A battery pack having a cooling unit disposed outside the housing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack having a cooling unit disposed outside a battery pack housing, and more specifically, to a battery pack comprising: a battery module (100), the battery module comprising one or more unit cells; a housing (200), the housing having a receiving portion, the receiving portion being configured to receive the battery module (100); a cooling unit (300), the cooling unit being located at an outer bottom surface of the housing (200); and a reinforcing member (400), the reinforcing member being configured to protect the cooling unit (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0060598, filed on May 20, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack having a cooling unit arranged on the outside of a battery pack casing, and more particularly, to a battery pack having a cooling unit arranged on the outside of the casing, the battery pack being constructed so that the cooling unit (the cooling unit being constructed to dissipate heat generated in a battery module) is arranged on the outside of the casing and so that a reinforced casing (the reinforced casing being constructed to protect the cooling unit) is further provided, thereby being able to fundamentally prevent incidents caused by the outflow of refrigerant from occurring. Background Art

[0003] With the recent development of alternative energy due to air pollution and energy depletion caused by the use of fossil fuels, the demand for secondary batteries capable of storing the produced electrical energy has increased. Secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged are closely used in daily life. For example, secondary batteries are used in mobile devices, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0004] Due to the increase in the use of mobile devices, the increase in the complexity of mobile devices, and the development of electric vehicles, the required capacity of secondary batteries used as energy sources for various electronic devices inevitably used in modern society has increased. In order to meet the needs of users, a plurality of battery cells are placed in small devices, and a battery module including a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other or a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules is used in a vehicle.

[0005] In a battery module or a battery pack, a plurality of battery cells are connected to each other in series or in parallel, thereby increasing the capacity and output of the battery module or the battery pack. In a situation where a plurality of battery cells are used in a state connected to each other, problems such as overload may occur. In particular, for a battery pack, a battery module including a plurality of battery cells is located in a housing. As a result, there is a problem that the temperature in the battery pack increases due to overload, whereby the abnormality of the battery is amplified. In order to solve this problem, a general battery pack has a cooling unit capable of reducing the temperature in the battery, thereby improving the safety of the battery.

[0006] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a conventional battery pack. Figure 1As shown in , the conventional battery pack includes: a battery module 10; a housing 20 having a receiving portion 21 configured to receive the battery module in the receiving portion 21; and a cooling unit 30 located between the battery module 10 and the housing 20, that is, located in the receiving portion 21. The cooling unit 30 includes: a radiator 31 placed in contact with the battery module 10 to reduce the temperature of the battery module 10; and a refrigerant circulation pipe 32 configured to supply a refrigerant to the radiator 31.

[0007] In the conventional battery pack, the cooling unit 30 is placed in the housing 20. Therefore, when the refrigerant flows out of the radiator 31 or the refrigerant circulation pipe 32, the battery pack is affected, thereby deteriorating the safety of the battery pack. Furthermore, because the radiator 31 or the refrigerant circulation pipe 32 is located in the housing 20, even in the case where the radiator or the refrigerant circulation pipe is defective, it is difficult to replace the radiator or the refrigerant circulation pipe.

[0008] In Patent Document 1, a heat sink mounted outside a module case is mentioned. However, this document relates to a battery module and does not mention a heat sink or a refrigerant circulation pipe provided outside a battery pack case so as to be replaceable.

[0009] (Prior art literature)

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0119990 (November 5, 2018) Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack configured so that refrigerant is prevented from flowing out of the battery pack, thereby improving performance and safety of the battery.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack which is configured such that when a cooling unit is defective or damaged, parts replacement is easily performed, thereby easily achieving maintenance and repair.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to the present invention includes: a battery module (100), the battery module (100) including one or more unit cells; a housing (200), the housing (200) having a receiving portion, the receiving portion being configured to receive the battery module (100); a cooling unit (300), the cooling unit (300) being located at the outer bottom surface of the housing (200); and a reinforcing member (400), the reinforcing member (400) being configured to protect the cooling unit (300).

[0016] The cooling unit (300) may include: a radiator (310) in which a cooling channel (311) is defined; and a refrigerant circulation pipe (320) having a refrigerant introduction port (321) configured to supply refrigerant to the radiator (310) and a refrigerant discharge port (322) configured to collect refrigerant from the radiator (310).

[0017] The cooling unit (300) may be fixed to the housing (200) via an adhesive member (330).

