Cell array structure, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A cell array structure according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; and at least one side structure configured to accommodate and support the plurality of battery cells and elongated in one direction, wherein the side structure has at least one resin accommodation portion configured to have an empty space to accommodate a filling resin.

Description

Cell array structure, battery pack including the same, and automobile

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell array structure, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, and more specifically, to a cell array structure with improved structural rigidity and reduced weight, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0193100 filed on December 20, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0021573 filed on February 19, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specifications of said applications are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. Additionally, the lithium-ion secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Meanwhile, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be classified according to the shape of the battery case into pouch-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch, and can-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can. Furthermore, can-type rechargeable batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can. These lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are utilized as battery modules or battery packs, which are assembled into a dense structure by overlapping or stacking multiple battery cells—either directly or mounted in cartridges—and electrically connected to provide high voltage and high current.

[0007] Recently, research and development on battery packs consisting of a single module or cell assembly with enhanced structural rigidity achieved by standing multiple cylindrical battery cells upright and densely packed, and a pack frame surrounding it, has been active. In particular, there is a trend toward increasing the surface area of ​​the single module or cell assembly to enhance energy capacity.

[0008] Meanwhile, when the size of a single module or cell assembly increases in area, it may be difficult to secure structural rigidity, and its weight may also increase. Therefore, there is a need to develop a lightweight single module or cell assembly that can secure structural rigidity.

[0009] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the technical background described above, and has one objective of providing a cell array structure with improved structural rigidity, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0010] In addition, another purpose is to provide a lightweight cell array structure, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0011] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0012] A cell array structure according to the present invention comprises a plurality of battery cells; and at least one side structure that accommodates and supports the plurality of battery cells and extends in one direction, wherein the side structure comprises at least one resin receiving portion configured as an empty space to accommodate a filling resin.

[0013] The above side structure is configured to accommodate and support a plurality of the battery cells on each of the first side and the second side, and the resin receiving portion may be open toward the first side and the second side.

[0014] The above side structure comprises a bottom frame that accommodates and supports the lower portions of a plurality of battery cells; and a top frame that accommodates and supports the upper portions of a plurality of battery cells, and the resin receiving portion may be provided between the bottom frame and the top frame.

[0015] The above bottom frame may have bottom ribs protruding toward a plurality of the battery cells.

[0016] The above top frame may have top ribs protruding toward a plurality of the battery cells.

[0017] The above side structure may further include at least one injection guide hole formed through the side structure to communicate with the resin receiving portion and to guide the injection of the filling resin.

[0018] The above-mentioned filler resin may be configured to have a higher tensile strength than the above-mentioned side structure.

[0019] The above-mentioned filling resin may be configured to have a lower density than the side structure.

[0020] The above side structure further comprises a first support frame extending in the vertical direction, and the resin receiving portion may be divided into a plurality of portions along a direction parallel to the length direction of the side structure by the first support frame.

[0021] The above side structure further comprises a second support frame extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side structure, and the resin receiving portion may be divided into multiple parts along the vertical direction by the second support frame.

[0022] The above-mentioned filling resin can be continuously filled into the space formed between the resin receiving portion and the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one cell array structure according to the present invention.

[0024] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0025] According to the present invention, a cell array structure with improved structural rigidity, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0026] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a lightweight cell array structure, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0027] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with improved energy density, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0028] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with improved productivity, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0029] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with improved structural stability, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of a side structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing an enlarged area A of FIG. 3.

[0036] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a side structure according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, showing an enlarged portion corresponding to area B of FIG. 3.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a side structure according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, showing an enlarged portion corresponding to area C of FIG. 6.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a side structure according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, showing an enlarged portion corresponding to area D of FIG. 8.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to an embodiment in which another embodiment of the present invention and yet another embodiment are combined.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0045] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0046] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis and Y-axis directions may each be horizontal directions, and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane may be a vertical direction.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a side structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, specifically an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 3.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (110) and at least one side structure (130).

