Rechargeable battery

Abstract

Disclosed is a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery includes a battery cell, a platform extending from the battery cell, a protection circuit module on the platform, and a heat sink covering the protection circuit module, wherein the heat sink includes a heat dissipation portion that dissipates heat generated by the protection circuit module and a short circuit prevention portion located within the heat dissipation portion. Thus, the heat generation temperature of the protection circuit module can be improved and short circuiting caused by a lead can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a rechargeable battery. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones, and the commercial availability of robots, electric vehicles, and the like, research is actively underway on rechargeable batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0003] A rechargeable battery may include individual battery cells for supplying power and a protection circuit module (PCM) electrically connected to the battery cells to continuously detect and control values ​​such as voltage, current or temperature.

[0004] The information disclosed above in the art that forms the background of this disclosure is only for improving the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a rechargeable battery, which includes a battery cell, a platform extending from the battery cell, a protection circuit module on the platform, and a heat sink covering the protection circuit module. The heat sink includes a heat dissipation part for dissipating heat generated by the protection circuit module and a short circuit prevention part within the heat dissipation part.

[0006] The protection circuit module may include: a substrate, including a first surface facing the platform and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a lead connection plate on the first surface; and a transistor on the second surface.

[0007] The battery cell may also include electrode leads, and the electrode leads may be connected to a lead connection plate.

[0008] One end of the electrode lead and one end of the lead connection plate can coincide with the extension line of the side surface of the substrate.

[0009] The short-circuit prevention section can face one end of the electrode lead and one end of the lead connection plate.

[0010] The protection circuit module may also include a molded component on the second surface, the molded component surrounding the transistor.

[0011] The molding component may include a molding body surrounding the transistor, the molding body may include: a fixing surface fixed to a substrate; a first heat dissipation surface on the opposite side of the fixing surface and facing a heat sink; and a second heat dissipation surface connecting the fixing surface to the first heat dissipation surface, the second heat dissipation surface facing the heat sink.

[0012] The heat dissipation section may include a first heat dissipation section facing a first heat dissipation surface, a second heat dissipation section facing a second heat dissipation surface, a third heat dissipation section facing a side surface of the substrate, and a fourth heat dissipation section in contact with the outer surface of the platform.

[0013] The first heat dissipation section, the second heat dissipation section, the third heat dissipation section, and the fourth heat dissipation section can be connected continuously.

[0014] The first, second, third, and fourth heat dissipation sections can form a C-shape.

[0015] The heat sink may include: a thermally conductive layer, including a thermally conductive material; an insulating layer on the inner surface of the thermally conductive layer, the insulating layer facing the protective circuit module; and a protective layer on the outer surface of the thermally conductive layer.

[0016] The short-circuit prevention section may include an opening located in the thermally conductive layer.

[0017] The short-circuit prevention section may include a single slit with a rectangular shape in the thermally conductive layer.

[0018] The short-circuit prevention section may include multiple slits in a rectangular shape, which are located in the heat-conducting layer.

[0019] The fusible chain can be between multiple slits.

[0020] The protective layer may include a flame-retardant layer containing flame-retardant material and an adhesive layer between the flame-retardant layer and the thermally conductive layer.

[0021] The insulating layer may have a first thickness, and the protective layer may have a second thickness that is thicker than the first thickness.

[0022] The heat sink may also include a first fixed end fixed to the battery cell and a second fixed end fixed to the platform.

[0023] The heat dissipation part includes a heat-conducting layer, an insulating layer, and a protective layer, and the first fixed end and the second fixed end include an insulating layer and a protective layer.

[0024] The heat dissipation section can have a rectangular shape.

[0025] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a rechargeable battery may surround a protection circuit module and may include a heat sink comprising a heat dissipation portion and a short-circuit prevention portion to improve the heating temperature of the protection circuit module and prevent short circuits caused by leads. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a rechargeable battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation of the basis Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the main components of a rechargeable battery;

[0029] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments taken by line A-A' in the diagram;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a view schematically illustrating the deployed state of a heat sink according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments taken by line B-B' in the diagram;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating short-circuit prevention of a heat sink according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a view schematically illustrating the deployed state of a heat sink according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 8 This is a view schematically illustrating the deployed state of a heat sink according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementation methods to those skilled in the art.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on said other layer or substrate, or there may be intervening layers. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "below" another layer, it may be directly below said other layer, and one or more intervening layers may be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "between two layers," it may be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may be present. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0037] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the embodiments. This disclosure may be modified in various ways without departing from its spirit or scope.

[0038] For the sake of clarity in describing this disclosure, parts or components that are not relevant to the description have been omitted.

