Battery cell array structure and battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The battery cell array structure according to the present application includes a plurality of battery cells, and at least one side structure for receiving and supporting the battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, wherein the at least one side structure includes a cell contact unit of which at least a portion is in contact with the battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, and a cooling member contact unit having a bottom surface formed to be in contact with a predetermined area of a cooling member, and the at least one side structure allows heat to be transferred between the battery cells among the plurality of battery cells and the cooling member through the cell contact unit and the cooling member contact unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cell array structure and a battery pack and vehicle including the cell array structure, and more specifically, to a cell array structure optimized for bottom cooling and a battery pack and vehicle including the cell array structure.

[0002] This application claims the foreign priority of Korean application KR 10-2024-0193898, filed December 23, 2024, and Korean application KR 10-2025-0038231, filed March 25, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, with the rapid growth in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones, and the formal commencement of development for electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots and satellites, research is actively underway on high-performance rechargeable and rechargeable batteries.

[0004] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among them, lithium-ion batteries have attracted attention due to their ability to be freely charged and discharged (because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries), their very low self-discharge rate, and their high energy density.

[0005] Lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, a lithium-ion secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and external components. In the electrode assembly, positive and negative electrode plates, coated with the positive and negative active materials respectively, are arranged with a separator between them. The external components hermetically house the electrode assembly and the electrolyte together.

[0006] Meanwhile, based on the shape of the battery casing, lithium-ion secondary batteries can be divided into pouch-type secondary batteries and can-type secondary batteries. In pouch-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of aluminum laminate, while in can-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is built into a metal can. Furthermore, can-type secondary batteries can be further divided into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries based on the shape of the metal can. Lithium-ion secondary batteries are assembled into a dense structure by overlapping or stacking multiple battery cells mounted on top of each other or mounted in a housing, and then electrically connected to them, and are then used as battery modules or battery packs to provide high voltage and high current.

[0007] Recently, active research and development have been carried out on battery packs, which consist of a single module or cell array (hereinafter referred to as a cell array structure) and a battery pack frame surrounding the single module or cell array. In the single module or cell array, multiple cylindrical battery cells are upright and densely stacked to provide improved structural rigidity. In particular, the size of the cell array structure tends to become larger in order to increase energy capacity.

[0008] Conventional cell array structures may include side structures for housing and supporting the battery cells. These side structures can be manufactured using plastic injection molding, resulting in low thermal conductivity and making cooling difficult. Conventional cell array structures may additionally include cooling devices disposed between the battery cells, with cooling primarily achieved through so-called side cooling methods, where cooling is performed at the sides of the battery cells.

[0009] Cooling devices can provide cooling channels or pipes extending through the plate, through which cooling fluid flows. In conventional cell array structures, for example, battery cells can be arranged in rows, with conventional plastic side structures between the first and second rows, the third and fourth rows, and the fifth and sixth rows, etc., while side cooling devices can be located between the second and third rows, and between the fourth and fifth rows, etc. The plastic side structures, with their low thermal conductivity, do not efficiently dissipate heat from the sides of the cells on which they are arranged. The cooling devices employ multiple fluid connections at the ends of each cooling device, and sufficient space is required between the cell rows to transfer enough cooling fluid for efficient cooling of the battery cells.

[0010] However, recently, there has been an increasing demand for so-called bottom cooling, which allows cooling at the bottom of the battery cell. Therefore, there is a need to develop a cell array structure optimized for bottom cooling. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] This disclosure is designed in view of the above-mentioned technical background, and therefore this disclosure is intended to provide a cell array structure optimized for bottom cooling, as well as a battery pack and vehicle including the cell array structure.

[0013] The technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following detailed description other problems not mentioned above.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] In one aspect of this disclosure, a cell array structure is provided, the cell array structure comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a side structure configured to accommodate and support battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, wherein the side structure includes: a cell contact portion configured such that at least a portion thereof contacts a battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; and a cooling member contact portion having a bottom surface formed to contact a predetermined area of ​​a cooling member, wherein the side structure is configured to transfer heat between the battery cells among the plurality of battery cells and the cooling member via the cell contact portion and the cooling member contact portion.

[0016] A battery cell among multiple battery cells may have a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal at the top.

[0017] The cooling component contact portion includes a portion extending from the bottom of the cell contact portion toward the space between adjacent cell cells in a plurality of battery cells.

[0018] The bottom surface of the contact area of ​​the cooling component can be flat.

[0019] The bottom surface of the contact portion of the cooling component can have the same vertical position relative to the cooling component as the bottom surface of the battery cell in the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] The battery cells in a plurality of battery cells can be arranged in rows, and at least one side structure can be arranged along each row of battery cells.

