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; a sub-bus bar unit electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a side wall which accommodates and supports the plurality of battery cells at one side thereof, and which is disposed at the outermost side of the cell array structure; and at least one metal member, which is electrically connected to the sub-bus bar unit, supports the plurality of battery cells, and is accommodated in the side wall, wherein the side wall has a metal member accommodation unit capable of integrally accommodating the at least one metal member.

Description

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

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

[0002] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0027010 filed on February 28, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification of said application 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, cell array structures are trending toward larger surface areas to increase energy capacity.

[0008] Meanwhile, in order to meet various voltage and current requirements, such cell array structures can be provided with various electrical connection structures for battery cells. However, cell array structures to date have had problems with high production costs and low productivity because, in order to implement various electrical connection structures, corresponding components had to be manufactured individually using separate molds.

[0009] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the technical background described above, and has one objective of providing a cell array structure with reduced production costs and improved productivity, 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, as a cell array structure, a plurality of battery cells; a sub-busbar unit electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a side wall that accommodates and supports the plurality of battery cells on one side and is disposed at the outermost edge of the cell array structure; and at least one metal member that is electrically connected to the sub-busbar unit, supports the plurality of battery cells, and is accommodated in the side wall, wherein the side wall has a metal member receiving portion capable of integrating and accommodating at least one metal member.

[0012] The metal member receiving portion may be formed to extend a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the side wall and may be provided in the form of an elongated groove having a predetermined depth to allow the metal member to be inserted.

[0013] The metal member receiving portion may be formed to be extended to a length corresponding to all the battery cells that the side wall receives and supports from one side.

[0014] The above metal member receiving portion may be formed by extending in a long straight line.

[0015] The metal member comprises an insertion portion inserted into the metal member receiving portion; and a protrusion portion protruding from the insertion portion into the space between any two adjacent battery cells, and the side wall may be recessed in a shape corresponding to the protrusion portion and may have a seating portion on which the protrusion portion is seated.

[0016] The metal member is provided in multiple numbers, and the metal member receiving portion may accommodate multiple metal members in an integrated manner.

[0017] A plurality of the above metal members may be provided such that at least two of them have different lengths.

[0018] The above side walls are provided as a pair on both outermost sides of the cell array structure, and the metal member received in one of the side walls and the metal member received in the other side wall may be provided with different structures.

[0019] The metal member can be manufactured separately from the side wall and then fitted into the metal member receiving portion through a post-assembly process.

[0020] In the cell array structure according to the present invention, potting resin can be filled in the remaining space of the metal member receiving portion that is not occupied by the metal member.

[0021] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one cell array structure according to the present invention.

[0022] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0023] According to the present invention, a cell array structure with reduced production costs, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0024] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with improved productivity, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0025] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell array structure with improved component commonality, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0033] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention with the sub-busbar unit removed.

[0035] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of area A of Figure 3.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a metal member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0038] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a metal member accommodated in a side wall in a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a plurality of metal members corresponding to the side wall in a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a plurality of metal members corresponding to the side wall in a cell array structure according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure according to another embodiment of the present invention in which a metal member is accommodated in a side wall.

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

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

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

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

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one cell array structure (100). The battery pack (10) may include a plurality of cell array structures (100).

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (110), a sub-busbar unit (120), and a side wall (130).

[0051] The battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery. The battery cell (110) may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0052] A plurality of 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 a plurality of battery cells (110) are arranged.

[0053] A plurality of battery cells (110) can form a row in one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and such a row of battery cells (110) is hereinafter referred to as a battery cell (110) row. A plurality of battery cell (110) rows can be arranged in a cell array structure (100). A plurality of battery cells (110) can be connected to each other in series and parallel.

[0054] A battery pack (10) including a 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 be large in area by increasing the number of arranged battery cells (110).

[0055] The cell array structure (100) may have a predetermined length, width, and height. For example, the cell array structure (100) may be a three-dimensional structure having a predetermined width, a predetermined length, and a predetermined height in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0056] The sub-busbar unit (120) can be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (110). The sub-busbar unit (120) can be connected in series and parallel with the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0057] The sub-busbar unit (120) may be positioned on one side of a plurality of battery cells (110). For example, the sub-busbar unit (120) may be positioned on the upper side (+Z direction side) of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0058] The sub-busbar unit (120) may include a unidirectional sub-busbar (121) and a bidirectional sub-busbar (122). The unidirectional sub-busbar (121) may be electrically connected to the battery cell (110) on one side in the width direction (e.g., the +Y direction side or the -Y direction side). The bidirectional sub-busbar (122) may be electrically connected to the battery cell (110) on both sides in the width direction (e.g., both sides in the Y-axis direction).

