Cell array structure, and battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A cell array structure according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of sub-busbar units for electrically connecting any two of the battery cells; and at least one sensing member electrically connected to the plurality of sub-busbar units.

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 capable of effectively implementing a complex electrical connection structure with a simple structure, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0194529 filed on December 23, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0026844 filed on February 28, 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 (hereinafter referred to as a cell array structure) having enhanced structural rigidity by standing multiple cylindrical battery cells upright and densely packed, and a pack frame surrounding it, have been active. In particular, there is a trend toward increasing the size of cell array structures to enhance energy capacity.

[0008] In conventional cell array structures, electrical connections such as series and parallel of multiple battery cells, each equipped with a positive terminal and a negative terminal, were mostly implemented relying on sub-busbar units. However, when battery cells are electrically connected relying on sub-busbar units in this way, there was a problem in that when the electrical connection structure of the battery cells becomes complex due to irregular configuration of the battery cell banks, the sub-busbar units also had to be provided in a complex structure and in a large number to correspond to this (see FIG. 7).

[0009] Therefore, even if a sub-busbar unit with a more concise structure and smaller size is provided, there is a need to develop a cell array structure capable of effectively implementing the complex electrical connection structure of battery cells.

[0010] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the technical background described above, and has the purpose of providing a cell array structure capable of effectively implementing a complex electrical connection structure of battery cells with a sub-busbar unit having a relatively simple structure, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0011] In addition, the present invention has another objective of providing a cell array structure capable of effectively implementing a complex electrical connection structure of battery cells with a relatively small size sub-busbar unit, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0012] 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.

[0013] A cell array structure according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of sub-busbar units electrically connecting any two of the battery cells; and at least one sensing member electrically connected to the plurality of sub-busbar units.

[0014] The above sensing member may be configured to sense at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] Each of the plurality of battery cells has a first pole terminal and a second pole terminal disposed on one side of the battery cell, the sensing member is disposed on one side of the plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of sub-busbar units may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the sensing member.

[0016] A plurality of the battery cells are divided into a plurality of bank units, and the sub-busbar unit is configured to connect a battery cell belonging to one bank and a battery cell belonging to another bank in series with each other, and the sensing member may be configured to connect a plurality of the sub-busbar units in parallel with each other.

[0017] The above sub-busbar unit is configured to extend so as to electrically connect any two of the battery cells arranged in a first direction, and the sensing member is configured to extend so as to intersect with the sub-busbar unit, and the sub-busbar unit and the sensing member can be electrically connected to each other at the point where they intersect.

[0018] The above plurality of banks may be formed irregularly relative to each other.

[0019] The above sub-busbar unit and the above sensing member can be welded together.

[0020] The above sub-busbar unit and the above-mentioned sensing member can be welded together by a welding plate.

[0021] The above sensing member may be provided in a form that passes between the battery cells when viewed from one side.

[0022] The above sub-busbar unit may include aluminum material.

[0023] The apparatus further includes a first busbar cover disposed between the sub-busbar unit and the sensing member and covering one side of the sub-busbar unit, wherein the first busbar cover may have at least one first cover hole formed through it so that the sub-busbar unit and the sensing member can come into contact with each other.

[0024] The apparatus further includes a second busbar cover disposed between the sub-busbar unit and a plurality of battery cells and covering the other side of the sub-busbar unit, wherein the second busbar cover may have at least one second cover hole formed through it so that the sub-busbar unit and the plurality of battery cells can come into contact with each other.

[0025] It further includes a first terminal busbar and a second terminal busbar that are electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells and are respectively positioned on both outermost sides in the first direction of the cell array structure, and the first terminal busbar and the second terminal busbar may each be positioned offset toward one side in the second direction.

[0026] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one cell array structure according to the present invention.

