Battery pack

Abstract

This battery pack comprises: a battery cell; and a protection circuit module connected to the battery cell, wherein the battery cell comprises: an electrode assembly; and an electrode tab extending from the electrode assembly, the protection circuit module comprises a substrate and a substrate tab connected to the substrate, the electrode tab comprises an electrode sealing portion extending from a housing of the electrode assembly and an electrode bending portion extending from the electrode sealing portion, and the substrate tab is formed to be disposed between the electrode bending portion and the substrate and formed so as to be in contact with the electrode bending portion and the substrate.

Description

battery pack

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

[0002] Secondary batteries are designed to be rechargeable and dischargeable, and can be used as an energy source for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and other devices. Depending on the type of external device to which they are applied, secondary batteries can be used as single battery cells or as modules or packs, which are multiple battery cells connected together to form a single unit.

[0003] Meanwhile, as applications requiring secondary batteries increasingly demand larger capacities, battery cell sizes are increasing to increase energy density. Consequently, battery packs containing these cells are also growing in size, not just in overall length.

[0004] The overall length and size of the battery pack can be reduced.

[0005] A battery pack includes a battery cell; and a protection circuit module connected to the battery cell, wherein the battery cell includes an electrode assembly; and an electrode tab extending from the electrode assembly, wherein the protection circuit module includes a substrate and a substrate tab connected to the substrate, wherein the electrode tab includes an electrode sealing portion extended from a housing of the electrode assembly and an electrode bending portion extended from the electrode sealing portion, and the substrate tab is disposed between the electrode bending portion and the substrate and is formed to contact the electrode bending portion and the substrate.

[0006] The above substrate tab may include a substrate connection portion connected to the substrate; and a substrate bending portion extending from the substrate connection portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the substrate connection portion.

[0007] The electrode bending portion may include a first electrode bending portion formed to extend from the electrode sealing portion; a second electrode bending portion extended from the first electrode bending portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the first electrode bending portion; and a third electrode bending portion extended from the second electrode bending portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the second electrode bending portion.

[0008] The third electrode bending portion can be in contact with the substrate connecting portion.

[0009] The second electrode bending portion can be in 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 above substrate tab and the third electrode bending portion can be laminated in a single layer between the substrate and the first tape.

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

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

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

[0015] It may include a first tape covering the electrode assembly and the protection circuit module.

[0016] The thickness (T1') of the first tape may be thicker than the thickness (T4') of the fourth tape.

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

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

[0019] The above substrate may have a recessed portion formed 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 formed to extend from the electrode sealing portion; a second electrode bending portion extended from the first electrode bending portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the first electrode bending portion; and a third electrode bending portion extended from the second electrode bending portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the second electrode bending portion, wherein the second electrode bending portion can be inserted into the recessed portion.

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

[0022] The above substrate tab includes a substrate connection portion connected to the substrate; and a substrate bending portion extending from the substrate connection portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the substrate connection portion, wherein the substrate bending portion can be inserted into the recessed portion.

[0023] The above substrate may include a PCB portion and a molding portion covering an upper side of the PCB portion.

[0024] The above-mentioned recessed portion can be formed by the side PCB portion and the molding portion of the substrate being recessed inwardly toward the substrate.

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

[0026] Figure 1 shows a battery pack.

[0027] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell.

[0029] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the assembled state of the battery cell of Figure 3.

[0030] Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sections taken along line AA' of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the assembled portion B of Figure 2.

[0032] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are cross-sections taken along line AA' of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a cross-section taken along line AA' of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack reflecting another embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 2.

[0035] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the assembled portion C of Figure 11.

[0036] FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 are cross-sections taken along line AA' of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure and methods thereof can be understood by referring to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments. The described embodiments may have various modifications and be implemented in different forms, and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, each feature of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined in part or in whole with each other. Each embodiment may be implemented independently or in relation to each other. The described embodiments are provided as examples to ensure that the present disclosure is complete, and are intended to fully convey the spirit of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is capable of all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for a person skilled in the art to fully understand the embodiments of the present disclosure may not be described.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, throughout the attached drawings and specifications, identical reference numerals, letters, or combinations thereof indicate identical components, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, for the purpose of clearly explaining the present invention, portions irrelevant to the description or portions not related to the description have been omitted.

[0039] The relative sizes of elements, layers, and areas in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. The use of hatching and / or shading in the attached drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not imply a desirable form or requirement for any particular material, material property, dimension, proportion, commonality between drawing elements, and / or any other characteristic, property, or attribute of an element unless otherwise specified.

[0040] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional examples that are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, the shapes of the drawings may vary, for example, as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Furthermore, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely examples for illustrating embodiments according to the concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the illustrated regions, and include, for example, variations in shape due to manufacturing processes.

[0041] The areas depicted in the drawings are schematic and are not intended to be limiting and are not intended to be illustrative of the actual shape of the device area. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] To provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth herein. However, various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more of them. Well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0043] To facilitate the description of the relationship of an element or feature illustrated in the drawings to other elements or features, spatially relative terms such as "below," "above," "lower," and "upper" may be used herein. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings were turned over, another element or feature described as "below" or "lower" would face "above" the other element or feature. Thus, as exemplary terms, "below" and "lower" can encompass both the above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other directions (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, if a first part is described as being disposed "above" a second part, this means that the first part is disposed above or below the second part.

[0044] Also, the expression "in plan view" means a top view of a portion of an object, and the expression "in schematic cross-section" means a schematic cross-section taken by cutting a portion of an object vertically. The expression "in side view" means that the first object can be above, below, or to the side of the second object, and vice versa. Additionally, the term "overlapping" or "superimposing" can include layer, laminate, plane, extension, covering, or partially covering, or any other suitable term that a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand and understand. The expression "does not overlap" can include meanings such as "away from" or "spaced from", and any other suitable equivalent expression that a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand and understand. The terms "plane" and "surface" can mean that the first object can directly or indirectly face the second object. When a third object is between a first object and a second object, the first object and the second object can be understood as facing each other but indirectly opposing each other.

[0045] When an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed by," "connected to," or "coupled to," another element, it may be formed directly on the layer, region, or component, formed on another element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed, connected, or coupled to another element. It may also collectively refer to direct or indirect couplings or connections of elements, layers, regions, or components, and integral or non-integral couplings or connections, such that more than one element, layer, region, or component may be present. For example, when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected to" or "electrically coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected to or coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or other elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. However, "directly connected" or "directly coupled" means that one element directly connects or couples to, or is on, another component without any intermediate components. In the present specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the direction of formation is not limited to the upper direction, and includes the part being formed on the side or bottom. Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, it includes not only the case where the part is "directly under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. Meanwhile, other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as "between," "directly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to" can be interpreted similarly. Furthermore, when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element between the two elements or layers, or there can be other elements between them.

