Battery pack and method of manufacturing battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack and a method of manufacturing the battery pack are provided. The battery pack includes: a battery cell extending in a vertical direction and including a plurality of electrode tabs; a substrate on which the protection element is arranged, the substrate being fixed to an upper end of the battery cell and electrically connected to the plurality of electrode tabs; and a support plate disposed between the battery cells and the substrate and supporting the substrate, in which the support plate includes at least two local support portions spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction crossing the vertical direction.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0006629, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 16, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments relate to a battery pack and a method of manufacturing the battery pack. Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Secondary batteries with low capacity are typically used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, and secondary batteries with high capacity are widely used as power sources for driving electric motors in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc., and as batteries for storing electric power. Such a secondary battery pack includes an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and thus it may include information that does not form the related art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments include a battery pack that includes a substrate capable of supporting a protection circuit module and a support plate that prevents damage to the substrate.

[0006] However, the technical objects to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following disclosure.

[0007] Additional aspects will be partially described below, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the presented embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a battery pack includes: battery cells extending in a vertical direction and including a plurality of electrode tabs; a substrate on which a protection element is disposed, the substrate being fixed to an upper end of the battery cells and electrically connected to the plurality of electrode tabs; and a support plate disposed between the battery cells and the substrate and supporting the substrate, wherein the support plate includes at least two partial support portions spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0009] The substrate, the support plate, and the battery cells may be sequentially arranged in a vertical direction from an upper portion of the battery pack toward a lower portion of the battery pack.

[0010] The substrate may include a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of electrode tabs are connected to the first surface, and a support plate is disposed on the second surface.

[0011] At least two local support portions may include a first support portion and a second support portion disposed at opposite end portions in the horizontal direction of the substrate.

[0012] The protection element may be disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

[0013] The thickness of the first support portion and the thickness of the second support portion may be greater than the thickness of the protection element.

[0014] The first support portion and the second support portion may each have a stepped portion facing the direction of the substrate.

[0015] The protection element may be disposed on the first surface of the substrate.

[0016] At least two local support portions may further include a third support portion formed at a position corresponding to the protection element along the horizontal direction, and the substrate is between the third support portion and the protection element in the vertical direction, and the third support portion is formed to have a width greater than the width of the protection element in the horizontal direction.

[0017] The support plate may include a stepped portion in the direction facing the substrate between at least two local support portions.

[0018] The surface of the substrate between at least two local support portions may be exposed.

[0019] According to some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a battery pack is provided, the method including: providing a battery cell extending in a vertical direction and including a plurality of electrode tabs; fixing a substrate to an upper end of the battery cell; disposing a protection element on the substrate; electrically connecting the substrate to the plurality of electrode tabs; providing a support plate between the battery cell and the substrate to support the substrate, wherein the support plate includes at least two local support portions spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0020] Providing the support plate may include providing the support plate such that the substrate, the support plate, and the battery cell may be sequentially arranged in the vertical direction from an upper portion of the battery pack toward a lower portion of the battery pack.

[0021] The substrate may include a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, electrically connecting the substrate to the plurality of electrode tabs may include electrically connecting the plurality of electrode tabs connected to the first surface, and providing the support plate may include disposing the support plate on the second surface of the substrate.

[0022] The provided support plate may include arranging a first support portion and a second support portion of at least two local support portions at opposite end portions in the horizontal direction of the substrate.

[0023] Arranging the protection element on the substrate may include arranging the protection element on the second surface of the substrate.

[0024] The thickness of the first support portion and the thickness of the second support portion may be provided to be greater than the thickness of the protection element.

[0025] The first support portion and the second support portion may be provided to each have a stepped portion in the direction toward the substrate.

[0026] Arranging the protection element on the substrate may include arranging the protection element on the first surface of the substrate.

[0027] Providing at least two local support portions may further include providing a third support portion formed at a position corresponding to the protection element along the horizontal direction, and the substrate is between the third support portion and the protection element in the vertical direction, and the third support portion may be formed to have a width greater than the width of the protection element in the horizontal direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a process of connecting a protection circuit module to an electrode tab according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a process of applying a force to a protection circuit module according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a process of arranging a protection circuit module on a battery cell according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a protection circuit module is arranged on a battery cell according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a protection circuit module according to some embodiments;

[0035] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a protection circuit module according to some embodiments;

[0036] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a stepped structure of a support plate according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a process of arranging a protection circuit module on a battery cell according to some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a process of arranging a protection circuit module on a battery cell according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a state where a protection circuit module is arranged on a battery cell according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a protection circuit module according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a protection circuit module according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a stepped structure of a support plate according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a reinforcing layer according to some embodiments. Detailed Description

[0045] Now, embodiments illustrated by examples in the drawings will be described in detail, where the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. In this regard, the current embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are described below only by referring to the drawings to illustrate the aspects described herein. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. If an expression such as "at least one of..." follows a list of elements, it modifies the entire list of elements rather than individual elements of the list.

