Battery pack

Abstract

The technical concept of the present disclosure provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes: a first side frame including a first inlet channel and a first outlet channel; the middle frame comprises a first middle channel communicated with the first inlet channel; the front frame comprises a first front channel communicated with the first outlet channel; a first battery cell assembly disposed between the middle frame and the front frame; and a top cover covering the first battery cell assembly, and including a first upper passage connecting the first middle passage and the first front passage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0016112, filed on February 1, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices including mobile phones, notebook computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, the main use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility as the improvement in energy density and economies of scale have significantly reduced the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries and increased the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to be comparable to that of fuel vehicles.

[0004] As secondary batteries are used for mobility, the demand for their safety is growing. If a secondary battery used in mobility has an accident (e.g., a fire), the life of the driver can be threatened, so it is essential to research technologies to improve the safety of secondary batteries. SUMMARY

[0005] TECHNICAL PROBLEM The technical challenge of the disclosure is to provide a battery pack.

[0006] TECHNICAL SOLUTION To solve the above challenge, the technical idea of the disclosure provides a battery pack including: a first side frame including a first inlet into which a cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a first inlet passage extending from the first inlet, a first outlet through which the cooling fluid flows to the outside, and a first outlet passage extending from the first outlet; an intermediate frame including a first intermediate passage communicating with the first inlet passage, and the intermediate frame being connected with the first side frame; a front frame including a first front passage communicating with the first outlet passage, and the front frame being connected with the first side frame; a first battery cell assembly disposed between the intermediate frame and the front frame; and a top cover disposed on the intermediate frame and the front frame and covering the first battery cell assembly, and the top cover including a first upper passage connecting the first intermediate passage and the first front passage, wherein the first inlet passage, the first intermediate passage, the first upper passage, the first front passage, and the first outlet passage communicate in sequence.

[0007] In an example embodiment, the first intermediate passage includes a first common passage in communication with the first inlet passage, and a plurality of first branch passages extending from the first common passage, the first upper passage includes a plurality of first sub upper passages, and each of the plurality of first branch passages extends from a corresponding first sub upper passage of the plurality of first sub upper passages to the first common passage.

[0008] In an example embodiment, the first front passage includes a first front merge passage in communication with the first outlet passage, and a plurality of first front connection passages extending from the first front merge passage, and each of the plurality of first front connection passages extends from a corresponding first sub upper passage of the plurality of first sub upper passages to the first front merge passage.

[0009] In an example embodiment, the battery pack further includes a rear frame including a first rear passage in communication with the first outlet passage, and the rear frame is connected with the first side frame, and a second battery cell assembly disposed between the intermediate frame and the rear frame, wherein the top cover further includes a second upper passage connecting the first intermediate passage and the first rear passage, and the first inlet passage, the first intermediate passage, the second upper passage, the first rear passage, and the first outlet passage are in communication in sequence.

[0010] In an example embodiment, the first intermediate passage includes a first common passage in communication with the first inlet passage, and a plurality of first branch passages extending from the first common passage, the second upper passage includes a plurality of second sub upper passages, and each of the plurality of first branch passages extends from a corresponding second sub upper passage of the plurality of second sub upper passages to the first common passage.

[0011] In an example embodiment, the first rear passage includes a first rear merge passage in communication with the first outlet passage, and a plurality of first rear connection passages extending from the first rear merge passage, and each of the plurality of first rear connection passages extends from a corresponding second sub upper passage of the plurality of second sub upper passages to the first rear merge passage.

[0012] In an example embodiment, the cooling fluid discharged from the first intermediate passage is divided into the first upper passage and the second upper passage.

[0013] In an example embodiment, the battery pack further includes a bottom plate supporting the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly, wherein the bottom plate includes a lower passage configured to enable the cooling fluid to flow.

[0014] In an example embodiment, the lower passage is in communication with at least one of the first intermediate passage, the first front passage, and the first rear passage.

