Cell array structure, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A cell array structure according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; and at least one bus bar for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, wherein one part of the bus bar is coated with a refractory material and another part of the bus bar is not coated with the refractory material, and the bus bar is configured such that, when exposed to a high temperature, the part of the bus bar not coated with the refractory material melts before the part of the bus bar coated with the refractory material.

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 preventing thermal runaway, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0016199 filed on February 7, 2025 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2026-0016102 filed on January 27, 2026, and all contents disclosed in the specifications of said applications are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product categories, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of being able to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not generate any by-products from the use of energy.

[0005] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Additionally, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] 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.

[0007] In such a cell array structure, if a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell and high-temperature gas, flame, spark, electrode, etc. are emitted, a short circuit may occur within the cell array structure, which may lead to a thermal runaway phenomenon.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a cell array structure that can effectively prevent thermal runaway by preventing short circuits within the cell array structure, even if a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell.

[0009] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the technical background described above, and has one objective of providing a cell array structure capable of effectively preventing thermal runaway by preventing a short circuit within the cell array structure even when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0010] 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.

[0011] A cell array structure according to the present invention comprises a plurality of battery cells; and at least one busbar electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, wherein a portion of the busbar is covered with a refractory material and another portion is not covered with the refractory material, and the busbar is configured such that when exposed to high temperature, the portion not covered with the refractory material melts first than the portion covered with the refractory material.

[0012] The busbar comprises: a main body portion; at least one electrode connection portion disposed on at least one side of the main body portion and electrically connected to an electrode of the battery cell; and at least one bridge portion connecting the main body portion and the electrode connection portion, wherein at least a portion of the bridge portion may not be covered with a fire-resistant material.

[0013] The above main body can be connected in parallel with a plurality of the above electrode connection parts.

[0014] The electrode connection part and the electrode of the battery cell are welded together, and the surface of the electrode connection part facing the electrode of the battery cell may not be coated with a refractory material.

[0015] The electrode of the battery cell comprises a first electrode having a first polarity and a second electrode having a second polarity, and the electrode connection part includes a first electrode connection part electrically connected to the first electrode and a second electrode connection part electrically connected to the second electrode, and the bridge part may include a first bridge part connecting the main body part and the first electrode connection part and a second bridge part connecting the main body part and the second electrode connection part.

[0016] The first bridge section above may be configured in an inclined shape.

[0017] The above bridge portion may be configured to be spaced apart from the battery cell.

[0018] The above refractory material may include at least one of a ceramic material, an inorganic fiber material, a mica-based material, and a refractory resin material.

[0019] Any part of the above busbar may be coated and covered with the above refractory material.

[0020] A portion of the above busbar may be covered by attaching an attachment member containing the above fire-resistant material.

[0021] The above bridge portion may have a necking portion having a relatively small cross-sectional area compared to the surroundings.

[0022] The above bridge portion is provided with a first groove portion that is recessed in the width direction on at least one side in the width direction, and the necking portion may be formed by the first groove portion.

[0023] The above bridge portion is provided with a second groove portion that is recessed in the thickness direction on at least one surface in the thickness direction, and the necking portion may be formed by the second groove portion.

[0024] The battery cell comprises an electrode including a first electrode having a first polarity and a second electrode having a second polarity, and the first electrode and the second electrode may be disposed together on either side of the battery cell.

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

[0026] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0027] According to the present invention, a cell array structure capable of preventing a short circuit within the cell array structure when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0028] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure capable of effectively preventing thermal runaway when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, 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 rapidly blocking a thermal runaway phenomenon at an early stage when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, 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 capable of reliably blocking a thermal runaway phenomenon when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of busbars separated according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one bus bar according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the state in which the corresponding bridge part is broken when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell in FIG. 4.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing an enlarged view of one of the busbars according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the busbars according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the busbars according to another variation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the busbars according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the busbars according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but 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. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0046] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0047] The statement that two subjects of comparison are identical means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0048] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

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

[0050] The fact that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0051] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0052] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0053] The present invention may be implemented in the following embodiments, each independently. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented in combination of two or more of the following embodiments. Each of the following embodiments may not only be implemented independently but may also be freely combined with one another.

