Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a battery cell assembly and a battery pack case accommodating the battery cell assembly. The battery pack case is made by combining a plurality of components in which a cooling flow path is formed inside, and includes a bottom cover facing a lower surface of the battery cell assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability depending on the product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are not only widely used in portable devices, but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources.

[0003] These secondary batteries have the main advantages of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels and producing no byproducts during energy use, thus emerging as a new energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these individual rechargeable battery cells (i.e., individual battery cells) is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to configure a battery pack. Alternatively, battery packs can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel according to the required charge / discharge capacity. Thus, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, a battery module comprising at least one battery cell (preferably multiple battery cells) is typically configured first, and then a battery pack is configured using at least one of these battery modules and by adding other components. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output, etc.

[0006] On the other hand, a method for manufacturing battery packs using a module-to-pack (CTP) approach has recently been developed. CTP is a technique that allows for the placement of more battery cells within a package by significantly reducing the weight of the module during the manufacturing process of individual battery cells into a package. For example, if an electric vehicle has approximately 100 battery cells, typically about 10 battery cells are bundled together to form a battery module, and these modules, manufactured in this way, are assembled into a battery pack, which is then installed in the electric vehicle. The key feature of the CTP method is that the battery cells are directly assembled inside the battery pack. By eliminating battery modules in this way, more space is ensured, increasing energy density and capacity, while reducing the number of components also improves cost reduction.

[0007] However, the problem with the CTP method is that although it achieves high energy density, the large amount of heat generated makes it difficult to maintain product quality control and productivity. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure provides a battery pack capable of effectively cooling the heat generated in the battery cell assembly.

[0010] In addition, this disclosure provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery pack.

[0011] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand from the description of this disclosure given below other problems not mentioned.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a battery pack includes a battery cell assembly and a battery pack housing housing the battery cell assembly. The battery pack housing is manufactured by incorporating a plurality of components having internally formed cooling flow paths, and the battery pack housing includes a bottom cover facing the lower surface of the battery cell assembly.

[0014] The multiple components may include a first component formed as an isosceles triangle and a second and third component formed as right trapezoids.

[0015] Here, the first component can be an isosceles right triangle.

[0016] Furthermore, the hypotenuses of the second component and the third component can be connected to the two sides that form a right angle in the first component, respectively.

[0017] In addition, the multiple components constituting the bottom cover may also include an auxiliary component that is attached to the second component at the opposite end to one end attached to the first component and to the third component at the opposite end to one end attached to the first component.

[0018] Furthermore, one or more of the second and third components may have an inlet for introducing refrigerant and an outlet for discharging refrigerant that can be connected to the cooling flow path formed inside.

[0019] The refrigerant introduced through the inlet can move along the cooling flow path in the order of the second component, the first component, and the third component, or in the order of the third component, the first component, and the second component.

[0020] For example, the cooling flow path can be formed as a combination of multiple components. "pattern.

[0021] Connection grooves for connecting adjacent cooling flow paths can be formed at the ends of the second and third components facing the auxiliary components.

[0022] The connecting groove can be formed by machining.

[0023] In addition, the battery pack may also include a refrigerant circulation device for refrigerant circulation, which is housed inside the battery pack housing and connected to the inlet and outlet.

[0024] In addition, a thermosetting resin can be inserted between the battery cell assembly and the bottom cover of the battery pack housing.

[0025] In addition, multiple components can be formed individually by aluminum extrusion molding.

[0026] In addition, multiple components can be joined together by friction stir welding (FSW).

[0027] In addition, the battery pack housing may also include a top cover facing the upper surface of the battery cell assembly and a side cover formed in the direction connecting the top cover and the bottom cover.

[0028] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a vehicle including the aforementioned battery pack is provided.

[0029] Technical effect

[0030] According to this disclosure, the heat generated in the battery cell assembly can be effectively cooled.

[0031] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand from the description of this disclosure given below other technical effects not mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The following figures accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed descriptions of the present disclosure given below, are intended to further understand the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the contents described in these figures.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0035] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of the bottom cover of the battery pack housing used in the battery pack.

[0036] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 The diagram shows the cooling flow path formed inside the bottom cover.

[0037] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A perspective view of the connecting groove formed inside the bottom cover.

