Battery cell array, and battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell array capable of increasing cooling efficiency, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising same, and provides a battery cell array, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising same, the battery cell array comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a side frame which supports the plurality of battery cells and forms the edge of the battery cell array, wherein the plurality of battery cells are directly cooled at one end in the height direction of each of the battery cells.

Description

Battery cell array, battery pack including the same, and automobile

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell array, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, and more specifically, to a battery cell array capable of increasing cooling efficiency, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0191445 filed on December 19, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, conventional battery pack designs have primarily adopted the side cooling method. Side cooling is a structure in which cooling tubes or cooling pads are placed on the sides of battery cells to dissipate heat generated inside the cells to the outside. This method is effective in minimizing heat transfer between battery cells and maintaining temperature balance between cells.

[0006] However, recently, there has been a growing demand for battery pack designs that utilize bottom cooling. Bottom cooling involves placing a cooling plate or heat sink at the bottom of the battery cell to provide a structure that enables uniform heat dissipation and rapid temperature control across the entire battery cell.

[0007] However, various technical challenges exist to efficiently implement bottom cooling, including the structural design of battery cells and battery packs, and design technologies to improve heat transfer efficiency. In particular, the bottom cooling method must be designed to maximize the cooling efficiency of the entire battery pack while ensuring the efficiency and economic viability of the manufacturing process.

[0008] Therefore, research is needed on the design of battery modules or battery packs that can efficiently apply a bottom cooling method.

[0009] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell array capable of using a bottom cooling method, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0010] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery cell array capable of top venting, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0011] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery cell array capable of improving cooling performance, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0012] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery cell array capable of maximizing space utilization, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0014] To solve the above objective, the present invention provides a battery cell array comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a side frame that supports the plurality of battery cells and forms the perimeter of the battery cell array, wherein the plurality of battery cells are directly cooled at one end in the height direction of each battery cell.

[0015] Additionally, preferably, one end in the height direction of each battery cell may be exposed to the outside to form a part of the outer shape of the battery cell array.

[0016] Additionally, preferably, the plurality of battery cells are configured to vent at the other end opposite to one end in the height direction of each battery cell, and the battery cell array may have a gap space formed at a predetermined height from the venting portion of the plurality of battery cells.

[0017] Additionally, preferably, one end of each battery cell in the height direction may have the same position in the height direction as the bottom of the side frame.

[0018] Additionally, preferably, the plurality of battery cells may have an attachment surface that is attached to and fixed to the side frame.

[0019] Additionally, preferably, the side frame comprises a pair of side walls provided on both outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of side structures provided between the pair of side walls, and the battery cell array may have an adhesive member applied to attach and fix at least one of the plurality of side structures and the side walls to the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] Additionally, preferably, a coating layer may be applied to one end in the height direction of each battery cell of the battery cell array.

[0021] Additionally, preferably, the coating layer may include a thermal resin.

[0022] Additionally, preferably, the battery cell array may include a sheet member provided at one end in the height direction of each battery cell and at the bottom of the side frame.

[0023] Additionally, preferably, the sheet member may be an insulating member that can be attached and removed.

[0024] Additionally, preferably, the sheet member can be attached after being insulated at one end in the height direction of each battery cell and at the bottom of the side frame.

[0025] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by comprising: a pack case; and at least one battery cell array according to the embodiments described above.

[0026] Additionally, preferably, the battery pack includes a cooling plate provided in the internal space of the pack case, and the cooling plate can cool by contacting one end in the height direction of each battery cell.

[0027] Additionally, preferably, the cooling plate may be insulated on one surface that contacts one end in the height direction of each battery cell.

[0028] Additionally, preferably, the battery pack may be configured such that the cooling plate is positioned at the bottom of the battery cell array and vented from the top of the battery cell array.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiments.

[0030] A battery cell array according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile have the effect of enabling a bottom cooling method.

[0031] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery cell array capable of upper venting, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0032] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery cell array capable of improving cooling performance, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0033] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery cell array capable of maximizing space utilization, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0034] In addition, various other additional effects may be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention are described in detail in each embodiment, or the description of effects that are easily understood by those skilled in the art is omitted.

[0035] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell array according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the battery cell array of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the A-A' cutting line of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 4 is a magnified view of area Q of Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating the appearance of a resin layer applied to the battery cell array of Figure 1.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the side frame of the battery cell array of FIG. 1 and the arrangement of a plurality of battery cells.

