Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack includes a battery module including battery cells and a bus bar configured to electrically connect the battery cells, and a circuit board connected to the battery module, the circuit board includes a first portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the battery module, second portions each including a circuit pattern extending from the first portion in a direction crossing the first portion, and a third portion connected to an end of each of the second portions and connected to the bus bar. Each second portion extends straightly without bending or folding.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery designed to be charged and discharged, and can be 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 employing the secondary battery, a single secondary battery or a plurality of secondary batteries (secondary battery module) in which a plurality of battery cells are connected as one unit is utilized.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute relevant art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One or more embodiments include a battery pack in which damage such as disconnection of a circuit board can be prevented by improving the durability of the circuit board.

[0005] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the above contents, and other problems not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a battery pack includes a battery module and a circuit board connected to the battery module, the battery module including battery cells and bus bars configured to electrically connect the battery cells, the circuit board including a first portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the battery module, second portions extending from the first portion in a direction intersecting the first portion, each including a circuit pattern, and a third portion connected to an end of each second portion and connected to the bus bar. Each second portion extends straight without being bent or folded.

[0008] Each second portion may extend at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the first portion.

[0009] Each second portion may include a base, and the circuit pattern may be on the base.

[0010] A first end of the circuit pattern may be connected to the first portion, a second end of the circuit pattern may be connected to the third portion, and the circuit pattern may include one or more convex portions and / or one or more concave portions between the first and second ends.

[0011] The circuit patterns may include circuit patterns having a wavy shape, and a thickness of each circuit pattern may be smaller than a space between the circuit patterns.

[0012] The circuit pattern may include a first pattern substantially at the center of the base in the width direction, and a second pattern adjacent to the first pattern and spaced apart from the first pattern.

[0013] The circuit pattern may further include a third pattern on the base portion spaced apart from the first pattern and the second pattern, and the third pattern and the second pattern may be on opposite sides of the first pattern.

[0014] Each of the second portions may further include a dummy pattern on the base, spaced apart from the circuit pattern, and having a shape corresponding to a bent portion of the circuit pattern.

[0015] The dummy pattern may include dummy pattern portions on both sides of the base in a width direction, and the circuit pattern may be between the dummy pattern portions.

[0016] The first portion may include a first connection region connected to the circuit pattern, and each of the second portions may include a second connection region connected to the circuit pattern and the third portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 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.

[0018] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure shall not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 A vehicle including a battery pack is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack;

[0021] Figure 3 is an assembled perspective view showing a battery pack;

[0022] Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing a portion of a battery pack;

[0023] Figure 5 A circuit board is shown;

[0024] Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing a conventional circuit board;

[0025] Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing a circuit board;

[0026] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B and Figure 8CVarious embodiments of circuit boards are shown;

[0027] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C Various embodiments of circuit boards are shown; and

[0028] Figure 10A and Figure 10B A bend test on a circuit board is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, examples of which are shown in the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. In this regard, the embodiments presented may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings only to illustrate aspects of this specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of" modify the entire list of elements, if following a list of elements, without modifying the individual elements of the list.

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the described embodiments may have various modifications and may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown here. In addition, each feature of the various embodiments may be combined in part or in whole or in combination with each other, and various linkages and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another, or may be implemented together in association. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives within the scope of the ideas and techniques of the present disclosure. Therefore, processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects of the present disclosure may not be described.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof denote the same elements throughout the drawings and written description, and thus description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, parts that are irrelevant or irrelevant to the description of the embodiments may not be shown to make the description clear.

[0032] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. In addition, the use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, sizes, proportions, commonalities between illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements, unless specifically indicated.

[0033] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations, which are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the illustrated shapes as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are contemplated. Furthermore, for purposes of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are illustrative only. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the illustrated shapes of the regions, but are intended to include deviations from the shapes resulting from, for example, manufacturing.

[0034] The regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the described embodiments may be modified in various ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] In the detailed description, for purposes of illustration, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it is apparent that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0036] For ease of explanation, spatial relationship terms such as "under...", "below...", "down," "downside," "below...", "above...", "up," "upper side," etc. can be used here to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figure. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatial relationship terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as "under," "under," or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "under..." and "under..." can cover both upper and lower orientations. The device can be oriented otherwise (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first part is described as being arranged "on" a second part, this indicates that the first part is arranged on the upper or lower side of the second part, and is not limited to the upper side of the second part based on the direction of gravity.