[0027] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0028] According to the present invention, a cell array structure capable of effectively implementing a complex electrical connection structure of battery cells with a sub-busbar unit having a relatively simple structure, 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 capable of effectively implementing a complex electrical connection structure of battery cells with a relatively small size sub-busbar unit, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0030] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with improved electrical stability, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure in which the commonality and compatibility of parts can be improved, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0034] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure that facilitates the packaging and handling of components, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0035] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with increased space efficiency, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing battery cells arranged inside a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of the interior of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the appearance with the sensing element and welding plate removed from Figure 3.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a sub-busbar unit separately according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a sensing member and a connecting part separately according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a conventional cell array structure.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a conceptual plan view illustrating an example of an electrical connection structure of battery cells in a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a cell array structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051]

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing battery cells arranged inside a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one cell array structure (100). The battery pack (10) may include a plurality of cell array structures (100).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0055] The battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery. The battery cell (110) may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0056] 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. A battery pack (10) including 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058]

[0059] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of the interior of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the appearance with the sensing member and welding plate removed from FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a sub-busbar unit separately according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a sensing member and a connecting part separately according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a conventional cell array structure.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (110), a sub-busbar unit (120), and a sensing member (130).

[0061] The sub-busbar unit (120) can electrically connect any two battery cells (110).

[0062] Multiple battery cells (110) can be divided into multiple bank units. Here, a bank can be understood as a group formed by combining multiple battery cells (110) in a specific way. For example, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, six battery cells (110) can form one bank.

[0063] The sub-busbar unit (120) can electrically connect one battery cell (110) belonging to one bank and one battery cell (110) belonging to another bank.

[0064] The sub-busbar unit (120) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0065] A sensing member (130) can be electrically connected to a sub-busbar unit (120). One sensing member (130) can be electrically connected to a plurality of sub-busbar units (120).

[0066] The sensing member (130) may be provided as at least one. The sensing member (130) may be provided as a plurality.

[0067] The sensing member (130) may be configured to sense at least some of the plurality of battery cells (110). The sensing member (130) may sense the voltage or temperature of the battery cells (110). Here, the sensing may be LV (Low Voltage) sensing, and the LV sensing information may be transmitted to the BMS described later.

[0068] Referring further to FIG. 7, in a conventional cell array structure (100'), electrical connections such as series and parallel of multiple battery cells (110') were implemented relying on a sub-busbar unit (120'). However, the electrical connection method of this conventional cell array structure (100') had a problem in that when the electrical connection structure of the battery cells (110') was formed in a complex manner due to the irregular configuration of the banks of the battery cells (110'), the sub-busbar unit (120') also had to be provided with a complex structure, a relatively large size, various types, and a large number to correspond to this.

[0069] However, the cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sub-busbar unit (120) and a sensing member (130) as described above, and has the advantage of being able to effectively implement a complex electrical connection structure of battery cells (110) even with a sub-busbar unit (120) having a relatively simple structure.

[0070] In addition, the cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can effectively implement a complex electrical connection structure of battery cells (110) even with a relatively small size sub-busbar unit (120).

[0071] In addition, the size of the sub-busbar unit (120) can be reduced, so the energy density of the cell array structure (100) can be improved.

[0072] In addition, the size of the sub-busbar unit (120) can be reduced, so the material of the sub-busbar unit (120) can be reduced.

[0073] In addition, as the structure of the sub-busbar unit (120) and the electrical connection structure of the battery cells (110) are simplified, the productivity of the cell array structure (100) can be improved. Furthermore, packaging and handling of components such as the sub-busbar unit (120) can be made easier.

[0074] In addition, the commonality and compatibility of parts such as the sub-busbar unit (120) can be improved.

[0075]

[0076] Meanwhile, a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a connecting portion (131). The connecting portion (131) may be connected to a plurality of sensing members (130), and a plurality of sensing members (130) may be electrically connected to a single connecting portion (131). A plurality of sensing members (130) and a connecting portion (131) may be integrated and referred to as a sensing assembly. In this way, when the sensing members (130) and the connecting portion (131) are configured as a sensing assembly, a plurality of sensing members (130) can be assembled integrally at once during the assembly of the cell array structure (100), thereby improving the productivity of the cell array structure (100) (see FIG. 6).

[0077] Meanwhile, the sensing assembly may be composed of a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB). A flexible circuit board can be understood as a printed circuit board (PCB) having flexible characteristics using a polymer material.

