Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack includes: a battery cell including an electrode assembly having a cell tab; a protection circuit module electrically connected to the single tab; a connection portion disposed between the battery cell and the protection circuit module, the connection portion including an insulating material and having a notch portion in a periphery thereof, the notch portion having an inwardly recessed shape; and a protective member covering the periphery of the connecting portion.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0165187, filed on November 19, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] An aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, with the rapid development of the electrical, electronics, communications, and computer industries, the demand for high-performance and high-safety rechargeable batteries is growing rapidly. For example, as electrical and electronic products tend to be lighter, thinner, and more portable, lightweight and compact rechargeable batteries are needed.

[0004] Furthermore, with the environmental pollution caused by the large-scale use of automobiles, such as air pollution and noise pollution, and the emergence of demand for new energy forms due to the depletion of oil, the development of electric vehicles is accelerating, and the development of batteries that demonstrate high output and high energy density as power sources for these vehicles is underway.

[0005] In response to these needs, one of the high-performance next-generation cutting-edge batteries that has recently received much attention is the rechargeable battery. Lithium, used as the positive electrode, is the most promising electrode material for high-energy-density batteries due to its extremely low density and standard reduction potential.

[0006] To mitigate the risks of overcharging and overcurrent in individual cells of battery packs such as secondary batteries, a protection circuit module (PCM) can be electrically connected to the outside of the individual cells.

[0007] If the physical connection between the protection circuit module and the battery cell is weak, poor contact may occur due to impact or vibration, which may lead to a decrease in battery performance or a safety accident.

[0008] The information disclosed in the background section of this disclosure is intended to enhance understanding of the background section of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery pack including a protection circuit module (PCM) and battery cells, the PCM and battery cells being securely connected to each other by a protective member and by providing a recessed portion in one side of a connection portion that connects the battery cells to the protection circuit module, forming a space for the protective member to be installed.

[0010] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned in this disclosure may be understood from the following description.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a battery pack includes: a battery cell including an electrode assembly having a cell terminal piece; a protection circuit module electrically connected to the cell terminal piece; a connection portion between the battery cell and the protection circuit module, having a recessed portion in its periphery and including an insulating material, the recessed portion having an inwardly recessed shape; and a protective member covering the periphery of the connection portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the recessed portion may be spaced apart from the area where the individual terminal piece is arranged.

[0013] In some embodiments, the notch portion may include a plurality of notches spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the connecting portion, and the plurality of notches may be symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the individual terminal piece may include a positive electrode terminal piece and a negative electrode terminal piece spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal central axis of the connection portion, and at least one of the plurality of recessed portions may be located between the positive electrode terminal piece and the negative electrode terminal piece.

[0015] In some embodiments, the depth of the notch portion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion may be less than half the width of the connecting portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inner peripheral surface of the notch portion may have a concave shape that bends toward the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the width of the connecting portion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion may be greater than the width of the protection circuit module in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the protective member may extend from the outer region of the notch to the inner region of the notch.

[0019] In some embodiments, one side of the protective member in the inner region of the recessed portion may contact the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion, the battery cell, and the protective circuit module.

[0020] In some embodiments, the protective component may include synthetic resin.

[0021] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a battery pack includes: a battery cell including an electrode assembly having a cell terminal piece; a protection circuit module electrically connected to the cell terminal piece; a plurality of connection portions between the battery cell and the protection circuit module, including an insulating material and spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the protection circuit module; and a protective member covering the periphery of each of the plurality of connection portions.

[0022] In some embodiments, the channel portion may be between adjacent connecting portions of the plurality of connecting portions, and the protective member may penetrate the channel portion from the outside of the connecting portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the channel portion may be spaced apart from the area where the individual terminal piece is arranged.

[0024] In some embodiments, the individual terminal piece may include a positive electrode terminal piece and a negative electrode terminal piece spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal central axis of the connection portion, and the channel portion may be between the positive electrode terminal piece and the negative electrode terminal piece.

[0025] In some embodiments, the width of the channel portion in the length direction of the protection circuit module may be less than the width of each of the plurality of connection portions spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the protection circuit module.

[0026] In some embodiments, a recessed portion having depth in a direction away from the channel portion may be in the side portion of each of the plurality of connecting portions facing the channel portion.

[0027] In some embodiments, the inner peripheral surface of the notch portion may have a concave curved shape, the concave curved shape being curved away from the longitudinal central axis of the channel portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the depth of the notch portion in the direction away from the groove portion may be less than the width of the groove portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, one side of the protective member in the inner region of the channel portion may contact the side surface of each of the plurality of connection portions facing the channel portion, the battery cell, and each of the protection circuit module.

