Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack includes a battery cell and a pouch accommodating the battery cell. The pouch includes a platform extending in a first direction in which electrodes of the battery cells are drawn out. The battery pack also includes a substrate including a protection element on the first surface, the protection element configured to control charging and discharging of the battery cells. A second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface is opposite to the module placement surface of the platform. The battery pack further includes a molded portion covering the protective element on the first surface, and a support between the molded portion and the substrate and configured to support the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments relate to a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged multiple times and thus reused. Secondary batteries are used as an energy source for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. Depending on the type of external device to which the secondary battery is applied, the secondary battery can be used in the form of a single battery cell or in the form of a pack (where multiple battery cells are connected and combined into one unit or module).

[0003] The information disclosed in this background art of the present disclosure is only for helping to understand the background of the present disclosure, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One or more embodiments include a battery pack that includes a support configured to prevent damage to a substrate.

[0005] One or more embodiments include a battery pack that includes a support spaced apart from a protection element on a surface of a substrate.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the following description, will become apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a battery pack includes a battery cell and a pouch that houses the battery cell. The pouch includes a terrace along a portion of the pouch in which the electrodes of the battery cell extend from inside the pouch to outside in a first direction. The battery pack further includes a substrate that includes a protection element on a first surface of the substrate. The protection element is configured to control charging and discharging of the battery cell. A second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface of the substrate faces a module placement surface of the terrace. The battery pack further includes a molded portion covering the protection element on the first surface and at least one support between the molded portion and the substrate and configured to support the substrate.

[0008] The substrate, the molded portion, and the support may form a protection circuit module.

[0009] The module placement surface may be a recessed portion on the pouch in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0010] The substrate may extend longitudinally in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0011] The at least one support may extend longitudinally in the third direction.

[0012] The at least one support member may include a plurality of support members.

[0013] The plurality of support members may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction on a first surface of the substrate.

[0014] The at least one support member may not contact the protection element on the first surface of the substrate.

[0015] The at least one support member may include a through-hole structure for receiving the protection element.

[0016] The support member may include a metallic material.

[0017] The platform, the substrate, and the molding portion may overlap each other in a second direction.

[0018] In the second direction, the substrate may be on the platform and the molding portion may be on the substrate.

[0019] The molding portion may include a thermally conductive material configured to discharge heat emitted from the substrate to the outside of the protection circuit module.

[0020] The substrate may further include connection tabs on a second surface and electrically connected to the electrodes of the battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack during assembly according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 is a view for describing a platform of a pouch according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 is a view for describing connection tabs arranged on a substrate according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5A is a view for describing support members arranged on a substrate according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5B is a view for describing support members arranged on a substrate according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5C is a view for describing support members arranged on a substrate according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 is a connection diagram of a molded part and a substrate according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 7 is a view for describing a molded part formed on a substrate according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8 is a view for describing a structure according to an embodiment in which a protection circuit module is connected to a first electrode and a second electrode of a battery cell; and

[0032] Figure 9 is a view for describing a structure according to an embodiment in which a protection circuit module is disposed on a platform of a bag. Detailed Embodiments

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals always refer to like elements. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are described below only by referring to the drawings to illustrate aspects of the present specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The terms and words used in the above-described specification and claims should not be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the concept that the inventors can appropriately define terms so as to describe their invention in the best way. Accordingly, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the drawings and the embodiments described in the present specification are only the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and thus, various equivalents and modifications thereof may be available at the time of filing the present application. If used herein, "comprising, including" and / or "comprising... of, including... of" specify the presence of the recited shapes, numbers, steps, operations, members, components, and / or groups thereof, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more different shapes, numbers, operations, members, components, and / or groups. When describing embodiments of the present disclosure, "able to" or "can" may include "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure".

[0035] To assist in understanding the present disclosure, the drawings are not drawn to actual scale, but the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. In different embodiments, the same reference numerals may be given to the same components.

[0036] The statement that two comparison objects are "identical" to each other can mean that they are "substantially identical" to each other. Thus, the case where they are "substantially identical" to each other can include the case where they have a deviation that is considered to be at a low level (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). If a uniform parameter is uniform within a predetermined region, it can be said that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0037] Although first, second, etc. can be used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components, and unless specifically stated to the contrary, the first component can be the second component.

