Battery pack having multi-stage stacked battery modules and device including the battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack having battery modules stacked in multiple layers, and in particular to a battery pack having battery modules stacked in multiple layers, the battery pack comprising: at least one battery module (100); and a battery pack housing (200) for accommodating the battery module (100), wherein the battery module (100) is formed by vertically stacking a first battery module (110) and a second battery module (120) located above the first battery module (110), a first cooling unit (300) is positioned between an upper surface on the inner side of a bottom surface of the battery pack housing (200) and the first battery module (110) so that heat generated from the first battery module (110) can be released, and a second cooling unit (400) is provided between the first battery module (110) and the second battery module (120) so that heat generated from the second battery module (120) can be released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0069078, filed on Jun. 8, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack including multi-stage stacked battery modules, and more particularly, to a battery pack including multi-stage stacked battery modules, wherein the battery pack is configured to be provided with a plurality of cooling units, the cooling units being configured to discharge heat generated by the multi-stage stacked battery modules, the cooling units being protected, and refrigerant leakage being minimized. Background Art

[0003] With the recent development of alternative energy sources caused by air pollution and energy depletion caused by the use of fossil fuels, the demand for secondary batteries capable of storing the generated electrical energy has increased. Secondary batteries capable of charging and discharging have been 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 demand for the capacity of secondary batteries used as energy sources for various electronic devices inevitably used in modern society is also increasing. In order to meet the needs of users, a plurality of battery cells are arranged 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 vehicles.

[0005] In a battery module or a battery pack, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel to each other to increase the capacity and output of the battery module or the battery pack. In the case of using a plurality of battery cells in an interconnected state, problems such as overload may occur. In particular, for a battery pack, a battery module (each of which includes a plurality of battery cells) is located in a housing so as to be stacked in multiple stages. Therefore, there is a problem in that the temperature in the battery pack rises due to overload, thereby amplifying the abnormal condition of the battery. In order to solve this problem, a general battery pack must have a cooling unit capable of reducing the temperature of the battery, thereby improving the safety of the battery, improving the space efficiency of the battery, and increasing the energy density of the battery.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a traditional battery module. Figure 1As shown in , the conventional battery module includes: a module housing 20 configured to receive a battery cell 10 therein; a cooling channel 30 located on the upper surface of the battery module; a refrigerant delivery pipe 40 configured to supply refrigerant to the cooling channel 30 and collect refrigerant from the cooling channel 30; and an upper protective cover 50 and a lower protective cover 60 configured to wrap the cooling channel 30 to protect the cooling channel. Here, although not shown, another battery module is loaded on the upper surface of the upper protective cover 50, so that the battery modules are stacked in multiple stages, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery module and preventing the refrigerant in the cooling channel 30 from leaking through the upper protective cover 50 and the lower protective cover 60.

[0007] In the conventional technology, as described above, the heat exchange process between the battery module and the refrigerant in the cooling channel 30 is improved, thereby improving the cooling performance, and the grooves 51 and 61 are provided to receive the cooling channel 30, thereby improving the space utilization. However, since the refrigerant delivery pipe 40 configured to supply the refrigerant to the cooling channel 30 and collect the refrigerant from the cooling channel 30 is exposed to the outside, there is a problem that the volume of the battery pack is too large.

[0008] Furthermore, since the refrigerant transporting pipe 40 in which the refrigerant flows is exposed to the outside, when an external impact is applied to the refrigerant transporting pipe 40, the refrigerant may leak due to damage of the refrigerant transporting pipe, which may cause a serious accident.

[0009] (Prior art literature)

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-029660 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 heat generated from multi-stage stacked battery modules is effectively discharged, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack configured so that leakage of a refrigerant of the battery pack is minimized.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack configured so that an increase in the volume of the battery pack due to various components configured to perform cooling is suppressed.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack configured such that leakage of refrigerant is restricted even in a case where a frame is damaged due to an external impact.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] In order to achieve the above objectives, a battery pack according to the present invention includes: at least one battery module 100; and a battery pack shell 200, wherein the battery pack shell is configured to receive the battery module 100 therein, wherein: the battery module 100 includes a first battery module 110 and a second battery module 120, the second battery module is vertically stacked above the first battery module 110, a first cooling unit 300 configured to discharge heat generated from the first battery module 110 is located between the inner upper surface of the bottom surface of the battery pack shell 200 and the first battery module 110, and a second cooling unit 400 is arranged between the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120, the second cooling unit being configured to discharge heat generated from the second battery module 120.