[0037] In addition, the phrase "in a plan view" means when the object portion is viewed from above, and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when a schematic cross-section taken by vertically cutting the object portion is viewed from the side. The term "overlapping" or "overlapping" means that a first object can be above or below or to the side of a second object, and vice versa. In addition, the term "overlapping" can include layer, stack, facing or facing, extending over..., covering, or partially covering, or any other suitable term that a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand. The expression "non-overlapping" can include meanings such as "separate" or "set aside..." or "deviating" and any other suitable equivalent meanings that a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand. The terms "facing" and "facing" can mean that the first object can be directly or indirectly opposite to the second object. In the case where a third object is interposed between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object can be understood to be indirectly opposite to each other, although still facing each other.

[0038] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being “formed on,” “on,” “connected to,” or “(operatively or communicatively) coupled to” another element, layer, region, or component, it may be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. Furthermore, this may collectively mean directly or indirectly coupled or connected, as well as integrally or non-integrally coupled or connected. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically bonded" to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected or directly electrically bonded to the other layer, region, and / or component, or there may be an intervening layer, region, or component. However, "directly connected / directly bonded" or "directly on..." means that one component is directly connected or bonded to another component, or is directly on another component, without any intermediate components. In addition, in this specification, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another component, the formation direction is not limited to the upward direction, but includes forming the portion on the side surface or in the downward direction. Conversely, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" another component, this includes not only the case where the portion is "directly under" the other component, but also the case where there is another portion between the portion and the other component. At the same time, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between...", "directly between...", "adjacent to...", and "directly adjacent to...", can be interpreted similarly. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

[0039] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as "at least one of" or "any of," when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, rather than the individual elements of the list. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z (such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ), or any variation thereof. Similarly, expressions such as "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" may include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. For example, expressions such as "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B.

[0040] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section described below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can also be used here to distinguish elements of different categories or sets. For the sake of simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first category (or first set)", "second category (or second set)", etc.

[0041] The terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "one" is also intended to include the plural form, and the plural form is also intended to include the singular form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprise," "including ...," "have," "have ...," "contain" and "contain ... " indicate the existence of stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements and / or parts. However, these terms do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0042] When one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in a reverse order to the described order.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not as terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or in the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0045] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 including a battery pack 10 is shown. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is an assembled perspective view showing the battery pack 10 . Figure 4 It is an enlarged view showing a portion of the battery pack 10 . Figure 5 A circuit board 200 is shown. Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing a conventional circuit board S. Figure 7 2 is an enlarged view showing the circuit board 200 . Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B and Figure 8C Various embodiments of circuit board 200 are shown. Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C Various embodiments of circuit board 200 are shown. Figure 10A and Figure 10B A bend test on the circuit board 200 is shown.

[0046] The battery pack 10 may include one or more battery modules 100 and may be used in various applications. In one or more embodiments, the battery pack 10 may be used in large applications such as energy systems (ESS) or small and medium applications such as various electronic devices including power tools. In one or more embodiments, the battery pack 10 may be included in a Figure 1 The vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 1 may be a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. The battery pack 10 may be in the frame 2 of the vehicle 1. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 1As shown, the battery pack 10 may be located between the front 4 and rear 5 of the vehicle 1 , between the two wheels 3 , and below an interior space 6 (eg, a passenger compartment) where a user resides.

[0047] The battery pack 10 may include a battery module 100 and a circuit board 200 .

[0048] One or more battery modules 100 may be included in the battery pack 10. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, two battery modules 100 may be included in the battery pack 10. However, the number of battery modules 100 included in the battery pack 10 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. The battery module 100 may be in the frame 500 of the battery pack 10, and may be between the lower plate 300 and the upper plate 400. The plurality of battery modules 100 may be spaced apart from each other and may be electrically connected to each other through the circuit board 200. One or more battery modules 100 may include a plurality of battery cells C. Each battery cell C may have a cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch shape. For ease of explanation, the following description will be made assuming that the battery cell C has a cylindrical shape.

[0049] The battery module 100 may include a lower support 110 , an upper support 120 , a bus bar 130 , and a tab 140 .