[0054] Meanwhile, contents common to parts described in any one embodiment of the present invention may also be applied to other embodiments. For example, contents common to parts described in the first embodiment of the second embodiment may be replaced by the description of the first embodiment described above, and such common contents may also be applied to the second embodiment. Furthermore, contents described in the second embodiment that are applicable to the first embodiment may also be applied to the first embodiment. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0055] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis and Y-axis directions may be forward, backward, left, and right directions, respectively, and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane may be up and down direction (vertical direction).

[0056]

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of busbars separated according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the busbars according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a bridge part corresponding to the occurrence of a thermal event in a specific battery cell in FIG. 4 is broken.

[0058] Hereinafter, a cell array structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. A cell array structure (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (110) and at least one bus bar (120).

[0059] The battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery. The battery cell (110) may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery. In the following description, the battery cell (110) is mainly described as being a cylindrical secondary battery, but the battery cell (110) applied to the present invention may be a prismatic secondary battery or a pouch-type secondary battery, rather than a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0060] A plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided. A plurality of battery cells (110) may form a cell array structure (100). A cell array structure (100) may be understood as a single assembly or structure in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are arranged. The battery pack (10) described below, which includes the cell array structure (100), may 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) may be provided to be large in area by increasing the number of arranged battery cells (110).

[0061] The cell array structure (100) may have a predetermined width, length, 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.

[0062] Multiple battery cells (110) can form a column of battery cells (110). For example, multiple battery cells (110) can form a column of battery cells (110) in a direction parallel to the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100). Multiple battery cells (110) can be formed into a column of multiple battery cells (110). A column of multiple battery cells (110) can be arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0063] The busbar (120) may be configured to electrically connect multiple battery cells (110). Specifically, the busbar (120) may be configured to electrically connect multiple battery cells (110) in series and parallel.

[0064] The busbar (120) may include a conductive conductor to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells (110). For example, the busbar (120) may include at least one of metals such as aluminum, copper, gold, and silver. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0065] The busbar (120) may be provided in multiple numbers. The busbar (120) may be configured in a shape and number different from the shape and number shown in the drawing.

[0066] Some parts of the busbar (120) may be covered with a refractory material (I), while other parts may not be covered with the refractory material (I). The refractory material (I) may have fire resistance. Therefore, the aforementioned parts of the busbar (120) covered with the refractory material (I) may be resistant to relatively high temperatures. Additionally, the aforementioned parts of the busbar (120) not covered with the refractory material may be vulnerable to relatively high temperatures.

[0067] When a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell (110) inside a cell array structure (100), high-temperature gas, flame, spark, electrode, etc. may be emitted from the battery cell (110). In this case, the busbar (120) may be exposed to high temperatures. When the busbar (120) is exposed to high temperatures, it may be configured so that the part not covered by the refractory material (I) melts first before the part covered by the refractory material (I). When the busbar (120) melts, it may break. Therefore, when the busbar (120) is exposed to high temperatures, the part not covered by the refractory material (I) may break before the part covered by the refractory material (I). This breaking of the busbar (120) may be referred to as fusing.

[0068] In the case of conventional cell array structures, if a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, there was a very high probability that a short circuit would occur in the cell array structure. For example, if a high-temperature electrode (or electrode assembly) is ejected from a specific battery cell, only a metal can containing the electrode may remain in that location. Since the electrical resistance of such a can is much lower than that of the battery cell, the electrical energy of the remaining battery cells electrically connected by a busbar can rapidly concentrate into the can, and as a result, the likelihood of thermal runaway occurring increases.

