Battery cell array and battery pack and vehicle including 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 being characterized by comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in n rows in a predetermined length; and cooling tubes which cool the plurality of battery cells and come into contact with the plurality of battery cells so as to surround at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery cells, wherein n cooling tubes are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of battery cells arranged in the n rows.

Description

Battery cell array, battery pack and vehicle including the same

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0121656, filed on September 6, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

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

[0005] Meanwhile, to optimize battery cell performance and lifespan, stable cooling through effective thermal management between cells is essential. In particular, cooling technology capable of quickly and evenly removing heat generated between cells is crucial for high-density battery packs, such as those used in electric vehicles and energy storage devices. To achieve this, cooling tubes positioned between battery cells must maximize heat transfer performance and rapidly dissipate heat. The design of cooling tubes to enhance cooling efficiency plays a crucial role in maintaining a uniform battery cell temperature and preventing overheating in specific cells.

[0006] However, existing cooling tubes were designed to cool two rows of battery cells simultaneously, with a cooling area per cell of only about 16% of the total cell area. This structural limitation resulted in low cooling efficiency, making it difficult to effectively control cell temperature. In particular, as OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have recently strengthened their requirements for quick charge (QC) performance in battery packs, the heat generated from cells has significantly increased. Consequently, achieving efficient thermal management with existing cooling systems is becoming increasingly challenging.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for the development of a battery cell array structure equipped with cooling tubes that can effectively manage heat between battery cells to resolve increased heat generation and further maximize cooling efficiency.

[0008] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell array capable of further improving cooling efficiency compared to existing battery cells, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0009] Alternatively, in one aspect, it is to provide a battery cell array, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can increase the cooling area ratio of the battery cells by increasing the curvature of the cooling tube.

[0010] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0011] In order to solve the above object, the present invention provides a battery cell array, comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in n rows with a predetermined length; and cooling tubes that cool the plurality of battery cells and contact each of the plurality of battery cells so as to surround at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery cells; wherein the number of cooling tubes is n so as to form a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of battery cells arranged in the n rows.

[0012] Additionally, preferably, the cooling tube may be formed such that at least a portion of the cooling tube is sandwiched between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] Additionally, preferably, the cooling tube may be formed such that at least a portion thereof is formed in close contact in both directions with at least one pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0014] Additionally, preferably, the cooling tube may have a contact angle of 90 degrees with each of at least one pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] Additionally, preferably, the cooling tube may include convex portions and concave portions that are repeatedly provided along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] Additionally, preferably, the plurality of battery cells each contacting the convex portion and the concave portion may be arranged in a row.

[0017] Additionally, preferably, the convex and concave portions can be shaped to adjust the number of contacts of the battery cells.

[0018] Additionally, preferably, the convex portion and the concave portion may each be configured to accommodate two battery cells.

[0019] Additionally, preferably, the convex and concave portions may be configured to accommodate different numbers of battery cells in the array direction.

[0020] Additionally, preferably, the cooling tube may include at least one bent portion that is in contact with the battery cell and at least one flat portion that is not in contact with the battery cell.

[0021] Additionally, preferably, the heat transfer member may further include a heat transfer member coupled to the plurality of battery cells and configured to be in contact with the flat portion.

[0022] Additionally, preferably, the cooling tube may include a recessed portion configured to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of at least one pair of adjacent battery cells on the same side with respect to the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] Additionally, preferably, an adhesive member may be further included between the plurality of battery cells and the cooling tube.

[0024] It may include a side structure that supports the plurality of battery cells and guides the adhesion of the cooling tube toward the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] And, the present invention provides a battery pack, characterized in that it includes at least one battery cell array according to the above-described embodiments.

[0026] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle, characterized in that it includes at least one battery pack according to the embodiments described above.

[0027] The battery cell array according to various embodiments of the present invention, the battery pack including the same, and the vehicle have the effect of increasing the cooling area per battery cell, thereby achieving high cooling efficiency.

[0028] Alternatively, in one aspect, it has the effect of keeping the temperature of the battery cell at a low level by dissipating the increased heat generated due to QC (Quick Charge).

