Battery cell stack assembly, battery pack including same, and vehicle

Abstract

An electric cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of the present application includes an electric cell stack composed of a plurality of battery cells, a first side beam provided at one side of the electric cell stack and having a first surface pressure absorbing portion capable of absorbing surface pressure formed therein, and a second side beam provided at the other side of the electric cell stack and having a second surface pressure absorbing portion capable of absorbing surface pressure formed therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cell stack assembly, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are non-rechargeable, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged, and are used not only in portable devices, but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources.

[0003] The types of rechargeable batteries widely used today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. A single rechargeable battery cell (i.e., a single cell) operates at a voltage of approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple cells can be connected in series to form a battery pack.

[0004] Furthermore, the battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel according to the charging / discharging capacity requirements. Therefore, the number of battery cells combined in the battery pack can be set differently depending on the required output voltage or charging / discharging capacity.

[0005] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series and / or parallel, the common practice is to first form a cell stack assembly consisting of at least one battery cell (preferably multiple battery cells), and then configure the battery pack by using at least one such cell stack assembly and additional components. Here, a cell stack assembly refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple such cell stack assemblies are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0006] In recent battery pack structures, cell expansion can occur, potentially leading to performance degradation and quality risks due to the discrepancy between the maximum surface pressure of the cell and the surface pressure within the frame surrounding the cell. Specifically, the side beams supporting the cell stack assembly in the battery pack have structures that, because they are not deformable, cannot reduce the surface pressure caused by cell expansion, and therefore require improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to improve the structure of the side beams that support the battery cell stack assembly from the side, so as to effectively absorb and disperse the surface pressure generated by the battery cells, thereby enhancing the stability of the battery cells, improving the performance of the battery pack, and extending its service life.

[0009] However, the technical objectives to be addressed by the present invention are not limited to those set forth above, and other objectives not explicitly mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of the present invention.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cell stack assembly includes: a cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a first side beam disposed on one side of the cell stack and having a first surface pressure absorbing portion formed therein; and a second side beam disposed on the other side of the cell stack and having a second surface pressure absorbing portion formed therein.

[0012] In one aspect of the invention, the first surface pressure absorbing portion and the second surface pressure absorbing portion are formed as a hollow structure.

[0013] In one aspect of the invention, the first surface pressure absorbing portion is formed on another surface adjacent to the side of the first side beam facing the battery cell stack, and the second surface pressure absorbing portion is formed on another surface adjacent to the second side beam facing the other side of the battery cell stack.

[0014] In one aspect of the invention, the first side beam and the second side beam are formed in a shape that fits into each other.

[0015] In one aspect of the invention, the first side beam includes: a first surface pressure absorbing region, wherein a first surface pressure absorbing portion is formed in the first surface pressure absorbing region at a predetermined distance from another surface of the first side beam toward one surface of the first side beam, and the first surface pressure absorbing region extends such that a portion of the lower surface of the first side beam is disposed in the same plane as the upper surface of the battery cell stack when the upper surface of the first side beam is disposed in the same plane as the lower surface of the battery cell stack.

[0016] In one aspect of the invention, the first surface pressure absorbing portion is formed to extend along the height of the first surface pressure absorbing region.

[0017] In one aspect of the invention, the second side beam includes a second surface pressure absorbing region, in which a second surface pressure absorbing portion is formed at a predetermined distance from one surface of the second side beam toward another surface of the second side beam, and when the lower surface of the second side beam is disposed on the same plane as the lower surface of the battery cell stack, the second surface pressure absorbing region extends such that a portion of the upper surface of the second side beam is located on the same plane as the upper surface of the battery cell stack.

[0018] In one aspect of the invention, the second surface pressure absorbing portion is formed to extend along the height of the second surface pressure absorbing region.