[0018] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the battery pack housing 200 may include a front frame 210, a rear frame 220 and a pair of side frames 230, the pair of side frames being configured to connect the front frame 210 and the rear frame 220 to each other, and each of the pair of side frames 230 may be provided with a refrigerant circulation channel 231, which is configured to supply refrigerant to the first cooling unit 300 and collect refrigerant from the first cooling unit.

[0019] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the front frame 210 can be provided with a pair of refrigerant introduction ports 211 and refrigerant discharge ports 212 spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and each of the refrigerant introduction port 211 and the refrigerant discharge port 212 can be connected to a refrigerant delivery pipe 213 configured to communicate with the refrigerant circulation channel 231.

[0020] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the air circulation passage 232 may be positioned near the refrigerant circulation passage 231 of the side frame 230 to be parallel to the refrigerant circulation passage 231 .

[0021] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the air circulation passage 232 may be provided with at least one cutout portion 233 configured to allow external air to pass therethrough.

[0022] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the first cooling unit 300 may include: a pair of first lower plates 310' and a first upper plate 310", the pair of first lower plates and the first upper plate being configured to provide a space for refrigerant circulation; and a first radiator 310, the first radiator including a first refrigerant inlet 311 and a first refrigerant outlet 312, the first refrigerant inlet and the first refrigerant outlet being detachably connected to the refrigerant circulation channel 231, and a fastening hole 234 connected to the first refrigerant inlet 311 and the first refrigerant outlet 312 may be provided in the bottom surface of the side frame 230.

[0023] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the second cooling unit 400 may include: a second radiator 410; a lower protective cover 420, which is located below the second radiator 410; an upper protective cover 430, which is located on the second radiator 410; and a connecting band 440, which is positioned along the edges of the lower protective cover 420 and the upper protective cover 430 when receiving the second radiator 410.

[0024] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the coupling strip 440 may be formed by CMT welding.

[0025] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the second cooling unit may include: a second radiator; a lower protective cover, which is located below the second radiator; and an upper protective cover, which is located on the second radiator, and wherein a sealing gasket is provided at the edge between the lower protective cover and the upper protective cover.

[0026] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the second radiator 410 may include: a second radiator body 411; a second L-shaped refrigerant inlet 412, the second L-shaped refrigerant inlet is configured to supply the second refrigerant to the second radiator body 411; and a second L-shaped refrigerant outlet 413, the second L-shaped refrigerant outlet is configured to discharge the second refrigerant, and the lower protective cover 420 is provided with a pair of bent pipes 422, the pair of bent pipes are configured to receive the second L-shaped refrigerant inlet 412 and the second L-shaped refrigerant outlet 413, respectively.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention may provide a device in which a battery pack having one or more of the above-mentioned features is installed.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] As can be seen from the above description, the battery pack including multi-stage stacked battery modules according to the present invention has the advantage that a cooling unit is further provided between the vertically stacked battery modules, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0030] Furthermore, the battery pack including the multi-stage stacked battery modules according to the present invention is advantageous in that the upper and lower protective covers wrap the second heat sink to protect the second heat sink, so that impact resistance is high and refrigerant leakage is minimized.

[0031] Furthermore, the battery pack including the multi-stage stacked battery modules according to the present invention is advantageous in that a refrigerant circulation channel is provided in a side frame, thereby minimizing leakage of the refrigerant even in the event of an external impact.

[0032] Furthermore, the battery pack including the multi-stage stacked battery modules according to the present invention has an advantage in that an air circulation passage is further provided along the refrigerant circulation passage in the side frame, thereby being able to improve cooling efficiency and reduce the overall weight of the battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a traditional battery module.

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

[0035] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line A-A'.

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a side frame according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating coupling of side frames according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a battery module and a first cooling unit.

[0040] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the first cooling unit.

[0041] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second cooling unit according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view of a second cooling unit according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.11 is a partial perspective view of a battery pack according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] 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, if the detailed description of the known functions and configurations incorporated herein will obscure the subject matter of the present invention, this detailed description will be omitted.

