Battery pack fixing tape and battery pack to which the fixing tape is applied

Abstract

We propose a technology that can improve customer quality satisfaction by eliminating noise during battery pack handling. [Solution] The present invention relates to a fixing tape for a battery pack and a battery pack to which the fixing tape is applied, and discloses a fixing tape and a battery pack to which the fixing tape is applied, which is simultaneously attached to a battery and a battery case that houses the battery and maintains the state of the battery's coupling to the battery case, and which includes a tape body having a width that can contact both the battery and the battery case, and an adhesive layer laminated on one side of the tape body that provides adhesive force and is fixed to the battery and the battery case, and which has through holes formed therein that block the transmission of tensile force that occurs when the battery moves relative to the battery case due to external force, and prevent the adhesive layer from separating from the battery or battery case due to tensile force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing tape applied to a battery pack, and more particularly, to a fixing tape for a battery pack and a battery pack to which the fixing tape is applied.

Background Art

[0002] A battery or a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Low-capacity batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook PCs, digital cameras, and camcorders, and high-capacity batteries are widely used in power sources for motor driving such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, and batteries for power storage. Such a 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] In addition, a number of batteries can be assembled to form an energy storage device in a form in which the voltage and / or current capacity is increased. The category of energy storage devices may include battery modules / packs used in automobiles and electric equipment products.

[0004] Battery packs applied to devices such as notebook PCs and tablet PCs may be equipped with cylindrical batteries, square batteries, or pouch-type batteries. These battery packs have a case in the form of a frame, a number of battery cells built into the case, and a fixing tape for fixing the battery cells to the case. Contents related to the corresponding battery pack may be printed on the fixing tape.

[0005] However, conventional battery packs have the problem of producing an unpleasant noise when pressed or twisted. This noise occurs when the adhesive surface of the fixing tape, the case or the adhesive surface, and the battery cells are repeatedly attached and detached. Such noise reduces customer satisfaction with the specifications. Therefore, there is a need for fixing tape and battery packs to which this fixing tape is applied that do not produce an unpleasant noise even when the battery pack is pressed or twisted.

[0006] The information disclosed above in the technology underlying such inventions is intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack fixing tape and a battery pack to which the fixing tape is applied, which can improve customer quality satisfaction by preventing noise from being generated when handling the battery pack through a drilling process at points where noise generation is concentrated.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack fixing tape and a battery pack to which the fixing tape is applied, since the repeated peeling (unsticking) and re-adhesion phenomena at the noise generation point of the fixing tape are eliminated, thereby eliminating the risk of areas where the adhesive strength of the fixing tape is lost or of dust adhering to it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A battery pack fixing tape according to one feature of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems is attached simultaneously to a battery and a battery case housing the battery, maintaining the state of the battery's connection to the battery case, and includes a tape body having a width that can contact both the battery and the battery case, and an adhesive layer laminated on one side of the tape body to provide adhesive force and fix to the battery and the battery case, and has a first through hole that blocks the transmission of tensile force generated when the battery moves relative to the battery case due to external force, thereby preventing the adhesive layer from separating from the battery or the battery case due to tensile force.

[0010] Furthermore, a battery pack fixing tape according to another feature of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is attached simultaneously to a battery and a battery case housing the battery, maintaining the state of the battery's connection to the battery case, and includes a tape body having a width that can contact both the battery and the battery case, and an adhesive layer laminated on one side of the tape body to provide adhesive force and fix to the battery and the battery case, wherein the one side is provided with a non-adhesive portion that blocks the transmission of tensile force generated when the battery moves relative to the battery case due to external force, thereby preventing the adhesive layer from separating from the battery or the battery case due to tensile force.

[0011] A battery pack according to another feature of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems includes a battery case for housing a battery, a battery mounted inside the battery case, a tape body that is simultaneously attached to the battery and the battery case and maintains the state of the battery's coupling to the battery case, and has a width that allows it to contact both the battery and the battery case, and a fixing tape that includes an adhesive layer laminated on one side of the tape body to provide adhesive force and fix the battery and the battery case, and having a first through hole formed therein that blocks the transmission of tensile force generated when the battery moves relative to the battery case due to external force, and prevents the adhesive layer from separating from the battery or the battery case due to tensile force.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve and the means of solving those problems are not limited by the above description, and other problems and means of solving them that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The battery pack fixing tape of the present invention, configured as described above, can improve customer quality satisfaction because, by performing a hole-punching process at points where noise generation is concentrated, noise is not generated when handling the battery pack.

