Battery pack for electric vehicle and battery pack cooling system including same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack for an electric vehicle comprising a frame for accommodating one or more battery modules, wherein the frame comprises: an inlet for allowing cold air transferred from an air conditioning unit of an automobile to flow into the frame; an outlet for discharging warm air to the air conditioning unit; a first strut and a second strut that intersect each other to form a space for accommodating the battery modules; and a tube that is arranged on the first strut and the second strut such that a part or all of the first strut and the second strut overlap to form a passage through which air flows.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle battery pack capable of efficiently cooling an electric vehicle battery and a battery cooling system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Due to global warming, environmental regulations are being strengthened worldwide, and driven by policies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to prevent global warming, conventional internal combustion engine vehicles are being rapidly replaced by eco-friendly vehicles, particularly electric vehicles.

[0003] Electric vehicle batteries are typically placed in the lower part of the vehicle body. These batteries are densely packed to ensure efficient use of space. Consequently, significant heat is generated from the batteries.

[0004] If excessive heat is generated in the battery and this heat is not effectively removed, the battery's performance may degrade, its lifespan may be shortened, and in severe cases, it may lead to a fire.

[0005] Therefore, when designing batteries for electric vehicles, it is very important to effectively dissipate or cool this heat.

[0006] Conventional battery cooling systems included a separate cooling plate capable of contacting the battery module by introducing cooling water or the like to cool the heat generated by the battery.

[0007] However, electric vehicles need to reduce weight to improve fuel efficiency; including separate components such as cooling plates had the disadvantage of making the battery pack heavier and also caused problems with increased production costs.

[0008] Therefore, a battery pack and a battery cooling system are required that can reduce the weight of the battery pack and lower production costs, while simultaneously improving the performance and lifespan of the battery pack. The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention is intended to solve various problems, including the problems mentioned above. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack and a battery cooling system including the same can be provided, which can reduce the weight of the battery pack, lower production costs, and improve performance simultaneously.

[0010] However, these tasks are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the invention. means of solving the problem

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack for an electric vehicle is provided, comprising a frame for accommodating one or more battery modules, wherein the frame includes: an inlet for allowing cold air transferred from an air conditioning unit of an automobile to flow into the frame; an outlet for discharging warm air to the air conditioning unit; a first strut and a second strut that intersect each other to form a space for accommodating the battery modules; and a tube that is arranged on the first strut and the second strut such that a portion or all of the first strut and the second strut overlap to form a passage for air to flow.

[0012] One side of the above tube may be connected to the inlet, and the other side may be connected to the outlet.

[0013] The above tube may include a vent that sprays cold air into the battery module.

[0014] The above air outlet can be positioned toward the space accommodating the battery module.

[0015] The above-described battery pack for an electric vehicle may further include an upper cover and a lower cover that protect the frame.

[0016] The above-described battery pack for an electric vehicle may further include a humidity sensor that detects humidity within the battery pack.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle is provided, comprising: an inlet for cold air to be introduced; an outlet for warm air to be discharged; a first strut and a second strut that intersect each other to form a space for accommodating a battery module; and a tube arranged on the first strut and the second strut such that a part or all of the first strut and the second strut overlap; an air conditioner for controlling the state of air inside a vehicle; a cold air circulation path for transferring cold air from the air conditioner through the inlet to the tube; a warm air circulation path for transferring warm air from the tube through the outlet to the air conditioner; a control valve for controlling the amount of cold air transferred through the cold air circulation path; and a sensing sensor for measuring the temperature of the warm air transferred through the warm air circulation path and transmitting the measured information to the control valve.

[0018] One side of the above tube may be connected to the inlet, and the other side may be connected to the outlet.

[0019] The above tube may include a vent that sprays cold air into the battery module.

[0020] The above air outlet can be positioned toward the space accommodating the battery module.

[0021] The battery pack may further include an upper cover and a lower cover that protect the battery pack.

[0022] The battery pack may further include a humidity sensor that detects humidity within the battery pack.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle is provided, comprising: a battery pack including an inlet for cold air to be introduced and an outlet for warm air to be discharged; an air conditioning device for regulating the state of air inside a vehicle; a cold air circulation path for transferring cold air from the air conditioning device to the battery pack through the inlet; a warm air circulation path for transferring warm air from the battery pack to the air conditioning device through the outlet; a control valve for regulating the amount of cold air transferred through the cold air circulation path; and a sensing sensor for measuring the temperature of the warm air transferred through the warm air circulation path and transmitting the measured information to the control valve.