[0069] However, in the case of a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a short circuit inside the cell array structure (100) can be prevented to effectively prevent a thermal runaway phenomenon. Specifically, when a high-temperature environment is created by the discharge of high-temperature gas, flame, spark, electrode, etc. from a specific battery cell (110), the part of the bus bar (120) that is close to the specific battery cell (110) and is not covered with a refractory material (I) can melt and break before other parts. Consequently, the specific battery cell (110) can be electrically insulated from the bus bar (120), and as a result, the electrical energy of the remaining other battery cells (110) electrically connected by the bus bar (120) cannot be concentrated on the specific battery cell (110), thereby effectively preventing a thermal runaway phenomenon.

[0070] In addition, the busbar (120) is physically melted by exposure to high temperature, and the melting can occur as an immediate and direct reaction, and as a result, the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention can quickly and early block thermal runaway phenomena when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell (110), and can reliably block thermal runaway phenomena.

[0071]

[0072] Meanwhile, the busbar (120) may include a unidirectional busbar (120) and a bidirectional busbar (120). The unidirectional busbar (120) may be a busbar (120) in which a battery cell (110) is connected only to one side, and, for example, may be placed on both sides at the outermost edge in the X-axis direction. The bidirectional busbar (120) may be a busbar (120) in which a battery cell (110) is connected to each side in both directions, and may be placed on the inner side in the X-axis direction of the unidirectional busbar (120) placed on both sides at the outermost edge.

[0073]

[0074] The bus bar (120) may have a main body part (121), at least one electrode connection part (122), and at least one bridge part (123).

[0075] The main body (121) can be extended along the direction of the battery cell (110), for example. For example, the main body (121) can be extended along the Y-axis direction.

[0076] The electrode connection portion (122) may be disposed on at least one side of the main body portion (121). For example, in the case of a unidirectional bus bar (120), the electrode connection portion (122) may be disposed on only one side in the X-axis direction. For example, in the case of a bidirectional bus bar (120), the electrode connection portion (122) may be disposed on both sides in the X-axis direction. The electrode connection portion (122) may be electrically connected to the electrode of the battery cell (110).

[0077] The bridge portion (123) may be configured to connect the main body portion (121) and the electrode connection portion (122). The bridge portion (123) may be located between the main body portion (121) and the electrode connection portion (122).

[0078] At least a portion of the bridge section (123) may not be covered with a refractory material (I). As a result, when the bus bar (120) is exposed to high temperatures, the bridge section (123) melts relatively first, allowing it to be electrically insulated.

[0079] Also, since the electrode connection part (122) is a part already connected to the battery cell (110), insulation from the battery cell (110) cannot be guaranteed even if it melts. Meanwhile, the main body part (121) is positioned at a relatively farther location than the bridge part (123). Therefore, as described above, if the bridge part (123) is configured to melt relatively first, there is an advantage that insulation can be guaranteed while rapid insulation becomes possible.

[0080]

[0081] The main body (121) can be connected in parallel with a plurality of electrode connection parts (122). As a result, a high current can be formed under the same voltage conditions.

[0082] Meanwhile, in this case, if an internal short circuit occurs as in the aforementioned conventional cell array structure, the electrical energy of each of the remaining battery cells connected in parallel by the busbar may be concentrated, but the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention can effectively prevent such an internal short circuit.

[0083]

[0084] The electrodes of the battery cell (110) may include a first electrode (111) and a second electrode (112). The first electrode (111) may have a first polarity, and the second electrode (112) may have a second polarity. The first polarity and the second polarity may have opposite polarities. For example, the first polarity may be positive and the second polarity may be negative.

[0085] The electrode connection part (122) may include a first electrode connection part (122-1) and a second electrode connection part (122-2). The first electrode connection part (122-1) may be a part electrically connected to the first electrode (111). The second electrode connection part (122-2) may be a part electrically connected to the second electrode (112).

[0086] The bridge portion (123) may include a first bridge portion (123-1) and a second bridge portion (123-2). The first bridge portion (123-1) may be a part connecting the main body portion (121) and the first electrode connection portion (122-1). The second bridge portion (123-2) may be a part connecting the main body portion (121) and the second electrode connection portion (122-2).

