Battery pack

Abstract

The battery pack includes battery cells; and a protection circuit module connected to the battery cells, the battery cells including electrode assemblies; and electrode tabs extending from the electrode assemblies, the protection circuit module including a substrate and substrate tabs connected to the substrate, the electrode tabs including electrode sealing portions extending from the housing of the electrode assemblies and electrode bending portions extending from the electrode sealing portions, the substrate tabs being positioned between the electrode bending portions and the substrate and formed to contact the electrode bending portions and the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery designed to be capable of charging and discharging, and can be used as an energy source for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. Secondary batteries can be used in the form of a single battery cell depending on the type of external device to which they are applied, or in the form of a module or pack in which a plurality of battery cells are connected and bundled into one unit.

[0003] On the other hand, as applications to which secondary batteries are applied gradually require larger capacities, in order to increase the energy density, the size of the battery cells has also increased. As a result, not only the overall length but also the overall size of the battery pack including the battery cells has become larger.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of reducing the overall length and overall size of the battery pack.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The battery pack includes battery cells; and a protection circuit module connected to the battery cells, the battery cells including electrode assemblies; and electrode tabs extending from the electrode assemblies, the protection circuit module including a substrate and substrate tabs connected to the substrate, the electrode tabs including electrode sealing portions extending from the housing of the electrode assemblies and electrode bending portions extending from the electrode sealing portions, the substrate tabs being positioned between the electrode bending portions and the substrate and formed to contact the electrode bending portions and the substrate.

[0006] The substrate tab may include a substrate connecting portion connected to the substrate, and a substrate bending portion extending from the substrate connecting portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the substrate connecting portion.

[0007] The electrode bending portion may include a first electrode bending portion extending from the electrode sealing portion; a second electrode bending portion extending from the first electrode bending portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the first electrode bending portion; and a third electrode bending portion extending from the second electrode bending portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the second electrode bending portion.

[0008] The third electrode bending portion may come into contact with the substrate connecting portion.

[0009] The second electrode bending portion may come into contact with the substrate bending portion.

[0010] The third electrode bending portion may be positioned between the first tape and the substrate tab.

[0011] The substrate tab and the third electrode bending portion may be stacked as a single layer between the substrate and the first tape.

[0012] A third tape may be placed between the bent electrode sealing portion and the electrode assembly.

[0013] A fourth tape may be placed between the bent electrode sealing portion and the substrate.

[0014] An insulating tape may be placed between the electrode sealing portion and the electrode bending portion.

[0015] The electrode assembly and the protective circuit module may include a first tape covering them.

[0016] The thickness T1' of the first tape is even greater than the thickness T4' of the fourth tape.

[0017] The width LW3' of the substrate tab may be even greater than the height LH3' of the substrate tab.

[0018] The width LW2' of the substrate may be even greater than the height LH3' of the substrate.

[0019] The substrate may have recesses into which a portion of the electrode tab is inserted.

[0020] The electrode bending portion of the electrode tab includes a first electrode bending portion extending from the electrode sealing portion; a second electrode bending portion extending from the first electrode bending portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the first electrode bending portion; and a third electrode bending portion extending from the second electrode bending portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the second electrode bending portion, wherein the second electrode bending portion can be inserted into the recessed portion.

[0021] The substrate tab can be inserted into the recessed portion.

[0022] The substrate tab includes a substrate connecting portion connected to the substrate, and a substrate bending portion extending from the substrate connecting portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the substrate connecting portion, the substrate bending portion being insertable into the recessed portion.

[0023] The substrate may include a PCB portion and a molding portion that covers the upper side of the PCB portion.

[0024] The recessed portion can be formed by recessing the side PCB portion and the molding portion of the substrate in the inner direction of the substrate.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] The battery pack can reduce the overall length of the battery pack and increase the capacity of the battery pack by bending the terrace portion of the battery cell to a horizontal structure in order to reduce the overall length of the battery pack.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] Shows a battery pack. [Figure 2] Is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell. [Figure 4] Is a drawing showing the assembled state of the battery cell of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] Is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] Is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] Is an enlarged assembled view of part B of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] Is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack reflecting still another embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 2. [Figure 12] Is an enlarged assembled view of part C of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] Is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in Figure 1, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention and methods thereof can be understood by referring to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments. The described embodiments have a variety of modifications and can be embodied in other forms, and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined in part or in whole with each other. Each embodiment can be embodied independently of each other or in relation to each other. The described embodiments are provided as examples to complete the present invention and are intended to fully convey the spirit of the invention to a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. The present invention can be replaced by all modifications, equivalents, and within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are unnecessary for a person skilled in the art to fully understand the embodiments of the present invention are not described.

[0028] Unless otherwise noted in the accompanying drawings and throughout the specification, the same reference numerals, letters, or combinations thereof refer to the same components, and therefore redundant explanations are omitted. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity in describing the invention, parts unrelated to the description or unrelated to the description have been omitted.

[0029] In drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and areas may be exaggerated for clarity. In attached drawings, the use of hatching and / or shading is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not indicate desirable forms or requirements regarding other characteristics, attributes, etc., of elements unless specified, such as specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between elements, and / or other characteristics of the elements.

[0030] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations, which are schematic examples of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, the shapes in the drawings may differ, for example, as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Furthermore, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative to illustrate embodiments of the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the illustrated regions, including, for example, variations in shape due to manufacturing.

[0031] The areas shown in the drawings are illustrative, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate, nor to limit, the actual shapes of the device areas. Furthermore, as is recognized by the ordinary person of the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways, within the limits that do not deviate from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0032] Various specific details are presented herein to provide a complete understanding of the diverse embodiments. However, the diverse embodiments may be carried out without these specific details or with one or more of them. Well-known structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the diverse embodiments.

[0033] To facilitate the explanation of the relationship between elements or features illustrated in the drawings and those other than those illustrated, spatially relative terms such as “below,” “above,” “bottom,” and “upper” may be used herein. These spatially relative terms are intended to include a variety of orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation illustrated in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, other elements or features described as “below” or “bottom” will be “above” the other elements or features. Thus, as illustrative terms, “below” and “bottom” may include both the up and down directions. If the device is oriented in a different direction (e.g., rotated 90° or in a different direction), the spatially relative descriptions used herein must be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, if it is stated that the first part is positioned “above” the second part, this means that the first part is positioned above or below the second part.

[0034] Furthermore, the expression "plan view" means viewing an object from the top surface of a part of it, and the expression "rough cross-section" means taking a rough cross-section by cutting the object vertically. The expression "side view" means that the first object is above, below, or to the side of the second object, and vice versa. In addition, the terms "overlap" or "superimposition" may include layers, layers, surfaces, extensions, coverings, or partially coverings, or any other suitable terms understood by an ordinary engineer. The expression "non-overlap" may include meanings such as "away from" or "separated from" and any other suitable equivalent expression recognized and understood by an ordinary engineer. The terms "surface" and "surface" mean that the first object can face the second object directly or indirectly. If there is a third object between the first and second objects, the first and second objects may be understood to face each other but indirectly.

