Battery pack housing

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment provides a battery pack case. The battery pack case includes a first cooling plate including a first cooling passage extending in a first direction and a first communication hole and a second communication hole connected with the first cooling passage, a second cooling plate including a plurality of second cooling passages extending in the first direction and a third communication hole and a fourth communication hole connected with the second cooling passages, and a refrigerant coupler located between the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate, and the refrigerant coupler includes a first distribution port connected with the first communication hole, a second distribution port connected with the second communication hole, a third distribution port connected with the third communication hole, and a fourth distribution port connected with the fourth communication hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack housing. This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0059299, filed on May 3, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various types of wireless devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity has significantly decreased due to increased energy density and economies of scale, and the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as that of gasoline-powered vehicles.

[0003] The technological development trend for secondary batteries used in mobility services is towards increased energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility services is directly related to passenger lives and is therefore extremely important. In the event of thermal runaway, the safety of secondary batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, reliable electrical insulation, and delayed heat transfer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide a battery pack housing with improved cooling efficiency.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery pack housing. The battery pack housing includes: a first cooling plate, including a first cooling channel extending in a first direction and a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole connected to the first cooling channel; a second cooling plate, including a plurality of second cooling channels extending in the first direction and a third connecting hole and a fourth connecting hole connected to the second cooling channels; and a refrigerant connector located between the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate, and the refrigerant connector includes a first distribution port connected to the first connecting hole, a second distribution port connected to the second connecting hole, a third distribution port connected to the third connecting hole, and a fourth distribution port connected to the fourth connecting hole.

[0008] The refrigerant connector may also include a first distribution channel connected to each of the first distribution port and the third distribution port, and a second distribution channel connected to each of the second distribution port and the fourth distribution port.

[0009] Each first distribution channel may include a first portion extending in a first direction, a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third portion extending upward between the first portion and the second portion and in each of the first and second directions perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0010] Each second distribution channel may include a fourth portion extending in the first direction, a fifth portion extending in the second direction, and a sixth portion between the fourth and fifth portions and extending upward in a third direction.

[0011] The second and fifth parts can extend in opposite directions.

[0012] The first and second allocation ports may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and the third and fourth allocation ports may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0013] The first and third distribution ports may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and the second and fourth distribution ports may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0014] The first allocation port can overlap with the fourth allocation port on the third side upwards, and the third allocation port can overlap with the second allocation port on the third side upwards.

[0015] The refrigerant connector may include a first port connected to a first distribution port and a third distribution port, and a second port connected to a second distribution port and a fourth distribution port.

[0016] The first cooling plate may also include an end member having a rod shape and extending in a first direction, and the end member may include a blocking protrusion projecting toward the first cooling channel.

[0017] The blocking protrusion can be inserted into the first cooling channel.

[0018] The blocking protrusion isolates the portion of the first cooling channel connected to the first connecting hole.

[0019] The blocking protrusion can be located between the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, refrigerant can be supplied to two opposing cooling plates via a refrigerant connector, thereby improving the assemblability of the battery pack housing. Furthermore, the refrigerant flows through the cooling channels of the cooling plates in opposite directions, thus ensuring uniform cooling performance throughout the entire battery pack housing.

[0022] The effects achievable by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this disclosure pertain will clearly derive and understand other effects not described herein based on the following description. In other words, those skilled in the art can derive unintended effects from the embodiments of this disclosure when implementing them. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery pack housing according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the first cooling plate.

[0025] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line 2I-2I'.

[0026] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line 2II-2II'.

[0027] Figure 5 The flow of refrigerant in the first cooling plate is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a plan view of the second cooling plate.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the refrigerant connector according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the refrigerant connector according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7I-7I'.

[0032] Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7II-7II'. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their common understanding or definitions in common dictionaries, but should be understood based on the principle that the inventors of this application can appropriately define the terms or expressions to best interpret the present disclosure, according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the present disclosure.

[0034] Therefore, the configurations shown in the embodiments and accompanying drawings described herein are merely examples of this disclosure and do not reflect all the technical concepts of this disclosure. It should be understood that, as of the filing date of this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace these configurations.

