from one end of the first coupling portion; a second coupling portion coupled to a terminal busbar of another battery module; a second downward extension portion extending downward from one end of the second coupling portion; and a connection portion connecting the first downward extension portion and the second downward extension portion. The busbar, according to one embodiment of the present invention, has the effect of preventing exposure to flames during thermal runaway and reducing the risk of occurrence of a short circuit in the modules.

Description

Busbar and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a busbar and a battery pack including the same, and more specifically, to a busbar for electrical connection between battery modules and a battery pack including the same.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to batteries capable of charging and discharging, and are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

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

[0005] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a conventional battery pack (10), wherein the battery pack (10) may include a plurality of battery modules (1), a busbar (2) connecting adjacent battery modules (1), and a Battery Disconnection Unit (BDU) or Battery Management System (BMS).

[0006] In this battery pack (10), the busbar (2) for electrical connection between two adjacent battery modules (1) is formed in a straight line, and there is a problem that the busbar (2) is directly exposed to flames during thermal runaway, which increases the likelihood of a short circuit in the module (1).

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above by providing a busbar and a battery pack including the same, which prevents exposure to flames during thermal runaway and reduces the risk of short circuits in the module.

[0008] A busbar according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first coupling portion coupled to a terminal busbar of one battery module; a first downward extension portion extending downward from one end of the first coupling portion; a second coupling portion coupled to a terminal busbar of another battery module; a second downward extension portion extending downward from one end of the second coupling portion; and a connecting portion connecting the first downward extension portion and the second downward extension portion.

[0009] In addition, the first coupling part, the first downward extension part, the second coupling part, the second downward extension part, and the connecting part are formed integrally.

[0010] In addition, the first downward extension is bent at one end of the first connecting part and extended downward.

[0011] In addition, the second downward extension is bent at one end of the second connecting part and extended downward.

[0012] In addition, the first downward extension and the second downward extension are arranged in parallel.

[0013] In addition, the above connecting part connects the lower end of the first downward extension part and the lower end of the second downward extension part.

[0014] In addition, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the busbar and a plurality of battery modules.

[0015] A busbar according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first coupling portion coupled to a terminal busbar of one battery module; an upward extension portion extending upward from one end of the first coupling portion; and a second coupling portion coupled to a terminal busbar of another battery module.

[0016] In addition, the first connecting part, the upward extension part, and the second connecting part are formed integrally.

[0017] In addition, the upward extension is bent at one end of the first coupling part and extended upward, and is connected to one end of the second coupling part.

[0018] In a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, the battery module includes terminal busbars on both sides, and one terminal busbar is positioned higher than the other terminal busbar.

[0019] A busbar and battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention have the effect of preventing exposure to flames during thermal runaway, reducing the risk of short circuits in the module, and delaying heat transfer.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a conventional battery pack, and

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module in the present invention, and

[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module in the present invention, and

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell in the present invention, and

[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a terminal busbar in the present invention, and

[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in the present invention, and

[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating two battery modules connected by a busbar in an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0027] FIG. 8 is a front view of two battery modules connected by a bus bar inside a battery pack in this embodiment, and

[0028] FIG. 9 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 8, and

[0029] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating two battery modules connected by a busbar in another embodiment of the present invention, and

[0030] FIG. 11 is a front view of two battery modules connected by a busbar inside a battery pack, and

[0031] FIG. 12 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 11, and

[0032] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle equipped with a battery pack in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the present invention being interpreted ambiguously. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0034] In drawings, thicknesses may be enlarged to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for similar parts. When a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately below" another part, it means that there is no other part in between.

[0035] Before describing the busbar (1100, 1200) and battery pack (2000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module (1000) constituting the battery pack (2000) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a terminal busbar, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate.

[0037] A battery module (1000) may include a battery cell stack (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked, a module case (200) that accommodates the battery cell stack (100), a busbar frame (300) located on one side and / or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), an insulating cover (500) disposed on the outside of the busbar frame (300), and an end plate (400) disposed on the outside of the insulating cover (500).

[0038] The above battery cell stack (100) may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110) along one direction, and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or -X-axis direction) in FIG. 3.

[0039] The direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, can be defined as the length direction of the battery cell stack (100) and may be the Y-axis direction in the drawing. Additionally, the direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack (100) and may be the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0040] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100) may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be located on the front and rear of the battery cell stack (100), and the busbars (310, 320) of the battery module (1000) may be positioned close to the front and rear of the battery cell stack (100) to facilitate electrical connection with the electrode leads (111, 112).