[0046] In the following, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to the conventional and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the principle that allows the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation, based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the description presented herein is only a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalent and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should also be understood that when the term "comprising or including" is used in this specification, it specifies the presence of the described features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or their groups. When describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" means "at least the present disclosure".

[0047] In addition, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale to assist in understanding the present invention, and the dimensions of some components may be enlarged. In addition, the same elements in different embodiments may be given the same reference numerals.

[0048] The term "equal" means "substantially equal". Therefore, substantially equal may include deviations regarded as low levels in the corresponding technical field, such as deviations of 5% or less. In addition, the uniform parameters in a predetermined area may refer to being uniform from an average perspective.

[0049] Expressions including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" indicate various elements, but the above expressions do not limit the elements. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the first element may be the second element.

[0050] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form.

[0051] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "on (or under) another element" or "above (or below)", it may be arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the other element, but the other element may be arranged between this element and other elements on (or under) this element.

[0052] It should be further understood that when an element is referred to as "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another element, the elements may be directly connected or joined to each other, but there may be intermediate elements between them, or each element may be "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to each other through another element. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "electrically coupled" to another element, the element may be directly electrically coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements.

[0053] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise defined, the term "A and / or B" means A, B, or both A and B. That is, the term "and / or" includes all or any combination of the associated and arranged multiple items. Unless otherwise described, the term "C to D" means C or more and D or less.

[0054] The battery pack and / or the battery module may include a protection circuit module configured to protect the internal circuit during charging and / or discharging. The protection circuit module may include a substrate on which protection circuit elements (i.e., protection elements) are arranged. The protection circuit module may be arranged in a package forming the outside of the battery pack, and / or may be arranged on the package of the battery pack. It may be necessary to prevent damage to the protection circuit module due to external force.

[0055] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to one or more embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack 1 according to some embodiments.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 , the battery pack 1 may include a battery cell 10 configured to store electric power. The battery cell 10 may include a secondary battery cell. The battery cell 10 may include a pouch-type battery. The battery cell 10 may extend in the vertical direction. The vertical direction may refer to the first direction. The first direction may be parallel to the z-axis. The type and shape of the battery cell 10 are not limited to the above description.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the battery pack 1 may include a protection circuit module 20. The protection circuit module 20 may be configured to protect the internal circuit when the battery cell 10 is charging and / or discharging. In some embodiments, the protection circuit module 20 may be arranged on the battery cell 10. In some embodiments, the protection circuit module 20 may be arranged above the battery cell 10. When the battery cell 10 is charging and / or discharging, the electric power transmitted to the battery cell 10 / the electric power transmitted from the battery cell 10 may be transmitted via the protection circuit module 20. The protection circuit module 20 may be connected to a connector 100 configured to connect the battery cell 10 to an external device. However, the functions and performances of the protection circuit module 20 are not limited to the above description.

[0059] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a process of connecting the protection circuit module 20 to the electrode tab 11 according to some embodiments. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a process of applying a force P to the protection circuit module 20 according to some embodiments. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a process of arranging the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10 according to some embodiments. Figure 5is a perspective view showing a state in which a protection circuit module 20 is disposed on a battery cell 10 according to some embodiments.

[0060] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , according to the illustrated embodiment, the protection circuit module 20 may be electrically connected to an electrode tab 11 of the battery cell 10. A process of connecting the protection circuit module 20 to the electrode tab 11 of the battery cell 10 may be necessary. The protection circuit module 20 may include an electrode receiving portion 300. The electrode receiving portion 300 may be electrically connected to the electrode tab 11 of the battery cell 10.

[0061] The protection circuit module 20 may be electrically connected to the battery pack 1 and disposed on the battery cell 10. Hereinafter, a process of electrically connecting the protection circuit module 20 to the electrode tab 11 of the battery cell 10 and disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10 will be described in detail below.

[0062] Return reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , according to the illustrated embodiment, the battery cell 10 may include a plurality of electrode tabs 11. The electrode tab 11 may include a nickel tab. The electrode tab 11 may include a flexible electrode tab 11. The electrode tab 11 may be disposed on the battery cell 10. The electrode tab 11 may electrically connect the protection circuit module 20 to the battery cell 10. The protection circuit module may be electrically connected to the battery cell 10 via the electrode tab 11.