[0019] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: one or more cell stack assemblies according to the foregoing embodiments; and a battery pack housing providing space for accommodating the cell stack assemblies, wherein when multiple cell stack assemblies are provided, and when one cell stack assembly and another cell stack assembly are arranged consecutively, a first side beam of one cell stack assembly and a second side beam of another cell stack assembly cooperate and connect, wherein the first side beam includes a first surface pressure absorbing portion for absorbing surface pressure, and the second side beam includes a second surface pressure absorbing portion for absorbing surface pressure.

[0020] In one aspect of the invention, the first surface pressure absorbing portion and the second surface pressure absorbing portion are formed in a hollow shape.

[0021] In one aspect of the invention, the first surface pressure absorbing portion is configured to be formed on another surface adjacent to the side of the first side beam facing the battery cell stack assembly, and the second surface pressure absorbing portion is configured to be formed on another surface adjacent to the second side beam facing the other side of the battery cell stack assembly.

[0022] In one aspect of the invention, when the cell stack expands, another surface of the first side beam is configured to bend and deform toward one surface of the first side beam.

[0023] In one aspect of the invention, when the cell stack expands, one surface of the second side beam is configured to bend and deform toward the other surface of the second side beam.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising the aforementioned battery pack.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to the present invention, the surface pressure generated by the volume expansion of the battery cell can be effectively absorbed and dispersed by the first side beam and the second side beam provided with hollow surface pressure absorbing parts.

[0027] According to the present invention, physical damage to the battery cell can be minimized, and the battery cell life can be extended by preventing surface pressure from concentrating on specific areas.

[0028] According to the present invention, due to the hollow surface pressure absorption portion, the first side beam and the second side beam can flexibly deform in response to the expansion of the battery cell, thereby enhancing the performance and durability of the battery pack.

[0029] However, the beneficial effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not explicitly mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description set forth below, serve to further elucidate the technical concept of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as limited to what is shown in these drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a cell stack assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are perspective views and partial cross-sectional views, respectively, showing the structure that combines multiple battery cell stack assemblies.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the deformation caused by the expansion of the battery cell.

[0034] Figure 5 It shows including Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery pack consisting of a cell stack assembly.

[0035] Figure 6 It shows that it is equipped with Figure 5 A perspective view of the vehicle with its battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods of implementing them, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in various forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the invention is complete and fully informs those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. The invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, apparatus structures, and techniques may not be described in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated to clearly show multiple layers and regions. Throughout the specification, similar portions are indicated by the same reference numerals. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly on" another element, it should be understood that no intermediate elements exist. Similarly, when an element is referred to as "below" another element, it may be directly below the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly below" another element, it should be understood that no intermediate elements exist.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cell stack assembly (1000) includes a cell stack (100), a first side beam (200), and a second side beam (300).

[0039] The cell stack (100) consists of multiple battery cells (110), wherein electrode leads (not shown) extend outward from both sides thereof. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery cells (110) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction and upright in the vertical direction. The battery cells (110) can be secondary batteries, such as pouch cells.

[0040] A first side beam (200) is disposed on one side of the cell stack (100). The first side beam (200) is disposed on one side in the left-right direction, and multiple battery cells (110) are stacked along the left-right direction. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the first side beam (200) is located on the side corresponding to the right side of the cell stack (100).

[0041] The first side beam (200) is configured to protect one side of the cell stack (100) and includes a first surface pressure absorbing part (210) configured to absorb surface pressure therein. The first side beam (200) absorbs the surface pressure that increases as the battery cells (110) of the cell stack (100) expand due to expansion through the first surface pressure absorbing part (210).

[0042] The second side beam (300) is disposed on the other side of the cell stack (100). The second side beam (300) is disposed on the other side in the left-right direction, and multiple battery cells (110) are stacked in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the second side beam (300) is located on the opposite side to the left side of the cell stack (100).