[0038] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated to the contrary, each component can be singular or plural.

[0039] If a component is arranged "on top (or bottom)" of another component or "on (or under)" another component, it can mean not only the case where the component is arranged adjacent to the top surface (or bottom surface) of the other component, but also the case where another component can be interposed between the other component and the component arranged on (or under) the other component.

[0040] If a component is described as "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that the components are directly connected to each other or can be directly connected to each other, but another component can be "interposed" between the components, or the components can be "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to each other through another component. If a part is electrically connected to another part, this can include not only the case where they are directly connected to each other, but also the case where they are connected through another element therebetween.

[0041] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" can mean A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specifically stated. That is, "and / or" can include all or any combination of the listed items. "C to D" can mean at least C but not more than D, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0042] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack 1 during assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery cell 20. The battery cell 20 may include a negative electrode plate, a positive electrode plate, and a separator between the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate. A negative tab electrically connected to an uncoated portion of the negative electrode may be on or in the negative electrode plate, and a positive tab electrically connected to an uncoated portion of the positive electrode may be on or in the positive electrode plate. The negative tab may be the first electrode 21. The positive tab may be the second electrode 22. The battery cell 20 may be, but is not limited to, an electrode assembly including the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22.

[0045] The battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pouch 30 configured to accommodate the battery cell 20. The pouch 30 may accommodate the battery cell 20. The battery cell 20 may be accommodated inside the pouch 30. The pouch 30 may cover the battery cell 20. The pouch 30 may expose at least a portion of each of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22. At least a portion of each of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may be exposed to the outside of the pouch 30. The portions of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 exposed to the outside of the pouch 30 may be electrically connected to the protection circuit module 40 described later with reference to Figure 6 description.

[0046] Figure 3 Draw a platform 31 of the pouch 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Draw Figure 2 of the pouch 30 with each corner sealed.

[0047] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be led out in a first direction (z-axis direction). The first direction (z-axis direction) may be the upward direction of the pouch 30. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20 may be led out in the upward direction (z-axis direction) of the pouch 30.

[0048] The pouch 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a platform 31 formed thereon (e.g., along a portion of the pouch 30). The pouch 30 may include a platform 31 formed in a first direction (z-axis direction), in which the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20 are led out. The platform 31 may be a portion in which the protection circuit module 40 described later with reference to Figure 6 description is disposed or positioned.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the platform 31 may include a module placement surface 311 provided in a direction facing the front surface of the bag 30. The module placement surface 311 may be a surface of the platform 31 arranged in a direction facing the front surface of the bag 30. The module placement surface 311 may be a recessed portion on the bag 30 in the second direction (x-axis direction). The module placement surface 311 may be a surface of the platform 31 that extends longitudinally in the lateral or width direction (y-axis direction). The module placement surface 311 may be a portion in which the protection circuit module 40 described below with reference to Figure 6 is arranged or positioned therein. However, the above description and the following description of the arrangement and functions of the platform 31 and the module placement surface 311 are only one embodiment, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0050] Figure 4 Draw a connection tab 53 arranged on a substrate 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A Draw a support 60 on the substrate 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to Figures 3 to 5A , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 may include a substrate 50 configured to be arranged on the module placement surface 311 of the platform 31. The substrate 50 may include a first surface 51 (see Figure 5A ) and a second surface 52 opposite to the first surface 51 (see Figure 4 ). The substrate 50 may include a protection element 500 on the first surface 51 to control the charging / discharging of the battery cell 20. The protection element 500 may control the charging and discharging of the battery cell 20. The protection element 500 may be electrically connected to the battery cell 20. The protection element 500 may selectively block or allow power supply to the battery cell 20. The protection element 500 may prevent excessive power supply to the battery cell 20. The protection element 500 may also be configured to prevent (or at least mitigate) the degradation of the battery cell 20 due to excessive power supplied to the battery cell 20. However, the arrangement and functions of the protection element 500 may not be limited to the above description.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate 50 may include connection tabs 53 electrically connected to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20, respectively. The connection tabs 53 may be on the second surface 52 of the substrate 50. The connection tabs 53 may be on a surface of the substrate 50 opposite to the surface on which the protection element 500 is arranged. However, the arrangement of the connection tabs 53 is not limited to the above description.