[0063] The protection circuit module 20 may include a substrate 30. The substrate 30 may be a flexible circuit board 30. The substrate 30 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Components of the protection circuit module 20 may be disposed on an upper surface and / or a lower surface of the substrate 30. The lower surface of the substrate 30 may be a surface of the protection circuit module 20 facing the battery cell 10. The upper surface of the substrate 30 may be another surface opposite to the lower surface. A direction in which the upper surface and the lower surface are connected to each other may be parallel to a direction in which the battery cell 10 extends. A direction in which the upper surface and the lower surface are connected to each other may be defined as a first direction. The first direction may be parallel to the z-axis. The type, arrangement, and configuration of the substrate 30 are not limited to the above description.

[0064] The protection circuit module 20 according to the illustrated embodiment may be disposed on the battery cell 10. Disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10 may mean that the substrate 30 may be disposed on the battery cell 10. Accordingly, the substrate 30 may be disposed on the battery cell 10. The substrate 30 may be disposed on the surface of the upper end of the battery cell 10. In particular, the substrate 30 may be disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell 10. Disposing the substrate 30 on the upper surface of the battery cell 10 may mean that the lower surface of the substrate 30 is disposed in the direction facing the battery cell 10. However, the arrangement of the substrate 30 and the battery cell 10 is not limited to the above description.

[0065] The substrate 30 according to the embodiment may have a thickness in the vertical direction and a width in the horizontal direction. The vertical direction may be parallel to the direction in which the battery cell 10 extends. The vertical direction may refer to the first direction. The vertical direction may be parallel to the z-axis.

[0066] As described herein, the substrate 30 may have a width in the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction may intersect the direction in which the battery cell 10 extends. The horizontal direction may be perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cell 10 extends. The horizontal direction may refer to a second direction that intersects the first direction. The horizontal direction may be parallel to the x-axis. However, the shape of the substrate 30 is not limited to the above description.

[0067] The protection circuit module 20 according to the embodiment may include a protection element 4 disposed on the substrate 30. The protection element 4 may include an integrated circuit (IC) device. The protection element 4 may refer to an IC chip. The protection element 4 may perform at least some of the circuit protection functions performed by the protection circuit module 20. However, the function of the protection element 4 is not limited to the above description.

[0068] The protection element 4 according to some embodiments may be disposed on the substrate 30. The protection element 4 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 30. One surface of the substrate 30 may be at least one of the surface of the substrate 30 facing the battery cell 10 and / or the opposite surface. However, the position where the protection element 4 is disposed on the substrate 30 is not limited to the above description. For example, the protection element 4 may be disposed on each of the surface of the substrate 30 facing the battery cell 10 and the opposite surface of the substrate 30.

[0069] The protection element 4 according to the embodiment may be disposed on the central portion of the substrate 30. The central portion of the substrate 30 may refer to a position in the middle that spans the width of the substrate 30 in the horizontal direction. The central portion of the substrate 30 may be spaced apart from the opposite end portions of the substrate 30 by a certain distance in the horizontal direction. However, the position where the protection element 4 is disposed on the substrate 30 is not limited to the above description. For example, the protection element 4 may be disposed at one of the opposite end portions of the substrate 30.

[0070] The protection circuit module 20 according to an embodiment may include a support plate 5. The support plate 5 may be configured to support the substrate 30. The support plate 5 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 30. The support plate 5 may be provided to protect the substrate 30. The support plate 5 may be provided to protect the protection element 4. The function and shape of the support plate 5 will be described in detail later.

[0071] Return reference Figures 2 to 5 , the protection circuit module 20 may be disposed above the battery cell 10 by connecting the electrode tab 11 of the battery cell 10 to the substrate 30 and rotating the substrate 30. Disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10 may mean that the substrate 30 may be disposed above the battery cell 10. Disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10 may be at least a part of the process of fixing the protection circuit module 20 to the battery cell 10.

[0072] The protection circuit module 20 may be fixed to the upper end of the battery cell 10. The substrate 30 may be fixed to the upper end of the battery cell 10. Fixing the substrate 30 to the upper end of the battery cell 10 may include cases where a member serving as a fixing member and / or a support member intervenes therebetween, and cases where the substrate 30 is in direct contact with the upper surface of the battery cell 10.