[0046] For the purposes of this specification, phrases such as "at least one or more" or "either" do not limit the order of the individual elements. For example, phrases such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," or "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can include X alone, Y alone, Z alone, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z. Similarly, phrases such as "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" can include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the terms "and / or" include any combination of one or more associated list items. For example, phrases such as "A and / or B" can include A, B, or A and B.

[0047] Although the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or cross-sections, the elements, components, regions, layers, and / or cross-sections are not limited by such terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or cross-section from another element, component, region, layer, or cross-section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or cross-section described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or cross-section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Describing an element as a "first" element does not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first," "second," and the like may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For clarity, the terms "first," "second," and the like may each represent a "first category (or first set)," a "second category (or second set)," etc.

[0048] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, and the plural forms are intended to include the singular forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "include," and "have," when used herein, are meant to specify the presence of specified features, integers, and steps. These expressions do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other functions, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] If one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, the order of specific processes may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order from the order described.

[0050] The terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not degree, and are intended to account for inherent variation in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of variation (e.g., due to limitations of the measurement system) for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement and any associated errors. For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the stated value.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries, for example, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and / or the context of this specification, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a battery pack. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell. Fig. 4 is a drawing showing the assembled state of the battery cell of Fig. 3. Figs. 5 and 6 are cross-sections taken along line AA' of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the assembled portion B of Fig. 2.

[0053] The battery pack (10) may include a battery cell (100) and a protection circuit module (200) as a pouch-type battery. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack (10) may have a flat and planar shape on the front and back sides (e.g., both sides parallel to the YZ plane of FIG. 1). At least a portion of the battery pack (10) may have a curved shape. For example, both side surfaces of the battery pack (10) (e.g., the side where the extension (240) is located and the opposite side in FIG. 1) may have a curved shape. The battery pack (10) may have a dimension in which the thickness direction (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 1) is shorter than the width direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 1).

[0054] A battery pack (10) includes a battery cell (100) and a protection circuit module (200) connected to the battery cell (100) and including a substrate (210), and the battery cell (100) includes an electrode assembly (110) and a housing (140) surrounding the electrode assembly (110), and the housing (140) may include a terrace portion (1451) corresponding to a short side of the battery cell (100), and a pair of side sealing portions (1452) connected to both ends of the terrace portion (1451) and corresponding to a pair of long sides of the battery cell (100).

[0055] The battery pack (10) may include one or more tapes for supporting and protecting the battery cells (100) and the protection circuit module (200). The tapes are attached to one or more of the battery cells (100) and the protection 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 protection circuit module (200), or inside the protection circuit module (200). The tapes may be a distinct component from the insulating tape (130) of the battery cells (100).

[0056] The battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly (110), an electrode tab (120), an insulating tape (130), and a housing (140).

[0057] The electrode assembly (110) may include a first electrode plate (111) and a second electrode plate (112) having opposite polarities, 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 rolling the first electrode plate (111) and the second electrode plate (112) and the separator (113). For example, the electrode assembly (110) may have a winding axis (e.g., a central axis along which the first electrode plate (111) and the second electrode plate (112) and the separator (113) are rolled) that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 5). Alternatively, the electrode assembly (110) may be formed by stacking a plurality of first electrode plates (111), second electrode plates (112), and separators (113). Alternatively, the electrode assembly (110) may be a mixed form of a roll type and a stack type. The first electrode plate (111) may be a negative electrode and the second electrode plate (112) may be a positive electrode. Alternatively, the first electrode plate (111) may be a positive electrode and the second electrode plate (112) may be a negative electrode.

[0058] The first electrode plate (111) may be formed by coating a first electrode current collector plate formed of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy with a first electrode active material such as graphite or carbon. The first electrode plate (111) may include a first non-coated portion, which is an area where the first electrode active material is not coated, and at least a portion of the first non-coated portion may include a first electrode tab (121). The first electrode tab (121) may serve as a current path between the first electrode plate (111) and the first current collector. The first electrode tab (121) may be formed by cutting the first electrode plate (111) in advance so that at least a portion thereof protrudes outward from the electrode assembly (110) when manufacturing the first electrode plate. Alternatively, the first electrode tab (121) may protrude further outward from the electrode assembly (110) than the separator (113) without a separate cutting process.

[0059] The second electrode plate (112) may be formed by coating a second electrode current collector plate formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy with a second electrode active material such as a transition metal oxide. The second electrode plate (112) may include a second non-coated portion, which is an area where the second electrode active material is not coated, and at least a portion of the second non-coated portion may include a second electrode tab (122). The second electrode tab (122) may serve 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 by cutting the second electrode plate (112) in advance so that at least a portion thereof protrudes outward from the electrode assembly (110) when manufacturing the second electrode plate (112). Alternatively, the second electrode tab (122) may protrude further outward from the electrode assembly (110) than the separator (113) without a separate cutting process.

[0060] The electrode assembly (110) may be enclosed by a housing (140). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode assembly (110) has a smaller size than the housing (140) and may be accommodated in the housing (140). When the electrode assembly (110) is accommodated in 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).

[0061] The electrode tab (120) can be connected to the electrode assembly (110). One end of the electrode tab (120) can extend from the electrode assembly (110). The electrode tab (120) can be pulled 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 FIG. 5, the electrode tab (120) can include a first electrode tab (121) and a second electrode tab (122) having different polarities, and can be electrically connected to the first electrode plate (111) and the second electrode plate (112), respectively. In addition, the electrode tab (120) can 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. The electrode tab (120) may include a conductive material such as a metal. The first electrode tab (121) and the second electrode tab (122) may be spaced apart from each other, and the first collector portion and the second collector portion may be welded and connected to the first electrode tab (121) and the second electrode tab (122), respectively.

[0062] 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 FIG. 5, the insulating tape (130) may wrap at least a portion of the electrode tab (120). The insulating tape (130) may be in contact with or adjacent to the electrode assembly (110). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the insulating tape (130) may be on the outside of the terrace portion (1451).

[0063] The electrode tab (120) may be bent more than once. The electrode tab (120) may not extend straight in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 1) while connected to the substrate tab (220) of the protection circuit module (200), but may be bent more than once. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, respectively, the electrode tab (120) may extend straight in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) and then be bent in the thickness direction of the battery cell (100) (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 2). Here, the terrace portion (1451) may also be bent in the same direction as the electrode tab (120). In the bent state of the electrode tab (120), the fourth tape (TP4) and the protection circuit module (200) may be sequentially positioned thereon. And the electrode tab (120) can be bent again in the thickness direction of the battery cell (100) toward the substrate tab (220). That is, the electrode tab (120) includes a plurality of bending portions, and at least a portion of the protection circuit module (200), such as the substrate (210), can be located between the plurality of bending portions. Since the electrode tab (120) includes a bending portion, the overall length of the battery cell (100) and the battery pack (10) can be reduced.