[0029] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery cell array according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion where adjacent battery cells and cooling tubes come into contact in a battery cell array according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the contact angle of a cooling tube in a battery cell array according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings for explaining the contact structure of a cooling tube and a battery cell in a battery cell array according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell receiving unit of a battery cell array according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing showing the contact form of a cooling tube of a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing showing the contact form of a cooling tube of a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a schematic enlarged view of a battery cell array according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 15 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0046] Accordingly, 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. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0047] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0048] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may have exaggerated dimensions. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0049] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0050] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0051] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0052] Throughout the specification, when reference is made to “A and / or B,” this may mean A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0053] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that these terms may vary depending on the position, arrangement, rotation, and position of the object being targeted, or the position of the observer.

[0054]

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery cell array (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery cell array (10) may include a battery cell (100) and a cooling tube (200).

[0057] Hereinafter, in each embodiment of the present invention, the description is limited to the case where each of the plurality of battery cells (100) is a cylindrical secondary battery, but the battery cell (100) of the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be provided as a secondary battery, such as a cylindrical secondary battery, a pouch-type secondary battery, or a square secondary battery.

[0058] The cooling tube (200) is intended to cool the plurality of battery cells (100) and can be brought into contact with at least a portion of each battery cell (100). Accordingly, the cooling tube (200) can have a cell contact shape having a predetermined curvature for coming into contact with the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0059] Additionally, the cooling tube (200) may be provided with a cooling water inlet / outlet channel for the flow of a cooling medium for effective heat management within the battery cell array (10). The cooling medium may be water, a liquid with high heat transfer efficiency. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may include one or more fluids capable of effectively exchanging heat under various conditions in addition to water as the cooling medium.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cells (100) in the battery cell array (10) may be provided in multiple numbers, and each battery cell (100) may be arranged in a row to optimize spatial efficiency within a battery pack (P, see FIG. 14) described below. In this way, the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in a row may be arranged to a predetermined length suitable for accommodation within the battery pack (P), and then may be arranged in multiple rows using this as a basic unit. This arrangement is designed to maximize spatial efficiency within the battery pack (P) and to facilitate electrical connection and heat management within the battery pack (P).

[0061] The cooling tubes (200) may be provided in n numbers so as to form a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in n rows. Here, n may be a natural number. In this way, in one embodiment of the present invention, one of the plurality of battery cells (100) as the basic unit arranged in each row and one of the cooling tubes (200) may be configured to be assembled or combined so as to form a correspondence relationship. In the conventional technology, a single cooling tube was used to simultaneously cool cells arranged in two rows, which caused a problem in that the cooling efficiency for each battery cell (100) was distributed. However, in the present embodiment, the cooling tubes (200) form a correspondence relationship with the battery cells (100) arranged in each row, so that they can independently and more precisely cool them, thereby maximizing the cooling efficiency per battery cell (100).

[0062] Accordingly, the battery cell array (10) according to the present invention can provide an efficient and stable thermal management solution through the cooling tube (200) structure corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in each row.

[0063]

[0064] Below, the cooling tube (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view schematically showing a portion where adjacent battery cells (100) and the cooling tube (200) come into contact in a battery cell array (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a top view for explaining a contact angle (θ) of the cooling tube (200) in a battery cell array (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings for explaining a contact structure of the cooling tube (200) and the battery cell (100) in a battery cell array (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the cooling tube (200) is formed to a predetermined length required to cool the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in each row, and may be formed to have a predetermined curvature in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) to increase cooling performance with the battery cells (100) provided as the cylindrical secondary battery. This is to secure a larger contact area between the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200), thereby increasing cooling performance.

[0067] The cooling tube (200) may be formed so that at least a portion thereof is disposed between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells (100) among the plurality of battery cells (100) so as to further increase the curvature of the cooling tube (200) and thereby expand the cooling area ratio.

[0068] At this time, the cooling tube (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed to be in close contact with two adjacent battery cells (100) in both directions while a portion of the cooling tube passes between the two adjacent battery cells (100). Accordingly, by positioning the cooling tube (200) as close as possible to the heat-generating area of ​​the battery cell (100) to maximize the thermal contact area between the cooling tube (200) and the battery cell (100), the heat exchange that occurs when the cooling medium circulates through the cooling tube (200) can be performed more efficiently.