[0073] Reference Figures 3 to 5 , in the process of disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10, the substrate 30 may be rotated to face the battery cell 10. During the process of disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10, the substrate 30 may be rotated about the width direction as an axis. During the process of disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10, the substrate 30 may be rotated about the second direction. During the process of disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10, the substrate 30 may be rotated about the x-axis direction. However, rotation of the substrate 30 may not be necessary during the process of disposing the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10. For example, the substrate 30 may be disposed on the battery cell 10 by connecting the electrode tab 11 to the electrode receiving part 300 while the substrate 30 is disposed on the battery cell 10.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the electrode tab 11 of the battery cell 10 and / or the electrode receiving portion 300 of the substrate 30 may include a flexible material. If the substrate 30 is rotated while the electrode tab 11 is electrically connected to the electrode receiving portion 300, the electrode receiving portion 300 and / or the electrode tab 11 may change their shape along the surface of the substrate 30. If the substrate 30 is rotated when the electrode tab 11 is electrically connected to the electrode receiving portion 300, the electrode receiving portion 300 and / or the electrode tab 11 may bend according to the rotation direction of the substrate 30. However, the material and shape of the electrode receiving portion 300 and / or the electrode tab 11 are not limited to the above description.

[0075] During the process of arranging the substrate 300 on the battery cell 10, an external force may be applied to the protection circuit module 20. During the process of arranging the substrate 300 on the battery cell 10, an external force may be applied to the substrate 30. During the process of rotating the substrate 30, an external force may be applied to the substrate 30. The direction of the external force applied to the substrate 30 may be parallel to the thickness direction of the substrate 30. The external force may be caused by mechanical operation or the force P applied by an operator. However, the external force applied to the substrate 30 is not limited to the above description. For example, after arranging the protection circuit module 20 on the battery cell 10, an external force may be applied to the substrate 30. For example, referring to Figure 5 , an external force Q may be applied from the upper direction of the battery pack 1.

[0076] The protection circuit module 20 according to an embodiment may have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the substrate 30 may be 0.6 mm to 1.3 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the substrate 30 may be 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm. However, the above thickness of the protection circuit module is an example, and the thickness is not limited thereto. The example thickness of the substrate 30 provided here may be an approximate thickness. The thickness of the substrate may be ±5% of the example thickness provided herein.

[0077] If an excessive external force is applied to the substrate 30, the substrate 30 may be damaged. If an excessive external force is applied to the substrate 30, the protection element 4 may be damaged. If an excessive external force is applied to the substrate 30, the substrate 30 may bend. If the substrate 30 bends, the protection element 4 may be damaged. Therefore, it may be necessary to prevent damage to the protection circuit module 20 due to external forces.

[0078] Hereinafter, the functions and structures of the support plate 5 formed to protect the substrate 30 and / or the protection element 4 will be described in detail below.

[0079] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a protection circuit module 20 according to some embodiments. Figure 6 may be shown in the y-axis direction Figure 3Front view of the protection circuit module 20.

[0080] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , according to an embodiment, the support plate 5 of the protection circuit module 20 may include a support plate 5. The support plate 5 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 30. The support plate 5 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 30 in the vertical direction. The support plate 5 may be disposed on a surface of the substrate 30 other than the surface on which the electrode accommodating portion 300 is disposed. The support plate 5 may be disposed on the substrate 30 in a direction different from the direction of the electrode accommodating portion 300. However, the arrangement of the support plate 5 is not limited to the above description. For example, the support plate 5 may be disposed on two surfaces of the substrate 30 in the up and down direction. For example, the support plate 5 may be disposed on the same surface of the substrate 30 as the surface on which the electrode accommodating portion 300 is disposed.

[0081] The support plate 5 according to an embodiment may strengthen the substrate 30. The support plate 5 may bond the substrate 30 to the upper end of the battery cell 10. The support plate 5 may include a material having a strength greater than that of the substrate 30. However, the function of the support plate 5 is not limited to the above description.

[0082] The substrate 30 according to an embodiment may include a second surface 32 and a first surface 31 opposite to the second surface 31. The second surface 32 may be the surface on which the electrode accommodating portion 300 of the substrate 30 is disposed. The second surface 32 may be the surface to which the electrode tab 11 of the substrate 30 is connected. The second surface 32 may be the surface of the substrate 30 that faces the battery cell 10. The second surface 32 may be the surface of the substrate 30 that is disposed on the battery cell 10. The second surface 32 may be the surface of the substrate 30 that is attached to the battery cell 10. The second surface 32 may be the surface of the substrate 30 that is fixed to the battery cell 10. The first surface 31 may be opposite to the second surface 32. The second surface 32 and the first surface 31 may be disposed in the z-axis direction (e.g., separated along the z-axis). The second surface 32 and the first surface 31 may be disposed in the up and down direction (e.g., separated along the up and down direction).