[0015] In an example embodiment, the battery pack further includes: a second side frame including a second inlet into which the cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a second inlet passage extending from the second inlet, a second outlet through which the cooling fluid flows to the outside, and a second outlet passage extending from the second outlet; and a third battery cell assembly disposed between the middle frame and the front frame, wherein the middle frame and the front frame each extend from the first side frame to the second side frame, the middle frame further includes a second middle passage communicating with the second inlet passage, the front frame further includes a second front passage communicating with the second outlet passage, the top cover further includes a third upper passage connecting the second middle passage and the second front passage, and the second inlet passage, the second middle passage, the third upper passage, the second front passage, and the second outlet passage communicate in sequence.

[0016] In an example embodiment, the second middle passage includes: a second common passage communicating with the second inlet passage; and a plurality of second branch passages extending from the second common passage, the third upper passage includes a plurality of third sub upper passages, and each of the plurality of second branch passages extends from a corresponding third sub upper passage of the plurality of third sub upper passages to the second common passage.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the second front passage includes: a second front merging passage communicating with the second outlet passage; and a plurality of second front connection passages extending from the second front merging passage, and each of the plurality of second front connection passages extends from a corresponding third sub upper passage of the plurality of third sub upper passages to the second front merging passage.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the battery pack further includes: a rear frame including a second rear passage communicating with the second outlet passage and extending from the first side frame to the second side frame; and a fourth battery cell assembly disposed between the middle frame and the rear frame, wherein the top cover further includes a fourth upper passage connecting the second middle passage and the second rear passage, and the second inlet passage, the second middle passage, the fourth upper passage, the second rear passage, and the second outlet passage communicate in sequence.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the second intermediate passage includes a second common passage in communication with the second inlet passage, and a plurality of second branch passages extending from the second common passage, the second rear passage includes a second rear merge passage in communication with the second outlet passage, and a plurality of second rear connection passages extending from the second rear merge passage, the fourth upper passage includes a plurality of fourth sub upper passages, and each of the plurality of fourth sub upper passages extends from a corresponding second branch passage of the plurality of second branch passages to a corresponding second rear connection passage of the plurality of second rear connection passages.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling fluid discharged from the second intermediate passage is divided into the third upper passage and the fourth upper passage.

[0021] Advantageous Effects A battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can provide multi-faceted cooling for each of a plurality of battery cell assemblies installed in a battery pack case, thereby improving cooling performance of the battery cells. Heat generation of the battery cells can be effectively controlled, thereby improving safety of the battery pack.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an intermediate frame, a front frame, or a rear frame having a cooling passage near an end portion of a battery cell in which an electrode lead is provided is provided, so that the end portion of the battery cell in which heat generation is relatively large can be effectively cooled, and temperature deviation of the battery cell can be reduced.

[0023] Effects that can be obtained from an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure pertains from the following description. That is, those skilled in the art can also derive unintended effects of practicing the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure from the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 is a top view of a portion of a battery pack.

[0026] Figure 3 is a top view of a portion of a battery pack.

[0027] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to Figure 1 line IV-IV' of FIG. 4.

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the battery pack along line V-V'.

[0029] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery pack along line VI-VI'.

[0030] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery pack along line VII-VII'.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in their ordinary or dictionary sense, but rather based on the principle that the inventor may define the concepts of the terms as they deem best suited to describe the disclosure, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0033] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure, and not an exhaustive list of the technical concepts of this disclosure, and various equivalents and modifications may exist that can replace these embodiments and configurations at the time of submission.

[0034] Furthermore, in describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant known configurations or features are omitted if it is believed that such detailed descriptions would obscure the substance of this disclosure.

[0035] Because the embodiments of this disclosure are provided to illustrate the disclosure more fully to those skilled in the art, the shapes and dimensions of the components in the drawings may be shown enlarged, omitted, or schematically for clarity. Therefore, the dimensions or proportions of the individual components do not necessarily represent their actual dimensions or proportions.

[0036] (First embodiment) Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a top view showing a portion of the battery pack 10. Figure 3 This is a top view showing a portion of the battery pack 10. Figure 4 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 along line IV-IV'. Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of battery pack 10 with line V-V'. Figure 6 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of battery pack 10 along line VI-VI'.Figure 7 is according to Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 according to line VII-VII' of FIG. 7.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 7 , the battery pack 10 can include a battery pack case 100 and a plurality of battery cell assemblies 200. The battery pack case 100 can have an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200, and the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can be mounted to the battery pack case 100.