[0059] Side walls (130) can be placed at the outermost edge of the cell array structure (100). For example, side walls (130) can be placed at the outermost edges of both sides in the X-axis direction of the cell array structure (100).

[0060] The side wall (130) can accommodate and support a row of battery cells (110) on one side (+X direction side or -X direction side). Each side wall (130) can be configured to extend long along the length direction of the row of battery cells (110).

[0061]

[0062] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the sub-busbar unit removed from a cell array structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a metal member (140) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one side wall according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the metal member (140) accommodated in the side wall of a cell array structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 7, a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0064] A cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one metal member (140). The metal member (140) may include a metal material.

[0065] The metal member (140) can be electrically connected to the sub-busbar unit (120). The metal member (140) can be electrically connected to the unidirectional connection busbar. For example, the metal member (140) can be connected by welding to the unidirectional connection busbar. The metal member (140) can increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the unidirectional connection busbar, thereby improving the electrical stability of the unidirectional connection busbar.

[0066] The metal member (140) may be placed at the bottom of the sub-busbar unit (120). For example, the metal member (140) may be placed on the lower side (-Z direction side) of the sub-busbar unit (120).

[0067] The metal member (140) can support a plurality of battery cells (110). The metal member (140) can be accommodated in the side wall (130). The metal member (140) accommodated in the side wall (130) can indirectly support the battery cells (110) supported by the side wall (130). The metal member (140) can reinforce the rigidity of the side wall (130).

[0068] A side wall (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a metal member receiving portion (131). The metal member receiving portion (131) may receive a metal member (140).

[0069] The metal member receiving portion (131) may be configured to accommodate at least one metal member (140) in an integrated manner. Specifically, the metal member receiving portion (131) may be configured to accommodate metal members (140) of various structures, such as various numbers and / or shapes.

[0070] A cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can have its productivity improved by the above-described configurations.

[0071] Specifically, in a cell array structure (100) comprising identically arranged battery cells (110), when changing the series-parallel connection structure of the battery cells (110) by changing the metal member (140), there is no need to separately manufacture the side wall (130) corresponding to the metal member (140) using a separate mold, and various metal members (140) of different structures can be integrated and accommodated in a single type of side wall (130), thereby reducing the production cost of the cell array structure (100) and improving productivity.

[0072] In addition, since various metal members (140) of different structures can be integrated and accommodated in one type of side wall (130), the component commonality of the cell array structure (100) can be improved.

[0073] In addition, the ease of expansion and modification of the cell array structure (100) can be ensured.

[0074]

[0075] The metal member receiving portion (131) may be provided in the form of a long groove.

[0076] The metal member receiving portion (131) can be formed to extend a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the side wall (130). For example, the metal member receiving portion (131) can be formed to extend a long length in the Y-axis direction.

[0077] The metal member receiving portion (131) may have a predetermined depth. For example, the metal member (140) receiving portion may have a predetermined depth in the Z-axis direction. The metal member receiving portion (131) may have a predetermined depth, for example, by being deeply recessed in the -Z direction from the upper part of the side wall (130).

[0078] When the metal member receiving portion (131) is provided as described above, metal members (140) of various structures can be more easily integrated and received in the metal member receiving portion (131).

[0079]

[0080] The metal member receiving portion (131) can be extended to a length corresponding to all battery cells (110) that the side wall (130) receives and supports on one side. That is, the metal member receiving portion (131) can be extended to a length corresponding to all battery cells (110) that correspond to the battery cells (110) that the side wall (130) receives and supports. In this case, the length of the metal member receiving portion (131) may be approximately similar to the total length of the side wall (130) or slightly shorter than the total length of the side wall (130).

[0081] When the metal member receiving portion (131) is provided as described above, the length of the metal member receiving portion (131) can be maximized, thereby increasing the ease of expansion of the cell array structure (100).

[0082]

[0083] The metal member receiving portion (131) may be formed by extending in a straight line. For example, when viewed from the height direction or the Z-axis direction of the cell array structure (100), the metal member receiving portion (131) may be in a straight line.

[0084] The metal member receiving portion (131) is formed in a straight line shape, and the width and depth can be formed uniformly along the length direction.

[0085] When the metal member receiving portion (131) is configured as described above, the ease of expansion and modification of the cell array structure (100) can be increased because the metal member (140) can be slidably moved in the metal member receiving portion (131).

[0086]

[0087] The metal member (140) may have an insertion part (141) and a protrusion part (142).

[0088] The insertion portion (141) may be a part that is inserted into the metal member (140). The insertion portion (141) may be configured in a shape corresponding to the depth of the metal member receiving portion (131). For example, the cross-section of the insertion portion (141) may be formed to be elongated in the Z-axis direction so as to correspond to the depth of the metal member (140).