[0021] The cell contact portion can contact the side surface of one of the multiple battery cells.

[0022] The contact angle between the cell contact and the battery cell can be 50 to 70 degrees.

[0023] Side structures may include metal

[0024] Metals can include aluminum.

[0025] The side structure may have an electrically insulating coating formed on at least a portion of its surface, and the electrically insulating coating may contain an electrically insulating material.

[0026] Electrical insulating materials can include epoxy materials.

[0027] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack including a cell array structure according to this disclosure is provided.

[0028] The battery pack according to this disclosure may also include a cooling component disposed at the bottom of the cell array structure.

[0029] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes at least one battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0030] In another aspect of this disclosure, a side structure for accommodating and supporting battery cells in a cell array structure is provided, the side structure comprising: a cell contact portion configured such that at least a portion thereof is configured to contact a battery cell; and a cooling member contact portion having a bottom surface configured to contact a predetermined area of ​​a cooling member, wherein the side structure comprises metal and is configured to transfer heat between a plurality of battery cells and a cooling member.

[0031] The side structure may have an electrically insulating coating formed on at least a portion of its surface, wherein the electrically insulating coating comprises an electrically insulating material.

[0032] Electrical insulating materials can include epoxy materials.

[0033] The battery cell contacts can have a corrugated shape.

[0034] The cooling component contact portion can be one of a plurality of cooling component contact portions that extend alternately on opposite sides of the side structure.

[0035] The cooling component contact portion may be one of multiple cooling component contacts extending only on one side of the side structure.

[0036] Beneficial effects

[0037] According to this disclosure, a cell array structure optimized for bottom cooling, as well as a battery pack and vehicle including the same, can be provided.

[0038] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a cell array structure with improved cooling efficiency of battery cells, a battery pack including the cell array structure, and a vehicle can be provided.

[0039] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a cell array structure with improved energy density, a battery pack including the cell array structure, and a vehicle can be provided.

[0040] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a cell array structure with improved structural rigidity, a battery pack including the cell array structure, and a vehicle can be provided.

[0041] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a cell array structure with guaranteed insulation, a battery pack including the cell array structure, and a vehicle can be provided.

[0042] The effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred aspects of this disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of this disclosure; therefore, this disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the battery pack according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a side structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a front view showing a side structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 7 This is an enlarged front view showing a portion of a cell array structure according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 8 This is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 9a and Figure 9b This is a perspective view showing a side structure according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 10 This is an enlarged front view showing a portion of a battery pack according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to one aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Preferred aspects of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but rather as interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define terms for the best interpretation.

[0056] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0057] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the X-axis and Y-axis directions can be horizontal, and the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the XY plane, can be vertical.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the battery pack according to one aspect of this disclosure, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to one aspect of this disclosure, the battery pack 10 may include at least one cell array structure 100. The battery pack 10 may include multiple cell array structures 100.

[0060] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the battery pack 10 may further include a cooling member 300. The cooling member 300 may be configured to cool the battery cells 110, as will be explained later. A flow path through which a cooling medium may flow may be formed within the cooling member 300.

[0061] The cooling member 300 can be configured such that at least a portion thereof contacts the cell array structure 100. The cooling member 300 can be disposed on the underside of the cell array structure 100 so as to contact the bottom of the cell array structure 100. For example, the cooling member 300 can be disposed on the -Z direction side of the cell array structure 100. In this case, the battery pack 10 can be provided with a bottom cooling structure. The cooling member 300 can be disposed at the battery pack 10, for example, disposed inside the battery pack 10. Furthermore, the cooling member 300 can be configured with various shapes and structures, for example, as part of the cell array structure 100, which differ from those shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a side structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a front view showing a side structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 This is an enlarged front view showing a portion of a cell array structure according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0063] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 7 A detailed description of a cell array structure 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0064] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the cell array structure 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and at least one side structure 120.

[0065] Multiple battery cells 110 can form a cell array structure 100. The cell array structure 100 can be understood as a single component or structure in which multiple battery cells 110 are arranged. The battery pack 10 including the cell array structure 100 can be configured as a so-called cell-to-cell pack structure, without including an additional module housing, thereby improving space efficiency and energy density. The cell array structure 100 can be configured to have a large area by increasing the number of arranged battery cells 110.

[0066] The cell array structure 100 can have a predetermined length, width, and height. For example, the cell array structure 100 can be a three-dimensional structure with a predetermined length, predetermined width, and predetermined height in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0067] The cell array structure 100 may include at least one side structure 120. The cell array structure 100 may include multiple side structures 120, 120'.