[0035] When it is determined that well-known configurations or functions related to the description of this disclosure obscure the subject matter of this disclosure due to unnecessary details, these configurations or functions will not be described in detail.

[0036] Because embodiments of this disclosure are provided to illustrate the disclosure more fully to those skilled in the art, the shapes, dimensions, etc., of the components shown in the drawings may be shown enlarged, omitted, or schematically for clarity. Therefore, it should not be construed that the dimensions or proportions of the components fully reflect their actual dimensions or proportions.

[0037] (First embodiment)

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery pack housing according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the first cooling plate.

[0040] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line 2I-2I'.

[0041] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line 2II-2II'.

[0042] Figure 5 The flow of refrigerant in the first cooling plate is shown.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a plan view of the second cooling plate.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the refrigerant connector according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the refrigerant connector according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7I-7I'.

[0047] Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7II-7II'.

[0048] Reference Figures 1 to 5The battery pack housing 100 can provide space for mounting one or more battery cell assemblies. The battery pack housing 100 may include a first cooling plate 110, a second cooling plate 120, a side wall 130, and a refrigerant connector 140.

[0049] A battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells, a busbar configured to output the voltages of the multiple battery cells, and an integrated circuit configured to monitor the electrical parameters (e.g., voltage and current) of the multiple battery cells.

[0050] The first cooling plate 110 may include multiple plates, including a first plate 111, a second plate 112, a third plate 113, a fourth plate 114, and a fifth plate 115, as well as end components 116, 117, and 118. The first plate 111 may include a cooling surface 111S1 and a supporting surface 111S2. The cooling surface 111S1 and the supporting surface 111S2 may be opposite to each other. The second plate 112 may include a cooling surface 112S1 and a supporting surface 112S2. The cooling surface 112S1 and the supporting surface 112S2 may be opposite to each other. The third plate 113 may include a cooling surface 113S1 and a supporting surface 113S2. The cooling surface 113S1 and the supporting surface 113S2 may be opposite to each other. The fourth plate 114 may include a cooling surface 114S1 and a supporting surface 114S2. The cooling surface 114S1 and the supporting surface 114S2 may be opposite to each other. The fifth plate 115 may include a cooling surface 115S1 and a supporting surface 115S2. The cooling surface 115S1 and the supporting surface 115S2 can be opposite each other.

[0051] Cooling surfaces 111S1, 112S1, 113S1, 114S1, and 115S1 can be substantially parallel to each other. Cooling surfaces 111S1, 112S1, 113S1, 114S1, and 115S1 can be at the same height. Cooling surfaces 111S1, 112S1, 113S1, 114S1, and 115S1 can be coplanar.

[0052] Support surfaces 111S2, 112S2, 113S2, 114S2, and 115S2 may be substantially parallel to each other. Each of the support surfaces 111S2, 112S2, 113S2, 114S2, and 115S2 may be parallel to each of the cooling surfaces 111S1, 112S1, 113S1, 114S1, and 115S1. Support surfaces 111S2, 112S2, 113S2, 114S2, and 115S2 may be at the same height. Support surfaces 111S2, 112S2, 113S2, 114S2, and 115S2 may be coplanar.

[0053] Two directions generally parallel to each of the cooling surfaces 111S1, 112S1, 113S1, 114S1, and 115S1 are defined as the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and a direction generally perpendicular to each of the cooling surfaces 111S1, 112S1, 113S1, 114S1, and 115S1 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions may be generally perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise stated, the definitions of directions will apply to the figures below.

[0054] Each of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 can be formed by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of each of the first plate 111, the second plate 112, the third plate 113, the fourth plate 114, and the fifth plate 115 can be the X-axis direction. That is, except for deformation caused by subsequent machining, the YZ cross-section of the intermediate plate 111 and each of the first plate 111, the second plate 112, the third plate 113, the fourth plate 114, and the fifth plate 115 can remain unchanged with position in the X-axis direction. Here, the YZ cross-section can be substantially parallel to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions and substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction.