[0050] The lower bracket 110 and the upper bracket 120 together accommodate a plurality of battery cells C. The lower bracket 110 may be located below the battery module 100 and may form a space with the upper bracket 120 in which the plurality of battery cells C are accommodated. The lower bracket 110 may include a plurality of openings in which the plurality of battery cells C are accommodated. The bottom surface of the lower bracket 110 may contact the heat dissipation member 600, and the lower bracket 110 may be within the frame 500.

[0051] The upper bracket 120 may be at the upper portion of the battery module 100 and may form a space with the lower bracket 110 in which a plurality of battery cells C are accommodated. The upper bracket 120 may include a plurality of openings in which a plurality of battery cells C are accommodated. Each opening of the upper bracket 120 may correspond to each opening of the lower bracket 110. When a plurality of battery cells C are inserted into the upper bracket 120, the upper end of each battery cell C may be exposed to the outside through one of the openings of the upper bracket 120 and may be connected to the bus bar 130 through a tab 140. The bus bar 130 may be on (e.g., above or on) the upper bracket 120, and each tab 140 may connect one of the battery cells C to the bus bar 130. The number of the lower brackets 110 and the upper bracket 120 may be the same as the number of the battery modules 100.

[0052] The bus bar 130 may be connected to a plurality of battery cells C. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 2and Figure 4 As shown, the bus bar 130 may be on (e.g., above or on) the upper bracket 120 and may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells C through a plurality of tabs 140. The bus bar 130 may extend between the plurality of battery cells C, and the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells C may be exposed through the opening of the upper bracket 120. The bus bar 130 may include a conductive material such as metal. One bus bar 130 may be included in one battery module 100.

[0053] The bus bars 130 may extend in different directions and may be respectively connected to the plurality of battery cells C. In one or more embodiments, the bus bars 130 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10 (eg, Figure 2 Y-axis direction) and the width direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, Figure 2 The battery cell C may extend in the X-axis direction.

[0054] For each battery cell C, the tab 140 may electrically connect the battery cell C to the bus bar 130. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, a first end of the tab 140 may be connected to the bus bar 130, and a second end of the tab 140 may be connected to the battery cell C. The tab 140 may include a conductive material such as metal and may have a lead shape having one or more bent sections. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of tabs 140 may be provided. One battery cell C may be connected to one or more tabs 140. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, two tabs 140 can be connected to one battery cell C. A first end of the first tab 140 can be connected to the top surface of the battery cell C, and a second end of the first tab 140 can be connected to the top surface of the bus bar 130. A first end of the second tab 140 can be connected to the upper edge of the battery cell C, and a second end of the second tab 140 can be connected to the top surface of the bus bar 130.

[0055] The circuit board 200 may be connected to the bus bar 130 and may be configured to detect the state of each battery module 100 and control the battery module 100. In one or more embodiments, the circuit board 200 may be connected to a controller or a battery monitoring system (BMS) and may be configured to measure the voltage and temperature of each battery cell C included in the battery module 100 and transmit the voltage and temperature to the BMS. The BMS may control the battery module 100 through the circuit board 200. In one or more embodiments, the circuit board 200 may be a flexible printed circuit board assembly (FPCA) and may include a flexible circuit board (FPCB) and components mounted on the FPCB.

[0056] The circuit board 200 may be between the battery module 100 and the upper plate 400. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the circuit board 200 may be on (e.g., above or on) the battery module 100. A portion of the circuit board 200 (e.g., the first portion 210 of the circuit board 200) may be between two adjacent battery modules 100, and other portions of the circuit board 200 (e.g., the second portion 220 and the third portion 230 of the circuit board 200) may be above the battery module 100 and may be connected to a plurality of battery cells C, such as Figure 4 One or more circuit boards 200 may be included in the battery pack 10 .

[0057] The circuit board 200 may include a first portion 210 , a second portion 220 , and a third portion 230 .

[0058] The first portion 210 can connect other portions of the circuit board (e.g., the second portion 220 and the third portion 230) to the controller and / or BMS. In one or more embodiments, the first portion 210 can be arranged in one direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10 or the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10). Figure 2 The first portion 210 may be on (e.g., above or on) the battery module 100, for example, between two adjacent battery modules 100. The first portion 210 may be supported on the upper bracket 120, and a plurality of second portions 220 and third portions 230 may extend from the first portion 210 and may be connected to the bus bar 130. Figure 5 In one or more embodiments shown, the first portion 210 may have a rod shape extending longitudinally in one direction, and the plurality of second portions 220 and third portions 230 may be formed from two side surfaces (e.g., opposite side edges) of the first portion 210 (e.g., at Figure 5 The plurality of second portions 220 and the plurality of third portions 230 may be formed in a zigzag shape so that the plurality of second portions 220 and the plurality of third portions 230 formed on the first side of the first portion 210 and the plurality of second portions 220 and the plurality of third portions 230 formed on the second side of the first portion 210 do not overlap with each other (for example, the plurality of second portions 220 and the plurality of third portions 230 may be staggered along the first portion 210 in the Y-axis direction).