[0030] In some embodiments, the protective component may include synthetic resin. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The following figures illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description provided below, further describe aspects and features of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the content described in these figures, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a single battery cell, as illustrated in the image.

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of region "A" in the image;

[0035] Figure 4 Example of the state before the protection circuit module is attached to the connection part. Figure 3 The battery cell shown in the image;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A plan view of the connecting portion as illustrated in the example;

[0037] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the connection structure of the protection circuit module and the battery cell of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 Example of the state before the protection circuit module is attached to the connection part. Figure 6 The battery cell shown in the image; and

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The plan view of the connecting part is shown in the example. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Because this disclosure allows for various modifications and multiple embodiments, exemplary embodiments will be illustrated in the figures and described in detail in the written description. Aspects and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for implementing these aspects and features, will become apparent from reference to the embodiments described in detail later with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, but can be implemented in a wide variety of forms.

[0041] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "attached" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly attached to or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly attached to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0042] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be enlarged for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals indicate the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of" and "any one of" modify the entire column of elements when following a column of elements, and do not modify individual elements of the column. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] It will be understood that while the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0044] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature illustrated in the figures and another element or feature. It will be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented as “above” or “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form “a” is also intended to include the plural form. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] Unless there is a clear description or contradiction regarding the order of steps constituting a method according to an embodiment of this disclosure, these steps may be performed in any suitable order. This disclosure is not necessarily limited to the order of steps described above.

[0047] For example, if a particular embodiment is feasible in other respects, the particular process sequence may be performed in a sequence different from that described. For example, two processes described sequentially may be performed together or substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in the reverse order of being described.

[0048] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0049] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a single battery cell is shown in the image.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 may include a battery cell 100, a protection circuit module (PCM) 200, a connection portion 300, and a protection member 400.

[0051] refer to Figure 2According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 110 and a housing 120.

[0052] The electrode assembly 110 can be manufactured as an electrode core by winding a first electrode plate 111, a second electrode plate 112, and a separator 113 disposed between the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112. In another embodiment, the electrode assembly 110 can be manufactured as a stack by stacking separators 113 between a plurality of first electrode plates 111 and a plurality of second electrode plates 112. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 110 can be manufactured using both an electrode core and a stack.

[0053] For example, the electrode assembly 110 can be formed by winding or stacking a stack of a first electrode plate 111, a diaphragm 113, and a second electrode plate 112, which are formed in the shape of a thin plate or a film. When the electrode assembly 110 is a wound stack, the winding axis can be parallel to the length direction of the housing 120. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 110 can be a stack type instead of a wound type.

[0054] The shape of the electrode assembly 110 is not limited in this disclosure. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 110 may be a Z-stacked electrode assembly, wherein the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are inserted on both sides (e.g., opposite sides) of the diaphragm 113 and then bent (or folded) into a Z-stack. Furthermore, the electrode assembly 110 can be stored inside the housing 120 (e.g., housed within the housing 120) by stacking multiple electrode assemblies 110 such that their long sides are adjacent to each other, and the number of electrode assemblies 110 is not limited in this disclosure. The first electrode plate 111 of the electrode assembly 110 can be used as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate 112 can be used as a positive electrode. The reverse is also possible.

[0055] The first electrode plate 111 may have a first active material coated portion formed by coating (e.g., intermittently coating) a first active material onto a first substrate that is a sheet-like conductive material, and a first uncoated portion, the first uncoated portion being the portion of the first substrate exposed because it is not coated with the first active material. The first electrode plate 111 may be a negative electrode plate, and the first active material may include a negative electrode active material, which may include a carbon material (such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, carbon composite material, or carbon fiber) or lithium metal or a lithium alloy.

[0056] For example, the first electrode plate 111 can be formed by coating a first electrode active material (such as graphite or carbon) onto a first electrode current collector plate formed of a metal foil (such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy), and may include a negative electrode tab (e.g., a first uncoated portion) 114b, which is a region of the first electrode current collector plate not coated with the first electrode active material. The negative electrode tab 114b may serve as a channel for current flow between the first electrode plate 111 and the first current collector (e.g., an external device or circuit). In some embodiments, the negative electrode tab 114b may be formed during the manufacture of the first electrode plate 111 by pre-cutting the first electrode plate 111 such that the negative electrode tab 114b protrudes to one side, and may protrude further to one side than the diaphragm 113 without separate cutting.

[0057] The second electrode plate 112 may have a polarity different from that of the first electrode plate 111, and may have a second active material coated portion formed by coating (e.g., intermittently coating) a second active material onto a second substrate that is a sheet-like conductive material, and a second uncoated portion, the second uncoated portion being the portion of the second substrate exposed because it is not coated with the second active material. The second electrode plate 112 may be a positive electrode plate, and the second active material may include lithium (such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMnO2, LiMn2O4, or LiNi). 1-x-y Co x M y The positive electrode active material (O2).