[0014] Furthermore, since the battery pack of the present invention eliminates the repeated peeling and re-adhesion phenomenon at the point where the fixing tape generates noise, there is no risk of areas where the adhesive strength of the fixing tape is lost or of dust adhering to it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described later, serve to further illustrate the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is depicted in such drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a pouch-type battery. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery. [Figure 3a] (a) of Figure 3 is an upper perspective view showing the appearance of a rectangular battery. [Figure 3b] (b) of Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of (a) of Figure 3. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exemplary view of a battery module in which batteries are arranged. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fixing tape and a battery pack to which the fixing tape is applied according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cut-away perspective view showing an enlarged structure of the first through-hole of the fixing tape shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a developed view of a fixing tape for a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8a] (a) of Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the fixing tape shown in Figure 7. [Figure 8b] (b) of Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the fixing tape shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a developed view showing a modified example of the fixing tape shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10a] (a) of Figure 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of a fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10b] (b) of Figure 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of a fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11a] (a) of Figure 11 is a diagram showing another modified example of a fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11b] (b) of Figure 11 is a diagram showing another modified example of a fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12a] (a) of Figure 12 is a diagram showing another modified example of a fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12b] Figure (b) of FIG. 12 shows another modification of the fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13a] Figure (a) of FIG. 13 shows another modification of the fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13b] Figure (b) of FIG. 13 shows another modification of the fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining another example of the fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a developed view showing another modification of the fixing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the application method of the fixing tape of FIG. 16.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. The inventor must interpret them in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain his invention in the best way.

[0019] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. At the time of this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them.

[0020] Furthermore, as used herein, “comprise, include” and / or “comprising, including” specify 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] When two comparisons are referred to as "identical," it means "substantially identical." Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations that are considered low in this industry, for example, deviations of 5% or less. Also, when parameters in a given region are said to be uniform, it may mean that they are uniform in terms of the average.

[0023] Even if terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe a variety of components, these components are, of course, not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0024] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0025] The placement of any configuration "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" a component can be understood to mean not only that the configuration is placed 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 placed on (or below) it.

[0026] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another component, it should be understood that the components are directly connected to or can be connected to one another, but that other components are “interposed” between them, or that each component can be “connected,” “coupled,” or “coupled” through other components.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "and / or" include any and all combinations of one or more items listed in relation to each other. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the invention, the use of "may also" refers to "one or more embodiments of the invention." Expressions such as "one or more" and "one or more" preceding an element list modify the entire element list, not individual elements of the list.

[0028] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is used, it means A only, B only, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and when "C to D" is used, it means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0029] When syntax such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" is used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the syntax can indicate any and all suitable combinations.

[0030] The term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations, not terms of degree, to account for the intrinsic variability of measured or calculated values ​​as perceived by a general expert in the art.

[0031] In this specification, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used to describe a variety of elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, drawing layer, or section from other elements, components, regions, drawing layers, or sections. Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without deviating from the definition in the exemplary embodiments.

[0032] As shown in the drawings, spatial relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein for ease of explanation in order to easily describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature. Spatially relative positions should be understood to encompass different directions of the device in use or operation, in addition to the direction depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, an element described as “below” or “below” another element will be understood as “above” or “upper” the other element. Thus, the term “below” can encompass all directions, both up and down.

[0033] The terms used herein are for describing embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the pouch-type battery 11.

[0035] A pouch-type battery may consist of an electrode assembly 10 and a pouch 11a that houses the electrode assembly 10.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the first electrode tap 10h and the second electrode tap 10g of the electrode assembly 10 can be electrically connected by welding to the external first terminal lead 11c and the second terminal lead 11b, respectively. Tap films 11d can be attached to the first terminal lead 11c and the second terminal lead 11b for insulation from the pouch 11a.

[0037] The pouch 11a can be sealed by having the sealing portions 11e of the edges come into contact with each other while the electrode assembly 10 is housed inside. In this case, sealing can be performed with a tap film 11d interposed between the sealing portions 11e. The sealing portions 11e of the pouch 11a are made of a heat-sealable material, and since heat-sealable materials generally have weak adhesion to metals, they can be fused to the pouch 11a with a thin film-like tap film 11d interposed between them.

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery 13. The cylindrical battery includes an electrode assembly 13a, a case 13p that houses the electrode assembly 13a and electrolyte, a cap assembly 13v that is coupled to the opening of the case 13p and seals the case 13p, and an insulating plate 13n located inside the case 13p between the electrode assembly 13a and the cap assembly 13v.