[0064] 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).

[0065] The electrode tab (120) may extend from the electrode assembly (110) in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) and include an electrode sealing portion (1201) within a terrace portion (1451), a first electrode bending portion (1202a) bent at an end of the electrode sealing portion (1201) and having a portion within the terrace portion (1451), a second electrode bending portion (1202b) bent at an end of the first electrode bending portion (1202a), and a third electrode bending portion (1202c) bent at an end of the second electrode bending portion (1202b).

[0066] The electrode sealing portion (1201) may be a portion where the electrode tab (120) extends from the electrode assembly (110). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the electrode sealing portion (1201) extends from the electrode assembly (110) and is inserted between the terrace portions (1451), and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 5).

[0067] The first electrode bending portion (1202a) may extend from an 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 bending portion (1202) may extend from an end of the electrode sealing portion (1201) in a thickness direction of the battery cell (100) (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 5). For example, the first electrode bending portion (1202a) may extend parallel to the electrode sealing portion (1201). A fourth tape (TP4) may be provided on the first electrode bending portion (1202a) (in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 5). Part of the first electrode bending portion (1202a) may be within the terrace portion (1451) and part of the first electrode bending portion (1202a) may be wrapped in the insulating tape (130). Another part of the first electrode bending portion (1202a) may be exposed to the outside of the terrace portion (1451) and the insulating tape (130). The first electrode bending portion (1202a) may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the housing (140) by the length of the pre-bending portion of the electrode sealing portion (1201). A third tape (TP3) may be present in the space between the first electrode bending portion (1202a) and the housing (140).

[0068] The second electrode bending portion (1202b) may extend from an end of the first electrode bending portion (1202a) in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the first electrode bending portion (1202a) extends. For example, the second electrode bending portion (1202b) may be bent from an end of the first electrode bending portion (1202a) (e.g., the right end in FIG. 5) and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100) (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 5). For example, the second electrode bending portion (1202b) may extend perpendicularly to the first electrode bending portion (1202a). The length of the second electrode bending portion (1202b) may be shorter than the length of the electrode sealing portion (1201).

[0069] The second electrode bending portion (1202b) may be between the substrate (210) and the side surface of the first tape (TP1) in the width direction of the battery pack (10) (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 9). The second electrode bending portion (1202b) may be spaced apart from the side surfaces of the substrate (210) and the first tape (TP1) so as not to interfere with the substrate (210) and the first tape (TP1) even if an impact is applied from the outside. The second electrode bending portion (1202b) may be between the upper surface of the battery cell (100) and the upper surface of the first tape (TP1) in the length direction of the battery pack (10) (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 5). The second electrode bending portion (1202b) is spaced apart from the upper surface of the battery cell (100) and the upper surface of the first tape (TP1), so that even if an impact is applied from the outside, it may not interfere with the battery cell (100) and the first tape (TP1).

[0070] The third electrode bending portion (1202c) may extend from an end of the second electrode bending portion (1202b) in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the second electrode bending portion (1202b) extends. For example, the third electrode bending portion (1202c) may be bent from the upper end of the second electrode bending portion (1202b) and may extend in the thickness direction of the battery cell (100). For example, the third electrode bending portion (1202c) may extend perpendicularly to the second electrode bending portion (1202b). The third electrode bending portion (1202c) may be bent from the second electrode bending portion (1202b) toward the first electrode bending portion (1202a). In the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100), the first electrode bending portion (1202b) and the third electrode bending portion (1202c) may at least partially overlap each other. The third electrode bending portion (1202c) may be on the substrate (210) of the protection circuit module (200).

[0071] The third electrode bending portion (1202c) can be connected to the substrate tab (220). At least a portion of the third electrode bending portion (1202c) is inserted into the inside of the substrate tab (220) and can come into contact with the substrate tab (220). Accordingly, the electrode tab (120) and the substrate tab (220) can be electrically connected.

[0072] The first electrode bending portion (1202a) and the third electrode bending portion (1202c) may be spaced apart from each other, and at least a portion of the protection circuit module (200) and a tape may be present therebetween. For example, the first electrode bending portion (1202a) and the third electrode bending portion (1202c) may extend parallel to each other (e.g., parallel to the thickness direction of the battery cell (100) or the X-axis direction of FIG. 5) and may be spaced apart from each other by the length of the second electrode bending portion (1202b). In addition, a fourth tape (TP4), a substrate (210), and a portion of a substrate tab (220) (e.g., a substrate connecting portion (2201)) may be present between the first electrode bending portion (1202a) and the third electrode bending portion (1202c) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0073] Since the electrode tab (120) includes one or more bending portions, the longitudinal dimensions of the battery cell (100) and the battery pack (10) can be reduced. In addition, since the protection circuit module (200) and the tape are positioned in the space formed between the plurality of bending portions of the electrode tab (120), the configuration of the battery pack (10) can be concentrated in a relatively small space.

[0074] Although only the first electrode tab (121) is shown in the drawing, the second electrode tab (122) may also have the same bending structure and connection structure with the substrate tab (220) as the first electrode tab (121). That is, the second electrode tab (122) may also include an electrode sealing portion (1201), a first electrode bending portion (1202a), a second electrode bending portion (1202b), and a third electrode bending portion (1202c).

[0075] Referring to FIG. 3, the housing (140) may include a flexible material. The housing (140) may include an insulating layer formed on both sides of a metal layer of a thin plate such as aluminum, and may be formed through a forming process such as drawing. The housing (140) accommodates an electrode assembly (110) therein, and the edges may be sealed to prevent foreign substances from entering the electrode assembly (110).

[0076] The housing (140) may include a first housing (141), a second housing (142), a folding portion (143), an internal space (144), and a sealing portion (145).

[0077] The first housing (141) and the second housing (142) each accommodate an electrode assembly (110) therein and can be folded relative to each other with the folding portion (143) as the center. 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) may be connected to each other through the folding portion (143). When the electrode assembly (110) is accommodated in one of the two housings, the other housing may cover the other housing, thereby forming an internal space (144) in which the electrode assembly (110) is accommodated. For example, the folding portion (143) may be adjacent to a surface opposite to a surface of the electrode assembly (110) on which the electrode tab (120) is formed.

[0078] The sealing portion (145) may be formed in each of the first housing (141) and the second housing (142). 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 FIG. 3, the sealing portion (145) may be formed in each of the short sides of the first housing (141) and the second housing (142) excluding a pair of long sides and a short side where the folding portion (143) is formed. When the first housing (141) and the second housing (142) are folded, the sealing portion (145) included in the first housing (141) and the sealing portion (145) included in the second housing (142) come into contact with each other, thereby sealing the space between the first housing (141) and the second housing (142).