[0059] In one or more embodiments, Figure 8A As shown, the first portion 210 may include a plurality of wirings connected to the circuit patterns 221 of the second portion 220. The plurality of wirings may be arranged on a top surface of the first portion 210 and may be connected to the circuit patterns 221 of the plurality of second portions 220.

[0060] The first portion 210 may include a first fixing hole 212. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, one or more first fixing holes 212 may be provided on the first side and / or the second side of the first portion 210 and may be provided between two adjacent second portions 220 in the longitudinal direction of the circuit board 200. The first fixing holes 212 may be used to secure or connect the circuit board 200 to the battery module 100. In one or more embodiments, a protrusion on the upper bracket 120 may be inserted into the first fixing hole 212.

[0061] One or more second portions 220 may extend from the first portion 210. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of second portions 220 may extend toward the bus bar 130 in a direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) that intersects the direction in which the first portion 210 extends (e.g., a Y-axis direction). The third portion 230 may be connected to the end of the second portion 220, and the third portion 230 may be connected to the bus bar 130, so that the bus bar 130 and the circuit board 200 are connected to each other. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 7 As shown, the second portion 220 may be oriented relative to the longitudinal direction of the first portion 210 (eg, Figure 7 The second portion 220 of the plurality of second portions 220 may extend at an inner angle θ relative to the longitudinal direction of the first portion 210. The angle θ may be an oblique angle (e.g., an acute angle). Since the second portion 220 extends obliquely relative to the first portion 210, the width of the second portion 220 in the width direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., Figure 7 The length in the X-axis direction of the second portion 220 can be sufficient to connect the second portion 220 to the bus bar 130. The angle θ can be 30° to 80°. The angle θ can be 40° to 70°. The angle θ can be 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, or 70°, or any range within these values.

[0062] The first portion 210 may extend straight in one direction, and the second portion 220 may also extend straight from both side surfaces of the first portion 210 without folding or bending (for example, the second portion 220 is straight rather than curved). In one or more embodiments, the first portion 210 may have a rod shape extending straight in a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10. The second portion 220 may be inclined at an angle θ relative to the longitudinal direction of the first portion 210 on both side surfaces of the first portion 210, and may extend straight without folding or bending. Therefore, compared to a conventional circuit board S, damage to the circuit board 200 due to vibration may be prevented (or at least mitigated). As Figure 6 As shown in the figure, in a related art circuit board S, the second portion E2 is bent from both side surfaces of the first portion E1, and the third portion E3 is connected to the end of the second portion E2. Consequently, the overall length of the second portion E2 is excessively increased, thereby reducing the durability of the second portion E2. Furthermore, because the second portion E2 is excessively bent to have a U-shape, the circuit pattern included in the second portion E2 is also excessively bent to conform to the shape of the second portion E2. Consequently, the circuit pattern may be easily broken due to vibration or may deviate from its designated position.

[0063] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, since the second portion 220 extends straight, the length of the second portion 220 can be reduced, thereby improving the durability of the connection between the second portion 220 and the first portion 210 and improving the durability of the second portion 220 itself. In addition, since the circuit pattern 221 includes a curved portion but its width is limited to the width of the second portion 220, the circuit pattern 221 can be less easily damaged by vibration.

[0064] The second portion 220 may include a circuit pattern 221 .

[0065] One or more circuit patterns 221 may be on the second portion 220 and may electrically connect the busbar 130 to the circuit board 200 by connecting the first portion 210 to the third portion 230. In one or more embodiments, the one or more circuit patterns 221 may be arranged at the center (or substantially the center) of the second portion 220 in the width direction. The circuit pattern 221 may include a metal or other conductive material such as copper, silver, or aluminum. The circuit pattern 221 may include one or more curved portions and may have, for example, a wavy shape (e.g., a serpentine shape or a sinusoidal shape). The first end of the circuit pattern 221 may be connected to the first connection region 211 that connects the first portion 210 to the second portion 220, and the second end of the circuit pattern 221 may be connected to the second connection region 223 that connects the second portion 220 to the third portion 230. The total width of the circuit pattern 221 (e.g., the width in the width direction of the second portion 220) may be less than the width of the second portion 220.