[0045] In addition, throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to components that perform similar functions or operations. Throughout the specification, when a component is referred to as being connected to another component, not only can the component be directly connected to the other component, but the component can also be indirectly connected to the other component via another component. In addition, including a certain element does not mean excluding other components, but means that these components can be further included unless otherwise mentioned.

[0046] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery pack according to the present invention includes: a battery module 100; a battery pack housing 200 configured to receive the battery module 100 therein; and a first cooling unit 300 (in Figure 7 ), and a second cooling unit 400 configured to remove heat generated from the battery module 100.

[0048] When describing the battery module 100 , first, the battery module 100 includes: a plurality of first battery modules 110 disposed on a bottom surface of a battery pack case 200 ; and a second battery module 120 located above the first battery modules 110 .

[0049] Here, each of the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120 may include at least one unit cell, and the unit cell may include an electrode assembly and a battery case configured to receive the electrode assembly therein. The electrode assembly may be: a core-wound electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which a long sheet-type positive electrode and a long sheet-type negative electrode are wound with a separator interposed therebetween; a stacked electrode assembly including unit cells, each of which is configured to have a structure in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween; a stacked and folded electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which a unit cell is wound using a long separator; or a laminated and stacked electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween and then attached to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The electrode assembly according to the present invention is preferably a stacked and folded electrode assembly or a laminated and stacked electrode assembly, which has the lowest physical stress when forming a curved module.

[0050] The electrode assembly is received in the battery housing. The battery housing is generally configured to have a laminate structure including an inner layer, a metal layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is arranged to be in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so the inner layer must exhibit high insulation properties and high resistance to electrolyte solution. In addition, the inner layer must exhibit high sealing properties so as to hermetically seal the battery housing relative to the outside, i.e., the thermal bonding sealing portion between the inner layers must exhibit excellent thermal bonding strength. The inner layer can be made of a material selected from polyolefin-based resins (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl acrylate or polybutylene), polyurethane resins and polyimide resins, which exhibit excellent chemical resistance and high sealing properties. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and polypropylene is most preferably used, and polypropylene exhibits excellent mechanical and physical properties (such as tensile strength, rigidity, surface hardness and impact strength) and excellent chemical resistance.

[0051] The metal layer disposed adjacent to the inner layer acts as a barrier layer configured to prevent moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferred material for the metal layer may use an aluminum film that is light and easily moldable.

[0052] The outer layer is disposed on the other surface of the metal layer. The outer layer may be made of a heat-resistant polymer that exhibits excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability resistance, and airborne resistance, so that the outer layer exhibits high heat resistance and chemical resistance while protecting the electrode assembly. As an embodiment, the outer layer may be made of nylon or polyethylene terephthalate. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0053] Although the figure shows that a total of ten battery modules 100 (ie, nine first battery modules 110 and one second battery module 120) are accommodated, this is only an example, and the number of battery modules may be changed.

[0054] The pack case 200 configured to receive the battery module 100 therein and protect the battery module 100 from external impact includes a front frame 210 , a rear frame 220 , and a pair of side frames 230 .

[0055] Specifically, a pair of refrigerant introduction ports 211 and refrigerant discharge ports 212 are fixed to the front frame 210 in a state of being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and a pair of refrigerant delivery pipes 213 are connected to the ports to extend toward the side frames 230 .

[0056] Therefore, the refrigerant cooled to a predetermined temperature from the outside is injected into the refrigerant introduction port 211 and then flows along the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 connected to the refrigerant introduction port 211. The refrigerant heated to a predetermined temperature by absorbing the heat of the first battery module 110 is discharged via another refrigerant delivery pipe 213 and the refrigerant discharge port 212. The refrigerant is resupplied after being cooled to a predetermined temperature.

[0057] In addition, some of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction port 211 moves to the second cooling unit 400 , absorbs heat generated from the second battery module 120 , is discharged through the refrigerant discharge port 212 , is cooled, and is re-supplied.

[0058] Here, the pair of refrigerant delivery pipes 213 supplies refrigerant to the side frame 230 and the second radiator 410, and collects refrigerant from the side case 230 and the second radiator 410. A detailed description in connection therewith will be given below.

