Battery modules and electrical devices that utilize them

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a battery module that can be miniaturized and lightweight, and that can stably connect multiple battery cells, and to an electrical device that utilizes the same. [Solution] A battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first battery cell 100 including a first electrode assembly, a first case 120 housing the first electrode assembly, and a first flange portion 122 formed on the first case 120, and a second battery cell 200 including a second electrode assembly, a second case 220 housing the second electrode assembly, and a second flange portion 222 formed on the second case 220. The first flange portion 122 and the second flange portion 222 can be connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and an electric device using the same.

Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and video cameras, and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used in power sources for motor drive such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, and batteries for power storage. Such a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case for housing the same, electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

[0003] Although miniaturization and weight reduction of electronic devices are required, at the same time, power consumption due to the development of devices is increasing. Along with this, although a plurality of battery cells are connected to a module to supply more power, a technology for miniaturizing and weight-reducing the battery module is required. In addition, a technology for stably connecting a plurality of battery cells is required.

[0004] The above-described information disclosed in the technology that is the background of such an invention is only for improving the understanding of the background of the present invention, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem that this disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery module and an electrical device that utilizes the same in order to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0007] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module may include a first electrode assembly, a first battery cell including a first case housing the first electrode assembly and a first flange portion formed on the first case, a second electrode assembly, a second case housing the second electrode assembly and a second battery cell including a second flange portion formed on the second case. The first flange portion and the second flange portion may be connected to each other.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery-powered device may include an operating unit that performs a preset operation, a housing that houses the operating unit so that it is fixed inside, and a battery module that is fixed inside the housing and supplies power to the operating unit. The battery module may include a first battery cell including a first electrode assembly, a first case housing the first electrode assembly, and a first flange portion formed on the first case, and a second battery cell including a second electrode assembly, a second case housing the second electrode assembly, and a second flange portion formed on the second case. The first flange portion and the second flange portion may be connected to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a flange portion is formed on one side of the case of each of the first and second battery cells and welded together between the flange portions, thereby electrically connecting the first and second battery cells without the need for separate fastening members.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a separate flange portion is formed on the outside of the case, thereby preventing the battery cells from suffering welding damage during the welding connection process.

[0012] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further illustrate the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited solely to the matters depicted in such drawings. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a top view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a drawing showing an electrode assembly and case according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This drawing shows the structure between a first battery cell and a second battery cell before coupling, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This drawing shows the structure after coupling between a first battery cell and a second battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a drawing showing the upper surface of a protection circuit module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a drawing showing the lower surface of a protective circuit module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the process for manufacturing a first battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]A drawing showing the process of manufacturing a first battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A drawing showing the process of manufacturing a first battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] A drawing showing the process of manufacturing a first battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A drawing showing the process of manufacturing a first battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] A drawing schematically showing a battery electric device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] A drawing showing a battery module disposed in a battery electric device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] <Summary of the Invention> According to one embodiment, the first flange portion may include a first-1 flange portion and a 1-2 flange portion. The first case includes a first-1 flange portion, a body portion with one side open for accommodating the first electrode assembly, and a first-2 flange portion, and may include a case cover for sealing the first electrode assembly while covering the open side of the body portion.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first flange portion and the case cover may be integrally formed on the same plane.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the body portion and the case cover may be sealed by welding.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell and the second battery cell may be connected such that the case covers face each other.

[0018] According to one embodiment, an adhesive material is applied between the case cover of the first battery cell and the case cover of the second battery cell, so that the first battery cell and the second battery cell can be fixedly coupled to each other.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first flange portion and the second flange portion can be welded together.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first and second cases may be made of a metal including SUS (stainless steel).