[0078]

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a plurality of battery cells (110) may have a first electrode terminal (111) and a second electrode terminal (112). The first electrode terminal (111) and the second electrode terminal (112) may be electrode terminals of different polarities. For example, the first electrode terminal (111) may be a positive terminal and the second electrode terminal (112) may be a negative terminal.

[0080] In each of the plurality of battery cells (110), the first terminal (111) and the second terminal (112) may be disposed on one side of the battery cell (110). That is, both the first terminal (111) and the second terminal (112) may be disposed on either side of the battery cell (110).

[0081] The sensing member (130) may be disposed on one side of a plurality of battery cells (110). That is, the sensing member (130) may be disposed on the side of the first pole terminal (111) and the second pole terminal (112).

[0082] A plurality of sub-busbar units (120) may be positioned between a plurality of battery cells (110) and a sensing member (130). That is, the plurality of sub-busbar units (120) may be positioned on the side of the first pole terminal (111) and the second pole terminal (112), and may be positioned relatively closer to the battery cells (110) with respect to the sensing member (130). For example, the battery cells (110), sub-busbar units (120), and sensing member (130) may be positioned sequentially in the +Z direction.

[0083] When the cell array structure (100) is configured as described above, the electrical connection structure can be implemented on only one side of the plurality of battery cells (110), so the electrical connection structure of the cell array structure (100) can be easily provided and the space efficiency of the cell array structure (100) can be increased.

[0084]

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, a sub-busbar unit (120) can connect any two battery cells (110) in series. The sub-busbar unit (120) can be configured to connect any battery cell (110) belonging to one bank and any battery cell (110) belonging to another bank in series with each other.

[0086] The sensing element (130) can connect multiple sub-busbar units (120) in parallel.

[0087] When the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) are configured as described above, the serial and parallel electrical connection structure between each bank can be implemented simply and easily even with the sub-busbar unit (120) provided in a simple and small form.

[0088]

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the sub-busbar unit (120) may be configured to be extended, and the sensing member (130) may be configured to be extended so as to intersect with the sub-busbar unit (120).

[0090] Specifically, the sub-busbar unit (120) may be configured to extend so as to electrically connect any two battery cells (110) arranged in a first direction. The sub-busbar unit (120) may be extended approximately in the first direction. Alternatively, the sub-busbar unit (120) may have a portion extended in the first direction, and another portion extended in an inclined shape from said portion to form an angle that is not obtuse with said portion (see FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b)).

[0091] In the above, the first direction may be a horizontal direction based on FIGS. 3 to 5. The first direction may coincide with the length direction or the Y-axis direction of the cell array structure (100). Meanwhile, the sub-busbar unit (120) may be adopted in one or more of the forms shown in FIG. 5 (a), FIG. 5 (b), and other forms other than FIG. 5.

[0092] The sensing member (130) may be configured to extend in a direction that approximately intersects the extension direction of the sub-busbar unit (120) so as to intersect with the sub-busbar unit (120). The sensing member (130) may be extended in a second direction.

[0093] In the above, the second direction may be a vertical direction based on FIG. 3 and FIG. 6. The second direction may coincide with the width direction or the X-axis direction of the cell array structure (100).

[0094] The sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can intersect each other. Multiple sub-busbar units (120) can intersect with a single sensing member (130). The sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can be electrically connected to each other at the point where they intersect.

[0095] When the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) are configured as described above, electrical connection structures such as series and parallel connections between multiple battery cells (110) within the cell array structure (100) can be effectively and easily implemented. Furthermore, since the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can be configured in a grid shape, the structural rigidity and stability of the cell array structure (100) can be improved.

[0096]

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the sub-busbar unit (120) may include an aluminum material. In this case, the conductivity of the sub-busbar can be improved and the weight reduced.

[0098] Meanwhile, the sub-busbar unit (120') of the conventional cell array structure (100') could also include aluminum material (see FIG. 7).

[0099] As described above, the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention allows the structure of the sub-busbar unit (120) to be simplified and its size reduced, thereby reducing the amount of aluminum used compared to the conventional cell array structure (100'), which enables cost reduction, and facilitates the packaging and handling of the sub-busbar unit (120).