[0039] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of description, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element are shown arbitrarily, and this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of each element shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity.

[0040] It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, it can be directly "on" the other element, or an intermediary element may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, no intermediary element is present. Furthermore, in the specification, the terms "on" or "above" refer to being disposed on or below a reference portion, and do not necessarily refer to being disposed on the upper side of the reference portion based on the direction of gravity.

[0041] Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the word “including” and its variations such as “containing” and “comprising” should be understood as implying the inclusion of the stated element but not excluding any other element.

[0042] Throughout the specification, the phrase “in a plan view” or “on a plane” can refer to the view of a portion of the object from above, and the phrase “in a sectional view” or “on a section” can refer to the view of a section taken by vertically cutting the portion of the object from the side.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, the symbols “X,” “Y,” and “Z” can be used to indicate directions. Here, “X” can be a first direction, “Y” can be a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and “Z” can be a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction) can correspond to the horizontal or left-right direction of the rechargeable battery. The Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction) can correspond to the vertical or length direction of the rechargeable battery. The Z-axis direction (e.g., the third direction) can correspond to the thickness, height, or vertical direction of the rechargeable battery.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating components of a rechargeable battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a schematic representation of the basis Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the main components of a rechargeable battery, and Figure 3 It is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments taken by line A-A' in the diagram.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The rechargeable battery 1 according to one or more embodiments may include a battery cell 100, a platform 200, a protection circuit module 300, and a heat sink 400.

[0046] The battery cell 100 can be a unit structure for storing and supplying electricity, and for example, it can be a lithium rechargeable battery capable of charging and discharging a predetermined amount of electricity. For example, the battery cell 100 according to this embodiment can be a pouch-type battery cell including an electrode assembly and an outer material surrounding the electrode assembly. Electrode leads 111, 112 can be disposed on one side of the battery cell 100.

[0047] The electrode assembly can be formed in a wound type in which the first electrode plate, the second electrode plate and the diaphragm disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are wound into a roll shape, or it can be formed in a stacked type in which the first electrode plate, the second electrode plate and the diaphragm are stacked on top of each other.

[0048] Electrode leads 111 and 112 may include a positive electrode lead 111 and a negative electrode lead 112, and may protrude from one side of the battery cell 100 in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction).

[0049] Platform 200 can extend from battery cell 100 and can support protection circuit module 300. According to this embodiment, platform 200 can have a plate shape extending horizontally from the end surface of battery cell 100 in the Y-axis direction (e.g., a second direction) of battery cell 100. Platform 200 can be integrally formed with battery cell 100, or it can be manufactured separately from battery cell 100 and then bonded to it. The lower surface of platform 200 can be configured to be spaced apart from battery cell 100 by a predetermined interval.

[0050] The protection circuit module 300 can be positioned above the platform 200 and facing the platform 200, and can be electrically connected to the battery cell 100. The protection circuit module 300 can form the path for the charging current and discharging current of the battery cell 100, or can perform protective operations to prevent overheating or explosion of the battery cell 100 caused by overcharging, over-discharging, etc.

[0051] The protection circuit module 300 may have a structure in which the substrate 310, the field-effect transistor (FET) 320 and the molding component 330 are integrally combined.

[0052] The substrate 310 may include a flat substrate body 311 having a first surface 312 and a second surface 313 opposite to each other. The first surface 312 may be configured to face downwards based on the drawing, such that it faces the upper surface of the platform 200. The second surface 313 of the substrate 310 may be configured to face upwards based on the drawing, such that it faces the space on the platform 200.

[0053] The base body 311 may further include a third surface 314 and a fourth surface (not shown), which are configured to face each other while being perpendicular to the first surface 312 and the second surface 313. The base body 311 may have a rectangular hexahedral shape that corresponds generally to the platform 200 and has a horizontal width (e.g., a width along the X-axis direction (e.g., a first direction)) and a vertical width (e.g., a width along the Y-axis direction (e.g., a second direction)). The first surface 312 and the second surface 313 may generally have a rectangular shape.

[0054] The third surface 314 can be configured to face the exterior of the battery cell 100, such that it has a flat surface in contact with the surface of the heat sink 400. For example, facing the exterior of the battery cell 100 can mean facing a direction opposite to the direction facing the interior of the battery cell 100. The third surface 314 can have an area formed by the thickness of the base body 311 (e.g., the width along the Z-axis direction (e.g., the third direction) perpendicular to the first and second directions) and the horizontal width (e.g., the width in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction)).