[0079] The sealing portion (145) may include a terrace portion (1451) and a side sealing portion (1452).

[0080] The terrace portion (1451) is a portion from which the electrode tab (120) is extended, 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 extend in a direction intersecting the electrode tab (120) to seal the first housing (141) and the second housing (142). The terrace portion (1451) may surround at least a portion of the electrode tab (120). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the terrace portion (1451) may surround a portion of the electrode tab (120) extending from the electrode assembly (110). That is, the terrace portions (1451) of the first housing (141) and the second housing (142) are in contact with each other, 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 portion (1451).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the side sealing portion (1452) may extend in a direction intersecting the terrace portion (1451). For example, the side sealing portion (1452) may be formed to correspond to a pair of long sides of the housing (140). Each side sealing portion (1452) may be connected to an end of the terrace portion (1451) and an end of the folding portion (143). The terrace portion (1451) and the pair of side sealing portions (1452) may intersect each other perpendicularly.

[0082] The terrace portion (1451) and the side seal portion (1452) can be folded. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the first housing (141) and the second housing (142) are folded, the side seal portions (1452) formed on a pair of long sides of the battery cell (100) can be folded upward (for example, in the X-axis direction of FIG. 4). When the pair of side seal portions (1452) are folded, the terrace portion (1451) can be folded upward. That is, the pair of side seal portions (1425) can be folded upward toward both sides of the battery cell (100), and then the terrace portion (1451) can be folded toward one side of the battery cell (100) where the electrode tab (120) is located.

[0083] The protection circuit module (200) can control the charging and discharging operations of the battery cell (100) to prevent over-discharging, over-charging, etc. of the battery cell (100). The protection circuit module (200) can be connected to the battery cell (100) through an electrode tab (120). The protection circuit module (200) is located on the upper portion of the battery cell (100) and may not be in direct contact with other parts of the battery pack (10) by tape.

[0084] The protection circuit module (200) may include a substrate (210), a substrate tab (220), an extension (240), and a connector (250).

[0085] The substrate (210) supports other components of the protection circuit module (200) (e.g., substrate tab (220), extension (240), etc.) and may include circuit patterns and components. The substrate (210) is a printed circuit board (PCB or FPCB) and may be located on the battery cell (100). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the substrate (210) may be located 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 FIG. 2).

[0086] One or more substrate tabs (220) are positioned on the substrate (210) and can be connected to the electrode tabs (120). The substrate tabs (220) are made of a conductor that can be electrically connected to the electrode tabs (120), and can be made of, for example, nickel, copper, or aluminum.

[0087] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, two substrate tabs (220) may be positioned on the upper surface of the substrate (210) and may be spaced apart from each other. The number of substrate tabs (220) may be the same as the number of electrode tabs (120). The substrate tabs (220) are formed at positions corresponding to the electrode tabs (120) and are connected to the electrode tabs (120) through welding or the like, thereby electrically connecting the battery cell (100) and the protection circuit module (200). The substrate tabs (220) may include a first substrate tab (221) connected to the first electrode tab (121) and a second substrate tab (222) connected to the second electrode tab (122).

[0088] The substrate tab (220) may include a plurality of bending portions. For example, the substrate tab (220) may include a substrate connection portion (2201), a first substrate bending portion (2202), and a second substrate bending portion (2203). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the substrate connection portion (2201) may be positioned on the upper surface of the substrate (210) and may extend in the width direction of the substrate (210) (or the thickness direction of the battery cell (100) or the X-axis direction of FIG. 5). The substrate connection portion (2201) may extend in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first substrate bending portion (2202) extends.

[0089] The first substrate bending portion (2202) is bent at the end of the substrate connection portion (2201) and may extend in a different direction from the substrate connection portion (2201). For example, the first substrate bending portion (2202) may extend in the height direction of the battery cell (100) (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 5). The first substrate bending portion (2202) may be located above the substrate (210). The substrate connection portion (2201) and the second substrate bending portion (2203) are separated by the first substrate bending portion (2202), and the electrode tab (120) may be inserted between them.

[0090] The second substrate bending portion (2203) is bent at the end of the first substrate bending portion (2202) and may extend in a different direction from the first substrate bending portion (2202). For example, the second substrate bending portion (2203) may extend in the thickness direction of the battery cell (100) (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 5). The second substrate bending portion (2203) may overlap at least a portion of the substrate connection portion (2201) in the height direction of the battery cell (100). The second substrate bending portion (2203) may be connected to the electrode tab (120). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower surface of the second substrate bending portion (2203) may be in contact with the upper surface of the third electrode bending portion (1202c), so that the electrode tab (120) and the substrate tab (220) may be connected.

[0091] 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 with 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).

[0092] The extension (240) can connect the substrate (210) and the connector (250). For example, one end of the extension (240) can be in contact with the upper surface of the substrate (210) and the other end can be connected to the connector (250). The extension (240) can have a width equal to or smaller than the width of the protection circuit module (200) and can include a flexible material that can be deformed. The extension (240) can extend downward along the side of the battery cell (100) and a connector (250) can be positioned at one end thereof. The connector (250) can connect the protection circuit module (200) to an external device of the battery pack (10), such as an application or a controller.

[0093] The battery pack (10) may include a tape. The tape may be positioned between the battery cell (100) and the protection circuit module (200) or may be positioned on the outside of the battery cell (100) and / or the protection circuit module (200). The tape may be attached to at least one 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 impact. The tape may be made of an insulating and / or flame-retardant material, for example, Teflon. The tape may include a first tape (TP1), a second tape (TP2), a third tape (TP3), and a fourth tape (TP4).

[0094] The second tape (TP2) may be attached to each of both sides of the battery cell (100). For example, as shown in FIG. 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 making direct contact with the battery cell (100). The upper portion of the second tape (TP2) may be positioned on the upper surface of the battery cell (100), and the lower portion may be positioned on the lower surface of the battery cell (100). A pair of second tapes (TP2) may be attached to each of both sides of the battery cell (100) and may cover a pair of corner portions, respectively.

[0095] 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 outer side of the side sealing portion (1452).

[0096] The first tape (TP1) may be positioned on the upper portion of the battery cell (100) to cover the protection circuit module (200) and the battery cell (100). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first tape (TP1) may be positioned on the protection circuit module (200) when the battery cell (100) and the protection circuit module (200) are connected, and may cover the upper portions of the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell (100). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the first tape (TP1) may be positioned to wrap the protection circuit module (200) and the electrode tab (120) as well as the components. The first tape (TP1) may be spaced apart from the protection circuit module (200) while being attached to the battery cell (100).

