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; and at least one side structure for accommodating and supporting battery cells of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the at least one side structure comprises: a cell contact unit of which at least a part comes is in contact with the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells; and a cooling member contact unit having the bottom surface formed to be in contact with a predetermined area of a cooling member, and the at least one side structure allows heat to be transferred between the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling member through the cell contact unit and the cooling member contact unit.

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 optimized for bottom cooling, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0193898 filed on December 23, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0038231 filed on March 25, 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] Conventional cell array structures could include side structures for accommodating and supporting battery cells. Conventional side structures could be manufactured from plastic injection molding, which had low thermal conductivity and was difficult to perform a cooling function. Conventional cell array structures could additionally be equipped with cooling means placed between battery cells, and cooling was mainly achieved through a so-called side cooling method in which cooling proceeds from the side of the battery cells.

[0009] The cooling means could provide a cooling channel or cooling tube that extends through a plate through which a cooling fluid passes. For example, in a conventional cell array structure, battery cells could be arranged in rows with a conventional plastic side structure placed between the first and second rows, the third and fourth rows, and the fifth and sixth rows, and a side cooling means could be provided between the second and third rows, and the fourth and fifth rows, etc. While plastic side structures with low thermal conductivity cannot effectively dissipate heat from the sides of the cells in which they are placed, the cooling means uses multiple fluid connections at the ends of each cooling means, and sufficient space was required between the rows of cells to deliver enough cooling fluid to effectively cool the battery cells.

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

[0011] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the technical background described above, and has the purpose of providing a cell array structure optimized for bottom cooling, 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; and at least one side structure that accommodates and supports the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the at least one side structure comprises a cell contact portion in which at least a portion contacts the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells; and a cooling member contact portion having a bottom surface formed to contact a predetermined area of ​​a cooling member, and wherein the at least one side structure is configured to transfer heat between the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling member through the cell contact portion and the cooling member contact portion.

[0014] Each of the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells above may be provided with a first terminal and a second terminal on the upper side.

[0015] The above cooling member contact portion may include a portion extending toward the space between adjacent battery cells of the plurality of battery cells at the bottom of the cell contact portion.

[0016] The bottom surface of the above-mentioned cooling member contact portion can be formed in a flat shape.

[0017] The bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion may have the same vertical position with respect to the cooling member as the bottom surface of the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells.

[0018] The battery cells of the plurality of battery cells are arranged in rows, and at least one side structure may be arranged along each row of the battery cells.

[0019] The cell contact portion can be in surface contact with the sides of the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] The contact angle between the cell contact portion and the battery cell can be formed to be 50 to 70 degrees.

[0021] The above side structure may include metal.

[0022] The above metal may include aluminum.

[0023] The above side structure has an electrical insulating coating layer formed on at least a portion of its surface, and the electrical insulating coating layer may include an electrical insulating material.

[0024] The above electrical insulating material may include epoxy material.

[0025] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one cell array structure according to the present invention.

[0026] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include a cooling member disposed at the bottom of the cell array structure.

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

[0028] A side structure according to the present invention is a side structure for accommodating and supporting battery cells in a cell array structure, comprising: a cell contact portion configured such that at least a portion contacts the battery cells; and a cooling member contact portion having a bottom surface configured to contact a predetermined area of ​​a cooling member, wherein the side structure comprises a metal and is configured to transfer heat between the cooling member and a plurality of battery cells.

[0029] The above side structure has an electrical insulating coating layer formed on at least a portion of its surface, and the electrical insulating coating layer may include an electrical insulating material.

[0030] The above electrical insulating material may include epoxy material.

[0031] The cell contact portion above may have a wave shape.

[0032] The above cooling member contact portion may be one of a plurality of cooling member contact portions that alternately extend from both sides of the side structure.

[0033] The above cooling member contact portion may be one of a plurality of cooling member contact portions extending only from one side of the side structure.

[0034] According to the present invention, a cell array structure optimized for bottom cooling, 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 improved cooling efficiency of a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with improved structural rigidity, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0038] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with secured insulation, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred aspects of the invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a disassembled view of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a front view of a side structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a front view showing an enlarged portion of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0049] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are perspective views showing a side structure according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred aspects 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055]

[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the disassembled view of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, a battery pack (10) according to one aspect 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).

[0058] A battery pack (10) according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a cooling member (300). The cooling member (300) may be configured to cool a battery cell (110) described later. A channel through which a cooling medium can flow may be formed inside the cooling member (300).