[0039] The electrode assembly 13a may include a separator 13d and a first electrode 13c and a second electrode 13e positioned between the separator 13d, and may be wound in the form of a jelly-roll.

[0040] The first electrode 13c includes a first substrate and a first active material layer located on the first substrate. In the first blank portion of the first substrate where the first active material layer is not located, the first lead tap 13j may extend outward, and the first lead tap 13j may be electrically connected to the cap assembly 13v.

[0041] The second electrode 13e includes a second substrate and a second active material layer located on the second substrate. In the second blank portion of the second substrate where the second active material layer is not located, the second lead tap 13k may extend outward, and the second lead tap 13k may be electrically connected to the case 13p. The first lead tap 13j and the second lead tap 13k may extend in opposite directions to each other.

[0042] The first electrode 13c can function as a positive electrode. In this case, the first substrate may be made of, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer may include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 13e can function as a negative electrode. In this case, the second substrate may be made of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer may include, for example, graphite.

[0043] The separator 13d functions to prevent short circuits between the first electrode 13c and the second electrode 13e while allowing the movement of lithium ions. The separator 13d may be made of, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, or a polyethylene-polypropylene film.

[0044] The case 13p houses the electrode assembly 13a and the electrolyte, and together with the cap assembly 13v, forms the outer shape of the battery. The case 13p may include a roughly cylindrical beading portion 13f and a bottom portion 13q connected to one side of the beading portion 13f. The beading portion 13f may have a beading portion 13f that is deformed inward, and the open end of the beading portion 13f may have a crimping portion 13g that is bent inward.

[0045] The beading portion 13f can prevent the electrode assembly 13a from moving inside the case 13p, and facilitate the secure attachment of the gasket 13h and the cap assembly 13v. The crimping portion 13g can press the end of the cap assembly 13v through the gasket 13h, thereby firmly securing the cap assembly 13v. The case 13p may be made of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0046] The cap assembly 13v can be secured inside the crimping portion 13g through the gasket 13h to seal the case 13p. The cap assembly 13v may include, but is not limited to, a cap up 13w, a safety vent 13s, a cap down 13t, an insulating member, and a subplate 13u, and is highly modifiable.

[0047] The cap up 13w can be located at the uppermost part of the cap assembly 13v. The cap up 13w may include a terminal section that protrudes upward and convexly for connection to an external circuit, and an outlet for discharging gas may be located around the terminal section.

[0048] The safety vent 13s may be located below the cap-up 13w. The safety vent 13s may include a projection that protrudes downward convexly and is connected to the subplate 13u, and at least one notch located around the projection.

[0049] If gas is generated due to battery overcharging or malfunction, the protrusion is deformed upward by the pressure and separated from the subplate 13u, while the safety vent 13s can be cut along the notch. The cut safety vent 13s can release the gas to the outside, preventing the battery from exploding.

[0050] The cap-down 13t may be located below the safety vent 13s. The cap-down 13t may have a first opening for exposing the protrusion of the safety vent 13s and a second opening for gas discharge. An insulating member may be located between the safety vent 13s and the cap-down 13t to insulate the safety vent 13s from the cap-down 13t.

[0051] The subplate 13u can be positioned below the cap-down 13t. The subplate 13u can be fixed to the underside of the cap-down 13t so as to close the first opening of the cap-down 13t, and the projection of the safety vent 13s can be fixed to the subplate 13u. The first lead tap 13j drawn out from the electrode assembly 13a can be fixed to the subplate 13u. Thus, the cap-up 13w, safety vent 13s, cap-down 13t, and subplate 13u can be electrically connected to the first electrode 13c of the electrode assembly 13a.

[0052] The insulating plate 13n may be positioned below the beading portion 13f so as to be in contact with the electrode assembly 13a, and the insulating plate 13n may be provided with a tap opening for drawing out the first lead tap 13j. The first lead tap 13j allows the cap assembly 13v, electrically connected to the first electrode 13c, to face the electrode assembly 13a with the insulating plate 13n in between, and the insulating plate 13n can maintain insulation from the electrode assembly 13a. On the other hand, another insulating plate 13m may be included for insulation between the electrode assembly 13a and the bottom 13q of the case 13p.

[0053] Figure 3(a) is a top perspective view showing the external appearance of the rectangular battery 15.

[0054] The case 15a forms the overall appearance of the prismatic battery and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. The case 15a can also provide space for housing the electrode assembly.

[0055] The cap assembly 15b may include a cap plate 15c that covers the opening of the case 15a. In some embodiments, the case 15a and the cap plate 15c may be made of a conductive material, where a first terminal 15d and a second terminal 15e may be electrically connected to internal positive and negative taps, respectively, and installed to be exposed on the outside of the cap plate 15c.