[0097] The third tape (TP3) may be positioned at the top of the battery cell (100) before the electrode tab (120) and the terrace portion (1451) are folded to prevent the top of the battery cell (100) and the electrode tab (120) from making direct contact. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the third tape (TP3) may have a length corresponding to the width of the battery cell (100) (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 2) and may be positioned at the top of the battery cell (100). In this state, the electrode tab (120) and the terrace portion (1451) may be 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, respectively.

[0098] The fourth tape (TP4) may be positioned on the electrode tab (120) and / or the insulating tape (130). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the fourth tape (TP4) may be positioned on the electrode tab (120) and the terrace portion (1451) when they are bent. The fourth tape (TP4) covers a portion of the electrode tab (120), the terrace portion (1451), the insulating tape (130), and the side sealing portions (1452) located on both sides, thereby ensuring airtightness and insulation between the components.

[0099] According to the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, the electrode sealing portion (1201) is formed by bending between 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). In addition, the substrate (210) is arranged such that the substrate surface (210F) of the substrate corresponds to the second sealing surface (1201F2) of the electrode sealing portion (1201).

[0100] In this way, since the electrode sealing portion (1201) is formed by being bent in the direction in which the housing surface (140F) of the housing (140) is located, the thickness (T) occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion of FIG. 6 can be reduced compared to the case in which it is formed by extending vertically with the housing surface (140F) of the housing (140) without being bent. This allows the volume occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion of the entire battery pack to be reduced, 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.

[0101] In addition, the substrate surface (210F) of the substrate is arranged to correspond to the second sealing surface (1201F2) of the electrode sealing portion (1201), so that the substrate (210) is arranged on the opposite side of the housing (140) with respect to the bent electrode tab (120), rather than between the electrode tab (120) and the housing (140), thereby completely blocking the possibility of battery efficiency degradation due to unnecessary electrical connection between the substrate (210) and the housing (140).

[0102] According to the present embodiment, the substrate (210) includes a first substrate surface (210F1) arranged to correspond to a second sealing surface (1201F2) of the electrode sealing portion (1201) and a second substrate surface (210F2) formed on an opposite side of the first substrate surface (210F1), and the second substrate surface (210F2) can be connected to the substrate tab (220). The substrate (210) can face the electrode sealing portion (1201) through the first substrate surface (210F1) and simultaneously cover the electrode sealing portion (1201) in the first direction (D1). In addition, the substrate (210) can be electrically connected to the substrate tab (220) by making contact with the substrate tab through the second substrate surface (210F2).

[0103] At this time, a second space portion (220a) is formed in the substrate tab (220), and the end portion of the electrode bending portion (1202) can be placed in the second space portion (220a) and connected to the substrate tab (220).

[0104] More specifically, the substrate tab (220) includes a substrate connection portion (2201) connected to the substrate (210), a first substrate bending portion (2202) extending from the substrate connection portion (2201) and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the substrate connection portion (2201), and a second substrate bending portion (2203) extending from the first substrate bending portion (2202) and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the first substrate bending portion (2202). At this time, the substrate connection portion (2201) and the second substrate bending portion (2203) may be arranged to face each other, and a second space portion (220a) may be formed between the substrate connection portion (2201) and the second substrate bending portion (2203).

[0105] Here, the electrode bending portion (1202) may include a first electrode bending portion (1202a) formed by extending from the electrode sealing portion (1201), a second electrode bending portion (1202b) formed by extending from the first electrode bending portion (1202a) and bending in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the first electrode bending portion (1202a), and a third electrode bending portion (1202c) formed by extending from the second electrode bending portion (1202b) and bending in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the second electrode bending portion (1202b).

[0106] At this time, the third electrode bending portion (1202c) can be connected to the second substrate bending portion (2203). In addition, the electrode sealing portion (1201) and the third electrode bending portion (1202c) are formed to face each other, a first space portion (120a) is formed between the electrode sealing portion (1201) and the third electrode bending portion (1202c), and a substrate (210) can be placed on the first space portion (120a).

[0107] A third tape (TP3) may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion (1201) and the housing (140). The third tape (TP3) may remain adhered to the electrode sealing portion (1201) and the housing (140).

[0108] A fourth tape (TP4) may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion (1201) and the substrate (210). The fourth tape (TP4) may maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion (1201) and the substrate (210).

[0109] According to the present embodiment, an insulating tape (130) may be formed to surround the electrode bending portion (1202) and come into contact with the electrode sealing portion (1201).

[0110] Through this, the electrode bending portion (1202) formed by extending from the electrode sealing portion (1201) can be prevented from coming into contact with the substrate (210) or the housing (140) that accommodates the electrode assembly (110), thereby preventing the electrode bending portion (1202) and the electrode assembly (110) from being electrically connected.

[0111] According to the present embodiment, a first tape (TP1) covering the housing (140) and the protection circuit module (200) may be included. At this time, the thickness (T1) of the first tape (TP1) may be thicker than the thickness (T3) of the fourth tape (TP4). The first tape (TP1) is formed to cover the electrode tab (120) and the protection circuit module (200), thereby protecting the electrode tab (120) and the protection circuit module (200) from damage from external impact. Therefore, the thickness of the first tape (TP1) may be thicker than the thickness of the fourth tape (TP4) that is arranged between the substrate (210) and the electrode sealing portion (1201) to insulate the two components.

[0112] The width (LW1) of the electrode tab (120) may be greater than the height (LH1) of the electrode tab (120). This allows the thickness (T) occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion to be relatively reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0113] Additionally, the width (LW2) of the substrate (210) may be greater than the height (LH2) of the substrate (210). This allows the thickness (T) occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion to be relatively reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0114] Additionally, the width (LW3) of the substrate tab (220) may be greater than the height (LH3) of the substrate tab (220). This allows the thickness (T) occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion to be relatively reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0115] The thickness (T4) of the folded electrode sealing portion (1201) may be thinner than the thickness (T2) of the substrate (210) and the substrate tab (220). By folding the electrode sealing portion (1201) as much as possible so that it is thinner than the thickness (T2) of the substrate (210) and the substrate tab (220), the thickness (T) occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively further reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0116] The height (LH4) of the electrode sealing portion (1201) may be greater than the width (LW4) of the electrode sealing portion (1201). In addition, the width (LW2) of the substrate (210) may be greater than the width (LW4) of the electrode sealing portion (1201). Through this, the substrate (210) may completely cover the electrode sealing portion (1201) in the first direction (D1) in the X-axis direction of FIG. 5, thereby preventing the phenomenon in which the electrode sealing portion (1201) comes into contact with the substrate tab (220) and is electrically connected thereto. In addition, the substrate (210) may press the electrode sealing portion (1201) in a folded state in the direction in which the housing (140) is located, so that the electrode sealing portion (1201) may have a structure in which it is completely fixed in a folded state between the substrate (210) and the housing (140).