[0024] The battery pack may further include an upper cover and a lower cover that protect the battery pack.

[0025] The battery pack may further include a humidity sensor that detects humidity within the battery pack.

[0026] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following specific details, claims, and drawings for implementing the invention. Effects of the invention

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention as described above, a battery pack and a battery cooling system including the same can be provided, which can reduce the weight of the battery pack, lower production costs, and simultaneously improve performance. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a frame included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a frame included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow path through which air can move inside a battery pack in a cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow path through which air can move inside a battery pack in a cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] The present invention will be described in detail below. However, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0031] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] In the following embodiments, when various components such as layers, films, regions, and plates are described as being "on" another component, this includes not only cases where they are "directly on" another component, but also cases where another component is interposed between them.

[0033] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0034] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0035] In this specification, "A and / or B" indicates the case where it is A, B, or both A and B. Additionally, in this specification, "at least one of A and B" indicates the case where it is A, B, or both A and B.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are further interpreted to have meanings consistent with relevant technical literature and the present disclosure, and are not interpreted in an ideal or highly formal sense unless otherwise defined.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] A battery cooling system for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (10) disposed in a vehicle body and comprising one or more battery modules, an air conditioning device (20) for regulating the state of air inside the vehicle, and a cold air circulation path (31) and a warm air circulation path (33) connecting the battery pack (10) and the air conditioning device (20).

[0040] A battery cooling system for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include, in addition to the above configuration, a sensing sensor (34) disposed in a warm air circulation path (33) to detect temperature and / or humidity, and a control valve (35) that receives feedback from the sensing sensor (34) and controls the flow rate of cold air flowing in through a cold air circulation path (31).

[0041] The battery pack (10) may include one or more battery modules that supply current to an electric vehicle. In one embodiment, the battery pack (10) may be positioned at the bottom of the vehicle body.

[0042] The air conditioning device (20) may be a device that regulates the temperature of the air inside the vehicle, that is, the interior. In other words, it may function as an air conditioner.

[0043] The air conditioner (20) can transport cold air, i.e., cold air, to the battery pack (10) through the cold air circulation path (31). After cooling the battery pack (10), the air with a raised temperature, i.e. warm air, can be transported back to the air conditioner (20) through the warm air circulation path (33).

[0044] At this time, a sensing sensor (34) may be placed on the warm air circulation path (33) to control the flow rate of cold air being transported according to the temperature of the warm air flowing through the warm air circulation path (33). That is, the sensing sensor (34) measures the temperature of the warm air being transported through the warm air circulation path (33), transmits this information to the control valve (35), and the control valve (35) can control the amount of cold air flowing through the cold air circulation path (31) according to the feedback information.

[0045] In one embodiment, the sensing sensor (34) can also detect the humidity of the warm air flowing through the warm air circulation path (33). In this case, the sensing sensor (34) transmits the humidity information to the control valve (35), and the control valve (35) can adjust the amount of cold air being transported through the cold air circulation path (31) according to the feedback information.

[0046] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a frame (100) included in a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a frame (100) that accommodates one or more battery modules, an upper cover (210) and a lower cover (220) that protect the frame (100). By protecting the frame (100), the upper cover (210) and the lower cover (220) can protect the battery pack (10).

[0048] The frame (100) may include a strut (150) having a grid shape and a battery module receiving portion (170) that is a space capable of accommodating a battery module within the grid space, an inlet (121) that allows cold air transferred from the air conditioning unit (20) of the vehicle to flow into the frame (100), an outlet (123) that discharges warm air to the air conditioning unit (20), and a tube (not shown, see 180 in FIG. 5) that forms a path for air to flow on the strut (150).

[0049] The strut (150) may include a first strut (151) and a second strut (153) that intersect each other to form a space for accommodating a battery module.

[0050] The first strut (151) may extend in one direction (e.g., the width direction of the battery pack (10) or the y-axis direction), and the second strut (153) may extend in another direction (e.g., the length direction of the battery pack (10) or the x-axis direction) that intersects approximately perpendicularly with the first strut (151).

[0051] Although FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 show one second strut (153), there may be multiple second struts (153) (and / or first struts (151)).

[0052] The first strut (151) and the second strut (153) can intersect as described above to form a space, that is, a battery module receiving portion (170), within the frame (100), and can accommodate one or more battery modules in the battery module receiving portion (170).

[0053] The inlet (121) can be connected to a cold air circulation path (31) so that cold air generated from the air conditioner (20) can be injected into the frame (100). When the injected cold air cools the battery, the temperature of the air rises and turns into warm air. The outlet (123) can discharge this warm air back to the air conditioner (20) through the warm air circulation path (33).