[0056] An electrolyte inlet 15f may be formed in the cap plate 15c, and a gas exhaust hole 15g may be opened. A vent, or gas exhaust device 15h, may be joined to this gas exhaust hole 15g. The gas exhaust device 15h is opened by gas generated from inside the battery, performing a degassing action.

[0057] Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 3(a), illustrating the internal structure of the rectangular battery and the structure of the cap assembly 15b.

[0058] The electrode assembly 15r may be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate, which are formed in the shape of a plate or film. When the electrode assembly 15r is in a wound form (also known as a jelly roll), the winding axis may be parallel to the length direction of the case. The electrode assembly 15r may also be of a stacked type instead of a wound type. However, the present invention does not limit the shape of the electrode assembly 15r.

[0059] Furthermore, the electrode assembly 15r may be a Z-stack electrode assembly in which a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate are inserted on both sides of a separator bent into a Z-stack. Also, the electrode assembly 15r may be one or more electrode assemblies stacked so that their long sides are adjacent to each other and housed inside the case, and the present invention does not limit the number of electrode assemblies. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly 15r can act as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate can act as a positive electrode, and vice versa.

[0060] The first electrode plate is formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first electrode substrate made of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy, and may include a first electrode tap (or first blank area) which is an area where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first electrode tap 15p can serve as a passage for the flow of current between the first electrode plate and the first current collector plate 15m. In some embodiments, the first electrode tap 15p can be formed by cutting it in advance to protrude from one side when manufacturing the first electrode plate, or it may protrude further from the separator to one side without any further cutting.

[0061] The second electrode plate is formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a substrate made of a metal foil, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and may include a second electrode tap (or second blank area) 15q, which is an area where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tap 15q can serve as a current passage between the second electrode plate and the second current collector plate 15n. In some examples, the second electrode tap 15q can be formed by cutting it in advance to protrude from the other side when manufacturing the second electrode plate, or it may protrude further from the separator to the other side without any further cutting.

[0062] In Figure 3(b), the first electrode tap 15p and the second electrode tap 15q are shown to be located on the right and left sides of the electrode assembly 15r, respectively. However, in some other embodiments, the first electrode tap 15p and the second electrode tap 15q may both be located on either the right or left side of the electrode assembly 15r.

[0063] Here, for the sake of explanation, the left and right sides of the electrode assembly 15r are based on the battery shown in Figure 3(b). The left side refers to the vertical surface of the electrode assembly 15r to which the second current collector plate 15n is attached, and the right side refers to the opposite surface to which the first current collector plate 15m is attached. Therefore, the terms left side and right side of the electrode assembly 15r used above may change when the battery rotates left and right or up and down.

[0064] The separator functions to prevent a short circuit between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate while allowing the movement of lithium ions. The separator may be made of, for example, polyethylene film, polypropylene film, polyethylene-polypropylene film, etc.

[0065] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 15r can be housed in the case 15a together with the electrolyte.

[0066] In the electrode assembly 15r, the first electrode tap 15p and the second electrode tap 15q protruding from the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can be connected to the first current collector plate 15m and the second current collector plate 15n, respectively.

[0067] The first current collector plate 15m and the second current collector plate 15n are electrically connected to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e, respectively, as described in Figure 3(a), through a connecting member 15k. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the connecting member 15k may be threaded and fastened to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e through screw connections. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connecting member 15k may be connected to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e, respectively, by riveting or welding.

[0068] Figure 4 is an illustrative diagram of a battery module 17 with batteries arranged in a grid. A battery module is manufactured by arranging and connecting a large number of battery cells laterally and / or vertically for applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A large number of batteries can be arranged in the space formed by a pair of opposing end plates 17a, 17b and a pair of opposing side plates 17e, 17f. The arrangement direction and number of batteries can be designed to obtain the desired voltage and current specifications when the batteries are arranged.

[0069] Figure 5 shows the configuration of a fixing tape 35 and a battery pack 30 to which the fixing tape is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is an enlarged cutaway perspective view showing the structure of the first through hole of the fixing tape shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, Figure 7 is an exploded view of the fixing tape for the battery pack, and Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the fixing tape shown in Figure 7.

[0070] As illustrated, the battery pack 30 according to this embodiment can include a battery case 31, a number of batteries 33, and fixing tape 35. A battery pack 30 with such a configuration can be used as a power source not only for notebook PCs but also for other electronic devices. Furthermore, the size of the battery pack 30 and the type and structure of the batteries 33 can be changed as needed. Figure 5 shows the rear view of the battery pack 30.