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the substrate (210') of the battery pack (10') according to the present embodiment supports other components of the protection circuit module (200') (e.g., substrate tabs (220'), etc.) and may include circuit patterns and components. The substrate (210') is a printed circuit board (PCB or FPCB) and may be located on a battery cell. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the substrate (210') may be located between the fourth tape (TP4') and the substrate tabs (220').

[0118] One or more substrate tabs (220') are positioned on the substrate (210') and can be connected to the electrode tabs (120'). The substrate tabs (220') are made of a conductor that can be electrically connected to the electrode tabs (120') and can be made of, for example, nickel, copper, or aluminum.

[0119] For example, the number of substrate tabs (220') may be the same as the number of electrode tabs (120'). The substrate tabs (220') are formed at positions corresponding to the electrode tabs (120') and are connected to the electrode tabs (120') through welding or the like, thereby electrically connecting the battery cell (100') and the protection circuit module (200').

[0120] The substrate tab (220') may include a plurality of bending portions. For example, the substrate tab (220') may include a substrate connection portion (2201') and a substrate bending portion (2202'). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the substrate connection portion (2201') may be positioned on the upper surface of the substrate (210') and may extend in the width direction of the substrate (210') (or the thickness direction of the battery cell or the X-axis direction of FIG. 8). The substrate connection portion (2201') may extend perpendicularly to the direction in which the substrate bending portion (2202') extends.

[0121] The substrate bending portion (2202') is bent at the end of the substrate connecting portion (2201') and may extend in a different direction from the substrate connecting portion (2201'). For example, the substrate bending portion (2202') may extend in the height direction of the battery cell (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 8).

[0122] The substrate tab (220') can be placed between the electrode bending portion (1202') and the substrate (210'). The substrate tab (220') can be in contact with the electrode bending portion (1202').

[0123] The substrate tab (220') can be in contact with the substrate (210'). The substrate connection portion (2201') of the substrate tab (220') is formed to extend in a direction parallel to the third electrode bending portion (1202c') of the electrode bending portion (1202'), and the substrate connection portion (2201') can be in contact with the third electrode bending portion (1202c'). The substrate bending portion (2202') of the substrate tab (220') is formed to extend in a direction parallel to the second electrode bending portion (1202b') of the electrode bending portion (1202'), and the substrate bending portion (2202') can be in contact with the second electrode bending portion (1202b'). The substrate bending portion (2202') can be maintained spaced apart from the side surface of the substrate (210').

[0124] The third electrode bending portion (1202c') of the electrode bending portion (1202') can be in contact with the lower surface of the central portion of the first tape (TP1'). The third electrode bending portion (1202c') can be positioned between the first tape (TP1') and the substrate tab (220').

[0125] According to this embodiment, the substrate tab (220') is arranged between the electrode bending portion (1202') and the substrate (210') so as to be in contact with 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 of FIG. 9. This reduces the volume occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion of the entire 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.

[0126] The substrate tab (220') includes a substrate connection portion (2201') connected to the substrate (210'), a substrate bending portion (2202') extending from the substrate connection portion (2201') and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the substrate connection portion (2201').

[0127] Here, the electrode bending portion (1202') may include a first electrode bending portion (1202a') formed by extending from the electrode sealing portion (1201'), a second electrode bending portion (1202b') that extends from the first electrode bending portion (1202a') and bends in a direction in which the substrate (210') is located based on the first electrode bending portion (1202a'), and a third electrode bending portion (1202c') that extends from the second electrode bending portion (1202b') and bends in a direction in which the substrate (210') is located based on the second electrode bending portion (1202b').

[0128] At this time, the third electrode bending portion (1202c') can be connected to the substrate connecting portion (2201'). In addition, the electrode sealing portion (1201') and the third electrode bending portion (1202c') are formed to face each other, a first space portion (120a') is formed between the electrode sealing portion (1201') and the third electrode bending portion (1202c'), and a substrate (210') can be placed on the first space portion (120a').

[0129] A third tape (TP3') may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion (1201') and the housing (140'). The third tape (TP3') may maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion (1201') and the housing (140').

[0130] A fourth tape (TP4') may be placed between the folded electrode sealing portion (1201') and the substrate (210'). The fourth tape (TP4') may maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion (1201') and the substrate (210').

[0131] According to the present embodiment, an insulating tape (130') may be formed to surround the electrode bending portion (1202') and come into contact with the electrode sealing portion (1201').

[0132] Through this, the electrode bending portion (1202') formed by extending from the electrode sealing portion (1201') can be prevented from coming into contact with the substrate (210') or the housing (140') that accommodates the electrode assembly (110'), thereby preventing the phenomenon of the electrode bending portion (1202) and the electrode assembly (110) being electrically connected.

[0133] According to the present embodiment, a first tape (TP1') covering a housing (140') and a protection circuit module (200') may be included. At this time, the thickness (T1') of the first tape (TP1') may be thicker than the thickness (T3') of the fourth tape (TP4'). The first tape (TP1') is formed to cover the electrode tab (120') and the protection circuit module (200'), thereby protecting the electrode tab (120') and the protection circuit module (200') from damage from external impact. Therefore, the thickness of the first tape (TP1') may be thicker than the thickness of the fourth tape (TP4') which is disposed between the substrate (210') and the electrode sealing portion (1201') to insulate the two components.

[0134] According to the present embodiment, the thickness (T2') of the substrate (210'), the substrate tab (220'), and the third electrode bending portion (1202c') can be minimized. That is, the substrate (210'), the substrate tab (220'), and the third electrode bending portion (1202c') are each formed as a single layer, and the single layer of the substrate (210'), the substrate tab (220'), and the third electrode bending portion (1202c') are laminated to form a layered structure, so that the thickness (T2') formed by the substrate (210'), the substrate tab (220'), and the third electrode bending portion (1202c') can be minimized. Through this, the thickness (T') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively further reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0135] Specifically, a single layer of the substrate tab (220') and the third electrode bending portion (1202c') are laminated and placed between the substrate (210') and the first tape (TP1').