[0050] The battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery. The battery cell (110) may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0051] Multiple battery cells (110) can form a cell array structure (100). The cell array structure (100) can be understood as a single assembly or structure in which multiple battery cells (110) are arranged. The battery pack (10) described below, which includes the cell array structure (100), can be provided in a so-called Cell to Pack structure without including a separate module case, thereby increasing space efficiency and improving energy density. The cell array structure (100) can be configured to have a large surface area by increasing the number of arranged battery cells (110).

[0052] The cell array structure (100) may have a predetermined length, width, and height. For example, the cell array structure (100) may be a three-dimensional structure having a predetermined width, a predetermined length, and a predetermined height in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0053] The cell array structure (100) may include at least one side structure (130). The cell array structure (100) may include a plurality of side structures (130).

[0054] The side structure (130) can be extended in one direction. For example, it can be formed by extending along the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100).

[0055] The side structure (130) can accommodate and support a plurality of battery cells (110). The plurality of battery cells (110) can be arranged to form a row. For example, the plurality of battery cells (110) can form a row in a direction parallel to the length direction of the cell array structure (100). The side structure (130) can accommodate and support the rows of battery cells (110) arranged on both sides. For example, the side structure (130) can accommodate and support the row of battery cells (110) arranged on the -X direction side and the row of battery cells (110) arranged on the +X direction side, respectively.

[0056] The side structure (130) may have at least one resin receiving portion (RA). The resin receiving portion (RA) may be configured as an empty space to receive filling resin.

[0057] Here, the filling resin may be composed of a potting resin. The potting resin may be composed of, for example, a resin containing a silicone material. The filling resin may include a high hardness and high rigidity material. For example, the hardness and rigidity of the filling resin may be higher than the hardness and rigidity of the side structure (130). The filling resin may include a low density material. For example, the density of the filling resin may be lower than the density of the side structure (130).

[0058] The filling resin can be cured after being filled into the resin receiving portion (RA) of the side structure (130) while in an uncured state.

[0059] The resin receiving portion (RA) may be formed inside the side structure (130). The resin receiving portion (RA) may be composed of the thinning portion of the side structure (130).

[0060] The resin receiving portion (RA) may be provided in multiple numbers. That is, a single side structure (130) may be provided with multiple resin receiving portions (RA) that are distinct from one another.

[0061] A cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can have improved structural rigidity and reduced weight through the above-described configuration. Specifically, the side structure (130) is provided with a resin receiving portion (RA), so that a filling resin containing a material with high rigidity and high hardness can be filled inside the side structure (130), thereby improving the structural rigidity of the cell array structure (100).

[0062] In addition, a filling resin containing a low-density material can be filled into the interior of the side structure (130), thereby enabling the cell array structure (100) to be made lighter.

[0063] In addition, as the cell array structure (100) becomes lighter, the energy density of the cell array structure (100) can be improved.

[0064]

[0065] Meanwhile, the side structure (130) may have a first end (133) and a second end (134). The first end (133) may be a longitudinal end of the side structure (130) or a -Y direction end, and the second end (134) may be a longitudinal end of the side structure (130) or a +Y direction end. A resin receiving portion (RA) may be formed, for example, between the first end (133) and the second end (134).

[0066]

[0067] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the side structure (130) may be configured to accommodate and support a plurality of battery cells (110) on each of the first side and the second side. Here, the first side may be understood as the first direction (D1) side. The first direction (D1) may be the same as the width direction side to the -X direction side of the cell array structure (100). And, the second side may be understood as the second direction (D2) side. The second direction (D2) may be the same as the width direction side to the +X direction side of the cell array structure (100).

[0068] The resin receiving portion (RA) can be opened toward the first side and the second side. That is, the resin receiving portion (RA) can be opened toward both sides in the X-axis direction of the side structure (130), and can be opened toward each row of battery cells (110) arranged on both sides in the X-axis direction of the side structure (130).