[0053] In addition, in one or more embodiments, in order to reduce the weight and size of the battery pack 1, the thickness of the substrate 50 does not exceed a threshold thickness. In embodiments where the thickness of the substrate 50 is minimized or at least reduced, the battery pack 1 is not overly heavy. In embodiments where the thickness of the substrate 50 does not exceed the threshold thickness, the size of the battery pack 1 is not overly large. The thickness of the substrate 50 may be the thickness of the substrate 50 measured in the second direction (x-axis direction). The second direction (x-axis direction) may intersect or cross the first direction (z-axis direction) in which the electrodes of the battery cell 20 are led out. The second direction (x-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the first direction (z-axis direction). The second direction (x-axis direction) may vertically pass through or cross the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 of the substrate 50. The thickness of the substrate 50 may be the shortest distance between the first surface 51 and the second surface 52. The thickness of the substrate 50 may be the shortest distance between the surface of the substrate 50 on which the protection element 500 is located and the other surface of the substrate 50 on which the connection tab 53 is located. However, the above description of the thickness of the substrate 50 is only an embodiment, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0054] The substrate 50 according to an embodiment may extend longitudinally in a third direction (y-axis direction). The third direction y may intersect a first direction (z-axis direction) from which the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20 are led out. The third direction (y-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the first direction (z-axis direction). The third direction (y-axis direction) may intersect a second direction (x-axis direction) and vertically pass through or cross a first surface 51 and a second surface 52 of the substrate 50. The third direction (y-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the second direction (x-axis direction). The third direction (y-axis direction) may intersect the first direction (z-axis direction) and the second direction (x-axis direction). The third direction (y-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the first direction (z-axis direction) and the second direction (x-axis direction). In an embodiment where the substrate 50 extends longitudinally in the third direction (y-axis direction), the size of the substrate 50 measured in the third direction (y-axis direction) may be greater than the sizes of the substrate 50 measured in the second direction (x-axis direction) and the first direction (z-axis direction). In one or more embodiments, the size of the substrate 50 in the third direction (y-axis direction) may be less than or equal to about 3 to about 30 times the size of the substrate 50 in the first direction (z-axis direction). That is, the ratio of the length of the substrate 50 to the width of the substrate 50 may be less than or equal to a value in the range from about 3 to about 30. The size of the substrate 50 in the third direction (y-axis direction) may be less than or equal to about 5 to about 10 times the size of the substrate 50 in the second direction (x-axis direction). That is, the ratio of the length of the substrate 50 to the thickness of the substrate 50 may be less than or equal to a value in the range from about 5 to about 10. The size of the substrate 50 in the third direction (y-axis direction) may be less than or equal to 10 to 200 times the size of the substrate 50 in the second direction (x-axis direction). The size of the substrate 50 in the third direction (y-axis) may be less than or equal to 20 to 100 times the size of the substrate 50 in the second direction (x-axis direction). However, the above description of the shape of the substrate 50 is only an embodiment, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0055] In an embodiment where the substrate 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure extends longitudinally in the third direction (y-axis direction), damage to the substrate 50 by an external force can be prevented. In an embodiment where the substrate 50 extends longitudinally in the third direction (y-axis direction), excessive torque can be prevented from being applied to the substrate 50. In an embodiment where the substrate 50 extends longitudinally in the third direction (y-axis direction), excessive shear stress can be prevented from being applied to the substrate 50. Various forces other than the foregoing forces may be applied to the substrate 50. In one or more embodiments, a force generated by the weight of the substrate 50 may be applied to the substrate 50. Hereinafter, a support 60 configured to prevent or at least mitigate damage to the substrate 50 will be described.

[0056] The battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a support member 60. The battery pack 1 may include a support member 60 configured to support a substrate 50. The support member 60 may be configured to enhance the strength of the substrate 50. The support member 60 may prevent an excessive torque from being applied to the substrate 50. The support member 60 may prevent an excessive shear stress from being applied to the substrate 50. The support member 60 may prevent the substrate 50 from being deformed due to an external force. The support member 60 may prevent the substrate 50 from being damaged. However, the functions of the support member 60 are not limited to the above description.