[0136] In addition, the substrate tab (220') is formed so that the width (LW3') of the substrate connection portion (2201') is longer than the height (LH3') of the substrate bending portion (2202'), thereby minimizing the height (LH3') of the substrate tab (220'), and the substrate bending portion (2202') is formed to bend toward the side surface of the substrate (210'), so that the height of the substrate bending portion (2202') is absorbed by the side surface of the substrate (210'), thereby minimizing the height ratio of the substrate tab (220') to the entire battery cell. In addition, the thickness (T') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively further reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0137] The width (LW1') of the electrode tab (120') may be greater than the height (LH1') of the electrode tab (120'). This allows the thickness (T') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion to be relatively reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0138] Additionally, the width (LW2') of the substrate (210') may be greater than the height (LH2') of the substrate (210'). This allows the thickness (T') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion to be relatively reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0139] In addition, the width (LW3') of the substrate tab (220') may be greater than the height (LH3') of the substrate tab (220'). This allows the thickness (T') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion to be relatively reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0140] The height (LH4') of the electrode sealing portion (1201') may be smaller than the width (LW4') of the electrode sealing portion (1201'). In addition, the width (LW2') of the substrate (210') may be larger than the width (LW4') of the electrode sealing portion (1201'). Through this, the substrate (210') can completely cover the electrode sealing portion (1201') in the first direction (D1') in the X-axis direction of FIG. 8, thereby preventing the phenomenon in which the electrode sealing portion (1201') comes into contact with the substrate tab (220') and is electrically connected. In addition, the electrode sealing portion (1201') in the bent state of the substrate (210') is pressed in the direction in which the housing (140') is located, so that the electrode sealing portion (1201') can have a structure in which it is completely fixed in the bent state between the substrate (210') and the housing (140').

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, in another embodiment of the present invention, a substrate (210'') may be formed with a recessed portion (220a'') into which a portion of an electrode tab (120'') is inserted. The recessed portion (220a'') may be formed with 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'') covering an 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'') of the substrate (210'') inwardly of the substrate (210'').

[0142] An electrode bending portion (1202'') of an electrode tab (120'') can be inserted into a recessed portion (220a''). The electrode tab (120'') can include a first electrode tab (121'') and a second electrode tab (122''). The first electrode tab (121'') can be inserted into the first recessed portion (221a''). The second electrode tab (122'') can be inserted into the second recessed portion (222a'').

[0143] 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'') that extends from the electrode sealing portion (1201''), a second electrode bending portion (1202b'') that extends from the first electrode bending portion and bends in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the first electrode bending portion, and a third electrode bending portion (1202c'') that extends from the second electrode bending portion and bends in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the second electrode bending portion. At this time, the second electrode bending portion (1202b'') may be inserted into the recessed portion (220a''). By inserting the electrode bending portion forming the electrode tab into the recessed portion, the electrode bending portion is fixed through the recessed portion, thereby preventing the Y-axis movement of the electrode tab and fixing the electrode tab on the substrate.

[0144] According to the present 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''). In addition, 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 connection portion (221'') and a substrate bending portion (222''), and the substrate bending portion (222'') can be inserted into the recessed portion (222a''). In this way, the substrate bending portion forming the substrate tab is inserted into the recessed portion, thereby fixing the substrate bending portion through the recessed portion to prevent the Y-axis movement of the substrate tab and fix the substrate tab on the substrate.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the substrate (210''') of the battery pack (10''') according to the present embodiment supports other components (e.g., substrate tabs (220''') of the protection circuit module (200''') and may include circuit patterns and parts. The substrate (210''') is a printed circuit board (PCB or FPCB) and may be located on a battery cell. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the substrate (210''') may be located between the fourth tape (TP4''') and the substrate tabs (220''').

[0146] One or more substrate tabs (220''') are positioned on the substrate (210''') and can be connected to the electrode tabs (120'''). The substrate tabs (220''') are made of a conductor that can be electrically connected to the electrode tabs (120'''), and can be made of, for example, nickel, copper, or aluminum.

[0147] For example, the number of substrate tabs (220''') may be the same as the number of electrode tabs (120'''). The substrate tabs (220''') are formed at positions corresponding to the electrode tabs (120''') and are connected to the electrode tabs (120''') through welding or the like, thereby electrically connecting the battery cell (100''') and the protection circuit module (200''').

[0148] The substrate tab (220''') may include a plurality of bending portions. For example, the substrate tab (220''') may include a substrate connection portion (2201''') and a substrate bending portion (2202'''). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the substrate connection portion (2201''') may be positioned on the upper surface of the substrate (210''') and may extend in the width direction of the substrate (210''') (or the thickness direction of the battery cell or the X-axis direction of FIG. 13). The substrate connection portion (2201''') may extend while being bent in the direction in which the substrate (210''') is positioned based on the direction in which the substrate bending portion (2202''') extends.

[0149] The substrate bending portion (2202''') is bent at the end of the substrate connecting portion (2201''') and may extend in a different direction from the substrate connecting portion (2201'''). For example, the substrate bending portion (2202''') may extend in the height direction of the battery cell (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 13). The substrate bending portion (2202''') may extend while bending in the direction in which the substrate (210''') is located based on the direction in which the substrate connecting portion (2201''') extends.

[0150] The substrate bending portion (2202''') can be positioned between the second electrode bending portion (1202b''') and the substrate (210'''). The substrate tab (220''') can be in contact with the second electrode bending portion (1202b''') and the substrate (210''').

[0151] The substrate tab (220''') can be in contact with the substrate (210'''). The substrate connection portion (2201''') of the substrate tab (220''') can be in contact with the lower surface of the central portion of the first tape (TP1''').

[0152] The substrate bending portion (2202''') of the substrate tab (220''') is formed to extend in a direction parallel to the second electrode bending portion (1202b''') of the electrode bending portion (1202'''), and the substrate bending portion (2202''') may be in contact with the second electrode bending portion (1202b'''). The substrate bending portion (2202''') may be maintained spaced apart from the side portion of the substrate (210''').

[0153] According to this embodiment, the substrate tab (220''') is disposed between the electrode bending portion (1202''') and the substrate (210'''), and is disposed so as 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 of FIG. 13. This reduces the volume occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion of the entire 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.

[0154] The substrate tab (220''') includes a substrate connection portion (2201''') connected to the substrate (210'''), a substrate bending portion (2202''') extending from the substrate connection portion (2201''') and bending in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the substrate connection portion (2201').

[0155] Here, the electrode bending portion (1202''') may include a first electrode bending portion (1202a''') that extends from the electrode sealing portion (1201'''), and a second electrode bending portion (1202b''') that extends from the first electrode bending portion (1202a''') and is bent to a portion where the substrate (210''') is located based on the first electrode bending portion (1202a''').

[0156] A third tape (TP3''') can 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''').

[0157] A fourth tape (TP4''') may be placed between the electrode sealing portion (1201''') formed by bending and the substrate (210'''). The fourth tape (TP4''') may maintain a state of being adhered to the electrode sealing portion (1201''') and the substrate (210''').