[0021] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the first and second cases may be 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the fuselage portion including the 1-1 flange portion and the case cover including the 1-2 flange portion can be formed by welding the original fuselage portion and the planar original case cover together, and then cutting the original fuselage portion and the original case cover.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell may include a first electrode terminal formed through the first case and a second electrode terminal formed in contact with the first case. The second battery cell may include a third electrode terminal formed through the second case and a fourth electrode terminal formed in contact with the second case. The first case of the first battery cell and the second case of the second battery cell may be electrically connected through a first flange portion and a second flange portion.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the second electrode terminal and the fourth electrode terminal may include electrode plates made of nickel (Ni) alloy.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the battery module may further include a protection circuit module positioned above the first battery cell and connected to the first and second battery cells.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first battery cell may include a first electrode terminal formed through the first case and a second electrode terminal formed in contact with the first case. The second battery cell may include a third electrode terminal formed through the second case and a fourth electrode terminal formed in contact with the second case.

[0027] The protection circuit module may include a first connecting tab for connecting the first electrode terminal of the first battery cell to the protection circuit module, a second connecting tab for connecting the second electrode terminal of the first battery cell to the protection circuit module, and a third connecting tab for connecting the third electrode terminal of the second battery cell to the protection circuit module.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal can be electrically connected through a protective circuit module. The second electrode terminal and the fourth electrode terminal can be electrically connected through the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit module may include a substrate on which protection circuit elements are integrated, a lead-out portion extending from one side of the substrate, and a connector located on one side of the lead-out portion and connected to an external device.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the substrate may include a flexible printed circuit board.

[0031] In another embodiment, the first flange portion and the second flange portion may be welded together.

[0032] In another embodiment, the first case of the first battery cell and the second case of the second battery cell can be electrically connected through the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

[0033] <Detailed description of the invention> Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations illustrated in the drawings represent only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0034] Furthermore, as used herein, “comprise, include” and / or “comprising, including” identify the presence of the shapes, figures, stages, actions, members, elements and / or groups thereof mentioned, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, figures, actions, members, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0035] Furthermore, to aid in understanding the invention, the accompanying drawings are not shown to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Also, the same reference numeral may be assigned to the same component in different embodiments.

[0036] The statement that two comparison subjects are "identical" means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, substantially identical may include deviations that are considered low in the industry, for example, deviations of 5% or less. Also, the uniformity of certain parameters in a given domain may mean uniformity in terms of the average.

[0037] Although terms like "first," "second," etc., are used to describe a variety of components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0038] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0039] To say that any configuration is positioned "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" a component means not only that the configuration is positioned in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other configurations may be interposed between the component and any configuration positioned above (or below) it.

[0040] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected to or connected to one another, but may also be “interposed” between each component, or each component may be “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” through other components. Also, when it is stated that one part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected with another element in between.

[0041] Whenever the specification states "A and / or B," it means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When it states "C to D," it means C or greater and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0042] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a drawing showing the electrode assembly and case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1-4, the battery module 10 may include a first battery cell 100, a second battery cell 200, an insulating section 300, and a protection circuit module 400.

[0045] The first battery cell 100 may include a first electrode assembly 110, a first case 120 housing the first electrode assembly 110, and at least one first flange portion 122 formed on the first case 120.

[0046] The first electrode assembly 110 may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator. Here, the first electrode may be a positive electrode and the second electrode may be a negative electrode. For example, the first electrode assembly 110 may be a rolled electrode assembly formed by winding together an insulating separator between the first electrode and the second electrode. As another example, the first electrode assembly 110 may be a laminated electrode assembly formed in a structure in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately stacked with a separator in between, or it may be any structure including the first electrode and the second electrode. The structures of the first electrode assembly 110 described above are illustrative and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0047] The first electrode assembly 110 may further include a first electrode tab 112 and a second electrode tab 114. The first electrode tab 112 may be formed separately and connected to the uncoated portion of the first electrode, or it may be formed by punching out a portion of the uncoated portion. The first electrode tab 112 may extend from the uncoated portion and contact the first electrode terminal 130. The first electrode tab 112 may serve as a passage for the flow of current between the first electrode and the first electrode terminal 130. The second electrode tab 114 may be formed separately and connected to the uncoated portion of the second electrode, or it may be formed by punching out a portion of the uncoated portion. The second electrode tab 114 may extend from the uncoated portion and contact the first case 120. The second electrode tab 114 may be in direct contact with the first case 120 (or the body portion 124 described later), or it may be in contact with a negative electrode terminal provided inside the first case 120. In other examples, the negative terminal may be located on the outside of the first case 120. The second electrode tab 114 may serve as a passage for current flow between the second electrode and the first case 120.