[0059] Meanwhile, a plurality of partition walls may be provided on the bottom surface of the pack case 200 so that the battery modules 100 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0060] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a side frame according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating coupling of side frames according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] refer to Figures 4 to 6According to the present invention, a pair of side frames 230 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as to connect the front frame 210 and the rear frame 220 to each other, and each side frame 230 is provided with: a refrigerant circulation channel 231 connected to a corresponding one of the refrigerant delivery pipes 213; an air circulation channel 232; a cutout portion 233; and a fastening hole 234.

[0062] First, the refrigerant circulation channel 231 connected to one side of the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 is configured to have a shape extending through the side frame 230 in the longitudinal direction thereof. Therefore, the cold refrigerant to be supplied to the first radiator 310 flows in the refrigerant circulation channel 231 connected to the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 (the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 is connected to the refrigerant introduction port 211), and the refrigerant heated to a predetermined temperature due to heat absorption flows in the refrigerant circulation channel 231 connected to the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 (the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 is connected to the refrigerant discharge port 212).

[0063] Conventionally, the refrigerant circulation channel is manufactured separately and then connected to the side surface or bottom surface of the battery pack housing, so the refrigerant circulation channel may be easily damaged by external impact. In addition, there is also a problem that the refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circulation channel due to the damage of the refrigerant circulation channel may cause new events.

[0064] In contrast, the refrigerant circulation passage 231 according to the present invention is provided in the side frame 230 , and thus has advantages in that the risk of damage to the refrigerant circulation passage due to external impact can be minimized and the overall volume of the battery pack can be reduced.

[0065] The air circulation passage 232 is positioned with a separation wall disposed between the air circulation passage 232 and the refrigerant circulation passage 231 so that no refrigerant leaks into the air circulation passage. At this time, the air circulation passage extends a long distance in parallel with the refrigerant circulation passage 231 so that the refrigerant moving in the refrigerant circulation passage 231 is cooled naturally as much as possible.

[0066] In addition, the air circulation passage 232 is provided with at least one cutout portion 233 through which external air can pass, thereby enabling more effective cooling. That is, since the air circulation passage 232 is further provided in the side frame 230 along the refrigerant circulation passage 231, the battery pack can be quickly cooled and the overall weight of the battery pack can be reduced.

[0067] At the same time, each of a pair of side frames 230 is provided with at least one fastening hole 234 in its bottom surface, which is configured to be connected to the refrigerant circulation channel 231. More specifically, the number of the fastening holes 234 is equal to the number of the first refrigerant inlet 311 or the first refrigerant outlet 312 of the first radiator 310 located below the battery module 100.

[0068] For example, with respect to the side frame 230 sequentially connected to the refrigerant introduction port 211 and the refrigerant delivery pipe 213, the fastening holes 234 formed in the bottom surface of the side frame 230 are respectively fixed to the first refrigerant inlet 311 of the first radiator 310 by fastening. Therefore, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction port 211 moves along the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 and the refrigerant circulation channel 231 in sequence, and then is supplied to the first refrigerant inlet 311 of the first radiator 310.

[0069] In the same manner, the other side frame 230 connected to the refrigerant discharge port 212 and the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 has the same connection structure as described above, and the heated refrigerant circulates in the order of the first refrigerant outlet 312 of the first radiator 310, the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 and the refrigerant discharge port 212.

[0070] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a battery module and a first cooling unit, and Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the first cooling unit.

[0071] The first cooling unit 300 configured to remove heat generated from the first battery module 110 is located between the battery module 100 and the inner upper surface of the pack case 200 , and includes a first heat sink 310 and a first heat dissipation plate 320 located between the first heat sink 310 and the first battery module 110 .

[0072] Specifically, the first heat sink 310 is composed of a pair of a first lower plate 310 ′ and a first upper plate 310 ″ to provide a space for refrigerant circulation.

[0073] Here, the first lower plate 310 ′ is provided with a pair of first refrigerant inlet 311 and first refrigerant outlet 312 facing each other, and as described above, the fastening holes 234 formed in the bottom surface of the side frame 230 are coupled with the first refrigerant inlet 311 and the first refrigerant outlet 312 .

[0074] Meanwhile, the first heat dissipation plate 320 is located between the first heat sink 310 and the first battery module 110 , and the second heat dissipation plate 330 is located below the first heat sink 310 , so that heat generated from the first battery module 110 is transferred to the first heat sink 310 .