[0035] When an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as “formed,” “connected,” or “joined” to another element, it may be formed directly on the layer, region, or component, formed on the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed, connected, or joined to the other element. Furthermore, direct or indirect connections or links of elements, layers, regions, or components, as well as integrated or non-integrated connections or links, are collectively used to describe how one or more elements, layers, regions, or components can exist. For example, when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as “electrically connected” or “electrically joined” to another element, layer, region, or component, this means that it is directly electrically connected or joined to the other element, layer, region, or component, or that the other element, layer, region, or component can exist. However, “direct connection” or “direct joining” means that one component directly connects or joins another component without an intermediate component, or lies on another component. In this specification, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is formed on another part, the direction of formation is not limited to the upward direction, but includes the formation of the portion on the side or bottom. Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is formed "below" another part, this includes not only the case where that part is "immediately below" the other part, but also the case where there are other parts between that part and the other part. On the other hand, other expressions describing the relationship between constituent elements, such as "between," "immediately between," or "adjacent to" and "immediately adjacent to," can be interpreted similarly. Also, when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, this means either that it is the only element between the two elements or layers, or that there may be other elements between them.

[0036] For the purposes of this specification, expressions such as “at least one” or “any one” do not limit the order of the individual elements. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may include X alone, Y alone, Z alone, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of A and B” and “at least one of A or B” may include A, B, or A and B. In this specification, “or” generally means “and / or,” and the term “and / or” includes all combinations of one or more related list items. For example, an expression such as “A and / or B” may include A, B, or A and B.

[0037] Terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe a variety of elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by such terms. Such terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from other elements, components, regions, layers, or sections. Accordingly, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may refer to a second element, component, region, layer, or section without going beyond the spirit and scope of the invention. Describing an element as a “first” element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and so on may be used herein to distinguish different categories or sets of elements from one another. For clarity, terms such as “first,” “second,” and so on may refer to “first category (or first set),” “second category (or second set),” and so on, respectively.

[0038] The terms used herein are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions as used herein are intended to include plural expressions, and plural expressions are intended to include the singular form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “includes,” “equip,” and “have,” as used herein, mean to specify the presence of an expressed feature, integer, or stage. These expressions do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, stages, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0039] If one or more embodiments can be manifested in different ways, a particular sequence of processes may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or in reverse order than that described.

[0040] The terms “substantially,” “about,” “nearly,” and similar terms are used as approximations, not terms of degree, to describe the inherent variation of measured or calculated values ​​as recognized by an ordinary person of the art. As used herein, “about” or “nearly” means within an acceptable range of deviations to a particular value, including the value mentioned, as determined by an ordinary person of the art, taking into account the measurement and associated errors (e.g., the range of deviation due to the limits of the measurement system). For example, “about” means within one or more standard deviations or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the stated value.

[0041] Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0042] Figure 1 shows the battery pack. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cells. Figure 4 is a drawing showing the assembled state of the battery cells in Figure 3. Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A' in Figure 1. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the assembled section B in Figure 2.

[0043] The battery pack 10 is a pouch-type battery and may include a battery cell 100 and a protection circuit module 200. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the battery pack 10 may have a flattened front and back surface (e.g., both surfaces parallel to the YZ plane in Figure 1). At least a portion of the battery pack 10 may have a curved shape. For example, both sides of the battery pack 10 (e.g., the surface where the extension 240 is located in Figure 1 and the opposite surface) may have a curved shape. The battery pack 10 may have dimensions such that the thickness direction (e.g., the X-axis direction in Figure 1) is shorter than the width direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction in Figure 1).

[0044] The battery pack 10 includes a battery cell 100 and a protection circuit module 200 connected to the battery cell 100, which includes a circuit board 210. The battery cell 100 includes an electrode assembly 110 and a housing 140 surrounding the electrode assembly 110. The housing 140 includes terraces 1451 corresponding to the short sides of the battery cell 100, and a pair of side sealing sections connected to both ends of the terraces 1451, corresponding to the pair of long sides of the battery cell 100. The battery pack 10 may include one or more tapes for supporting and protecting the battery cells 100 and the protective circuit module 200. The tapes may be attached to one or more of the battery cells 100 and the protective circuit module 200 and may include an insulating material. For example, the tapes may be on the outer surface of the battery cells 100, between the battery cells 100 and the protective circuit module 200, or inside the protective circuit module 200. The tapes are also components that are distinct from the insulating tape 130 of the battery cells 100.

[0045] The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, electrode tabs 120, insulating tape 130, and a housing 140.

[0046] The electrode assembly 110 may include a first electrode plate 111 and a second electrode plate 112 having opposite polarities to each other, and a separator 113 between the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112. The electrode assembly 110 may be formed in a roll type by winding the first electrode plate 111, the second electrode plate 112, and the separator 113. For example, the electrode assembly 110 may also have a winding axis (for example, the central axis around which the first electrode plate 111, the second electrode plate 112, and the separator 113 are wound) that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100 (for example, the Z-axis direction in Figure 5). Alternatively, the electrode assembly 110 may be formed by stacking multiple first electrode plates 111 and second electrode plates 112 and separators 113. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 110 may be a hybrid form of roll type and stack type. The first electrode plate 111 is the negative electrode, and the second electrode plate 112 is the positive electrode. Alternatively, the first electrode plate 111 is the positive electrode, and the second electrode plate 112 is the negative electrode.

[0047] The first electrode plate 111 may be formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first electrode current collector plate made of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The first electrode plate 111 includes a first blank area, which is an area where the first electrode active material is not coated, and at least a portion of the first blank area may include a first electrode tab 121. The first electrode tab 121 serves as a current passage between the first electrode plate 111 and the first current collector. The first electrode tab 121 may be formed during the manufacture of the first electrode plate 111 by cutting it in advance so that at least a portion of it protrudes outside the electrode assembly 110. Alternatively, the first electrode tab 121 may protrude further outside the electrode assembly 110 than the separator 113 without a separate cutting process.

[0048] The second electrode plate 112 may be formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a second electrode current collector plate made of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The second electrode plate 112 includes a second blank area, which is an area where the second electrode active material is not coated, and at least a portion of the second blank area may include a second electrode tab 122. The second electrode tab 122 serves as a passage for current flow between the second electrode plate 112 and the second current collector. The second electrode tab 122 may be formed during the manufacturing of the second electrode plate 112 by cutting it in advance so that at least a portion of it protrudes outside the electrode assembly 110. Alternatively, the second electrode tab 122 may protrude further outside the electrode assembly 110 than the separator 113 without a separate cutting process.

[0049] The electrode assembly 110 may be enclosed by the housing 140. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the electrode assembly 110 may be smaller in size than the housing 140 and housed within the housing 140. If the electrode assembly 110 is housed within the housing 140, the electrode tab 120 connected to the electrode assembly 110 may protrude outside the housing 140 and be connected to the protection circuit module 200.

[0050] The electrode tab 120 may be connected to the electrode assembly 110. One end of the electrode tab 120 may extend from the electrode assembly 110. The electrode tab 120 may be drawn out from the terrace portion 1451 of the housing 140 when the housing 140 is coupled (for example, when the first housing 141 and the second housing 142 are in contact). For example, as shown in Figure 5, the electrode tab 120 may include a first electrode tab 121 and a second electrode tab 122 of opposite polarities, which may be electrically connected to the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 112, respectively. The electrode tab 120 may also be connected to the substrate tab 220. For example, the first electrode tab 121 may be connected to the first substrate tab 221, and the second electrode tab 122 may be connected to the second substrate tab 222. The electrode tab 120 may be connected to the substrate tab 220 by welding or bolting 1, etc. The electrode tab 120 may contain a conductive material such as metal. The first electrode tab 121 and the second electrode tab 122 are spaced apart from each other, and the first and second current collectors may be welded and connected to the first electrode tab 121 and the second electrode tab 122, respectively.