[0069] The cooling tube (200) may be formed to have a contact angle (θ) of a certain range or greater with at least one pair of adjacent battery cells (100) among the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0070] Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in order to further increase the thermal contact area between the cooling tube (200) and the battery cell (100), at least one pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells (100) and the cooling tube (200) may be formed to have a contact angle (θ) of 90 degrees. The cooling tube (200), by being formed with the contact angle (θ) of 90 degrees, provides a wider contact area to the heat generation area of ​​the battery cell (100), that is, a thermal contact area expanded from the existing cooling area ratio of about 16% to about 25%, thereby contributing to further increasing heat transfer efficiency. Such a structure can more effectively absorb heat generated from the battery cell (100) as the cooling medium flows through the cooling tube (200).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the cooling tube (200) may have a curved shape as a result of repeatedly crossing the horizontal direction with respect to the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in a row in each column.

[0072] Specifically, the curved shape of the cooling tube (200) may be a shape provided by an alternating arrangement of convex portions and concave portions in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The alternating arrangement of the convex portions and concave portions may mean that one concave portion is provided between two convex portions, and one convex portion is provided between two concave portions. The cooling tube (200) may be formed into such a curved shape by pressurizing a press device during the manufacture of the cooling tube (200). That is, the cooling tube (200) may be manufactured by alternately providing convex portions and concave portions by pressurizing the press device.

[0073] In addition, the convex and concave portions may be formed to have sufficient curvature and arranged to contact each other so that the entire battery cell (100) can be stably accommodated in each portion. This structure can maximize heat transfer efficiency by increasing the close contact between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200). That is, the convex and concave portions may be configured to wrap around the battery cell (100) as if accommodating it more deeply, so that the wider outer surface of the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200) can be in maximum close contact. Through this, heat generated from the battery cell (100) can be effectively absorbed and heat can be quickly released through the cooling tube (200), thereby greatly improving the thermal management performance of the battery cell array (10).

[0074] At this time, preferably, the plurality of battery cells (100) that are in contact with the convex portion and the concave portion respectively are arranged in a row to form a straight line, so that even when arranged in n rows, the optimal space efficiency and density within the battery pack (P) can be maintained by the straight line arrangement of the plurality of battery cells (100) in each row.

[0075] The cooling tube (200) is formed to a predetermined length required to cool the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in each row, as shown in FIG. 5, and may be formed to have a predetermined curvature in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) according to the alternating formation structure of the convex portion and the concave portion so as to increase cooling performance with the battery cells (100) provided as the cylindrical secondary battery.

[0076] In addition, the cooling tube (200) may include at least one curved portion (211) having a predetermined curvature that comes into contact with the battery cell (100) and at least one flat portion (212) that does not come into contact with the battery cell (100).

[0077] The above-mentioned curved portion (211) is a portion that directly performs heat exchange through contact with the battery cell (100), and may be formed so that the curved surface of the cooling tube (200) adheres closely to the outer surface, i.e., the outer circumference, of the battery cell (100). This structural characteristic can maximize the heat transfer area, thereby efficiently transferring heat generated from each battery cell (100) to the cooling tube (200).

[0078] The flat portion (212) is a portion where the cooling tube (200) does not directly contact the battery cell (100), and an empty space may be formed between the battery cell (100) and the flat portion (212). The empty space forms a certain air layer between the battery cell (100) and the flat portion (212), and due to its structure, a path may be provided through which a cooling medium may freely circulate inside the cooling tube. As a result, the cooling medium may efficiently flow through the flat portion (212) inside the cooling tube (200), thereby increasing the efficiency of heat exchange. In particular, this relatively flat path may enable smooth circulation without obstructing the flow of the cooling medium, thereby improving the overall heat transfer performance.

[0079] In addition, the empty space can help to evenly distribute the heat of the battery cell (100) and can help to control the thermal conductivity of the cooling tube (200). In addition, the empty space between the flat portion (212) and the battery cell (100) can provide a buffering effect against thermal contraction and expansion, and can contribute to alleviating mechanical pressure or stress that may occur during the installation and removal process of the cooling tube (200).

[0080] In this way, the empty space between the flat portion (212) and the cooling tube (200) can make the structural design of the cooling tube (200) more flexible, thereby ensuring effective and stable operation of the battery cell array (20).