[0069] When the side structure (130) is configured as described above, the size of the resin receiving portion (RA) inside the side structure (130) can be maximized. Additionally, when filling the resin into the resin receiving portion (RA), the filling resin can be introduced from either the first side or the second side, respectively, so that filling can be easily performed, thereby improving the productivity of the cell array structure (100).

[0070]

[0071] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the side structure (130) may be equipped with a bottom frame (131) and a top frame (132).

[0072] The bottom frame (131) may be configured to accommodate and support the lower portion of a plurality of battery cells (110). The bottom frame (131) may be provided at the lower portion of the side structure (130). The bottom frame (131) may be provided, for example, on the -Z direction side of the side structure (130).

[0073] The top frame (132) may be configured to accommodate and support the upper portions of a plurality of battery cells (110). The top frame (132) may be provided on the upper portion of the side structure (130). The top frame (132) may be provided, for example, on the side in the +Z direction of the side structure (130).

[0074] The resin receiving portion (RA) may be provided between the bottom frame (131) and the top frame (132). That is, the resin receiving portion (RA) may be provided to be covered downward and upward by the bottom frame (131) and the top frame (132).

[0075] When the side structure (130) is configured as described above, the upper and lower portions of a plurality of battery cells (110) can be supported respectively, so that the plurality of battery cells (110) can be firmly and stably supported by the side structure (130), thereby improving the structural stability of the cell array structure (100).

[0076]

[0077] In particular, referring to FIG. 4, the bottom frame (131) of the side structure (130) may be provided with a bottom rib (135).

[0078] The bottom rib (135) may protrude toward the multiple battery cells (110). The bottom rib (135) may protrude toward the first side and the second side, respectively.

[0079] The bottom rib (135) may be formed in a roughly plate-like shape with a thickness thinner than that of the bottom frame (131). The bottom rib (135) may protrude from the bottom of the bottom frame (131).

[0080] The bottom rib (135) can accommodate and support the bottom of the battery cell (110). The bottom rib (135) can cover at least a portion of the bottom of the battery cell (110).

[0081] When the bottom frame (131) of the side structure (130) is provided with a bottom rib (135) as described above, the side structure (130) can more effectively accommodate and support the lower part of the battery cell (110) without significantly increasing the volume of the side structure (130).

[0082]

[0083] In particular, referring to FIG. 4, the top frame (132) of the side structure (130) may be provided with a top rib (136).

[0084] The top rib (136) may protrude toward the multiple battery cells (110). The top rib (136) may protrude toward the first side and the second side, respectively.

[0085] The top rib (136) may be formed in a roughly plate-like shape with a thickness thinner than that of the top frame (132). The top rib (136) may protrude from the top of the top frame (132).

[0086] The top rib (136) can accommodate and support the top of the battery cell (110). The top rib (136) can cover at least a portion of the top of the battery cell (110).

[0087] When the top frame (132) of the side structure (130) is provided with a top rib (136) as described above, the side structure (130) can more effectively accommodate and support the upper part of the battery cell (110) without significantly increasing the volume of the side structure (130).

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a side structure according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, showing an enlarged portion corresponding to area B of FIG. 3.

[0090] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, a cell array structure (100) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The side structure (130) of the cell array structure (100) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention may further have at least one injection guide hole (139).

[0091] The injection guide hole (139) can be formed through the side structure (130) to communicate with the resin receiving portion (RA).

[0092] The injection guide hole (139) may be formed, for example, in the first end (133). The injection guide hole (139) may also be formed in the second end (134), just as in the first end (133).

[0093] The injection guide hole (139) can be formed, for example, in the bottom frame (131).

[0094] The injection guide hole (139) can be formed, for example, in the top frame (132).

[0095] The injection guide hole (139) may be formed in at least two of, for example, the first end (133), the second end (134), the bottom frame (131), and the top frame (132).