[0038] The plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y direction) within the battery pack case 100. The plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can be electrically connected to each other by a conductor such as a busbar. For example, the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can include a first battery cell assembly 210, a second battery cell assembly 220, a third battery cell assembly 230, and a fourth battery cell assembly 240. Although the battery pack 10 is illustrated as including four battery cell assemblies 200, it is not limited thereto, and the number of battery cell assemblies 200 provided in the battery pack 10 can be one, two, or more. Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can correspond to a battery module or a cell-to-pack structure.

[0039] The plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can each include a plurality of battery cells BC. Each battery cell BC is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery (i.e., a secondary battery). A single battery cell BC can include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery cell case. The electrode assembly embedded in the battery cell case can include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly can be one of a jelly-roll type and a stack type according to an assembly form. The jelly-roll type electrode assembly can include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The stack type electrode assembly can include a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes stacked in sequence, and a plurality of separators interposed between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes. The positive electrode can include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode can include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0040] The plurality of battery cells BC can be connected in series and / or in parallel. In one example, the plurality of battery cells BC can be connected in series to each other. In one example, the plurality of battery cells BC can be connected in parallel to each other. In one example, when a group of two or more battery cells BC connected in parallel to each other is defined as a group, a group of two or more battery cells BC connected in parallel to each other and another group of two or more battery cells BC connected in series to each other can be connected in parallel to each other.

[0041] Each battery cell BC can correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. An electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. An electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. An electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0042] In an example embodiment, the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can each include battery cells BC stacked in one direction. In each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200, adjacent battery cells BC of the plurality of battery cells BC can be fixed to each other by an adhesive member (e.g., a tape). In an example embodiment, in each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200, the plurality of battery cells BC can be stacked in a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y direction), and each battery cell BC can extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X direction). At least one of two end portions of each battery cell BC along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) can be provided with an electrode lead. The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells BC can be physically bonded.

[0043] When viewed in a plan view, the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can each have a rectangular shape. The plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can each include upper and bottom surfaces opposite each other in a vertical direction (e.g., a Z direction), first and second side surfaces opposite each other in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and third and fourth side surfaces opposite each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The upper surface of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can include upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells BC, and the bottom surface of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can include bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells BC.

[0044] The battery pack case 100 can include a bottom plate 110, a first side frame 120, a second side frame 130, a middle frame 140, a front frame 150, a rear frame 160, and a top cover 170.

[0045] The bottom plate 110 can support the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200. The bottom plate 110 can have a flat plate shape extending in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). When viewed in a plan view, the bottom plate 110 can have a substantially square flat plate shape.

[0046] In an example embodiment, a thermally conductive adhesive layer can be interposed between each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 and the bottom plate 110. The plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can each be thermally and physically bonded to the bottom plate 110 by the thermally conductive adhesive layer. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer can include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0047] The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can be disposed on the bottom plate 110. The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X direction) on the bottom plate 110. The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y direction), and the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 are located between the first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130.

[0048] The intermediate frame 140, the front frame 150, and the rear frame 160 can be disposed on the bottom plate 110. The intermediate frame 140, the front frame 150, and the rear frame 160 can each extend in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) from the first side frame 120 to the second side frame 130. The front frame 150 can be spaced apart from the rear frame 160 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and the intermediate frame 140 is located between the front frame 150 and the rear frame 160. The first battery cell assembly 210 and the third battery cell assembly 230 can be disposed between the front frame 150 and the intermediate frame 140, and can be arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) between the first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130. The second battery cell assembly 220 and the fourth battery cell assembly 240 can be disposed between the rear frame 160 and the intermediate frame 140, and can be arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) between the first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130.