[0083] In Figure 6 , the second surface 32 of the substrate 30 faces upward, but referring to Figures 3 to 5 , it can be easily understood that the second surface 32 of the substrate 30 in the battery pack 1 is disposed to face the battery cell 10.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the support plate 5 may be disposed on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The support plate 5 may be attached to the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The support plate 5 may support the substrate 30 on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The support plate 5 may be disposed between the battery cell 10 and the substrate 30. The substrate 30, the support plate 5, and the battery cell 10 may be sequentially arranged from the upper portion toward the lower portion. The substrate 30, the support plate 5, and the battery cell 10 may be sequentially arranged in the direction in which the battery cell 10 extends. The substrate 30, the support plate 5, and the battery cell 10 may be sequentially arranged in a first direction. The substrate 30, the support plate 5, and the battery cell 10 may be sequentially arranged in the z-axis direction. However, the arrangement of the substrate 30, the support plate 5, and the battery cell 10 is not limited to the above description.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the protection element 4 may be disposed on the first surface 31 of the substrate 30. The protection element 4 may be disposed on a surface opposite to the surface of the substrate 30 on which the support plate 5 is disposed. However, the arrangement of the protection element 4 is not limited to the above description. For example, the protection element 4 may be disposed on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30.

[0086] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to an embodiment, the support plate 5 may include local support portions 50. There may be a plurality of local support portions 50. Two or more local support portions 50 may be provided. The local support portions 50 forming the support plate 5 may be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The local support portions 50 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the substrate 30 in the horizontal direction. The local support portions 50 may be disposed on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30 while being spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction may be the width direction of the substrate. The horizontal direction may refer to a second direction that intersects the first direction along which the battery cell 10 extends. The horizontal direction may be a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cell 10 extends. The horizontal direction may be parallel to the x-axis. However, the direction in which the local support portions are spaced apart from each other is not limited to the above description.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the local support portion 50 may include a first support portion 51 and a second support portion 52. The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 may be disposed at opposite end portions in the horizontal direction of the substrate 30 on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance in the second direction on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 may support the substrate 30 on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 may support the substrate 30 at opposite end portions in the horizontal direction of the substrate 30.

[0088] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a protection circuit module 20 according to some embodiments. Figure 7 may conceptually describe what would happen Figure 3 if an external force as shown Figure 6 is applied to the protection circuit module 20 shown in FIG. 2.

[0089] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 , according to an embodiment, the support plate 5 may disperse an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20. The local support portion 50 may disperse an external force applied to the substrate 30. If an external force is applied to the substrate 30, the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 may disperse the external force to opposite end portions of the substrate 30. If an external force is applied to the substrate 30, the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 may disperse the force in the width direction of the substrate 30. However, the functions of the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 are not limited to the above description.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the local support portion 50 may include a third support portion 53. The third support portion 53 may be disposed between the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52. The third support portion 53 may be disposed on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30 between the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52. The third support portion 53 may prevent damage to the protection element 4 due to an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the protection element 4 may have a width wp in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction of the substrate 30. The width wp of the protection element 4 may be the width of the protection element 4 measured in a direction parallel to the second direction. The second direction may refer to a direction perpendicular to the first direction along which the battery cell 10 extends. The width wp of the protection element 4 may be the width of the protection element 4 measured in a direction parallel to the x-axis direction.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the third support portion 53 may have a width ws in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction of the substrate 30. The width ws of the third support portion 53 may refer to the width of the third support portion 53 measured in a direction parallel to the second direction. The width ws of the third support portion 53 may refer to the width of the protection element 4 measured in a direction parallel to the x-axis direction.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the third support portion 53 may be formed to be wider than the width wp of the protection element 4 in the horizontal direction at a position corresponding to the protection element 4. The width ws of the third support portion 53 may be greater than the width wp of the protection element 4. Opposite end portions of the protection element 4 in the horizontal direction may be within the width ws of the third support portion 53. Opposite end portions of the third support portion 53 in the horizontal direction may be positioned outside opposite end portions of the protection element 4 in the horizontal direction. However, the arrangement of the third support portion 53 and the protection element 4 is not limited to the above description.

[0094] The third support portion 53 may protect the protection element 4 from an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20. The third support portion 53 may prevent damage to the protection element 4. The third support portion 53 may prevent an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20 from being transmitted to the protection element 4. The third support portion 53 may prevent an external force applied to the substrate 30 from being transmitted to the protection element 4. However, the function of the third support portion 53 is not limited to the above description.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the local support portion 50 may be in direct contact with the surface of the substrate 30. The local support portion 50 may be arranged to contact the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. If an external force is applied to the substrate 30, the surface of the substrate 30 in contact with the local support portion 50 may not deform at a position corresponding to the protection element 4.