[0041] The battery cell (110) may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, and the number of stacked pouch-type battery cells per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cell (110) is not necessarily provided as a pouch type and may be provided as a prismatic, cylindrical, or various other shapes.

[0042] A battery cell (110) provided in a pouch form may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (115) that accommodates the electrode assembly (see FIG. 4).

[0043] The cell case (115) of the battery cell (110) is intended to accommodate an electrode assembly and may be a pouch-type cell case (115). The cell case (115) includes a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be formed as a single unit. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion of the upper and lower cases may be formed in a structure that is bent and folded. Also, as shown, the upper case may completely cover the lower case and a sealing portion (114) may be formed in the periphery.

[0044] Both the upper and lower cases may be formed as a laminate structure including an inner coating layer, a metal layer, and an outer coating layer. The inner coating layer is located on the inside of the cell case (115) relative to the metal layer and must have insulation and electrolytic resistance as it comes into direct contact with the electrode assembly. Additionally, for sealing from the outside, it is required to have excellent sealing strength, that is, the sealing portion where the inner layers are heat-bonded together must have excellent heat-bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the inner coating layer and the outer coating layer and serves as a barrier layer to prevent moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A lightweight aluminum (Al) thin film with excellent formability can be used as a preferred material for the metal layer in contact with the inner coating layer. The outer coating layer is located on the outside of the cell case (115) relative to the metal layer. This outer coating layer may use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture resistance, and air permeability resistance to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance; for example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate may be used.

[0045] A receiving groove (116) may be formed in each of the upper and lower cases, and an electrode assembly may be housed in the receiving groove (116) of the upper and lower cases.

[0046] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case (115) may be one of the following: a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-type positive and negative electrodes and then wound; a stack type electrode assembly consisting of unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them; a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which unit cells are wound by a long separator film; and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other.

[0047] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads (111, 112) each connected to the electrode tabs by a weld.

[0048] One of the two electrode leads (111, 112) may be a positive lead connected to a positive tab, and the other electrode lead (111, 112) may be a negative lead connected to a negative tab.

[0049] A lead film (113) may be attached to each electrode lead (111, 112). The lead film (113) attached to the electrode leads (111, 112) is positioned between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115) to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115) and to improve sealing power, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte.

[0050] Although the two electrode leads (111, 112) are shown as being placed on each side of the electrode assembly, they may be placed on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0051] The above module case (200) may be for protecting the battery cell stack (100) and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact, and the module case (200) may accommodate the battery cell stack (100) and the electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case (200).

[0052] The structure of the module case (200) can be varied, and for example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal plate with an integrated top surface, a bottom surface, and both sides. The monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (top surface (201)) are combined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined, the structure of the module case (200) may be formed by combining an upper plate to the upper side of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate with an integrated bottom surface and both sides, and each frame or plate may be manufactured by press molding. Additionally, the structure of the module case (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a monoframe or U-shaped frame, and may be provided as various structures not described in the above examples.

[0053] The structure of the module case (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100). The front and rear of the battery cell stack (100) may not be covered by the module case (200). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may not be covered by the module case (200). The front and rear of the battery cell stack (100) may be covered by a busbar frame (300), end plate (400), or busbar (310, 320), etc., which will be described later, thereby protecting the front and rear of the battery cell stack (100) from external physical impacts.

[0054] A compression pad (150) may be located between one side of the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200).

[0055] A compression pad (150) can be positioned in the battery cell stack (100) such that it faces the outermost battery cell (110) in the X-axis direction in the drawing.

[0056] Additionally, although not shown, a thermally conductive resin may be injected between the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200), and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between one of the inner surfaces of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200) by the injected thermally conductive resin. At this time, the thermally conductive resin layer may be located on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack (100), and the thermally conductive resin layer may be formed between the bottom surface located on the -Z-axis of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200).

[0057] The above busbar frame (300) is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (100) to cover one side of the battery cell stack (100) and simultaneously guide the connection between the battery cell stack (100) and an external device. Specifically, the busbar frame (300) may be positioned on the front or rear side of the battery cell stack (100) as illustrated, or on the top, bottom, or side. At least one of a busbar (310, 320) and a module connector may be mounted on the busbar frame (300). As illustrated in FIG. 3, one side of the busbar frame (300) is connected to one side or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), and the other side of the busbar frame (300) may be connected to the busbar (310, 320).