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (100) accommodating unit of a battery cell array (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The cooling tube (200) may include convex and concave portions of various shapes designed to optimize the thermal contact area with the battery cell (100), as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0084] Specifically, each of the convex and concave portions of the cooling tube (200) may have a structure that implements a variety of numbers of the battery cells (100) that come into contact with each other. For example, the convex and concave portions may be formed to accommodate the same number of battery cells (100), or may be formed to accommodate different numbers of battery cells (100). Through this, one, two, three or more battery cells (100) may be formed to come into contact with the convex and concave portions depending on the arrangement of the battery cells (100). For example, the convex portion may be formed to allow only one battery cell (100) to come into close contact with each other, or to allow two battery cells (100) to come into contact with each other simultaneously, and the concave portion may provide sufficient space to accommodate three or more battery cells (100) to come into contact with each other. These various contact configurations can maximize the thermal contact area depending on the arrangement of the battery cells (100) and contribute to effectively dispersing the heat generated from each battery cell (100), thereby significantly improving the overall thermal management performance of the battery cell array (10).

[0085] In addition, the cooling tube (200) may be formed so that the battery cells (100) are regularly or irregularly brought into contact with these portions. For example, the cooling tube (200) may be formed so as to accommodate two battery cells (100) in each of the convex portion and the concave portion (a), or may be structured so as to accommodate different numbers of battery cells (100) in the array direction, such that one battery cell (100) is accommodated in the convex portion and two battery cells (100) are accommodated in the concave portion (b).

[0086]

[0087] The structure of the cooling tube (200) in which the number of battery cells (100) in contact is implemented in various ways can be formed in a fixed or adjustable form designed according to cooling requirements and the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells (100). Specifically, the convex and concave portions of the cooling tube (200) can be designed in various shapes and sizes.

[0088] Specifically, these structural features can be implemented in various ways.

[0089] First, the cooling tube (200) may be formed as a fixed structure for a specific battery cell arrangement. In this case, the convex and concave portions may be manufactured in predetermined positions and sizes to fit the pre-designed battery cell (100) arrangement, so that only a specific number of battery cells (100) may be brought into contact with the cooling tube (200) at designated positions. For example, the convex portion may be formed in a fixed manner so that only one battery cell (100) may be brought into contact, and the concave portion may be formed in a fixed manner so that it has a depth or curvature that allows two or more battery cells (100) to be brought into contact simultaneously. Such a fixed structure may simplify the manufacturing process and be suitable for repetitive arrangements.

[0090] In addition, the cooling tube (200) may be formed as a flexible structure that can be adjusted according to changes in the arrangement of the corresponding plurality of battery cells (100). In this case, the convex and concave portions are formed of relatively flexible materials or a modular design, so that the user can arbitrarily adjust the number of contacts of the battery cells (100) with the convex and concave portions as needed. For example, when the cooling tube (200) is made of an elastic material or a thermoplastic resin, the positions or sizes of the convex and concave portions can be adjusted according to the size and arrangement of the battery cells (100), so as to make contact with a variety of battery cells (100). In addition, in a modular design, the number of battery cells in contact in a specific area can be adjusted by replacing or rearranging individual components of the cooling tube (200). This flexible structure can respond to various arrangements of the battery cells (100) of various sizes and shapes, and can provide an optimal thermal contact area according to cooling requirements.

[0091]

[0092] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell array (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a drawing schematically showing the contact form of a cooling tube (200) of a battery cell array (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the battery cell array (20) may include the battery cell (100), the cooling tube (200), and the heat transfer member (300).

[0094] The above heat transfer member (300) may be configured to be coupled with at least one pair of adjacent plurality of battery cells (100) and to be in contact with the flat portion (212) of the cooling tube (200).

[0095] The heat transfer member (300) may be formed of a material with excellent thermal conductivity and configured to effectively transfer heat generated from the battery cell (100) to the cooling tube (200). Such materials have high thermal conductivity and can quickly transfer heat, thereby helping heat to be quickly transferred from the battery cell (100) to the cooling tube (200).

[0096] The heat transfer member (300) may be precisely shaped to maximize heat transfer efficiency. For example, the heat transfer member (300) may be formed to completely fill the empty space between the flat portion (212) and the battery cell (100). This shape can maximize the characteristics of the thermally conductive material to ensure that heat is uniformly transferred through the heat transfer member (300). In addition, the heat transfer member (300) may contribute to increasing the contact area between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200) and optimizing the heat transfer path.