[0059] The cooling member (300) may be provided such that at least a portion of it is in contact with the cell array structure (100). The cooling member (300) may be positioned on the lower side of the cell array structure (100) so as to be in contact with the bottom of the cell array structure (100). For example, the cooling member (300) may be positioned on the -Z direction side of the cell array structure (100). In this case, the battery pack (10) may be provided as a bottom cooling structure. The cooling member (300) may be positioned in the battery pack (10), for example, inside the battery pack (10). Additionally, the cooling member (300) may be provided in various forms and structures, such as being provided as part of the cell array structure (100), unlike what is shown in the drawing.

[0060]

[0061] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a side structure according to one aspect of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a front view of a side structure according to one aspect of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a front view showing an enlarged portion of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0062] Hereinafter, a cell array structure (100) according to one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0063] A cell array structure (100) according to one aspect of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (110) and at least one side structure (120).

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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 length, a predetermined width, and a predetermined height in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0066] The cell array structure (100) may include at least one side structure (120). The cell array structure (100) may include a plurality of side structures (120, 120').

[0067] The side structure (120, 120') can accommodate and support multiple battery cells (110). The side structure (120, 120') can be extended along the length direction of the cell array structure (100). For example, the side structure (120, 120') can be extended along the X-axis direction.

[0068] Multiple battery cells (110) may be arranged in rows. For example, multiple battery cells (110) may be arranged in rows parallel to the length direction or X-axis direction of the cell array structure (100). The battery cells (110) may be cylindrical, and the rows of battery cells (110) may be packed close to each other, so that adjacent rows in the Y-axis direction may be offset in the X-axis direction by half the diameter of the battery cells (110). This may be referred to as hexagonal close packing, where each battery cell, excluding the battery cells located around it, is surrounded by six other battery cells that define a hexagon.

[0069] The side structure (120, 120') may be configured to accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110) placed on one side (in the case of the side structure (120')) or to accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110) placed on both sides (in the case of the side structure (120)). For example, the side structure (120, 120') may be configured to accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110) placed on one side in the Y-axis direction or a row of battery cells (110) placed on both sides in the Y-axis direction. For example, if the side structure (120) is placed at the outermost edge of a plurality of battery cells (110), the side structure (120) may be configured to accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110) placed on one side. For example, if the side structure (120) is placed between any two rows of battery cells (110), the side structure (12) can accommodate and support each of the rows of battery cells (110) placed on both sides.

[0070] The side structure (120, 120') may have a cell contact portion (121) and a cooling member contact portion (122).

[0071] The cell contact portion (121) may be in contact with at least a portion of adjacent battery cells (110). The cell contact portion (121) may be in contact with the side of adjacent battery cells (110). The cell contact portion (121) may be configured to cool the battery cells (110) by conducting and / or radiating heat generated from the adjacent battery cells (110) to the cell contact portion (121). The cell contact portion (121) may be configured to directly cool the battery cells (110). Heat generated from the battery cells (110) may be transferred to the cell contact portion (121) and dissipated to the outside of the battery cells (110).

[0072] Contact between the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cells (110) may be achieved by direct physical contact between the surface of the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cells (110). In other examples, any connection that allows heat transfer between the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cells (110) may be the contact between the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cells (110). In one example, the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cells (110) may be connected via a thermally conductive resin or adhesive located between the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cells (110). In another example, a thermally conductive layer, film, particle, or plate may be located between the battery cells (110) and the cell contact portion (121). The contact between the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cells (110) may be a direct physical contact in one or more areas, and a thermally conductive material may be provided between the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cells (110) in one or more other areas.

[0073] The cooling member contact portion (122) may be a part of the side structure (120, 120') that contacts the cooling member (300). Specifically, the cooling member contact portion (122) is a part for contacting the cooling member (300) and may come into contact with the cooling member (300) when the battery pack (10) is configured.

[0074] A bottom surface capable of contacting the cooling member (300) may be formed in the cooling member contact portion (122). That is, the bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) may be configured to contact the cooling member (300). The bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) may contact the cooling member (300) with a predetermined surface area. That is, the bottom surface of the cooling member (300) may be in surface contact with the cooling member (300).