[0071] The battery case 31 may include a frame 31a and numerous supporters 31b. The battery case 31 can be manufactured by injection molding, but is not limited to this method. The frame 31a may have a slim rectangular shape. Holes, grooves, steps, etc., may be formed in the frame 31a for fixing wiring, circuit boards, or various terminals.

[0072] Supporters 31b are members that divide the internal space of the frame 31a into multiple sections. The supporters 31b are parallel to each other, and both ends are integral with the frame 31a. The space between adjacent supporters 31b is a space for housing the battery 33. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the supporters 31b can have various shapes to safely support the battery 33. The supporters 31b and the frame 31a provide multiple rectangular areas surrounding individual batteries 33.

[0073] The battery 33 is sandwiched within the rectangular area provided by the battery case 31 during the manufacturing stage of the battery pack. In this embodiment, the battery 33 is a slim, rectangular pouch-type battery. However, the type of battery is not limited to a pouch-type battery, as long as the battery can be secured to the battery case with fixing tape. Rectangular batteries and cylindrical batteries may also be included in the scope of this invention.

[0074] The battery 33 is sandwiched between the rectangular area, but since it is not constrained by the battery case 31, it can be removed. In other words, as shown in Figure 6, the battery 33 and frame 31a and the battery 33 and supporter 31b spread out with the boundary portion 43 in between, so for example, if it is not being held by hand, the battery 33 will detach from the battery case 31.

[0075] The boundary portion 43 is a clearance gap designed to facilitate the assembly of the battery 33 to the battery case 31. Since the battery case 31 and the battery 33 are separated in this way, a member is needed to secure the battery 33 to the battery case 31. This member is the fixing tape 35, which will be described later.

[0076] The fixing tape 35 may be a flexible fixing sheet member. The shape of the fixing tape 35 can reflect the shape of the battery case 31. The shape of the fixing tape 35 will change depending on the shape and size of the battery case 31. For example, it may have the shape shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is an unfolded view of the fixing tape 35 shown in Figure 5.

[0077] The fixing tape 35 is attached simultaneously to the battery 33 and the battery case 31, maintaining the battery's connection to the battery case. However, as shown in Figure 5, the fixing tape 35 does not surround all parts of the battery 33 and the battery case 31. However, the fixing tape 35 may be cut to be wider to completely surround and seal the battery 33 and the battery case 31.

[0078] The outer surface of the fixing tape 35 may be printed with information such as the capacity, manufacturer, and trademark of the battery pack 30. The outer surface is the side opposite the adhesive surface that adheres to the battery 33. The fixing tape with the above-mentioned printed information may also be called "label tape."

[0079] The fixing tape 35 may include a tape body 35a and an adhesive layer 35b. The tape body 35a is a flexible member with a width and design that allows it to come into contact with both the battery 33 and the battery case 31. The shape and size of the tape body 35a can be varied in many ways. The adhesive layer 35b is laminated on one side of the tape body 35a to provide adhesive strength.

[0080] Figure 7 shows the fixing tape 35 in an unfolded state. As shown in the figure, the fixing tape 35 may include a front adhesion portion 38, a thickness surface adhesion portion 39, and a rear adhesion portion 36.

[0081] The front contact portion 38 is the part that adheres to the front of the battery 33 and the battery case 31. The thickness-side contact portion 39 is the part that comes into contact with the outer surface of the frame 31a when the fixing tape 35 is folded at a 90-degree angle to adhere the rear contact portion 36 to the rear of the battery pack 30. The rear contact portion 36 is the part that adheres to the rear of the battery pack 30 when the remaining portion of the fixing tape 35 is folded at a 90-degree angle relative to the thickness-side contact portion 39. Figure 5 shows how the front contact portion 38 is adhered to the front of the battery pack 30, the thickness-side contact portion 39 is adhered to the outer surface of the case, and the rear contact portion 36 is adhered to the rear.

[0082] On the other hand, the fixing tape 35 according to this embodiment may have a number of first through holes 37 formed therein. The first through holes 37 are holes formed in the fixing tape 35.

[0083] The first through-hole 37 serves to block the transmission of tensile force generated when the battery 33 moves relative to the battery case 31 due to external force. The reason for applying the first through-hole 37 is to prevent the adhesive layer 35b from peeling off from the battery or battery case due to the tensile force. This first through-hole 37 is located at the boundary portion 43 between the battery 33 and the battery case 31.