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 8 is a conceptual plan view illustrating an example of an electrical connection structure of battery cells in a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which five battery cells (110) form a bank, unlike those shown in other drawings. Referring to FIG. 8, multiple banks in the cell array structure (100) can be formed irregularly relative to each other.

[0103] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a plurality of battery cells (110) inside a cell array structure (100) may be formed by dividing them into banks including a first bank (B1), a second bank (B2), and a third bank (B3). At this time, in the first bank (B1), the second bank (B2), and the third bank (B3), the arrangement structure of the battery cells (110) may be formed differently from one another, so that a plurality of banks may be formed irregularly from one another.

[0104] Additionally, based on FIG. 8, even when battery cells (110) form a row in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) and the rows of battery cells (110) are arranged in an odd number in the vertical direction (X-axis direction), multiple banks may be formed irregularly relative to each other.

[0105] In a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if a plurality of battery cells (110) are provided in a complex irregular bank structure as in the example above, a separate sub-busbar unit (120) having a complex shape corresponding to each one is not required, and electrical connection of a plurality of battery cells (110) can be effectively and easily implemented through a concise and simple structure and a minimum number of sub-busbar units (120) and a sensing member (130).

[0106]

[0107] Again, referring to FIG. 3, the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can be joined by welding to each other. Specifically, the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can be joined by welding to each other at an intersecting point.

[0108] In this case, the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can be strongly coupled, so the structural rigidity of the cell array structure (100) can be increased. In addition, the electrical stability of the cell array structure (100) can be improved.

[0109]

[0110] The sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can be welded together by a welding plate (140). The welding plate (140) can be provided in a plate-like shape.

[0111] As the welding plate (140) melts, the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can be welded together.

[0112] The welding plate (140) may include a metal material. The metal material may include a nickel material, and in this case, the weldability and conductivity of the welding plate (140) may be improved.

[0113] A welding plate (140) can be placed at a location where the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) intersect. A welding plate (140) can be placed at each location where the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) intersect.

[0114] In this way, when the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) are welded together by the welding plate (140), the structural rigidity and electrical stability of the cell array structure (100) can be further improved.

[0115]

[0116] Again, referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 6, the sensing member (130) may be provided in a form that passes between the battery cells (110) when viewed from one side (e.g., the Z-axis direction side).

[0117] Specifically, the sensing member (130) may be provided in a form that extends in the aforementioned second direction and passes through the space between the battery cells (110). The sensing member (130) may be provided in a form that is repeatedly folded to pass through the space between the battery cells (110).

[0118] When the sensing element (130) is configured in this way, when electrically connected to the sub-busbar unit (120), interference with the first pole terminal (111) and the second pole terminal (112) of the battery cell (110) can be effectively prevented, thereby improving the electrical stability of the cell array structure (100).

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a cell array structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one of a first busbar cover (C1) and a second busbar cover (C2).

[0122] The first busbar cover (C1) can be placed between the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130).

[0123] The first busbar cover (C1) can cover one side of the sub-busbar unit (120) (e.g., the +Z direction side). The first busbar cover (C1) can insulate the sub-busbar unit (120) from the sensing member (130). The first busbar cover (C1) may include an insulating material.

[0124] The first busbar cover (C1) may be provided in a plate-like form having a width and length approximately similar to the width and length of the cell array structure (100).

[0125] The first busbar cover (C1) may have at least one first cover hole (H1). The first cover hole (H1) may be formed as a through hole so that the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can come into contact with each other. The first cover hole (H1) may be provided, for example, in the form of a hole open on both sides in the Z-axis direction.

[0126] When the cell array structure (100) further includes the first busbar cover (C1) as described above, there is an advantage that the sub-busbar unit (120) and the sensing member (130) can be reliably insulated from each other in parts where electrical connection is unnecessary, and can be effectively made in contact with each other to establish an electrical connection in parts where electrical connection is required.