[0042] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating the appearance of multiple battery cells attached and fixed to the side frame of Figure 6.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the battery cell array of Figure 8.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack including a battery cell array according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0049] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0050] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0051] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0052] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0053] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0054] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0055] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is used, it may mean A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0056] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains that they may vary depending on the position or arrangement, rotation, or position of the observer of the object in question.

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell array (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the battery cell array (10) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the A-A' cutting line of FIG. 1.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery cell array (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (100) and a side frame (200).

[0060] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be provided as secondary batteries, such as cylindrical secondary batteries, pouch-type secondary batteries, or prismatic secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the description is limited to the plurality of battery cells (100) being provided as cylindrical secondary batteries. These plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in multiple numbers in both the height direction (Y-axis direction) and the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell array (10) to achieve a large capacity of the battery cell array (10).

[0061] The side frame (130) can support a plurality of battery cells (100). This side frame (130) can form the border of the battery cell array (10).

[0062] The battery cell array (10) of the present embodiment may be configured to be cooled at one end in the height direction of each battery cell (100). For example, the battery cell array (10) may be configured to be cooled directly at the lower end in the height direction (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100) by applying a bottom cooling method.

[0063] As a result, in this embodiment, the lower portion in the height direction (-Z direction) of each battery cell (100) can be in direct contact with a separate heat management medium (e.g., a cooling plate or a heat sink) to enable heat transfer, thereby enabling uniform cooling across the entire plurality of battery cells (100) and effectively preventing damage to the battery cells (100) due to localized overheating.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, by adopting a bottom cooling method, the internal cooling tube required in the conventional side cooling method can be eliminated. This allows for arranging more battery cells (100) within the same volume or optimizing the existing arrangement structure to maximize space utilization and improve energy density.

[0065] At this time, one end in the height direction of each battery cell (100) may be designed to form a part of the outer shape of the battery cell array (10). For example, by positioning the lower end (-Z direction) in the height direction of the battery cell (100) to be exposed to the outside, direct contact with the heat management medium in the subsequent process described later is enabled, thereby maximizing the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell array (10).

[0066] One end of each battery cell (100) in the height direction can be designed so that its position in the height direction is the same as that of the bottom of the side frame (200). For example, the bottom of the side frame (200) (-Z-axis direction) and the bottom of each battery cell in the height direction (-Z-axis direction) may coincide. That is, the bottom of the side frame (200) (-Z-axis direction) and the bottom of each battery cell (100) in the height direction (-Z-axis direction) may be located on the same plane as each other.

[0067] Thus, the lower surface (-Z direction) of the battery cell array (10) can be in complete contact with the heat management medium, allowing the heat to be rapidly transferred to the heat management medium through the lower portion (-Z axis direction) of each battery cell in the height direction, thereby minimizing the temperature difference between each battery cell (100) and preventing local overheating.

[0068] Accordingly, the battery cell array (10) of the present embodiment can maximize contact performance with a thermal management medium through a structural feature that exposes one end of each battery cell (100) in the height direction to the outside, and thereby effectively improve the efficiency of the bottom cooling method.

[0069]

[0070] Below, we will examine the configurations of the battery cell array (10) in more detail.

[0071] Figure 4 is a magnified view of area Q of Figure 3.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of battery cells (100) of the present embodiment may include a venting portion (110) at the other end opposite to one end in the height direction of each battery cell (100).

[0073] For example, a plurality of battery cells (100) may include a venting portion (110) at the upper portion (+Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100) facing the lower portion (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100) in the height direction. Thus, in this embodiment, internal gases, etc. generated inside each battery cell (100) can be effectively discharged toward the upper portion (+Z-axis direction) of the battery cell (100) through the venting portion (110).

[0074] The battery cell array (10) of the present embodiment may have a gap space formed at a predetermined height (H1) from the venting portion (110) of a plurality of battery cells (100). This gap space may function as a passage for the smooth discharge of internal gas generated during venting and may contribute to maintaining structural stability.

[0075] In a conventional lower venting structure, a venting space of a certain height had to be separately secured at the bottom of the battery cell (100) to discharge internal gases, etc. However, in this embodiment, by adopting an upper venting structure, a separate lower venting space is not required, thereby maximizing space utilization.

[0076] As a result, in this embodiment, cylindrical battery cells with a relatively large value obtained by dividing the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell by its height can be efficiently arranged. For example, the plurality of battery cells (100) applied to the battery cell array (10) may be cylindrical battery cells of specifications such as 4680 and 4695 cells, as well as cylindrical battery cells of specifications with a larger height such as 46100 and 46110 cells. Here, the first two numbers represent the diameter of the cell, and the next two numbers represent the height of the cell. Thus, in this embodiment, the energy density can be increased.