[0048] The first case 120 can form the overall appearance of the first battery cell 100. The first case 120 may be made of stainless steel (SUS). Alternatively, the first case 120 may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. As an example, the thickness of the first case 120 may be 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. As another example, the thickness of the first case 120 may be 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. However, the thickness of the first case 120 described above is merely illustrative, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0049] The first case 120 may include a body section 124 and a case cover 126.

[0050] The body portion 124 has one open side that can accommodate the first electrode assembly 110. The body portion 124 may include a sealing portion 128 that contacts the case cover 126 along the perimeter of the open side. The sealing portion 128 can be welded to the case cover 126.

[0051] The case cover 126 can seal the first electrode assembly 110 from the outside while covering one side of the body portion 124. The case cover 126 may have a planar shape. The case cover 126 may be joined to the body portion 124 by welding along its perimeter while in contact with the sealing portion 128.

[0052] The first flange portion 122 may include a first-first flange portion 122a formed on the body portion 124 and a first-second flange portion 122b formed on the case cover 126. The body portion 124 may include at least one first-first flange portion 122a. Similarly, the case cover 126 may include at least one first-second flange portion 122b. At least one first-first flange portion 122a and at least one first-second flange portion 122b may be formed in positions corresponding to each other.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first- and second flange portions 122b may be formed on the same plane as the case cover 126. The first- and second flange portions 122b may protrude from one side along the periphery of the case cover 126. For example, in the process of welding the case cover 126, which is made of a flat metal, to the body portion 124, a welding line (121, see Figure 12) may be set and welded so that one side of the case cover 126 protrudes, and at least one first flange portion 122 may be formed through cutting and grinding processes.

[0054] A first electrode terminal 130, a second electrode terminal 140, and an electrolyte injection port 150 may be arranged on one side of the first case 120.

[0055] The first electrode terminal 130 may be formed by penetrating one side of the first case 120. An insulating gasket (not shown) is interposed between the first electrode terminal 130 and the first case 120, and the first electrode terminal 130 can be insulated from the first case 120 through the insulating gasket. The first electrode terminal 130 may be electrically connected to the first electrode of the first electrode assembly 110. The first electrode terminal 130 may be electrically connected to the first electrode through the first electrode tab 112. The first electrode terminal 130 can be electrically connected to the first electrode and function as the positive electrode.

[0056] The first electrode terminal 130 can be electrically connected to the protection circuit module 400. The first electrode terminal 130 can be electrically connected to the protection circuit module 400 through the first connecting tab 420. The first electrode terminal 130 can be welded to the first connecting tab 420, but is not limited to this.

[0057] The second electrode terminal 140 may be located on one side of the first case 120. The second electrode terminal 140 may be located at a distance from the first electrode terminal 130. The second electrode terminal 140 may be electrically connected to the first case 120. Unlike the first electrode terminal 130, the second electrode terminal 140 may be formed in contact with the first case 120. The second electrode terminal 140 may be electrically connected to the second electrode of the first electrode assembly 110. The first case 120 may be electrically connected to the second electrode through the second electrode tab 114. The second electrode terminal 140 may be electrically connected to the second electrode through the case and the second electrode tab 114. The first case 120 and the second electrode terminal 140 can be electrically connected to the second electrode and function as a negative electrode.

[0058] The reason for positioning the second electrode terminal 140, which has the same polarity as the first case 120, in contact with the first case 120 is that the first case 120 is made of a thin stainless steel film and may be damaged by welding during the welding process to connect it to the external terminal / connecting tab. Therefore, the second electrode terminal 140, which has rigidity for welding, is attached to the first case 120 and welded to connect it to the external terminal. For example, if the second electrode terminal 140 is omitted and the first case 120 and the second connecting tab 430 are directly welded together, leakage may occur in the first case 120 or the contained electrode assembly may be damaged depending on the welding depth. To prevent this, the second electrode terminal 140, which has rigidity for welding and excellent weldability with the first case 120 and the second connecting tab 430, can be positioned in contact with the first case 120.