[0018] The bonding member (330) may be made of a thermally conductive material.

[0019] The refrigerant circulation pipe (320) may further have a fastening portion (312) configured to allow the refrigerant circulation pipe to be coupled to the housing (200).

[0020] A heat dissipation plate (210) may be located at a bottom surface of the receiving portion of the housing (200), the heat dissipation plate (210) being configured to transfer heat generated from the battery module (100) to the housing (200).

[0021] The refrigerant circulation pipe (320) may be located outside the reinforcement member (400).

[0022] The reinforcement member (400) may be in close contact with an outer bottom surface and a pair of opposite side surfaces of the housing (200).

[0023] The reinforcing member (400) may be provided with a plurality of openings (410).

[0024] A refrigerant inlet (313) and a refrigerant outlet (314) may be formed at opposite ends of the radiator (310), the refrigerant inlet (313) and the refrigerant outlet (314) being connected to the refrigerant circulation pipe (320), and the refrigerant inlet (313) and the refrigerant outlet (314) may be positioned to protrude outward through the opening (410).

[0025] The branch pipe (323) may be located between the refrigerant inlet (313) of the radiator (310) and the refrigerant circulation pipe (320) and between the refrigerant outlet (314) and the refrigerant circulation pipe (320).

[0026] The refrigerant introduction port (321) and the refrigerant discharge port (322) may be directly fixed to the housing (200).

[0027] The present invention may provide a device in which a battery pack having one or more of the above-mentioned configurations that do not conflict with each other is mounted.

[0028] In the present invention, one or more configurations that do not conflict with each other may be selected from the above-mentioned configurations and combined.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] It is obvious from the above description that the battery pack according to the present invention having a cooling unit provided outside the casing has the following advantages: the cooling unit is located outside the casing, thereby even in the case where the refrigerant used for cooling flows out of the cooling unit, the performance of the battery pack is not affected, and thus the safety of the battery pack is improved.

[0031] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention having the cooling unit provided outside the housing has the advantage that a reinforcement member configured to cover the cooling unit is further provided, thereby being able to safely protect the cooling unit from external impact.

[0032] Furthermore, a battery pack according to the present invention having a cooling unit arranged on the outside of an outer shell has the following advantages: a reinforcing member is provided with a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings are configured to allow portions of the refrigerant circulation pipe connecting the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the radiator to each other to be exposed through the plurality of openings, thereby making it possible to easily check for refrigerant leakage or easily replace the radiator or the refrigerant circulation pipe without separating the entire reinforcing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view of a traditional battery pack.

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 When viewed from one side Figure 2 A view of the battery pack shown in FIG.

[0036] Figure 4 When viewed from the front Figure 2 A view of the battery pack shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 5 When viewed from below Figure 2 A view of the battery pack shown in FIG.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the upper portion of the housing of the battery pack is shown in FIG.

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the lower portion of the housing of the battery pack is shown in FIG.

[0040] Figure 8 is installed to Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the heat sink of the battery pack shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Now, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, when describing the operating principle of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, when the detailed description of the known functions and structures incorporated herein may obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0042] In addition, in all drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. Throughout the specification, where a part is referred to as being connected to another part, the one part may not only be directly connected to the other part, but the one part may also be indirectly connected to the other part via another part. In addition, including a specific element does not mean excluding other elements, but means that such elements may be further included unless otherwise specified.

[0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 When viewed from one side Figure 2 A view of a battery pack shown in FIG. Figure 4 When viewed from the front Figure 2 A view of the battery pack shown in FIG. Figure 5 When viewed from below Figure 2 A view of the battery pack shown in FIG.

[0044] The battery pack according to the present invention includes: a battery module 100, which includes one or more unit cells; a housing 200, which has a receiving portion, which is configured to receive the battery module 100; a cooling unit 300, which is located at the outer bottom surface of the housing 200; and a reinforcing member 400, which is configured to protect the cooling unit 300.

[0045] When the outer case 200 is described first, a receiving portion formed to receive the battery module 100 including one or more unit cells (not shown) is surrounded by a side wall.