[0097] In addition, the surface treatment and shape of the heat transfer member (300) can further improve thermal conductivity. For example, by forming fine protrusions or patterns on the surface of the heat transfer member (300), the contact area between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200) can be increased, and a heat conduction path can be established more effectively. Such surface treatment contributes to improving heat transfer performance, and can maximize heat exchange efficiency by maximizing thermal contact between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200).

[0098]

[0099] Hereinafter, the shape and bonding process of the heat transfer member (300) according to the present embodiment will be specifically examined.

[0100] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the heat transfer member (300) may be formed to maximize the thermal contact area between the cylindrical battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200). The heat transfer member (300) is formed to surround the outer surface of the battery cell (100), and may include a concave portion for close coupling with the battery cell (100). This concave portion is in close contact with the cylindrical outer surface of the battery cell (100), and has a structure that can directly transfer heat generated from the battery cell (100) to the heat transfer member (300).

[0101] Looking at this process in detail, when the battery cell (100) is coupled to the concave portion of the heat transfer member (300), the outer surface of the battery cell (100) comes into close contact with the inner concave surface of the heat transfer member (300). The heat transfer member (300) is arranged around the battery cell (100) and comes into contact with the outer surface of the battery cell (100) over a maximum area to efficiently absorb and conduct heat generated from the battery cell (100).

[0102] The heat transfer member (300) has concave portions on both sides, so that two battery cells (100) can be coupled to each concave portion. As a result, the heat transfer member (300) can be coupled to two battery cells (100) on both sides simultaneously. The battery cells (100) can be fixed or attached to the concave portions of the heat transfer member (300) to form a single unit as a whole and come into contact with the cooling tube (200).

[0103] In a state where the heat transfer member (300) and the battery cell (100) are combined, they can be assembled so as to be in close contact with the curved portion (211) and the flat portion (212) of the cooling tube (200) as a whole. That is, the heat transfer member (300) is in direct contact with the flat portion (212) of the cooling tube (200), and the battery cell (100) is in contact with the curved portion (211) that is curved to be in close contact with the outer surface of the battery cell (100), thereby providing a maximum thermal contact area between the outer surface of the battery cell (100) and the surface of the cooling tube (200).

[0104] Accordingly, the heat generated in the battery cell (100) is effectively transferred to the cooling tube (200) directly or through the heat transfer member (300), and can be quickly released through the cooling medium circulating inside the cooling tube (200).

[0105] This structural design is configured to maximize cooling efficiency by quickly transferring heat generated from the battery cell (100) directly or indirectly to the cooling tube (200). The combined structure of the cylindrical battery cell (100) and the heat transfer member (300) having a concave portion and the process of the combined structure coming into contact with the cooling tube (200) can improve the thermal management performance of the battery cell array (20) and ensure stable and efficient battery operation.

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell array (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a drawing schematically showing the contact form of a cooling tube (220) of a battery cell array (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the battery cell array (30) may include the battery cells (100) and the cooling tube (220). The cooling tube (220), like the cooling tube (200, see FIG. 5) of the previous embodiment, is formed to have a predetermined length required to cool the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in each row, and may be formed to have a predetermined curvature in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) to increase cooling performance with the battery cells (100) provided as the cylindrical secondary battery.

[0109] In addition, the cooling tube (220) may include a plurality of curved portions (221) that are in close contact with the battery cell (100) and a plurality of recessed portions (222) that are formed between the plurality of curved portions and are in at least partial contact with the battery cell.

[0110] The above-mentioned bending portion (221) is a portion that directly transfers heat through contact with the battery cell (100), and may be formed to adhere closely to the outer surface, i.e., the outer circumference, of the battery cell (100). This structural characteristic maximizes the heat transfer area, thereby efficiently transferring heat generated from each battery cell (100) to the cooling tube (220).

[0111] The above-mentioned bending portion (221) is in close contact with the heat generating area of ​​the battery cell (100), and thus can contribute to effectively dissipating the heat generated by each battery cell (100). This close contact design increases heat transfer efficiency and allows the cooling medium to more effectively absorb and cool heat.