[0055] In the example of subsequent machining, connecting channels 111CCH1, 111CH2, 112CH1, 112CH2, 113CH1, 113CH2, 114CH1, 114CH2, 115CH1 and 115CH2, as well as a first connecting hole 111V1 and a second connecting hole 111V2 can be provided.

[0056] The channels and / or connecting holes mentioned above can be empty spaces in the first plate 111, second plate 112, third plate 113, fourth plate 114, and fifth plate 115 that allow refrigerant to flow through. Therefore, the interconnection of channels and / or connecting holes should be understood as allowing fluid flow between them. For example, because the first cooling channel 111CH is connected to connecting channels 111CCH1 and 111CH2, fluid flow between connecting channels 111CCH1 and 111CH2 and the first cooling channel 111CH is permitted.

[0057] The first plate 111, the second plate 112, the third plate 113, the fourth plate 114, and the fifth plate 115 can be arranged sequentially along the Y-axis. The third plate 113 can be located between the second plate 112 and the fourth plate 114. The second plate 112 can be located between the first plate 111 and the third plate 113. The fourth plate 114 can be located between the third plate 113 and the fifth plate 115. The first plate 111, the second plate 112, the third plate 113, the fourth plate 114, and the fifth plate 115 can be joined together by friction stir welding. Therefore, weldable surfaces can exist between the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, between the second plate 112 and the third plate 113, between the third plate 113 and the fourth plate 114, and between the fourth plate 114 and the fifth plate 115.

[0058] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first plate 111, the second plate 112, the third plate 113, the fourth plate 114 and the fifth plate 115 can be combined with each other by arc welding, laser welding, electron beam welding, friction welding, ultrasonic welding and the like.

[0059] The first plate 111 may include first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH. Each of the first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH may extend in the X-axis direction. Each of the first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH may provide a passage for refrigerant to flow through. The first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0060] The length of each of the first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH in the X-axis direction may be substantially the same as the length of the first plate 111 in the X-axis direction. Each of the first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH may be spaced apart from the cooling surface 111S1 and the support surface 111S2 of the first plate 111. Each of the first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH may be located between the cooling surface 111S1 and the support surface 111S2 of the first plate 111.

[0061] The second plate 112 may include second cooling channels 112CH. Each second cooling channel 112CH may extend in the X-axis direction. Each second cooling channel 112CH may provide a passage for refrigerant to flow through. The second cooling channels 112CH may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The second cooling channels 112CH may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0062] The length of each second cooling channel 112CH in the X-axis direction may be substantially the same as the length of the second plate 112 in the X-axis direction. Each second cooling channel 112CH may be spaced apart from the cooling surface 112S1 and the support surface 112S2 of the second plate 112. Each second cooling channel 112CH may be located between the cooling surface 112S1 and the support surface 112S2 of the second plate 112.

[0063] The third plate 113 may include third cooling channels 113CH. Each third cooling channel 113CH may extend in the X-axis direction. Each third cooling channel 113CH may provide a passage for refrigerant to flow through. The third cooling channels 113CH may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The third cooling channels 113CH may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0064] The length of each third cooling channel 113CH in the X-axis direction can be approximately the same as the length of the third plate 113 in the X-axis direction. Each third cooling channel 113CH can be spaced apart from the cooling surface 113S1 and the support surface 113S2 of the third plate 113. Each third cooling channel 113CH can be located between the cooling surface 113S1 and the support surface 113S2 of the third plate 113.

[0065] The fourth plate 114 may include a fourth cooling channel 114CH. Each fourth cooling channel 114CH may extend in the X-axis direction. Each fourth cooling channel 114CH may provide a passage for refrigerant to flow through. The fourth cooling channels 114CH may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The fourth cooling channels 114CH may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0066] The length of each fourth cooling channel 114CH in the X-axis direction can be substantially the same as the length of the fourth plate 114 in the X-axis direction. Each fourth cooling channel 114CH can be spaced apart from the cooling surface 114S1 and the support surface 114S2 of the fourth plate 114. Each fourth cooling channel 114CH can be located between the cooling surface 114S1 and the support surface 114S2 of the fourth plate 114.