[0075] Contact between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300) may be achieved by direct physical contact between the surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300). In other examples, any connection that allows heat transfer between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300) may be the contact between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300). In one example, the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300) may be connected through a thermally conductive resin or adhesive located between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300). In another example, a thermally conductive layer, film, particle, or plate may be located between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300). The contact between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300) may be a direct physical contact in one or more areas, and in one or more other areas, a thermally conductive material may be provided between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300).

[0076] Heat generated from the battery cell (110) can be sequentially passed through the cell contact portion (121) and conducted to the cooling member contact portion (122), and finally transferred to the cooling member (300). Specifically, heat generated from the battery cell (110) can be transferred laterally from the battery cell (110) to the cell contact portion (121), and the heat transferred to the cell contact portion (121) can be transferred downwardly to the cooling member contact portion (122), and the heat transferred to the cooling member contact portion (122) can finally be transferred to the cooling member (300).

[0077] Additionally, if the temperature of the battery cells (110) is lower than the desired temperature, heat transfer may occur in the reverse direction to heat the battery cells (110). In this case, the cooling member (300) may be heated, for example, by supplying a fluid having a temperature higher than that of the battery cells (110). In this case, heat from the cooling member (300) may be transferred to the cooling member contact part (122), the heat transferred to the cooling member contact part (122) may be transferred to the cell contact part (121), and the heat transferred to the cell contact part (121) may be transferred laterally to the battery cells (110).

[0078] A cell array structure (100) according to one aspect of the present invention has the effect of being optimized for bottom cooling by the configuration of the above aspect.

[0079] Specifically, the cell contact portion (121) of the side structure (120) can stably and firmly accommodate and support the heat of the battery cell (110). Also, the heat generated from the battery cell (110) can be transferred to the cooling member (300) by sequentially passing through the cell contact portion (121) and the cooling member contact portion (122), and the contact area between the side structure (120) and the cooling member (300) can be sufficiently secured by the cooling member contact portion (122), so that the cell array structure (100) according to one aspect of the present invention can be optimized for bottom cooling.

[0080] In addition, the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery cell (110) inside the cell array structure (100) by means of the side structure (120, 120').

[0081] By using a side structure (120, 120') that facilitates bottom cooling of the battery cells (110) by transferring heat from the sides of the battery cells (110) along the bottom to the cooling member (300), the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention may have a relatively small volume and weight compared to a conventional side structure that may include a relatively large space between the battery cells to accommodate, for example, a cooling means having a fluid channel. That is, compared to a conventional side cooling cell array structure, the relatively thin side structure (120) of the present invention, which can be mounted on the conventional cell array structure, can increase the space efficiency inside the cell array structure (100) and also enable the cell array structure (100) to be made lighter, thereby improving the energy density of the cell array structure (100).

[0082] In addition, the structural rigidity of the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention can be improved by the side structure (120, 120').

[0083] Each of the plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided with 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 electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal (112) may be a negative electrode terminal.

[0084] Each of the plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided with a first terminal (111) and a second terminal (112) on the upper side. That is, both the first terminal (111) and the second terminal (112) may be placed on the upper side of the battery cell (110).

[0085] When the cell array structure (100) is configured as described above, it is sufficient to provide an electrical connection structure only on the upper side of the plurality of battery cells (110), so that a cooling member (300) can be placed at the bottom of the cell array structure (100) without any possibility of interference with the electrical connection structure, etc., so that the cell array structure (100) can be more optimized for bottom cooling.

[0086]

[0087] The cooling member contact portion (122) may be disposed at the bottom of the cell contact portion (121). The cooling member contact portion (122) may be formed by extending laterally outward from the bottom of the cell contact portion (121). The cooling member contact portion (122) may extend toward the space between a plurality of battery cells (110).

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

[0089] The cooling member contact portion (122) may extend from the cell contact portion (121) toward a row of battery cells (110) on one or both sides. For example, the cooling member contact portion (122) may extend from the cell contact portion (121) toward the +Y direction and / or the -Y direction. In the case of a side structure (120) configured to accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110) on both sides, the cooling member contact portion (122) may be configured to extend alternately toward the +Y direction or the -Y direction along the longitudinal direction or the X-axis direction of the side structure (120). In the case where the side structure (120') is configured to accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110), the cooling member contact portion (122) may be configured to extend toward either the +Y direction or the -Y direction along the longitudinal direction or the X-axis direction of the side structure (120').