[0096] The local support portion 50 may effectively disperse an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20. If an external force is applied to the substrate 30, the separation space between the local support portions 50 may disperse an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20. For example, the separation space between the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 and / or the separation space between the second support portion 52 and the third support portion 53 may disperse an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20. However, the function of the local support portion 50 is not limited to the above description. For example, the local support portion 50 may protect the substrate 30 from an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20 from the upper direction of the battery pack 1. For example, the local support portion 50 may protect the protection element 4 from an external force applied to the protection circuit module 20 from the upper direction of the battery pack 1.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the local support portion 50 may at least partially expose the substrate 30. The local support portion 50 may at least partially expose the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The second surface 32 of the substrate 30 may be at least partially exposed between the separation spaces among the local support portions 50. However, in some embodiments, the local support portion 50 may not expose the substrate 30. Hereinafter, embodiments in which the local support portion 50 does not expose the substrate 30 will be described below.

[0098] Figure 8 It is a conceptual diagram illustrating the step structure 500 of the support plate 5 according to some embodiments.

[0099] The support plate 5 according to an embodiment may have a step structure 500 (or a step portion). The support plate 5 may have a step structure 500 between the partial support portions 50. The support plate 5 may have a step structure 500 in the direction toward the substrate 30. The direction toward the substrate 30 may refer to the direction facing the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The step structure 500 may be formed between the partial support portions 50. The step structure 500 may be provided between the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52. The step structure 500 may be provided between the first support portion 51 and the third support portion 53. The step structure 500 may be provided between the third support portion 53 and the second support portion 52. The step structure 500 may connect the first support portion 51 to the third support portion 53. The step structure 500 may be formed at a level lower than the surface levels of the first support portion 51 and the third support portion 53. The step structure 500 may connect the third support portion 53 to the second support portion 52. The surface level of the step structure 500 may be lower than the surface levels of the third support portion 53 and the second support portion 52. The surface level may refer to the distance by which the upper surface of the support plate 5 or the step structure 500 is spaced apart from the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. However, the detailed shape of the step structure 500 is not limited to the above description. For example, the step structure 500 may have a multi-step structure. The step structure 500 may have multiple surface levels.

[0100] The support plate 5 having the step structure 500 may not expose the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The second surface 32 of the substrate 30 may refer to the surface of the substrate 30 on which the support plate 5 is disposed. However, in some embodiments, even if the support plate 5 has the step structure 500, the second surface 32 of the substrate 30 may be exposed. For example, the case where the step structure 500 is provided between the partial support portions 50 may be combined with the case where the step structure 500 is not provided between the partial support portions 50. In this case, the partial support portions 50 that are spaced apart from each other and do not have the step structure 500 may expose the second surface 32 of the substrate 30.

[0101] If an external force is applied to the protection circuit module 20, the step structure 500 may prevent an excessive force from being applied to the substrate 30. If an external force is applied to the protection circuit module 20, the step structure 500 may prevent an excessive force from being applied to the protection element 4. The step structure 500 may disperse the force applied to the substrate 30. The step structure 500 may refer to the portion where the force applied to the substrate 30 is concentrated. The step structure 500 may prevent the force from concentrating on the protection element 4. However, the function of the step structure 500 is not limited to the above description.

[0102] In the following, a battery pack different from the battery pack 1 described above with reference to another embodiment will be described. Redundant descriptions are omitted and the differences will be described below. Figures 1 to 8 The battery pack described below is different from the battery pack 1. Redundant descriptions are omitted and the differences will be described below.

[0103] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a battery pack 1' according to some embodiments. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a process of arranging a protection circuit module 20' on a battery cell 10 according to some embodiments. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a process of arranging a protection circuit module 20' on a battery cell 10 according to some embodiments. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a protection circuit module 20' is arranged on a battery cell 10 according to some embodiments.

[0104] Reference Figures 9 to 12 , according to an embodiment, the battery pack 1' may include a protection circuit module 20'. The protection circuit module 20' may include a substrate 30 and protection elements 4. The protection elements 4 may be arranged on the substrate 30. The protection elements 4 may be arranged on the surface of the substrate 30. The substrate 30 may include a first surface 31 connecting a plurality of electrode tabs 11 and a second surface 32 opposite to the first surface 31. The protection elements 4 may be located on the second surface 32. Different from the example in which the protection elements 4 described above with reference Figures 1 to 8 are arranged on the first surface 31 of the substrate 30, the protection elements 4 according to the currently described embodiment may be arranged on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The protection elements 4 may be arranged on a surface opposite to the surface of the substrate 30 on which the electrode tabs 11 are arranged. However, the position of the protection elements 4 arranged on the substrate 30 is not limited to the above description. For example, the protection elements 4 may be arranged on both the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of the substrate 30.

[0105] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a protection circuit module 20' according to some embodiments. From the arrangement direction of the protection elements 4, Figure 13 the protection circuit module 20' shown may be different from Figure 6 the protection circuit module 20. Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a protection circuit module 20' according to some embodiments. From the arrangement direction of the protection elements 4, Figure 14 the protection circuit module 20' shown may be different from Figure 7 the protection circuit module 20.