[0043] The second side beam (300) is configured to protect the other side of the cell stack (100) and, similar to the first side beam (200), includes a second surface pressure absorbing section (310) configured to absorb surface pressure therein. The second side beam (300) absorbs the increased surface pressure caused by expansion of the battery cells (110) in the cell stack (100) through the second surface pressure absorbing section (310).

[0044] The first side beam (200) and the second side beam (300) are configured to have complementary shapes aligned with each other. As shown, the first side beam (200) is formed in an inverted L-shape, and the second side beam (300) is formed in an L-shape.

[0045] Therefore, when multiple cell stack assemblies (1000) are arranged sequentially in the left-right direction, the first side beam (200) of one cell stack assembly (1000) and the second side beam (300) of another adjacent cell stack assembly (1000) are aligned and fitted together.

[0046] Each of the first surface pressure absorbing portion (210) and the second surface pressure absorbing portion (310) is formed in a hollow shape. Referring to the accompanying drawings, each of the first surface pressure absorbing portion (210) and the second surface pressure absorbing portion (310) is formed in a hollow shape with a rectangular cross-section.

[0047] The first surface pressure absorbing part (210) is formed on another surface of the side of the first side beam (200) facing the cell stack (100). Therefore, when the cell stack (100) expands, the other surface of the first side beam (200) bends and deforms due to the surface pressure generated when the battery cells (110) of the cell stack (100) expand, and the first surface pressure absorbing part (210) absorbs the surface pressure.

[0048] The first side beam (200) includes a first surface pressure absorbing region (211). The first surface pressure absorbing region (211) includes a region extending a predetermined distance from another surface (202) of the first side beam (200) toward a surface (201).

[0049] The first side beam (200) is configured such that its upper surface (203) lies on the same plane as the upper surface of the battery cell stack (100). Furthermore, a first surface pressure absorbing region (211) is formed such that a portion of the lower surface (204) of the first side beam (200) lies on the same plane as the lower surface of the battery cell stack (100). Therefore, the first surface pressure absorbing portion (210) has a shape that extends along the height of the first surface pressure absorbing region (211). Thus, as described above, the first side beam (200) is formed in a reverse L-shape.

[0050] The second surface pressure absorbing part (310) is formed on a surface of the second side beam (300) facing the cell stack (100). Therefore, when the cell stack (100) expands, one surface of the second side beam (300) bends and deforms due to the surface pressure generated when the battery cells (110) of the cell stack (100) expand, and the second surface pressure absorbing part (310) absorbs the surface pressure.

[0051] The second side beam (300) includes a second surface pressure absorbing region (311). The second surface pressure absorbing region (311) includes a region extending a predetermined distance from one surface (301) of the second side beam (300) toward another surface (302).

[0052] The second side beam (300) is configured such that its lower surface (304) lies on the same plane as the lower surface of the battery cell stack (100). Furthermore, the second surface pressure absorption region (311) is formed to extend such that a portion of the upper surface (303) of the second side beam (300) lies on the same plane as the upper surface of the battery cell stack (100). Therefore, the second surface pressure absorption portion (310) has a shape that extends along the height of the second surface pressure absorption region (311). Thus, as described above, the second side beam (300) is formed in an L-shape.

[0053] Figure 2 The structure of a continuously arranged cell stack assembly (1000) is shown, and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the mating portion is shown when the cell stack assembly (1000) is arranged continuously.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first side beam (200) of a cell stack assembly (1000) on the left and the second side beam (300) of another cell stack assembly (1000) on the right are aligned and cooperate with each other, so that the cell stack assemblies (1000) are arranged continuously.

[0055] Specifically, one surface (201) of the first side beam (200) contacts another surface (302a) of the extension of the second surface pressure-absorbing region (311) of the second side beam (300), the lower surface (204) of the first side beam (200) contacts the upper surface (303) of the second side beam (300), and one surface (201a) of the extension of the first surface pressure-absorbing region (211) of the first side beam (200) contacts another surface (302) of the second side beam (300), thereby aligning and fitting the first side beam (200) and the second side beam (300) with each other.