[0054] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the inlet (121) and the outlet (123) are shown arranged adjacently in the front part of the frame (100) (e.g., in the +x axis direction), but the inlet (121) and the outlet (123) may vary depending on the arrangement of the tube (180) described later.

[0055] In one embodiment, the inlet (121) may be positioned at the front part of the battery pack (10) (the part facing the front of the vehicle body), and the outlet (123) may be positioned at the rear part of the battery pack (10) (the part facing the rear of the vehicle body).

[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a frame included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are schematic drawings illustrating a flow path through which air can move inside the battery pack (10) in a cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] In FIGS. 4 and 5, it is shown that there are 5 first struts (151) arranged in the width direction of the battery pack (10) and 3 second struts (153) arranged in the length direction of the battery pack (10), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of first struts (151) and second struts (153) may vary depending on the arrangement of the battery module.

[0058] Additionally, although FIGS. 4 and 5 show that a second strut (153) is positioned adjacent to the outer wall (160) of the frame (10), the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, a second strut (153) adjacent to the outer wall (160) of the frame (10) may not be positioned. In this case, the outer wall (160) may serve as the second strut (153) that maintains the rigidity of the frame (10).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, a cooling system for an electric vehicle battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (10) that does not include a separate tube (180), an air conditioning device (20), a cold air circulation path (31), and a warm air circulation path (33).

[0060] In this case, the cold air does not move along a separate path but is transferred into the battery pack (10) through the inlet (121) of the frame (100), and the warm air with increased temperature can be transferred from the battery pack (10) to the air conditioner (20) through the outlet (123).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, a cooling system for an electric vehicle battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (10), an air conditioning unit (20), a cold air circulation path (31) and a warm air circulation path (33).

[0062] The battery pack (10) may include a frame (100) that accommodates a battery module, an upper cover (210) and a lower cover (220) that protect the frame (100).

[0063] The frame (100) may include an outer wall (160) that maintains the shape of the frame (100), a strut (150), an inlet (121) that allows cold air transferred from the air conditioning unit (20) of the vehicle to flow into the frame (100), an outlet (123) that discharges warm air to the air conditioning unit (20), and a tube (180) that forms a path for air to flow on the strut (150).

[0064] As described above, the strut (150) may include a first strut (151) and a second strut (153), the first strut (151) may extend in one direction (e.g., the width direction of the battery pack (10) or the y-axis direction), and the second strut (153) may extend in another direction (e.g., the length direction of the battery pack (10) or the x-axis direction) that intersects approximately perpendicularly with the first strut (151).

[0065] The first strut (151) and the second strut (153) can intersect as described above to form a space, that is, a battery module receiving portion (170), within the frame (100), and can accommodate one or more battery modules in the battery module receiving portion (170).

[0066] The tube (180) may be placed on the strut (150). Specifically, the tube (180) may be placed on the first strut (151) and the second strut (153), and may be placed so that part or all of the first strut (151) and the second strut (153) overlap.

[0067] Additionally, one side of the tube (180) may be connected to the inlet (121) and the other side may be connected to the outlet (123).

[0068] That is, the tube (180) can form a channel through which air (cold or warm) can flow.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tube (180) may be arranged to overlap the entirety of the first strut (151) and the second strut (153). That is, the tube (180) may have a grid shape identical to the shape of the strut (150). In this case, the battery module can be cooled from all sides, so the cooling effect may be excellent.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tube (180) may be positioned to overlap with a portion of the first strut (151) and the second strut (153). In one embodiment, the tube (180) may be positioned so that air (cold air) entering through the inlet (121) can form a flow path that flows in a single direction without branching points.

[0071] In this case, there may be a portion of the first strut (151) and the second strut (153) that does not overlap with the tube (180). In this way, by forming a flow path that flows in a single direction without branching points, the airflow can be smoothed, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0072] The tube (180) may include a soft and flexible material to form a winding channel. In one embodiment, the tube (180) may include a polymer material such as PE, PP, or PVC. By forming the channel with such a lightweight and low-cost material, the overall weight of the battery pack (10) can be reduced while reducing process costs. This enables weight reduction and cost reduction of the electric vehicle.

[0073] In addition, since the cooling system is formed without significantly affecting the strut (150), which has a large effect on the rigidity of the frame (100), that is, the rigidity of the battery pack (10), safety can also be improved.