[0057] The support member 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may longitudinally extend in a direction in which the substrate 50 longitudinally extends. The support member 60 may extend in a third direction (y-axis direction). The support member 60 and the substrate 50 may each extend in the third direction (y-axis direction). Opposite ends of the support member 60 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., opposite ends in the y-axis direction) may be respectively disposed toward opposite ends of the substrate 50 in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction). The extending direction of the support member 60 and the extending direction of the substrate 50 may be aligned with each other or substantially aligned. In an embodiment in which the longitudinal extending direction of the support member 60 and the longitudinal extending direction of the substrate 50 are aligned with each other, an excessive force applied to the substrate 50 may be prevented or at least reduced. If the longitudinal extending direction of the support member 60 and the longitudinal extending direction of the substrate 50 are aligned with each other, damage to the substrate 50 may be prevented or at least reduced. However, in one or more embodiments in which the extending direction of the support member 60 and the extending direction of the substrate 50 are aligned with each other or substantially aligned, the support member 60 and the substrate 50 may not extend parallel to each other. In one or more embodiments in which the support member 60 extends in a direction aligned with or substantially aligned with the extending direction of the substrate 50, the support member 60 and the substrate 50 may be disposed at an angle (within a predetermined angle range) between the extending direction of the support member 60 and the extending direction of the substrate 50.

[0058] The support member 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. The support member 60 may support the substrate 50 on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. However, the arrangement of the support member 60 is not limited to the above description. In one or more embodiments, the support member 60 may be on the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 of the substrate 50.

[0059] The support member 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a solid material. The support member 60 may include a metal material. The support member 60 may include a heat-conductive material. In an embodiment in which the support member 60 includes a metal material, the support member 60 may stably support the substrate 50. In an embodiment in which the support member 60 includes a heat-conductive material, the support member 60 may sufficiently or adequately discharge heat emitted from the substrate 50 to the outside of the battery pack 1. However, the material of the support member 60 is not limited to the above description.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection element 500 and the support member 60 may both be on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. The support member 60 may be spaced apart from the protection element 500 by a predetermined distance on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. The support member 60 may not contact the protection element 500 on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. In an embodiment where the support member 60 does not contact the protection element 500, the support member 60 may not be electrically connected to the protection element 500. In an embodiment where the support member 60 is spaced apart from the protection element 500, the support member 60 may not be electrically connected to the protection element 500. However, the arrangement of the support member 60 and the protection element 500 is not limited to the foregoing description. The support member 60 may be spaced apart from the electronic components on the substrate 50 and the protection element 500 such that the support member 60 is not electrically connected to the electronic components.

[0061] Figure 5B The support member 60 on the substrate 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is drawn. Hereinafter, the description of the same components will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences between the embodiments.

[0062] Refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5B According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of support members 60 may be provided. The plurality of support members 60 may be arranged on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. The plurality of support members 60 may be arranged on the same surface of the substrate 50 as the protection element 500. The plurality of support members 60 may be arranged to avoid (e.g., not contact) the protection element 500 arranged on the substrate 50. Each of the plurality of support members 60 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the protection element 500 on the substrate 50. The plurality of support members 60 may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (z-axis direction) on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. In an embodiment where the plurality of support members 60 are spaced apart from each other in a first direction (z-axis direction) on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50, they may avoid the protection element 500. In an embodiment where the plurality of support members 60 are spaced apart from each other in a first direction (z-axis direction) on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50, they may not be electrically connected to the protection element 500. In an embodiment where the plurality of support members 60 are spaced apart from each other in a first direction (z-axis direction) on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50, they may stably support the substrate 50 in an area where they are not electrically connected to the protection element 500. However, the arrangement of the plurality of support members 60 is not limited to the foregoing description. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of support members 60 may be spaced apart from each other in a third direction (y-axis direction) on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. The arrangement of the plurality of support members 60 on the substrate 50 may be modified in various ways as long as the arrangement can support the substrate 50 without being connected to the protection element 500 on the substrate 50.

[0063] Figure 5C is a view for describing a support 60 disposed on a substrate 50 according to an embodiment.