[0066] The circuit pattern 221 may include a first pattern 2211. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 8A As shown, the first end of the first pattern 2211 can be connected to the first connection area 211, and the second end of the first pattern 2211 can be connected to the second connection area 223. The first pattern 2211 can be at the center (or substantially the center) of the second portion 220 in the width direction and can include one or more curved portions. In one or more embodiments, the first pattern 2211 can include one or more convex portions 2211a and one or more concave portions 2211b, and can have a wavy shape (for example, the first pattern 2211 can include alternating convex portions 2211a and concave portions 2211b). As shown Figure 8A As shown, the first pattern 2211 may have an S-shape in which one or more convex portions 2211 a and one or more concave portions 2211 b are alternately repeated.

[0067] The circuit pattern 221 may have a width (thickness) w. The width w may refer to the thickness of the lead forming the circuit pattern 221. The width w may be from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm. In one or more embodiments, the width w may be from about 0.25 mm to about 0.4 mm or from 0.3 mm to 0.45 mm.

[0068] The circuit pattern 221 may include a plurality of circuit patterns 221. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 8BAs shown, the circuit pattern 221 may include a first pattern 2211 and a second pattern 2212. The second pattern 2212 may be adjacent to the first pattern 2211, and like the first pattern 2211, the first end of the second pattern 2212 may be connected to the first connection area 211, and the second end of the second pattern 2212 may be connected to the second connection area 223. The second pattern 2212 may include one or more curved portions, for example, one or more convex portions 2212a and one or more concave portions 2212b, and may have a wavy shape (for example, a snake shape or a sine shape). Figure 8B As shown, the second pattern 2212 may have an S-shape in which one or more convex portions 2212a and one or more concave portions 2212b are alternately repeated.

[0069] The second pattern 2212 may be adjacent to the first pattern 2211, but may be spaced apart from the first pattern 2211 so as not to overlap with the first pattern 2211. In one or more embodiments, the second pattern 2212 may have substantially the same length and shape as the first pattern 2211. Furthermore, the convex portions 2211a and the concave portions 2211b of the first pattern 2211 and the convex portions 2212a and the concave portions 2212b of the second pattern 2212 may correspond to each other.

[0070] The first pattern 2211 and the second pattern 2212 may be spaced apart by a spacing s (e.g., a gap) from each other. In one or more embodiments, the spacing s may refer to the minimum separation distance between the first pattern 2211 and the second pattern 2212. The spacing s may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. In one or more embodiments, the spacing s may be from about 0.15 mm to about 0.45 mm. In one or more embodiments, the spacing s may be from 0.2 mm to 0.35 mm. The thickness (width) w of the first pattern 2211 and the second pattern 2212 may be the same (or substantially the same), and the thickness w may be less than the spacing s (e.g., the spacing s may be greater than the thickness w of each of the first pattern 2211 and the second pattern 2212).

[0071] In one or more embodiments, Figure 8C As shown, the circuit pattern 221 may include a first pattern 2211 , a second pattern 2212 , and a third pattern 2213 .

[0072] The third pattern 2213 may be adjacent to the first pattern 2211, and like the first pattern 2211, a first end of the third pattern 2213 may be connected to the first connection region 211, and a second end of the third pattern 2213 may be connected to the second connection region 223. The third pattern 2213 may include one or more curved portions, for example, one or more convex portions 2213a and one or more concave portions 2213b, and may have a wavy shape (for example, a snake shape or a sine shape). Figure 8C As shown, the third pattern 2213 may have an S-shape in which one or more convex portions 2213a and one or more concave portions 2213b are alternately repeated.