[0049] The top cover 170 can be disposed on the first side frame 120, the second side frame 130, the intermediate frame 140, the front frame 150, and the rear frame 160, and can cover the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200. For example, the top cover 170 can be fastened to each of the first side frame 120, the second side frame 130, the intermediate frame 140, the front frame 150, and the rear frame 160 by fastening bolts. The top cover 170 can have a flat plate shape extending in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). When viewed in a plan view, the top cover 170 can have a substantially square flat plate shape.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, a thermally conductive adhesive layer can be interposed between each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 and the top cover 170. The plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can each be thermally and physically bonded to the top cover 170 by the thermally conductive adhesive layer. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer can include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0051] In an embodiment, the battery pack 10 can have a multi-face cooling structure configured to cool each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200. The multi-face cooling structure can be implemented by the battery pack case 100 having cooling passages configured to enable the cooling fluid to flow therein. For example, the multi-face cooling structure can be implemented by two or more components selected from the bottom plate 110, the first side frame 120, the second side frame 130, the middle frame 140, the front frame 150, the rear frame 160, and the top cover 170 having cooling passages configured to enable the cooling fluid to flow therein. The cooling fluid can be provided from an external source configured to supply the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid supplied from the external source can flow along the cooling passages provided in the battery pack case 100 and then can be returned to the external source. As the cooling fluid flows, cooling of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 can be implemented. The cooling fluid can include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0052] Hereinafter, a multi-face cooling structure of the battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described. In the following description, the multi-face cooling structure of the battery pack 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Figures 1 to 3 In FIGS. 1 to 4, the flow path of the cooling fluid flowing along the cooling passages of the battery pack case 100 is shown in solid lines and dotted lines. Figures 5 to 7

[0053] The first side frame 120 can include a first inlet 121 into which the cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a first inlet passage 123 extending from the first inlet 121, a first outlet 122 through which the cooling fluid flows to the outside, and a first outlet passage 124 extending from the first outlet 122. The first inlet passage 123 and the first outlet passage 124 can be spaced apart from each other within the first side frame 120, and the first inlet passage 123 and the first outlet passage 124 can each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0054] The second side frame 130 can include a second inlet 131 into which the cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a second inlet passage 133 extending from the second inlet 131, a second outlet 132 through which the cooling fluid flows to the outside, and a second outlet passage 134 extending from the second outlet 132. The second inlet passage 133 and the second outlet passage 134 can be spaced apart from each other within the second side frame 130, and the second inlet passage 133 and the second outlet passage 134 can each extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0055] The middle frame 140 can include a first middle passage 141 communicating with the first inlet passage 123 and a second middle passage 145 communicating with the second inlet passage 133.

[0056] ​A first intermediate channel 141 may be disposed on one side of the first battery cell assembly 210 and one side of the second battery cell assembly 220. The first intermediate channel 141 may include a first common channel 142 communicating with the first inlet channel 123 and a plurality of first branch channels 143 extending from the first common channel 142. The first common channel 142 may extend from the first inlet channel 123 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first branch channels 143 may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first branch channels 143 may each extend from the first common channel 142 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0057] The second intermediate channel 145 may be disposed on one side of the third battery cell assembly 230 and on one side of the fourth battery cell assembly 240. The second intermediate channel 145 may include a second common channel 146 communicating with the second inlet channel 133 and a plurality of second branch channels 147 extending from the second common channel 146. The second common channel 146 may extend from the second inlet channel 133 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second branch channels 147 may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of second branch channels 147 may extend from the second common channel 146 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0058] The front frame 150 may include a first front channel 151 communicating with the first exit channel 124 and a second front channel 155 communicating with the second exit channel 134.

[0059] A first front channel 151 may be disposed on one side of the first battery cell assembly 210. The first front channel 151 may include a first front merging channel 152 communicating with a first outlet channel 124 and a plurality of first front connecting channels 153 extending from the first front merging channel 152. The first front merging channel 152 may extend from the first outlet channel 124 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first front connecting channels 153 may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first front connecting channels 153 may each extend from the first front merging channel 152 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). Cooling fluid provided in the plurality of first front connecting channels 153 may be merged in the first front merging channel 152.