[0051] An insulating tape 130 may be attached to the electrode tab 120 to provide insulation and sealing between the electrode tab 120 and the housing 140. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the insulating tape 130 may surround at least a portion of the electrode tab 120. The insulating tape 130 may be in contact with or in contact with the electrode assembly 110. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the insulating tape 130 may be outside the terrace portion 1451.

[0052] The electrode tab 120 is bent one or more times. While connected to the substrate tab 220 of the protection circuit module 200, the electrode tab 120 does not extend straight in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in Figure 1), but is bent one or more times. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the electrode tab 120 extends straight in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100 and is then bent in the thickness direction of the battery cell 100 (e.g., the X-axis direction in Figure 2). Here, the terrace portion 1451 is also bent in the same direction along with the electrode tab 120. With the electrode tab 120 bent, the fourth tape TP4 and the protection circuit module 200 may be positioned sequentially on top of it. Then, the electrode tab 120 is bent again in the thickness direction of the battery cell 100 toward the substrate tab 220. That is, the electrode tab 120 includes multiple bends, and at least a portion of the protection circuit module 200, such as the substrate 210, may be between the multiple bends. The inclusion of a bent portion in the electrode tab 120 can reduce the overall length of the battery cell 100 and the battery pack 10.

[0053] The electrode tab 120 may include an electrode sealing portion 1201 and an electrode bending portion 1202. The electrode bending portion 1202 may include a first electrode bending portion 1202a, a second electrode bending portion 1202b, and a third electrode bending portion 1202c.

[0054] The electrode tab 120 may include an electrode sealing portion 1201 extending longitudinally in the electrode assembly 110 of the battery cell 100 and located within the terrace portion 1451, a first electrode bending portion 1202a bent at the end of the electrode sealing portion 1201 and partially located within the terrace portion 1451, a second electrode bending portion 1202b bent at the end of the first electrode bending portion 1202a, and a third electrode bending portion 1202c bent at the end of the second electrode bending portion 1202b.

[0055] The electrode sealing portion 1201 is also the portion to which the electrode tab 120 extends into the electrode assembly 110. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the electrode sealing portion 1201 may extend into the electrode assembly 110 and be inserted between the terrace portions 1451, extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100 (for example, in the X-axis direction in Figure 5).

[0056] The first electrode bend 1202a may extend at the end of the electrode sealing portion 1201 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the electrode sealing portion 1201 extends. For example, the first electrode bend 1202a may extend from the end of the electrode sealing portion 1201 in the thickness direction of the battery cell 100 (for example, in the X-axis direction in Figure 5). For example, the first electrode bend 1202a may extend parallel to the electrode sealing portion 1201. A fourth tape TP4 may be located above the first electrode bend 1202a (in the Z-axis direction in Figure 5). Part of the first electrode bend 1202a may be within the terrace portion 1451, and part of it may be wrapped by the insulating tape 130. Another part of the first electrode bend 1202a may be exposed to the outside of the terrace portion 1451 and the insulating tape 130. The first electrode bend portion 1202a may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the housing 140 by the length of the pre-bend portion of the electrode sealing portion 1201. A third tape TP3 may be present in the space between the first electrode bend portion 1202a and the housing 140.

[0057] The second electrode bend 1202b may extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first electrode bend 1202a extends at the end of the first electrode bend 1202a. For example, the second electrode bend 1202b may be bent at the end of the first electrode bend 1202a (for example, the right end in Figure 5) and extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100 (for example, the Z-axis direction in Figure 5). For example, the second electrode bend 1202b may extend perpendicular to the first electrode bend 1202a. The length of the second electrode bend 1202b is shorter than the length of the electrode sealing portion 1201.

[0058] The second electrode bend portion 1202b may be located between the substrate 210 and the side surface of the first tape TP1 in the width direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the X-axis direction in Figure 9). The second electrode bend portion 1202b is separated from the substrate 210 and the side surface of the first tape TP1, respectively, and does not interfere with the substrate 210 and the first tape TP1 even when an external impact is applied. The second electrode bend portion 1202b may be located between the top surface of the battery cell 100 and the top surface of the first tape TP1 in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the Z-axis direction in Figure 5). The second electrode bend portion 1202b is separated from the top surface of the battery cell 100 and the top surface of the first tape TP1, respectively, and does not interfere with the battery cell 100 and the first tape TP1 even when an external impact is applied.

[0059] The third electrode bend 1202c may extend at the end of the second electrode bend 1202b in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second electrode bend 1202b extends. For example, the third electrode bend 1202c may be bent at the upper end of the second electrode bend 1202b and extend in the thickness direction of the battery cell 100. For example, the third electrode bend 1202c may extend perpendicular to the second electrode bend 1202b. The third electrode bend 1202c may bend from the second electrode bend 1202b toward the first electrode bend 1202a. In the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100, the first electrode bend 1202b and the third electrode bend 1202c may overlap each other in at least part. The third electrode bend 1202c may be on the substrate 210 of the protection circuit module 200.

[0060] The third electrode bend portion 1202c can be connected to the substrate tab 220. At least a portion of the third electrode bend portion 1202c can be inserted inside the substrate tab 220 and come into contact with the substrate tab 220. Thus, the electrode tab 120 and the substrate tab 220 can be electrically connected.

[0061] The first electrode bend 1202a and the third electrode bend 1202c are separated, and at least a portion of the protection circuit module 200 and tape may be located between them. For example, the first electrode bend 1202a and the third electrode bend 1202c may extend parallel to each other (for example, parallel to the thickness direction of the battery cell 100 or the X-axis direction in Figure 5) and be separated by the length of the second electrode bend 1202b. A fourth tape TP4, a substrate 210, and a portion of the substrate tab 220 (for example, a substrate connecting portion 2201) may be located between the separated first electrode bend 1202a and the third electrode bend 1202c.

[0062] The inclusion of one or more bends in the electrode tab 120 can reduce the longitudinal dimensions of the battery cell 100 and the battery pack 10. Additionally, the protective circuit module 200 and the tape are positioned in the space formed between the multiple bends of the electrode tab 120, allowing the components of the battery pack 10 to be concentrated into a relatively small space.

[0063] Although only the first electrode tab 121 is shown in the drawing, the second electrode tab 122 may also have a bent structure and a connecting structure to the substrate tab 220, similar to the first electrode tab 121. That is, the second electrode tab 122 may also include an electrode sealing portion 1201, a first electrode bent portion 1202a, a second electrode bent portion 1202b, and a third electrode bent portion 1202c.

[0064] Referring to Figure 3, the housing 140 may include a flexible material. The housing 140 includes insulating layers formed on both sides of a thin metal layer, such as aluminum, and may be formed through a molding process such as drawing. The housing 140 houses the electrode assembly 110 inside, and its edges may be sealed to prevent external foreign matter from entering the electrode assembly 110.

[0065] The housing 140 may include a first housing 141, a second housing 142, a folding section 143, an internal space 144, and a sealing section 145.

[0066] The first housing 141 and the second housing 142 each house an electrode assembly 110 and can be folded relative to each other around a folding portion 143. The first housing 141 may include a first internal space 1441, and the second housing 142 may include a second internal space 1442. The first housing 141 and the second housing 142 can be connected to each other via the folding portion 143. When an electrode assembly 110 is housed in one of the two housings, the other housing can cover that housing, forming an internal space 144 in which the electrode assembly 110 is housed. For example, the folding portion 143 may be adjacent to the opposite side of the surface of the electrode assembly 110 on which the electrode tab 120 is formed.