[0067] The fifth plate 115 may include fifth cooling channels 115CH. Each fifth cooling channel 115CH may extend in the X-axis direction. Each fifth cooling channel 115CH may provide a passage for refrigerant to flow through. The fifth cooling channels 115CH may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The fifth cooling channels 115CH may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0068] The length of each fifth cooling channel 115CH in the X-axis direction can be substantially the same as the length of the fifth plate 115 in the X-axis direction. Each fifth cooling channel 115CH can be spaced apart from the cooling surface 115S1 and the support surface 115S2 of the fifth plate 115. Each fifth cooling channel 115CH can be located between the cooling surface 115S1 and the support surface 115S2 of the fifth plate 115.

[0069] The first plate 111 may include connecting channels 111CCH1 and 111CCH2. Connecting channel 111CCH1 may be spaced apart from connecting channel 111CCH2 in the X-axis direction. Connecting channels 111CCH1 and 111CCH2 may extend in the Y-axis direction. Connecting channels 111CCH1 and 111CCH2 may connect to first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH. Connecting channel 111CCH1 may be adjacent to a first end 111E1 in the X-axis direction of the first plate 111. Connecting channel 111CCH2 may be adjacent to a second end 111E2 in the X-axis direction of the first plate 111.

[0070] The first plate 111 may include a first connecting hole 111V1 and a second connecting hole 111V2. Each of the first connecting hole 111V1 and the second connecting hole 111V2 may extend in the Z-axis direction. The first connecting hole 111V1 and the second connecting hole 111V2 may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, a blocking protrusion 118BK of the end member 118 may be located between the first connecting hole 111V1 and the second connecting hole 111V2.

[0071] The first connecting hole 111V1 and the second connecting hole 111V2 can be connected to the first cooling channel 111CH0. Of the first cooling channels 111CH0 and 111CH, the first cooling channel 111CH0, connected to the first connecting hole 111V1 and the second connecting hole 111V2, is closest to the end component 118. Refrigerant introduced from the refrigerant connector 140 can be introduced into the first cooling channel 111CH0 through the first connecting hole 111V1, flows through the first cooling plate 110, converges in the first cooling channel 111CH0, and is discharged to the refrigerant connector through the second connecting hole 111V2.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the blocking protrusion 118BK of the end member 118 can be inserted into the first cooling channel 111CH0. The blocking protrusion 118BK can isolate the portion of the first cooling channel 111CH0 connected to the first connecting hole 111V1 and the portion of the first cooling channel 111CH0 connected to the second connecting hole 111V2, thereby preventing interference between the refrigerant flowing through the first connecting hole 111V1 and the refrigerant discharged through the second connecting hole 111V2.

[0073] The second plate 112 may include connecting channels 112CCH1 and 112CCH2. Connecting channel 112CCH1 may be spaced apart from connecting channel 112CCH2 in the X-axis direction. Connecting channels 112CCH1 and 112CCH2 may extend in the Y-axis direction. Connecting channels 112CCH1 and 112CCH2 may connect to the second cooling channel 112CH. Connecting channel 112CCH2 may be adjacent to a first end 112E1 in the X-axis direction of the second plate 112. Connecting channel 112CCH1 may be adjacent to a second end 112E2 in the X-axis direction of the second plate 112.

[0074] The third plate 113 may include connecting channels 113CCH1 and 113CCH2. Connecting channel 113CCH1 may be spaced apart from connecting channel 113CCH2 in the X-axis direction. Connecting channels 113CCH1 and 113CCH2 may extend in the Y-axis direction. Connecting channels 113CCH1 and 113CCH2 may connect to the third cooling channel 113CH. Connecting channel 113CCH2 may be adjacent to a first end 113E1 of the third plate 113 in the X-axis direction. Connecting channel 113CCH1 may be adjacent to a third end 113E2 of the third plate 113 in the X-axis direction.

[0075] The fourth plate 114 may include connecting channels 114CCH1 and 114CCH2. Connecting channel 114CCH1 may be spaced apart from connecting channel 114CCH2 in the X-axis direction. Connecting channels 114CCH1 and 114CCH2 may extend in the Y-axis direction. Connecting channels 114CCH1 and 114CCH2 may connect to the fourth cooling channel 114CH. Connecting channel 114CCH2 may be adjacent to a first end 114E1 of the fourth plate 114 in the X-axis direction. Connecting channel 114CCH1 may be adjacent to a fourth end 114E2 of the fourth plate 114 in the X-axis direction.