[0058] The second electrode plate 112 can be formed by coating a second electrode active material (such as a transition metal oxide) onto a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy), and may include a positive electrode terminal piece (e.g., a second uncoated portion) 114a for a region where the second electrode active material is not coated.

[0059] The positive electrode terminal 114a may serve as a channel for current flow between the second electrode plate 112 and the second current collector (e.g., an external device or circuit). In some embodiments, the positive electrode terminal 114a may be formed during the manufacture of the second electrode plate 112 by pre-cutting the second electrode plate 112 to protrude to the other side, and may protrude further to the other side than the diaphragm 113 without separate cutting.

[0060] The separator 113 is located between the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112, and can insulate the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112 from each other while allowing lithium ions to exchange between the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112. Even if the electrode assembly 110 contracts or expands during the charging and discharging process of the battery pack 1, the separator 113 can have sufficient length to completely insulate between the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112.

[0061] Individual terminal blocks 114 may be disposed on each of the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112, and may protrude to one side. Individual terminal blocks 114 may include a positive electrode terminal block 114a and a negative electrode terminal block 114b, with the positive electrode terminal block 114a connected to an uncoated portion of the second electrode plate 112, and the negative electrode terminal block 114b connected to an uncoated portion of the first electrode plate 111. Individual terminal blocks 114 may each be electrically connected to the first electrode plate 111 and / or the second electrode plate 112, and the individual terminal blocks 114 extend to the exterior of the electrode assembly 110.

[0062] A membrane portion 115 may be disposed on the individual terminal piece 114, and the membrane portion 115 may be disposed on one surface of the individual terminal piece 114, or may be disposed around the individual terminal piece 114 (e.g., extending around its outer periphery). The membrane portion 115 may seal the individual terminal piece 114 exposed to the outside of the electrode assembly 110. To prevent a short circuit that would occur if the individual terminal piece 114 came into contact with a metal layer exposed at one end of the sealing portion 124 of the battery housing 120, the membrane portion 115 may be heat-sealed to the sealing portion 124, such that the individual terminal piece 114 and the sealing portion 124 are tightly connected to each other.

[0063] The housing 120 forms the exterior of the battery pack 1 and has an electrode assembly 110 disposed therein. There are no particular limitations on the shape and size of the housing 120, and the housing 120 may have a shape and size corresponding to the electrode assembly 110.

[0064] For example, housing 120 may have a rectangular shape with an empty interior. In other embodiments, housing 120 may have a polyhedral or cylindrical shape.

[0065] The housing 120 may include a cover 121 and a lower housing 122, and may have an internal space 123 and a sealing portion 124. The lower housing 122 has (or forms) an internal space 123 having dimensions larger than those of the electrode assembly 110, and the electrode assembly 110 can be inserted into the internal space 123.

[0066] The cover 121 may be arranged on the upper surface of the lower housing 122 to be openable to cover the electrode assembly 110 inserted into the internal space 123.

[0067] The sealing portion 124 is positioned along the upper edge of the lower housing 122. When the electrode assembly 110 is housed in the housing 120, a portion of the individual terminal piece 114 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 120.

[0068] A membrane portion 115 provided on the individual connector 114 can be arranged between the cover 121 and the lower housing 122 at a position corresponding to the sealing portion 124.

[0069] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of region "A" in the image, and Figure 4 To show Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the state of the protection circuit module before it is attached to the connection part.

[0070] refer to Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protection circuit module (PCM) 200 can protect the battery cell 100 from various risk factors such as overcharging, over-discharging, overcurrent and short circuit, thereby preventing damage to the battery cell 100 and extending the life of the battery pack 1.

[0071] For example, the protection circuit module 200 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and may further include at least one of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a fuse, a resistor, a capacitor, and a temperature sensor for current control and protection.

[0072] The MOSFET of the protection circuit module 200 can control the current flow to the battery cell 100, and can protect the battery cell 100 by blocking (or disconnecting) the circuit in the event of overcurrent or overcharge. The temperature sensor of the protection circuit module 200 can monitor the temperature of the battery cell 100 in real time, and can limit or stop the current flow if overheating occurs.

[0073] The protection circuit module 200 may include a microcontroller (MCU), which can process data collected from sensors, analyze battery status, and perform protection operations.

[0074] The protection circuit module 200 can be electrically connected to the individual battery cells 100 and performs a cell balancing function to adjust the voltage imbalance between the individual battery cells 100. The protection circuit module 200 can be connected in parallel or in series with other cells in the battery pack 1 to monitor the voltage state of each cell and resolve imbalances between cells.