[0038] Figure 6 It is shown that includes at least one Figure 1 A picture of a vehicle with a battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The advantages and features of this disclosure and its implementation methods will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided only to make the disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of this disclosure, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of this disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0040] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers, films, plates, regions, etc., is exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, the drawings are not drawn to scale. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly on" another element, there are no intermediate elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as "below" another element, it may be directly below the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly below" another element, there are no intermediate elements.

[0041] Throughout this instruction manual, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or plural.

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of battery pack 101.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 101 includes a battery cell assembly 100 and a battery pack housing 200.

[0044] Furthermore, the battery pack 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a refrigerant circulation device 800 and a thermal resin.

[0045] A battery cell assembly 100 can be manufactured by stacking multiple battery cells in one direction.

[0046] The lateral direction of the battery cell stack can be the X-axis. Furthermore, the direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell, or vice versa, can be defined as the length direction of the battery cell. This can be... Figure 2 The Y-axis direction in the diagram. Furthermore, the direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the battery cell, or the opposite direction, can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell. This can be... Figure 2 The Z-axis direction in the equation.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, the battery cell can be a prismatic battery cell or a pouch battery cell. Prismatic and pouch battery cells can be stacked in a manner that maximizes their number per unit area. However, the battery cell 110 is not necessarily limited to prismatic or pouch battery cells, and can be various other types of battery cells.

[0048] The battery pack housing 200 houses the battery cell assembly 100. That is, the battery cell assembly 100 is directly housed inside the battery pack housing 200 in a module-to-pack (CTP) manner. However, this disclosure is not limited to the battery pack 101 assembled in a CTP manner.

[0049] Furthermore, the battery pack housing 200 includes a bottom cover 220. Additionally, the battery pack housing 200 may also include a top cover 210 and side covers 230. For example, the battery pack housing 200 may be formed of aluminum. Therefore, the battery pack housing 200 can be lightweight and have high thermal conductivity.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the bottom cover 220 of the battery pack housing 200.

[0051] Reference Figure 3 The bottom cover 220 is formed by combining a plurality of components 221, 222, and 223 in which cooling flow paths 260 are formed, and the bottom cover 220 faces the lower surface of the battery cell assembly 100. In addition, the plurality of components 221, 222, and 223 may include a first component 221 formed as an isosceles triangle and a second component 222 and a third component 223 formed as right trapezoids.

[0052] For example, the first component 221 can be an isosceles right triangle. Here, the hypotenuses of the second component 222 and the third component 223 can be connected to the two sides forming the right angle in the first component 221, respectively. That is, the angle between the side of the first component 221 that contacts the second component 222 and the side of the first component 221 that contacts the third component 223 can be 90 degrees. Furthermore, the side of the first component 221 that contacts the second component 222 and the side of the first component 221 that contacts the third component 223 is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the side of the first component 221 corresponding to the end of the bottom cover 220.

[0053] Furthermore, the components constituting the bottom cover 220 may also include an auxiliary component 225. The auxiliary component 225 may be attached to the end of the second component 222 opposite to one end attached to the first component 221, and to the end of the third component 223 opposite to one end attached to the first component 221. In this case, a cooling flow path 260 may be formed inside the first component 221, the second component 222, and the third component 223, but a cooling flow path 260 may not be formed inside the auxiliary component 225.

[0054] Furthermore, the inlet 261 for introducing refrigerant and the outlet 262 for discharging refrigerant can be formed in one or more of the second component 222 and the third component 223, and can be connected to the cooling flow path 260.

[0055] Figure 4 The cooling flow path formed inside the bottom cover is shown.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 The cooling flow path 260 can be formed by combining multiple components 221, 222 and 223 to form a " "Pattern. In" Figure 4 In the diagram, the dashed arrow indicates the path along which the refrigerant flowing into inlet 261 moves toward outlet 262 along cooling flow path 260.

[0057] Specifically, a connecting groove 265 for connecting adjacent cooling flow paths 260 may be formed at the ends of the second component 222 and the third component 223 facing the auxiliary component 225. For example, the connecting groove 265 may be formed by cutting a portion of the partition wall forming the cooling flow path 260 at the ends of the second component 222 and the third component 223 facing the auxiliary component 225.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, since the connecting groove 265 is formed at the ends of the second component 222 and the third component 223, the connecting groove 265 can be easily cut and machined.

[0059] In addition, return to reference Figure 4 The auxiliary component 225 is connected to the end of the second component 221 and the end of the third component 223 to form a partition wall that forms a cooling flow path 260.