[0090] When the cooling member contact portion (122) is configured as described above, a sufficient contact area (SB) between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300) can be secured. The contact area (SB) may be a predetermined area that comes into contact with a predetermined area of ​​the cooling member (300). The contact area (SB) may be the area of ​​one cooling member contact portion (122) that comes into contact with the cooling member (300). Furthermore, since the cooling member contact portion (122) can minimize the gap between the battery cells (110), the battery cells (110) can be more firmly supported in close contact. Accordingly, in some aspects, the contact area (SB) may occupy at least half of the approximately triangular space between two adjacent battery cells (110) and the cell contact portion (121). In other aspects, the contact area (SB) may occupy at least 2 / 3 of that space. In other aspects, the contact area (SB) may be at least 3 / 4 of the space. Still in other aspects, the contact area (SB) may be 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or more of the space area between two adjacent battery cells (110) and the cell contact portion (121).

[0091]

[0092] In particular, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) may be formed in a flat shape and may have a flat surface. However, other shapes or surface structures may be used. For example, the bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) may include, for example, a groove, a channel, a depression, or a protrusion (not shown) to provide an additional surface area of ​​the cooling member contact portion (122) when a thermally conductive material is positioned between the cooling member contact portion (122) and the cooling member (300). The groove, channel, depression, or protrusion may be provided to the cooling member (300) alternatively or additionally.

[0093] The bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) may be formed flat so as to be substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to the height direction or Z-axis direction of the cell array structure (100). For example, the bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) may be formed flat so as to be parallel to the XY plane.

[0094] When the cooling member contact portion (122) is configured as described above, the cooling member contact portion (122) can be more effectively adhered to the cooling member (300), so that the cell array structure (100) can be more optimized for bottom cooling.

[0095]

[0096] The bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) can be formed to have the same height as the bottom surface of the battery cell (110) (i.e., a vertical position relative to the cooling member (300). That is, the bottom surface of the cooling member contact portion (122) and the bottom surface of the battery cell (110) can be arranged on a single plane.

[0097] When the cooling member contact portion (122) is configured as described above, the space efficiency inside the cell array structure (100) can be increased, making the cell array structure (100) more compact and lighter, and improving the energy density of the cell array structure (100).

[0098]

[0099] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, one or more side structures (120) may be arranged for each row of multiple battery cells (110).

[0100] For example, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged in a plurality of rows, and at least one side structure (120) may be arranged between each row.

[0101] For example, a side structure (120') may also be placed at the outermost edge of a plurality of battery cells (110), and in this case, one or more side structures (120') may be placed on one side or both sides of the row of battery cells (110) placed at the outermost edge.

[0102] One or more side structures (120, 120') can be configured to be in contact with each side of all battery cells (110) of the cell array structure (100).

[0103] When the side structures (120, 120') are arranged as described above, all battery cells (110) of the cell array structure (100) can be accommodated and supported by the side structures (120, 120'), thereby improving the rigidity and structural stability of the cell array structure (100). Additionally, since each side of all battery cells (110) of the cell array structure (100) can come into contact with the side structures (120, 120'), the cooling performance of the cell array structure (100) can be maximized.

[0104]

[0105] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a cell array structure according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8, the cell contact portion (121) of the side structure (120, 120') can be in surface contact with the side of the battery cell (110).

[0107] The cell contact portion (121) may be configured in a repeatedly folded shape (e.g., wave or grooved) so as to make surface contact with at least a portion of the sides of adjacent battery cells (110). For example, if the battery cell (110) is provided in a cylindrical shape and compactly packed, the cell contact portion (121) may be configured in a repeating arc shape corresponding to the outer circumference of the battery cell (110). The cell contact portion (121) may be configured in a crossly repeatedly folded shape so as to make surface contact with each of the adjacent battery cells (110) between two rows of battery cells (110). The cell contact portion (121) may be configured in a roughly wave shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0108] When the cell contact portion (121) is configured as described above, the contact area between the cell contact portion (121) and the side of the battery cell (110) can be widely secured, so the heat transfer effect between the battery cell (110) and the cell contact portion (121) can be improved, and thus the cooling performance of the cell array structure (100) can be improved.

[0109] In particular, referring to FIG. 8, the contact angle (θ) between the cell contact portion (121) and the battery cell (110) can be formed to be 50 to 70 degrees. For example, the contact angle (θ) can be formed to be approximately 60 degrees. Here, the contact angle (θ) can be understood as the angle formed between the two ends of an arc defined with respect to the center (O) of the battery cell (110), in the arc formed by the contact between the cell contact portion (121) of one battery cell (110) and one side structure (120, 120') when viewed from the height direction or Z-axis direction of the battery cell (110).

