Battery pack and device including the same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery module including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a pack frame in which the battery module is accommodated, in which a cooling flow path through which a coolant flows is formed at a bottom portion of the pack frame, and an opening is formed at the bottom portion of the pack frame such that a lower side portion of the module frame and the coolant directly contact each other, and at least one protruding part is formed on the outer surface of the lower side part of the module frame.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0126357, filed on September 21, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack having improved cooling performance and a device including the same. BACKGROUND

[0003] The use of mobile devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, camcorders, and digital cameras has become routine in modern society, accelerating technological development in the mobile device-related field. In addition, as a measure to address air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels, rechargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), and the like. Accordingly, the necessity for developing secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004] Currently, commercially available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium batteries. Among these batteries, lithium secondary batteries are becoming the most popular because they are free from the memory effect, are freely rechargeable compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, have a low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] In general, a lithium secondary battery uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly manufactured by disposing a separator between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively, and a battery case in which the electrode assembly and an electrolyte are sealingly accommodated together.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries manufactured by installing an electrode assembly in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries manufactured by installing an electrode assembly in a soft pack made of an aluminum laminate sheet, according to the external shape of the battery case.

[0007] In the case of a secondary battery for a small-sized device, two or three battery cells are arranged, and in the case of a secondary battery for a medium- and large-sized device, such as an automobile, a battery module including a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other is used. In the battery module, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel to form a battery cell stack, which increases capacity and power. One or more battery modules can configure a battery pack by being installed with various control and protection systems, such as a battery management system (BMS), and a cooling system.

[0008] When a secondary battery is heated beyond an appropriate temperature, the performance of the secondary battery can be deteriorated, and in the worst case, there is a risk of explosion or fire. In particular, a plurality of secondary batteries, i.e., a battery module or a battery pack having battery cells, can accumulate heat emitted from a plurality of battery cells in a narrow space, which can rapidly and severely increase the temperature of the battery module. In other words, a battery module including a large number of battery cells and a battery pack in which such a battery module is installed can obtain a high output, but heat generated from the battery cells is not easily removed during charging and discharging. When heat dissipation of the battery cells is not properly performed, deterioration of the battery cells is accelerated, and the lifespan is shortened, and when thermal runaway occurs, the possibility of explosion or fire increases.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of a vehicle battery pack including a battery module, it is often exposed to direct sunlight and can be placed in a high-temperature condition, for example, in summer or a desert area.

[0010] Therefore, when a battery module or a battery pack is configured, it is very important to secure stable and efficient cooling performance.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along a cutting line A-A’ of Figure 1 . In particular, Figure 2 a heat transfer member and a heat sink located below the battery module are also shown.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a conventional battery module 10 is configured such that a plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked to form a battery cell stack 20, and the battery cell stack 20 is accommodated in a module frame 30.

[0013] As described above, since the battery module 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 11, it generates a large amount of heat during charging and discharging. As a cooling device, the battery module 10 can include a thermally conductive resin layer 40 located between the battery cell stack 20 and a bottom 31 of the module frame 30. Furthermore, when the battery module 10 is installed on a battery pack frame to form a battery pack, a heat transfer member 50 and a heat sink 60 can be sequentially located below the battery module 10. The heat transfer member 50 can be a heat dissipation pad. The heat sink 60 can have a coolant flow path formed therein.

[0014] Heat generated from the battery cells 11 is sequentially transferred to the outside of the battery module 10 via the thermally conductive resin layer 40, the bottom 31 of the module frame 30, the heat transfer member 50, and the heat sink 60.

[0015] However, in the case of the conventional battery module 10, the heat transfer path is complex as described above, and thus it is difficult to efficiently transfer the heat generated from the battery cells 11. The module frame 30 itself deteriorates the heat conduction characteristics, and a thin air layer (e.g., air gap) that can be formed between each of the module frame 30, the heat transfer member 50, and the heat sink 60 can also be a factor that deteriorates the heat conduction characteristics.

[0016] As other demands such as an increase in capacity of the battery module continue, it can actually be necessary to develop a battery module that can satisfy all of these various demands while improving cooling performance. SUMMARY

[0017] TECHNICAL PROBLEM An object of the disclosure is to provide a battery pack having improved cooling performance and a device including the same.

[0018] However, the technical objects addressed by embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the above-disclosed technical objects and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the disclosure.