[0076] The fifth plate 115 may include connecting channels 115CCH1 and 115CCH2. Connecting channel 115CCH1 may be spaced apart from connecting channel 115CCH2 in the X-axis direction. Connecting channels 115CCH1 and 115CCH2 may extend in the Y-axis direction. Connecting channels 115CCH1 and 115CCH2 may connect to the fifth cooling channel 115CH. Connecting channel 115CCH2 may be adjacent to a first end 115E1 in the X-axis direction of the fifth plate 115. Connecting channel 115CCH1 may be adjacent to a fifth end 115E2 in the X-axis direction of the fifth plate 115.

[0077] Connecting channels 111CCH1, 112CH1, 113CH1, 114CH1, and 115CH1 can be arranged in the Y-axis direction. Connecting channels 111CCH1, 112CH1, 113CH1, 114CH1, and 115CH1 can be aligned in the Y-axis direction. Connecting channels 111CCH1, 112CH1, 113CH1, 114CH1, and 115CH1 can be connected to each other.

[0078] The refrigerant introduced into the first cooling channel 111CH0 through the first connecting hole V1 can be transferred to the connecting channel 111CCH1, as shown by the flow arrow FI. The refrigerant transferred to the connecting channel 111CCH1 can be distributed to the first cooling channel 111CH through the connecting channel 111CCH1, as shown by the flow arrow F1D, or it can be transferred to the connecting channel 112CCH1, as shown by the flow arrow F12. The refrigerant transferred to the connecting channel 112CCH1 can be distributed to the second cooling channel 112CH as shown by the flow arrow F2D, or it can be transferred to the connecting channel 113CCH1 as shown by the flow arrow F23. The refrigerant transferred to the connecting channel 113CCH1 can be distributed to the third cooling channel 113CH as shown by the flow arrow F3D, or it can be transferred to the connecting channel 114CCH1 as shown by the flow arrow F34. The refrigerant transferred to connecting channel 114CCH1 can be distributed to the fourth cooling channel 114CH as shown by flow arrow F4D, or to connecting channel 115CCH1 as shown by flow arrow F45. The refrigerant transferred to connecting channel 115CCH1 can be distributed to the fifth cooling channel 114CH, as shown by flow arrow F5D.

[0079] The refrigerant supplied to the first cooling channel 111CH can flow along the first cooling channel 111CH in the X-axis direction, as shown by flow arrow F1. The refrigerant supplied to the second cooling channel 112CH can flow along the second cooling channel 112CH in the X-axis direction, as shown by flow arrow F2. The refrigerant supplied to the third cooling channel 113CH can flow along the third cooling channel 113CH in the X-axis direction, as shown by flow arrow F3. The refrigerant supplied to the fourth cooling channel 114CH can flow along the fourth cooling channel 114CH in the X-axis direction, as shown by flow arrow F4. The refrigerant supplied to the fifth cooling channel 115CH can flow along the fifth cooling channel 115CH in the X-axis direction, as shown by flow arrow F5.

[0080] The refrigerant flowing through the fifth cooling channel 115CH can converge in the connecting channel 115CCH2 as shown by flow arrow F5C, and be transferred to the connecting channel 114CCH2 as shown by flow arrow F54. The refrigerant flowing through the fourth cooling channel 114CH and converging in the connecting channel 114CCH2 as shown by flow arrow F4C, and the refrigerant transferred from the connecting channel 115CCH2 to the connecting channel 114CCH2 as shown by flow arrow F4C, can be transferred to the connecting channel 113CCH2. The refrigerant flowing through the third cooling channel 113CH and converging in the connecting channel 113CCH2 as shown by flow arrow F3C, and the refrigerant transferred from the connecting channel 114CCH2 to the connecting channel 113CCH2 as shown by flow arrow F43, can be transferred to the connecting channel 112CCH2. As indicated by flow arrow F2C, the refrigerant flowing through the second cooling channel 112CH and converging in the connecting channel 112CCH2, and the refrigerant transferred from the connecting channel 113CCH2 to the connecting channel 112CCH2 as indicated by flow arrow F32, can be transferred to the connecting channel 111CCH2. As indicated by flow arrow F1C, the refrigerant flowing through the first cooling channel 111CH and converging in the connecting channel 111CCH2, and the refrigerant transferred from the connecting channel 112CCH2 to the connecting channel 111CCH2 as indicated by flow arrow F21, can be transferred to the cooling channel 111CH0. The refrigerant transferred to the cooling channel 111CH0 can be transferred to the second connecting hole 111V2 as indicated by flow arrow FO and discharged to the outside through the second connecting hole 112V2.