[0075] Accordingly, the protection circuit module 200 can improve or maximize the performance and lifespan of the battery cell 100 or battery pack 1 through the cell balancing function.

[0076] The protection circuit module 200 can be arranged inside the battery pack 1 on the upper part of one side of the battery cell 100. The protection circuit module 200 can be arranged inside the housing of the battery pack 1 to be protected from external impacts or physical damage, and can be combined (or connected) with a heat dissipation device for thermal management to ensure stable operation even in high-temperature environments.

[0077] The protection circuit module 200 can be configured independently for each individual module unit, and the individual status of each module can be monitored separately.

[0078] The protection circuit module 200 can communicate with the battery management system (BMS) to transmit the status of the battery cell 100 to the central management system.

[0079] The protection circuit module 200 may include wireless communication functionality, thus enabling remote monitoring and control of the state of the battery pack 1, and the protection circuit module 200 may effectively manage the state of the individual battery cells 100 via wireless communication.

[0080] refer to Figure 4 The protection circuit module 200 can be electrically connected to the individual terminal piece 114. For example, the positive electrode terminal piece 114a and the negative electrode terminal piece 114b can be connected to different areas of the protection circuit module 200, respectively.

[0081] The protection circuit module 200 can be connected to the battery cell 100, for example, the protection circuit module 200 can be connected to the battery cell 100 via the connection portion 300.

[0082] One surface of the protection circuit module 200 facing the battery cell 100 can be bonded to one surface of the battery cell 100. For example, a bonding portion 300, which is an adhesive, can be arranged between the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100, and one surface of the bonding portion 300 can be in surface contact with one surface of the protection circuit module 200, and the other surface of the bonding portion 300 opposite to one surface can be in contact with one surface of the battery cell 100, and accordingly, the protection circuit module 200 can be positioned and fixed to one surface of the battery cell 100.

[0083] The positive electrode terminal 114a and the negative electrode terminal 114b may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction on one surface of the battery cell 100, and the length of the protection circuit module 200 in the first direction may be relatively shorter than the length of the battery cell 100 in the first direction.

[0084] In this specification, "first direction" can be interpreted as the direction along which the positive electrode terminal 114a and the negative electrode terminal 114b are spaced apart from each other, or the direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the protection circuit module 200.

[0085] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The plan view of the connecting part is shown in the example.

[0086] refer to Figures 3-5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection portion 300 can connect the battery cell 100 to the protection circuit module 200 and can be arranged between the battery cell 100 and the protection circuit module 200.

[0087] The connection portion 300 may include an insulating material. For example, the connection portion 300 may include materials such as polyimide, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, also known as Teflon), silicone, rubber, aramid fiber, polypropylene, polyethylene, fluoropolymer, polyurea, polycarbonate, or nylon.

[0088] Because the connection portion 300 includes insulating material, the area where the individual terminal piece 114 of the battery cell 100 is located can be effectively insulated. For example, the connection portion 300 can prevent electrical short circuits that may occur in the individual terminal piece 114, thereby improving electrical stability.

[0089] In some embodiments, because the individual terminal piece 114 of the battery cell 100 may be subjected to high voltage, abnormal electrical contact at the individual terminal piece 114 can be prevented due to the insulating material included in the connection portion 300, thereby reducing damage to the battery cell 100.

[0090] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A recessed portion 310 with an inwardly concave shape may be formed in the periphery of the connecting portion 300.

[0091] In this specification, the term "periphery" of the connection portion 300 may be interpreted as the edge, boundary, or side portion of the connection portion 300. For example, the periphery of the connection portion 300 may be interpreted as the side portion or side surface of the periphery of the connection portion 300 located between a surface of the contact protection circuit module 200 of the connection portion 300 and a surface of the contact battery cell 100 of the connection portion 300.

[0092] The notch portion 310 may be a region that is formed into a recessed notch, cut, slit, or other shape around the periphery facing the interior of the connecting portion 300.

[0093] The notch portion 310 may be formed as a recessed shape toward the interior of the connecting portion 300 (e.g., toward the center of the connecting portion 300); for example, the notch portion 310 may be formed as a recessed shape in the side portion around the periphery of the connecting portion 300 having a longitudinal central axis CL toward the connecting portion 300.

[0094] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The recessed portion 310 may be positioned separately from (e.g., spaced apart from) the area where the individual terminal piece 114 is located. For example, the area of ​​the connection portion 300 corresponding to the area where the individual terminal piece 114 is located and the recessed portion 310 may be spaced apart from each other, and the recessed portion 310 may not be located in the area of ​​the connection portion 300 corresponding to the area where the individual terminal piece 114 is located.