[0110] The surface area of ​​the cylindrical battery cell (110) is the height (H) of the battery cells (110). cellIt is the value obtained by multiplying the perimeter (P) of the battery cells (110). The battery cell contact surface area (SA) is the area of ​​the cell contact portion (121) of a side structure (120, 120') that contacts a battery cell (110). In some examples, the height (H) of the cell contact portion is the contact angle (θ) (as part of 180°) of the cell contact portion (121). cp )(H cell By multiplying by (as a ratio), the battery cell contact surface area (SA) of the battery cell (110) in contact with the cell contact portion (121) can be provided. In some examples, the contact area between the cell contact portions (121) and the battery cells (110) in the cell array structure (100) can be determined by Equation 1.

[0111] Mathematical formula 1:

[0112] In one example, the cell contact portion (121) has a contact angle (θ) of 50° and a height (H cell Height that is 90% of ) (H cp You can have ), and then

[0113]

[0114] The battery cell contact surface area (SA) can be provided. In another example, the contact angle (θ) is 70° and the height (H) of the cell contact portion cp ) height(H cell If 80% of ) is true, the cell contact portion (121) is,

[0115]

[0116] A battery cell contact surface area (SA) can be provided. A person skilled in the art can provide a different contact angle (θ) and / or height (H) of the cell contact to provide a desired battery cell surface area (SA) between the cell contact (121) and the battery cell (110). cp You can select ).

[0117] In other examples, if the height of the cell contact portion (121) varies along the length of the cell contact portion (121) or if the contact angle (θ) for some battery cells (110) varies along the length of the cell contact portion (121), the battery cell contact surface area (SA) may vary from Equation 1. In one example, the height of the cell contact portion (121) at the end may be shorter or longer than the height of the cell contact portion (121) at the center. In one example, the contact angle (θ) at the end of the cell contact portion (121) may be greater or smaller than the contact angle (θ) at the center of the cell contact portion (121).

[0118] When the cell contact portion (121) is configured as described above, a sufficient contact area between the cell contact portion (121) and the side of the battery cell (110) can be secured, thereby improving the heat transfer effect between the battery cell (110) and the cell contact portion (121). Furthermore, since the cell contact portion (121) can uniformly support multiple battery cells (110), the rigidity and structural stability of the cell array structure (100) can be further improved.

[0119] In some examples, the total battery cell contact surface area (SA) of the cell array structure (100) total ) is the sum of all battery cell contact surface areas (SA) of the side structures (120, 120') included in the cell array structure (100). In some examples, the total contact area (SB) of the cell array structure (100) total ) is the sum of all contact areas (SB) of the side structures (120, 120') included in the cell array structure (100).

[0120] The relationship between the battery cell contact surface area (SA) and the contact area (SB) between the cooling member contact portion (122) of the side structure (120, 120') and the cooling member (300) can be selected. For example, SA total :SB total The ratio is approximately 1:1 ≤ SA total :SB total≤ 1:0.05; 1:0.9 ≤ SA total :SB total ≤ 1:0.1; 1:0.8 ≤ SA total :SB total ≤ 1:0.2; 1:0.75 ≤ SA total :SB total ≤ 1:0.25; 1:0.6 ≤ SA total :SB total It can be selected within the range ≤ 1:0.4. Or SA total :SB total The ratio of can be 1:0.5.

[0121] Table 1: A comparison of the characteristics of the material used in the conventional side structure and the characteristics of the material used in the side structure (120, 120') according to the present disclosure.

[0122]

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 5, FIGS. 6 and Table 1, the side structure (120, 120') may include a metal material. That is, the side structure (120, 120') may be made of a metal material. The side structure (120) may include a metal material with high thermal conductivity. For example, a metal material having a thermal conductivity greater than 75 W / (K·m), greater than 100 W / (K·m), greater than 150 W / (K·m), greater than 200 W / (K·m), or greater than 225 W / (K·m) at room temperature may be preferred. The thermal conductivity of the composite side structure (120, 120') may have an overall thermal conductivity that is influenced by the thermal conductivity of the materials of the composite side structure. For example, a composite side structure having a thermal conductivity greater than 60 W / (K·m), greater than 75 W / (K·m), greater than 125 W / (K·m), greater than 190 W / (K·m), or greater than 200 W / (K·m) at room temperature may be desirable.