[0058] The busbar frame (300) may include an electrically insulating material. The busbar frame (300) may restrict the busbar (310, 320) from contacting other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the part joined to the electrode leads (111, 112), and may prevent an electrical short circuit from occurring.

[0059] The busbar frame (300) may be located on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (100), respectively.

[0060] The busbar (310, 320) is mounted on one side of the busbar frame (300) and may be for electrically connecting the battery cell stack (100) or battery cells (110) and an external device circuit. Multiple busbars (310, 320) may be arranged and positioned between the battery cell stack (100) or the busbar frame (300) and the end plate (400) to be protected from external impacts, etc., and the degradation of durability due to external moisture, etc., may be minimized.

[0061] The busbar (310, 320) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (100) through the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110).

[0062] Specifically, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) can be bent and connected to the bus bar (310, 320) after passing through a lead slit formed in the bus bar frame (300). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) can be connected to both sides of the bus bar (310, 320), and the electrode lead (111) connected to one side of the bus bar (310, 320) can be a positive lead, and the electrode lead (112) connected to the other side of the bus bar (310, 320) can be a negative lead.

[0063] The battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (100) can be connected in series or in parallel by the busbars (310, 320).

[0064] The busbar (310, 320) may include a terminal busbar (320) for electrically connecting one battery module (100) to another battery module (100). In order to be connected to another battery module (100), at least a portion of the terminal busbar (320) may be exposed to the outside of the end plate (400), and the end plate (400) may be provided with a terminal opening (410) for this purpose.

[0065] The terminal busbar (320) can have one end (second part (322)) exposed through the opening (510) of the insulating cover (500) and the terminal opening (410) of the end plate (400).

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the terminal busbar (320) may include a first portion (321) connected to the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and a second portion (322) exposed to the outside through the terminal opening (410). Additionally, the terminal busbar (320) may further include a bending portion (323) formed between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322).

[0067] In the terminal busbar (320), the first part (321) can be connected to the second part (322) through the bending part (323), and one side of the first part (321) and one side of the second part (322) can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a bent bending part (323) in the terminal busbar (320), the second part (322) protrudes and is seated on the seating part (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) can be electrically connected to the busbar (1100, 1200). A coupling hole (322a) is formed in the second part (322) constituting one end of the terminal busbar (320), and the second part (322) of the terminal busbar (320) is fixed by a fixing pin (not shown) inserted into the coupling hole (322a).

[0068] The end plate (400) may be intended to protect the battery cell stack (100) and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by sealing the open side of the module case (200). To this end, the end plate (400) may be manufactured from a material having a certain strength, and for example, the end plate (400) may include a metal or plastic material such as aluminum.

[0069] A terminal opening (410) may be formed in the end plate (400). The terminal opening (410) may be positioned on each side of the end plate (400), and a portion of the insulating cover (500) and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal busbar (320) may be exposed through the terminal opening (410).

[0070] And, a connector opening may be located between the terminal openings (410) located on both sides of the end plate (400), and a module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0071] The end plate (400) can be combined with the module case (200) while covering the busbar frame (300) or busbar (310, 320) located on one side of the battery cell stack (100). Each corner of the end plate (400) can be combined with the corresponding corner of the module case (200) by means such as welding, bolt fastening, or hook fastening.

[0072] The end plate (400) can be positioned on one side and the other side of the module case (200) respectively to cover both sides of the battery cell stack (100). In this embodiment, an example is illustrated in which the end plate (400) is positioned on the front and back sides of the module case (200).

[0073] Additionally, an insulating cover (500) for electrical insulation may be positioned between the end plate (400) and the busbar frame (300). That is, the busbar frame (300), the insulating cover (500), and the end plate (400) may be positioned sequentially outward from the battery cell stack (100). Similar to the end plate (400), the busbar frame (300) and the insulating cover (500) may each be composed of multiple units.

[0074] The insulating cover (500) may include an electrical insulating material and may block the bus bar (310, 320) from contacting the end plate (400).

[0075] The insulating cover (500) may include an opening (510) and a seating portion (530). The opening (510) may be positioned on each of the upper sides of the insulating cover (500), and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal busbar (320) may be exposed through the opening (510).