[0095] The positive electrode terminal 114a and the negative electrode terminal 114b may be spaced apart from each other by a certain interval (e.g., predetermined or regular interval) in the length direction of the connecting portion 300 (e.g., along the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300), and the positive electrode terminal 114a and the negative electrode terminal 114b may contact the surfaces of different regions of the connecting portion 300 that are spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the connecting portion 300.

[0096] The notch 310 may be located in the region between the positive electrode contact 114a and the negative electrode contact 114b. For example, the notch 310 may be formed between the region of the connection portion 300 that contacts the positive electrode contact 114a and the region of the connection portion 300 that contacts the negative electrode contact 114b.

[0097] The notch portion 310 may be spaced apart from the individual terminal piece 114 by a certain distance. For example, the distance between the notch portion 310 adjacent to (e.g., directly adjacent or most adjacent to) the individual terminal piece 114 and the individual terminal piece 114 may be more than about 0.3 mm or more than about 0.5 mm.

[0098] The notch portion 310 may be spaced apart from the positive electrode terminal piece 114a by a certain distance. For example, the distance between the notch portion 310 adjacent to the positive electrode terminal piece 114a and the positive electrode terminal piece 114a may be more than about 0.3 mm or more than about 0.5 mm.

[0099] The notch 310 can be spaced apart from the negative electrode terminal 114b by a certain distance. For example, the distance between the notch 310 adjacent to the negative electrode terminal 114b and the negative electrode terminal 114b can be more than about 0.3 mm or more than about 0.5 mm.

[0100] Multiple recessed portions 310 may be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the connecting portion 300. For example, multiple recessed portions 310 may be formed in the periphery of the connecting portion 300, and multiple recessed portions 310 may be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the connecting portion 300.

[0101] For example, the distance between the notch portion 310 closest to the positive electrode terminal 114a and the positive electrode terminal 114a can be the same as the distance between the notch portion 310 closest to the negative electrode terminal 114b and the negative electrode terminal 114b.

[0102] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 At least three notched portions 310 may be spaced apart from each other by equal intervals; for example, at least three notched portions 310 may be spaced apart from each other by equal intervals in the length direction of the connecting portion 300.

[0103] The notch portion 310 may be formed on opposite sides of the periphery of the connecting portion 300 at a position symmetrical about the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300.

[0104] refer to Figure 4 The inner peripheral surface of the notch portion 310 may have a concave shape that bends toward the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300. For example, the inner peripheral surface of the notch portion 310 located between one side of the contact protection circuit module 200 of the connecting portion 300 and the side of the contact battery cell 100 of the connecting portion 300 may be formed into a concave shape that bends toward the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300.

[0105] The inner circumferential surface of the notch portion 310 may have an arcuate shape with a radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature). For example, the inner circumferential surface of the notch portion 310 may be formed into a semi-circular shape.

[0106] As one embodiment, the notch portion 310 may have a recessed U-shaped notch, V-shaped notch or ┗┛-shaped notch in the length direction of the connecting portion 300.

[0107] When the battery cell 100 and the protection circuit module 200 are fixed to each other by the connecting portion 300 therebetween, the protection member 400 is tightly attached to the area of ​​the battery cell 100 on which the protection circuit module 200 is positioned by a process such as molding, potting or coating, and the protection member 400 can penetrate into the recessed portion 310.

[0108] As a result, the contact area between the connecting part 300 and the protective member 400, as well as the amount of penetration of the protective member 400 between the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100, are increased, thus the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100 can be more firmly fixed to each other.

[0109] refer to Figure 5The depth ND of the notch 310 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300 may be less than half the width LW of the connecting portion 300. For example, the depth ND of the notch 310 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300 may be about 0.1 to about 0.5 times or about 0.2 to about 0.4 times the width LW of the connecting portion 300.

[0110] refer to Figure 5 The width NW of the notch 310 may be equal to or relatively greater than the depth ND of the notch 310. For example, the width NW of the notch 310 in the first direction may be equal to or relatively greater than the depth ND of the notch 310 in the second direction.

[0111] The width NW of the notch portion 310 can be approximately 1 to 3 times or approximately 1.5 to 2 times the depth ND of the notch portion 310.

[0112] The length of the connecting portion 300 in the first direction may be relatively greater than the length of the protection circuit module 200 in the first direction, and the width LW of the connecting portion 300 in the second direction may be relatively greater than the width of the protection circuit module 200 in the second direction.

[0113] In this specification, "second direction" can be interpreted as a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to a surface of the connection portion 300 that contacts the protection circuit module 200.

[0114] The length of the connecting portion 300 in the first direction may be relatively smaller than the length of a surface of the battery cell 100 that contacts the connecting portion 300 in the first direction, and the width LW of the connecting portion 300 in the second direction may be relatively smaller than the width of a surface of the battery cell 100 that contacts the connecting portion 300 in the second direction.