[0106] Reference Figures 12 to 14, according to an embodiment, the protection element 4 may be disposed on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The local support portion 50 in the support plate 5 may be disposed on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The second surface 32 may be a surface of the substrate 30 opposite to the first surface 31 on which the electrode receiving portion 300 of the substrate 30 connected to the electrode tab 11 is disposed. If the support plate 5 is disposed on the battery cell 10, the second surface 32 may be a surface of the substrate 30 facing the battery cell 10. However, the arrangements of the support plate 5, the protection element 4, and the electrode receiving portion 300 are not limited to the above description.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the protection element 4 and the support plate 5 may be disposed on the same surface of the substrate 30. The protection element 4 and the support plate 5 may be disposed on the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The surface of the support plate 5 opposite to the surface positioned on the substrate 30 may be disposed on the battery cell 10. The support plate 5 may be disposed between the substrate 30 and the upper surface of the battery cell 10. If the protection element 4 and the support plate 5 are disposed on the same surface of the substrate 30, the protection element 4 may not be exposed to the outside of the protection circuit module 20'. Refer to Figure 12 , the protection element 4 is not exposed to the outside of the battery pack 1'. If the protection element 4 is not exposed to the outside of the battery pack 1', damage to the protection element 4 can be prevented. However, the arrangement of the protection element 4 is not limited to the above description.

[0108] Return Figure 13 , according to an embodiment, the thickness ts of the support plate 5 may be greater than the thickness tp of the protection element 4. The thickness ts of the local support portion 50 may be greater than the thickness tp of the protection element 4. The thickness ts1 of the first support portion 51 and the thickness ts2 of the second support portion 52 may be greater than the thickness tp of the protection element 4. However, the thickness tp of the protection element is not limited to the above description.

[0109] Refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , according to an embodiment, the protection element 4 may not be in direct contact with the upper portion of the battery cell 10. The thickness ts of the support plate 5 may be greater than the thickness tp of the protection element 4 such that the protection element 4 may not be in direct contact with the upper portion of the battery cell 10. If the protection element 4 is not in direct contact with the upper portion of the battery cell 10, damage to the protection element 4 can be prevented when an external force is applied to the protection circuit module 20.

[0110] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the stepped structure 500 of the support plate 5 according to some embodiments.

[0111] Refer to Figure 15, according to an embodiment, the local support portion 50 may have a stepped structure 500. The local support portion 50 may have a stepped structure 500 in the direction toward the substrate 30. The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 may each have a stepped structure 500. The first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 may each have a stepped structure 500 in the direction toward the substrate 30. The direction toward the substrate 30 may refer to the direction facing the second surface 32 of the substrate 30. The stepped structure 500 may be formed at a level lower than the surface level of the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52. However, the detailed shape of the stepped structure 500 is not limited to the above description. For example, the stepped structure 500 may have a multi-step structure. The stepped structure 500 may have multiple surface levels.

[0112] Figure 16 It is a conceptual diagram illustrating a reinforcing layer 60 according to some embodiments.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the protection circuit module 20 may include a reinforcing layer 60. The reinforcing layer 60 may reinforce the space between the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52. The reinforcing layer 60 may reinforce at least a portion of the substrate 30. Reinforcement may refer to the enhancement of the ability of the substrate 30 to withstand external forces. Reinforcement may refer to the enhancement of the hardness and strength of the substrate 30.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the reinforcing layer 60 may protect the substrate 30. The reinforcing layer 60 may be disposed on the protection element 4 on the substrate 30. The reinforcing layer 60 may protect the protection element 4. The reinforcing layer 60 may be formed so as not to expose the protection element 4 to the outside of the substrate 30. The reinforcing layer 60 may include a protective coating. The reinforcing layer 60 may include an ultraviolet (UV) coating. However, the material and arrangement of the reinforcing layer 60 are not limited to the above description.

[0115] The reinforcing layer 60 may cover the space between the local support portions 50. The reinforcing layer 60 may be disposed between the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52. The reinforcing layer 60 may cover the protection element 4 between the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52. The reinforcing layer 60 may be disposed on the stepped structure 500. However, the functions and performances of the reinforcing layer 60 are not limited to the above description. For example, the reinforcing layer 60 may cover the upper surface of the support plate 5. For example, the reinforcing layer 60 may be locally formed between the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 52 to locally expose the substrate 30.