[0067] The sealing portion 145 may be formed in the first housing 141 and the second housing 142, respectively. The sealing portion 145 may be formed along the outer edge of the first housing 141 and the outer edge of the second housing 142. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the sealing portion 145 may be formed in the pair of long sides of the first housing 141 and the second housing 142, and on the remaining short sides excluding the short sides on which the folding portion 143 is formed. When the first housing 141 and the second housing 142 are folded, the sealing portion 145 contained in the first housing 141 and the sealing portion 145 contained in the second housing 142 can come into contact with each other, thereby sealing the space between the first housing 141 and the second housing 142.

[0068] The sealing section 145 may include the terrace section 1451 and the side sealing section 1452.

[0069] The terrace portion 1451 is the portion from which the electrode tab 120 is pulled out and may be formed to correspond to one of a pair of short sides of the housing 140. For example, the terrace portion 1451 may be formed adjacent to one side of the electrode assembly 110 from which the electrode tab 120 extends and may be formed at the top in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100. The terrace portion 1451 may enclose the first housing 141 and the second housing 142 while extending along a direction intersecting the electrode tab 120. The terrace portion 1451 may surround at least a portion of the electrode tab 120. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the terrace portion 1451 may surround a portion of the electrode tab 120 that extends into the electrode assembly 110. In other words, the terrace portions 1451 of the first housing 141 and the second housing 142 are in contact, and the electrode sealing portion 1201 and the first electrode bending portion 1202a of the electrode tab 120 can pass between the contact surfaces between the terrace portions 1451. The electrode tab 120 can be firmly supported by the terrace portions 1451.

[0070] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the side sealing sections 1452 may extend in a direction intersecting the terrace sections 1451. For example, the side sealing sections 1452 may be formed to correspond to a pair of long sides of the housing 140. Each side sealing section 1452 may be connected to the end of the terrace section 1451 and the end of the folding section 143. The terrace section 1451 and the pair of side sealing sections 1452 may intersect each other perpendicularly.

[0071] The terrace portion 1451 and the side sealing portion 1452 can be folded. For example, as shown in Figure 4, with the first housing 141 and the second housing 142 folded, the side sealing portions 1452 formed on a pair of long sides of the battery cell 100 can each be folded upward (for example, in the X-axis direction in Figure 4). With the pair of side sealing portions 1452 folded, the terrace portion 1451 can be folded upward. That is, after the pair of side sealing portions 1425 are folded upward toward both sides of the battery cell 100, the terrace portion 1451 can be folded toward one side of the battery cell 100 where the electrode tabs 120 are located.

[0072] The protection circuit module 200 can control the charging and discharging operations of the battery cell 100 to prevent over-discharging, over-charging, etc. The protection circuit module 200 can be connected to the battery cell 100 via electrode tabs 120. The protection circuit module 200 is located on top of the battery cell 100 and does not come into direct contact with other parts of the battery pack 10 by tape.

[0073] The protection circuit module 200 may include a circuit board 210, circuit board tabs 220, extensions 240, and connectors 250.

[0074] The substrate 210 supports other components of the protection circuit module 200 (e.g., substrate tabs 220, extensions 240, etc.) and may include circuit patterns and components. The substrate 210 is a printed circuit board (PCB or FPCB) and may be on the battery cell 100. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the substrate 210 may be between the fourth tape TP4 and the substrate tab 220. The substrate 210 may have a rectangular shape extending in the width direction of the battery cell 100 (e.g., the Y-axis direction in Figure 2).

[0075] One or more substrate tabs 220 are located on the substrate 210 and may be connected to the electrode tabs 120. The substrate tabs 220 are made of a conductor that is electrically connected to the electrode tabs 120, and may be made of, for example, nickel, copper, or aluminum.

[0076] For example, as shown in Figure 2, two substrate tabs 220 may be located on the upper surface of the substrate 210, spaced apart from each other. The number of substrate tabs 220 is the same as the number of electrode tabs 120. The substrate tabs 220 are formed in positions corresponding to the electrode tabs 120 and can be connected to the electrode tabs 120 by welding or the like, to electrically connect the battery cell 100 and the protection circuit module 200. The substrate tabs 220 may include a first substrate tab 221 connected to a first electrode tab 121 and a second substrate tab 222 connected to a second electrode tab 122.

[0077] The substrate tab 220 may include multiple bends. For example, the substrate tab 220 may include a substrate connecting portion 2201, a first substrate bend 2202, and a second substrate bend 2203. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the substrate connecting portion 2201 may be located on the upper surface of the substrate 210 and extend in the width direction of the substrate 210 (or in the thickness direction of the battery cell 100 or in the X-axis direction in Figure 5). The substrate connecting portion 2201 may extend in the opposite direction to the extension of the first substrate bend 2202.

[0078] The first substrate bend 2202 is bent at the end of the substrate connector 2201 and may extend in a direction different from the substrate connector 2201. For example, the first substrate bend 2202 may extend in the height direction of the battery cell 100 (for example, in the Z-axis direction in Figure 5). The first substrate bend 2202 may be on the substrate 210. The first substrate bend 2202 separates the substrate connector 2201 and the second substrate bend 2203, and the electrode tab 120 may be inserted between them.

[0079] The second substrate bend 2203 is bent at the end of the first substrate bend 2202 and may extend in a different direction from the first substrate bend 2202. For example, the second substrate bend 2203 may extend in the thickness direction of the battery cell 100 (for example, the Z-axis direction in Figure 5). At least a portion of the second substrate bend 2203 may overlap the substrate connecting portion 2201 and the battery cell 100 in the height direction. The second substrate bend 2203 may be connected to the electrode tab 120. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the lower surface of the second substrate bend 2203 may contact the upper surface of the third electrode bend 1202c, and the electrode tab 120 and the substrate tab 220 may be connected.

[0080] Although only the first substrate tab 221 is shown in the drawing, the second substrate tab 222 may also have the same bending structure and connection structure to the substrate tab 220 as the second substrate tab 221. That is, the second substrate tab 222 may also include a substrate connection portion 2201, a first substrate bending portion 2202, and a second substrate bending portion 2203.

[0081] The extension 240 can connect the substrate 210 and the connector 250. For example, one end of the extension 240 may be in contact with the upper surface of the substrate 210, and the other end may be connected to the connector 250. The extension 240 may be the same width as or narrower than the protection circuit module 200 and may include a deformable flexible material. The extension 240 may extend downward along the side of the battery cell 100, with the connector 250 located at its end. The connector 250 may connect the protection circuit module 200 to an external device of the battery pack 10, such as an application or controller.

[0082] The battery pack 10 may include tape. The tape may be located between the battery cell 100 and the protection circuit module 200, or outside the battery cell 100 and / or the protection circuit module 200. The tape may be attached to one or more of the battery cell 100 and the protection circuit module 200. The tape may insulate the battery cell 100 and the protection circuit module 200 and protect the battery cell 100 and the protection circuit module 200 from external impacts. The tape may be made of an insulating and / or flame-retardant material, such as Teflon®. The tape may include a first tape TP1, a second tape TP2, a third tape TP3, and a fourth tape TP4.