[0081] As described above, the flow of refrigerant injected through the first connecting hole V1 and discharged through the second connecting hole V2 has been described previously. Since the first cooling plate 110 has a generally symmetrical shape, the reverse flow also applies. Based on the description herein, those skilled in the art will be able to readily derive an example of refrigerant injected through the second connecting hole V2 and discharged through the first connecting hole V1.

[0082] End member 116 may have a rod shape extending in the Y-axis direction. End member 116 may contact the ends 111E1, 112E1, 113E1, 114E1, and 115E1 of a plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. End member 116 may be coupled to the ends 111E1, 112E1, 113E1, 114E1, and 115E1 of a plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115E1. End member 116 may be welded to the ends 111E1, 112E1, 113E1, 114E1, and 115E1 of a plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115E1.

[0083] End member 117 may have a rod shape extending in the Y-axis direction. End member 117 may contact the ends 111E2, 112E2, 113E2, 114E2, and 115E2 of the plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. End member 116 may be coupled to the ends 111E2, 112E2, 113E2, 114E2, and 115E2 of the plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. End member 116 may be welded to the ends 111E2, 112E2, 113E2, 114E2, and 115E2 of the plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. Therefore, the channels inside the plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 can be liquid-tightly sealed by end members 116 and 117.

[0084] In this example, the length of each of end members 116 and 117 in the Y-axis direction may be substantially the same as the sum of the lengths of the plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 in the Y-axis direction. As another example, the plurality of end members may be provided on ends 111E1, 112E1, 113E1, 114E1, and 115E1, and ends 111E2, 112E2, 113E2, 114E2, and 115E2, and the length of each of the plurality of end members in the Y-axis direction may be less than the sum of the lengths of the plurality of plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 in the Y-axis direction.

[0085] End member 118 may be coupled to an edge of the first plate 111 parallel to the X-axis direction. End member 118 may have a rod shape extending in the X-axis direction. End member 118 may include a blocking protrusion 118BK projecting in the Y-axis direction. Blocking protrusion 118BK may project toward the first cooling channel 111CH0. Blocking protrusion 118BK may be located approximately at the center in the X-axis direction of end member 118, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] When the blocking protrusion 118BK is approximately located at the middle of the X-axis direction of the end member 118, the length of the cooling channel 111CH0 connected to the first connecting hole 111V1 can be approximately the same as the length of the cooling channel 111CH0 connected to the second connecting hole 111V2.

[0087] When the blocking protrusion 118BK is spaced apart from the middle in the X-axis direction of the end member 118, the length of the cooling channel 111CH0 connected to the first connecting hole 111V1 may be different from the length of the cooling channel 111CH0 connected to the second connecting hole 111V2.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the first cooling channel 111CH1, the second cooling channel 111CH2, the third cooling channel 111CH3, the fourth cooling channel 111CH4, and the fifth cooling channel 111CH5 of the first plate 111, the second plate 112, the third plate 113, the fourth plate 114, and the fifth cooling channel 111CH5 are connected in parallel to each other, thus providing uniform cooling performance across the entire surface of the cooling plate 110.

[0089] The first cooling plate 110 and the second cooling plate 120 may be generally parallel to each other. The side wall 130 may be generally perpendicular to the first cooling plate 110 and the second cooling plate 120. The first cooling plate 110, the second cooling plate 120, and the side wall 130 may define the internal space of the battery pack housing 100, so that multiple battery cell assemblies may be installed inside the battery pack housing 100.