[0077] In addition, the upper venting structure of the present embodiment can discharge internal gas independently of heat management generated at the bottom of the battery cell array (10), thereby reducing interference between the cooling design and the venting structure.

[0078] Accordingly, the battery cell array (10) of the present embodiment can overcome design constraints that occur in conventional lower venting structures by adopting an upper venting structure, and can further improve internal energy density by maximizing space utilization.

[0079]

[0080] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the appearance of a resin layer (R) applied to a battery cell array (10) of FIG. 1.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, a battery cell array (10) according to one embodiment may have a resin layer (R) applied to it.

[0082] The resin layer (R) can be filled between a plurality of battery cells (100) and can be injected from the upper end in the height direction (+Z-axis direction) of each battery cell toward the lower end in the height direction (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell. For example, the resin layer (R) can be provided as potting resin. More specifically, the resin layer (R) can be provided as silicone resin.

[0083] The resin layer (R) can reinforce the structural rigidity of the battery cell array (10). Additionally, the resin layer (R) can prevent heat diffusion between adjacent battery cells (100), thereby suppressing heat propagation that may occur between adjacent battery cells (100) during a thermal event.

[0084] Additionally, the resin layer (R) can be filled into a gap space of a predetermined height formed from the venting portion (110) of a plurality of battery cells (100). By doing so, the resin layer (R) can strengthen the structural stability of the battery cell array (10) and provide resistance to external shocks and vibrations. At this time, the resin layer (R) can be designed in such a way that it does not obstruct the flow of internal gases, etc., discharged from the venting portion (110).

[0085]

[0086] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of battery cells (100) and a side frame (200) of the battery cell array (10) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining the appearance of a plurality of battery cells (100) being attached and fixed to the side frame (200) of FIG. 6.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the side frame (200) may include a plurality of side structures (210) and a pair of side walls (220).

[0088] First, a pair of side walls (220) may be provided on the outermost sides (+X-axis direction and -X-axis direction) of a plurality of battery cells (100). These pair of side walls (220) may be provided on the outermost sides (+X-axis direction and -X-axis direction) in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell array (10) to form the side exterior of the battery cell array (10). Each of these pair of side walls (220) may be able to accommodate and support a row of a plurality of battery cells (100).

[0089] A plurality of side structures (210) are provided between a pair of side walls (220) and can support a plurality of battery cells (100). A plurality of side structures (210) can be arranged between a pair of side walls (220) in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell array (10). Each of these plurality of side structures (210) can accommodate and support two rows of battery cells (100).

[0090] Each of these multiple side structures (210) can be provided with an S-shaped curved shape. By doing so, they can be fixed in close contact with multiple battery cells (100).

[0091] Each of the plurality of battery cells (100) may have an attachment surface that is attached and fixed to a side frame (200) for stable support within the battery cell array (10). By having such an attachment structure, the battery cell array (10) can be stably assembled and supported without a structure supporting one end of the plurality of battery cells (100) in the height direction, for example, the lower end (-Z direction) in the height direction of each battery cell (100).

[0092] The battery cell array (10) may be provided with an adhesive member (300).

[0093] The adhesive member (300) can be applied to attach and fix at least one of the plurality of side structures (210) and side walls (220) and the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0094] The adhesive member (300) can be designed to secure bonding strength between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a plurality of side structures (210) and side walls (220), while simultaneously providing vibration absorption and thermal stability.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell array (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the battery cell array (20) of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a battery cell array (30) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] The description of the battery cell array (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 is mutually applied to matters that are commonly applicable to battery cell arrays (20, 30) according to other embodiments, and redundant descriptions below are omitted.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the battery cell array (20) of the present embodiment may include a sheet member (400).

[0099] The sheet member (400) may be provided at one end in the height direction of each battery cell (100), for example, at the lower end in the height direction (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100). This sheet member (400) can block exposure of one end in the height direction of each battery cell (100), for example, at the lower end in the height direction (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100), from the external environment during the manufacturing process of the battery cell array (10) or during the movement or use of the battery cell array (10).

[0100] The sheet member (400) may include an insulating material. This sheet member (400) can effectively prevent the risk of a short circuit of a plurality of battery cells (100) that may occur in the external environment of the battery cell array (20), particularly on the bottom (-Z direction) side of the battery cell array (20).