[0019] TECHNICAL SOLUTION A battery pack according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a battery module including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated, and a battery pack frame in which the battery module is accommodated, wherein a cooling flow path in which a coolant flows is formed at a bottom of the battery pack frame, wherein an opening is formed at the bottom of the battery pack frame such that a lower side portion of the module frame is in direct contact with the coolant, and wherein at least one protrusion is formed on an outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame.

[0020] The opening is a region formed on an upper side of the cooling flow path, and can communicate a space between the cooling flow path and the bottom of the battery pack frame.

[0021] The at least one protrusion can be formed on the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame.

[0022] The protrusion can be in the form of a plate that protrudes vertically from the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame.

[0023] One end of the protrusion can abut against a lower end of the cooling flow path.

[0024] One end of the protrusion can be spaced apart from the lower end of the cooling flow path.

[0025] The protrusion can extend along one direction of the battery module and guide a flow of the coolant along the one direction.

[0026] The protrusion can be integrally formed with the module frame through an extrusion process.

[0027] The protrusion can be welded and joined to the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame.

[0028] Between the lower side portion of the module frame and the bottom of the battery pack frame, a gasket for preventing leakage of the coolant can be provided along the edge of the opening.

[0029] The battery module can be installed and coupled to the bottom of the battery pack frame.

[0030] The battery module can include a mounting portion in which a mounting hole is formed. A mounting bolt can pass through the mounting hole to be fastened to the bottom of the battery pack frame, or pass through a battery pack frame hole formed in the bottom of the battery pack frame to be fastened with a nut.

[0031] Between the lower side portion of the module frame and the bottom of the battery pack frame, a gasket for preventing leakage of the coolant can be provided along the edge of the opening.

[0032] An apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a battery pack including: a battery module including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a battery pack frame in which the battery module is accommodated, wherein a cooling flow path for coolant to flow is formed at a bottom of the battery pack frame, and wherein an opening is formed at the bottom of the battery pack frame such that a lower side portion of the module frame is in direct contact with the coolant.

[0033] Advantageous effects According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a cooling flow path for coolant to flow is formed at the bottom of the battery pack frame, and the lower side portion of the module frame is in direct contact with the coolant flowing through the cooling flow path, thereby improving cooling performance compared to a conventional battery pack structure in which the bottom of the battery pack frame exists between the lower side portion of the module frame and the coolant.

[0034] In addition, a surface area in contact with the coolant is expanded via protrusions protruding from the lower side portion of the module frame, thereby improving cooling performance of the module.

[0035] In addition, via the protrusions protruding from the lower side portion of the module frame, coolant passages are formed in the cooling flow path, thereby improving flowability of the coolant.

[0036] In addition, a gasket is provided between the lower side portion of the module frame and the bottom of the battery pack frame, thereby achieving an effect of fixing the module and preventing leakage of the coolant.

[0037] Effects of the disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand additional other effects not described above from the description of the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module.

[0039] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A sectional view of the cross section cut by the cutting line A-A'.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a pouch cell battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of a battery module and battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the cross section cut by the cutting line B-B'.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module and battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 4 A perspective view of the battery module when the angle is changed so that its lower part is visible when the battery module is assembled.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view showing the mounting method of the battery module included in the battery pack and the gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be detailed to the extent that those skilled in the art will readily practice it. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0048] For clarity in describing this disclosure, descriptions of components unrelated to this disclosure will be omitted, and identical or similar components will be indicated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0049] Because the dimensions and thicknesses of various components are arbitrarily shown in the accompanying drawings for ease of description, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to what is shown. The drawings depict thicknesses at an enlarged scale to clearly show different layers and regions. Furthermore, the thickness of a particular layer or region is exaggerated in the drawings for ease of description.

[0050] When a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is disposed "on" a particular part, the description includes not only the case where the layer, film, region, plate, etc. is disposed directly on the particular part, but also the case where the layer, film, region, plate, etc. is disposed on the particular part via another part. When a part is "directly" disposed on another part, this indicates that there is no new component between the two parts. Also, when a component is disposed "on" a reference part, this indicates that the component is present on top of or below the reference part, and does not necessarily indicate that the component is disposed only on the top of the reference part opposite the direction of gravity.

[0051] Throughout the description herein, when a certain part "includes" a component, this does not indicate that the certain part excludes other components, but indicates that the part can further include other components, unless otherwise defined.

[0052] Throughout the description herein, the term "in plan view" indicates that an object is viewed from above, and the term "in cross-sectional view" indicates that a vertical cross-section of an object is viewed from the side.