[0096] The injection guide hole (139) can guide the injection of the filling resin. Therefore, when the side structure (130) is equipped with the injection guide hole (139) as described above, the filling resin can be easily injected into the resin receiving portion (RA) through the injection guide hole (139), thereby improving the productivity of the cell array structure (100).

[0097]

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the filling resin filled into the resin receiving portion (RA) can be configured to have a higher tensile strength than the side structure (130).

[0099] For example, the filling resin may be configured to have a tensile strength higher than that of the side structure (130) having a bottom frame (131), a top frame (132), a first end (133), and a second end (134), etc. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of the filling resin may be higher than that of the first support frame (137) and the second support frame (138) described later. In the above, the tensile strength of the filling resin can be understood as the tensile strength of the potting resin in a cured state.

[0100] For example, the tensile strength of the side structure (130) may be about 950 kgf / cm^2, and the tensile strength of the filling resin may be about 1500 kgf / cm^2 or more.

[0101] As described above, when the tensile strength of the filling resin is higher than the tensile strength of the side structure (130), the structural rigidity of the cell array structure (100) can be further secured.

[0102]

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the filling resin filled into the resin receiving portion (RA) can be configured to have a lower density than the side structure (130).

[0104] For example, the filling resin may be configured to have a density lower than that of the side structure (130) having a bottom frame (131), a top frame (132), a first end (133), and a second end (134), etc. Meanwhile, the density of the filling resin may be lower than that of the first support frame (137) and the second support frame (138) described later. In the above, the density of the filling resin can be understood as the density of the potting resin in a cured state.

[0105] For example, the density of a part such as the bottom frame (131) of the side structure (130) may be 1.02 g / cm^3, and the density of the filling resin may be 0.58 g / cm^3 or less.

[0106] As described above, if the density of the filling resin is lower than the density of the side structure (130), the cell array structure (100) can be made lighter.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, a cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The side structure (130) of the cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a first support frame (137).

[0110] The first support frame (137) can be extended in the vertical direction. The first support frame (137) can be extended in a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0111] For example, the first support frame (137) may extend toward the bottom frame (131) and the top frame (132). The first support frame (137) may extend from either the bottom frame (131) or the top frame (132) to the other. The first support frame (137) may connect the bottom frame (131) and the top frame (132) to each other.

[0112] The first support frame (137) can support the bottom frame (131) in the lower direction or the -Z direction. The first support frame (137) can support the top frame (132) in the upper direction or the +Z direction.

[0113] The resin receiving portion (RA) can be divided into multiple portions by the first support frame (137). The first support frame (137) can divide the resin receiving portion (RA) into multiple portions along a direction parallel to the length direction of the side structure (130).

[0114] The side structure (130) may have one first support frame (137) or multiple first support frames (137).

[0115] As described above, when the side structure (130) further comprises a first support frame (137), the structural rigidity of the side structure (130) in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction can be further strengthened. Additionally, the resin receiving portion (RA) can be effectively divided along the longitudinal direction of the side structure (130).

[0116]

[0117] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a side structure according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, showing an enlarged portion corresponding to area C of FIG. 6.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 7, a side structure (130) according to a variation of another embodiment of the present invention may further have an injection guide hole (139) in the first support frame (137).

[0119] The injection guide hole (139) may be formed through the first support frame (137) so as to be in communication with the resin receiving portion (RA). In the first support frame (137), the injection guide hole (139) may be formed through the thickness direction or the X-axis direction of the first support frame (137). The remaining features of the injection guide hole (139) of FIG. 7 may be the same as those of the injection guide hole (139) of FIG. 5.

[0120]

[0121] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, a cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The side structure (130) of the cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a second support frame (138).

[0123] The second support frame (138) can be extended in a direction parallel to the length direction of the side structure (130). The second support frame (138) can be extended in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0124] For example, the second support frame (138) may be extended to connect the first end (133) and the second end (134) of the side structure (130) to each other. In this case, the second support frame (138) may support the first end (133) and the second end (134).