[0087] The first electrode connection part (122-1) and the first bridge part (123-1) may be positioned, for example, on the +X direction side of the main body part (121), and the second electrode connection part (122-2) and the second bridge part (123-2) may be positioned, for example, on the -X direction side of the main body part (121).

[0088] When the busbar (120) is configured as described above, the electrical connection of a plurality of battery cells (110) having a first electrode (111) and a second electrode (112) can be efficiently and simultaneously effective.

[0089]

[0090] The first bridge section (123-1) may be configured in an inclined shape. For example, the first bridge section (123-1) may have an inclined shape such that it moves further away from the battery cell (110) as it moves from the first electrode connection section (122-1) toward the main body section (121).

[0091] In the battery cell (110), the first electrode (111) may have a shape that protrudes outwardly more than the second electrode (112), and when the first bridge portion (123-1) is configured as above, the bus bar (120) can be securely attached to the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0092]

[0093] In the battery cell (110), the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may be placed together on either side of the battery cell (110). For example, both the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may be placed together on the upper side of the battery cell (110).

[0094] When the battery cell (110) is configured in this way, when multiple battery cells (110) are electrically connected, an electrical connection structure only needs to be provided on one side of the battery cell (110), so efficient and easy electrical connection can be implemented.

[0095]

[0096] The bridge portion (123) can be configured to be spaced apart from the battery cell (110). That is, the bridge portion (123) can be configured so as not to come into contact with the battery cell (110).

[0097] In this case, when the bridge portion (123) is exposed to a high temperature, the entire portion excluding the part connected to the electrode connection portion (122) and the main body portion (121) can be easily exposed to a high temperature, so that the melting of the bridge portion (123) can be done reliably and easily.

[0098]

[0099] The refractory material may include at least one of a ceramic material, an inorganic fiber material, a mica-based material, and a refractory resin material. For example, the refractory material (I) may include only one of the materials listed above, or may include a combination of two or more of them.

[0100] The ceramic material may include, for example, at least one of alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), aluminosilicate, and zirconia (ZrO2). The inorganic fiber material may include, for example, at least one of ceramic fiber, glass fiber, alumina fiber, and silica fiber. The mica-based material may be a sheet or tape-type material including, for example, natural mica or synthetic mica. The refractory resin material may include, for example, at least one of epoxy resin, silicone resin, or fluoropolymer resin, and may further include an inorganic filler such as alumina, silica, or mica. Meanwhile, the aforementioned materials are merely examples, and the refractory material is not limited to the aforementioned materials.

[0101]

[0102] FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing an enlarged view of one of the busbars (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Hereinafter, a busbar (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0104] The electrode connection part (122) of the bus bar (120) and the electrode of the battery cell (110) can be welded together.

[0105] The surface of the electrode connection part (122) facing the electrode of the battery cell (110) may not be coated with a refractory material. For example, the bottom surface of the electrode connection part (122) may be welded to the top surface of the electrode of the battery cell (110), and the bottom surface of the electrode connection part (122) may not be coated with a refractory material.

[0106] If the part of the electrode connection part (122) facing the electrode of the battery cell (110) is also coated with a refractory material, welding between the electrode connection part (122) and the electrode may not be properly performed. Therefore, if the bus bar (120) is configured as described above, welding between the electrode connection part (122) and the electrode can be properly performed.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the busbars according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a bus bar (120) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the bus bar (120) to which a refractory material (I) is coated can be coated with the refractory material (I). That is, a coating layer (C) containing the refractory material (I) can be formed on the portion of the bus bar (120).

[0110] In this case, there is an advantage that the refractory material (I) can be easily and effectively coated on the bus bar (120) of a complex shape.

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the busbars according to another variation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, a busbar (120) according to another variation of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In another variation of an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the busbar (120) covered with a refractory material (I) may be covered with an attachment member (T). The attachment member (T) may include a refractory material. The attachment member (T) may be composed of, for example, any one of a tape, a sheet, and a film.

[0114] In this case, there is an advantage in that it is easy to adjust the thickness of the attachment member (T) or to configure heterogeneous materials.