[0059] The second electrode terminal 140 may include a second electrode plate that is rigid to weld and has excellent weldability. The second electrode plate may, but is not limited to, a nickel (Ni) alloy. The second electrode plate may, but is not limited to, be attached to the first case 120 by ultrasonic welding.

[0060] The second electrode terminal 140 can be electrically connected to the protection circuit module 400. The second electrode terminal 140 can be electrically connected to the protection circuit module 400 through the second connecting tab 430. The second electrode terminal 140 can be welded to the second connecting tab 430, but is not limited to this.

[0061] The electrolyte inlet 150 may be formed on one side of the first case 120. The electrolyte inlet 150 may be formed between the first electrode terminal 130 and the second electrode terminal 140, but is not limited to this, and may be formed in a region of the first side or on another side. The electrolyte inlet 150 may be sealed by a sealing member after the electrolyte has been injected.

[0062] The second battery cell 200 may include a second electrode assembly, a second case 220 housing the second electrode assembly, and at least one second flange portion 222 formed on the second case 220.

[0063] The second battery cell 200 has the same structure as the first battery cell 100 described above, and therefore a detailed explanation of it will be omitted.

[0064] The third electrode terminal 230 of the second battery cell 200 (with the same / similar configuration as the first electrode terminal 130 of the first battery cell) can be electrically connected to a protection circuit module 400 located on top of the first battery cell 100. The third electrode terminal 230 of the second battery cell 200 can also be electrically connected to the protection circuit module 400 via a third connecting tab 440. As will be described later, the first electrode terminal 130 of the first battery cell 100 and the third electrode terminal 230 of the second battery cell 200 can be electrically connected to the protection circuit module 400 via a wiring circuit.

[0065] The case cover 126 of the first battery cell 100 and the case cover (226, see Figure 5) of the second battery cell 200 can be connected so that they face each other. An adhesive can be applied between the case cover 126 of the first battery cell 100 and the case cover 226 of the second battery cell 200 to fix the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 together.

[0066] At least one first flange portion 122 of the first battery cell 100 and at least one second flange portion 222 of the second battery cell 200 can be connected to each other. For example, at least one first flange portion 122 and at least one second flange portion 222 can be connected by welding.

[0067] The first case 120 of the first battery cell 100, which functions as the negative electrode, and the second case 220 of the second battery cell 200 can be electrically connected through at least one first flange portion 122 and at least one second flange portion 222, which are welded together. For example, after the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 are fixed together by applying an adhesive between the case cover 126 of the first battery cell 100 and the case cover 226 of the second battery cell 200, at least one first flange portion 122 and at least one second flange portion 222 can be welded together to electrically connect the first case 120 of the first battery cell 100 and the second case 220 of the second battery cell 200. In other words, the first case 120, which is electrically connected to the second electrode (functioning as a negative electrode) of the first electrode assembly 110, and the second case 220, which is electrically connected to the fourth electrode (functioning as a negative electrode) of the second electrode assembly, can be electrically connected through the first flange portion 122 and the second flange portion 222 without the need for a separate connecting device. This differs from the aforementioned method where the first electrode (functioning as a positive electrode) of the first battery cell 100 and the third electrode (functioning as a positive electrode) of the second battery cell 200 are electrically connected through the wiring circuit of the protection circuit module 400. In this case, the second electrode (functioning as a negative electrode) of the first battery cell 100 and the fourth electrode (functioning as a negative electrode) of the second battery cell 200 can be electrically connected in parallel through the first flange portion 122 and the second flange portion 222. Therefore, the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 can be connected in parallel with each other.

[0068] The insulating portion 300 may be positioned on one side of the first case 120. The insulating portion 300 may be positioned between the first electrode terminal 130 and the second electrode terminal 140. The insulating portion 300 can insulate the first case 120 from the first connecting tab 420 connected to the first electrode terminal 130. The insulating portion 300 can also insulate the first case 120 from the third connecting tab 440 connected to the third electrode terminal 230. In other words, the insulating portion 300 can insulate the first case 120, which functions as the positive electrode, from the first connecting tab 420 and the third connecting tab 440, which functions as the negative electrode.