[0083] The second tape TP2 may be attached to both sides of the battery cell 100. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the second tape TP2 may be between the extension 240 of the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100. The second tape TP2 may prevent the extension 240 from directly contacting the battery cell 100. The upper part of the second tape TP2 may be located on the upper surface of the battery cell 100, and the lower part may be located on the lower surface of the battery cell 100. A pair of second tapes TP2 may be attached to both sides of the battery cell 100, covering a pair of corners.

[0084] The second tape TP2 can cover the sealing portion 145. For example, when the side sealing portion 1452 is folded, the second tape TP2 can cover the outside of the side sealing portion 1452.

[0085] The first tape TP1 is positioned above the battery cell 100 and may cover both the protection circuit module 200 and the battery cell 100. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the first tape TP1 may be positioned on the protection circuit module 200 with the battery cell 100 connected to it, and may cover the upper front and back of the battery cell 100. Thus, as shown in Figure 5, the first tape TP1 may be positioned to surround the protection circuit module 200 and the electrode tab 120, including its components. The first tape TP1 may be attached to the battery cell 100 and separated from the protection circuit module 200.

[0086] The third tape TP3 may be positioned at the upper end of the battery cell 100 before the electrode tabs 120 and terraces 1451 are folded, preventing direct contact between the upper end of the battery cell 100 and the electrode tabs 120. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the third tape TP3 may have a length corresponding to the width of the battery cell 100 (e.g., the Y-axis direction in Figure 2) and be positioned at the upper end of the battery cell 100. In this state, the electrode tabs 120 and terraces 1451 are folded toward the upper surface of the housing 140 (e.g., the first housing 141), and the side sealing portions 1452 on both sides may also be folded inward.

[0087] The fourth tape TP4 may be located on the electrode tab 120 and / or the insulating tape 130. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the fourth tape TP4 may be located on the electrode tab 120 and the terrace portion 1451 in a folded state. The fourth tape TP4 can cover a portion of the electrode tab 120, the terrace portion 1451 and the insulating tape 130, and the side sealing portions 1452 located on both sides, thereby ensuring airtightness and insulation between the components.

[0088] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the electrode sealing portion 1201 is formed by bending the substrate 210 and the housing 140 such that the first sealing surface 1201F1 of the electrode sealing portion 1201 corresponds to the housing surface 140F of the housing 140. The substrate 210 is positioned such that the substrate surface 210F of the substrate corresponds to the second sealing surface 1201F2 of the electrode sealing portion 1201.

[0089] In this way, the electrode sealing portion 1201 is formed by bending it in the direction in which the housing surface 140F of the housing 140 is located, thereby reducing the thickness T occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion in Figure 6, in case it is not bent and extends perpendicularly to the housing surface 140F of the housing 140. Through this, the volume occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion of the overall battery pack is reduced, and the overall length and size of the battery pack can be reduced. At the same time, the volume of the electrode assembly can be made relatively larger compared to the same size, and the capacity of the battery pack can be increased.

[0090] Furthermore, by positioning the substrate surface 210F of the substrate so that it corresponds to the second sealing surface 1201F2 of the electrode sealing portion 1201, and positioning the substrate 210 on the opposite side of the reference housing 140 of the bent electrode tab 120 rather than between the electrode tab 120 and the housing 140, the possibility of reduced battery efficiency due to unnecessary electrical connections between the substrate 210 and the housing 140 can be completely blocked.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the substrate 210 includes a first substrate surface 210F1 arranged to correspond to the second sealing surface 1201F2 of the electrode sealing portion 1201, and a second substrate surface 210F2 formed on the opposite side of the first substrate surface 210F1, the second substrate surface 210F2 may be connected to the substrate tab 220. The substrate 210 faces the electrode sealing portion 1201 through the first substrate surface 210F1 and can cover the electrode sealing portion 1201 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the substrate 210 may be electrically connected to the substrate tab 220 by contacting the substrate tab 220 via the second substrate surface 210F2.

[0092] In this case, a second space 220a is formed in the substrate tab 220, and the end of the electrode bending portion 1202 can be placed in the second space 220a and connected to the substrate tab 220.

[0093] More specifically, the substrate tab 220 includes a substrate connecting portion 2201 connected to the substrate 210, a first substrate bending portion 2202 extending from the substrate connecting portion 2201 and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the substrate connecting portion 2201, and a second substrate bending portion 2203 extending from the first substrate bending portion 2202 and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the first substrate bending portion 2202. In this case, the substrate connecting portion 2201 and the second substrate bending portion 2203 are arranged to face each other, and a second space portion 220a may be formed between the substrate connecting portion 2201 and the second substrate bending portion 2203.

[0094] Here, the electrode bending portion 1202 may include a first electrode bending portion 1202a extending from the electrode sealing portion 1201, a second electrode bending portion 1202b extending from the first electrode bending portion 1202a and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the first electrode bending portion 1202a, and a third electrode bending portion 1202c extending from the second electrode bending portion 1202b and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the second electrode bending portion 1202b.

[0095] In this configuration, the third electrode bending portion 1202c may be connected to the second substrate bending portion 2203. Furthermore, the electrode sealing portion 1201 and the third electrode bending portion 1202c are formed to face each other, and a first space portion 120a is formed between the electrode sealing portion 1201 and the third electrode bending portion 1202c, on which the substrate 210 may be placed.

[0096] A third tape TP3 may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion 1201 and the housing 140. The third tape TP3 can maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion 1201 and the housing 140.

[0097] A fourth tape TP4 may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion 1201 and the substrate 210. The fourth tape TP4 can maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion 1201 and the substrate 210.

[0098] According to this embodiment, an insulating tape 130 may be arranged so as to surround the electrode bending portion 1202 and to be in contact with the electrode sealing portion 1201.

[0099] This prevents the electrode bending portion 1202 extending from the electrode sealing portion 1201 from coming into contact with the housing 140 that houses the substrate 210 and the electrode assembly 110, thereby preventing the electrode bending portion 1202 and the electrode assembly 110 from being electrically connected.

[0100] According to this embodiment, a first tape TP1 may be included that covers the housing 140 and the protective circuit module 200. In this case, the thickness T1 of the first tape TP1 is greater than the thickness T3 of the fourth tape TP4. The first tape TP1 is formed to cover the electrode tab 120 and the protective circuit module 200, and can protect the electrode tab 120 and the protective circuit module 200 from damage from external impacts. Therefore, the thickness of the first tape TP1 is greater than the thickness of the fourth tape TP4 which is placed between the substrate 210 and the electrode sealing portion 1201 for insulation between the two components.

[0101] The width LW1 of the electrode tab 120 can be even greater than the height LH1 of the electrode tab 120. This can further reduce the relative thickness T occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, contributing to a more compact battery pack and increased capacity.

[0102] Furthermore, the width LW2 of the substrate 210 can be even greater than the height LH2 of the substrate 210. This can relatively further reduce the thickness T occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, contributing to a more compact battery pack and increased capacity.

[0103] Furthermore, the width LW3 of the substrate tab 220 can be even greater than the height LH3 of the substrate tab 220. This can relatively further reduce the thickness T occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, contributing to a more compact battery pack and increased capacity.

[0104] The thickness T4 of the folded electrode sealing portion 1201 is even thinner than the thickness T2 of the substrate 210 and substrate tab 220. By folding the electrode sealing portion 1201 to the maximum extent possible so that it is thinner than the thickness T2 of the substrate 210 and substrate tab 220, the thickness T occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be further reduced relatively, which can contribute to making the battery pack more compact and increasing its capacity.