[0073] The third pattern 2213 may be adjacent to the first pattern 2211, but may be spaced apart from the first pattern 2211 so as not to overlap with the first pattern 2211. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 8C As shown, the third pattern 2213 and the second pattern 2212 may be on opposite sides of the first pattern 2211, for example, the second pattern 2212 is on the left side of the first pattern 2211 and the third pattern 2213 is on the right side of the first pattern 2211. The third pattern 2213 may be spaced apart from the first pattern 2211 by a spacing s. In one or more embodiments, the third pattern 2213 may have substantially the same length and shape as the first pattern 2211. In addition, the convex portions 2211a and concave portions 2211b of the first pattern 2211, the convex portions 2212a and concave portions 2212b of the second pattern 2212, and the convex portions 2213a and concave portions 2213b of the third pattern 2213 may correspond to each other. The thickness (width) w of the first pattern 2211, the second pattern 2212, and the third pattern 2213 may be the same (or substantially the same), and the thickness w may be less than the spacing s between the first pattern 2211, the second pattern 2212, and the third pattern 2213.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the circuit pattern 221 may include a first pattern 2211, a second pattern 2212, and a third pattern 2213. The thickness w of the first pattern 2211, the second pattern 2212, and the third pattern 2213 may be from about 0.25 mm to about 0.3 mm (e.g., about 0.25 mm or about 0.3 mm), and the spacing s between the first pattern 2211 and the second pattern 2212, and between the third pattern 2213 and the first pattern 2211, may be about 0.2 mm. Furthermore, the second portion 220 may include a dummy pattern 222. In one or more embodiments, the circuit pattern 221 may include a first pattern 2211, a second pattern 2212, and a third pattern 2213. The thickness w of the first pattern 2211, the second pattern 2212, and the third pattern 2213 may be about 0.25 mm, and the spacing s between the first pattern 2211 and the second pattern 2212, and between the third pattern 2213 and the first pattern 2211, may be about 0.4 mm. In addition, the second portion 220 may include a dummy pattern 222 .

[0075] The second portion 220 may include a dummy pattern 222. The dummy pattern 222 does not allow current to flow and is located on the second portion 220 and adjacent to the circuit pattern 221 to increase the rigidity of the second portion 220, thereby preventing (or at least reducing) damage to the second portion 220. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 9C As shown, dummy patterns 222 may be provided on both sides of the second portion 220 in the width direction. The dummy patterns 222 may be spaced apart from each of the circuit pattern 221, the first connection region 211, and the second connection region 223. A pair of dummy patterns 222 may be spaced apart from each other, and the circuit pattern 221 may be between the pair of dummy patterns 222. The dummy patterns 222 may include a conductive material such as copper and / or a non-conductive material.

[0076] The dummy pattern 222 may have a size and shape corresponding to the circuit pattern 221. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 9A As shown, a pair of dummy patterns 222 may be spaced apart from each other with the first pattern 2211 therebetween. In addition, a pair of dummy patterns 222 may have a curved shape corresponding to the convex portion 2211a and the concave portion 2211b of the first pattern 2211. In addition, as shown Figure 9BAs shown, a pair of dummy patterns 222 may be spaced apart from each other with the first pattern 2211 and the second pattern 2212 therebetween. In addition, the pair of dummy patterns 222 may have a curved shape to correspond to the convex portion 2211a and the concave portion 2211b of the first pattern 2211 and the convex portion 2212a and the concave portion 2212b of the second pattern 2212. In addition, as shown Figure 9C As shown, the pair of dummy patterns 222 may be spaced apart from each other with the first pattern 2211, the second pattern 2212, and the third pattern 2213 therebetween. Furthermore, the pair of dummy patterns 222 may have a curved shape corresponding to the convex portion 2211a and the concave portion 2211b of the first pattern 2211, the convex portion 2212a and the concave portion 2212b of the second pattern 2212, and the convex portion 2213a and the concave portion 2213b of the third pattern 2213.

[0077] The second portion 220 may include a base 224. In one or more embodiments, the base 224 may have a flat plate shape having a length smaller than that of the first portion 210 and may extend in a direction intersecting the first portion 210. In one or more embodiments, the base 224 may extend straight (or substantially straight) without bending or folding and may be inclined at an angle θ relative to the first portion 210. The circuit pattern 221, the dummy pattern 222, and the second connection region 223 may be on the base 224.

[0078] The third portion 230 may connect the circuit pattern 221 to the bus bar 130. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the third portion 230 may be connected to the second portion 220 (e.g., the second connection region 223). The third portion 230 may contact the bus bar 130. The third portion 230 may be configured to detect the status of the battery cell C, such as temperature and voltage, through the bus bar 130, and the detected status information may be transmitted to the BMS through the second portion 220 and the first portion 210 via the circuit pattern 221.

