Busbar cover and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a bus bar cover can be provided. The bus bar cover comprises: a lower cover for accommodating a bus bar; an upper cover, which is coupled to the lower cover and covers the bus bar; and a fire-resistant coating layer on an inner surface of the lower cover, wherein the bus bar is disposed on a seating surface of the lower cover, the seating surface including a first hole that exposes at least one portion of a contact part of the bus bar.

Description

Busbar cover and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a busbar cover and a battery pack including the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0178396, filed on December 4, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Battery packs applied to electric vehicles and the like have a structure in which multiple battery cell assemblies containing multiple secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel to obtain high output.

[0004] In addition, the above secondary battery is capable of repeated charging and discharging through electrochemical reactions between components including positive and negative current collectors, a separator, an active material, and an electrolyte.

[0005] A busbar is used to electrically connect the above battery cell assemblies. The busbar is used to electrically connect the terminals of adjacent battery cell assemblies or to connect the battery cell assemblies to an external electrical device.

[0006] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a busbar cover with improved performance and reliability.

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

[0008] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved performance and reliability.

[0009] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a busbar cover may be provided. The busbar cover comprises: a lower cover for receiving a busbar; an upper cover coupled to the lower cover and covering the busbar; and a fire-resistant coating layer on the inner surface of the lower cover, wherein the busbar is disposed on a seating surface of the lower cover, and the seating surface may include a first hole that exposes at least a portion of the contact portion of the busbar.

[0010] In some embodiments, the refractory coating layer may include a ceramic material.

[0011] In some embodiments, a fire-resistant coating layer on the inner surface of the upper cover may be further included.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lower cover includes a support protruding in a direction opposite to the direction toward the upper cover, and the support may overlap with the body portion of the bus bar.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support member includes a bottom portion at a maximum distance from the upper cover, and the bottom portion may include a second hole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first hole may extend to at least a portion of the support.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support member includes a bottom portion at a maximum distance from the upper cover, and the first hole may extend to the bottom portion of the support member.

[0016] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack may be provided. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing including a cross beam; a first battery cell assembly and a second battery cell assembly accommodated in the pack housing and spaced apart in a first direction with the cross beam in between; a bus bar extending in the first direction and electrically connecting the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly; and a bus bar cover covering the bus bar, wherein each of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly includes a terminal portion coupled to the bus bar, and the bus bar cover includes a lower cover accommodating the bus bar; and an upper cover coupled to the lower cover and covering the bus bar, wherein the lower cover may include a first hole exposing at least a portion of the terminal portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first hole may be penetrated by a fastening member that connects the bus bar to the terminal portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly each further include a lifting portion, and the lower cover may include a first support portion and a second support portion protruding to the lifting portion of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly, respectively.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first support member and the second support member may be spaced apart with the cross beam in between.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first support member includes a bottom portion that contacts the lifting portion, and the bottom portion of the first support member may include a second hole that exposes at least a portion of the lifting portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first support member includes a bottom portion that contacts the lifting portion, and the first hole may extend to the bottom portion of the support member.

[0022] In some embodiments, the refractory coating layer on the inner surface of each of the lower cover and the upper cover is further included, and the refractory coating layer may include a ceramic inorganic material.

[0023] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a busbar cover may include a lower cover and an upper cover coated with a fire-resistant material. The lower cover includes a support portion and may include a hole that exposes at least a portion of the contact portion of the busbar. By doing so, the busbar can be protected and supported.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a busbar cover with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0025] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery pack may include a busbar cover that covers the busbar. By doing so, the busbar can be protected from heat that may be generated inside the battery pack and can be supported.

[0026] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with improved safety can be provided.

[0027] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0028] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a busbar cover according to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a busbar to explain a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0042] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0043] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0044] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0045]

[0046] (1st embodiment)

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a busbar (130) accommodated in the lower cover (140B) of a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a lower cover (140B) of a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a top view of the lower cover (140B) of the busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a busbar (130) for explaining a busbar cover (140) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0052]

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a busbar cover (140) covering a busbar (130) may be provided. The busbar cover (140) may include a lower cover (140B) and an upper cover (140T).

[0054] In the embodiments, the lower cover (140B) may accommodate the busbar (130). Specifically, the lower cover (140B) may include a seating surface (140B_S) on which the busbar (130) is placed. The seating surface (140B_S) may come into contact with the busbar (130). The seating surface (140B_S) may be placed under the busbar (130). The seating surface (140B_S) may include a portion extending in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2). The seating surface (140B_S) may overlap with the busbar (130) in a third direction (D3). The first direction (D1), the second direction (D2), and the third direction (D3) may intersect each other.