[0056] In this way, multiple cell stack assemblies (1000) can be continuously provided, wherein the first side beam (200) and the second side beam (300) are aligned to form a battery pack (1).

[0057] Figure 4 This illustrates the state of battery cell expansion occurring within a cell stack assembly.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the battery cells (110) of the battery cell stack assembly (1000) may undergo expansion. When each battery cell (110) undergoes expansion, the battery cell (110) deforms. Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell (110) is deformed into a convex shape, and the first side beam (200) at the left end and the second side beam (300) at the right end are deformed by the expanding battery cell (110).

[0059] According to the deformation of the battery cell (110), the other surface (202) of the first side beam (200) bends and deforms toward the first surface pressure absorption portion (210). The first surface pressure absorption portion (210) is formed in a hollow shape so as to accommodate deformation when the other surface (202) of the first side beam (200) bends toward the first surface pressure absorption portion (210).

[0060] Therefore, the surface pressure generated in the battery cell (110) can be effectively distributed to the first surface pressure absorption part (210), thereby enhancing the stability of the battery cell (110).

[0061] Furthermore, according to the deformation of the battery cell (110), one surface (301) of the second side beam (300) bends and deforms toward the second surface pressure absorption portion (310). The second surface pressure absorption portion (310) is formed in a hollow shape so as to accommodate deformation when one surface (301) of the second side beam (300) bends toward the second surface pressure absorption portion (310).

[0062] Therefore, the surface pressure generated in the battery cell (110) can be effectively distributed to the second surface pressure absorption part (310), thereby further improving the stability of the battery cell (110).

[0063] Figure 5 The battery pack (1) is shown.

[0064] according to Figure 5 The battery pack (1) includes the cell stack assembly (1000) and the battery pack housing (2000) as described above. The battery pack (1) includes multiple cell stack assemblies (1000). Similar to the battery cells (110), the cell stack assemblies (1000) can be stacked continuously in the left-right direction and / or the up-down direction.

[0065] A cell stack assembly (1000) and another adjacent cell stack assembly (1000) are connected by the second side beam (300) of one cell stack assembly (1000) engaging with the first side beam (200) of the other cell stack assembly (1000).

[0066] A plurality of cell stack assemblies (1000) connected in a mating relationship by a first side beam (200) are housed inside a battery pack housing (2000). The battery pack housing (2000) provides space for accommodating the plurality of cell stack assemblies (1000). The battery pack housing (2000) includes a base plate (not shown), left and right side walls (2100, 2200), and front and rear side walls (2300, 2400). With this configuration, the battery pack housing (2000) supports the lower and side portions of the plurality of cell stack assemblies (1000) and protects the cell stack assemblies (1000).

[0067] The battery pack housing (2000) includes, but is not limited to, a base plate (not shown), left and right side walls (2100, 2200), and front and rear side walls (2300, 2400) as basic components. Figure 5 As shown, when multiple battery packs (1) are provided, one of the left side wall and the right side wall (2100, 2200) or one of the front side wall and the rear side wall (2300, 2400) can be omitted.

[0068] When multiple battery packs (1) are provided, they can be arranged continuously in the front-to-back direction, such as Figure 5 As shown, the battery packs (1) can be arranged continuously in the left-right direction, depending on the specifications of the product in which they are applied. In other words, the direction in which the battery packs (1) are arranged continuously is not limited to this, and can be varied in various ways.

[0069] Figure 6 A vehicle (10) equipped with a battery pack (1) is shown.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle (10) according to the present invention may include the battery pack (1) according to the present invention. The vehicle (10) may include, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that uses electricity as a driving source.

[0071] In addition to the battery pack (1), the vehicle according to the invention may also include various other components included in the vehicle, such as the body or motor.