[0069] The protection circuit module 400 is electrically connected to the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 and can prevent overheating and explosion caused by overcharging, over-discharging, or overcurrent of the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200. The protection circuit module 400 may include safety elements consisting of passive elements such as resistors and capacitors, active elements such as field transistors, or protection circuit elements in which integrated circuits can be selectively formed.

[0070] The protection circuit module 400 may be located on the first battery cell 100. For example, the protection circuit module 400 may be located on one side where the first electrode terminals 130 and the second electrode terminals 140 are located. The protection circuit module 400 may include first to third connecting tabs 420, 430, 440, a lead-out portion 460, and a connector 470.

[0071] The first connecting tab 420 can connect the first electrode terminal 130 of the first battery cell 100 to the protection circuit module 400. The second connecting tab 430 can connect the second electrode terminal 140 of the first battery cell 100 to the protection circuit module 400. The third connecting tab 440 can connect the third electrode terminal 230 of the second battery cell 200 to the protection circuit module 400. The first to third connecting tabs 420, 430, and 440 may contain materials with good electrical conductivity. For example, the first to third connecting tabs 420, 430, and 440 may contain, but are not limited to, metals with good electrical conductivity such as gold, silver, copper, and nickel.

[0072] The pull-out section 460 can be pulled out from one side between the first connecting tab 420 and the second connecting tab 430. A connector 470 for connecting to an external device may be located on one side of the pull-out section 460. The protection circuit module 400 can be connected to the external device through the connector 470. The protection circuit module 400 can transmit electrical energy stored in the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 to the external device, and can receive control signals from the external device to control the operation of the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200.

[0073] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the first battery cell and the second battery cell before coupling according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the structure of the first battery cell and the second battery cell after coupling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to Figure 5, the case cover 126 of the first battery cell 100 and the case cover 226 of the second battery cell 200 can be arranged to face each other. With respect to the opposing case covers, the first flange portion 122 formed on the first battery cell 100 and the second flange portion 222 formed on the second battery cell 200 can be symmetrical.

[0075] Referring to Figure 6, an adhesive substance can be applied between the case cover 126 of the first battery cell 100 and the case cover (226, see Figure 5) of the second battery cell 200 to fix the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 together. After applying the adhesive to the respective case covers 126 and 226 and fixing the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200, the first flange portion 122 and the second flange portion 222 can be welded together.

[0076] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the upper surface of a protection circuit module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a drawing showing the lower surface of a protection circuit module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the protection circuit module may include a circuit board 410, first to third connecting tabs 420, 430, 440, a circuit board cap 450, a lead-out section 460, and a connector 470.

[0078] Safety elements consisting of passive elements such as resistors and capacitors, or active elements such as field transistors, or protective circuit elements in which integrated circuits can be selectively formed, can be integrated on the substrate 410.

[0079] The circuit board 410 can transmit and receive electrical signals through printed wiring. The circuit board 410 may, but is not limited to, a flexible printed circuit board.

[0080] The underside of the substrate 410 may be provided with separate terminals so that it can be welded to the first to third connecting tabs 420, 430, and 440. The substrate 410 can be connected to the first to third connecting tabs 420, 430, and 440 through the provided terminals.

[0081] The first connecting tab 420 can connect the first electrode terminal 130 of the first battery cell 100 to the protection circuit module 400. The second connecting tab 430 can connect the second electrode terminal 140 of the first battery cell 100 to the protection circuit module 400. The third connecting tab 440 can connect the third electrode terminal 230 of the second battery cell 200 to the protection circuit module 400.

[0082] The first electrode terminal 130 and the third electrode terminal 230 can be electrically connected within the substrate via a wiring circuit.

[0083] The substrate cap 450 may be placed on the substrate 410 while covering it. The substrate cap 450 may be formed on the substrate 410 by molding a resin material while covering the protective circuit elements.

[0084] The pull-out section 460 can be pulled out from one side between the first connecting tab 420 and the second connecting tab 430. A connector 470 for connecting to external equipment may be located on one side of the pull-out section 460.