[0084] The "external force" mentioned above may be a force applied by the handler when handling the battery pack 30. When the handler installs or removes the battery pack 30, for example, into the narrow internal space of a notebook PC, they have no choice but to apply force (pushing or twisting force) to the battery pack 30. If the force applied at this time is excessive, the fixing tape 35 may peel off. The peeling phenomenon is a phenomenon in which the fixing tape 35 attached to the battery case 31 or battery 33 comes off from the adhesive part due to the action of the external force mentioned above. The external force may also be a tensile force.

[0085] The aforementioned peeling phenomenon does not occur if the force transmission path is blocked. The first through hole 37 serves to block the force path.

[0086] As shown in Figure 5, the first through-hole 37 may be formed in the rear contact portion 36. That is, it may be located in the rear contact portion 36 at the point where the frame 31a and the supporter 31b meet. The point where the frame and the supporter meet is a region where tensile force is concentrated, as will be described later.

[0087] The first through-hole 37 can open up the corner portion of the battery 33, a part of the battery case 31, and the boundary portion 43, which are covered by the rear contact portion 36. Since the corner portion of the battery 33 has a right-angle corner, the first through-hole 37 can take on a roughly L-shape corresponding to the shape of the corner portion.

[0088] As shown in Figure 7, the first through-hole 37 may have an end curved groove 37a, a central groove 37c, and a protruding rounded portion 37e. The end curved groove 37a and the central groove 37c are rounded curved grooves that can prevent tearing due to external impacts such as dropping. The central groove 37c is also a portion designed to minimize contact with the curved portion of the battery 33.

[0089] The following is a supplementary explanation of the function of the first through-hole 37, as shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b).

[0090] Figure 8(a) shows a state in which no external force is applied to the battery pack 30. Since there is no relative movement between the battery case 31 and the battery 33, no external force such as tensile force is acting on the fixing tape 35.

[0091] Figure 8(b) schematically illustrates how the battery case 31 moves in the direction of arrow a while the battery 33 on the left side of the drawing remains stationary, and the battery 33 on the right side moves relative to the case in the direction of arrow b.

[0092] When the battery case 31 descends with the left battery 33 fixed, a tensile force in the direction of arrow c is generated in the portion of the fixing tape 35 connecting the battery 33 and the battery case 31. However, since the first through-hole 37 is located in the path through which the tensile force acts, the tensile force is not immediately transmitted to the battery 33 side (through the shortest path). The tensile force can be transmitted to the battery side by bypassing the first through-hole 37. However, the bypassed tensile force is smaller than the inherent adhesive force of the adhesive layer 35b. Therefore, the portion attached to the battery 33 is ultimately not removed.

[0093] Similarly, when the battery 33 on the right side of the diagram moves in the direction of arrow b relative to the fixed battery case 31, a tensile force is generated in the direction of arrow d. The shortest path of action of the tensile force in the direction of arrow b is blocked by the first through hole 37, so the fixing tape 35 attached to the battery case 31 cannot be removed. If the first through hole 37 were not present, the tensile force would act along the shortest distance, causing the fixing tape 35 attached to the battery and case to partially come off.

[0094] Thus, the reason for preventing the fixing tape 35 from peeling off is to improve customer quality satisfaction by preventing noise from being generated when handling the battery pack 30. Noise can occur when the fixing tape 35 comes off. Once the fixing tape begins to come off, the adhesive strength gradually weakens, and it can come off even with slight movement of the battery pack, generating noise. The first through-hole 37 in the fixing tape 35 of this embodiment is a design feature that reduces the adhesive area between the battery case and the battery (within limits that do not reduce structural strength) and, in return, prevents the peeling phenomenon.

[0095] Furthermore, since the repeated peeling and re-adhesion of the fixing tape is eliminated, the risk of areas where the adhesive strength of the fixing tape is lost and the adhesion of incoming dust are also eliminated.

[0096] The shape of the first through-hole 37 can be changed in any way as long as it can realize the functions described above. The first through-hole 37 illustrated in Figure 8 exposes the frame 31a, the supporter 31b, the battery 33, and a part of the boundary portion 43.

[0097] Figure 9 shows a modified example of the fixing tape shown in Figure 7.

[0098] As shown in Figure 9, the first through-hole 37 can also be applied to the internal area of ​​the front contact portion 38. The first through-hole formed on the inside of the front contact portion 38 can have the same shape as the first through-hole 37 formed in the rear contact portion 36. When the fixing tape 35 is attached to the battery case 31 in which the battery 33 is sandwiched, the first through-holes 37 of the front contact portion and the rear contact portion face each other with the battery 33 and battery case 31 in between.