[0079] The circuit board 200 may include a first extending portion 240 , a second extending portion 250 , and a support portion 260 .

[0080] like Figure 5As shown, the first extension portion 240 can extend from a first side of the first portion 210, and the second extension portion 250 can extend from a second side of the first portion 210 (for example, the first extension portion 240 and the second extension portion 250 can extend from opposite sides of the first portion 210 in opposite directions). The first extension portion 240 and the second extension portion 250 can be located at different positions along the length of the first portion 210 and can extend in different directions. The first extension portion 240 and the second extension portion 250 can include a second fixing hole 241 and a third fixing hole 251, respectively. The protrusions on the upper bracket 120 can be inserted into the second fixing hole 241 and the third fixing hole 251, so that the circuit board 200 and the battery module 100 are firmly connected to each other.

[0081] The support portion 260 may be at an end of the first portion 210 and may be connected to the frame 500. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the support portion 260 may include a first support portion 261 extending from an end portion of the first portion 210 to both sides (e.g., in opposite lateral directions) and a second support portion 262 bent and extending from an end portion of the first support portion 261. The first support portion 261 and the second support portion 262 may be connected to the frame 500 in a state where the battery pack 10 is assembled such that the circuit board 200 is supported on the frame 500.

[0082] The battery pack 10 may further include a lower plate 300 , an upper plate 400 , a frame 500 , and a heat dissipation member 600 .

[0083] The lower plate 300 may be at the bottom of the battery pack 10 and may support the frame 500. In one or more embodiments, the lower plate 300 may have a size corresponding to one or more battery modules 100 and may have a flat shape. The lower plate 300 may be below the battery module 100, and one or more edges of the lower plate 300 may be connected to the frame 500. In one or more embodiments, the lower plate 300 may be a cooling plate configured to cool the battery pack 10. The lower plate 300 may include a material having a high thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum or copper) and may be configured to release heat generated in the battery module 100 to the outside. In one or more embodiments, the lower plate 300 may include a flow path through which a cooling fluid (e.g., cooling water, air, etc.) flows. The heat dissipation member 600 may be on the lower plate 300.

[0084] The upper plate 400 may be on the upper portion of the battery pack 10 and may support the frame 500. In one or more embodiments, the upper plate 400 may have a size corresponding to one or more battery modules 100 and may have a flat shape. The upper plate 400 may be on (e.g., above or on) the battery module 100, and one or more edges of the upper plate 400 may be connected to the frame 500. The upper plate 400 may be on (e.g., above or on) the bus bar 130 and the circuit board 200 of the battery module 100. In one or more embodiments, the upper plate 400 may be a fireproof plate configured to prevent the spread of flames in the battery pack 10. In one or more embodiments, the upper plate 400 may include mica. The upper plate 400 may be configured to keep the flame generated in any one battery cell C inside the lower bracket 110 and the upper bracket 120 without spreading to the outside of the battery module 100.

[0085] A fire extinguishing agent may be included in the upper plate 400. In response to a fire occurring in one or more of the battery cells C and thus an increase in the internal pressure of the battery module 100 due to gas released from the battery cells C, a portion of the upper plate 400 may be ruptured, and the fire extinguishing agent in the upper plate 400 may be sprayed to the battery module 100.

[0086] The frame 500 may hold and support other components of the battery pack 10 (eg, the battery module 100, the circuit board 200, the lower plate 300, the upper plate 400, and the heat dissipation member 600). Figure 2 As shown, frame 500 may be a quadrilateral frame having an interior space configured to accommodate battery module 100. Frame 500 may support other components of battery pack 10 and may be configured to allow battery pack 10 to be installed or positioned in other applications such as vehicle 1.

[0087] The heat dissipation member 600 may be between the battery module 100 and the lower plate 300 and may be configured to transfer heat generated in the battery module 100 to the lower plate 300 or the outside. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the heat dissipation member 600 may be on the lower plate 300 and may contact the lower bracket 110. In one or more embodiments, the heat dissipation member 600 may be a thermally conductive adhesive. The heat dissipation member 600 may correspond to each lower bracket 110 included in the battery module 100. The heat dissipation member 600 may be on the lower plate 300 to transfer heat generated in the battery cells C to the lower plate 300 for cooling, thereby dissipating heat in the battery module 100.