[0068] The side structures 120, 120' can accommodate and support multiple battery cells 110. The side structures 120, 120' can extend along the longitudinal direction of the cell array structure 100. For example, the side structures 120, 120' can extend along the X-axis direction.

[0069] Multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged to form rows. For example, multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged to form rows in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or the X-axis direction of the cell array structure 100. The battery cells 110 can be cylindrical, and the rows of battery cells 110 can be stacked closely, such that rows adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction are offset by half the diameter of the battery cell 110 in the X-axis direction. This can be referred to as hexagonal close packing because each battery cell 110, except for those around the perimeter, will be surrounded by six other battery cells 110 that define a regular hexagon.

[0070] Side structures 120, 120' can be configured to accommodate and support a row of battery cells 110 arranged on one side (in the case of side structure 120'), or to accommodate and support rows of battery cells 110 arranged on both sides (in the case of side structure 120). For example, side structures 120, 120' can be configured to accommodate and support a row of battery cells 110 arranged on one side in the Y-axis direction or rows of battery cells 110 arranged on both sides in the Y-axis direction. For example, when side structure 120' is arranged at the outermost edge of a plurality of battery cells 110, side structure 120' can be configured to accommodate and support a row of battery cells 110 arranged on one side. For example, when side structure 120 is arranged between any two rows of battery cells 110, side structure 120 can accommodate and support each row of battery cells 110 arranged on both sides.

[0071] The side structures 120, 120' may include a cell contact portion 121 and a cooling component contact portion 122.

[0072] At least a portion of the cell contact 121 may contact an adjacent battery cell 110. The cell contact 121 may contact a side portion of an adjacent battery cell 110. The cell contact 121 may be configured to cool the battery cell 110 by conducting and / or radiating heat generated in the adjacent battery cell to the cell contact. The cell contact 121 may be configured to directly cool the battery cell 110. Heat generated in the battery cell 110 may be transferred to the cell contact 121 and dissipated to the outside of the battery cell 110.

[0073] Contact between the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110 can be achieved through direct physical contact between the surface of the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110. In other examples, any connection between the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110 that allows heat transfer between them can be present between the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110. In one example, the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110 can be connected via a heat-transfer resin or adhesive located between them. In another example, a thermally conductive layer, film, particles, or plate can be located between the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110. The contact between the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110 can be direct physical contact in one or more areas, and can have a thermally conductive material located between them in one or more other areas.

[0074] The cooling component contact portion 122 may be the portion of the side structure 120, 120' that contacts the cooling component 300. Specifically, the cooling component contact portion 122 is the portion that contacts the cooling component 300, and can contact the cooling component 300 when the battery pack 10 is configured.

[0075] The cooling component contact portion 122 may have a bottom surface formed to contact the cooling component 300. That is, the bottom surface of the cooling component contact portion 122 may be configured to contact the cooling component 300. The bottom surface of the cooling component contact portion 122 may contact the cooling component 300 within a predetermined area. In other words, the bottom surface of the cooling component 300 may contact the surface of the cooling component 300.

[0076] Contact between the cooling component contact portion 122 and the cooling component 300 can be achieved through direct physical contact between the surface of the cooling component contact portion 122 and the cooling component 300. In other examples, any connection between the cooling component contact portion 122 and the cooling component 300 that allows heat transfer between them can be present between the cooling component contact portion 122 and the cooling component 300. In one example, the cooling component contact portion 122 and the cooling component 300 can be connected via a heat-transfer resin or adhesive located between them. In another example, a thermally conductive layer, film, particles, or plate can be located between the contact portion 122 and the cooling component 300. The contact between the contact portion 122 and the cooling component 300 can be direct physical contact in one or more areas, and can have a thermally conductive material located between them in one or more other areas.

[0077] The heat generated in the battery cell 110 can sequentially pass through the cell contact portion 121 and be conducted to the cooling component contact portion 122, and can ultimately be transferred to the cooling component 300. Specifically, the heat generated in the battery cell 110 can be transferred laterally from the battery cell 110 to the cell contact portion 121, the heat transferred to the cell contact portion 121 can be transferred downwards to the cooling component contact portion 122, and the heat transferred to the cooling component contact portion 122 can ultimately be transferred to the cooling component 300.

[0078] Alternatively, if the temperature of the battery cell 110 is lower than the desired temperature, heat transfer can occur in the opposite direction to heat the battery cell 110. In this case, the cooling member 300 can be heated, for example, by providing a fluid with a temperature higher than that of the battery cell 110. In this case, heat from the cooling member 300 can be transferred to the cooling member contact portion 122, and the heat transferred to the cooling member contact portion 122 can be transferred to the cell contact portion 121, and the heat transferred to the cell contact portion 121 can be transferred laterally to the battery cell 110.