[0115]

[0116] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a busbar according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a busbar according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Hereinafter, a busbar (120) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The bridge portion (123) of the busbar (120) according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a necking portion (N). The necking portion (N) may be a portion having a relatively small cross-sectional area compared to the surrounding area. For example, in the bridge portion (123), the cross-sectional area of ​​the necking portion (N) may be formed smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion close to the electrode connection portion (122) and the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion close to the main body portion (121), with respect to the necking portion (N). That is, the necking portion (N) may be a portion of the bridge portion (123) where the cross-sectional area is formed relatively narrowly.

[0118] The necking portion (N) may be more vulnerable to high temperatures than its surrounding portion. Therefore, when the bridge portion (123) is exposed to high temperatures, the necking portion (N) may melt first due to the high temperatures compared to its surrounding portion, thereby improving the electrical insulation performance of the bridge portion (123). Additionally, there is an advantage in that the portion where high-temperature melting occurs in the bridge portion (123) can be controlled intentionally.

[0119] In particular, referring to FIG. 9, the bridge portion (123) may be provided with a first groove portion (124). The first groove portion (124) may be a portion that is recessed in the width direction on at least one side of the bridge portion (123). For example, the first groove portion (124) may be formed by being recessed on at least one side of the bridge portion (123) in the Y-axis direction. And, the necking portion (N) may be formed by the first groove portion (124).

[0120] In particular, referring to FIG. 10, the bridge portion (123) may be provided with a second groove portion (125). The second groove portion (125) may be a portion that is recessed in the thickness direction on at least one surface of the bridge portion (123). For example, the second groove portion (125) may be formed by being recessed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the bridge portion (123). And, the necking portion (N) may be formed by the second groove portion (125).

[0121] Of course, the bridge portion (123) may be configured in a combined form of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. That is, the bridge portion (123) may have both the first groove portion (124) and the second groove portion (125). Alternatively, when the bus bar (120) has a plurality of bridge portions (123), it may be configured such that one of the two bridges has the first groove portion (124) and the other has the second groove portion (125).

[0122]

[0123] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 1, the cell array structure (100) may further include a side frame. The side frame may be configured to accommodate and support a plurality of battery cells (110). The side frame may include at least one of a side structure (130) and a side wall (140). The side frame may include either the side structure (130) or the side wall (140), or it may include both the side structure (130) and the side wall (140). The side structure (130) and the side wall (140) may be configured separately from each other. Alternatively, the side structure (130) and the side wall (140) may be configured integrally with each other.

[0124] The side structure (130) is extended and can accommodate and support multiple battery cells (110) on both sides. For example, the side structure (130) is extended in the Y-axis direction and can accommodate and support multiple battery cells (110) on both sides in the X-axis direction.

[0125] The side wall (140) is extended and can accommodate and support multiple battery cells (110) on one side. For example, the side wall (140) is extended in the Y-axis direction and can accommodate and support multiple battery cells (110) on the -X side or the +X side. The side wall (140) can be positioned at least one of the outermost sides in the X-axis direction of the cell array structure (100).

[0126] Meanwhile, the cell array structure (100) may be equipped with a cooling unit. The cooling unit may be configured to cool the battery cell (110). The cooling unit may be configured, for example, to cool the side of the battery cell (110). The cooling unit may be placed between two adjacent rows of battery cells (110).

[0127]

[0128] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 11, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include at least one cell array structure (100) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include a plurality of cell array structures (100). For example, the battery pack (10) may include two cell array structures (100) as shown in FIG. 11.

[0130] The battery pack (10) may further include a pack case (200). The pack case (200) may have a receiving space formed therein for accommodating at least one cell array structure (100). The pack case (200) may further include a bottom plate, a side wall, and a pack lid. The bottom plate may form the bottom of the pack case (200). The side wall may surround the bottom plate and, together with the bottom plate, form a receiving space in which at least one cell array structure (100) can be accommodated. The pack lid may be configured to cover the receiving space. The pack case (200) may further include a cross beam configured to partition the receiving space.