[0127]

[0128] The second busbar cover (C2) can be placed between the sub-busbar unit (120) and a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0129] The second busbar cover (C2) can cover the other side of the sub-busbar unit (120) (e.g., the -Z direction side). The second busbar cover (C2) can insulate the sub-busbar unit (120) from a plurality of battery cells (110). The second busbar cover (C2) may include an insulating material, similar to the first busbar cover (C1).

[0130] The second busbar cover (C2) may be provided in a plate-like form having a width and length approximately similar to the width and length of the cell array structure (100).

[0131] The second busbar cover (C2) may have at least one second cover hole (H2). The second cover hole (H2) may be formed as a through hole so that the sub-busbar unit (120) and a plurality of battery cells (110) can come into contact with each other. The second cover hole (H2) may be provided, for example, in the form of a hole open on both sides in the Z-axis direction.

[0132] When the cell array structure (100) further includes a second busbar cover (C2) as described above, there is an advantage that the sub-busbar unit (120) and the plurality of battery cells (110) can be reliably insulated from each other in parts where electrical connection is unnecessary, and can be effectively made in contact with each other to be electrically connected in parts where electrical connection is required.

[0133]

[0134] Meanwhile, the cell array structure (100) may include both the aforementioned first busbar cover (C1) and second busbar cover (C2), and the first busbar cover (C1), a plurality of sub-busbar units (120), and the second busbar cover (C2) may be collectively referred to as a busbar assembly. The busbar assembly is an integral assembly, and may be provided with a plurality of sub-busbar units (120) fitted between the first busbar cover (C1) and the second busbar cover (C2). In this case, packaging and handling of the sub-busbar units (120) may be made easier.

[0135]

[0136] Again, referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 8, the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention may further include a first terminal busbar (151) and a second terminal busbar (152).

[0137] The first terminal busbar (151) and the second terminal busbar (152) can be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (110). The first terminal busbar (151) and the second terminal busbar (152) can each function as an HV (High Voltage) terminal. The first terminal busbar (151) can be located at one end of the path of the high current formed by the plurality of battery cells (110), and the second terminal busbar (152) can be located at the other end of the path of the high current.

[0138] The first terminal busbar (151) and the second terminal busbar (152) can be placed on each of the outermost sides in the first direction of the cell array structure (100).

[0139] The first terminal bus bar (151) and the second terminal bus bar (152) can each be positioned so as to be offset toward one side of the second direction. For example, based on FIG. 3, the first terminal bus bar (151) and the second terminal bus bar (152) can each be positioned so as to be offset toward the upper side.

[0140] When the cell array structure (100) further includes the first terminal busbar (151) and the second terminal busbar (152) as described above, the high-current path connection structure of the battery pack (10) can be easily implemented, and the productivity of the battery pack (10) can be improved. Specifically, when the battery pack (10) includes a plurality of cell array structures (100), the high-current terminals, such as the first terminal busbar (151) and the second terminal busbar (152), are arranged so as to be offset to one side in the cell array structure (100). This minimizes the distance between each high-current terminal of one cell array structure (100) and other cell array structures (100), thereby enabling the high-current path connection structure of the battery pack (10) to be easily implemented and allowing for a reduction in the size and number of components for the high-current path connection, thus improving the productivity of the battery pack (10).

[0141]

[0142] Meanwhile, the large current formed in the cell array structure (100) is formed to flow from either the first terminal busbar (151) or the second terminal busbar (152) toward the other, and can be formed in a complex manner with a combination of the first direction and the second direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the flow of the large current can be formed in a zigzag shape such that it is formed from the first terminal busbar (151) toward the +Y direction side, then the direction is changed toward the -Y direction side, then changed again toward the +Y direction side, then formed toward the -X direction side, and finally toward the second terminal busbar (152). In the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention, even when the large current is formed in a complex manner as described above, the electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells (110) can be effectively and easily implemented.