[0079] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the cell array structure 100 has the effect of optimizing bottom cooling through the above-mentioned aspect.

[0080] Specifically, the cell contact portion 121 of the side structure 120 can stably and firmly accommodate and support the battery cell 110. Furthermore, the heat generated in the battery cell 110 can be sequentially transferred to the cooling member 300 via the cell contact portion 121 and the cooling member contact portion 122, and sufficient contact area between the side structure 120 and the cooling member 300 can be ensured by the cooling member contact portion 122, so that the cell array structure 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure can be optimized for bottom cooling.

[0081] Furthermore, the cell array structure 100 according to this disclosure can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery cells 110 inside the cell array structure 100 through the side structures 120, 120'.

[0082] By using side structures 120, 120' that facilitate bottom cooling of the battery cell 110 by transferring heat downwards from the sides of the battery cell 110 to the cooling member 300 along the bottom, the cell array structure 100 according to this disclosure can have a relatively small volume and weight compared to conventional side structures, which can involve relatively large spaces between the battery cells, for example, to accommodate cooling devices with fluid channels. That is, due to the relatively thin side structures 120 that can be incorporated into conventional cell array structures herein, the internal space efficiency of the cell array structure 100 can be increased, the weight of the cell array structure 100 can be reduced, and the energy density of the cell array structure 100 can be improved compared to conventional side-cooled cell array structures.

[0083] Furthermore, the cell array structure 100 according to this disclosure can have improved structural rigidity through the side structures 120, 120'.

[0084] Each of the plurality of battery cells 110 may include a first electrode terminal 111 and a second electrode terminal 112. The first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112 may be electrode terminals of different polarities. For example, the first electrode terminal 111 may be a positive terminal and the second electrode terminal 112 may be a negative terminal.

[0085] Each of the plurality of battery cells 110 may have a first electrode terminal 111 and a second electrode terminal 112 at its top. That is, the first electrode terminal 111 and the second electrode terminal 112 may both be arranged at the top of the battery cell 110.

[0086] When the cell array structure 100 is configured as described above, it is sufficient to provide an electrical connection structure only at the top of the plurality of battery cells 110, and therefore the cooling member 300 can be provided at the bottom of the cell array structure 100 without interfering with the electrical connection structure, etc., so that the cell array structure 100 can be further optimized for bottom cooling.

[0087] The cooling component contact portion 122 may be provided at the bottom of the cell contact portion 121. The cooling component contact portion 122 may be formed to extend laterally outward from the bottom of the cell contact portion 121. The cooling component contact portion 122 may extend toward the space between the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0088] The cooling member contact 122 may extend laterally outward from the cell contact 121 by at least as much as the lateral thickness of the cell contact 121, but the cooling member contact 122 may extend much further. For example, the shape of the cooling member contact 122 may roughly correspond to the shape of the space between the battery cells 110. That is, when viewed in the height direction or Z-axis direction of the cell array structure 100, the shape of the cooling member contact 122 may be a sharply protruding shape. In a hexagonal close-packed arrangement of the battery cells 110, the space between the battery cells 110 may be approximately triangular, wherein the sides of the triangle are arc-shaped and defined by a portion of the circular periphery of two adjacent battery cells 110 and the cell contact 121. Therefore, the sharply protruding shape of the cooling member contact 122 may protrude laterally from the cell contact 121 and is defined between two opposing edges converging toward a point spaced apart from the cell contact 121, wherein the converging edges are shaped to define a concave arc. The cooling member contact portion 122 may not be present at the end portions of the side structures 120, 120' on the outside of the outer battery cell 110. Alternatively, the cooling member contact portion 122 may be provided on the end portions of the side structures 120, 120' on the outside of the outer battery cell 110. In this case, the cooling member contact portion 122 may have a smaller size and / or a different shape compared to the cooling member contact portion 122 located between adjacent battery cells 110. In one example, the cooling member contact portion 122 provided at the ends of the side structures 120, 120' may have a semi-triangular shape compared to the cooling member contact portion 122 located between adjacent battery cells 110.

[0089] The cooling component contact portion 122 may extend from the cell contact portion 121 toward one or two rows of battery cells 110. For example, the cooling component contact portion 122 may extend from the cell contact portion 121 toward the +Y direction side and / or the -Y direction side. If the side structure 120 is configured to accommodate and support two rows of battery cells 110, the cooling component contact portion 122 may be configured to extend alternately toward the +Y direction side or the -Y direction side along the longitudinal direction or the X-axis direction of the side structure 120. If the side structure 120' is configured to accommodate and support one row of battery cells 110, the cooling component contact portion 122 may be configured to extend toward either the +Y direction side or the -Y direction side along the longitudinal direction or the X-axis direction of the side structure 120'.