[0055] Electronic components can be mounted on the second surface 313 of the substrate 310 to form paths for the charging and discharging currents of the battery cell 100, or to perform protective operations to prevent overheating or explosion of the battery cell 100 caused by overcharging, over-discharging, etc. The electronic components may include field-effect transistors (FETs) 320 that use an electric field to control the flow of current through a semiconductor material. For example, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) can be used as the field-effect transistor 320.

[0056] Lead connection plates 315 and 316 may be disposed on the first surface 312 of the substrate 310. Lead connection plates 315 and 316 may include a positive electrode lead connection plate 315 and a negative electrode lead connection plate 316. The positive electrode lead connection plate 315 may be connected to the positive electrode lead 111, and the negative electrode lead connection plate 316 may be connected to the negative electrode lead 112. The positive electrode lead connection plate 315 and the positive electrode lead 111 may extend in the Y-axis direction (e.g., a second direction) such that one end of the positive electrode lead connection plate 315 and one end of the positive electrode lead 111 coincide with the extension line of the third surface 314. The negative electrode lead connection plate 316 and the negative electrode lead 112 may extend in the Y-axis direction (e.g., a second direction) such that one end of the negative electrode lead connection plate 316 and one end of the negative electrode lead 112 coincide with the extension line of the third surface 314.

[0057] The molding member 330 may be disposed on the second surface 313 to cover the field-effect transistor 320 or to embed the field-effect transistor 320 therein. The molding member 330 may include a molding body 331 surrounding the field-effect transistor 320. The outer surface of the molding body 331 may include a fixing surface 332, a first heat dissipation surface 333, and a second heat dissipation surface 334.

[0058] The molding body 331 may extend along the substrate 310 in the X-axis direction (e.g., a first direction) and may have a thickness (e.g., a width in the Z-axis direction (e.g., a third direction)) capable of covering electronic components including the field-effect transistor 320. The molding body 331 may have a rectangular hexahedral shape that generally corresponds to the upper surface (i.e., the second surface 313) of the substrate 310 and has a horizontal width (e.g., a width in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction)) and a vertical width (e.g., a width in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction)).

[0059] The molding body 331 can be formed using various molding materials and molding methods, and the molding body 331 may include epoxy resin, etc.

[0060] A fixing surface 332 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the molding body 331 to be fixed to the second surface 313 of the substrate 310. The fixing surface 332 can be formed by melting the molding material forming the molding body 331 and adhering the molding material to the second surface 313. The fixing surface 332 can have a rectangular shape that generally corresponds to the second surface 313 and can be integrally bonded to the entire second surface 313.

[0061] The molded component 330 can be surrounded and protected by the molded body 331, which includes a circuit formed above the second surface 313 and a field-effect transistor 320 mounted above the second surface 313, and can be stably fixed and held at a set position on the second surface 313 by the fixing surface 332.

[0062] The first heat dissipation surface 333 can be disposed on the opposite side of the fixed surface 332 (i.e., on the upper surface of the molding body 331) to face the heat sink 400. The fixed surface 332 and the first heat dissipation surface 333 can have a rectangular shape, which generally corresponds to the upper surface of the base 310 (i.e., the second surface 313) and can have a horizontal width (e.g., the width in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction)) and a vertical width (e.g., the width in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction)).

[0063] The first heat dissipation surface 333 may have a flat surface that contacts the surface of the heat sink 400. For example, a flat surface may refer to a continuous contact surface that contacts the surface of the heat sink 400. The first heat dissipation surface 333 may have an overall rectangular shape, and a portion of the rectangular shape may be formed as a circle (rounded). A protrusion or a recess may be formed at a portion of the first heat dissipation surface 333.

[0064] The second heat dissipation surface 334 can be formed as the outer surface of the molding body 331 facing the outside of the battery cell 100 to contact the heat sink 400. The second heat dissipation surface 334 can connect the fixed surface 332 and the first heat dissipation surface 333. The second heat dissipation surface 334 can have an area formed by the thickness of the molding body 331 (e.g., width in the Z-axis direction (e.g., the third direction)) and the horizontal width (e.g., width in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction)). The second heat dissipation surface 334 can be formed as a flat surface to contact the surface of the heat sink 400. The second heat dissipation surface 334 can be formed as a flat surface continuous with the third surface 314 of the substrate 310 to contact the surface of the heat sink 400.

[0065] The heat sink 400 can be sequentially positioned on the first heat dissipation surface 333 and the second heat dissipation surface 334 of the molded member 330 and the third surface 314 of the substrate 310 from its upper side, such that heat generated by electronic components (such as field-effect transistors 320) mounted on the substrate 310 is transferred to the heat sink 400 through the first heat dissipation surface 333, the second heat dissipation surface 334 and the third surface 314.