[0085] Connector 470 can be connected to external equipment. Protection circuit module 400 can be connected to external equipment through connector 470. Protection circuit module 400 can transmit electrical energy stored in the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 to external equipment through connector 470, and can receive control signals from external equipment to control the operation of the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200.

[0086] Figures 9 to 13 are diagrams illustrating the process of manufacturing a first battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Referring to Figures 9 to 13, the first electrode assembly 110 can be housed in the original body portion 124r of the first case 120, which has one open side. The original body portion 124r may include a housing space capable of housing the first electrode assembly 110 and a sealing portion 128 formed around the open side. The first electrode assembly 110 is housed in the housing space of the original body portion 124r, and the first electrode tab 112 can contact the first electrode terminal 130. The second electrode tab 114 can either be in direct contact with the original body portion 124r or in contact with a negative electrode terminal provided inside the original body portion 124r.

[0088] After housing the first electrode assembly 110 in the original fuselage portion 124r of the first case 120, the first electrode assembly 110 can be sealed by using the original case cover 126r to cover one open side of the original fuselage portion 124r. The original case cover 126r may be a flat, rectangular piece of metal. The original case cover 126r may be welded around its perimeter in contact with the sealing portion 128 and joined to the original fuselage portion 124r.

[0089] During the welding process, a welding line 121 can be set to form a first flange portion 122 on one side of the fuselage portion 124 and the case cover 126. When the fuselage portion 124 and the case cover 126 are welded together along the welding line 121, a welding line 121a having a shape that protrudes on one side can be formed. The original fuselage portion 124r and the original case cover 126r can be cut along the welding line 121, and the first flange portion 122 can be formed on one side of the case 120 through a grinding process. Specifically, the fuselage portion 124 including the first-first flange portion (122a, see Figure 4) and the case cover 126 including the first-second flange portion (122b, see Figure 4) can be formed by welding the original fuselage portion 124r and the planar original case cover 126r together, and then cutting the original fuselage portion 124r and the original case cover 126r.

[0090] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing a battery electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a diagram showing a battery module arranged in the battery electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, a battery-powered device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operating unit 1100 that performs a set operation, and a housing 1200 that houses the operating unit 1100. Furthermore, the battery-powered device 1000 may include a battery module 1300 that is fixed inside the housing 1200 and supplies power to the operating unit 1100.

[0092] The battery-powered device 1000, which includes a battery module 1300, may be a smartphone, but is not limited to that, and can be used in a variety of devices that require protective circuits using the electrical energy stored in the battery module 1300.

[0093] The operating unit 1100 can include a variety of hardware powered by electrical energy supplied from the battery module 1300. For example, it can include an application processor (AP) or a central process unit (CPU) for a portable electronic device.

[0094] In one embodiment, a printed circuit board (not shown) equipped with signal transmission wiring is placed inside the housing 1200, and the operating unit 1100 can be mounted on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to other components of the battery electrical device 1000.

[0095] and The housing 1200 can house the operating unit 1100 and the battery module 1300 inside and define the external shape of the battery electrical device 1000. The housing 1200 can be provided in a variety of structures, as long as it can support the operating unit 1100 and the battery module 1300t located inside and protect them from external impacts.

[0096] The battery module 1300 is fixed inside the housing 1200 and can stably supply power to the operating unit 1100. For example, the battery module 1300 may consist of a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery module 1300 may have substantially the same configuration as the battery module 10 described with reference to Figures 1 to 13.

[0097] For example, the battery module 1300 may be located in the power supply area inside the housing 1200 and connected to the terminals of the printed circuit board. This allows the electrical energy stored in the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 200 to be used to power the operating unit 1100.