[0090] If the cooling member contact portion 122 is configured as described above, a sufficient contact area SB between the cooling member contact portion 122 and the cooling member 300 can be ensured. The contact area SB can be a predetermined area that contacts a predetermined area of ​​the cooling member 300. The contact area SB can be the area of ​​a cooling member contact portion 122 that contacts the cooling member 300. Furthermore, the cooling member contact portion 122 can minimize the gap between the battery cells 110, allowing the battery cells 110 to be more firmly contacted and supported. Therefore, in some aspects, the contact area SB can occupy at least half of the approximately triangular space between two adjacent battery cells 110 and the cell contact portion 121. In other aspects, the contact area SB can occupy at least 2 / 3 of the space. In yet another aspect, the contact area SB can be at least 3 / 4 of the space. In yet another aspect, the contact area SB can be 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or more of the area of ​​the space between two adjacent battery cells 110 and the cell contact portion 121.

[0091] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion 122 can be formed into a flat shape and can have a flat surface. Although other shapes or surface structures can be used. For example, the bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion 122 may include, for example, grooves, channels, notches, or protrusions (not shown) to provide additional surface area of ​​the cooling member contact portion 122 when the thermally conductive material is located between the cooling member contact portion 122 and the cooling member 300. Grooves, channels, notches, or protrusions may be alternatively or additionally provided on the cooling member 300.

[0092] The bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion 122 can be formed as a plane that is substantially parallel to the height direction or the Z-axis direction of the cell array structure 100. For example, the bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion 122 can be formed as a flat surface so as to be parallel to the XY plane.

[0093] If the cooling component contact portion 122 is configured as described above, the cooling component contact portion 122 can make closer contact with the cooling component 300 more efficiently, and therefore the cell array structure 100 can be further optimized for bottom cooling.

[0094] The bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion 122 can be formed to have the same height as the bottom of the battery cell 110 (i.e., relative to the vertical position of the cooling member 300). In other words, the bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion 122 and the bottom of the battery cell 110 can be arranged on the same plane.

[0095] If the cooling component contact portion 122 is configured as described above, the space efficiency within the cell array structure 100 can be improved, making the cell array structure 100 compact and lightweight, and increasing the energy density of the cell array structure 100.

[0096] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 At least one side structure 120 can be arranged in each row of multiple battery cells 110.

[0097] For example, multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged in multiple rows, and at least one side structure 120 can be arranged between the rows.

[0098] For example, the side structure 120' can also be arranged at the outermost edge of the plurality of battery cells 110, and in this case, at least one side structure 120' can be arranged on one or both sides of the row of battery cells 110 arranged at the outermost edge.

[0099] At least one side structure 120, 120' can be configured to contact each side of each battery cell 110 of the cell array structure 100.

[0100] If the side structures 120, 120' are arranged as described above, all the battery cells 110 of the cell array structure 100 can be accommodated and supported by the side structures 120, 120', thereby improving the rigidity and structural stability of the cell array structure 100. Furthermore, since each side of all the battery cells 110 of the cell array structure 100 can contact the side structures 120, 120', the cooling performance of the cell array structure 100 can be maximized.

[0101] Figure 8 This is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0102] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The cell contact portion 121 of the side structure 120, 120' can contact the side surface of the battery cell 110.

[0103] The cell contact portion 121 can be configured in a repeatedly folded shape, such as corrugated or fluted, to contact at least a portion of the surface of the side of an adjacent battery cell 110. For example, when the battery cells 110 are cylindrical and tightly stacked, the cell contact portion 121 can be configured with a repeatedly arcing shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the battery cell 110. The cell contact portion 121 can be configured in a laterally repeatedly folded shape to contact the surface of each adjacent battery cell 110 in two rows of battery cells 110. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the cell contact portion 121 can be configured in an approximately wavy shape.

[0104] If the cell contact portion 121 is configured as described above, a wide contact area can be ensured between the cell contact portion 121 and the side of the battery cell 110, thereby improving the heat transfer effect between the battery cell 110 and the cell contact portion 121, and thus improving the cooling performance of the cell array structure 100.