[0066] The heat sink 400 may have a thin film shape and may include an insulating layer 402, a protective layer 403, and a thermally conductive layer 401 disposed between the insulating layer 402 and the protective layer 403. The thermally conductive layer 401 may include a thermally conductive material.

[0067] A heat sink 400 can be disposed outside the battery cell 100 to surround the protection circuit module 300. The heat sink 400, which includes thermally conductive material, can span its entire surface to dissipate heat generated from the protection circuit module 300. For example, the heat sink 400 can perform the function of protecting the protection circuit module 300 from the influence of external foreign objects, etc.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat sink 400 may only contact a portion of the protection circuit module 300. For example, the heat sink 400 may contact the second heat dissipation surface 334 of the molded member 330 and may be configured to be spaced apart from the first heat dissipation surface 333. The heat sink 400 may be configured to contact both the first heat dissipation surface 333 and the second heat dissipation surface 334 of the molded member 330.

[0069] In a rechargeable battery 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the protection circuit module 300 can be provided via methods described later. Figure 3 The fixing band 500 is disposed on the upper surface of the platform 200 and the side surface of the battery cell 100 and is attached to the upper surface of the platform 200 and the side surface of the battery cell 100. The heat sink 400 may be provided or attached to extend to the bottom surface of the platform 200, while surrounding the upper surface portion and side surface portion of the protection circuit module 300 exposed to the external space of the battery cell 100 in an approximately C-shape. For example, the protection circuit module 300 may have a structure in which two field-effect transistors 320 are disposed above the second surface 313 of the substrate 310, and the molding member 330 surrounds the two field-effect transistors 320 and is integrally attached to the second surface 313 of the substrate 310.

[0070] The heat generated by the field-effect transistor 320 can be transferred to the heat sink 400 through the upper surface (i.e., the first heat dissipation surface 333), the side surface (i.e., the second heat dissipation surface 334), and the side surface (i.e., the third surface 314) of the molded member 330 in contact with the heat sink 400.

[0071] Heat transferred from the protection circuit module 300 to the heat sink 400 can be uniformly transferred and distributed along the thermally conductive layer 401 throughout the heat sink 400. For example, the heat generated by the field-effect transistor 320 may not be concentrated and dissipated only on the upper and upper sides of the rechargeable battery 1, and heat dissipation of the heat sink 400 can be uniformly performed throughout the entire area including the lower and lower sides of the rechargeable battery 1.

[0072] The rechargeable battery 1 according to this embodiment may further include a retaining strap 500. The retaining strap 500 may have a sheet shape with an adhesive material applied to its surface. The retaining strap 500 may be disposed on the upper surface of the platform 200, and the upper surface of the retaining strap 500 may be configured as a first surface 312 facing the protection circuit module 300.

[0073] The retaining strap 500 can be configured to face the electronic components mounted on the first surface 312 of the protection circuit module 300 and can be in direct contact with the electronic components. Adhesive material can be applied to the surface of the retaining strap 500, and the electronic components can adhere to the surface of the adhesive area. Therefore, the protection circuit module 300 can be stably fixed above the platform 200 by the adhesive force between the adhesive area of ​​the retaining strap 500 and the electronic components.

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rechargeable battery 1 according to one or more embodiments may further include an extension member 800 extending to the exterior of the battery cell 100. For example, the extension member 800 may be an electronic component electrically connected to the substrate 310 or another substrate member electrically connecting the battery cell 100 to an external substrate.

[0075] The protection circuit module 300 and platform 200 can generally have a rectangular hexahedral shape. If the heat-conducting layer 401 and the heat dissipation portion 410 form an approximately C-shape along the outer surface of the protection circuit module 300 and platform 200, it can ensure that the heat transfer area and heat dissipation area are as wide as possible. This is based on what will be described later. Figure 4 As shown in the unfolded diagram, the heat-conducting layer 401 and the heat dissipation part 410 may have a rectangular shape.

[0076] Then, refer to Figures 1 to 3 Together Figures 4 to 6 A heat sink according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the unfolded state of a heat sink according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of one or more embodiments taken by line B-B' in the diagram. Figure 6 This is a view illustrating short-circuit prevention of a heat sink according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] Reference Figures 4 to 6According to this embodiment, the heat sink 400 can be formed by stacking and combining a thermally conductive layer 401, an insulating layer 402, and a protective layer 403. The thermally conductive layer 401 can be inserted between the insulating layer 402 and the protective layer 403, such that the protective layer 403 is disposed on the outermost side. Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown, the insulating layer 402, the thermally conductive layer 401, and the protective layer 403 can be arranged close to the battery cell 100 in the order of insulating layer 402, thermally conductive layer 401, and protective layer 403.