[0124] In this way, when the side structure (120, 120') includes a metal material, the cooling performance and rigidity of the cell array structure (100) can be improved. Additionally, since it is sufficient for the side structure (120, 120') to be provided in a relatively thin or small size, the cell array structure (100) can be made compact and the energy density of the cell array structure (100) can be improved.

[0125]

[0126] The metal material may include aluminum (Al) or an alloy thereof. The aluminum material may be a lightweight material with excellent thermal conductivity, high heat capacity, and low density. The side structure (120, 120') may include an aluminum material such as AL3003, for example. The thermal conductivity of AL3003 may be about 150 to 190 W / (K·m). The selection of the material may be made considering not only thermal conductivity but also machinability. Other metals having high thermal conductivity, such as magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or alloys thereof, may be included in the metal material.

[0127] When the side structure (120, 120') includes aluminum material, the cooling performance and rigidity of the cell array structure (100) can be improved, and it can be made more compact and lighter, which can further improve the energy density.

[0128]

[0129] Additionally, referring to Table 1, conventional side structures may be heavy and have very low thermal conductivity because they include plastic materials (e.g., modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO)). However, the side structures (120, 120') according to the present invention may include metal materials such as aluminum, so they can be formed with very high thermal conductivity, thereby providing superior cooling performance for the battery cell (110). Furthermore, it can be seen that the side structures (120, 120') according to the present invention can have a significantly reduced volume compared to conventional side structures, and thus their weight can be significantly reduced (a reduction of about 37% compared to conventional side structures).

[0130]

[0131] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are perspective views showing a side structure according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0132] With reference to Table 1, FIG. 9a, and FIG. 9b, a cell array structure (100) according to another aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. A side structure (120, 120') of the cell array structure (100) according to another aspect of the present invention may have an insulating coating layer (123) formed thereon.

[0133] Specifically, the side structure (120, 120') may be a composite side structure. In one example, the composite side structure (120, 120') may include an insulating coating layer (123) formed on at least some surface. The insulating coating layer (123) may be formed on the cell contact portion (121), for example, as shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b. The insulating coating layer (123) may also be formed on the cooling member contact portion (122), although not shown in the drawings.

[0134] The insulating coating layer (123) can be formed on each side in the Y-axis direction of the side structure (120), as shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b.

[0135] The insulating coating layer (123) may include an insulating material. The insulating coating layer (123) can be understood as a layer on which an insulating material is coated on the outer surface of the side structure (120, 120').

[0136] Insulating materials may include epoxy materials. Epoxy materials may have excellent electrical insulation properties. However, other insulating materials may be used alone or in combination. For example, silicone, urethane, or acrylic may be used as insulating materials. Insulating materials, for example, about 10 8 to about 10 18 It may be an electrical insulator having an electrical resistivity of Ω·cm or greater. An insulating material can be any material having high resistance to the flow of electrons through it.

[0137] Table 2: This shows the aluminum (Al) to epoxy thickness ratio and the corresponding volumes of aluminum and epoxy.

[0138]

[0139] Referring to Table 2, when the aluminum and epoxy thickness ratio changes (Al 1.2T ~ 1.4T, Epoxy 0.3T ~ 0.2T), assuming the total volume is 100%, the volume ratio of aluminum can be selected to be approximately 65 ~ 80%.

[0140] As described above, when an insulating coating layer (123) is formed on the side structure (120, 120'), electrical insulation between the side structure (120, 120') and the battery cell (110) can be ensured.

[0141]

[0142] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, a battery pack (10) according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a cooling member (300) as described above. The cooling member (300) may be disposed in contact with a cooling member contact portion (122) of a side structure (120, 120') at the bottom of the cell array structure (100), thereby providing the cell array structure (100) as a bottom cooling structure. Heat generated from the battery cell (110) may be transferred to the cooling member (300) by sequentially passing through the cell contact portion (121) and the cooling member contact portion (122).

[0144]

[0145] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, 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 (210), a side wall portion (220), and a pack lid (230). The bottom plate (210) may form the bottom of the pack case (200). The side wall portion (220) may surround the bottom plate (210) and form a receiving space in which at least one cell array structure (100) can be accommodated together with the bottom plate (210). A cooling member (300) may be disposed on the bottom plate (210) in a state of being accommodated in the receiving space. The pack lid (230) may be configured to cover the receiving space. The pack case (200) may further include a cross beam configured to partition the receiving space.