[0060] The second front channel 155 may be disposed on one side of the third battery cell assembly 230. The second front channel 155 may include a second front merging channel 156 communicating with the second outlet channel 134 and a plurality of second front connecting channels 157 extending from the second front merging channel 156. The second front merging channel 156 may extend from the second outlet channel 134 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second front connecting channels 157 may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second front connecting channels 157 may each extend from the second front merging channel 156 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). Cooling fluid provided in the plurality of second front connecting channels 157 may be merged in the second front merging channel 156.

[0061] The rear frame 160 may include a first rear channel 161 communicating with the first exit channel 124 and a second rear channel 165 communicating with the second exit channel 134.

[0062] A first rear channel 161 may be disposed on one side of the second battery cell assembly 220. The first rear channel 161 may include a first rear merging channel 162 communicating with a first outlet channel 124 and a plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 extending from the first rear merging channel 162. The first rear merging channel 162 may extend from the first outlet channel 124 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 may each extend from the first rear merging channel 162 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). Cooling fluid provided in the plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 may be merged in the first rear merging channel 162.

[0063] The second rear channel 165 may be disposed on one side of the fourth battery cell assembly 240. The second rear channel 165 may include a second rear merging channel 166 communicating with the second outlet channel 134 and a plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 extending from the second rear merging channel 166. The second rear merging channel 166 may extend from the second outlet channel 134 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 may each extend from the second rear merging channel 166 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). Cooling fluid provided in the plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 may be merged in the second rear merging channel 166.

[0064] The top cover 170 may include a first upper channel 171 extending between the first intermediate channel 141 and the first front channel 151, a second upper channel 173 extending between the first intermediate channel 141 and the first rear channel 161, a third upper channel 175 extending between the second intermediate channel 145 and the second front channel 155, and a fourth upper channel 177 extending between the second intermediate channel 145 and the second rear channel 165.

[0065] The first upper channel 171 may overlap with the first battery cell assembly 210 in the vertical direction. The first upper channel 171 may deliver cooling fluid from the first intermediate channel 141 to the first front channel 151. The first upper channel 171 may include a plurality of first sub-upper channels 172 spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first sub-upper channels 172 may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The plurality of first sub-upper channels 172 may each extend from a corresponding first branch channel 143 of a plurality of first branch channels 143 to a corresponding first front connecting channel 153 of a plurality of first front connecting channels 153.

[0066] The second upper channel 173 may overlap with the second battery cell assembly 220 in the vertical direction. The second upper channel 173 may convey cooling fluid from the first intermediate channel 141 to the first rear channel 161. The second upper channel 173 may include a plurality of second sub-upper channels 174 spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second sub-upper channels 174 may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The plurality of second sub-upper channels 174 may each extend from a corresponding first branch channel 143 of a plurality of first branch channels 143 to a corresponding first rear connecting channel 163 of a plurality of first rear connecting channels 163.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, a first upper channel 171 and a second upper channel 173 may be connected. In this case, the first upper channel 171 and the second upper channel 173 may each be connected to a first intermediate channel 141, and the cooling fluid flowing out of the first intermediate channel 141 may be distributed into the first upper channel 171 and the second upper channel 173. A plurality of first sub-upper channels 172 may each be connected to a corresponding second sub-upper channel 174 among a plurality of second sub-upper channels 174. In this case, a portion of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first branch channel 143 may flow forward along the first sub-upper channel 172, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first branch channel 143 may flow backward along the second sub-upper channel 174.

[0068] The third upper channel 175 may overlap with the third battery cell assembly 230 in the vertical direction. The third upper channel 175 may convey cooling fluid from the second intermediate channel 145 to the second front channel 155. The third upper channel 175 may include a plurality of third sub-upper channels 176 spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of third sub-upper channels 176 may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The plurality of third sub-upper channels 176 may each extend from a corresponding second branch channel 147 of a plurality of second branch channels 147 to a corresponding second front connecting channel 157 of a plurality of second front connecting channels 157.