[0079] The thermally conductive layer 401 can be formed by including a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material of the thermally conductive layer 401 may include graphite. The thermally conductive layer 401 may have an opening 401a, and the opening 401a may be a short-circuit prevention part, which will be described later.

[0080] The insulating layer 402 may be formed of an insulating material and may be stacked and bonded to one surface of the thermally conductive layer 401. The insulating layer 402 may be positioned facing the battery cell 100, the platform 200, and the protection circuit module 300. The insulating material of the insulating layer 402 may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), polyethylene (PE), and aromatic polyamides. The insulating layer 402 may be formed of the aforementioned insulating materials to safely insulate the protection circuit module 300 from other external electronic components or conductive materials.

[0081] The insulating layer 402 may have a sheet shape in which adhesive material is applied to part or all of its surface. The insulating layer 402 may have a double-sided tape structure. The heat sink 400 can be firmly adhered and fixed to the battery cell 100 and the platform 200 by the adhesive material of the insulating layer 402.

[0082] The protective layer 403 can be formed of a flame-retardant material and can be stacked and bonded to the opposite surface of the thermally conductive layer 401, which serves as the insulating layer 402. Figure 1 When the heat sink 400 shown is combined to surround the protection circuit module 300, the protective layer 403 can be exposed to the outside, and the insulating layer 402 can be disposed on the inside.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the protective layer 403 may include a flame-retardant layer 404 and an adhesive layer 405 (see...). Figure 5 The flame-retardant layer 404 can be formed by including a flame-retardant material, and the adhesive layer 405 can be formed by including an adhesive material. The adhesive layer 405 can be disposed between the flame-retardant layer 404 and the thermally conductive layer 401, and the flame-retardant layer 404 can be adhered to the thermally conductive layer 401.

[0084] The flame-retardant material of the flame-retardant layer 404 may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), polyethylene (PE), and aromatic polyamide. The flame-retardant layer 404, made of a flame-retardant material, can perform the function of preventing the protective circuit module 300 from being directly exposed to flames in the event of a fire. Depending on the desired flame-retardant properties, the protective layer 403 may have various thicknesses.

[0085] The insulating layer 402 and the protective layer 403 may have ductility in which they can be flexibly bent at corners or steps of the battery cell 100, platform 200, or protection circuit module 300. The insulating layer 402 may have a first thickness capable of insulating the protection circuit module 300 from the thermally conductive layer 401. The protective layer 403 may have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. Therefore, the protective layer 403 can more safely protect the thermally conductive layer 401 and the protection circuit module 300 from flames and external impacts, and can deform at corners or steps in a manner much greater than the stretching of the insulating layer 402.

[0086] The heat sink 400 may include a heat dissipation part 410, a short circuit prevention part 401a, a first fixed end 420 and a second fixed end 430.

[0087] The heat dissipation section 410 may be a portion (or area) where the heat-conducting layer 401 is disposed, and may be disposed in most locations to provide heat dissipation in such a way as Figure 1 The heat sink 400 shown is combined to surround the outer surface of the protection circuit module 300 (see figure). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (The state of the heat dissipation section 410 shown). The heat dissipation section 410 can continuously transfer heat across the entire area where the thermally conductive layer 401 is provided, so that the heat generated in the protection circuit module 300 is dissipated to the outside of the heat sink 400 through the heat dissipation section 410.

[0088] The heat dissipation portion 410 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a structure in which the first heat dissipation portion 411, the second heat dissipation portion 412, and the third heat dissipation portion 413 are continuously connected. The first heat dissipation portion 411 may be configured to face a first heat dissipation surface 333, which is the upper surface of the molding member 330; the second heat dissipation portion 412 may be configured to face a second heat dissipation surface 334, which is the outer surface of the molding member 330; and the third heat dissipation portion 413 may be configured to face a third surface 314, which is the outer surface of the base 310.

[0089] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the heat dissipation portion 410 may further include a fourth heat dissipation portion 414 that contacts the outer surface of the platform 200 (i.e., the bottom surface of the platform 200). The fourth heat dissipation portion 414 may be continuously connected to the third heat dissipation portion 413. The first heat dissipation portion 411, the second heat dissipation portion 412, the third heat dissipation portion 413 and the fourth heat dissipation portion 414 may have an approximately C-shape when the heat sink 400 surrounds the protection circuit module 300.