[0105] The height LH4 of the electrode sealing portion 1201 may be greater than the width LW4 of the electrode sealing portion 1201. Furthermore, the width LW2 of the substrate 210 may be even greater than the width LW4 of the electrode sealing portion 1201. This prevents the substrate 210 from completely covering the electrode sealing portion 1201 in the first direction D1 in the X-axis direction of Figure 5, thereby preventing the electrode sealing portion 1201 from contacting the substrate tab 220 and becoming electrically connected. Additionally, the substrate 210 plays a role in pressing the bent electrode sealing portion 1201 in the direction in which the housing 140 is located, resulting in a structure in which the electrode sealing portion 1201 is completely fixed between the substrate 210 and the housing 140 in a bent state.

[0106] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the substrate 210' of the battery pack 10' according to this embodiment supports other components of the protection circuit module 200' (e.g., substrate tabs 220') and may include circuit patterns and components. The substrate 210' is a printed circuit board (PCB or FPCB) and may be on the battery cell. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the substrate 210' may be between the fourth tape TP4' and the substrate tab 220'.

[0107] One or more substrate tabs 220' are located on the substrate 210' and may be connected to electrode tabs 120'. The substrate tabs 220' are made of a conductor that is electrically connected to the electrode tabs 120', and may be made of, for example, nickel, copper, or aluminum.

[0108] For example, the number of substrate tabs 220' is the same as the number of electrode tabs 120'. The substrate tabs 220' are formed in positions corresponding to the electrode tabs 120' and are connected to the electrode tabs 120' by welding or the like, enabling an electrical connection between the battery cell 100' and the protection circuit module 200'.

[0109] The substrate tab 220' may include multiple bends. For example, the substrate tab 220' may include a substrate connecting portion 2201' and a substrate bending portion 2202'. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the substrate connecting portion 2201' may be located on the upper surface of the substrate 210' and extend in the width direction of the substrate 210' (or in the thickness direction of the battery cell or in the X-axis direction in Figure 8). The substrate connecting portion 2201' may extend perpendicular to the direction in which the substrate bending portion 2202' extends.

[0110] The substrate bending portion 2202' is bent at the end of the substrate connecting portion 2201' and may extend in a direction different from that of the substrate connecting portion 2201'. For example, the substrate bending portion 2202' may extend in the height direction of the battery cell (for example, the Z-axis direction in Figure 8).

[0111] The substrate tab 220' may be positioned between the electrode bending portion 1202' and the substrate 210'. The substrate tab 220' may be in contact with the electrode bending portion 1202'.

[0112] The substrate tab 220' may come into contact with the substrate 210'. The substrate connecting portion 2201' of the substrate tab 220' extends in a direction parallel to the third electrode bending portion 1202c' of the electrode bending portion 1202', and the substrate connecting portion 2201' is also in contact with the third electrode bending portion 1202c'. The substrate bending portion 2202' of the substrate tab 220' extends in a direction parallel to the second electrode bending portion 1202b' of the electrode bending portion 1202', and the substrate bending portion 2202' is also in contact with the second electrode bending portion 1202b'. The substrate bending portion 2202' may maintain a state separated from the side surface of the substrate 210'.

[0113] The third electrode bend portion 1202c' of the electrode bend portion 1202' may come into contact with the lower surface of the central portion of the first tape TP1'. The third electrode bend portion 1202c' may be positioned between the first tape TP1' and the substrate tab 220'.

[0114] As described above, according to this embodiment, the substrate tab 220' is positioned between the electrode bending portion 1202' and the substrate 210', and is positioned to contact the electrode bending portion 1202' and the substrate 210', respectively, thereby reducing the thickness T' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion in Figure 9. This reduces the volume occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion of the overall battery pack, thereby reducing the overall length and size of the battery pack. At the same time, the volume of the electrode assembly can be increased relatively compared to the same size, thereby increasing the capacity of the battery pack.

[0115] The substrate tab 220' includes a substrate connecting portion 2201' connected to the substrate 210', and a substrate bending portion 2202' extending from the substrate connecting portion 2201' and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the substrate connecting portion 2201'.

[0116] Here, the electrode bending portion 1202' may include a first electrode bending portion 1202a' extending from the electrode sealing portion 1201', a second electrode bending portion 1202b' extending from the first electrode bending portion 1202a' and bent in the direction in which the substrate 210' is located relative to the first electrode bending portion 1202a', and a third electrode bending portion 1202c' extending from the second electrode bending portion 1202b' and bent in the direction in which the substrate 210' is located relative to the second electrode bending portion 1202b'.

[0117] In this case, the third electrode bending portion 1202c' can be connected to the substrate connecting portion 2201'. Furthermore, the electrode sealing portion 1201' and the third electrode bending portion 1202c' are formed to face each other, and a first space portion 120a' is formed between the electrode sealing portion 1201' and the third electrode bending portion 1202c', and the substrate 210' can be placed on the first space portion 120a'.

[0118] A third tape TP3' may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion 1201' and the housing 140'. The third tape TP3' can maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion 1201' and the housing 140'.

[0119] A fourth tape TP4' may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion 1201' and the substrate 210'. The fourth tape TP4' can maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion 1201' and the substrate 210'.

[0120] According to this embodiment, an insulating tape 130' may be arranged so as to surround the electrode bending portion 1202' and to be in contact with the electrode sealing portion 1201'.

[0121] This prevents the electrode bending portion 1202' extending from the electrode sealing portion 1201' from coming into contact with the housing 140' that houses the substrate 210' and the electrode assembly 110', thereby preventing the electrode bending portion 1202 and the electrode assembly 110 from being electrically connected.

[0122] According to this embodiment, a first tape TP1' may be included that covers the housing 140' and the protective circuit module 200'. In this case, the thickness T1' of the first tape TP1' is greater than the thickness T3' of the fourth tape TP4'. The first tape TP1' is formed to cover the electrode tab 120' and the protective circuit module 200', and can protect the electrode tab 120' and the protective circuit module 200' from damage from external impacts. Therefore, the thickness of the first tape TP1' is greater than the thickness of the fourth tape TP4', which is placed between the substrate 210' and the electrode sealing portion 1201' for insulation between the two components.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the thickness T2' of the substrate 210', substrate tab 220', and third electrode bend portion 1202c' can be minimized. That is, the substrate 210', substrate tab 220', and third electrode bend portion 1202c' each consist of a single layer, and the single-layer substrate 210', substrate tab 220', and third electrode bend portion 1202c' are stacked on top of each other to form a layered structure, thereby minimizing the thickness T2' of the substrate 210', substrate tab 220', and third electrode bend portion 1202c'. As a result, the thickness T' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively reduced further, which can contribute to making the battery pack more compact and increasing its capacity.

[0124] Specifically, a single layer of the substrate tab 220' and the third electrode bending portion 1202c' are stacked and arranged between the substrate 210' and the first tape TP1'.

[0125] Furthermore, the substrate tab 220' is formed such that the width LW3' of the substrate connecting portion 2201' is longer than the height LH3' of the substrate bending portion 2202', minimizing the height LH3' of the substrate tab 220'. The substrate bending portion 2202' is formed by bending toward the side surface of the substrate 210', and the side surface of the substrate 210' absorbs the height of the substrate bending portion 2202', thereby minimizing the height ratio of the substrate tab 220' to the overall battery cell. At the same time, the thickness T' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively reduced further, which can contribute to making the battery pack more compact and increasing its capacity.