[0099] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) show modified examples of the fixing tape 35 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] As shown in the diagram, the first through-hole 37 can take the shape of an L with a certain width. The width of the first through-hole 37 may be further widened or narrowed.

[0101] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) show other modified examples of the fixing tape 35 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] As shown in the diagram, the first through-hole 37 can take the shape of a rectangle. Figure 11(a) shows the first through-hole as a rectangle, but any polygon other than a rectangle, such as a triangle, pentagon, or hexagon, can also be applied.

[0103] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show other modified examples of the fixing tape 35 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The first through-hole 37 in the fixing tape shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b) is circular in shape. The diameter of the circular hole can also be varied in various ways.

[0104] Furthermore, the fixing tape 35 in Figure 13(a) and Figure 13(b) has an elliptical first through-hole 37. In particular, the elliptical first through-hole 37 can simultaneously expose the corner portions of two adjacent batteries 33.

[0105] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of the fixing tape 35 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 14.

[0106] The fixing tape 35 shown in Figures 14 and 15 has a non-adhesive portion 35c that replaces the first through hole 37. The non-adhesive portion 35c can perform the same function as the first through hole 37.

[0107] The non-adhesive portion 35c is an area where the adhesive layer 35b is not laminated and the tape body 35a is exposed. Since there is no adhesive layer in the non-adhesive portion 35c and the tape body 35a does not have adhesive properties, the battery 33 and battery case 31 are separated from the non-adhesive portion 35c.

[0108] The position of the non-adhesive portion 35c may be the same as the position of the first through-hole 37 described above. That is, the non-adhesive portion 35c is located at the boundary between the battery and the battery case. The non-adhesive portion 35c can prevent the fixing tape from coming off the battery and / or battery case due to the tensile force generated when an external force is applied to the battery pack 30. Furthermore, the battery may have a rectangular shape, and the non-adhesive portion may have a shape corresponding to the corner of the battery.

[0109] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating another modification of the fixing tape 35 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Figure 16. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the application method of the fixing tape of Figure 16.

[0110] As shown in the diagram, a number of second through-holes 35d may be further formed in the internal region of the front contact portion 38. The second through-holes 35d may be oval-shaped holes that expose a portion of the supporter 31b of the battery case 31 to the outside. The shape of the second through-holes 35d can be changed at will. Furthermore, the size and position of the second through-holes 35d can also be changed, as long as they expose the edges of the battery excluding the corner portions.

[0111] The function of the second through-hole 35d is similar to that of the first through-hole 37. That is, it blocks the transmission of tensile force generated when the battery 33 moves relative to the battery case 31 due to external force, thereby preventing the adhesive layer 35b from separating from the battery or battery case due to tensile force. The reason for preventing the peeling of the adhesive layer is to block the generation of noise.

[0112] Furthermore, a reinforcing patch 41 may be attached to the outer surface of the fixing tape 35. The reinforcing patch 41 may be a tape member made of the same material as the fixing tape 35. The reinforcing patch 41 covers the second through hole 35d and prevents the second through hole 35d from opening excessively due to the tensile force described above. In other words, it prevents damage such as tearing or stretching of both ends of the second through hole 35d.

[0113] Although adhesive (not shown) is applied to the inward-facing surface (the surface facing the supporter) of the reinforcing patch 41, the adhesive surface of the reinforcing patch 41 may not adhere to the supporter or battery 33 due to the thickness of the fixing tape 35. For example, as shown in Figure 18, it is physically separated from the supporter 31b and battery 33.

[0114] As described above, the battery pack fixing tape of the present invention can improve customer quality satisfaction because it does not generate noise when handling the battery pack by performing a perforation process at the points where noise generation is concentrated. Furthermore, in the battery pack of the present invention, the repeated peeling and re-adhesion phenomenon of the fixing tape at the noise generation points is eliminated, so there is no risk of areas where the adhesive strength of the fixing tape is lost or of dust adhering to the area.