[0075] In particular, since the first heat sink 320 and the second heat sink 330 are respectively located on the upper and lower surfaces of the first heat sink 310 to wrap the first heat sink 310 again, there is an advantage that even in the event of refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant can be prevented from penetrating into the battery pack.

[0076] Each of the first heat sink 310 , the first heat dissipation plate 320 , and the second heat dissipation plate 330 is preferably made of a material exhibiting high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0077] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second cooling unit according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The second cooling unit 400 is located between the upper surface of the first battery module 110 and the lower surface of the second battery module 120 , and includes a second heat sink 410 , a lower protective cover 420 , an upper protective cover 430 , and a coupling band 440 .

[0079] Specifically, the second radiator 410 includes: a second radiator body 411 configured to provide a space for refrigerant circulation; a second refrigerant inlet 412; and a second refrigerant outlet 413.

[0080] Here, the second refrigerant inlet 412 and the second refrigerant outlet 413 are located at one side of the second radiator body 411 to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and each of them has a proper L-shape. As mentioned above, the second refrigerant inlet 412 is coupled to the refrigerant introduction port 211, and the second refrigerant outlet 413 is coupled to the refrigerant discharge port 212.

[0081] The lower protective cover 420 includes a lower protective cover body 421 and an L-shaped elbow 422, and is configured to physically protect the second radiator 410 from external impacts, and fundamentally prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the battery pack even if the refrigerant leaks from the second radiator 410 for various reasons, thereby preventing the occurrence of secondary events.

[0082] Meanwhile, the lower protective cover body 421 may be provided at an edge thereof with at least one first fastening portion 421 ′ fixed to a second fastening portion of the upper protective cover body, which will be described later.

[0083] The upper protective cover 430 includes an upper protective cover body 431 and at least one second fastening portion 431 ′. That is, the upper protective cover 430 is positioned in a state where the second heat sink 410 is seated on the upper protective cover body 431 , so that the second heat sink 410 can be more reliably protected.

[0084] The coupling band 440 is configured to couple the lower protective cover body 421 and the upper protective cover body 431 to each other. As an embodiment, the coupling band 440 may be formed along edge joints where the lower protective cover body 421 and the upper protective cover body 431 are joined to each other by cold metal transfer (CMT) welding.

[0085] Of course, the lower protective cover body 421 and the upper protective cover body 431 may be joined to each other after being fastened to each other by bolts through the first fastening portion 421' and the second fastening portion 431', or may only be cold metal transfer (CMT) welded without the first fastening portion 421' and the second fastening portion 431'.

[0086] Meanwhile, each of the second heat sink 410 , the lower protective cover 420 , and the upper protective cover 430 is preferably made of a material exhibiting high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0087] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view of a second cooling unit according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] refer to Fig.10 The second cooling unit 400 according to the second embodiment is the same as the second cooling unit 400 according to the first embodiment, except that a sealing gasket 450 is provided instead of the coupling belt 440 .

[0089] When describing the sealing gasket 450 of the second cooling unit 400 according to the second embodiment, the sealing gasket 450 may be formed along the edge between the lower protective cover body 421 and the upper protective cover body 431, thereby reliably preventing the refrigerant from leaking from the second cooling unit 400 even when the second radiator 410 is damaged. As an example, the sealing gasket may be made of a heat-resistant rubber material; however, the material of the sealing gasket is not particularly limited as long as the sealing gasket can perform the same function.

[0090] Although not shown in the drawings, a groove (not shown) configured to receive the sealing gasket 450 may be further formed in at least one of the lower protective cover body 421 and the upper protective cover body 431 .

[0091] Fig.11 is a partial perspective view showing a battery pack according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] refer to Fig.11 The battery pack according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention may further include a refrigerant circulation pipe 313 .

[0093] In reference Figures 2 to 10In the described embodiment, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant circulation passage 231 of the side frame 230, but a refrigerant circulation pipe 313 is further provided in the third embodiment.

[0094] That is, the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 and the refrigerant circulation pipe 313 are connected to each other so that the refrigerant introduced into or discharged from the refrigerant delivery pipe 213 passes through the refrigerant circulation pipe 313, and the refrigerant circulation pipe 313 is arranged in the refrigerant circulation channel 231 of the side frame 230.