[0126] The width LW1' of the electrode tab 120' can be even greater than the height LH1' of the electrode tab 120'. This can relatively reduce the thickness T' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, which can contribute to making the battery pack more compact and increasing its capacity.

[0127] Furthermore, the width LW2' of the substrate 210' can be even greater than the height LH2' of the substrate 210'. This allows for a relative reduction in the thickness T' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, which can contribute to making the battery pack more compact and increasing its capacity.

[0128] Furthermore, the width LW3' of the substrate tab 220' can be even greater than the height LH3' of the substrate tab 220'. This allows for a relative reduction in the thickness T' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, which can contribute to a more compact battery pack and increased capacity.

[0129] The height LH4' of the electrode sealing portion 1201' is smaller than the width LW4' of the electrode sealing portion 1201'. Furthermore, the width LW2' of the substrate 210' may be even larger than the width LW4' of the electrode sealing portion 1201'. This allows the substrate 210' to completely cover the electrode sealing portion 1201' in the first direction D1' in the X-axis direction of Figure 8, preventing the electrode sealing portion 1201' from contacting the substrate tab 220' and becoming electrically connected. Additionally, the substrate 210' plays a role in pressing the bent electrode sealing portion 1201' in the direction in which the housing 140' is located, resulting in a structure in which the electrode sealing portion 1201' is completely fixed between the substrate 210' and the housing 140' in a bent state.

[0130] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 210'' may have a recessed portion 220a'' into which a portion of the electrode tab 120'' is inserted. The recessed portion 220a'' may have a first recessed portion 221a'' and a second recessed portion 222a''. The substrate 210'' may include a PCB portion 210a'' and a molding portion 210b'' that covers the upper side of the PCB portion. The recessed portion 222a'' may be formed by recessing the side PCB portion 210a'' and the molding portion 210b'' toward the inside of the substrate 210''.

[0131] The electrode bend portion 1202'' of the electrode tab 120'' may be inserted into the recessed portion 220a''. The electrode tab 120'' may include a first electrode tab 121'' and a second electrode tab 122''. The first electrode tab 121'' may be inserted into the first recessed portion 221a''. The second electrode tab 122'' may be inserted into the second recessed portion 222a''.

[0132] The first electrode tab 121'' and the second electrode tab 122'' may include an electrode sealing portion 1201'' and an electrode bending portion 1202''. The electrode bending portion 1202'' includes a first electrode bending portion 1202a'' extending from the electrode sealing portion 1201'', a second electrode bending portion 1202b'' extending from the first electrode bending portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the first electrode bending portion, and a third electrode bending portion 1202c'' extending from the second electrode bending portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the second electrode bending portion. In this case, the second electrode bending portion 1202b'' may be inserted into the recessed portion 220a''. As a result, the electrode bending portion that forms the electrode tab is inserted into the recessed portion, fixing the electrode bending portion through the recessed portion and preventing the electrode tab from flowing in the Y-axis direction, thereby fixing the electrode tab on the substrate.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the substrate tab 220'' can be inserted into the recessed portion 220a''. For example, the first substrate tab 221'' can be inserted into the first recessed portion 221a''. Also, the second substrate tab 222'' can be inserted into the second recessed portion 222a''. More specifically, the first substrate tab 221'' and the second substrate tab 222'' of the substrate tab 220'' each include a substrate connecting portion 221'' and a substrate bending portion 222'', and the substrate bending portion 222'' can be inserted into the recessed portion 222a''. As a result, the substrate bending portion that forms the substrate tab is inserted into the recessed portion, fixing the substrate bending portion through the recessed portion, preventing the substrate tab from flowing in the Y-axis direction, and fixing the substrate tab on the substrate.

[0134] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the substrate 210''' of the battery pack 10''' according to this embodiment supports other components of the protection circuit module 200''' (e.g., substrate tab 220''') and may include circuit patterns and components. The substrate 210''' is a printed circuit board (PCB or FPCB) and may be on the battery cell. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the substrate 210''' may be between the fourth tape TP4''' and the substrate tab 220'''.

[0135] One or more substrate tabs 220''' may be located on the substrate 210''' and connected to electrode tabs 120'''. The substrate tabs 220''' are made of a conductor that can be electrically connected to the electrode tabs 120''', such as nickel, copper, or aluminum.

[0136] For example, the number of substrate tabs 220''' is the same as the number of electrode tabs 120'''. The substrate tabs 220''' are formed in positions corresponding to the electrode tabs 120''' and are connected to the electrode tabs 120''' by welding or the like, enabling an electrical connection between the battery cell 100''' and the protection circuit module 200'''.

[0137] The substrate tab 220''' may include multiple bends. For example, the substrate tab 220''' may include a substrate connector 2201''' and a substrate bend 2202'''. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the substrate connector 2201''' may be located on the upper surface of the substrate 210''' and extend in the width direction of the substrate 210''' (or in the thickness direction of the battery cell or in the X-axis direction in Figure 13). The substrate connector 2201''' may extend while bending in the direction in which the substrate 210''' is located, with reference to the direction in which the substrate bend 2202''' extends.

[0138] The substrate bending portion 2202''' is bent at the end of the substrate connecting portion 2201''' and may extend in a direction different from that of the substrate connecting portion 2201'''. For example, the substrate bending portion 2202''' may extend in the height direction of the battery cell (for example, the Z-axis direction in Figure 13). The substrate bending portion 2202''' may extend while bending in the direction in which the substrate 210''' is located, with reference to the direction in which the substrate connecting portion 2201''' extends.

[0139] The substrate bending portion 2202''' may be positioned between the second electrode bending portion 1202b''' and the substrate 210'''. The substrate tab 220''' may be in contact with the second electrode bending portion 1202b''' and the substrate 210'''.

[0140] The substrate tab 220''' may come into contact with the substrate 210'''. The substrate connecting portion 2201''' of the substrate tab 220''' may come into contact with the lower surface of the central portion of the first tape TP1'''.

[0141] The substrate bend portion 2202''' of the substrate tab 220''' extends in a direction parallel to the second electrode bend portion 1202b''' of the electrode bend portion 1202''', and the substrate bend portion 2202''' is in contact with the second electrode bend portion 1202b'''. The substrate bend portion 2202''' can maintain a state of separation from the side surface of the substrate 210'''.

[0142] As described above, according to this embodiment, the substrate tab 220''' is positioned between the electrode bending portion 1202''' and the substrate 210''', and is positioned to be in contact with the first tape TP1''' and the substrate 210''', respectively, thereby reducing the thickness T''' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion in Figure 13. This reduces the volume occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion of the overall battery pack, thereby reducing the overall length and size of the battery pack. At the same time, the volume of the electrode assembly can be made relatively larger compared to the same size, thereby increasing the capacity of the battery pack.

[0143] The substrate tab 220''' includes a substrate connecting portion 2201''' which is connected to the substrate 210''', and a substrate bending portion 2202''' which extends from the substrate connecting portion 2201''' and is bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the substrate connecting portion 2201'.

[0144] Here, the electrode bending portion 1202''' may include a first electrode bending portion 1202a''' extending from the electrode sealing portion 1201''', and a second electrode bending portion 1202b''' extending from the first electrode bending portion 1202a''' and being bent at the portion where the substrate 210''' is located relative to the first electrode bending portion 1202a'''.

[0145] A third tape TP3''' may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion 1201''' and the housing 140'''. The third tape TP3''' can maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion 1201''' and the housing 140'''.