[0105] Specifically, refer to Figure 8 The contact angle θ between the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110 can be from 50 degrees to 70 degrees. For example, the contact angle θ can be approximately 60 degrees. Here, the contact angle θ can be understood as the angle formed between the two ends of the arc formed by the contact between a battery cell 110 and the cell contact 121 of a side structure 120, 120', around the center O of the battery cell 110 when viewed in the height direction or Z-axis direction of the battery cell 110.

[0106] The surface area of ​​the cylindrical battery cell 110 is equal to the height H of the battery cell 110. cell Multiply by the perimeter P of the battery cell 110. The battery cell contact surface area SA is the area of ​​the cell contact portion 121 of the side structure 120, 120' in contact with a battery cell 110. In some examples, the contact angle θ of the cell contact portion 121 (as a fraction of 180°) is multiplied by the height H of the cell contact portion. cp (as H) cell The percentage () can provide the battery cell contact surface area SA of the battery cell 110 in contact with the cell contact 121. In some examples, the contact area between the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110 in the cell array structure 100 can be determined by Equation 1.

[0107] (Equation 1)

[0108] In one example, the cell contact 121 has a contact angle θ of 50 degrees and is H cell 90% of the height H cp Therefore, the cell contact 121 can provide

[0109] The battery cell contact surface area SA. In another example, the contact angle θ is 70 degrees and the height H of the cell contact portion. cp For H cell 80%, therefore the cell contact 121 can provide

[0110] The battery cell contact surface area SA. A skilled technician can choose other contact angles θ and / or the height H of the cell contact area. cp To provide a desired battery cell contact surface area SA between the cell contact 121 and the battery cell 110.

[0111] In other examples, the battery cell contact surface area SA may differ from Equation 1 when the height of the cell contact varies along its length or the contact angle θ along the length of the cell contact 121 is different for some battery cells 110. In one example, the height of the cell contact 121 at one end may be shorter or higher than the height of the cell contact 121 in the middle. In one example, the contact angle θ at the end of the cell contact 121 may be greater or less than the contact angle θ in the middle of the cell contact 121.

[0112] If the cell contact portion 121 is configured as described above, sufficient contact area between the cell contact portion 121 and the side of the battery cell 110 can be ensured, thereby improving the heat transfer effect between the battery cell 110 and the cell contact portion 121. Furthermore, since the cell contact portion 121 can uniformly and tightly support multiple battery cells 110, the rigidity and structural stability of the cell array structure 100 can be further improved.

[0113] In some examples, the total battery cell contact surface area SA of the cell array structure 100 total It is the sum of the contact surface areas SA of all battery cells included in the side structures 120, 120' of the cell array structure 100. In some examples, it refers to the total contact area SB of the cell array structure 100. total It is the sum of the contact areas SB of the side structures 120, 120' included in the cell array structure 100.

[0114] The relationship between the battery cell contact surface area SA and the contact area SB can be selected. For example, SA total :SB total The ratio can be chosen to be approximately 1:1 ≤ SA total :SB total ≤1:0.05; 1:0.9≤SA total :SB total ≤1:0.1; 1:0.8≤SA total :SB total≤1:0.2; 1:0.75≤SA total :SB total ≤1:0.25; or 1:0.6≤SA total :SB total Within the range of ≤1:0.4, or SA total :SB total The ratio can be approximately 1:0.5.

[0115] Table 1: Comparison of the properties of materials used in conventional side structures with the properties of materials in side structures 120, 120' according to this disclosure.

[0116]

[0117] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 As per Table 1, side structures 120, 120' may comprise metallic materials. That is, side structures 120, 120' may be made of metallic materials. Side structures 120, 120' may comprise metallic materials with high thermal conductivity. For example, metallic materials having thermal conductivity in the range of greater than 75 W / (K·m), greater than 100 W / (K·m), greater than 150 W / (K·m), greater than 200 W / (K·m), or greater than 225 W / (K·m) at ambient temperature are preferred. The thermal conductivity of the composite side structures 120, 120' may have a total thermal conductivity influenced by the thermal conductivity of the materials of the composite side structures. For example, composite side structures having thermal conductivity greater than 60 W / (K·m), greater than 75 W / (K·m), greater than 125 W / (K·m), greater than 190 W / (K·m), or greater than 200 W / (K·m) at ambient temperature are preferred.

[0118] If the side structures 120, 120' contain metallic materials as described above, the cooling performance and rigidity of the cell array structure 100 can be improved. Furthermore, even if the side structures 120, 120' are arranged in a relatively thin or small size, the cell array structure 100 can be configured to be compact, and the energy density of the cell array structure 100 can be increased.