[0090] For example, the heat generated in the field-effect transistor 320 can reach the third surface 314 through the circuit lines formed on the second surface 313 of the substrate 310, and then pass through the molding body 331 of the molding member 330 to reach the first heat dissipation surface 333 and the second heat dissipation surface 334. The heat reaching the first heat dissipation surface 333 and the second heat dissipation surface 334 of the molding member 330 and the third surface 314 of the substrate 310 can be transferred to the first heat dissipation portion 411, the second heat dissipation portion 412 and the third heat dissipation portion 413 respectively, and can be more evenly distributed to dissipate throughout the entire heat dissipation portion 410 including the fourth heat dissipation portion 414.

[0091] The heat dissipation portion 410 may have a rectangular shape, having a width in the X-axis direction (e.g., a first direction) and a width in the Y-axis direction (e.g., a second direction). A first fixing end 420 may extend in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction) along one end of the heat dissipation portion 410 in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction) and may be coupled and fixed to the battery cell 100. A second fixing end 430 may extend in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction) from the opposite side of the first fixing end 420 in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction) along the edge of the heat dissipation portion 410 and may be coupled and fixed to the platform 200.

[0092] The short-circuit prevention part 401a can be provided inside the heat dissipation part 410, and can be configured to face one end of the positive electrode lead 111 and one end of the negative electrode lead 112. For example, the short-circuit prevention part 401a can be configured to face one end of the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 and one end of the negative electrode lead connecting plate 316. The short-circuit prevention part 401a can be configured to face the second heat dissipation surface 334, which is the outer surface of the molding member 330, and the third surface 314, which is the outer surface of the base 310.

[0093] If as Figure 6 The insulating layer 402 at one end of the positive electrode lead 111 and one end of the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 shown in the figure is damaged (see Figure 6(As shown in the circular display portion), the current in the positive electrode lead 111 and the current in the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 may be transferred to the heat-conducting layer 401, causing a short circuit. However, since the short-circuit prevention portion 401a is provided at one end facing the positive electrode lead 111 and one end facing the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315, as in this embodiment, the heat-conducting layer 401 may not exist at that end. Even if the insulating layer 402 at one end facing the positive electrode lead 111 and one end facing the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 is damaged, the current in the positive electrode lead 111 and the current in the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 can be prevented from being transferred to the heat-conducting layer 401 and causing a short circuit. The short-circuit prevention portion 401a can be an opening in the heat-conducting layer 401.

[0094] The first fixed end 420 and the second fixed end 430 can be formed by stacking and bonding only the insulating layer 402 and the protective layer 403, excluding the thermally conductive layer 401. Therefore, the first fixed end 420 and the second fixed end 430 can have a thinner thickness and can be more firmly adhered to and attached to the battery cell 100 and the platform 200.

[0095] The heat sink 400 according to this embodiment may further include a third fixed end 440 and a fourth fixed end 450. The third fixed end 440 may extend along one end of the heat sink 410 in the X-axis direction (e.g., a first direction) in the Y-axis direction (e.g., a second direction), and the two ends of the heat sink 410 in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction) may be integrally connected to the first fixed end 420 and the second fixed end 430. The fourth fixed end 450 may extend from the opposite side of the third fixed end 440 in the X-axis direction (e.g., a first direction) along the edge of the heat sink 410 in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction), and the two ends of the fourth fixed end 450 in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the second direction) may be integrally connected to the first fixed end 420 and the second fixed end 430.

[0096] Because the first fixed end 420, the second fixed end 430, the third fixed end 440 and the fourth fixed end 450 are integrally and continuously formed along the edge of the heat dissipation part 410, the heat-conducting layer 401 of the heat dissipation part 410 can be airtightly sealed from all directions, and the heat dissipation part 410 can be firmly attached and fixed to the battery cell 100, the platform 200 and the protection circuit module 300 from all directions.

[0097] The heat sink 400 according to this embodiment may further include a side surface protection portion 460. Figure 4In the unfolded view, the side surface protection portion 460 may have a shape that protrudes from the third fixed end portion 440 in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction).

[0098] The heat sink 400 can be formed in the following order: the second fixed end 430 is attached to the bottom surface of the platform 200, the heat dissipation part 410 is bent or folded from the lower side to the upper side to form a C-shape, so that the outer surface of the protection circuit module 300 is surrounded, and then the first fixed end 420 is attached to the battery cell 100.

[0099] A portion of the heat dissipation section 410 and a portion of the third fixing end 440, together with the second fixing end 430, can be attached to the bottom surface of the platform 200. With a portion of the heat dissipation section 410 and a portion of the third fixing end 440 attached to the bottom surface of the platform 200, the side surface protection section 460 can be disposed below the platform 200 and can be configured to protrude further in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction) than one end of the protection circuit module 300 in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction).