[0053] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a soft-pack type battery according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 4 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery module 100 according to the present embodiment includes a battery cell stack 120 formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110. In the battery cell stack 120, the plurality of battery cells 110 can be stacked in one direction. If the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment is in a plurality of clusters, the type thereof is not particularly limited. That is, the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment can be a soft-pack type battery cell, a square type battery cell, or a cylindrical type battery cell. As an example, a case where the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment is a soft-pack type battery cell will be described below.

[0055] The battery cell 110 according to one embodiment can have a structure in which two electrode leads 115 face each other and protrude from both side ends of a battery main body 113. In another embodiment, a structure in which all the electrode leads 115 of the battery cell 110 protrude together in one direction can also be used. One of the electrode leads 115 is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead. Also, the battery cell 110 can be manufactured in the form of a soft pack in which an electrode assembly (not shown) is accommodated in a battery case 117 including the battery main body 113.

[0056] Further, the battery cell 110 includes a connection portion 119, which is an area extending along an edge, and a protrusion portion 110p, which is referred to as a bat ear, can be formed at an end of the connection portion 119. The protrusion portion 110p can be formed in at least one of both ends of the connection portion 119, and can protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the connection portion 119. The protrusion portion 110p can be hooked in a stepped area formed at one side of a lower frame described below, thereby preventing the battery cell 110 from flowing due to external impact. In particular, the battery cell 110 is a pouch-type battery cell, and the thickness of the battery body 113 can be formed to be greater than the thickness of the protrusion portion 110p.

[0057] The battery cell 110 can be formed in a plurality, and the plurality of battery cells 110 can be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a battery cell stack 120. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells 110 can be stacked in one direction parallel to the y-axis while being upright, such that one surface of the battery body 113 (see FIG. 2) faces another surface. By this, the electrode lead 111 can protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cell 110 is stacked. For example, in the battery cell 110, one electrode lead 111 can protrude toward the x-axis direction, and the other electrode lead 111 can protrude toward the -x-axis direction. Figure 4 Figure 2

[0058] The battery module 100 according to the present embodiment can include a module frame 200 accommodating the battery cell stack 120, and an end plate 150 covering the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120. Further, the battery module 100 can further include a bus bar frame 130 located between the end plate 150 and the battery cell stack 120.

[0059] As an example, the module frame 200 can include a U-shaped frame 300 in which the upper surface, the front surface, and the rear surface are open, and an upper plate 400 covering the upper portion of the battery cell stack 120. However, the module frame 200 is not limited thereto, and can be replaced with other shapes of frames, such as an L-shaped frame or a single frame, which enclose the battery cell stack 120 except for the front surface and the rear surface.

[0060] The bus bar frame 130 can be installed with a bus bar electrically connecting the electrode leads of the battery cell stack 120, so as to electrically connect the battery cell stacks 120 stacked in parallel.

[0061] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a battery module 100 and a battery pack according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0062] Referring to Figure 5 ​​According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery pack includes a battery module 100, which includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module frame 200 in which the battery cell stack 120 is housed, and a battery pack frame 500 in which the battery module 100 is housed.

[0063] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the cross section cut by the cutting line B-B'.

[0064] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 A cooling flow path 530 for supplying coolant is formed in the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500. An opening 540 is formed in the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500. The opening 540 is formed in the area above the cooling flow path 530 and can connect the space between the cooling flow path 530 and the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500.

[0065] More specifically, a cooling flow path 530, serving as a space for coolant flow, can be formed inside the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500. Although not specifically shown in the figures, this cooling flow path 530 can be connected to an inlet port and an outlet port disposed in the battery pack frame 500. That is, coolant flowing in through the inlet port can circulate along the cooling flow path 530, which serves as the internal space of the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500, and can eventually be discharged through the outlet port. The battery pack according to this embodiment can have a water-cooling structure that cools the battery modules via a coolant circulation structure.

[0066] In the cooling flow path 530, an opening 540 may be formed on the upper side of the region corresponding to the portion where the battery module 100 is located. The module frame 200 of the battery module 100 is located on the opening 540, such that the lower part of the module frame 200 is in direct contact with the coolant. Therefore, compared to a conventional battery pack structure in which the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500 exists between the module frame 200 and the coolant, the cooling performance of the battery module according to this embodiment can be improved.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module and battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, similar to... Figure 6 , Figure 7 A cross-section of the battery module 100 placed on the opening 540 of the battery pack frame 500 is shown.

[0068] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 4 A perspective view of the battery module when the angle is changed so that its lower part is visible when the battery module is assembled.