[0046] Here, each unit cell may include an electrode assembly and a cell housing configured to receive the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly may be: a jelly roll type electrode assembly, which is configured to have a structure in which a long sheet type positive electrode and a long sheet type negative electrode are wound in a state in which a separator is interposed; a stacked type electrode assembly, which includes a unit cell, each unit cell is configured to have a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode in a state in which a separator is interposed; a stacked and folded type electrode assembly, which is configured to have a structure in which a unit cell is wound using a long separator; or a stacked and stacked type electrode assembly, which is configured to have a structure in which a unit cell is stacked in a state in which a separator is interposed and then attached to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the electrode assembly according to the present invention is a stacked and folded type electrode assembly or a stacked and stacked type electrode assembly having the lowest physical stress when a curved module is formed.

[0047] The electrode assembly is received in a cell housing. The cell housing is generally constructed to have a laminated sheet structure including an inner layer, a metal layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is placed in direct contact with the electrode assembly, and therefore the inner layer must exhibit high insulation properties and high resistance to the electrolyte solution. In addition, the inner layer must exhibit high sealability, thereby hermetically sealing the cell housing from the outside, that is, the thermally bonded seal between the inner layers must exhibit excellent thermal bonding strength. The inner layer can be made of a material selected from the following that exhibits excellent chemical resistance and high sealability: a polyolefin resin, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene acrylate or polybutylene; a polyurethane resin; and a polyimide resin. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and polypropylene is most preferably used, which exhibits excellent mechanical-physical properties (such as tensile strength, stiffness, surface hardness and impact resistance) and excellent chemical resistance.

[0048] The metal layer disposed adjacent to the inner layer corresponds to a barrier layer configured to prevent moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. An aluminum thin film that is light and can be easily formed can be used as a preferred material for the metal layer.

[0049] The outer layer is disposed on the other surface of the metal layer. The outer layer may be made of a heat-resistant polymer exhibiting excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability resistance, and air permeability resistance, so that while protecting the electrode assembly, the outer layer exhibits high heat resistance and chemical resistance. As an example, the outer layer may be made of nylon or polyethylene terephthalate. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0050] Although not shown, the cover may be mounted to the upper portion of the housing 200. That is, in a state where the cover is placed on the upper portion of the housing, the cover may be fixed to the housing 200 via well-known coupling means such as bolting or welding. At this time, the surface of the housing 200 that comes into contact with the cover may extend for secure coupling or easy mounting to an external device.

[0051] Meanwhile, the outer case 200 may have a partition structure in which the battery modules 100 are kept spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, or may have a concave-convex structure in which heat dissipation is easily achieved while improving the strength of the outer case 200 .

[0052] In the battery pack according to the present invention, the cooling unit 300 is located at the outer bottom surface of the housing 200. Specifically, the cooling unit 300 includes: a radiator 310 in which a cooling channel is defined; a refrigerant circulation pipe 320 having a refrigerant introduction port 321 configured to supply refrigerant to the radiator 310 and a refrigerant discharge port 322 configured to collect the refrigerant that has been circulated; and a bonding member 330 configured to fix the refrigerant circulation pipe 320 to the outer bottom surface of the housing 200 and accelerate heat transfer between the housing 200 and the radiator 310. The cooling unit 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0053] Next, the reinforcement member 400 that protects the cooling unit 300 including the heat sink 310 will be described.

[0054] The shape of the reinforcing member 400 is not particularly limited as long as it can protect the radiator 310 of the cooling unit. As an example, the reinforcing member can be configured to wrap the outer bottom surface of the housing 200 and the longer pair of side surfaces of the two pairs of opposite side surfaces of the housing. That is, the reinforcing member 400 can be positioned to form a close contact with the outer bottom surface of the housing 200 and the pair of opposite side surfaces of the housing. At this time, the housing 200 and the reinforcing member 400 can be fixed to each other via well-known fastening means (such as spot welding or screwing).

[0055] Meanwhile, it is preferable that a portion of the radiator 310 and the refrigerant circulation pipe 320 be exposed to the outside of the reinforcement member 400 , which will be described below.

[0056] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the upper portion of the housing of the battery pack is shown in FIG. Figure 6 , the battery pack according to the present invention is configured such that the heat dissipation plate 210 is located on the bottom surface of the housing 200 as a receiving portion, that is, between the battery module 100 and the bottom surface of the housing, thereby transferring the heat generated from the battery module 100 to the bottom surface of the housing 200. At this time, the heat transferred to the bottom surface of the housing 200 can be transferred to the heat sink provided outside the housing, thereby being able to maintain the temperature of the battery pack at a predetermined temperature or lower.