[0101] The sheet member (400) can be made of a polycarbonate sheet. That is, the sheet member (400) can be made of a PC sheet.

[0102] In this embodiment, insulation and waterproof performance can be secured through such a sheet member (400).

[0103] Specifically, the battery cell array (20) can prevent the exposure of the lower portion (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100) in the height direction through the sheet member (400), thereby preventing damage such as short circuits or external impacts of the multiple battery cells (100).

[0104] In particular, damage caused by a short circuit or external impact of multiple battery cells (100) is highly likely to occur during the movement or storage of the battery cell array (10) for subsequent processes. The battery cell array (20) can more effectively prevent the exposure of the lower portion (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100) in the height direction through the sheet member (400) during the movement or storage of the battery cell array (10) for subsequent processes, thereby preventing the risk of damage caused by a short circuit or external impact of multiple battery cells (100) more effectively.

[0105] Additionally, the battery cell array (20) can prevent leakage or leaking of the resin layer (R) that may occur at the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cell array (10) through the sheet member (400) during the injection process of the resin layer (R) from the upper part (+Z-axis direction) of each battery cell in the height direction toward the lower part (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell.

[0106] In addition, the sheet member (400) can be attached to cover the lower portion in the height direction (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100) and the bottom portion of the side frame (130). Furthermore, the sheet member (400) can be designed to be completely detached by a user after being attached and before being mounted on the battery pack (P) described later.

[0107] In this way, the detachable sheet member (400) can increase the cooling performance of the multiple battery cells (100) by removing the sheet member (400) when the heat management medium is in contact with the lower part (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell in the height direction.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 10, a battery cell array (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include the sheet member (400) described above. However, in this case, unlike the battery cell array (20) described above, a coating layer (500) may be provided.

[0109] The coating layer (500) can be applied to one end of the height direction of each battery cell (100). For example, the coating layer (500) can be applied to the lower end of the height direction (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100) to prevent the risk of damage caused by a short circuit or external impact of multiple battery cells (100).

[0110] The coating layer (500) may be provided with thermal resin.

[0111] Thermal resin can have high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in this embodiment, through a coating layer (500) provided with thermal resin, the heat exchange performance between one end in the height direction of each battery cell (100) and the thermal management medium can be further enhanced.

[0112] That is, in this embodiment, the sheet member (400) can be attached after the height-direction end of each battery cell (100) and the bottom of the side frame (200) are first insulated. Thus, when a thermal management medium is subsequently contacted at the height-direction bottom (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell, the thermal management medium may not require separate insulation treatment.

[0113]

[0114] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack (1) including a battery cell array (10, 20, 30) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle (V) including a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 11, the battery pack (1) of the present embodiment may include a pack case (C) and a battery cell array (10, 20, 30).

[0116] The pack case (C) can be configured to form the exterior of the battery pack (1) and simultaneously effectively accommodate various components constituting the battery pack (1). Thus, a predetermined space can be formed inside the pack case (C), and the battery cell array (10, 20, 30) can be stably accommodated and fixed in the internal space of the pack case (C) by means of the components of the pack case (C).

[0117] The battery pack (1) may further include various other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention. For example, the battery pack (1) may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0118] A battery pack (1) of one embodiment may include a cooling plate (50) provided in the internal space of a pack case (C).

[0119] The cooling plate (50) can be positioned toward one end of the height direction of each battery cell (100), for example, toward the lower end of the height direction of each battery cell (100) (-Z direction).

[0120] The cooling plate (50) may have high thermal conductivity to ensure cooling performance. In addition, it may be possible to form a cooling channel in which a cooling medium flows in the cooling plate (50).

[0121] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the aforementioned sheet member (400) can be removed from a plurality of battery cells (100) when a cooling plate (50) is mounted on the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cell array (10, 20, 30). Accordingly, the lower portion (-Z-axis direction) in the height direction of each battery cell (100) can be directly contacted with the cooling plate (50) and directly cooled. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the cooling performance of the plurality of battery cells (100) can be further secured.

[0122] In addition, the battery cell array (10, 20) according to one embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 may be in contact with a cooling plate (50) with one end in the height direction of each battery cell (100), for example, the lower end in the height direction (-Z direction) of each battery cell (100), exposed.

[0123] In this case, the cooling plate (50) may be insulated by having a coating layer (51) on one surface that contacts one end in the height direction of each battery cell.

[0124] The coating layer (51) may be provided with thermal resin. The thermal resin may have high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat exchange performance between the plurality of battery cells (100) and the cooling plate (50) can be further enhanced through the coating layer (51) provided with thermal resin.