[0069] Referring to Figure 6 to Figure 8 At least one protrusion 160 can be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame 200. The protrusion 160 can protrude perpendicularly from the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame 200. One end of the protrusion 160 can abut against the lower end of the cooling flow path 530, or can be spaced apart from the lower end of the cooling flow path 530. Figure 6 An embodiment in which one end of the protrusion 160 is spaced apart from the lower end of the cooling flow path 530 is illustrated. Figure 7 An embodiment in which one end of the protrusion 160 abuts against the lower end of the cooling flow path 530 is illustrated.

[0070] The protrusion 160 can extend in one direction of the battery module 100 and guide the flow of the coolant in one direction. For example, the protrusion 160 can extend in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame 200 and perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. Thereby, the flow rate of the coolant flowing in each battery cell 110 can be similarly controlled, so that the plurality of battery cells 110 in the battery module 100 can be uniformly cooled.

[0071] One end of the protrusion 160 can be spaced apart from the lower end of the cooling flow path 530. Thereby, a space in which the coolant can smoothly flow within the cooling flow path 530 can be provided. Since the protrusion 160 does not directly abut against the lower end of the cooling flow path 530, the coolant can freely flow around the protrusion 160, thereby improving the cooling performance. Accordingly, the respective battery cells 110 within the battery module 100 can be uniformly cooled, and a temperature deviation can be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of the battery pack. In addition, the contact area between the protrusion 160 and the coolant can be effectively adjusted to effectively control the temperature of the battery cells 110 within the battery module 100. That is, a phenomenon in which the coolant is concentrated in a specific area can be prevented. Thereby, heat exchange can be uniformly performed, and overheating or overcooling of a specific battery cell 110 can be prevented.

[0072] A plurality of protrusions 160 can be disposed to be spaced apart by the thickness of the battery cell 110. Since the protrusions 160 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other according to the thickness of the battery cell 110, a temperature difference between the battery cells 110 in the battery module 100 is minimized, and the entire battery module 100 can be uniformly cooled. Furthermore, the flow path of the coolant can be optimized and the flow resistance can be minimized. Thereby, the performance of the battery module 100 can be improved, and the lifespan of each battery cell 110 can be extended. However, the spacing between the protrusions 160 can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the number or size of the battery cells 110.

[0073] As another example, the protrusions 160 can extend in the same direction as the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 while being parallel to the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame 200. Also, such protrusions 160 are arranged at regular intervals, so that the path and flow rate of the coolant flowing in the cooling flow path 530 can be controlled to improve the cooling performance.

[0074] The protrusions 160 according to embodiments of the disclosure can be integrally formed with the module frame 200 through an extrusion process. The protrusions 160 according to another embodiment of the disclosure can be welded and joined to the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame 200.

[0075] By the protrusions 160, the surface area of the lower side portion of the module frame 200 that the coolant contacts is expanded, and the cooling performance of the battery module can be improved as the surface area expands. Also, the coolant passage is formed in the cooling flow path 530 via the protrusions 160 protruding from the lower side portion of the module frame 200, thereby improving the flowability of the coolant. The shape of the protrusions 160 is sufficient as long as it can expand the surface area that the coolant contacts and improve the cooling performance or form the coolant passage. As an example, the protrusions 160 can be in the form of a plate that protrudes perpendicularly from the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame 200. Also, the protrusions 160 are not limited to the shape and pattern, and are not limited to the position and process.

[0076] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view showing a mounting method and a gasket of a battery module included in a battery pack.

[0077] Referring to Figure 9 , the battery module 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure can include a mounting portion 250 having a mounting hole 250a formed therein. A battery pack frame hole 520 can be formed in a portion of the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500 corresponding to the mounting hole 250a of the battery module 100. The battery module 100 can be mounted and coupled to the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500. When the battery module 100 is accommodated in the battery pack frame 500, a mounting bolt 250b can pass through the mounting hole 250a to be fastened to the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500. For example, a screw thread is formed on the inner wall of the battery pack frame hole 520, and the mounting bolt 250b can be directly coupled to the battery pack frame hole 520.

[0078] As another embodiment, the battery pack frame hole 520 can be a hole that penetrates the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500. The battery module 100 can be fixed to the battery pack frame 500 in a manner that the mounting bolt 250b passes through the battery pack frame hole 520 of the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500 and is coupled with a nut. Such a mounting coupling can be made for each battery module 100.