[0055] In the embodiments, the upper cover (140T) may be coupled to the lower cover (140B). The upper cover (140T) may cover the busbar (130) housed in the lower cover (140B). The upper cover (140T) may extend in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2). The upper cover (140T) may overlap the lower cover (140B) and the busbar (130) in a third direction (D3). The upper cover (140T) may be spaced apart from the busbar (130) at a certain distance. The upper cover (140T) may not be in direct contact with the busbar (130).

[0056] In the embodiments, the busbar (130) may have a shape extending in a first direction (D1). The busbar (130) may include a body portion (131) and contact portions (132) at both ends. The contact portions (132) at both ends may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1) with the body portion (131) in between. Each contact portion (132) may include a fastening hole (133) for connecting to another electrical connection portion. The busbar (130) may include a metal conductor such as high-purity copper, such as C1100, or aluminum.

[0057] In the embodiments, the lower cover (140B) may include a refractory coating layer (140_C) on an inner surface. The refractory coating layer (140_C) may be disposed on an inner surface including a seating surface (140B_S) of the lower cover (140B). Specifically, the refractory coating layer (140_C) may include a refractory material. For example, the refractory coating layer (140_C) may include a ceramic material. For example, the refractory coating layer (140_C) may include a ceramic inorganic material.

[0058] For example, the refractory coating layer (140_C) may be ceramicized at a high temperature to have refractory performance. For example, the refractory material may be ceramicized at a temperature of 500°C or higher, meaning a material whose structure does not deform easily even at high temperatures. For example, the refractory material may be a material that can maintain its structure at a temperature of 500°C or higher. As a result, it does not deform despite heat or flames that may occur outside the busbar (130), thereby protecting the busbar (130) from said heat or flames.

[0059] In the embodiments, the upper cover (140T) may include a fire-resistant coating layer (not shown) on its inner surface. The fire-resistant coating layer may be disposed on the surface of the upper cover (140T) facing the lower cover (140B). Specifically, the fire-resistant coating layer may include a fire-resistant material. For example, the fire-resistant coating layer may include a ceramic material. For example, the fire-resistant coating layer may include a ceramic inorganic material. By doing so, the busbar (130) can be protected from heat or flames that may occur outside the busbar (130) without deformation.

[0060] In the embodiments, the lower cover (140B) may include one or more support members (140S) protruding in a direction opposite to the direction toward the upper cover (140T). Specifically, the lower cover (140B) may include a first support member (141) and a second support member (142) spaced apart in a first direction (D1).

[0061] Specifically, the seating surface (140B_S) of the lower cover (140B) may include a folded portion. A portion of the seating surface (140B_S) of the lower cover (140B) may be folded and protrude in a direction opposite to the direction toward the upper cover (140T), thereby forming a first support portion (141) and a second support portion (142). For example, the first support portion (141) and the second support portion (142) may be formed integrally with the remaining portion of the lower cover (140B).

[0062] In the embodiments, the first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may each include a bottom portion (141_B, 142_B) that is at maximum distance from the upper cover (140T). For example, the bottom portion (141_B) of the first support member (141) may refer to the portion of the first support member (141) at maximum distance from the upper cover (140T) in the third direction (D3). The bottom portion (141_B) of the first support member (141) may refer to the portion of the first support member (141) at the lowest level in the third direction (D3). For example, the bottom portion (142_B) of the second support member (142) may refer to the portion of the second support member (142) at maximum distance from the upper cover (140T) in the third direction (D3). The bottom portion (142_B) of the second support member (142) may refer to the part of the second support member (142) that has the lowest level in the third direction (D3). For example, the bottom portion (141_B) of the first support member (141) and the bottom portion (142_B) of the second support member (142) may be parallel to the upper cover (140T).

[0063] In the embodiments, the first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may not overlap with the contact portion (132) of the bus bar (130). Specifically, the first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may not overlap with the contact portion (132) of the bus bar (130) in the third direction (D3). Specifically, the first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may overlap with the body portion (131) of the bus bar (130). For example, the first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may overlap with the body portion (131) of the bus bar (130) in the third direction (D3).

[0064] In the embodiments, the seating surface (140B_S) of the lower cover (140B) may include a hole (140H). Specifically, the hole (140H) may expose at least a portion of the contact portion (132) of the bus bar (130). For example, the hole (140H) may expose the fastening hole (133) of the bus bar (130). The hole (140H) exposes at least a portion of the contact portion (132) and may extend in a first direction (D1) to further expose a portion of the body portion (131).