[0100] The side surface protection portion 460 can be bent or folded upward from the platform 200 to the protection circuit module 300 to be integrated with the first heat dissipation surface 333. The side surface protection portion 460 can surround the end of the protection circuit module 300 in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction) such that the end of the protection circuit module 300 in the X-axis direction (e.g., the first direction) is insulated and protected by the protective layer 403 and the insulating layer 402.

[0101] The heat sink 400 can be formed in the following sequence: a first fixed end 420 is attached to the battery cell 100, the heat dissipation portion 410 is bent or folded downwards from the upper side to form a C-shape, so that the outer surface of the protection circuit module 300 is surrounded, and then a second fixed end 430 is attached to the bottom surface of the platform 200. With the second fixed end 430 attached to the bottom surface of the platform 200, the side surface protection portion 460 can be bent or folded upwards from the platform 200 to the protection circuit module 300 to be combined with the upper part of the heat dissipation portion 410.

[0102] The short-circuit prevention unit 401a can have various shapes. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 This will be described.

[0103] Figure 7 This is a schematic unfolded view of an assembly of a heat sink according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 This is a schematic unfolded view of an assembly of a heat sink according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0104] Reference Figure 7The short-circuit prevention section 401b can be a single slit with a rectangular shape. That is, the heat-conducting layer 401 can have a single slit with a rectangular shape. Therefore, even if the insulating layer 402 at one end facing the positive electrode lead 111 and one end facing the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 is damaged, the current of the positive electrode lead 111 and the current of the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 can be prevented from being transferred to the heat-conducting layer 401, thus preventing a short circuit through the slit.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 The short-circuit prevention section 401c can be a structure in which multiple slits are arranged in a rectangular shape. That is, the heat-conducting layer 401 can have multiple slits arranged in a rectangular shape. A fusible chain F can be formed between the slits. Therefore, if the insulating layer 402 at one end facing the positive electrode lead 111 and one end facing the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 is damaged, the current in the positive electrode lead 111 and the current in the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 may be transmitted to the fusible chain F. In this case, the fusible chain F can break, thereby preventing the current in the positive electrode lead 111 and the current in the positive electrode lead connecting plate 315 from being transmitted to the heat-conducting layer 401 and causing a short circuit.

[0106] In the following description, the heat dissipation effect of a rechargeable battery using a heat sink according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Table 1.

[0107] Table 1 shows the heating temperature of the protection circuit module of the rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the heating temperature of the protection circuit module of the rechargeable battery according to a comparative example.

[0108] In Table 1, the rechargeable battery according to Comparative Example 1 can be a rechargeable battery without a heat sink, and the rechargeable battery according to Comparative Example 2 can be a rechargeable battery with a heat sink that does not include a short-circuit prevention section. The rechargeable battery according to Example 1 can be a rechargeable battery with a heat sink including a short-circuit prevention section, which can be an opening included in the thermally conductive layer. The rechargeable battery according to Example 2 can be a rechargeable battery with a heat sink including a short-circuit prevention section, which can be a single slit of a thermally conductive layer having a rectangular shape.

[0109] [Table 1]

[0110]

[0111] As shown in Table 1, it can be confirmed that the heat generated in the protection circuit module of each of the rechargeable batteries in Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 2, which utilize heat sinks, is dissipated. It can be confirmed that even when the heat sink includes a short-circuit prevention component, the heat generated in the protection circuit module is dissipated.

[0112] The rechargeable battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure can dissipate heat generated in the protection circuit module by applying a heat sink including a short-circuit prevention part. Even if the insulating layer at the portion facing the positive electrode lead and the portion facing the negative electrode lead and the portion facing the negative electrode lead and the portion facing the negative electrode lead and the negative electrode lead connecting plate is damaged, it can prevent the current of the positive electrode lead, the current of the positive electrode lead connecting plate, the current of the negative electrode lead, and the current of the negative electrode lead connecting plate from being transferred to the heat-conducting layer and causing a short circuit.

[0113] The charging specifications of rechargeable batteries can be increased to meet customer needs or market changes, which may lead to an increase in the size of both the protection circuit module and the rechargeable battery. As the size of the protection circuit module increases, the heat generated by it also increases. Therefore, a heat dissipation structure is required for the rechargeable battery. This structure should be able to dissipate heat from the protection circuit module and prevent short circuits caused by structural defects.

[0114] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned through the description of this disclosure herein.

[0115] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a rechargeable battery may surround a protection circuit module and may include a heat sink comprising a heat dissipation portion and a short-circuit prevention portion to improve the heating temperature of the protection circuit module and prevent short circuits caused by leads.