[0076] And, a connector opening may be located between the openings (510) located on both sides of the insulating cover (500), and a module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0077] The insulating cover (500) may be located on the inner surface of the end plate (400) and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate (400), but is not necessarily so.

[0078] As described above, one end (second part (322)) of the terminal busbar (320) can be exposed through the opening (510), and the exposed one end (second part (322)) of the terminal busbar (320) can be seated on the seating portion (530). Accordingly, the seating portion (530) can be positioned adjacent to the opening (510) and can be positioned on the upper outer surface.

[0079] A second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be seated on the upper surface of the seating portion (530), and thus the upper surface of the seating portion (530) can form a seating surface. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the seating portion (530) may include a fixing member (531) for fixing the terminal bus bar (320).

[0080] The fixing member (531) can fix the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) and may include a fixing hole (531a).

[0081] A fixing pin (not shown) may be inserted into the above fixing hole (531a). The fixing pin (not shown), which is inserted into the coupling hole (322a) formed in the second part (322) of the terminal busbar (320), is coupled to the fixing hole (531a) and fixed, thereby allowing the second part (322) of the terminal busbar (320) to be fixed to the insulating cover (500). The fixing pin may be screw-coupled to the fixing hole (531a).

[0082] Accordingly, the second part (322) of the terminal busbar (320) is seated on the seating portion (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) is seated on and comes into contact with a fixing member ((531) placed on the seating portion (530).

[0083] And, a terminal cover portion (not shown) covering one end (second portion (322)) of the exposed terminal busbar (320) can be placed on the insulating cover (500).

[0084] Next, busbars (1100, 1200) for electrically connecting two battery modules (1000) in an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating two battery modules connected by a busbar in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a front view of two battery modules connected by a busbar inside a battery pack in this embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a partial detail view of FIG. 8.

[0086] The busbar (1100, 1200) is for connecting two adjacent battery modules (1000).

[0087] Electrical connection between the aforementioned battery modules (1000) can be made through busbars (1100, 1200). Busbars (1100, 1200) may be components for connecting one battery module (1000) to an adjacent other battery module (1000), a BDU (Battery Disconnection Unit), or a BMS (Battery Management System), and busbars (1100, 1200) may be connected to an exposed end (second part (322)) of a terminal busbar (320) of a battery module (1000).

[0088] That is, one end of the busbar (1100, 1200) can be connected to the terminal busbar (320) of one battery module (1000), and the other end of the busbar (1100, 1200) can be connected to the terminal busbar (320) of an adjacent battery module (1000). By doing so, the busbar (1100, 1200) can electrically connect two adjacent battery modules (1000).

[0089] Specifically, a busbar (1100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first coupling part (1110), a first downward extension part (1130), a second coupling part (1120), a second downward extension part (1140), and a connecting part (1150). The first coupling part (1110), the first downward extension part (1130), the second coupling part (1120), the second downward extension part (1140), and the connecting part (1150) may be formed integrally. The busbar (1100) may be made of a conductive material and, for example, may be made of metal. The first coupling part (1110), the first downward extension part (1130), the second coupling part (1120), the second downward extension part (1140), and the connecting part (1150) may have the same width (length in the Y-axis direction). The first connecting part (1110), the first downward extension part (1130), the second connecting part (1120), the second downward extension part (1140), and the connecting part (1150) may have the same thickness.

[0090] The first coupling part (1110) can be coupled to the terminal busbar (320) of the battery module (1000). The first coupling part (1110) can be coupled to the terminal busbar (320) of one of the two battery modules (1000) connected by the busbar (1100).

[0091] The first connecting part (1110) may be in the form of a flat plate and may be connected by overlapping on the upper part (second part (322)) of the terminal busbar (320). Specifically, after the first connecting part (1110) is placed overlapping on the second part (322) of the terminal busbar (320), a fixing pin (not shown) is sequentially inserted into the connecting hole (1111) of the first connecting part (1110) and the connecting hole (322a) of the second part (322) of the terminal busbar (320), and then the fixing pin is fixed in the fixing hole (531a) of the fixing member (531) to connect the busbar (1100) to the terminal busbar (320).

[0092] Additionally, the second part (322) of the terminal busbar (320) can be fixed to the insulating cover (500) together with the busbar (1100) by means of a fixing pin. The fixing pin may be a fixing bolt and may be fixed by screwing it into the insulating cover (500).