[0065] The hole (140H) may extend to at least a portion of the support member (140S). For example, the hole (140H) may extend along the seating surface (140B_S) constituting the first support member (141). As previously described, the seating surface (140B_S) may include a bending portion constituting the first support member (141), and the hole (140H) may extend along said bending portion. For example, the hole (140H) may extend along said bending portion to the bottom portion (141_B) of the first support member (141). In other words, the hole (140H) may include a portion that integrally exposes at least a portion of the contact portion (132) and a portion provided on the bottom portion (141_B) of the first support member (141).

[0066] Likewise, the hole (140H) may extend along the seating surface (140B_S) constituting the second support member (142). For example, the hole (140H) may extend along the bend of the seating surface (140B_S) constituting the second support member (142) to the bottom portion (142_B) of the second support member (142). The hole (140H) may include a portion that integrally exposes at least a part of the contact portion (132) and a portion provided on the bottom portion (142_B) of the second support member (142).

[0067] In the embodiments, the hole (140H) may be for connecting the bus bar (130) to an external terminal. For example, the fastening hole (133) of the bus bar (130) is exposed by the hole (140H), and a fastening member may pass through the fastening hole (133) and the hole (140H) in sequence.

[0068] In the embodiments, the hole (140H) may be for securing the busbar cover (140) to an external element. For example, the hole (140H) provided in the support member (140S) may be penetrated by a fixing member.

[0069]

[0070] The busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 may include a fire-resistant material on its inner surface. By doing so, the busbar (130) can be protected from heat that may be generated outside the busbar (130).

[0071] The busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 may include a support member (140S) protruding from the lower cover (140B). The support member (140S) may be seated on an external element to support the busbar (130) and the busbar cover (140).

[0072] The busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 may further include a hole (140H) provided in the lower cover (140B). The hole (140H) not only exposes a fastening hole (133) to allow the busbar (130) to be coupled to an external terminal, but also allows the support member (140S) to be fixed on the external element. This prevents the busbar (130) from detaching despite vibrations that may occur during a thermal runaway event. In addition, the hole (140H) may further serve to release heat generated from the busbar (130).

[0073] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover (140) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.

[0074]

[0075] (2nd Example)

[0076] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a lower cover (140B1) of a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. The lower cover (140B1) is another embodiment of the lower cover (140B) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 4, and will be described below with a focus on the differences.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 together, the lower cover (140B1) may include one or more support members (140S) protruding in a direction opposite to the direction toward the upper cover (140T). Specifically, the lower cover (140B1) may include a first support member (141) and a second support member (142) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (D1). The first support member (141) may include a bottom portion (141_B). The second support member (142) may include a bottom portion (142_B).

[0078] In the embodiments, the lower cover (140B1) may include a first hole (140H1) and a second hole (140H2) separated from each other. The first hole (140H1) and the second hole (140H2) may have different levels toward a third direction (D3).

[0079] The first hole (140H1) may expose at least a portion of the contact portion (132, see FIG. 5) of the bus bar (130). For example, the first hole (140H1) may expose the fastening hole (133, see FIG. 5) of the bus bar (130). Specifically, the first hole (140H1) may be for connecting the bus bar (130) to an external terminal portion. For example, the fastening hole (133) of the bus bar (130) is exposed by the first hole (140H1), and a fastening member may pass through the fastening hole (133) and the first hole (140H1) in sequence.

[0080] The second hole (140H2) may be disposed in the bottom portion of the support member (140S). For example, the bottom portion (141_B) of the first support member (141) may include the second hole (140H2). The bottom portion (142_B) of the second support member (142) may include the second hole (140H2). Specifically, the second hole (140H2) may be for securing the lower cover (140B1) to another component. For example, the second hole (140H2) provided in the support member (140S) may be penetrated by a fixing member.

[0081] Although not illustrated, the lower cover (140B1) may include a refractory coating layer (not illustrated) on its inner surface. For example, the refractory coating layer may include a ceramic material. For example, the refractory coating layer may include a ceramic inorganic material.