[0057] Here, as in Figure 6 As shown in , the heat dissipation plate 210 may be configured as a member other than the housing 200 and may be located between the battery module 100 and the housing 200, or may be integrally formed with the upper portion of the bottom surface of the housing 200 or the bottom surface of the battery module 100 as needed.

[0058] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the lower portion of the housing of the battery pack is shown in FIG. Figure 8 is installed to Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the heat sink of the battery pack shown in FIG.

[0059] When reference Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 When describing, the cooling unit 300 and the reinforcement member 400 are sequentially located at the lower portion of the outer case 200 of the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0060] More specifically, the cooling unit 300 includes: at least one radiator 310 formed to have a substantially flat shape; a refrigerant circulation pipe 320; and a bonding member 330. The radiator 310 includes: a cooling channel 311 formed to have a zigzag shape so that the refrigerant circulates as evenly as possible; a refrigerant inlet 313 configured to receive the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circulation pipe 320, the refrigerant inlet 313 being connected to one side of the cooling channel 311; and a refrigerant outlet 314 configured to discharge the refrigerant whose temperature has been increased by heat absorption, the refrigerant outlet 314 being connected to the other side of the cooling channel 311.

[0061] Here, the refrigerant inlet 313 and the refrigerant outlet 314 may be located at opposite ends of the radiator 310 so as to face each other. As a result, the moving distance of the refrigerant flowing into or out of the refrigerant circulation pipe 320 can be reduced by adjusting the positions of the refrigerant inlet 313 and the refrigerant outlet 314 in the battery pack.

[0062] Meanwhile, reference numeral 312 indicates a fastening portion that provides a space where well-known fixing means (such as bolts and nuts) can be located when the heat sink 310 is fixed to the housing 200. Three heat sinks 310 are shown in the drawings, however, this is only for illustration. The number of heat sinks can be increased or decreased.

[0063] The refrigerant circulation conduit 320 is formed to wrap a portion of the contour of the housing 200 along the contour of the housing 200 and has a substantially “L” shape, and is configured to supply refrigerant to the refrigerant inlet 313 of the radiator 310 and guide the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant outlet 314 .

[0064] The radiator 310 includes: a refrigerant inlet port 321, which is configured to allow a refrigerant cooled to a predetermined temperature to be supplied therethrough; a refrigerant discharge port 322, which is configured to allow a refrigerant that has passed through the radiator 310 to be discharged therethrough; and a branch pipe 323, which is configured to connect each radiator 310 and the refrigerant circulation pipe 320 to each other.

[0065] Here, it is preferable that the branch pipes 323 are equal in number to the refrigerant inlets 313 and the refrigerant outlets 314 of the radiator 310. As a result, only the defective radiator 310 can be selectively replaced, whereby maintenance and repair costs can be reduced.

[0066] Meanwhile, the refrigerant introduction port 321 and the refrigerant discharge port 322 may be fastened to one surface of the housing 200 , and the branch pipe 323 of the refrigerant circulation pipe 320 may be connected to the radiator 310 , whereby the refrigerant circulation pipe 320 may be firmly fixed to the housing 200 .

[0067] It is preferred that each of the radiator 310 and the refrigerant circulation pipe 320 be made of a material that can easily transfer heat. As an example, each of the radiator and the refrigerant circulation pipe may be made of aluminum having excellent thermal conductivity.

[0068] In addition to the function of coupling the housing and the heat sink to each other, the adhesive member 330 interposed between the outer bottom surface of the housing 200 and the heat sink 310 prevents separation between the housing 200 and the heat sink 310, thereby maximizing heat transfer efficiency.

[0069] The material of the bonding member 330 is not particularly limited as long as the bonding member has excellent thermal conductivity and sufficient bonding force. As an example, the bonding member can be made of a resin such as silicone, epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, phenolic resin, polyester or glass powder. As needed, metal particles (such as silver, copper, nickel, silver-lead or silver-copper) or carbon particles can be additionally included in the above resin.

[0070] The reinforcement member 400 has a substantially “U” shape and extends from the bottom surface of the radiator 310 to the side surface of the housing 200 , is located below the cooling unit 300 , and is configured to protect the radiator 310 and the refrigerant circulation pipe 320 from external impact.