[0115] For example, the length of the connection portion 300 in the first direction may be greater than the length of the protection circuit module 200 in the first direction and less than the length of the battery cell 100 in the first direction, and the width LW of the connection portion 300 in the second direction may be greater than the width of the protection circuit module 200 in the second direction and less than the width of the battery cell 100 in the second direction.

[0116] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective member 400 may cover the outer periphery (or surrounding area) of the connecting portion 300.

[0117] The protective member 400 may be positioned around the periphery of the side portion of the battery cell 100, for example, the protective member 400 may cover the side portion of the battery cell 100. The protective member 400 may cover the side portion of the battery cell 100 to protect the battery cell 100 from external impacts or physical damage.

[0118] The protective member 400 can be molded to the side portion of the battery cell 100. For example, the protective member 400 can be tightly attached to the side portion of the battery cell 100 by methods such as injection molding or compression molding.

[0119] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the protective member 400 may also cover the side portion of the battery cell 100 by potting or coating.

[0120] Accordingly, the battery cell 100 can be protected by the protection member 400 from external impacts, scratches, vibrations, etc., and the protection member 400 can provide electrical insulation to prevent unintended electrical contact between the battery cells 100, thereby preventing short circuits between the battery cells 100.

[0121] The protective member 400 may include an elastomer and / or an insulator. For example, the protective member 400 may include a resin (e.g., synthetic resin, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, epoxy resin, silicone, polyimide, acrylic resin, fluoropolymer, rubber, etc.).

[0122] refer to Figure 5 The protective member 400 can extend from the outer region of the recess 310 to the inner region of the recess 310.

[0123] For example, in a process in which molten protective member 400 is injected into connecting portion 300 and then cured, protective member 400 may penetrate from the outer periphery of connecting portion 300 into the inner region of recess portion 310 and be cured in the inner region of recess portion 310.

[0124] In some embodiments, one side of the protective member 400 located in the inner region of the recessed portion 310 can be cured while in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion 310, a surface of the battery cell 100, and a surface of the protective circuit module 200.

[0125] Accordingly, because the protective member 400 penetrates into the recessed portion 310 and cures upon contact with the inner circumferential surface of the recessed portion 310, the connecting portion 300 and the protective member 400 can be more firmly connected to each other.

[0126] Thus, the protection circuit module 200 connected to the connection portion 300 and the battery cell 100 connected to the protection member 400 can be securely connected to each other.

[0127] The following describes a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] Except for the channel portion CH in the connecting portion 300', the battery pack according to another embodiment of this disclosure has the same configuration, operating principle, and effect as the battery pack 1 described above. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same or substantially similar components and configurations will be omitted.

[0129] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the connection structure of the protection circuit module and the individual battery cells of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 For example, the state before the protection circuit module is attached to the connection part. Figure 6 The diagram shows a single battery cell. Figure 8 for Figure 7 The plan view of the connecting part is shown in the example.

[0130] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack may include a battery cell 100, a protection circuit module 200, a connection portion 300', and a protection component.

[0131] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 100, protection circuit module 200, and protection component of the battery pack have the same configuration, working principle, and effect as the battery cell 100, protection circuit module 200, and protection component 400 of the battery pack 1 described above, and therefore their repeated description is omitted.

[0132] refer to Figures 6-8 Multiple connecting portions 300' may be provided to be separated from each other (e.g., spaced apart) along the length of the protection circuit module 200.

[0133] Each of the plurality of connecting portions 300' is referred to as a connecting piece 300a or 300b, and for ease of description, connecting pieces 300a and 300b that are adjacent to each other are referred to as the first connecting piece 300a and the second connecting piece 300b. However, this does not mean that the number of connecting portions 300' or connecting pieces 300a and 300b is limited to two.

[0134] The connecting portion 300' can be interpreted as collectively referring to multiple connecting pieces 300a and 300b, but is not limited thereto, and the connecting portion 300' can also be interpreted as referring to each connecting piece 300a or 300b itself.

[0135] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Multiple connecting pieces 300a and 300b can be arranged at certain intervals (e.g., predetermined intervals) between the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100 along the length of the protection circuit module 200.

[0136] Between adjacent connecting pieces in the plurality of connecting pieces 300a, 300b, a channel portion CH may be formed to provide space for the protective member to penetrate through the outside of the connecting portion 300'.

[0137] The channel portion CH may be defined as the space between a plurality of connecting pieces 300a, 300b, and in some embodiments, the channel portion CH may be interpreted as a channel or flow path defined by the outer surfaces of the connecting pieces arranged parallel to each other, a surface of the protection circuit module 200 facing the battery cell 100, and a surface of the battery cell 100 facing the protection circuit module 200.