[0089] The protrusion (142) may be a portion protruding from the insertion portion (141). The protrusion (142) may protrude into the space between any two adjacent battery cells (110). The protrusion (142) may protrude, for example, in a roughly pointed shape. At least one protrusion (142) in the metal member (140) may be provided repeatedly along the longitudinal direction of the metal member (140).

[0090] The protrusion (142) may protrude from the upper end of the insertion part (141) or the +Z direction side end. The protrusion (142) may protrude in a horizontal direction.

[0091] The protrusion (142) can be connected to the sub-busbar unit (120). In particular, the protrusion (142) can be connected to the unidirectional sub-busbar (121). The protrusion (142) can be positioned at the bottom of the unidirectional sub-busbar (121).

[0092] The side wall (130) may be provided with a seating portion (132). A protrusion (142) may be seated in the seating portion (132). The seating portion (132) may be recessed in a shape corresponding to the protrusion (142). The depth of the seating portion (132) may be formed to be approximately similar to the thickness of the protrusion (142). The seating portion (132) may be provided in a repeatedly concave shape corresponding to the protrusion (142).

[0093] When the metal member (140) and the side wall (130) are configured as described above, the metal member (140) can be easily and effectively positioned on the side wall (130). Additionally, since the metal member (140) does not protrude in the height direction from the side wall (130), the total volume of the cell array structure (100) can be prevented from increasing, and the energy density of the cell array structure (100) can be improved.

[0094]

[0095] The metal member (140) can be received in the metal member receiving portion (131) as a post-assembly process.

[0096] Specifically, the metal member (140) can be manufactured separately from the side wall (130). That is, the metal member (140) can be manufactured separately from the side wall (130), and the manufacturing time of the metal member (140) and the manufacturing time of the side wall (130) may not be related to each other.

[0097] The metal member (140) can be fitted into the metal member receiving portion (131) in a post-assembly process. Specifically, the metal member (140) and the side wall (130) can be manufactured separately and then joined together by a fitting method.

[0098] In this case, an improvement in the productivity of the cell array structure (100) can be expected.

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a plurality of metal members (140) corresponding to the side wall in a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Hereinafter, a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8.

[0102] The metal member (140) may be provided in multiple numbers. The metal member receiving portion (131) may be capable of integrating and accommodating multiple metal members (140). Specifically, a metal member receiving portion (131) provided on one side wall (130) may integrate and accommodate multiple metal members (140). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, four metal members (140) may be accommodated in one metal member receiving portion (131).

[0103] In one metal member receiving portion (131), a plurality of metal members (140) may be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the metal member receiving portion (131). In one metal member receiving portion (131), a plurality of metal members (140) may be arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0104] A plurality of metal members (140) may be provided such that at least two of them have different lengths. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when four metal members (140) are received in one metal member receiving portion (131), the lengths of two metal members (140) and the lengths of the other two metal members (140) may be different from each other.

[0105] As such, in a cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, various number and / or various lengths of metal members (140) can be integratedly accommodated in a single metal member receiving portion (131), thereby improving the commonality of parts of the cell array structure (100) and ensuring ease of expansion and ease of modification.

[0106]

[0107] Referring to FIG. 3, the side walls (130) may be provided in pairs. Specifically, the side walls (130) may be provided in pairs on both outermost sides of the cell array structure (100). For example, the side walls (130) may be provided in pairs on the -X direction side and the +X direction side of the cell array structure (100).

[0108] In a pair of side walls (130), the metal member (140) received in one side wall (130) and the metal member (140) received in the other side wall (130) may be provided with different structures. That is, the metal member (140) may be provided in different numbers and / or lengths in each side wall (130).

[0109] When the side wall (130) and the metal member (140) are configured as described above, various types of electrical connection structures can be effectively implemented.

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a plurality of metal members (140) corresponding to the side wall in a cell array structure according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3, 8, 9 and 10, a cell array structure (100) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The bold arrows shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 indicate a high current current path formed by a plurality of battery cells (110) of the cell array structure (100).

[0113] In the cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be configured in a 4P (Parallel) parallel structure. In this case, on the side wall (130) of one side (-X direction side) of the cell array structure (100), a metal member (140) may be configured as shown in FIG. 8.

[0114] In contrast, in a cell array structure (100) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be configured in a 6P parallel structure as shown in FIG. 9. In this case, a metal member (140) may be configured as shown in FIG. 10 on a side wall (130) on one side (-X direction side) of the cell array structure (100).

[0115] The battery cells (110) of the cell array structure (100) according to the present invention can be implemented in various parallel structures, such as in one embodiment and a variation of one embodiment.