[0074] In one embodiment, the tube (180) may include a plurality of air outlets (183). The air outlets (183) may be positioned toward the battery module (or battery module housing (170)). That is, the air outlets (183) may be positioned in a part of the tube (180) adjacent to the battery module housing (170).

[0075] The cooling effect of the battery module can be improved by directing the cold air, which was being transported through the tube (180), into the battery module through the air outlet (183). When the cooling effect of the battery module is improved, the lifespan of the entire battery pack increases and performance can be improved.

[0076] In addition, since the cooling system according to the present invention is formed by connecting an air conditioning device (20) and a battery pack (10), the humidity control effect of the air conditioning device (20) may be applied to the battery pack (10). That is, the cooling system according to the present invention can also control the humidity inside the battery pack (10).

[0077] In one embodiment, the battery pack (10) may further include a humidity sensor (not shown). Thus, the humidity sensor can detect the humidity within the battery pack (10) and provide feedback to the air conditioning unit (20) to adjust the amount of cold air transported. In this case, the cooling system may not include a detection sensor (34) placed in the warm air circulation path (33).

[0078] This cooling system can reduce the weight and cost of the electric vehicle while simultaneously improving the performance and lifespan of the battery pack (10).

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0080] 10: Battery pack 20: Air conditioner 31: Cold air circulation path 33: Warmth circulation path 100: Frame 121: Inlet 123: Outlet 150: Strut 151: 1st strut 153: 2nd strut 160: Exterior wall 170: Battery module housing 180: Tube 183: Air vent 210: Upper cover 220: Lower cover

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack for an electric vehicle, comprising: a frame accommodating one or more battery modules, wherein the frame includes: an inlet for allowing cold air transferred from an air conditioning unit of an automobile to flow into the frame; an outlet for discharging warm air to the air conditioning unit; a first strut and a second strut intersecting to form a space for accommodating the battery modules; and a tube arranged on the first strut and the second strut such that a portion or all of the first strut and the second strut overlap to form a passage for air to flow, wherein the tube includes a plurality of air outlets for spraying cold air into the battery modules. Claim 2 A battery pack for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein one side of the tube is connected to the inlet and the other side is connected to the outlet. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 In claim 1, the above air outlet is positioned toward the space accommodating the battery module, for an electric vehicle battery pack. Claim 5 In claim 1, the battery pack for an electric vehicle further comprises an upper cover and a lower cover that protect the frame. Claim 6 In claim 1, the battery pack for an electric vehicle further comprises a humidity sensor for detecting humidity within the battery pack. Claim 7 A battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle, comprising: an inlet for cold air to be introduced; an outlet for warm air to be discharged; a first strut and a second strut that intersect each other to form a space for accommodating a battery module; and a tube arranged on the first strut and the second strut such that a part or all of the first strut and the second strut overlap; an air conditioner for regulating the condition of air inside a vehicle; a cold air circulation path for transferring cold air from the air conditioner through the inlet to the tube; a warm air circulation path for transferring warm air from the tube to the air conditioner through the outlet; a control valve for regulating the amount of cold air transferred through the cold air circulation path; and a sensing sensor for measuring the temperature of the warm air transferred through the warm air circulation path and transmitting the measured information to the control valve, wherein the tube includes a plurality of air outlets for spraying cold air onto the battery module. Claim 8 A battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein one side of the tube is connected to the inlet and the other side is connected to the outlet. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 In claim 7, the above air vent is positioned toward the space accommodating the battery module, in a battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle. Claim 11 A battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle, wherein, in claim 7, the battery pack further comprises an upper cover and a lower cover that protect the battery pack. Claim 12 A battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle, wherein, in claim 7, the battery pack further comprises a humidity sensor for detecting humidity within the battery pack. Claim 13 A battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a tube including an inlet for cold air to enter, an outlet for warm air to be discharged, and a plurality of air outlets for spraying cold air; an air conditioning device for regulating the state of air inside a vehicle; a cold air circulation path for transferring cold air from the air conditioning device to the battery pack through the inlet; a warm air circulation path for transferring warm air from the battery pack to the air conditioning device through the outlet; a control valve for regulating the amount of cold air transferred through the cold air circulation path; and a sensing sensor for measuring the temperature of the warm air transferred through the warm air circulation path and transmitting the measured information to the control valve. Claim 14 In claim 13, the battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle further comprises an upper cover and a lower cover that protect the battery pack. Claim 15 In claim 13, the battery pack cooling system for an electric vehicle further comprises a humidity sensor for detecting humidity within the battery pack.

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