[0088] Figure 10A and Figure 10B FIG. 2 shows a bending test of the circuit board 200. Figure 10AIn one or more embodiments shown, a circuit board 200 is prepared in which a plurality of second portions 220 are provided on a first portion 210. In order to easily perform a bending test, the plurality of second portions 220 may be formed on only one side surface of the two side surfaces of the first portion 210. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 10A As shown, a circuit board 200 in which five second portions 220 a , 220 b , 220 c , 220 d , and 220 e are provided on a first portion 210 is prepared.

[0089] During testing, a plurality of second portions 220 are inserted into the bender B. Figure 10B As shown, the bender B may be configured such that the first surface and the second surface of the second portion 220 are inserted into the bender B. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 10B As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the bender B may have a gap into which the second portion 220 is inserted. In a state where the second portion 220 is inserted into the gap, the bender B may rotate in one direction. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 10B As shown in (b), the bender B can be rotated about 90° counterclockwise relative to the first portion 210. Again, in the opposite direction (eg, clockwise), the bender B can be rotated about 90° relative to the first portion 210.

[0090] Tables 1 and 2 show whether an open circuit or a short circuit occurred before and after the bending test, as well as the resistance values ​​of the five second portions 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d, and 220e. As shown in Tables 1 and 2, no open circuit or short circuit occurred in the circuit before and after the bending test, and even after the bending test, the resistance value of the second portion 220 remained almost unchanged.

[0091] Table 1

[0092] open circuit Short Circuit A(Ω) B(Ω) C(Ω) D(Ω) E(Ω) 1 X X 1.053 1.089 1.147 1.105 1.120 2 X X 1.145 1.080 1.113 1.021 1.122

[0093] Table 2

[0094] open circuit Short Circuit A(Ω) B(Ω) C(Ω) D(Ω) E(Ω) 3 X X 1.056 1.092 1.150 1.107 1.122 4 X X 1.146 1.081 1.113 1.022 1.121

[0095] The battery pack according to the embodiment can improve the durability and reliability of the circuit board.

[0096] However, the technical effects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and other unmentioned technical effects will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

[0097] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects within 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, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0098] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0039800 filed on March 22, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells and a bus bar configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells; as well as A circuit board connected to the battery module, Wherein, the circuit board includes: A first portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery module; a plurality of second portions extending from the first portion in a direction crossing the first portion, each of the plurality of second portions including a circuit pattern; and a plurality of third portions connected to ends of the plurality of second portions, the plurality of third portions being connected to the bus bar, Each of the plurality of second portions extends straight without being bent or folded.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of second portions extends obliquely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each second portion of the plurality of second portions includes a base, wherein the circuit pattern is on the base, and Wherein, the circuit pattern includes a bent portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: A first end of the circuit pattern is connected to the first portion, a second end of the circuit pattern is connected to a third portion of the plurality of third portions, and wherein the circuit pattern includes one or more convex portions and / or one or more concave portions between the first end and the second end.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The circuit pattern includes a plurality of circuit patterns having a wavy shape, and Wherein, a thickness of each of the plurality of circuit patterns is smaller than a distance between the plurality of circuit patterns.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein: The thickness of the circuit pattern is from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of circuit patterns include: a first pattern at the center of the base in the width direction; and A second pattern is adjacent to the first pattern and spaced apart from the first pattern.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The circuit pattern further includes a third pattern on the base, the third pattern being spaced apart from the first pattern, and wherein the third pattern and the second pattern are on opposite sides of the first pattern.

9. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of second portions further includes a dummy pattern on the base, the dummy pattern being spaced apart from the circuit pattern and having a bent shape corresponding to the bent portion of the circuit pattern.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The dummy pattern includes a pair of dummy pattern portions on both sides of the base portion in a width direction, and wherein the circuit pattern is between the pair of dummy pattern portions.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The first portion includes a first connection region connected to the circuit pattern, and Each second portion includes a second connection region connected to the circuit pattern and the third portion, and The dummy pattern is spaced apart from each of the circuit pattern, the first connection region, and the second connection region.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The second portion extends at an internal angle θ relative to a longitudinal direction of the first portion.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein: The first portion has a rod shape extending straight in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the battery pack, and The second portion is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first portion on both side surfaces of the first portion, and extends straight without being folded or bent.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein: The angle θ is 30° to 80°.

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