[0090] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The second cooling plate 120 may include multiple plates such as the first plate 121, the second plate 122, the third plate 123, the fourth plate 124, and the fifth plate 125, as well as end components 126, 127, and 128. The first plate 121 may include first cooling channels 121CH0 and 121CH, connecting channels 121CCH1 and 121CCH2, and a first connecting hole 121V1 and a second connecting hole 121V2. The second plate 122 may include a second cooling channel 122CH and connecting channels 122CCH1 and 122CCH2. The third plate 123 may include a third cooling channel 123CH and connecting channels 123CCH1 and 123CCH2. The fourth plate 124 may include a fourth cooling channel 124CH and connecting channels 124CCH1 and 124CCH2. The fifth plate 125 may include a fifth cooling channel 125CH and connecting channels 125CCH1 and 125CCH2. The end component 128 may include a blocking protrusion 128BK inserted into the first cooling channel 121CH0.

[0091] The first plate 121 may be substantially the same as the first plate 111, the second plate 122 may be substantially the same as the second plate 112, the third plate 123 may be substantially the same as the third plate 113, the fourth plate 124 may be substantially the same as the fourth plate 114, and the fifth plate 125 may be substantially the same as the fifth plate 115. End component 126 may be substantially the same as end component 116, end component 127 may be substantially the same as end component 117, and end component 128 may be substantially the same as end component 118. The second cooling plate 120 may be substantially the same as the first cooling plate 110. Therefore, the description of the refrigerant flow in the first cooling plate 110 can also be applied to the second cooling plate 120.

[0092] The first cooling plate 110 and the second cooling plate 120 can be configured such that the first connecting hole 111V1 and the second connecting hole 111V2 face each other, respectively, so that the first cooling plate 110 and the second cooling plate 120 can be cooled simultaneously by a refrigerant connector 140.

[0093] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figures 7 to 10 The refrigerant connector 140 may include a body 141, a first port 142 and a second port 143, a first distribution port 144, a second distribution port 145, a third distribution port 146 and a fourth distribution port 147, and distribution channels 148 and 149.

[0094] The body 141 may have a generally blocky shape. The first port 142 and the second port 143, as well as the first distribution port 144, the second distribution port 145, the third distribution port 146, and the fourth distribution port 147, may be integrally cast with the body 141 or joined to the body 141 by, for example, welding. The body 141 may define distribution channels 148 and 149.

[0095] The main body 141 may include a first surface 141S1 and a second surface 141S2 generally perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, and a third surface 141S3 located between the first surface 141S1 and the second surface 141S2. The first surface 141S1 and the second surface 141S2 may be opposite to each other. The third surface 141S3 may be generally perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. A first port 142 and a second port 143 may be located on the third surface 141S3. A first distribution port 144 and a second distribution port 145 may be located on the first surface 141S1. A third distribution port 146 and a fourth distribution port 147 may be located on the second surface 141S2.

[0096] The distribution channel 148 can connect the first port 142 to the first port 144 and the third port 146. The distribution channel 148 may each include a first portion 148P1 extending in the X-axis direction, a second portion 148P2 extending in the Y-axis direction, and a third portion 148P3 located between the first portion 148P1 and the second portion 148P2 and extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0097] The distribution channel 149 can connect the first port 143 to the second port 145 and the fourth port 147. The distribution channel 149 may each include a first portion 149P1 extending in the X-axis direction, a second portion 149P2 extending in the Y-axis direction, and a third portion 149P3 located between the first portion 149P1 and the second portion 149P2 and extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0098] The second portion 148P2 of each distribution channel 148 and the second portion 149P2 of each distribution channel 149 can extend in opposite directions. Therefore, distribution channels 148 and 149 can connect to the first distribution port 144, the second distribution port 145, the third distribution port 146, and the fourth distribution port 147 while avoiding each other. The opposite extension of the second portion 148P2 and the second portion 149P2 should be understood as follows: as the distance to the first distribution port 144 and the third distribution port 146 decreases, the distance between the second portion 148P2 and the third surface 141S3 increases; and as the distance to the second distribution port 145 and the fourth distribution port 147 decreases, the distance between the second portion 149P2 and the third surface 141S3 decreases.