[0119] Metallic materials may include aluminum (Al) or alloys thereof. Aluminum can be a material with excellent thermal conductivity, high heat capacity, and light weight (due to its low density). Side structures 120, 120' may include, for example, aluminum materials, such as Al3003. The thermal conductivity of Al3003 may be about 150 to 190 W / (K·m). Material selection may be made considering not only thermal conductivity but also processability. Metallic materials may include other metals with high thermal conductivity, such as magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), or silver (Ag), or alloys thereof.

[0120] If the side structures 120, 120' contain aluminum material, the cooling performance and rigidity of the cell array structure 100 can be improved, ensuring compactness and reducing weight, thereby further increasing energy density.

[0121] Additionally, referring to Table 1, conventional side structures can have very low thermal conductivity and heavy weight because they contain plastic materials (e.g., modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO)). However, the side structures 120, 120' according to this disclosure can contain metallic materials such as aluminum and can be formed to have very high thermal conductivity, thereby providing better cooling performance for the battery cell 110. Furthermore, it can be found that the volume of the side structures 120, 120 according to this disclosure can be significantly reduced compared to conventional side structures, and therefore their weight can be significantly reduced (approximately 37% reduction compared to conventional side structures).

[0122] Figure 9a and Figure 9b This is a perspective view showing a side structure according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0123] Refer to Table 1. Figure 9a and Figure 9b The cell array structure 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. The side structures 120, 120' of the cell array structure 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include an insulating coating 123 formed thereon.

[0124] Specifically, the side structures 120, 120' can be composite side structures. In one example, the composite side structures 120, 120' may include an insulating coating 123 formed on at least a portion of their surfaces. The insulating coating 123 may be formed on the cell contact portion 121, for example, as... Figure 9a and Figure 9b As shown in the figure. Although not shown, the insulating coating 123 may also be formed on the contact portion 122 of the cooling component.

[0125] The insulating coating 123 can be formed on both sides of the side structure 120 in the Y-axis direction, such as... Figure 9a and Figure 9b As shown.

[0126] The insulating coating 123 may comprise an insulating material. The insulating coating 123 can be understood as a layer in which an insulating material is coated on the outer surface of the side structures 120, 120'.

[0127] Insulating materials may include epoxy materials. Epoxy materials can possess excellent electrical insulation properties. However, other insulating materials can be used alone or in combination. For example, silicone, polyurethane, or acrylic can be used as insulating materials. The insulating material can be an electrical insulator, which may, for example, have a density of about 10...8 To about 10 18 Resistivity of Ω·cm or greater. Insulating materials can be any material that exhibits high resistance to the flow of electrons through them.

[0128] Table 2: Thickness ratio of aluminum to epoxy and corresponding aluminum and epoxy volumes

[0129] As the thickness ratio of aluminum to epoxy varies (Al 1.2 T~1.4 T, epoxy resin 0.3 T~0.2 T), assuming a volume ratio of 1 part to 100%, the aluminum volume ratio can be selected as approximately 65-80%.

[0130] If an insulating coating 123 is formed on the side structures 120, 120' as described above, electrical insulation between the side structures 120, 120' and the battery cell 110 can be ensured.

[0131] Figure 10 This is an enlarged front view showing a portion of a battery pack according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0132] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10 According to one aspect of this disclosure, the battery pack 10 may further include a cooling member 300 as described above. The cooling member 300 may be arranged to contact the cooling member contact portion 122 of the side structures 120, 120' at the bottom of the cell array structure 100, and thus, the cell array structure 100 may be configured as a bottom cooling structure. Heat generated in the battery cells 110 may sequentially pass through the cell contact portion 121 and the cooling member contact portion 122, and ultimately be transferred to the cooling member 300.

[0133] At the same time, refer to again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may further include a battery pack housing 200. A receiving space for accommodating at least one cell array structure 100 may be formed inside the battery pack housing 200. The battery pack housing 200 may further include a base plate 210, side wall portions 220, and a battery pack cover 230. The base plate 210 may form the bottom of the battery pack housing 200. The side wall portions 220 may surround the base plate 210 and, together with the base plate 210, form the receiving space for accommodating at least one cell array structure 100. A cooling member 300 may be disposed within the receiving space on the base plate 210. The battery pack cover 230 may be configured to cover the receiving space. The battery pack housing 200 may further include crossbeams configured to separate the receiving spaces.

[0134] At the same time, refer to again Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cell array structure 100 may further include sidewalls 130. Sidewalls 130 may be arranged at the outermost points of the cell array structure 100. For example, sidewalls 130 may be arranged at the two outermost points of the cell array structure 100 in the Y-axis direction. Sidewalls 130 may accommodate and support a row of battery cells 110 on one side (either the +Y direction side or the -Y direction side). Sidewalls 130 may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the cell array structure 100. For example, sidewalls 130 may extend along the X-axis direction, like side structure 120.