[0082] According to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0083]

[0084] (3rd Example)

[0085] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a lower cover (140B2) of a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. The lower cover (140B2) is another embodiment of the lower cover (140B) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 4, and will be described below with a focus on the differences.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 7 together, the lower cover (140B2) may include a first hole (140H1). The first hole (140H1) may expose at least a portion of the contact portion (132, see FIG. 5) of the bus bar (130). For example, the first hole (140H1) may expose the fastening hole (133, see FIG. 5) of the bus bar (130). Specifically, the first hole (140H1) may be for connecting the bus bar (130) to an external terminal portion. For example, the fastening hole (133) of the bus bar (130) is exposed by the first hole (140H1), and a fastening member may pass through the fastening hole (133) and the first hole (140H1) in sequence.

[0087] Although not illustrated, the lower cover (140B2) may include a refractory coating layer on its inner surface. For example, the refractory coating layer may include a ceramic material. For example, the refractory coating layer may include a ceramic inorganic material.

[0088] According to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0089]

[0090] (Fourth Example)

[0091] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a lower cover (140B3) of a busbar cover according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. The lower cover (140B3) is another embodiment of the lower cover (140B) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 4, and will be described below with a focus on the differences.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 8 together, the lower cover (140B3) may include a third hole (140H3). The third hole (140H3) may expose at least a portion of the contact portion (132, see FIG. 5) of the bus bar (130). For example, the third hole (140H3) may expose the fastening hole (133, see FIG. 5) of the bus bar (130). The third hole (140H3) exposes at least a portion of the contact portion (132) of the bus bar (130) and may extend in a first direction (D1) to further expose a portion of the body portion (131). Specifically, the third hole (140H3) may be for connecting the bus bar (130) to an external terminal portion. For example, the fastening hole (133) of the busbar (130) is exposed by the third hole (140H3), and the fastening member can pass through the fastening hole (133) and the third hole (140H3) in sequence. The third hole (140H3) can further perform the function of discharging heat generated from the busbar (130).

[0093] Although not illustrated, the lower cover (140B3) may include a refractory coating layer on its inner surface. For example, the refractory coating layer may include a ceramic material. For example, the refractory coating layer may include a ceramic inorganic material.

[0094] According to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0095]

[0096] (5th Example)

[0097] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a busbar cover (140') according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. The busbar cover (140') is another embodiment of the busbar cover (140) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 5, and will be described below with a focus on the differences.

[0098] Referring together to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3, FIGS. 5, and FIGS. 9, the busbar cover (140') may include a lower cover (140B') and an upper cover (140T'). The lower cover (140B') accommodates the busbar (130), and the upper cover (140T') may be coupled to the lower cover (140B') to cover the busbar (130).

[0099] In the embodiments, the lower cover (140B') and the upper cover (140T') may each include a curved portion. Specifically, the lower cover (140B') may include a curved portion (140B'_R). The upper cover (140T') may include a curved portion (140T'_R). The curved portion (140B'_R) of the lower cover (140B') and the curved portion (140T'_R) of the upper cover (140T') may overlap in a third direction (D3). When the upper cover (140T') is combined with the lower cover (140B'), the curved portion (140T'_R) of the upper cover (140T') may be combined with the curved portion (140B'_R) of the lower cover (140B').

[0100] In the embodiments, the lower cover (140B') may include one or more support members (140S) protruding in a direction opposite to the direction toward the upper cover (140T'). Specifically, the lower cover (140B') may include a first support member (141) and a second support member (142) spaced apart in a first direction (D1).

[0101] The curved portion (140B'_R) of the lower cover (140B') can overlap with the support portion (140S) in the third direction (D3). The curved portion (140B'_R) of the lower cover (140B') can overlap with the first support portion (141) and the second support portion (142) in the third direction (D3).

[0102] The curved portion (140T'_R) of the upper cover (140T') can overlap with the support portion (140S) in the third direction (D3). The curved portion (140T'_R) of the upper cover (140T') can overlap with the first support portion (141) and the second support portion (142) in the third direction (D3).

[0103] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a busbar cover (140') with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0104]

[0105] (6th Example)

[0106] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a battery pack (100) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0107] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (100) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the separation of each component to show the appearance of a busbar (130) covered by a busbar cover (140) being coupled to a battery cell assembly (120) of the battery pack (100).

[0108] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (100) according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a busbar (130) covered by a busbar cover (140) coupled to a battery cell assembly (120) of the battery pack (100).

[0109]

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), and cross beams (117). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0111] The pack housing (110) may provide a space for mounting battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) and a center beam (116).

[0112] Here, the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) may be substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate (111) (i.e., the surface facing the battery cell assembly (120)), and the third direction (D3) may be substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate (111).

[0113] The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111). The center beam (116) may extend in a first direction (D1). The center beam (116) may be interposed between the side walls (112, 113).