[0079] To prevent the coolant flowing through the cooling flow path 530 from leaking through the opening 540, a gasket 600 can be located between the lower side portion of the module frame 200 and the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500. The gasket 600 can be formed of an elastic material. For example, the gasket 600 can be formed of rubber. Accordingly, when pressure is applied to the gasket 600, the shape of the gasket 600 can change, thereby preventing the coolant flowing through the cooling flow path 530 from leaking. The gasket 600 can be disposed along the edge of the opening 540 of the battery pack frame 500.

[0080] The bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500 can include a groove in which the gasket 600 is installed. The groove can be excavated to a certain depth according to the shape of the opening 540. The gasket 600 can be fitted into the groove. The shape of the gasket 600 can correspond to the shape of the groove. The width of the gasket 600 can be smaller than the width of the groove, and the height of the gasket 600 can be greater than the height of the groove.

[0081] The gasket 600 can include ribs recognizable by the naked eye in order to prevent the groove from being separated during assembly or to prevent partial areas of the gasket 600 from overlapping each other and to improve assembly efficiency. In addition, the gasket 600 can include a protrusion that can be firmly fitted with the groove such that a partial area of the groove overlaps with the groove in order to improve the fixing force when fitted with the groove.

[0082] The gasket 600 is located between the lower side portion of the module frame 200 and the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500, and the battery module 100 can be installed and coupled to the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500. In the case of a battery pack according to the present embodiment, when the battery module 100 is installed and coupled to the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500 to fix the battery module 100 to the battery pack frame 500, the fixing force applied to the battery module 100 can serve as pressure applied to the gasket 600. When the battery module 100 is installed and coupled to the bottom 510 of the battery pack frame 500, not only can the battery module 100 be fixed to the battery pack frame 500, but the sealing performance can be enhanced to prevent the coolant from leaking from the cooling flow path 530. That is, the installation and coupling for the battery module 100 can serve as a means for preventing the coolant from leaking.

[0083] In the above embodiments, expressions of indicative directions such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" have been used. These expressions are used only for convenience of description and can vary, for example, according to the position of the target object or the observer.

[0084] One or more battery modules described above according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be installed with various control and protection systems (e.g., a battery management system (BMS), a battery disconnect unit (BDU), and a cooling system) to form a battery pack.

[0085] A battery module or a battery pack can be applied to various devices including, for example, vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. However, the battery module or the battery pack is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices using secondary batteries.

[0086] Although the embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail, the technical scope of the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and includes various modifications and improvements of the concepts defined by the appended claims made by those having ordinary knowledge in the art.

[0087] [Legend of Reference Numerals] 100: battery module 160: protrusion 200: module frame 250: mounting portion 500: battery pack frame 510: bottom 530: cooling flow path 540: opening 600: gasket

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: a battery module including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; and a battery pack frame in which the battery module is accommodated, wherein a cooling flow path through which a coolant flows is formed at a bottom of the battery pack frame, wherein an opening is formed at the bottom of the battery pack frame such that a lower side portion of the module frame and the coolant are in direct contact with each other.

2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The opening is a region formed on an upper side of the cooling flow path and communicates a space between the cooling flow path and the bottom of the battery pack frame.

3. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, At least one protrusion is formed on an outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame.

4. The battery pack of claim 3, wherein, The protrusion is in the form of a plate that protrudes perpendicularly from the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame.

5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein, One end of the protrusion abuts a lower end of the cooling flow path.

6. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein, One end of the protrusion is spaced apart from a lower end of the cooling flow path.

7. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein, The protrusion extends in one direction of the battery module and guides a flow of the coolant in the one direction.

8. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein, The protrusion is integrally formed with the module frame through an extrusion process.

9. The battery pack of claim 3, wherein, The protrusion is welded and joined to the outer surface of the lower side portion of the module frame.

10. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, Between the lower side portion of the module frame and the bottom of the battery pack frame, a gasket for preventing leakage of the coolant is provided along an edge of the opening.

11. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The battery module is mounted and coupled to the bottom of the battery pack frame.

12. The battery pack of claim 11, wherein, The battery module includes a mounting portion in which a mounting hole is formed, and A mounting bolt passes through the mounting hole to be fastened to the bottom of the battery pack frame, or passes through a battery pack frame hole formed in the bottom of the battery pack frame to be fastened with a nut.

13. The battery pack of claim 11, wherein, Between the lower side portion of the module frame and the bottom of the battery pack frame, a gasket for preventing leakage of the coolant is provided along an edge of the opening. 14.An apparatus comprising the battery pack of claim 1.

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