[0071] In particular, the reinforcing member 400 is provided with one or more openings 410 in the side surface thereof, and specifically, the reinforcing member 400 is provided with the openings 410 in the side surface thereof which are equal in number to the refrigerant inlet 313 and the refrigerant outlet 314 of the radiator 310. As a result, the refrigerant inlet 313 and the refrigerant outlet 314 of the radiator 310 are connected to the branch pipe 323 in a state of protruding through the openings 410, and thus abnormality can be observed without separating the reinforcing member 400, and thus maintenance and repair are very easily achieved.

[0072] Meanwhile, the reinforcement member 400 may be configured to have a concavo-convex structure made of a metal material exhibiting excellent thermal conductivity, whereby the reinforcement member has high resistance to external impact and easily achieves natural heat dissipation.

[0073] Of course, the reinforcement member 400 may be fixed to the side surface or the flange portion of the housing 200 via well-known fixing means such as bolting or welding.

[0074] Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the battery pack according to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration will be briefly described.

[0075] The method for manufacturing a battery pack according to the present invention may include: S1) a step of receiving a battery module 100 including one or more unit cells in a receiving portion of a housing 200; S2) a step of attaching a cooling unit 300 to an outer bottom surface of the housing 200; and S3) a step of installing a reinforcing member 400 to the outside of the cooling unit 300.

[0076] Meanwhile, in step S1), a step of placing the heat dissipation plate 210 between the battery module 100 and the bottom surface of the housing 200 may be further performed.

[0077] The present invention may provide a device in which a battery pack having at least one of the above-mentioned features is installed. The device may be an electronic device including a large-capacity battery, such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

[0078] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that, based on the above description, various applications and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0080] 10, 100: Battery module

[0081] 20,200: Shell

[0082] 21: Receiving Department

[0083] 210: Heat sink

[0084] 30,300: Cooling unit

[0085] 31,310: Radiator

[0086] 311: Cooling channel 312: Fastening part

[0087] 313: Refrigerant inlet 314: Refrigerant outlet

[0088] 32, 320: Refrigerant circulation pipeline

[0089] 321: Refrigerant inlet port 322: Refrigerant discharge port

[0090] 323: Branch Pipeline

[0091] 330: Bonding components

[0092] 400: Enhanced components

[0093] 410: Opening

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: A battery module (100), the battery module (100) comprising one or more unit cells; a housing (200), the housing (200) having a receiving portion, the receiving portion being configured to receive the battery module (100); a cooling unit (300), the cooling unit (300) being located at the outer bottom surface of the housing (200); and a reinforcing member (400) configured to cover the cooling unit (300) and protect the cooling unit (300) from the outside, Wherein, the cooling unit (300) comprises: a heat sink (310) having a cooling channel (311) defined therein; and a refrigerant circulation pipe (320), the refrigerant circulation pipe (320) having: a refrigerant introduction port (321), the refrigerant introduction port (321) being configured to supply refrigerant to the radiator (310); and a refrigerant discharge port (322), the refrigerant discharge port (322) being configured to collect the refrigerant from the radiator (310), The refrigerant circulation pipe (320) is located outside the reinforcement member (400). Wherein, the reinforcing member (400) is provided with a plurality of openings (410), wherein a refrigerant inlet (313) and a refrigerant outlet (314) are formed at opposite ends of the radiator (310), the refrigerant inlet (313) and the refrigerant outlet (314) being connected to the refrigerant circulation pipe (320), and The refrigerant inlet (313) and the refrigerant outlet (314) are positioned to protrude outward through the opening (410).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The cooling unit (300) is fixed to the housing (200) via an adhesive member (330).

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The bonding member (330) is made of a thermally conductive material.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The refrigerant circulation pipe (320) further has a fastening portion (312) configured to allow the refrigerant circulation pipe to be coupled to the housing (200).

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: A heat dissipation plate (210) is located at a bottom surface of the receiving portion of the housing (200), and the heat dissipation plate (210) is configured to transfer heat generated from the battery module (100) to the housing (200).

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcing member (400) is in close contact with the outer bottom surface and a pair of opposite side surfaces of the housing (200).

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The branch pipe (323) is located between the refrigerant inlet (313) of the radiator (310) and the refrigerant circulation pipe (320) and between the refrigerant outlet (314) and the refrigerant circulation pipe (320).

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The refrigerant introduction port (321) and the refrigerant discharge port (322) are directly fixed to the housing (200).

9. A device having the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8 mounted therein.

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