[0146]

[0147] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cell array structure (100) may further include a side wall (130). The side wall (130) may be positioned at the outermost edge of the cell array structure (100). For example, the side wall (130) may be positioned at each of the outermost edges on both sides in the Y-axis direction of the cell array structure (100). The side wall (130) may accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110) on one side (the +Y direction side or the -Y direction side). The side wall (130) may be configured to extend long along the length direction of the cell array structure (100). For example, the side wall (130) may extend long along the X-axis direction, similar to the side structure (120).

[0148]

[0149] 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.

[0150]

[0151] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 11 below, a battery pack (10) according to one aspect of the present invention may 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 a battery pack (10) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) may be installed in a vehicle body frame or trunk space under the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the vehicle (V) according to one aspect 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 aspect of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (10) according to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0153] In addition, it is obvious that the battery pack (10) according to one aspect 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).

[0154]

[0155] 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.

[0156] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited aspects 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.

[0157] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0158] 10: Battery pack

[0159] 100 : Cell array structure

[0160] 110: Battery cell

[0161] 111 : First pole terminal

[0162] 112 : Second terminal

[0163] 120, 120' : Side structure

[0164] 121 : Cell contact part

[0165] 122 : Cooling member contact part

[0166] 123 : Insulating coating layer

[0167] 130 : Side wall

[0168] 200 : Pack case

[0169] 210: Bottom Plate

[0170] 220 : Sidewall

[0171] 230 : Pack Lead

[0172] 300 : Cooling element

[0173] A: Contact angle

[0174] V : Car

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and It includes at least one side structure that accommodates and supports the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells mentioned above, and The above at least one side structure is, A cell contact portion in which at least a portion is in contact with the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells; and It has a cooling member contact portion having a bottom surface formed to contact a predetermined area of ​​a cooling member, and The above at least one side structure is A cell array structure characterized by being configured to transfer heat between the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling member through the cell contact portion and the cooling member contact portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, Each of the battery cells of the above plurality of battery cells is, A cell array structure characterized by having a first pole terminal and a second pole terminal on the upper side.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling member contact portion is, A cell array structure characterized by including a portion extending toward the space between adjacent battery cells of the plurality of battery cells at the bottom of the cell contact portion.

4. In Paragraph 1, The bottom surface of the above-mentioned cooling member contact portion is, A cell array structure characterized by being formed in a flat shape.

5. In Paragraph 1, The bottom surface of the above-mentioned cooling member contact portion is, A cell array structure characterized by having the same vertical position as the bottom surface of the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells with respect to the cooling member.

6. In Paragraph 1, The battery cells of the above plurality of battery cells are arranged in rows, and A cell array structure characterized by having at least one side structure disposed along each row of battery cells.

7. In Paragraph 1, The cell contact portion above is, A cell array structure characterized by being in surface contact with the sides of the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells.

8. In Paragraph 7, The contact angle between the cell contact portion and the battery cell is, A cell array structure characterized by being formed at 50 to 70 degrees.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above side structure is, A cell array structure characterized by including metal.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above metal is, A cell array structure characterized by including aluminum.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above side structure is, An electrical insulating coating layer is formed on at least some surfaces, and The above electrical insulation coating layer is, A cell array structure characterized by including an electrically insulating material.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above electrical insulating material is, A cell array structure characterized by including an epoxy material.

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

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized by further including a cooling member disposed at the bottom of the cell array structure.

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

16. As a side structure for accommodating and supporting battery cells in a cell array structure, A cell contact portion configured such that at least a portion contacts the battery cells; and It includes a cooling member contact portion having a bottom surface configured to contact a predetermined area of ​​a cooling member, and The above side structure is A side structure characterized by including a metal and being configured to transfer heat between the cooling member and a plurality of battery cells.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above side structure is, It has an electrical insulating coating layer formed on at least some surface, and The above electrical insulation coating layer A side structure characterized by including an electrically insulating material.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above electrical insulating material is A side structure characterized by including an epoxy material.

19. In Paragraph 16, The cell contact part above Side structure characterized by having a wave shape.

20. In Paragraph 16, The above cooling member contact part A side structure characterized by being one of a plurality of cooling member contact portions that alternately extend from both sides of the above side structure.

21. In Paragraph 16, The above cooling member contact part A side structure characterized by being one of a plurality of cooling member contact portions extending only from one side of the above side structure.

Images