[0135] Meanwhile, the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may also include various components other than those described above, such as components of battery packs known at the time of filing of this application, such as BMS (Battery Management System), relays, current sensors, etc.

[0136] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0137] In the following text, see references Figure 11 The battery pack 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure can be applied to a vehicle V, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. That is, the vehicle V according to this disclosure may include the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure. The battery pack 10 may be mounted under the vehicle seats in the vehicle frame or in the trunk space. In addition to the battery pack 10, the vehicle V according to one aspect of this disclosure may also include various other components disposed within the vehicle. For example, besides the battery pack 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, the vehicle V according to one aspect of this disclosure may also include a body, a motor, control devices such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0138] In addition to the vehicle V, the battery pack 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure can also be installed in other devices, equipment and facilities, such as energy storage systems using secondary batteries.

[0139] At the same time, although directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for ease of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0140] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred aspects of this disclosure, they are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the detailed description.

[0141] [Figure Labels]

[0142] 10: Battery Pack

[0143] 100: Cell array structure

[0144] 110: Battery Cells

[0145] 111: First electrode terminal

[0146] 112: Second electrode terminal

[0147] 120,120': Side structure

[0148] 121: Cell contact area

[0149] 122: Contact area of ​​cooling components

[0150] 123: Insulating coating

[0151] 130: Sidewall

[0152] 200: Battery pack casing

[0153] 210: Base Plate

[0154] 220: Side wall portion

[0155] 230: Battery pack cover

[0156] 300: Cooling components

[0157] A: Contact angle

[0158] V: Vehicle

Claims

1. A battery cell array structure, the battery cell array structure comprising: Multiple battery cells; as well as At least one side structure, said at least one side structure accommodating and supporting the battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, Wherein, the at least one side structure includes: A cell contact portion, at least a portion of which contacts one of the plurality of battery cells; and The cooling component contact portion has a bottom surface formed to contact a predetermined area of ​​the cooling component. The at least one side structure is configured to transfer heat between the battery cells and the cooling member in the plurality of battery cells via the cell contact portion and the cooling member contact portion.

2. The cell array structure according to claim 1, in, Each of the plurality of battery cells has a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal at its top.

3. The cell array structure according to claim 1, in, The cooling component contact portion includes a portion extending from the bottom of the cell contact portion toward the space between adjacent cell cells in the plurality of battery cells.

4. The cell array structure according to claim 1, in, The bottom surface of the contact portion of the cooling component is formed into a flat shape.

5. The cell array structure according to claim 1, in, The bottom surface of the contact portion of the cooling component has the same vertical position relative to the cooling component as the bottom surface of the battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

6. The cell array structure according to claim 1, in, The battery cells in the plurality of battery cells are arranged in rows, and at least one side structure is arranged along each row of battery cells.

7. The cell array structure according to claim 1, in, The cell contact portion contacts the side surface of one of the plurality of battery cells.

8. The cell array structure according to claim 7, in, The contact angle between the cell contact portion and the battery cell is formed to be 50 degrees to 70 degrees.

9. The cell array structure according to claim 1, in, The side structure comprises metal.

10. The cell array structure according to claim 9, in, The metal includes aluminum.

11. The cell array structure according to claim 1, in, An electrically insulating coating is formed on at least a portion of the surface of the side structure, and The electrically insulating coating comprises an electrically insulating material.

12. The cell array structure according to claim 11, in, The electrical insulating material includes epoxy material.

13. A battery pack comprising at least one cell array structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, further comprising: A cooling component is disposed at the bottom of the cell array structure.

15. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 13.

16. A side structure for accommodating and supporting battery cells in a cell array structure, the side structure comprising: A cell contact portion, at least a portion of which is configured to contact the battery cell; as well as The cooling component contact portion has a bottom surface configured to contact a predetermined area of ​​the cooling component. The side structure comprises metal and is configured to transfer heat between the plurality of battery cells and the cooling component.

17. The side structure according to claim 16, in, The side structure has an electrically insulating coating formed on at least a portion of the surface of the side structure, and The electrically insulating coating comprises an electrically insulating material.

18. The side structure according to claim 17, in, The electrical insulating material includes epoxy material.

19. The side structure according to claim 16, in, The battery cell contact portion has a corrugated shape.

20. The side structure according to claim 16, in, The cooling component contact portion is one of a plurality of cooling component contact portions that extend alternately on two opposite sides of the side structure.

21. The side structure according to claim 16, in, The cooling component contact portion is one of a plurality of cooling component contact portions extending only on one side of the side structure.

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