[0069] The fourth upper channel 177 may overlap with the second battery cell assembly 220 in the vertical direction. The fourth upper channel 177 may convey cooling fluid from the second intermediate channel 145 to the second rear channel 165. The fourth upper channel 177 may include a plurality of fourth sub-upper channels 178 spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of fourth sub-upper channels 178 may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The plurality of fourth sub-upper channels 178 may each extend from a corresponding second branch channel 147 of a plurality of second branch channels 147 to a corresponding second rear connecting channel 167 of a plurality of second rear connecting channels 167.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, a third upper channel 175 and a fourth upper channel 177 may be connected. In this case, the third upper channel 175 and the fourth upper channel 177 may each be connected to a second intermediate channel 145, and the cooling fluid flowing out of the second intermediate channel 145 may be distributed into the third upper channel 175 and the fourth upper channel 177. Each of the plurality of third sub-upper channels 176 may be connected to a corresponding fourth sub-upper channel 178 of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels 178. In this case, a portion of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second branch channel 147 may flow forward along the third sub-upper channel 176, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second branch channel 147 may flow backward along the fourth sub-upper channel 178.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first inlet channel 123, the first intermediate channel 141, the first upper channel 171, the first front channel 151, and the first outlet channel 124 may be sequentially connected. The first inlet channel 123, the first intermediate channel 141, the first upper channel 171, the first front channel 151, and the first outlet channel 124 may include a first integrated cooling channel extending from the first inlet 121 to the first outlet 122. When cooling fluid flows along the first integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid can flow around the upper surface and three sides of the first battery cell assembly 210, thereby cooling the first battery cell assembly 210.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first inlet channel 123, the first intermediate channel 141, the second upper channel 173, the first rear channel 161, and the first outlet channel 124 can be sequentially connected. The first inlet channel 123, the first intermediate channel 141, the second upper channel 173, the first rear channel 161, and the first outlet channel 124 may include a second integrated cooling channel extending from the first inlet 121 to the first outlet 122. When cooling fluid flows along the second integrated cooling channel, cooling of the second battery cell assembly 220 can be achieved because the cooling fluid flows around the upper surface and three sides of the second battery cell assembly 220.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second inlet channel 133, the second intermediate channel 145, the second upper channel 173, the second front channel 155, and the second outlet channel 134 may be sequentially connected. The second inlet channel 133, the second intermediate channel 145, the second upper channel 173, the second front channel 155, and the second outlet channel 134 may include a third integrated cooling channel extending from the second inlet 131 to the second outlet 132. The third integrated cooling channel may be separate from the first and second integrated cooling channels, and the cooling fluid flowing along the third integrated cooling channel may not mix with the cooling fluid flowing along the first and second integrated cooling channels. When the cooling fluid flows along the third integrated cooling channel, the third battery cell assembly 230 can be cooled because the cooling fluid flows around the upper surface and three sides of the third battery cell assembly 230.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second inlet channel 133, the second intermediate channel 145, the second upper channel 173, the second rear channel 165, and the second outlet channel 134 may be sequentially connected. The second inlet channel 133, the second intermediate channel 145, the second upper channel 173, the second rear channel 165, and the second outlet channel 134 may include a fourth integrated cooling channel extending from the second inlet 131 to the second outlet 132. The fourth integrated cooling channel may be separate from the first and second integrated cooling channels, and the cooling fluid flowing along the fourth integrated cooling channel may not mix with the cooling fluid flowing along the first and second integrated cooling channels. When the cooling fluid flows along the fourth integrated cooling channel, the fourth battery cell assembly 240 can be cooled because the cooling fluid flows around the upper surface and three sides of the fourth battery cell assembly 240.

[0075] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 can perform multi-faceted cooling on each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 200 mounted in the battery pack housing 100, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery cell BC. By effectively controlling the heat generation of the battery cell BC, the safety of the battery pack 10 can be improved.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an intermediate frame 140, a front frame 150, or a rear frame 160 having a cooling channel is disposed near the end of the battery cell BC where the electrode leads are provided, so that the end of the battery cell BC that generates more heat can be effectively cooled, and the temperature deviation of the battery cell BC can be reduced.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, reference will be made to it in conjunction with reference to... Figures 1 to 7 Describing the differences in battery packs Figure 8 The battery pack shown in the image.