[0125] The second support frame (138) may be positioned, for example, between the top frame (132) and the bottom frame (131). The second support frame (138) may be spaced apart from the top frame (132) and the bottom frame (131), respectively.

[0126] The resin receiving portion (RA) can be divided into multiple portions by the second support frame (138). The second support frame (138) can divide the resin receiving portion (RA) into multiple portions along the vertical direction. For example, the second support frame (138) can divide the resin receiving portion (RA) into the top frame (132) side and the bottom frame (131) side.

[0127] The side structure (130) may have one second support frame (138) or multiple second support frames (138).

[0128] As described above, if the side structure (130) further comprises a second support frame (138), the structural rigidity of the side structure (130) in the longitudinal direction or the Y-axis direction can be further strengthened. Additionally, the resin receiving portion (RA) can be effectively divided along the upper direction of the side structure (130).

[0129]

[0130] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a side structure according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, showing an enlarged portion corresponding to area D of FIG. 8.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 9, a side structure (130) according to a variation of another embodiment of the present invention may further be provided with an injection guide hole (139) in the second support frame (138).

[0132] The injection guide hole (139) may be formed through the second support frame (138) so as to be in communication with the resin receiving portion (RA). In the second support frame (138), the injection guide hole (139) may be formed through the thickness direction or the Z-axis direction of the second support frame (138). The remaining features of the injection guide hole (139) of FIG. 9 may be the same as those of the injection guide hole (139) of FIG. 5.

[0133]

[0134] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to an embodiment in which another embodiment of the present invention and yet another embodiment are combined.

[0135] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 10, the side structure (130) of the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention may include both a first support frame (137) and a second support frame (138). That is, the side structure (130) according to the present invention may be configured according to an embodiment combining FIG. 6 and FIG. 8. In this case, the first support frame (137) and the second support frame (138) may be configured to form a grid-like structure.

[0136]

[0137] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIG. 11, in a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the filling resin can also be filled between a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0139] The filling resin can be continuously filled in the space formed between the resin receiving portion (RA) and the plurality of battery cells (110). That is, in the cell array structure (100), the filling resin filled in the resin receiving portion (RA) and the filling resin filled between the battery cells (110) can be integrally formed with each other.

[0140] Specifically, an internal space (S) may be formed inside the cell array structure (100). The internal space (S) may include a first internal space (S1) and a second internal space (S2). The first internal space (S1) may be understood as a space corresponding to a resin filling section when viewed from the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The second internal space (S2) may be understood as a space formed between battery cells (110) when viewed from the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction, but not corresponding to a resin filling section. The first internal space (S1) and the second internal space (S2) may be formed continuously from each other. Additionally, a filling resin may be filled into the first internal space (S1) and the second internal space (S2), respectively.

[0141] When the cell array structure (100) is configured as described above, the filling resin can be filled integrally in the space between the resin receiving portion (RA) and the battery cells (110), thereby maximizing the overall structural rigidity of the cell array structure (100). Additionally, when filling the filling resin into the cell array structure (100), the filling process can be simplified, thereby further improving the productivity of the cell array structure (100).

[0142]

[0143] Referring again to FIG. 1, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include at least one cell array structure (100) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include a plurality of cell array structures (100). For example, the battery pack (10) may include two cell array structures (100) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0144] The battery pack (10) may further include a pack case (200). The pack case (200) may have a receiving space formed therein for accommodating at least one cell array structure (100). The pack case (200) may further include a bottom plate, a side wall, and a pack lid. The bottom plate may form the bottom of the pack case (200). The side wall may surround the bottom plate and, together with the bottom plate, form a receiving space in which at least one cell array structure (100) can be accommodated. The pack lid may be configured to cover the receiving space. The pack case (200) may further include a cross beam configured to partition the receiving space.