[0112] The above-mentioned recessed portion (222) is a region in the cooling tube (220) that at least partially contacts the battery cell (100), and may be configured to be in close contact with at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of at least one pair of adjacent battery cells (100) located on the same side based on the arrangement direction of the battery cells (100). In other words, when the cooling tube (220) is configured to simultaneously surround and contact two or more battery cells (100), it may be formed to reduce or fill the empty space between the cooling tube (220) and the adjacent battery cells (100).

[0113] To this end, the shape of the recessed portion (222) can be precisely formed in such a way that it closely adheres to the cylindrical outer surface of the battery cell (100) to provide an optimal heat transfer path. The recessed portion (222) can be formed to have a gently curved shape corresponding to the outer surface curvature of the battery cell (100). In addition, it can be formed of a flexible material so that the user can arbitrarily adjust the cooling tube (220) to closely adhere to the space between adjacent battery cells (100). Through this, the recessed portion (222) can maximize heat transfer efficiency by creating a minimum gap between the curved surface of each battery cell (100) and the inner surface of the cooling tube (220).

[0114] Accordingly, the heat generated in the battery cell (100) is transferred not only to the bent portion (221) of the cooling tube (220), but also to the sunken portion (222) of the cooling tube. This heat transfer path can contribute to making heat distribution between the battery cells (100) more uniform and preventing local thermal overload by providing a wider thermal contact area with the outer surface of the battery cell (100) through the sunken portion (222).

[0115] In addition, the recessed portion (222) is formed so that the curvature of the recessed portion (222) matches the outer surface shape of the battery cell (100), so that the cooling tube (220) can firmly fix the plurality of battery cells (100) and maintain a structurally stable bonding state even under external shock or vibration. Through this, the positions of the battery cells (100) can be fixed without shaking, and reliable thermal management performance can be maintained even over long periods of use.

[0116] This structural design maximizes the thermal contact area so that heat generated from the battery cell (100) can be directly and quickly transferred to the cooling tube (220), thereby improving the thermal management performance of the battery cell array (30) and ensuring stable and efficient battery operation.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell array (40) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to Fig. 11, the battery cell array (40) may include the battery cell (100), the cooling tube (200), and an adhesive member (400). The adhesive member (400) may guide the battery cell (100) to be more securely attached to the inner surface of the cooling tube (200).

[0120] The adhesive member (400) may be made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity so as to effectively transfer heat generated from the battery cell (100) to the cooling tube (200). The adhesive member (400) may be primarily composed of a silicone-based, epoxy-based, or polyurethane-based thermally conductive adhesive, each of which has its own unique characteristics and advantages. For example, a silicone-based adhesive has excellent flexibility and electrical insulation properties, and an epoxy-based adhesive provides strong adhesion and chemical resistance, thereby maintaining stable performance in various environments. In addition, a polyurethane-based adhesive has excellent flexibility and shock absorption properties, making it suitable for absorbing stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction of the battery cell (100). Through this, heat generated from the battery cell (100) can be effectively transferred to and dissipated from the cooling tube (200) through the adhesive member (400).

[0121] In addition, the shape of the adhesive member (400) may be formed to maximize the close contact between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200), and for this purpose, it may be provided in the form of a thin and flexible film, an adhesive layer, or a pad. The adhesive member (400) may be evenly arranged between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200) without at least a portion of empty space, thereby maximizing heat transfer efficiency and minimizing thermal resistance of the bonded portion.

[0122] In addition, the adhesive member (400) acts as a buffer between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200), thereby preventing damage to the plurality of battery cells (100) due to external impact or vibration, and improving overall structural stability.

[0123] Accordingly, the adhesive member (400) can serve to strengthen the physical bond between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200) while improving the overall thermal management performance of the battery cell array (40).

[0124] Meanwhile, the adhesive member (400) may also be provided between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200) of the battery cell array (20, see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the previous embodiment, and between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (220) of the battery cell array (30, see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the previous embodiment.

[0125]

[0126] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell array (50) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a drawing schematically showing an enlarged version of a battery cell array (50) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the battery cell array (50) may include the battery cell (100), the cooling tube (200), and the side structure (500).

[0128] The side structure (500) may be configured to stably maintain the position of the battery cell (100) within the battery cell array (50) and to support the cooling tube (200) so that it is in closer contact with the battery cell (100). That is, the side structure (500) minimizes the gap between the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200), thereby maximizing heat transfer efficiency and enabling the heat of the battery cell (100) to be quickly transferred to the cooling tube (200).