[0138] The channel portion CH can be positioned separately from the area where the individual terminal block 114 is located.

[0139] The positive electrode terminal 114a and the negative electrode terminal 114b may be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the connecting portion 300' (e.g., along the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300'), and the positive electrode terminal 114a and the negative electrode terminal 114b may contact the surfaces of different regions of the connecting portion 300' that are spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the connecting portion 300'.

[0140] The width CW of the channel portion CH in the first direction may be more than about 0.3 mm or more than about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the width CW of the channel portion CH in the first direction may be less than the width of each of the connecting portions 300' spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0141] The channel portion CH can be located in the region between the positive electrode terminal 114a and the negative electrode terminal 114b. For example, the channel portion CH can be formed between the connecting pieces 300a and 300b that contact the positive electrode terminal 114a and the connecting pieces 300a and 300b that contact the negative electrode terminal 114b.

[0142] The channel portion CH can be spaced apart from the individual terminal piece 114 by a certain distance. For example, the distance between the recess portion 310' adjacent to the individual terminal piece 114 and the individual terminal piece 114 can be more than about 0.3 mm or more than about 0.5 mm.

[0143] The channel portion CH can be spaced apart from the positive electrode terminal piece 114a by a certain distance. For example, the distance between the recess portion 310' adjacent to the positive electrode terminal piece 114a and the positive electrode terminal piece 114a can be more than about 0.3 mm or more than about 0.5 mm.

[0144] The channel portion CH can be spaced apart from the negative electrode terminal piece 114b by a certain distance. For example, the distance between the recess portion 310' adjacent to the negative electrode terminal piece 114b and the negative electrode terminal piece 114b can be more than about 0.3 mm or more than about 0.5 mm.

[0145] For example, the distance between the notch portion 310' closest to the positive electrode terminal 114a and the positive electrode terminal 114a can be the same as the distance between the notch portion 310' closest to the negative electrode terminal 114b and the negative electrode terminal 114b.

[0146] Multiple channel portions CH can be provided to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the connecting portion 300'. For example, at least three channel portions CH can be spaced apart from each other by an equal interval, for example, at least three channel portions CH can be spaced apart by an equal interval in the length direction of the connecting portion 300'.

[0147] The longitudinal center axis of the channel portion CH may intersect (e.g., intersect) the longitudinal center axis of the connecting portion 300'. For example, the longitudinal center axis of the channel portion CH may intersect (or cross) the longitudinal center axis of the connecting portion 300' perpendicularly.

[0148] The protective member 400 can extend from the outer region of the connecting portion 300' to the inner region of the channel portion CH.

[0149] For example, in a process in which molten protective material is injected into the connecting portion 300' and then cured thereon, the protective material can penetrate from the outside of the connecting portion 300' into the inner region of the channel portion CH to cure in the inner region of the channel portion CH.

[0150] In some embodiments, one side of the protective member located in the inner region of the channel portion CH can be cured simultaneously with each of the side surface of the connection portion 300' facing the channel portion CH, a surface of the battery cell 100, and a surface of the protective circuit module 200.

[0151] As a result, because the protective member penetrates into the channel portion CH and cures upon contact with the inner circumferential surface of the channel portion CH, the connecting portion 300' and the protective member can be more firmly connected to each other.

[0152] Thus, the protection circuit module 200 connected to the connection portion 300' and the battery cell 100 connected to the protection member can be securely connected to each other.

[0153] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 A recessed portion 310' having depth in a direction away from the channel portion CH may be located in the side portion of the connecting portion 300' facing the channel portion CH.

[0154] For example, on the side surface of the region defining the channel portion CH of the connecting pieces 300a and 300b, the recessed notch portion 310' may be formed in a direction away from the channel portion CH or toward the center of the corresponding connecting piece 300a or 300b.

[0155] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The internal space of the notch portion 310' can communicate with the channel portion CH (e.g., it can be opened to or in fluid communication with the channel portion CH).

[0156] The notch portion 310' can be a region that is formed into a recessed notch, cut, slit, or other shape around the interior of the connecting portion 300'.

[0157] The notch portion 310' may have a recessed shape toward the interior of the connecting pieces 300a, 300b; for example, the notch portion 310' may have a recessed shape in a direction away from the channel portion CH or toward the center of the respective connecting pieces 300a, 300b.

[0158] The notch 310' may be located on the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300', and the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300' may pass through the area where the notch 310' is located.

[0159] For example, multiple recessed portions 310' may be formed in the connecting portion 300', and the longitudinal central axis CL of the connecting portion 300' may pass through all areas where the multiple recessed portions 310' are located.