[0145]

[0146] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 2, the cell array structure (100) may include a cooling unit (120). The cooling unit (120) is configured to cool a plurality of battery cells (110) and may be provided to be in contact with the side of the battery cells (110). The cooling unit (120) may be positioned between rows of two adjacent battery cells (110) and may be provided to be extended along one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). A channel through which a cooling medium flows may be formed inside the cooling unit (120).

[0147] The side structure (130) can accommodate and support the cooling unit (120). The side structure (130) can accommodate and support the battery cell (110) heat and the cooling unit (120) on both sides.

[0148] The cell array structure (100) may further include a side wall (140). The side wall (140) may be positioned at the outermost edge of the cell array structure (100). The side wall (140) may be positioned at each of the outermost edges on both sides in the X-axis direction of the cell array structure (100). The side wall (140) may accommodate and support a column of battery cells (110) and a cooling unit (120). The side wall (140) may accommodate and support a column of battery cells (110) and a cooling unit (120) on one side (e.g., the -X direction side or the +X direction side). The side wall (140) may be provided extending long along one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0149]

[0150] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include various other components other than the above components, such as a Battery Management System (BMS), a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc., components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0151]

[0152] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 12 below, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include the battery pack (10) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) may be installed in the vehicle body frame or trunk space under the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack (10). For example, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0154] In addition, it is obvious that the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to a vehicle (V).

[0155]

[0156] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used; however, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0157] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0158] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0159] 10: Battery pack

[0160] 100 : Cell array structure

[0161] 110: Battery cell

[0162] 120 : Cooling unit

[0163] 130 : Side structure

[0164] 131 : Bottom Frame

[0165] 132 : Top Frame

[0166] 133 : First section

[0167] 134 : Second section

[0168] 135 : Bottom Rib

[0169] 136 : Top Rib

[0170] 137 : First support frame

[0171] 138 : Second support frame

[0172] 139 : Injection guide hole

[0173] 140 : Side wall

[0174] 200 : Pack case

[0175] RA: Resin receiving site

[0176] S : Interior space

[0177] S1: First internal space

[0178] S2 : Second internal space

[0179] D1: First direction

[0180] D2: Second direction

[0181] V : Car

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and A plurality of the above-mentioned battery cells are accommodated and supported, and at least one side structure extending longitudinally in one direction is included, The above side structure is, A cell array structure characterized by having at least one resin receiving portion configured as an empty space to accommodate a filling resin.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above side structure is, It is configured to accommodate and support a plurality of the battery cells on each of the first and second sides, and The above resin receiving portion is, A cell array structure characterized by being open toward the first side and the second side.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above side structure is, A bottom frame that accommodates and supports the lower portions of a plurality of the above-mentioned battery cells; and A top frame is provided to accommodate and support the upper portions of a plurality of the above battery cells, and The above resin receiving portion is, A cell array structure characterized by being provided between the bottom frame and the top frame.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above bottom frame is, A cell array structure characterized by having a plurality of bottom ribs protruding toward the battery cells.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above top frame is, A cell array structure characterized by having a plurality of top ribs protruding toward the battery cells.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above side structure is, A cell array structure characterized by further comprising at least one injection guide hole formed through the side structure to communicate with the resin receiving portion and guiding the injection of the filling resin.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned filling resin is, A cell array structure characterized by being configured to have a higher tensile strength than the above-mentioned side structure.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned filling resin is, A cell array structure characterized by being configured to have a lower density than the above-mentioned side structure.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above side structure is, Further equipped with a first support frame extending in the vertical direction, The above resin receiving portion is, A cell array structure characterized by being divided into a plurality of parts along a direction parallel to the length direction of the side structure by the first support frame.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above side structure is, A second support frame extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned side structure is further provided, The above resin receiving portion is, A cell array structure characterized by being divided into multiple parts along the vertical direction by the second support frame.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned filling resin is, A cell array structure characterized by being continuously filled with each other in the space formed between the resin receiving portion and a plurality of battery cells.

12. A battery pack characterized by including at least one cell array structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to paragraph 12.

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