[0129] Structurally, the side structure (500) may be formed in a form that supports the cooling tube (200) arranged to surround and contact the outer surface of the battery cell (100) by closely contacting it from the side. This close-contact structure maximizes the heat transfer performance of the cooling tube (200, 220) and minimizes the air layer between the outer surface of the battery cell (100) and the cooling tube (200), thereby reducing the thermal resistance in the heat transfer path.

[0130] In addition, the side structure (500) can contribute to increasing the durability and stability of the battery cell array (50). For example, the side structure (500) can firmly fix the battery cell (100) so that the battery cell (100) does not move even when subjected to vibration or external impact, which allows the battery pack (P, see FIG. 14) described below to maintain high stability even when used for a long period of time. In addition, the shape of the side structure (500) can facilitate the arrangement and assembly process of the overall battery cell array (50), thereby contributing to reducing manufacturing costs and improving productivity.

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery cell array (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to the previous embodiment and a pack case (C) accommodating the battery cell array (10, 20, 30, 40, 50).

[0134] A battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components of a battery pack (P) known at the time of filing of the present invention. For example, a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0135] In addition, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (P) according to the present invention. In addition to the battery pack (P), the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be installed in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the automobile (V).

[0137] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery cell array (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) having a cooling tube (200, 220) that can increase the cooling area per battery cell (100) to have high cooling efficiency, and a battery pack (P) and a vehicle (V) including the same can be provided.

[0138] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery cell array (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) having a cooling tube (200, 220) capable of dissipating increased heat generation due to QC (Quick Charge) and maintaining the temperature of a battery cell (100) at a low level, and a battery pack (P) and a vehicle (V) including the same can be provided.

[0139]

[0140] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

[0141] [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50: Battery cell array

[0143] 100: Battery cells

[0144] 200: Cooling tube

[0145] 211: Bend

[0146] 212: Flat area

[0147] 220: Cooling tube

[0148] 221: Bend

[0149] 222: Depression

[0150] 300: Absence of heat transfer

[0151] 400: Adhesive member

[0152] 500: Side Structure

[0153] P: Battery pack

[0154] C: Pack Case

[0155] V: Car

Claims

1. As a battery cell array, A plurality of battery cells arranged in n rows with a predetermined length; and A cooling tube is included that cools the plurality of battery cells and contacts and surrounds at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery cells, The above cooling tube, A battery cell array characterized in that n battery cells are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence relationship with the plurality of battery cells arranged in the n rows.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cooling tube, A battery cell array characterized in that at least some of the battery cells are formed to be sandwiched between at least one pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

3. In paragraph 1, The above cooling tube, A battery cell array characterized in that at least one pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells each have a contact angle of 90 degrees.

4. In paragraph 1, The above cooling tube, A battery cell array characterized by including convex portions and concave portions repeatedly provided along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery cell array characterized in that the plurality of battery cells, each of which is in contact with the convex portion and the concave portion, are arranged in a row to form a straight line.

6. In paragraph 4, The above convex and concave portions are, A battery cell array characterized in that the shape is deformed so that the number of contacts of the battery cells is adjusted.

7. In paragraph 4, The above convex and concave portions are, A battery cell array characterized in that each of the battery cells is configured to accommodate two battery cells.

8. In paragraph 4, The above convex and concave portions are, A battery cell array characterized in that it is configured to accommodate different numbers of battery cells in the above array direction.

9. In paragraph 1, The above cooling tube, At least one bending portion in contact with the battery cell; and A battery cell array characterized by comprising at least one flat portion that does not contact the battery cells.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery cell array characterized in that it further comprises a heat transfer member coupled to the plurality of battery cells and configured to be in contact with the flat portion.

11. In paragraph 1, The above cooling tube, A battery cell array characterized in that at least some of the plurality of battery cells include a recessed portion configured to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of at least one pair of adjacent battery cells on the same side with respect to the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery cell array further comprising an adhesive member provided between the plurality of battery cells and the cooling tube.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery cell array characterized by including a side structure that supports the plurality of battery cells and guides the cooling tube to be tightly adhered to the plurality of battery cells.

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

15. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack according to paragraph 14.

Images