[0160] The inner peripheral surface of the notch portion 310' may have an arcuate shape having a radius of curvature. For example, the inner peripheral surface of the notch portion 310' may be formed into a semi-circular shape. In some embodiments, the inner peripheral surface of the notch portion 310' may have a concave curved shape that bends away from the longitudinal central axis of the channel portion CH.

[0161] In various embodiments, the notch portion 310' may be a U-shaped notch, a V-shaped notch, or a ┗┛-shaped notch recessed in a direction away from the channel portion CH or toward the center of the corresponding connecting piece 300a, 300b.

[0162] The depth ND of the notch portion 310' in the direction away from the channel portion CH may be relatively smaller than the width CW of the channel portion CH in the first direction.

[0163] The width NW of the notch portion 310' in the second direction can be about 0.1 to about 0.8 times or about 0.2 to about 0.5 times the width LW of the connecting portion 300' in the second direction.

[0164] Therefore, when the battery cell 100 and the protection circuit module 200 are fixed to each other by the connecting portion 300' therebetween, the protection member is tightly attached to the area of ​​the battery cell 100 on which the protection circuit module 200 is positioned by a process such as molding, potting or coating, and the protection member can penetrate into the channel portion CH and the notch portion 310'.

[0165] The increased penetration of the protective member between the connecting portions 300' and the increased contact area between the protective member and the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100 allow the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100 to be securely fixed to each other.

[0166] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 includes a connection portion 300' having a notch portion 310' or a channel portion CH on one side thereon, which provides space for a protective member to be installed. The connection portion 300' connects the battery cell 100 to the protection circuit module 200, such that the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100 are securely connected to each other through the protective member.

[0167] Each of the above embodiments can be implemented independently, or the structure of each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments.

[0168] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, these are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments can be made therefrom. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0169] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a connection portion having a recessed portion on one side providing space for a protective member to be installed. The connection portion connects a battery cell to a protection circuit module, so that the protection circuit module and the battery cell can be securely connected to each other through the protective member.

[0170] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other unmentioned aspects and features from the description of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: Battery cell, including electrode assembly with cell terminals; The protection circuit module is electrically connected to the individual terminal block; A connection portion is arranged between the battery cell and the protection circuit module. The connection portion includes insulating material and has a recessed portion in its periphery, the recessed portion having an inwardly recessed shape. as well as A protective component that covers the periphery of the connecting portion.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the recessed portion is spaced apart from the area where the individual terminal piece is arranged.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notch portion comprises a plurality of notches spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the connecting portion, and The plurality of notched portions are positioned symmetrically about the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the individual cell terminals include positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion, and At least one of the plurality of notched portions is located between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the depth of the recessed portion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion is less than half the width of the connecting portion.

6. The battery pack of claim 5, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion has a concave shape that bends toward the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the connecting portion in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion is greater than the width of the protection circuit module in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member extends from the outer region of the recessed portion to the inner region of the recessed portion.

9. The battery pack of claim 8, wherein one side of the protective member in the inner region of the recessed portion contacts the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion, the battery cell, and the protective circuit module.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the protective component comprises a synthetic resin.

11. A battery pack, comprising: Battery cell, including electrode assembly with cell terminals; The protection circuit module is electrically connected to the individual terminal block; Multiple connection portions are provided between the battery cell and the protection circuit module, the multiple connection portions comprising insulating material and spaced apart from each other along the length of the protection circuit module; as well as A protective component covers the periphery of each of the plurality of connecting portions.

12. The battery pack of claim 11, wherein the channel portion is formed between adjacent connection portions of the plurality of connection portions, and The protective member penetrates the channel portion from the outside of the connection portion.

13. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein the channel portion is spaced apart from the area where the cell terminals are arranged.

14. The battery pack of claim 13, wherein the individual cell terminals include positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal central axis of the connection portion, and The channel portion is located in the area between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal.

15. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein the width of the channel portion in the length direction of the protection circuit module is less than the width of each of the plurality of connection portions spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the protection circuit module.

16. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein a recessed portion having depth in a direction away from the channel portion is in the side portion of each of the plurality of connecting portions facing the channel portion.

17. The battery pack of claim 16, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion has a concave curved shape, the concave curved shape being curved away from the longitudinal central axis of the channel portion.

18. The battery pack of claim 16, wherein the depth of the notch portion in the direction away from the channel portion is less than the width of the channel portion.

19. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein one side of the protective member located in the inner region of the channel portion contacts the side surface of each of the plurality of connecting portions facing the channel portion, the battery cell, and each of the protection circuit module.

20. The battery pack according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the protective component comprises a synthetic resin.

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