[0098] The battery module 1300 may include a first battery cell comprising a first case housing a first electrode assembly and a first flange portion formed on the first case, and a second battery cell comprising a second case housing a second electrode assembly and a second flange portion formed on the second case. The first flange portion and the second flange portion may be connected to each other, and the first case of the first battery cell and the second case of the second battery cell may be electrically connected through the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, a wide range of modifications and variations can be made by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 10: Battery Module 100: First battery cell 110:First electrode assembly 120: Case 1 122: First flange section 130: 1st electrode terminal 140:Second electrode terminal 200: Second battery cell 220: Case 2 222: Second flange section 230: Third electrode terminal 240: 4th electrode terminal 250: Electrolyte inlet 300: Insulation 400: Protection circuit module 410: Circuit board 420: First link tab 430: Second link tab 440: Third link tab 450: Circuit board cap 460: Drawer section 470: Connector

Claims

1. First electrode assembly and A first battery cell comprising a first case in which the first electrode assembly is housed and a first flange portion formed on the first case, The second electrode assembly, A second battery cell including a second case in which the second electrode assembly is housed and a second flange portion formed on the second case, Includes, A battery module in which the first flange portion and the second flange portion are connected to each other.

2. The first flange portion includes the first-1 flange portion and the first-2 flange portion, The first case mentioned above is, A body portion including the 1-1 flange portion, with one side open to house the first electrode assembly. A case cover that includes the first and second flange portions and seals the first electrode assembly while covering one open surface of the body portion, The battery module according to claim 1.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the first and second flange portions and the case cover are integrally formed on the same plane.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the body portion and the case cover are sealed by welding.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first battery cell and the second battery cell are connected such that their case covers face each other.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein an adhesive substance is applied between the case cover of the first battery cell and the case cover of the second battery cell so that the first battery cell and the second battery cell are fixedly bonded to each other.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first flange portion and the second flange portion are welded together.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first case and the second case are made of a metal including stainless steel (SUS).

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first case and the second case is 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

10. The body portion including the 1-1 flange portion and the case cover including the 1-2 flange portion are The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the original fuselage and the planar original case cover are sealed by welding, and then the original fuselage and the original case cover are cut to form the module.

11. The first battery cell includes a first electrode terminal formed through the first case and a second electrode terminal formed in contact with the first case. The second battery cell includes a third electrode terminal formed through the second case and a fourth electrode terminal formed in contact with the second case. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first case of the first battery cell and the second case of the second battery cell are electrically connected through the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

12. The second electrode terminal and the fourth electrode terminal are The battery module according to claim 11, comprising an electrode plate made of a nickel (Ni) alloy.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a protection circuit module positioned on top of the first battery cell and connected to the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

14. The first battery cell includes a first electrode terminal formed through the first case and a second electrode terminal formed in contact with the first case. The second battery cell includes a third electrode terminal formed through the second case and a fourth electrode terminal formed in contact with the second case. The aforementioned protection circuit module is A first connecting tab connects the first electrode terminal of the first battery cell to the protection circuit module, A second connecting tab connects the second electrode terminal of the first battery cell to the protection circuit module, The battery module according to claim 13, further comprising a third connecting tab for connecting the third electrode terminal of the second battery cell to the protection circuit module.

15. The first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal are electrically connected through the protection circuit module. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein the second electrode terminal and the fourth electrode terminal are electrically connected through the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

16. The aforementioned protection circuit module is A substrate with integrated protection circuit elements, A pull-out portion extending from one side of the aforementioned substrate, The battery module according to claim 13, further comprising a connector disposed on one side of the drawer portion and connected to an external device.

17. The aforementioned substrate is The battery module according to claim 16, comprising a flexible printed circuit board.

18. An operating unit that performs pre-set operations, A housing that houses the aforementioned operating unit so that it is fixed inside, The housing includes a battery module fixed inside the housing and supplying power to the operating unit, The aforementioned battery module is A first battery cell comprising a first electrode assembly, a first case housing the first electrode assembly, and a first flange portion formed on the first case, The second battery cell includes a second electrode assembly, a second case housing the second electrode assembly, and a second flange portion formed on the second case. The first flange portion and the second flange portion are connected to each other, forming a battery-powered electrical device.

19. The battery electrical device according to claim 18, wherein the first flange portion and the second flange portion are welded together.

20. The battery electrical device according to claim 18, wherein the first case of the first battery cell and the second case of the second battery cell are electrically connected through the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

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