[0116]

[0117] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure according to another embodiment of the present invention in which a metal member (140) is accommodated in a side wall.

[0118] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, a cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a potting resin (170) may be filled in the metal member receiving portion (131).

[0119] It can be understood as a potting resin. The potting resin (170) may be composed of a resin including, for example, a silicone material. The potting resin (170) may be cured after being filled into the metal member receiving portion (131). The potting resin (170) may include a high hardness and high rigidity material.

[0120] Potting resin (170) can be filled into the empty space of the metal member receiving portion (131). Specifically, when a metal member (140) is received in the metal member receiving portion (131), potting resin (170) can be filled into the remaining space of the metal member receiving portion (131) that is not occupied by the metal member (140).

[0121] In a cell array structure (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the remaining empty space excluding the metal member (140) in the metal member receiving portion (131) can be firmly filled with potting resin (170), thereby improving structural rigidity and stability.

[0122]

[0123] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 1, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (200). A plurality of cell array structures (100) may be arranged inside the pack case (200). The pack case (200) may have a bottom plate forming a bottom, a side wall portion surrounding the bottom plate and forming a receiving space in which a plurality of cell array structures (100) can be received together with the bottom plate, and a pack lid configured to cover the receiving space.

[0124] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 4, the cell array structure (100) may include a cooling unit (160). The cooling unit (160) is configured to cool a plurality of battery cells (110) and may be provided to be in contact with the side of the battery cells (110). The cooling unit (160) may be positioned between two adjacent rows of battery cells (110) and may be provided to be extended along one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0125] Meanwhile, the cell array structure (100) may further include a side structure (150). The side structure (150) may accommodate and support the battery cell (110) row and the cooling unit (160) on both sides (e.g., both sides in the X-axis direction). The side structure (150) may be configured to extend long along the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (110) row.

[0126]

[0127] 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 the battery pack (10) known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0128]

[0129] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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).

[0132]

[0133] 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.

[0134] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0135] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0136] 10: Battery pack

[0137] 100 : Cell array structure

[0138] 110: Battery cell

[0139] 120 : Sub-busbar unit

[0140] 121 : Unidirectional sub-busbar

[0141] 122 : Bidirectional sub-busbar

[0142] 130 : Side wall

[0143] 131 : Metal component receiving part

[0144] 132 : Seating part

[0145] 140 : Metal member

[0146] 141 : Insert

[0147] 142 : Protrusion

[0148] 150 : Side structure

[0149] 160 : Cooling unit

[0150] 170 : Potting resin

[0151] 200 : Pack case

[0152] V : Car

Claims

1. As a cell array structure, Multiple battery cells; A sub-busbar unit electrically connected to a plurality of the above-mentioned battery cells; A side wall that accommodates and supports a plurality of the battery cells on one side and is positioned at the outermost edge of the cell array structure; and It includes at least one metal member that is electrically connected to the sub-busbar unit, supports the plurality of battery cells, and is accommodated in the side wall, and The above side wall is, A cell array structure characterized by having a metal member receiving portion capable of integrating and accommodating at least one of the above-mentioned metal members.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above metal member receiving portion is, A cell array structure characterized by being formed by extending a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the side wall and having a long groove shape with a predetermined depth into which the metal member is inserted.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above metal member receiving portion is, A cell array structure characterized by the above-mentioned side wall being formed to be extended to a length corresponding to all the battery cells that are accommodated and supported on one side.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above metal member receiving portion is, A cell array structure characterized by being formed by extending in a long straight line.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above metal member is, An insertion part inserted into the metal member receiving part; and It has a protrusion that protrudes from the insertion portion into the space between any two adjacent battery cells, and The above side wall is, A cell array structure characterized by having a recessed portion having a shape corresponding to the protrusion and a seating portion on which the protrusion is seated.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above metal member is, It is equipped with multiple units, The above metal member receiving portion is, A cell array structure characterized by being capable of integrating and accommodating a plurality of the above-mentioned metal members.

7. In Paragraph 6, A plurality of the above metal members are, A cell array structure characterized by being provided such that at least two have different lengths.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above side wall is, A pair is provided on both sides of the outermost edge of the cell array structure, and The metal member accommodated in one of the side walls and the metal member accommodated in the other side wall are, A cell array structure characterized by being provided with different structures.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above metal member is, After being manufactured separately from the above side wall, A cell array structure characterized by being fitted and coupled to the metal member receiving portion in a post-assembly process.

10. In Paragraph 1, A cell array structure characterized by filling the remaining space of the metal member receiving portion not occupied by the metal member with potting resin.

11. A battery pack characterized by including at least one cell array structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to claim 11.

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