[0115] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10, 13a, 15r: Electrode assembly 10g, 15q: Second electrode tap 10h, 15p: First electrode tap 11: Pouch-type battery 11a: Pouch 11b: Second terminal lead 11c: First terminal lead 11d: Tap Film 11e: Sealing section 13: Cylindrical battery 13c: First electrode 13d: Separator 13e: Second electrode 13f: Beading section 13g: Crimping section 13h: Gasket 13j: First lead tap 13k: Second lead tap 13m, 13n: Insulating board 13n: Insulating board 13p, 15a: Case 13q: bottom 13r: Torso 13s: Safety vent 13t: Cap down 13u: Subplate 13V, 15B: Cap Assembly 13w: Cap up 15: Rectangular battery 15b: Cap assembly 15c: Cap plate 15d: Terminal 1 15e: Terminal 2 15f: Electrolyte inlet 15g: Gas vent 15h: Gas discharge device 15k: Connecting member 15m: First current collector plate 15n: Second current collector plate 17: Battery Module 17a, 17b: End plates 17e, 17f: Side Plates 30: Battery Pack 31: Battery case 31a: Frame 31b: Supporter 33: Battery 35: Fixing tape 35a: Tape body 35b: Adhesive layer 35c: Non-adhesive part 35d: Second through hole 36: Rear contact area 37: First through hole 37a: End curved groove 37c: Central groove 37e: Protruding rounded section 38: Front contact area 39: Thickness surface contact area 41: Reinforcement patch 43:Border site

Claims

1. A battery case and a tape body that contacts the battery connected to the battery case, An adhesive layer is laminated on one side of the tape body to provide adhesive strength for fixing the tape body to the battery and battery case, A through hole formed in the tape body located at the boundary between the battery and the battery case, A fixing tape for battery packs, characterized by containing the following:

2. The fixing tape for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the through-hole exposes the boundary portion between the battery and the battery case, thereby blocking the transmission of tensile force generated when the battery moves relative to the battery case due to external force.

3. The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 1, characterized in that the through hole is sized to expose a portion of at least one of the battery case and the battery.

4. The aforementioned battery has a rectangular shape, The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 1, characterized in that the through-hole includes a first through-hole that exposes the corner portion of the battery.

5. The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 4, characterized in that the through hole further includes a second through hole that exposes the end of the battery excluding the corner portion.

6. The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 2, further characterized in that a reinforcing patch is attached to cover the through hole while being fixed to the other side of the tape body, and to prevent damage to the fixing tape due to tensile force.

7. The fixing tape has a front adhesive portion that is attached to the front of the battery, and a rear adhesive portion that is attached to the rear of the battery in a folded state relative to the front adhesive portion. The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 4, characterized in that the first through hole is formed in both the front contact portion and the rear contact portion.

8. The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 4, characterized in that the first through hole has a shape that is folded in accordance with the shape of the corner portion of the battery.

9. The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 4, characterized in that the first through hole has a polygonal shape.

10. The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 4, characterized in that the first through hole has a circular or elliptical shape.

11. A battery case and a tape body having a width that can contact the battery connected to the battery case, An adhesive layer is laminated on one side of the tape body to provide adhesive force for fixing the tape body to the battery and the battery case, A fixing tape for a battery pack, characterized in that it includes a non-adhesive portion formed on the tape body located at the boundary between the battery and the battery case.

12. The non-adhesive portion is an area where the adhesive layer is removed so that the tape body is not adhered to the boundary portion between the battery and the battery case, and is characterized in that it blocks the transmission of tensile force generated when the battery moves relative to the battery case due to external force, as described in claim 11.

13. The battery pack fixing tape according to claim 11, characterized in that the battery has a rectangular shape, and the non-adhesive portion has a shape corresponding to the corner portion of the battery.

14. A battery case that houses the battery, The battery installed inside the aforementioned battery case, A fixing tape comprising: a tape body attached to the battery and the battery case, maintaining the bond state of the battery to the battery case, having a width that contacts the battery and the battery case; an adhesive layer laminated on one side of the tape body to provide adhesive force for fixing the tape body to the battery and the battery case; and a through hole formed in the tape body at the boundary portion between the battery and the battery case; A battery pack characterized by including the following.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that the through-hole exposes the boundary portion between the battery and the battery case, thereby blocking the transmission of tensile force generated when the battery moves relative to the battery case due to external force.

16. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that the through hole is sized to expose a portion of at least one of the battery case and the battery.

17. The aforementioned battery has a rectangular shape, The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that the through-hole includes a first through-hole that exposes the corner portion of the battery.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, further characterized in that the through hole includes a second through hole that exposes the end of the battery excluding the corner portion.

19. The battery pack according to claim 15, further characterized in that a reinforcing patch is attached to the fixing tape, which covers the through hole and is fixed to the other side of the tape body, thereby preventing damage to the fixing tape due to tensile force.

20. The fixing tape has a front contact portion that adheres to the front of the battery, and a rear contact portion that adheres to the rear of the battery in a folded state relative to the front contact portion. The battery pack according to claim 17, characterized in that the first through-hole is formed in both the front contact portion and the rear contact portion.

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