[0078] Reference Figure 8 In the battery pack housing 100A of the battery pack, the base plate 110 may include a plurality of lower channels 111 configured to allow cooling fluid to flow. The plurality of lower channels 111 may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of lower channels 111 may be connected to at least one of the cooling channels in the intermediate frame 140 (i.e., the first intermediate channel 141 and the second intermediate channel 145), the cooling channels in the front frame 150 (i.e., the first front channel 151 and the second front channel 155), and the cooling channels in the rear frame 160 (i.e., the first rear channel 161 and the second rear channel 165).

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of lower channels 111 may communicate with cooling channels in the intermediate frame 140. In this case, cooling fluid may be supplied to the inlets of each lower channel 111 located at the ends of the base plate 110. The cooling fluid supplied to the inlets of each lower channel 111 may flow along each lower channel 111 and then flow into the cooling channels of the intermediate frame 140. Cooling fluid supplied from a portion of the plurality of lower channels 111 and cooling fluid supplied from the first inlet channel 123 of the first side frame 120 may be combined at the first intermediate channel 141. Furthermore, cooling fluid supplied from another portion of the plurality of lower channels 111 and cooling fluid supplied from the second inlet channel 133 of the second side frame 130 may be combined at the second intermediate channel 145.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of lower channels 111 may communicate with cooling channels in the front frame 150. In this case, cooling fluid may be discharged from outlets of each lower channel 111 located at the ends of the base plate 110. Cooling fluid supplied from the top cover 170 is separated within the front frame 150, and a portion of the cooling fluid may be directed to a first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120 and a second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, while the remainder of the cooling fluid may be directed to the lower channels 111 of the base plate 110. When cooling fluid is delivered from the first upper channel 171 of the top cover 170 to the first front channel 151, a portion of the cooling fluid may be delivered to the first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120, and the remainder of the cooling fluid may be delivered to a portion of the plurality of lower channels 111. Furthermore, when cooling fluid is delivered from the third upper channel 175 of the top cover 170 to the second front channel 155, a portion of the cooling fluid can be delivered to the second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, and another portion of the cooling fluid can be delivered to a portion of the multiple lower channels 111.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of lower channels 111 may communicate with cooling channels in the rear frame 160. In this case, cooling fluid may be discharged from outlets of each lower channel 111 located at the ends of the base plate 110. Cooling fluid supplied from the top cover 170 is separated within the rear frame 160, and a portion of the cooling fluid may be directed to a first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120 and a second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, while the remainder of the cooling fluid may be directed to the lower channels 111 of the base plate 110. When cooling fluid is delivered from the second upper channel 173 of the top cover 170 to the first rear channel 161, a portion of the cooling fluid may be delivered to the first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120, and the remainder of the cooling fluid may be delivered to a portion of the plurality of lower channels 111. Furthermore, when cooling fluid is delivered from the fourth upper channel 177 of the top cover 170 to the second rear channel 165, a portion of the cooling fluid can be delivered to the second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, and the remainder of the cooling fluid can be delivered to a portion of the plurality of lower channels 111.