[0116] According to some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a battery pack is provided, the method comprising: providing a battery cell extending in a vertical direction and including a plurality of electrode tabs; fixing a substrate to an upper end of the battery cell; disposing a protection element on the substrate; electrically connecting the substrate to the plurality of electrode tabs; providing a support plate between the battery cell and the substrate to support the substrate, wherein the support plate includes at least two partial support portions spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction that intersects the vertical direction.

[0117] Providing the support plate may include providing the support plate such that the substrate, the support plate, and the battery cell may be sequentially arranged in a vertical direction from an upper portion of the battery pack toward a lower portion of the battery pack.

[0118] The substrate may include a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. Electrically connecting the substrate to the plurality of electrode tabs may include electrically connecting the plurality of electrode tabs connected to the first surface, and providing the support plate may include disposing the support plate on the second surface of the substrate.

[0119] Providing the support plate may include disposing a first support portion and a second support portion of the at least two partial support portions at opposite end portions in the horizontal direction of the substrate.

[0120] Disposing the protection element on the substrate may include disposing the protection element on the second surface of the substrate.

[0121] The thickness of the first support portion and the thickness of the second support portion may be greater than the thickness of the protection element.

[0122] The first support portion and the second support portion may each have a stepped portion in a direction toward the substrate.

[0123] Disposing the protection element on the substrate may include disposing the protection element on the first surface of the substrate.

[0124] The at least two partial support portions may further include a third support portion formed at a position corresponding to the protection element in the horizontal direction, and the substrate is between the third support portion and the protection element in the vertical direction, and the third support portion may be formed to have a width greater than the width of the protection element in the horizontal direction.

[0125] According to the present disclosure, a battery pack including a support plate that can protect a protection circuit module is provided.

[0126] According to the present disclosure, a battery pack including a protection circuit module providing excellent mechanical strength is provided.

[0127] The effects achievable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can clearly understand other unmentioned effects from the following description.

[0128] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered only in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each embodiment should generally 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 claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: A battery cell extending in a vertical direction and including a plurality of electrode tabs; A substrate on which a protection element is disposed, the substrate being fixed to an upper end of the battery cell and electrically connected to the plurality of electrode tabs; And A support plate disposed between the battery cell and the substrate and supporting the substrate, Wherein the support plate includes at least two partial support portions spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction intersecting the vertical direction.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The substrate, the support plate, and the battery cell are sequentially arranged along the vertical direction from an upper portion of the battery pack toward a lower portion of the battery pack.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the plurality of electrode tabs are connected to the first surface, and the support plate is disposed on the second surface.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The at least two partial support portions include a first support portion and a second support portion disposed at opposite end portions of the substrate in the horizontal direction.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The protection element is disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The thickness of the first support portion and the thickness of the second support portion are greater than the thickness of the protection element.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the first support portion and the second support portion has a stepped portion in a direction toward the substrate.

8. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The protection element is disposed on the first surface of the substrate.

9. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The at least two partial support portions further include a third support portion formed at a position corresponding to the protection element along the horizontal direction, and the substrate is between the third support portion and the protection element in the vertical direction, and the third support portion is formed to have a width greater than a width of the protection element in the horizontal direction.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The support plate includes a stepped portion in a direction toward the substrate between the at least two partial support portions.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, A surface of the substrate between the at least two partial support portions is exposed.

12. A method of manufacturing a battery pack, the method comprising: Providing a battery cell extending in a vertical direction and including a plurality of electrode tabs; Fixing a substrate to an upper end of the battery cell; Disposing a protection element on the substrate; Electrically connecting the substrate to the plurality of electrode tabs; Providing a support plate between the battery cell and the substrate to support the substrate, Wherein the support plate includes at least two partial support portions spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction intersecting the vertical direction.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The providing the support plate includes providing the support plate such that the substrate, the support plate, and the battery cell are sequentially arranged along the vertical direction from an upper portion of the battery pack toward a lower portion of the battery pack.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the electrically connecting the substrate to the plurality of electrode tabs includes electrically connecting the plurality of electrode tabs to the first surface, and the providing the support plate includes disposing the support plate on the second surface of the substrate.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The providing of the support plate includes arranging a first support portion and a second support portion of the at least two partial support portions at opposite end portions in the horizontal direction of the substrate.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The arranging of the protection element on the substrate includes arranging the protection element on the second surface of the substrate.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The thickness of the first support portion and the thickness of the second support portion are greater than the thickness of the protection element.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the first support portion and the second support portion has a stepped portion facing the direction of the substrate.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The arranging of the protection element on the substrate includes arranging the protection element on the first surface of the substrate.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The at least two partial support portions further include a third support portion formed at a position corresponding to the protection element along the horizontal direction, and the substrate is between the third support portion and the protection element in the vertical direction, and the third support portion is formed to have a width greater than the width of the protection element in the horizontal direction.

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