[0116] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with embodiments now considered practical, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0117] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terminology has been used, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0118] <Explanation of the mark>

[0119] 1: Rechargeable battery

[0120] 100: Battery cell

[0121] 200: Platform

[0122] 300: Protection Circuit Module

[0123] 310: Base

[0124] 311: Base Body

[0125] 312: First Surface

[0126] 313: Second Surface

[0127] 314: Third Surface

[0128] 320: Field-Effect Transistor

[0129] 330: Molded components

[0130] 331: Molded main body

[0131] 332: Fixed Surface

[0132] 333: First heat dissipation surface

[0133] 334: Second heat dissipation surface

[0134] 400: Heatsink

[0135] 401: Thermal conductive layer

[0136] 401a, 401b, 401c: Short circuit prevention unit

[0137] 402: Insulation layer

[0138] 403: Protective layer

[0139] 404: Flame-retardant layer

[0140] 405: Adhesive layer

[0141] 410: Heat dissipation section

[0142] 411: First heat dissipation unit

[0143] 412: Second heat dissipation section

[0144] 413: Third heat dissipation section

[0145] 414: Fourth heat dissipation section

[0146] 420: First fixed end

[0147] 430: Second fixed end

[0148] 440: Third fixed end

[0149] 450: Fourth fixed end

[0150] 460: Side surface protection section

[0151] 500: Fixing strap

[0152] 800: Extension component.

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery, characterized in that, The rechargeable battery includes: Battery cell; The platform extends from the battery cell; Protection circuit module, on the platform; and A heat sink covers the protection circuit module, wherein the heat sink includes: a heat dissipation section for dissipating heat generated by the protection circuit module; and a short-circuit prevention section within the heat dissipation section.

2. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protection circuit module includes: The substrate includes a first surface facing the platform and a second surface opposite to the first surface; Lead connection plate, on the first surface; and Transistor, on the second surface.

3. The rechargeable battery according to claim 2, characterized in that: The battery cell also includes electrode leads, and The electrode leads are connected to the lead connection plate.

4. The rechargeable battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the electrode lead and one end of the lead connecting plate coincide with the extension line of the side surface of the substrate.

5. The rechargeable battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, The short-circuit prevention part faces one end of the electrode lead and one end of the lead connection plate.

6. The rechargeable battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protection circuit module also includes a molded member on the second surface, the molded member surrounding the transistor.

7. The rechargeable battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The molding component includes a molding body surrounding the transistor, wherein the molding body includes: A fixed surface is attached to the substrate; A first heat dissipation surface, on the opposite side of the fixed surface and facing the heat sink; and A second heat dissipation surface is provided, which connects the fixed surface to the first heat dissipation surface, and the second heat dissipation surface faces the heat sink.

8. The rechargeable battery according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heat dissipation unit includes: The first heat dissipation part faces the first heat dissipation surface; The second heat dissipation section faces the second heat dissipation surface; The third heat dissipation section is located on the side surface facing the substrate; and The fourth heat dissipation unit is in contact with the outer surface of the platform.

9. The rechargeable battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first heat dissipation part, the second heat dissipation part, the third heat dissipation part, and the fourth heat dissipation part are continuously connected.

10. The rechargeable battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first heat dissipation part, the second heat dissipation part, the third heat dissipation part, and the fourth heat dissipation part form a C-shape.

11. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat sink includes: Thermally conductive layer, including thermally conductive materials; An insulating layer, on the inner surface of the thermally conductive layer, faces the protection circuit module; and A protective layer is located on the outer surface of the thermally conductive layer.

12. The rechargeable battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The short-circuit prevention includes an opening located in the thermally conductive layer.

13. The rechargeable battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The short-circuit prevention section includes a single slit with a rectangular shape in the thermally conductive layer.

14. The rechargeable battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The short-circuit prevention section includes a plurality of rectangular slits in the thermally conductive layer.

15. The rechargeable battery according to claim 14, characterized in that, The fusible chain is between the multiple slits.

16. The rechargeable battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The protective layer includes: Flame-retardant layer, including flame-retardant materials; and An adhesive layer is placed between the flame-retardant layer and the thermally conductive layer.

17. The rechargeable battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The insulating layer has a first thickness, and the protective layer has a second thickness that is thicker than the first thickness.

18. The rechargeable battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The heat sink also includes: The first fixed end is fixed to the battery cell; and The second fixed end is fixed to the platform.

19. The rechargeable battery according to claim 18, characterized in that: The heat dissipation section includes the heat-conducting layer, the insulating layer, and the protective layer; and The first fixed end and the second fixed end include the insulating layer and the protective layer.

20. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat dissipation section has a rectangular shape.

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