[0114] The base plate (111) may include a plurality of cooling channels. The plurality of cooling channels may provide a passage for the movement of a refrigerant, such as water, for example.

[0115] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be placed on a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110). The base plate (111) may support the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0116] In FIG. 10, the arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be described as a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) disclosed in FIG. 10 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in an M * N arrangement (where M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) based on what is described herein.

[0117] The battery pack (100) may further include leads coupled to the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) of the pack housing (110). The leads may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and electrical components. The leads may be secured to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0118] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery pack (100). The battery pack (100) may include measuring instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0119] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be prevented.

[0120] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components such as a cooling device, a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltage, such as a voltage surge, occurs. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) and the side wall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120) and the side wall (115) may be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0121] In FIGS. 11 and 12, the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) of the battery pack (100) are each exemplified as battery modules, but the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, they may be battery modules having a module housing of a modular structure configured to have at least one side open, or cell blocks in which the entire top, bottom, left, and right sides are open. In this way, according to the technical concept of the present invention, a so-called cell-to-pack structure battery pack (100) composed of cell blocks or battery modules in which all or part of the module housing is omitted can be configured.

[0122] The battery cell assembly (120) may include a module housing and a plurality of battery cells (not shown) inside. The plurality of battery cells are connected to each other as a series and / or parallel circuit so that charging and discharging occur at a specified voltage and current. A pair of terminal portions (122) are provided on the outside of the battery cell assembly (120) as input / output terminals for the electrically connected plurality of battery cells. The pair of terminal portions (122) may consist of a positive terminal and a negative terminal.

[0123] A pair of lifting parts (123) may be provided between a pair of terminal parts (122). Since the battery cell assembly (120) equipped with multiple battery cells is quite heavy, a lifting device is used to perform the operation of storing or removing the battery pack (100). The lifting parts (123) are provided in the module housing for handling such battery cell assembly (120), and a pair of lifting parts (123) are provided on the front and rear of the module housing, respectively, for balance.

[0124] The battery pack (100) may further include a busbar (130) that electrically connects a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Specifically, the busbar (130) may be coupled to a terminal portion (122) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0125]

[0126] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, a busbar (130) can electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) within a battery pack (100). Specifically, the busbar (130) can be electrically coupled to the terminal portion (122) of each of two adjacent battery cell assemblies (120) among the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). For example, the busbar (130) can be electrically coupled to the terminal portion (122) of each of two battery cell assemblies (120) separated by a cross beam (117) among the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The busbar (130) can be covered by a busbar cover (140) and coupled to the battery pack (100).

[0127] In this specification, the busbar cover (140) is illustrated as an example including the lower cover (140B) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, but it is obvious that it may include the lower covers (140B1, 140B2, 140B3) described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. In addition, the busbar cover (140') described with reference to FIG. 9 may cover the busbar (130).

[0128]

[0129] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 together, a fastening member (150) can be fastened to the fastening hole (133) of the bus bar (130) to connect the bus bar (130) to the terminal portion (122) of the battery cell assembly (120). The fastening member (150) can sequentially pass through the fastening hole (133) of the bus bar (130) and the hole (140H) provided in the lower cover (140B) to connect the bus bar (130) to the terminal portion (122) of the battery cell assembly (120). The upper cover (140T) can be connected to the lower cover (140B) to cover the bus bar (130). When the bus bar (130) and the bus bar cover (140) are connected to the battery cell assembly (120), the hole (140H) can expose at least a portion of the terminal portion (122).

[0130] The busbar cover (140) may include a first support member (141) and a second support member (142). The first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may protrude from the lower cover (140B). The first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may protrude from the lower cover (140B) to reach the lifting member (123) of each of two battery cell assemblies (120) that are spaced apart with the cross beam (117) in between among the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may be spaced apart in a first direction (D1) with the cross beam (117) in between. The first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may come into contact with the lifting member (123). For example, the bottom portions (141_B, 142_B) of each of the first support portion (141) and the second support portion (142) can come into contact with the lifting portion (123).

[0131] When the hole (140H) provided in the lower cover (140B) extends to at least a portion of the first support member (141) and the second support member (142) as described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, the hole (140H) may further expose at least a portion of the lifting member (123). For example, the bottom portions (141_B, 142_B) of each of the first support member (141) and the second support member (142) may include a portion that exposes at least a portion of the lifting member (123). The busbar cover (140) can be secured to the lifting member (123) by the hole (140H). For example, the hole (140H) may be penetrated by a fixing member for securing the busbar cover (140) to the lifting member (123).