[0099] The first distribution port 144 can be connected to the first connecting hole 111V1, the second distribution port 145 can be connected to the second connecting hole 111V2, the third distribution port 146 can be connected to the first connecting hole 121V1, and the fourth distribution port 147 can be connected to the second connecting hole 121V2.

[0100] The first distribution port 144 may be spaced apart from the second distribution port 145 in the X-axis direction. The first distribution port 144 may overlap with the second distribution port 145 in the X-axis direction. The third distribution port 146 may be spaced apart from the fourth distribution port 147 in the X-axis direction. The third distribution port 146 may overlap with the fourth distribution port 147 in the X-axis direction.

[0101] The first allocation port 144 may be spaced apart from the fourth allocation port 147 in the Z-axis direction. The first allocation port 144 may overlap with the fourth allocation port 147 in the Z-axis direction. The second allocation port 145 may be spaced apart from the third allocation port 146 in the Z-axis direction. The second allocation port 145 may overlap with the third allocation port 146 in the Z-axis direction.

[0102] According to the embodiment, the refrigerant in the first cooling channel 111CH, the second cooling channel 112CH, the third cooling channel 113CH, the fourth cooling channel 114CH, and the fifth cooling channel 115CH of the first cooling plate 110 can flow in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first cooling channel 121CH, the second cooling channel 122CH, the third cooling channel 123CH, the fourth cooling channel 124CH, and the fifth cooling channel 125CH of the cooling plate 120, and can uniformly cool the entire battery pack housing 100.

[0103] The present disclosure has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments described in this disclosure are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not reflect all the technical concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that as of the filing date of this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace these configurations.

Claims

1. A battery pack housing, comprising: The first cooling plate includes a first cooling channel extending in a first direction and a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole connected to the first cooling channel. The second cooling plate includes a plurality of second cooling channels extending in the first direction and a third and a fourth connecting hole connected to the second cooling channels; as well as A refrigerant connector is located between the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate. The refrigerant connector includes a first distribution port connected to the first connecting hole, a second distribution port connected to the second connecting hole, a third distribution port connected to the third connecting hole, and a fourth distribution port connected to the fourth connecting hole.

2. The battery pack housing according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant connector further includes a first distribution channel connected to each of the first distribution port and the third distribution port, and a second distribution channel connected to each of the second distribution port and the fourth distribution port.

3. The battery pack housing according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the first allocation channels includes a first portion extending in the first direction, a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third portion extending upward between the first portion and the second portion and perpendicular to each of the first and second directions.

4. The battery pack housing according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the second allocation channels includes a fourth portion extending in the first direction, a fifth portion extending in the second direction, and a sixth portion located between the fourth and fifth portions and extending upward in the third direction.

5. The battery pack housing according to claim 4, wherein, The second part and the fifth part extend in opposite directions.

6. The battery pack housing according to claim 3, wherein, The first allocation port and the second allocation port are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and The third allocation port and the fourth allocation port are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

7. The battery pack housing according to claim 3, wherein, The first allocation port and the third allocation port are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and The second allocation port and the fourth allocation port are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

8. The battery pack housing according to claim 3, wherein, The first allocation port overlaps with the fourth allocation port in the third direction, and The third allocation port overlaps with the second allocation port in the third direction.

9. The battery pack housing according to claim 2, wherein, The refrigerant connector includes a first port connected to the first distribution port and the third distribution port, and a second port connected to the second distribution port and the fourth distribution port.

10. The battery pack housing according to claim 1, wherein, The first cooling plate also includes an end member having a rod shape and extending in the first direction. The end component includes a blocking protrusion that protrudes toward the first cooling channel.

11. The battery pack housing according to claim 10, wherein, The blocking protrusion is inserted into the first cooling channel.

12. The battery pack housing according to claim 10, wherein, The blocking protrusion isolates the portion of the first cooling channel connected to the first connecting hole.

13. The battery pack housing according to claim 10, wherein, The blocking protrusion is located between the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole.

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