[0146] A fourth tape TP4''' may be placed between the bent electrode sealing portion 1201''' and the substrate 210'''. The fourth tape TP4''' can maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion 1201''' and the substrate 210'''.

[0147] An insulating tape 130''' may be placed so as to surround the electrode bending portion 1202''' and to come into contact with the electrode sealing portion 1201'''. This prevents the electrode bending portion 1202''' extending from the electrode sealing portion 1201''' from coming into contact with the substrate 210''' or the housing 140''' and from being electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110''' housed in the housing 140'''.

[0148] According to this embodiment, a first tape TP1''' may be included to cover the housing 140''' and the protective circuit module 200'''. In this case, the thickness T1''' of the first tape TP1''' is greater than the thickness T3''' of the fourth tape TP4'''. The first tape TP1''' is formed to cover the electrode tab 120''' and the protective circuit module 200''', and can protect the electrode tab 120''' and the protective circuit module 200''' from damage from external impacts. Therefore, the thickness of the first tape TP1''' is greater than the thickness of the fourth tape TP4''', which is positioned between the substrate 210''' and the electrode sealing portion 1201''' for insulation between the two components.

[0149] According to this embodiment, the thickness T2''' of the substrate 210''' and the substrate tab 220''' can be minimized. That is, the substrate 210''' and the substrate tab 220''' each consist of a single layer, and the single-layer substrate 210''' and substrate tab 220''' are stacked on top of each other to form a layered structure, thereby minimizing the thickness T2''' of the substrate 210''' and the substrate tab 220'''. This further reduces the relative thickness T''' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, contributing to a more compact battery pack and improved capacity.

[0150] Specifically, a single layer of substrate tab 220''' is stacked and positioned between the substrate 210''' and the first tape TP1'''.

[0151] Furthermore, the substrate tab 220''' is formed such that the width LW3''' of the substrate connecting portion 2201''' is longer than the height LH3''' of the substrate bending portion 2202''', minimizing the height LH3''' of the substrate tab 220'''. The substrate bending portion 2202''' is formed by bending toward the side surface of the substrate 210''', and the side surface of the substrate 210''' absorbs the height of the substrate bending portion 2202''', thus minimizing the height ratio of the substrate tab 220''' to the overall battery cell. At the same time, the thickness T''' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively reduced further, which can contribute to making the battery pack more compact and increasing its capacity.

[0152] The upper end of the second electrode bend 1202b'''' may come into contact with the lower surface of the central portion of the first tape TP1''''. Therefore, the height LH1'''' of the electrode tab 120'''' can be minimized, and the thickness T'''' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively reduced further, which can contribute to making the battery pack more compact and increasing its capacity.

[0153] Furthermore, the width LW2'' of the substrate 210''' can be even greater than the height LH2''' of the substrate 210'''. This allows for a relative reduction in the thickness T''' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, which can contribute to making the battery pack more compact and increasing its capacity.

[0154] Furthermore, the width LW3''' of the substrate tab 220''' is even greater than the height LH3''' of the substrate tab 220'''. This allows for a relative reduction in the thickness T''' occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion, potentially contributing to a more compact battery pack and increased capacity.

[0155] The height LH4''' of the electrode sealing portion 1201''' may be smaller than the width LW4''' of the electrode sealing portion 1201'''. Also, the width LW2''' of the substrate 210''' may be even larger than the width LW4''' of the electrode sealing portion 1201'''. This allows the substrate 210''' to completely cover the electrode sealing portion 1201''' in the first direction (D1''') in the X-axis direction of Figure 13, preventing the electrode sealing portion 1201''' from coming into contact with the substrate tab 220''' and becoming electrically connected. Furthermore, the substrate 210''' can perform the role of pressing the bent electrode sealing portion 1201''' in the direction in which the housing 140''' is located, resulting in a structure in which the electrode sealing portion 1201''' is completely fixed in a bent state between the substrate 210''' and the housing 140'''.

[0156] Referring to Figure 15, the second electrode bending portion 1202b'''' and the substrate bending portion 2202'''' that is in contact with it are also in contact with the side surface of the substrate 210''''. As a result, the side surface of the substrate bending portion 2202'''' is positioned in contact with the side surface of the substrate 210'''', which prevents the substrate tab 220'''' from flowing in the Y-axis direction and fixes the substrate tab 220'''' on the substrate 210''''.

[0157] The tape according to the above-described embodiment can be fitted with an adhesive or replaced with an adhesive film member, sheet member, adhesive member, or other adhesive material.

[0158] Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely illustrative examples. Those with ordinary skill in the art will fully understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from these embodiments. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention must be determined based on the claims.

Claims

1. Battery cells and Includes a protection circuit module connected to the battery cell, The aforementioned battery cell is Electrode assembly and Includes an electrode tab extending from the electrode assembly, The protection circuit module includes a substrate and a substrate tab connected to the substrate, The electrode tab includes an electrode sealing portion extending from the housing of the electrode assembly and an electrode bending portion extending from the electrode sealing portion. The aforementioned substrate tab is positioned between the electrode bending portion and the substrate and is formed to contact the electrode bending portion and the substrate in a battery pack.

2. The aforementioned substrate tab is A substrate connecting portion connected to the aforementioned substrate, The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a substrate bending portion extending from the substrate connecting portion and being bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned relative to the substrate connecting portion.

3. The electrode bending portion is, A first electrode bending portion extending from the electrode sealing portion, A second electrode bending portion extends from the first electrode bending portion and is bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the first electrode bending portion, The battery pack according to claim 2, further comprising a third electrode bending portion extending from the second electrode bending portion and bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the second electrode bending portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the third electrode bending portion is in contact with the substrate connecting portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the second electrode bending portion is in contact with the substrate bending portion.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the third electrode bending portion is disposed between the first tape and the substrate tab.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the substrate tab and the third electrode bending portion are laminated as a single layer between the substrate and the first tape.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a third tape is arranged between the bent electrode sealing portion and the electrode assembly.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a fourth tape is arranged between the folded electrode sealing portion and the substrate.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein an insulating tape is placed between the electrode sealing portion and the electrode bending portion.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, comprising a first tape covering the electrode assembly and the protection circuit module.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the thickness T1' of the first tape is even thicker than the thickness T4' of the fourth tape.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the width LW3' of the substrate tab is even greater than the height LH3' of the substrate tab.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the width LW2' of the substrate is even greater than the height LH3' of the substrate.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the substrate has recessed portions into which a portion of the electrode tab is inserted.

16. The electrode bending portion of the electrode tab is A first electrode bending portion extending from the electrode sealing portion, A second electrode bending portion extends from the first electrode bending portion and is bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the first electrode bending portion, It includes a third electrode bending portion that extends from the second electrode bending portion and is bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the second electrode bending portion, The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein the second electrode bending portion is inserted into the recessed portion.

17. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein the substrate tab is inserted into the recessed portion.

18. The aforementioned substrate tab is A substrate connecting portion connected to the aforementioned substrate, It includes a substrate bending portion that extends from the substrate connecting portion and is bent in the direction in which the substrate is positioned with respect to the substrate connecting portion, The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the bent portion of the substrate is inserted into the recessed portion.

19. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein the substrate includes a PCB portion and a molding portion that covers the upper side of the PCB portion.

20. The battery pack according to claim 19, wherein the recessed portion is formed by recessing the side PCB portion and molding portion of the substrate toward the inside of the substrate.

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