[0064] Referring to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5C According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the support 60 may include a through-hole structure 61. The support 60 may include the through-hole structure 61 to avoid an area or areas where a protection element 500 is disposed. The through-hole structure 61 may define an area or areas where the protection element 500 is disposed. The through-hole structure 61 may accommodate the protection element 500. The through-hole structure 61 may provide a space or spaces where the protection element 500 is spaced apart from the support 60 to prevent the support 60 from being electrically connected to the protection element 500. The protection element 500 may be in the through-hole structure 61 of the support 60. The protection element 500 may be in the through-hole structure 61 of the support 60 without contacting the support 60. Due to the through-hole structure 61, the support 60 may effectively support the substrate 50 without contacting the protection element 500. The through-hole structure 61 may penetrate the support 60 in the thickness direction (x-axis direction) of the substrate 50. The through-hole structure 61 may penetrate the support 60 in a second direction (x-axis direction). Figure 5C The through-hole structure 61 of the support 60 shown is illustrated as circular, but the shape of the through-hole structure 61 is not limited thereto. The through-hole structure 61 of the support 60 may have various shapes (including polygonal shapes) as long as the support 60 can support the substrate 50 without being connected to the protection element 500 on the substrate 50.

[0065] Figure 6 Draw a molding part 70 and a substrate 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 Draw a molding part 70 on a substrate 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to Figures 4 to 7 According to an embodiment, the battery pack 1 may include a molding part 70. The molding part 70 may be on a first surface 51 of the substrate 50. The molding part 70 may cover the protection element 500 on the substrate 50. The molding part 70 may cover at least a part of the support 60 on the substrate 50. The molding part 70 may be on the same surface of the substrate 50 as the protection element 500. The molding part 70 may be on the same surface of the substrate 50 as the support 60.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the molding portion 70 may extend longitudinally in the direction in which the substrate 50 extends longitudinally. The molding portion 70 may include a solid material. The material of the molding portion 70 may include a resin. The material of the molding portion 70 may include a metal. The molding portion 70 may prevent or at least mitigate deformation of the substrate 50 due to an external force. However, the material and function of the molding portion 70 are not limited to the foregoing description.

[0068] Referring to Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 7 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 may include a flexible printed circuit board 80 electrically connected to an end portion of the substrate 50. The flexible printed circuit board 80 may be electrically connected to this end portion of the substrate 50. A connector 81 for communicating with an external device may be on the flexible printed circuit board 80. The connector 81 may electrically connect the external device to the battery cell 20. The flexible printed circuit board 80 may be flexible to enable a user to adjust the position of the connector 81. In an embodiment where the flexible printed circuit board 80 is flexible, adjustment of the relative position of the connector 81 and the substrate 50 may be allowed.

[0069] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the substrate 50, the molding portion 70, and the support member 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may form a protection circuit module 40. The protection circuit module 40 may include the substrate 50, the molding portion 70, and the support member 60. Hereinafter, a structure in which the protection circuit module 40 is disposed on the platform 31 of the bag 30 will be described.

[0070] Figure 8 Draw a configuration in which the protection circuit module 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20. Figure 9 Draw a configuration in which the protection circuit module 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is on the platform 31 of the bag 30.

[0071] Referring to Figures 4 to 9 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection tab 53 on the substrate 50 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20. In an embodiment where the connection tab 53 is connected to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20, the battery cell 20 may be electrically connected to the substrate 50. In an embodiment where the connection tab 53 is connected to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20, the battery cell 20 may be electrically connected to the protection circuit module 40.

[0072] After the connection tab 53 is connected to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 of the battery cell 20, the protection circuit module 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be on the platform 31 of the pouch 30 by pivoting or rotating. By pivoting or rotating the protection circuit module 40 about the third direction (y-axis direction), the protection circuit module 40 can be on the platform 31 of the pouch 30. In one or more embodiments, pivoting or rotating the protection circuit module 40 about the third direction (y-axis direction) may mean that the second surface 52 of the substrate 50 moves from the direction facing the front surface of the pouch 30 to the direction facing the rear surface of the pouch 30. Pivoting or rotating the protection circuit module 40 about the third direction (y-axis direction) may mean that the second surface 52 of the substrate 50 moves from the direction facing the second direction (x-axis direction) to the direction opposite to the second direction (x-axis direction). Pivoting or rotating the protection circuit module 40 about the third direction (y-axis direction) may mean that the first surface 51 of the substrate 50 moves from the direction facing the rear surface of the pouch 30 to the direction facing the front surface of the pouch 30. Pivoting or rotating the protection circuit module 40 about the third direction (y-axis direction) may mean that the first surface 51 of the substrate 50 moves from the direction opposite to the second direction (x-axis direction) to the direction facing the second direction (x-axis direction).