[0083] The present disclosure has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein or the configurations shown in the drawings are merely one embodiment of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical concepts of the present disclosure. Furthermore, at the time of submission of this disclosure, various equivalents and modifications may exist that can replace these embodiments or configurations.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: A first side frame, the first side frame including a first inlet into which cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a first inlet channel extending from the first inlet, a first outlet through which the cooling fluid flows to the outside, and a first outlet channel extending from the first outlet; An intermediate frame, the intermediate frame including a first intermediate channel communicating with the first entrance channel, and the intermediate frame being connected to the first side frame; A front frame, the front frame including a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel, and the front frame being connected to the first side frame; A first battery cell assembly is disposed between the middle frame and the front frame; as well as A top cover, disposed on the intermediate frame and the front frame and covering the first battery cell assembly, and the top cover including a first upper channel connecting the first intermediate channel and the first front channel, wherein... The first entrance channel, the first intermediate channel, the first upper channel, the first front channel, and the first exit channel are connected in sequence.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The first intermediate channel includes: A first public passage, which is connected to the first entrance passage; and Multiple first branch channels, the multiple first branch channels extending from the first common channel, The first upper channel includes multiple first sub-upper channels, and Each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from the corresponding first sub-upper channel of the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The first front channel includes: A first front merging channel, the first front merging channel being connected to the first exit channel; and Multiple first front connection channels, the multiple first front connection channels extending from the first front merging channel, and Each of the plurality of first front connection channels extends from the corresponding first sub-upper channel of the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first front merging channel.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: The rear frame includes a first rear channel communicating with the first outlet channel, and the rear frame is connected to the first side frame; as well as The second battery cell assembly is disposed between the intermediate frame and the rear frame, wherein... The top cover also includes a second upper channel connecting the first intermediate channel and the first rear channel, and The first entrance channel, the first intermediate channel, the second upper channel, the first rear channel, and the first exit channel are connected in sequence.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The first intermediate channel includes: A first public passage, which is connected to the first entrance passage; and Multiple first branch channels, the multiple first branch channels extending from the first common channel, The second upper channel includes multiple second sub-upper channels, and Each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from the corresponding second sub-upper channel of the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The first rear channel includes: A first post-merging channel, the first post-merging channel being connected to the first exit channel; and Multiple first post-connection channels, the multiple first post-connection channels extending from the first post-merge channel, and Each of the plurality of first post-connection channels extends from the corresponding second sub-upper channel of the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first post-merge channel.

7. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The cooling fluid discharged from the first intermediate channel is distributed into the first upper channel and the second upper channel.

8. The battery pack according to claim 4, further comprising: A base plate, which supports the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly, wherein... The base plate includes a lower channel configured to allow the cooling fluid to flow.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, The lower channel is connected to at least one of the first intermediate channel, the first front channel, and the first rear channel.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: The second side frame includes a second inlet into which the cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a second inlet channel extending from the second inlet, a second outlet through which the cooling fluid flows to the outside, and a second outlet channel extending from the second outlet; as well as A third battery cell assembly is disposed between the intermediate frame and the front frame, wherein... The middle frame and the front frame each extend from the first side frame to the second side frame. The intermediate frame also includes a second intermediate channel that communicates with the second entrance channel. The front frame also includes a second front channel that communicates with the second outlet channel. The top cover also includes a third upper channel connecting the second intermediate channel and the second front channel, and The second entrance channel, the second intermediate channel, the third upper channel, the second front channel, and the second exit channel are connected in sequence.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The second intermediate channel includes: A second public passageway, which connects to the second entrance passageway; and Multiple second branch channels, which extend from the second common channel, The third upper channel includes multiple third sub-upper channels, wherein, Each of the plurality of second branch channels extends from the corresponding third sub-upper channel of the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second common channel.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The second front channel includes: A second front merging channel, which is connected to the second exit channel; and Multiple second front connection channels, the multiple second front connection channels extending from the second front merging channel, and Each of the plurality of second front connection channels extends from the corresponding third sub-upper channel of the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second front merging channel.

13. The battery pack according to claim 10, further comprising: The rear frame includes a second rear channel communicating with the second outlet channel and extends from the first side frame to the second side frame; as well as The fourth battery cell assembly is disposed between the intermediate frame and the rear frame, wherein... The top cover also includes a fourth upper channel connecting the second intermediate channel and the second rear channel, and The second entrance channel, the second intermediate channel, the fourth upper channel, the second rear channel, and the second exit channel are connected in sequence.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The second intermediate channel includes: A second public passageway, which connects to the second entrance passageway; and Multiple second branch channels, which extend from the second common channel, The second rear channel includes: A second post-merging channel, which is connected to the second exit channel; and Multiple second post-connection channels, the multiple second post-connection channels extending from the second post-merge channel, The fourth upper channel includes multiple fourth sub-upper channels, and Each of the plurality of fourth sub-channels extends from the corresponding second branch channel of the plurality of second branch channels to the corresponding second post-connection channel of the plurality of second post-connection channels.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein, The cooling fluid discharged from the second intermediate channel is distributed into the third upper channel and the fourth upper channel.

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