[0143]

[0144] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 1, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (200). A receiving space for accommodating at least one cell array structure (100) may be formed inside the pack case (200). 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 form a receiving space together with the bottom plate 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 further include side frames (160, 170). The side frames (160, 170) may include a side structure (160) and a side wall (170). A plurality of battery cells (110) may form a row in one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and such a row of battery cells (110) is hereinafter referred to as a battery cell (110) row. A plurality of battery cell (110) rows may be arranged in the cell array structure (100). The side structure (160) may accommodate and support the battery cell (110) rows on both sides (e.g., both sides in the X-axis direction). The side wall (170) may be placed at the outermost edge of the cell array structure (100). For example, side walls (170) may be placed at the outermost sides of the cell array structure (100) in the X-axis direction. The side walls (170) may accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110) on one side (the +X direction side or the -X direction side). The side structure (160) and the side walls (170) may each be configured to extend long along the longitudinal direction of the row of battery cells (110).

[0147]

[0148] 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 relay, a current sensor, etc., components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0149]

[0150] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 10 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.

[0152] 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).

[0153]

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0157] 10: Battery pack

[0158] 100 : Cell array structure

[0159] 110: Battery cell

[0160] 111 : First pole terminal

[0161] 112 : Second terminal

[0162] 120 : Sub-busbar unit

[0163] 130 : No sensing

[0164] 131 : Connection part

[0165] 140 : Welding plate

[0166] 151 : Terminal 1 Bus Bar

[0167] 152 : Terminal 2 Bus Bar

[0168] 160 : Side structure

[0169] 170 : Side wall

[0170] 200 : Pack case

[0171] C1: 1st busbar cover

[0172] C2: 2nd busbar cover

[0173] H1: 1st cover hole

[0174] H2: Second cover hole

[0175] V : Car

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A plurality of sub-busbar units that electrically connect any two of the above battery cells; A cell array structure characterized by including at least one sensing member electrically connected to a plurality of the above-mentioned sub-busbar units.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing member is, A cell array structure characterized by being configured to sense at least some of the plurality of the above battery cells.

3. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above battery cells is, The battery cell comprises a first pole terminal and a second pole terminal disposed on one side thereof, and The above sensing member is, A plurality of the above battery cells are disposed on one side, and A plurality of the above-mentioned sub-busbar units, A cell array structure characterized by being disposed between a plurality of the above-mentioned battery cells and the above-mentioned sensing member.

4. In Paragraph 1, A plurality of the above battery cells, It is divided into multiple bank units, and The above sub-busbar unit is, It is configured to connect any battery cell belonging to one bank and any battery cell belonging to another bank in series with each other, The above sensing member is, A cell array structure characterized by being configured to connect a plurality of the above-mentioned sub-busbar units in parallel.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above sub-busbar unit is, Any two of the battery cells arranged in a first direction are extended and configured to be electrically connected to each other, The above sensing member is, It is configured to be extended to intersect with the above-mentioned sub-busbar unit, and The above sub-busbar unit and the above sensing member are, A cell array structure characterized by being electrically connected to each other at points where they intersect.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of banks are, A cell array structure characterized by being formed irregularly from each other.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above sub-busbar unit and the above sensing member are, A cell array structure characterized by being welded together.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above sub-busbar unit and the above sensing member are, A cell array structure characterized by being welded together by a welding plate.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing member is, A cell array structure characterized by being provided in a form that passes between the battery cells when viewed from one side.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above sub-busbar unit is, A cell array structure characterized by including aluminum material.

11. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a first busbar cover disposed between the sub-busbar unit and the sensing member and covering one side of the sub-busbar unit, and The above-mentioned first busbar cover is, A cell array structure characterized by having at least one first cover hole formed through so that the sub-busbar unit and the sensing member can come into contact with each other.

12. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a second busbar cover disposed between the sub-busbar unit and a plurality of the battery cells and covering the other side of the sub-busbar unit, The above second busbar cover is, A cell array structure characterized by having at least one second cover hole formed through it so that the above-mentioned sub-busbar unit and a plurality of the above-mentioned battery cells can come into contact with each other.

13. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a first terminal busbar and a second terminal busbar that are electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells and are respectively disposed on the outermost sides in the first direction of the cell array structure. The above-mentioned first terminal busbar and the above-mentioned second terminal busbar are, respectively, A cell array structure characterized by being positioned offset to one side in a second direction.

14. A battery pack characterized by including at least one cell array structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to paragraph 14.

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