[0095] Since the refrigerant circulation pipe 313 is located in the refrigerant circulation passage 231 as described above, even when the side frame 230 is damaged by an external impact, leakage of the refrigerant can be reliably prevented, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the incident.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various applications and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention based on the above description.

[0098] Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 100: Battery module

[0100] 110: First battery module

[0101] 120: Second battery module

[0102] 200: Battery pack housing

[0103] 210: Front frame

[0104] 211: Refrigerant inlet port 212: Refrigerant discharge port

[0105] 213: Refrigerant delivery pipe

[0106] 220: Rear frame

[0107] 230: Side frame

[0108] 231: Refrigerant circulation channel

[0109] 232: Air circulation channel

[0110] 233: Cutting part

[0111] 234: Fastening hole

[0112] 300: First cooling unit

[0113] 310: First Radiator

[0114] 310': First down board

[0115] 310": first board

[0116] 311: first refrigerant inlet 312: first refrigerant outlet

[0117] 313: Refrigerant circulation pipe

[0118] 320: First heat sink

[0119] 330: Second heat sink

[0120] 400: Second cooling unit

[0121] 410: Second radiator

[0122] 411: Second radiator body 412: Second refrigerant inlet

[0123] 413: Second refrigerant outlet

[0124] 420: Lower protective cover

[0125] 421: Lower protective cover body

[0126] 421': First fastening part

[0127] 422: Bend pipe

[0128] 430: Upper protective cover

[0129] 431: Upper protective cover body

[0130] 431': Second fastening part

[0131] 440: Connecting belt

[0132] 450: Sealing gasket

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising a multi-stage stacked battery module, the battery pack comprising: at least one battery module; as well as A battery pack housing configured to receive the battery module therein, wherein: The battery module includes a first battery module and a second battery module, wherein the second battery module is vertically stacked above the first battery module. a first cooling unit configured to discharge heat generated from the first battery module is located between an inner upper surface of the bottom surface of the battery pack case and the first battery module, and A second cooling unit is provided between the first battery module and the second battery module, the second cooling unit being configured to discharge heat generated from the second battery module. The battery pack housing includes a front frame, a rear frame, and a pair of side frames, wherein the pair of side frames are configured to connect the front frame and the rear frame to each other. wherein each of the pair of side frames is provided with a refrigerant circulation channel configured to supply refrigerant to the first cooling unit and collect refrigerant from the first cooling unit, wherein an air circulation passage is located in the side frame and near the refrigerant circulation passage of the side frame to be parallel to the refrigerant circulation passage, wherein the air circulation channel is positioned in a state where a separation wall is arranged between the air circulation channel and the refrigerant circulation channel, the air circulation channel is provided with a plurality of cutout portions, the plurality of cutout portions are configured to allow external air to pass through, the cutout portions are provided on a side wall of the air circulation channel away from the battery module side and communicate with the outside, and the refrigerant circulation channel is located between the battery module and the air circulation channel, and Wherein, the second cooling unit comprises: Second radiator; a lower protective cover, the lower protective cover being located below the second radiator; an upper protective cover, the upper protective cover being located on the second radiator; and One of a coupling band and a sealing gasket, the one of the coupling band and the sealing gasket being positioned along edges of the lower protective cover and the upper protective cover in a state of receiving the second heat sink.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The front frame is provided with a pair of refrigerant introduction ports and a refrigerant discharge port spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and Wherein, each of the refrigerant introduction port and the refrigerant discharge port is connected to a refrigerant delivery pipe, and the refrigerant delivery pipe is configured to communicate with the refrigerant circulation channel.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first cooling unit comprises: a pair of first lower plates and first upper plates configured to provide a space in which a refrigerant circulates; and a first radiator including a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, the first refrigerant inlet and the first refrigerant outlet being detachably coupled to the refrigerant circulation passage, and Wherein, a fastening hole connected with the first refrigerant inlet and the first refrigerant outlet is provided in the bottom surface of the side frame.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting strip is formed by CMT welding.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The second radiator comprises: a second radiator body; a second L-shaped refrigerant inlet configured to supply a second refrigerant to the second radiator body; and a second L-shaped refrigerant outlet configured to discharge the second refrigerant, and Wherein, the lower protective cover is provided with a pair of bent pipes, and the pair of bent pipes are configured to receive the second L-shaped refrigerant inlet and the second L-shaped refrigerant outlet respectively.

6. A device comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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