[0125] However, the battery cell array (30) according to one embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10 may have a coating layer (500) prepared in advance through a separate process, so the coating layer (51) of the cooling plate (50) may be omitted in this embodiment.

[0126] In this way, the coating layer (500, 51) can be applied to at least one of the plurality of battery cells (100) and the cooling plate (50). Through the coating layer (500, 51), one end in the height direction of each battery cell (100) can be securely fixed and adhered to the cooling plate (50) with insulation treatment.

[0127] As described above, the battery cell array (10, 20, 30) adopts an upper venting structure so that gas (G) generated inside each battery cell (100) can be discharged in an upward direction (+Z-axis direction) through the venting section (110). In this way, if abnormal internal pressure occurs in a specific battery cell (100), the gas (G) can be quickly discharged to the outside.

[0128] Since this upper venting structure operates independently of the cooling plate (50) located at the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cell array (10, 20, 30), two important functions of heat management and gas discharge can be performed without mutual interference. For example, the cooling plate (50) absorbs heat from the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100) in the height direction and releases it to the outside, while the venting part (110) smoothly discharges gas (G) toward the top (+Z-axis direction) of each battery cell (100), thereby improving the overall cooling efficiency and stability of the battery pack (1).

[0129] In conclusion, the battery pack (1) of the present embodiment can maximize thermal management efficiency and improve internal space utilization by using a bottom cooling method and a top venting method.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 12, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to the present invention.

[0131] In addition, the automobile (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to the battery pack (1). For example, the automobile (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), and other control devices.

[0132] In addition, the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various types of energy storage devices or power sources, and it is also possible to equip it in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the vehicle (V).

[0133]

[0134] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0135] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0136] 1: Battery pack

[0137] 10: Battery cell array

[0138] 50: Cooling plate

[0139] 51: Coating layer

[0140] 100: Battery cell

[0141] 110: Venting section

[0142] 200: Side frame

[0143] 210: Side structure

[0144] 220: Sidewall

[0145] 300: Adhesive member

[0146] 400: Sheet member

[0147] 500: Coating layer

[0148] C: Pack case

[0149] G: Internal gas

[0150] V: Car

Claims

1. In a battery cell array, Multiple battery cells; and It includes a side frame that supports the plurality of battery cells and forms the perimeter of the battery cell array, The above plurality of battery cells are, A battery cell array characterized by being directly cooled at one end in the height direction of each battery cell.

2. In Paragraph 1, One end of each of the above battery cells in the height direction is, A battery cell array characterized by being exposed to the outside to form a part of the external shape of the battery cell array.

3. In Paragraph 1, One end of each of the above battery cells in the height direction is, A battery cell array characterized by having the same position in the height direction as the bottom of the above-mentioned side frame.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells are, Each of the above battery cells is provided with a venting section configured to vent at the other end opposite to one end in the height direction, and The above battery cell array is, A battery cell array characterized by having a gap space formed at a predetermined height from the venting portion of the plurality of battery cells.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells are, A battery cell array characterized by having an attachment surface that is attached to and fixed to the above-mentioned side frame.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above side frame is, A pair of side walls provided on both outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells; and A plurality of side structures provided between the above pair of side walls; Includes, The above battery cell array is, A battery cell array characterized by having an adhesive member applied to attach and fix at least one of the plurality of side structures and the side walls and the plurality of battery cells.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above battery cell array is, A battery cell array characterized by having a coating layer applied to one end in the height direction of each of the above battery cells.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above coating layer is, A battery cell array characterized by including thermal resin.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell array characterized by including a sheet member provided at one end in the height direction of each battery cell and at the bottom of the side frame.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above sheet member is, A battery cell array characterized by being an attachable and removable insulating member.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above sheet member is, A battery cell array characterized by having one end in the height direction of each battery cell and the bottom of the side frame attached after being insulated.

12. Regarding battery packs, Pack case; and A battery pack characterized by including at least one battery cell array according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. In Paragraph 12, It includes a cooling plate provided in the internal space of the above-mentioned pack case, and The above cooling plate is, A battery pack characterized by cooling by contacting one end of each battery cell in the height direction.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above cooling plate is, A battery pack characterized by having one surface in contact with one end in the height direction of each of the above-mentioned battery cells that is insulated.

15. In Paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized by having the cooling plate positioned at the bottom of the battery cell array and configured to vent from the top of the battery cell array.

16. In automobiles, An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to claim 12.

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