[0072] Furthermore, although directional terms such as up and down are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms are merely for ease of interpretation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0073] Although the invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, and it should be understood that various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0074] <Figure Labels>

[0075] 1: Battery pack

[0076] 10: Vehicles

[0077] 1000: Cell stack assembly

[0078] 100: Cell stack

[0079] 110: Battery Cells

[0080] 200: First side beam

[0081] 210: First surface pressure absorption section

[0082] 211: First surface pressure absorption region

[0083] 300: Second side beam

[0084] 310: Second surface pressure absorption section

[0085] 311: Second surface pressure absorption region

[0086] 2000: Battery pack casing

[0087] 2100: Left side wall

[0088] 2200: Right side wall

[0089] 2300: Anterior sidewall

[0090] 2400: Rear sidewall

[0091] Industrial applicability

[0092] This invention can be used to improve the stability and performance of battery cells and extend their lifespan by effectively absorbing and dispersing the surface pressure generated in the battery cells.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack assembly, the battery cell stack assembly comprising: A battery cell stack, wherein the battery cell stack is composed of multiple battery cells; A first side beam, disposed on one side of the battery cell stack and having therein disposed a first surface pressure absorbing section capable of absorbing surface pressure; and The second side beam is disposed on the other side of the cell stack and is provided therein with a second surface pressure absorbing part capable of absorbing surface pressure.

2. The cell stack assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first surface pressure absorbing portion and the second surface pressure absorbing portion are formed into a hollow shape.

3. The cell stack assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first surface pressure-absorbing portion is formed on another surface adjacent to the side of the first side beam facing the cell stack, and wherein, The second surface pressure absorbing portion is formed on a surface adjacent to the second side beam facing the other side of the cell stack.

4. The cell stack assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first side beam and the second side beam are formed to have a shape that fits into each other.

5. The cell stack assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first side beam includes: A first surface pressure absorbing region is formed therein, with the first surface pressure absorbing portion formed at a predetermined distance from the other surface of the first side beam toward one surface of the first side beam. Wherein, when the upper surface of the first side beam is disposed on the same plane as the upper surface of the battery cell stack, The first surface pressure absorption region extends such that a portion of the lower surface of the first side beam lies on the same plane as the lower surface of the battery cell stack.

6. The cell stack assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The first surface pressure absorbing portion has a shape that extends along the height of the first surface pressure absorbing region.

7. The cell stack assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The second side beam includes: A second surface pressure absorbing region is formed therein, with the second surface pressure absorbing portion formed at a predetermined distance from one surface of the second side beam toward the other surface of the second side beam. Specifically, when the lower surface of the second side beam is disposed on the same plane as the lower surface of the battery cell stack, The second surface pressure absorption region extends such that a portion of the upper surface of the second side beam lies on the same plane as the upper surface of the cell stack.

8. The cell stack assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The second surface pressure absorbing portion has a shape that extends along the height of the second surface pressure absorbing region.

9. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: At least one cell stack assembly according to claim 1; as well as A battery pack housing that provides space for housing the cell stack assembly. When multiple cell stack assemblies are provided, and When one of the battery cell stack assemblies and another battery cell stack assembly are arranged consecutively, the first side beam of one battery cell stack assembly and the second side beam of the other battery cell stack assembly cooperate and connect, and wherein, The first side beam includes a first surface pressure absorbing part that absorbs surface pressure, and The second side beam includes a second surface pressure absorbing section that absorbs surface pressure.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The first surface pressure absorbing portion and the second surface pressure absorbing portion are formed into a hollow shape.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The first surface pressure-absorbing portion is formed on another surface adjacent to the side of the first side beam facing the cell stack assembly, and wherein, The second surface pressure absorbing portion is formed on a surface adjacent to the second side beam facing the other side of the cell stack assembly.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, When the cell stack expands, the other surface of the first side beam is configured to bend and deform toward one surface of the first side beam.

13. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, When the cell stack expands, one surface of the second side beam is configured to bend and deform toward the other surface of the second side beam.

14. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 9.

Images