[0093] The first downward extension portion (1130) may be bent at one end of the first coupling portion (1110) and extended downward. Specifically, the first downward extension portion (1130) may be bent at one end of the first coupling portion (1110) and extended downward along one side of the module case (200). The first downward extension portion (1130) may be bent while maintaining the same width as the first coupling portion (1110) and extended vertically downward.

[0094] The second coupling part (1120) can be coupled to the terminal busbar (320) of the remaining one of the two battery modules (1000) connected by the busbar (1100).

[0095] The second connecting part (1120) may be in the form of a flat plate and may be connected by overlapping the upper part (322) of the terminal busbar (320). The connection between the second connecting part (1120) and the terminal busbar (320) is the same as the connection between the first connecting part (1110) and the terminal busbar (320) described above, so a detailed description thereof is omitted here. The terminal busbar (320) to which the second connecting part (1120) is connected may have opposite polarity to the terminal busbar (320) to which the first connecting part (1110) is connected.

[0096] The second downward extension (1140) may be bent at one end of the second coupling part (1120) and extended downward. Specifically, the second downward extension (1140) may be bent at one end of the second coupling part (1120) and extended downward along one side of the module case (200). The second downward extension (1140) may be bent while maintaining the same width as the second coupling part (1120) and extended vertically downward. The second downward extension (1140) may be arranged parallel to the first downward extension (1130).

[0097] The above connecting part (1150) connects the first downward extension part (1130) and the second downward extension part (1140), and the connecting part (1150) can connect the lower end of the first downward extension part (1130) and the lower end of the second downward extension part (1140). That is, one end of the connecting part (1150) can be bent at the lower end of the first downward extension part (1130), and the other end of the connecting part (1150) can be bent at the lower end of the second downward extension part (1140).

[0098] As described above, the busbar (1100) is formed by including a first coupling part (1110), a first downward extension part (1130), a second coupling part (1120), a second downward extension part (1140), and a connecting part (1150), so that it can be positioned between the gaps between modules to prevent direct exposure to flames, and by physically maintaining the gap between modules, it can prevent contact between modules and reduce the risk of short circuits.

[0099] Next, a busbar (1200) for electrically connecting two battery modules (1000) in another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating two battery modules connected by a busbar in another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a front view of two battery modules connected by a busbar inside a battery pack, and FIG. 12 is a partial detail view of FIG. 11.

[0101] Specifically, a busbar (1200) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first coupling portion (1210), an upward extension portion (1230), and a second coupling portion (1220). The first coupling portion (1210), the upward extension portion (1230), and the second coupling portion (1220) may be formed integrally. The busbar (1200) may be made of a conductive material and, for example, may be made of metal. The first coupling portion (1210), the upward extension portion (1230), and the second coupling portion (1220) may have the same width (length in the Y-axis direction). The first coupling portion (1210), the upward extension portion (1230), and the second coupling portion (1220) may have the same thickness.

[0102] The first coupling part (1210) can be coupled to the terminal busbar (320) of the battery module (1000). The first coupling part (1210) can be coupled to the terminal busbar (320) of one of the two battery modules (1000) connected by the busbar (1200).

[0103] The first connecting part (1210) may be in the form of a flat plate and may be connected by overlapping on the upper part (second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320). Specifically, after the first connecting part (1210) is placed overlapping on the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), a fixing pin (not shown) is sequentially inserted into the connecting hole (1211) of the first connecting part (1210) and the connecting hole (322a) of the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), and then the fixing pin is fixed in the fixing hole (531a) of the fixing member (531) so that the 21200) can be connected to the terminal bus bar (320).

[0104] Additionally, the second part (322) of the terminal busbar (320) can be fixed to the insulating cover (500) together with the busbar (1200) by means of a fixing pin. The fixing pin may be a fixing bolt and may be fixed by screwing it into the insulating cover (500).

[0105] The above-mentioned upward extension portion (1230) can connect the first coupling portion (1210) and the second coupling portion (1220), and can connect one end of the first coupling portion (1210) and one end of the second coupling portion (1220). The upward extension portion (1230) can be bent at one end of the first coupling portion (1210) and extended upward. Specifically, one end of the upward extension portion (1230) is bent at one end of the first coupling portion (1210), and the other end of the upward extension portion (1230) can be connected to one end of the second coupling portion (1220). The upward extension portion (1230) can be extended upward along one side of the module case (200). The upward extension portion (1230) can be bent and extended vertically upward while maintaining the same width as the first coupling portion (1210).