[0131] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include various other components other than the above components, such as the aforementioned BMS (B), busbar, relay, current sensor, etc., components of the battery pack (10) known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0132]

[0133] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 12 below, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include the battery pack (10) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) may be installed in the vehicle body frame or trunk space under the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack (10). For example, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0135] 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).

[0136]

[0137] Meanwhile, although terms indicating direction such as up and down have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0138] Although the present invention has been described above by means of 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 set forth below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. That is, the scope of the true technical spirit of the present invention is indicated in the claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

[0139] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0140] 10: Battery pack

[0141] 100 : Cell array structure

[0142] 110: Battery cell

[0143] 111 : First electrode

[0144] 112 : Second electrode

[0145] 120 : Busbar

[0146] 121 : Main body

[0147] 122 : Electrode connection part

[0148] 122-1 : First electrode connection part

[0149] 122-2 : Second electrode connection part

[0150] 123 : Bridge section

[0151] 123-1 : 1st Bridge Section

[0152] 123-2 : 2nd Bridge Section

[0153] 124 : 1st Home

[0154] 125 : 2nd Home

[0155] 130 : Side structure

[0156] 140 : Side wall

[0157] 200 : Pack case

[0158] I : Refractory material

[0159] C: Coating layer

[0160] T : Attachment member

[0161] N : Necking part

[0162] V : Car

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and It includes at least one busbar that electrically connects a plurality of the above battery cells, and Some parts of the above busbar are covered with a refractory material, and other parts are not covered with the refractory material, and A cell array structure characterized in that the above-described busbar is configured such that, when exposed to high temperature, the portion not covered by the refractory material melts first before the portion covered by the refractory material.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above busbar is, Main body; At least one electrode connection part disposed on at least one side of the main body and electrically connected to the electrode of the battery cell; and It has at least one bridge portion connecting the main body portion and the electrode connection portion, and At least a portion of the above bridge part is, A cell array structure characterized by not being covered with a refractory material.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above main body part is, A cell array structure characterized by being connected in parallel to a plurality of the above-mentioned electrode connection parts.

4. In Paragraph 2, The electrode connection part and the electrode of the battery cell are welded together, and A cell array structure characterized in that the surface facing the electrode of the battery cell at the electrode connection portion is not coated with a fire-resistant material.

5. In Paragraph 2, The electrode of the above battery cell is, A first electrode having a first polarity and a second electrode having a second polarity are provided, The above electrode connection part is, It includes a first electrode connecting part electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second electrode connecting part electrically connected to the second electrode. The above bridge section is, A cell array structure characterized by including a first bridge portion connecting the main body portion and the first electrode connection portion, and a second bridge portion connecting the main body portion and the second electrode connection portion.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above-mentioned first bridge section is, A cell array structure characterized by being configured in a slanted shape.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above bridge section is, A cell array structure characterized by being configured to be spaced apart from the battery cell.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above refractory material is, A cell array structure characterized by comprising at least one of a ceramic material, an inorganic fiber material, a mica-based material, and a refractory resin material.

9. In Paragraph 1, Some part of the above busbar, A cell array structure characterized by being coated and covered with the above-mentioned refractory material.

10. In Paragraph 1, Some part of the above busbar, A cell array structure characterized by having an attachment member containing the above-mentioned refractory material attached and covered.

11. In Paragraph 2, The above bridge section is, A cell array structure characterized by having a necking portion having a relatively small cross-sectional area compared to the surroundings.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above bridge section is, It is provided with a first groove portion that is recessed in the width direction on at least one side in the width direction, and The above necking part is, A cell array structure characterized by being formed by the first groove portion above.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above bridge section is, It is provided with a second groove portion that is recessed in the thickness direction on at least one surface in the thickness direction, and The above necking part is, A cell array structure characterized by being formed by the second groove portion above.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above battery cell is, An electrode comprising a first electrode having a first polarity and a second electrode having a second polarity, and The first electrode and the second electrode above are, A cell array structure characterized by being disposed together on one side of the above-mentioned battery cells.

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

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

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