[0073] Referring to Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 9 , according to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second surface 52 of the substrate 50 may be disposed opposite to the module placement surface 311 of the platform 31. The module placement surface 311 of the platform 31 may be a surface formed on the platform 31 in the direction facing the front surface of the pouch 30. The module placement surface 311 of the platform 31 may be disposed in the second direction x. The module placement surface 311 of the platform 31 may be a surface formed on the platform 31 in the second direction x.

[0074] The protection circuit module 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be fixed such that the second surface 52 of the substrate 50 faces the module placement surface 311 of the platform 31 (e.g., faces the module placement surface 311 of the platform 31). To fix the protection circuit module 40 such that the second surface 52 of the substrate 50 faces the module placement surface 311, the protection circuit module 40 and the module placement surface 311 may be arranged to overlap in the second direction (x-axis direction).

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the platform 31, the substrate 50, and the molding portion 70 may overlap in a second direction (x-axis direction). The platform 31, the substrate 50, and the molding portion 70 may be arranged in the stated order in the second direction (x-axis direction). Heat emitted from the substrate 50 may be discharged in the second direction x. Heat emitted from the substrate 50 may be discharged through the molding portion 70 in the second direction (x-axis direction). The molding portion 70 may include a material having a high thermal conductivity. The molding portion 70 may include a thermally conductive material capable of discharging heat emitted from the substrate 50 to the outside of the protection circuit module 40. The molding portion 70 may discharge heat emitted from the substrate 50 to the outside of the battery pack 1.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate 50, the support 60, and the molding portion 70 may be arranged to overlap in a second direction (x-axis direction). The substrate 50, the support 60, and the molding portion 70 may be arranged in the stated order in the second direction (x-axis direction). The support 60 may be between the substrate 50 and the molding portion 70. The support 60 may be on the same surface of the substrate 50 as the protection element 500. The support 60 may be adjacent to the protection element 500 on the first surface 51 of the substrate 50. The support 60 may include a material having a high thermal conductivity. The support 60 may include a thermally conductive material capable of discharging heat emitted from the substrate 50 to the outside of the protection circuit module 40. The support 60 may transfer heat emitted from the substrate 50 to the molding portion 70. The support 60 may cause heat emitted from the substrate 50 to be discharged to the outside of the protection circuit module 40. In an embodiment where the substrate 50, the support 60, and the molding portion 70 are arranged to overlap in the second direction (x-axis direction), the support 60 may transfer or discharge heat emitted from the substrate 50 to the molding portion 70 sufficiently.

[0077] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other examples can be made from the examples shown.

[0078] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other examples can be made from the examples shown.

[0079] The battery pack according to the present disclosure may be configured to prevent damage to the substrate by including a support for supporting the substrate.

[0080] The battery pack according to the present disclosure may provide a protection circuit module capable of effectively protecting the substrate by a support, the support being arranged to avoid the protection element on the substrate.

[0081] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment is generally to be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0082] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0001517, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 4, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: a battery cell; a pouch for accommodating the battery cell, the pouch including a platform along a portion of the pouch, in which portion of the pouch the electrodes of the battery cell extend from inside the pouch to outside in a first direction; a substrate including a protection element on a first surface of the substrate, the protection element configured to control charging and discharging of the battery cell, wherein a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface of the substrate faces a module placement surface of the platform; a molding portion covering the protection element on the first surface; and at least one support member between the molding portion and the substrate, the at least one support member configured to support the substrate.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the substrate, the molding portion and the support member form a protection circuit module.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the module placement surface is a recessed portion on the pouch in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the substrate extends longitudinally in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the support member extends longitudinally in the third direction.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the at least one support member includes a plurality of support members.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of support members are spaced apart from each other in the first direction on the first surface of the substrate.

8. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the at least one support member does not contact the protection element on the first surface of the substrate.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the at least one support member includes a through-hole structure for accommodating the protection element.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the at least one support member includes a metallic material.

11. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the platform, the substrate and the molding portion overlap each other in the second direction.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein in the second direction, the substrate is on the platform and the molding portion is on the substrate.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the molding portion includes a heat-conducting material configured to discharge heat emitted from the substrate to the outside of the protection circuit module.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the substrate includes connection tabs on the second surface and electrically connected to the electrodes of the battery cell.

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