[0106] The second coupling portion (1220) can be coupled to the terminal busbar (320) of the remaining battery module (1000) among the two battery modules (1000) connected by the busbar (1200). The second coupling portion (1220) can be bent at one end of the upward extension portion (1230).

[0107] The second connecting part (1220) may be in the form of a flat plate and may be connected by overlapping the upper part (322) of the terminal busbar (320). The connection between the second connecting part (1220) and the terminal busbar (320) is the same as the connection between the first connecting part (1210) and the terminal busbar (320) described above, so a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0108] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the height (H2) of the second coupling part (1220) from the bottom of the battery module (1000) may be higher than the height (H1) of the first coupling part (1210) from the bottom of the battery module (1000). The length of the upward extension part (1230) may be equal to the length (H2-H1) obtained by subtracting the height (H1) of the first coupling part (1210) from the height (H2) of the second coupling part (1220).

[0109] Accordingly, in a battery module (1000) to which a busbar (1200) of another embodiment is coupled, the heights of the two terminal busbars (320) may differ. That is, in the battery module (1000), the height of one terminal busbar (320) from the bottom may be higher than the height of the other terminal busbar (320). As illustrated, the height of the terminal busbar (320) to which the second coupling part (1220) is coupled may be higher than the height of the terminal busbar (320) to which the first coupling part (1210) is coupled.

[0110] A busbar (1200) according to another embodiment has a configuration as described above, thereby allowing the first connecting part (1210) and the second connecting part (1220) to have different height settings, which can reduce the probability of flame spark contact. In addition, structural damage to the busbar can be prevented through the application of bending, and it has an advantageous effect in terms of securing a venting space when venting gas is ejected.

[0111] In this embodiment, the battery pack (2000) may accommodate a plurality of battery modules (1000) inside a pack case (2100) and may include the aforementioned busbars (1100, 1200). In FIG. 8, for convenience, only two battery modules (1000) are shown inside the battery pack (2000), but more than two battery modules (1000) may be arranged, and the battery modules (1000) may be electrically connected by the busbars (1100, 1200). The battery pack (2000) may further include various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Management System (BMS) and a cooling system.

[0112] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example is shown in which a plurality of battery modules (1000) are accommodated inside a battery pack (2000), but a plurality of battery cells (110) may also be directly disposed inside the battery pack (2000).

[0113] The battery module (1000) and battery pack (2000) according to the present invention configured in this manner can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles (V), and hybrid vehicles, or to Energy Storage Systems (ESS), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0114] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an electric vehicle (V) equipped with a battery pack (2000). In the electric vehicle (V), the wheels are driven by a motor that receives power from the battery pack (2000), allowing the electric vehicle to operate.

[0115] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0116] The present invention can provide a busbar and a battery pack that prevent exposure to flames during thermal runaway, reduce the risk of short circuits in the module, and delay heat transfer.

Claims

1. A first coupling part coupled to a terminal busbar of a battery module; A first downward extension portion extending downward from one end of the first coupling portion; A second coupling part coupled to the terminal busbar of another battery module; A second downward extension portion extending downward from one end of the second coupling portion; and A connecting part connecting the first downward extension part and the second downward extension part; A busbar including 2. In Paragraph 1, A bus bar in which the first coupling part, the first downward extension part, the second coupling part, the second downward extension part, and the connecting part are integrally formed.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above first downward extension is a bus bar that is bent at one end of the above first connecting part and extends downward.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above second downward extension is a bus bar that is bent at one end of the above second connecting part and extends downward.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first downward extension and the above-mentioned second downward extension are busbars arranged in parallel.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above connecting part is a bus bar connecting the lower end of the first downward extension part and the lower end of the second downward extension part.

7. Busbar pursuant to Paragraph 1; and A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules.

8. A first coupling portion coupled to the terminal busbar of a single battery module; An upward extension portion extending upward from one end of the first coupling portion; and A second coupling part coupled to the terminal busbar of another battery module; A busbar including 9. In Paragraph 8, A bus bar in which the first connecting part, the upward extension part, and the second connecting part are integrally formed.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above upward extension is bent at one end of the first connecting part and extends upward, and is connected to one end of the second connecting part.

11. Busbar pursuant to paragraph 8; and A battery pack comprising multiple battery modules.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above battery module includes terminal busbars on each side, and A battery pack in which one terminal busbar is positioned higher than the other terminal busbar.

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