[0158] An insulating tape (130''') formed to surround the electrode bending portion (1202''') and in contact with the electrode sealing portion (1201''') may be placed. Through this, the electrode bending portion (1202''') extended from the electrode sealing portion (1201''') can be prevented from coming into contact with the substrate (210''') or the housing (140''') and being electrically connected to the electrode assembly (110''') accommodated by the housing (140''').

[0159] According to the present embodiment, a first tape (TP1''') covering a housing (140''') and a protection circuit module (200''') may be included. At this time, the thickness (T1''') of the first tape (TP1''') may be thicker than the thickness (T3''') of the fourth tape (TP4'''). The first tape (TP1''') is formed to cover the electrode tab (120''') and the protection circuit module (200'''), thereby protecting the electrode tab (120''') and the protection circuit module (200''') from damage from external impact. Therefore, the thickness of the first tape (TP1''') may be thicker than the thickness of the fourth tape (TP4''') which is disposed between the substrate (210''') and the electrode sealing portion (1201''') for insulation between the two components.

[0160] According to the present 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''') are each formed as a single layer, and the single layer of the substrate (210''') and the substrate tab (220''') are laminated to form a layered structure, so that the thickness (T2''') formed by the substrate (210''') and the substrate tab (220''') can be minimized. Through this, the thickness (T''') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively further reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0161] Specifically, a single layer of substrate tabs (220''') is laminated and placed between the substrate (210''') and the first tape (TP1''').

[0162] In addition, the substrate tab (220''') is formed so that the width (LW3''') of the substrate connection portion (2201''') is longer than the height (LH3''') of the substrate bending portion (2202'''), thereby minimizing the height (LH3''') of the substrate tab (220'''), and the substrate bending portion (2202''') is formed to bend toward the side surface of the substrate (210'''), so that the height of the substrate bending portion (2202''') is absorbed by the side surface of the substrate (210'''), thereby minimizing the height ratio of the substrate tab (220''') to the entire battery cell. In addition, the thickness (T''') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively further reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0163] The upper portion of the second electrode bending portion (1202b''') can contact the lower portion of the central portion of the first tape (TP1'''). Accordingly, the height (LH1''') of the electrode tab (120''') is minimized, so that the thickness (T''') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion can be relatively further reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0164] In addition, the width (LW2''') of the substrate (210''') may be greater than the height (LH2''') of the substrate (210'''). This allows the thickness (T''') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion to be relatively reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0165] In addition, the width (LW3''') of the substrate tab (220''') may be greater than the height (LH3''') of the substrate tab (220'''). This allows the thickness (T''') occupied by the electrode tab portion and the protection circuit module portion to be relatively reduced, thereby contributing to compactness and capacity enhancement of the battery pack.

[0166] The height (LH4''') of the electrode sealing portion (1201''') may be smaller than the width (LW4''') of the electrode sealing portion (1201'''). In addition, the width (LW2''') of the substrate (210''') may be larger than the width (LW4''') of the electrode sealing portion (1201'''). Through this, the substrate (210''') completely covers the electrode sealing portion (1201''') in the first direction (D1''') in the X-axis direction of FIG. 13, thereby preventing the phenomenon in which the electrode sealing portion (1201''') comes into contact with the substrate tab (220''') and is electrically connected. In addition, the electrode sealing portion (1201''') in a folded state of the substrate (210''') is pressed in the direction in which the housing (140''') is located, so that the electrode sealing portion (1201''') can have a structure in which it is completely fixed in a folded state between the substrate (210''') and the housing (140''').

[0167] Referring to FIG. 15, the second electrode bending portion (1202b''') and the substrate bending portion (2202''') in contact therewith may be in contact with the side surface of the substrate (210'''). Accordingly, by arranging the side surface of the substrate bending portion (2202''') in contact with the side surface of the substrate (210'''), the Y-axis direction movement of the substrate tab (220''') can be prevented and the substrate tab (220''') can be fixed on the substrate (210''').

[0168] The tape according to the above-described embodiments may be replaced with an adhesive-enabled member such as a film member, sheet member, or adhesive member to which an adhesive is applied or which has adhesive properties.

[0169] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely examples. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible based on the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined based on the appended claims.

Claims

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

2. In paragraph 1, The above substrate tab is, a substrate connecting portion connected to the above substrate; and A battery pack including a substrate bending portion extending from the substrate connecting portion and bending in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the substrate connecting portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above electrode bending part, A first electrode bending portion formed by extending from the electrode sealing portion; A second electrode bending portion extending from the first electrode bending portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the first electrode bending portion; and A battery pack including a third electrode bending portion extending from the second electrode bending portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the second electrode bending portion.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery pack in which the third electrode bending portion is in contact with the substrate connecting portion.

5. In paragraph 3, A battery pack in which the second electrode bending portion is in contact with the substrate bending portion.

6. In paragraph 3, A battery pack in which the third electrode bending portion is positioned between the first tape and the substrate tab.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the substrate tab and the third electrode bending portion are laminated in a single layer between the substrate and the first tape.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which a third tape is placed between the electrode sealing portion formed by bending and the electrode assembly.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which a fourth tape is placed between the folded electrode sealing portion and the substrate.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which an insulating tape is placed between the electrode sealing portion and the electrode bending portion.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery pack comprising a first tape covering the electrode assembly and the protection circuit module.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack in which the thickness (T1') of the first tape is thicker than the thickness (T4') of the fourth tape.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the width (LW3') of the above substrate tab is greater than the height (LH3') of the above substrate tab.

14. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the width (LW2') of the above substrate is greater than the height (LH3') of the above substrate.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the substrate has a recessed portion formed into which a portion of the electrode tab is inserted.

16. In paragraph 15, The electrode bending portion of the above electrode tab is A first electrode bending portion formed by extending from the electrode sealing portion; A second electrode bending portion extending from the first electrode bending portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the first electrode bending portion; and A third electrode bending portion extending from the second electrode bending portion and bent in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the second electrode bending portion, A battery pack in which the second electrode bending portion is inserted into the recessed portion.

17. In paragraph 15, The above substrate tab is a battery pack inserted into the above recessed portion.

18. In paragraph 17, The above substrate tab is, a substrate connecting portion connected to the above substrate; and It includes a substrate bending portion that extends from the substrate connecting portion and bends in a direction in which the substrate is located based on the substrate connecting portion, A battery pack in which the above substrate bending portion is inserted into the above recessed portion.

19. In paragraph 15, The above substrate is a battery pack including a PCB portion and a molding portion covering the upper side of the PCB portion.

20. In paragraph 19, The above-mentioned recessed portion is a battery pack formed by the side PCB portion and the molding portion of the substrate being recessed inwardly toward the substrate.

Images