[0132]

[0133] In other embodiments, where the busbar cover (140) includes the lower cover (140B1) described with reference to FIG. 6, the first hole (140H1) of the lower cover (140B1) may expose at least a portion of the terminal portion (122), and the second hole (140H2) may expose at least a portion of the lifting portion (123). For example, the second hole (140H2) may be provided in the bottom portions (141_B, 142_B) of the first support portion (141) and the second support portion (142), respectively.

[0134] In other embodiments, when the busbar cover (140) includes the lower cover (140B2) described with reference to FIG. 7, the first hole (140H1) of the lower cover (140B1) may expose at least a portion of the terminal portion (122) and may not expose the lifting portion (123).

[0135] In other embodiments, when the busbar cover (140) includes the lower cover (140B3) described with reference to FIG. 8, the third hole (140H3) of the lower cover (140B3) exposes at least a portion of the terminal portion (122) and may further expose at least a portion of the lifting portion (123). In this case, the third hole (140H3) may be spaced apart from the lifting portion (123) in a third direction (D3).

[0136]

[0137] The battery pack (100) described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 covers a bus bar (130) and may include a bus bar cover (140) having a fire-resistant material on its inner surface. Accordingly, even if ignition occurs within the battery pack (100) or heat is generated due to charging and discharging, the bus bar cover (140) does not deform and can protect the bus bar (130).

[0138] In addition, the busbar cover (140) may support the busbar (130) by including a support member (140S). The support member (140S) is fixed to the lifting member (123) so that the busbar (130) may not detach or be removed even when an event occurs, such as ignition within the battery pack (100). Furthermore, heat generated from the busbar (130) can be released through a hole (140H) provided in the lower cover (140B) of the busbar cover (140). As a result, the performance and reliability of the battery pack (100) are improved, and safety can be enhanced.

[0139] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a battery pack (100) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0140] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a battery pack (100) with improved safety can be provided.

[0141]

[0142] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. Lower cover accommodating the busbar; An upper cover coupled to the lower cover and covering the busbar; and It includes a fire-resistant coating layer on the inner surface of the lower cover, and The above busbar is positioned on the seating surface of the lower cover, and A busbar cover, wherein the above-mentioned seating surface includes a first hole that exposes at least a portion of the contact portion of the busbar.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above fire-resistant coating layer comprises a ceramic material, a busbar cover.

3. In Paragraph 1, A busbar cover further comprising a fire-resistant coating layer on the inner surface of the upper cover.

4. In Paragraph 1, The lower cover includes a support member protruding in a direction opposite to the direction toward the upper cover, and The above support portion is a busbar cover that overlaps with the body portion of the busbar.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above support member includes a bottom portion at the maximum distance from the upper cover, and The above bottom portion is a busbar cover including a second hole.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned first hole is a busbar cover extending to at least a portion of the support member.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above support member includes a bottom portion at the maximum distance from the upper cover, and The above first hole is a busbar cover extending to the bottom portion of the support.

8. Pack housing including a cross beam; A first battery cell assembly and a second battery cell assembly accommodated in the above-mentioned pack housing and spaced apart in a first direction with the cross beam in between; A busbar extending in the first direction and electrically connecting the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly; and It includes a busbar cover that covers the above busbar, and Each of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly includes a terminal portion coupled to the busbar, and The above busbar cover comprises: a lower cover that accommodates the busbar; and an upper cover that is coupled to the lower cover and covers the busbar. A battery pack, wherein the lower cover includes a first hole that exposes at least a portion of the terminal portion.

9. In Paragraph 8, A battery pack, wherein the first hole is penetrated by a fastening member that connects the bus bar to the terminal portion.

10. In Paragraph 8, Each of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly further includes a lifting part, and The battery pack, wherein the lower cover comprises a first support member and a second support member protruding to the lifting portion of each of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery pack in which the first support member and the second support member are spaced apart with the cross beam in between.

12. In Paragraph 10, The first support member includes a bottom portion that contacts the lifting portion, and A battery pack comprising a second hole that exposes at least a portion of the lifting portion, wherein the bottom portion of the first support portion above includes the lifting portion above.

13. In Paragraph 10, The first support member includes a bottom portion that contacts the lifting portion, and A battery pack, wherein the first hole extends to the bottom portion of the support.

14. In Paragraph 8, It further includes a fire-resistant coating layer on the inner surface of each of the lower cover and the upper cover, and A battery pack comprising a ceramic inorganic material, wherein the above-mentioned fire-resistant coating layer comprises

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