[0060] According to this structure, the cooling flow path 260 forms a straight line inside each of components 221, 222, and 223, and a “…” is formed by connecting these cooling flow paths. "The cooling flow path 260 of the pattern. In addition, a connecting groove 265 is formed at the end of the second component 222 and the third component 223, and an auxiliary component 225 is attached to the end of the second component 222 and the end of the third component 223, thereby completing the cooling flow path 260."

[0061] Therefore, since a cooling flow path 260 can be easily formed by combining multiple components 221, 222, and 223 that are formed solely by straight-line machining, a " "The cooling flow path 260 of the pattern can significantly improve the productivity of the bottom cover 220 with the cooling flow path 260 that improves cooling efficiency."

[0062] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant introduced through the inlet 261 moves along the cooling flow path 260 in the order of the second component 222, the first component 221 and the third component 223, moves to the adjacent cooling flow path 260 through the connecting groove 265, and then moves in the order of the third component 223, the first component 221 and the second component 222, and repeats the process toward the outlet 262.

[0063] On the other hand, the bottom cover 220 can be formed by aluminum extrusion molding.

[0064] Furthermore, the various components that make up the bottom cover 220 can be joined together by friction stir welding (FSW).

[0065] Return to reference Figure 2 The top cover 210 of the battery pack housing 200 may face the upper surface of the battery cell assembly 100, and a side cover 230 may be formed in the direction connecting the top cover 210 and the bottom cover 220. For example, the side cover 230 and the bottom cover 220 may be welded, and the side cover 230 and the top cover 210 may be detachably connected by fastening units such as coupling bolts.

[0066] In addition, the battery pack housing 200 may also include a gasket 500 inserted between the top cover 210 and the side cover 230. The gasket 500 is inserted between the detachably joined top cover 210 and side cover 230, thereby improving airtightness when the top cover 210 and side cover 230 are joined.

[0067] The refrigerant circulation device 800 is housed inside the battery pack housing 200, located on the auxiliary component 225 of the bottom cover 220, and connected to the inlet 261 and outlet 262 to circulate the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant circulation device 800 may include a pump and a temperature sensor, etc.

[0068] Thermopolymer 400 can be inserted between the battery cell assembly 100 and the bottom cover 220 of the battery pack housing 200. Thermopolymer 400 improves the heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell assembly 100 and the bottom cover 220 of the battery pack housing 200.

[0069] In addition, the battery pack 101 may also include a battery management system (BMS) and a battery disconnect unit (BDU).

[0070] The Battery Management System (BMS) controls the charging and discharging of the battery pack 101. Specifically, the BMS can be configured to control the overall charging and discharging operation or data transmission and reception operation of the battery pack 101. The BMS can be arranged to control the charging and discharging state, power state, and performance state of individual battery cells through battery pack voltage and battery pack current. The BMS can estimate the state of the individual battery cells in the battery pack 101 and use the estimated state information to manage the battery pack 101. For example, the BMS can estimate and manage state information of the battery pack 101, such as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), maximum input / output power margin, and output voltage. Furthermore, this state information can be used to control the charging or discharging of the battery pack 101, and further, the replacement time of the battery pack 101 can be estimated.

[0071] The battery disconnect unit (BDU) can be configured to control the electrical connections of individual battery cells to manage the power capacity and functionality of the battery pack 101. For this purpose, the battery disconnect unit may include a power relay, a current sensor, a fuse, etc. The battery disconnect unit is a component provided for each battery cell and can be applied to various disconnect units known at the time of this disclosure.

[0072] With this configuration, the battery pack 101 can effectively cool the heat generated by the individual battery cells 100 and maintain a stable and appropriate temperature.

[0073] Figure 6 It shows including Figure 1 The image shows the battery pack 101 of vehicle 1.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 The vehicle 1 according to this disclosure may include at least one battery pack 101 according to this disclosure. For example, the vehicle 1 according to embodiments of this disclosure may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack 101 according to embodiments of this disclosure. The vehicle 1 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the vehicle 1 operates by receiving power from the battery pack 101. In addition to the battery pack 101, the vehicle 1 according to this disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, in addition to the battery pack 101 according to this disclosure, the vehicle 1 according to this disclosure may also include a body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), etc.

[0075] On the other hand, although terms such as up and down indicating direction are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms are merely for ease of description and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0076] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure and the equivalents of the claims described below.

[0077] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0078] 1: Vehicle

[0079] 100: Battery cell module

[0080] 101: Battery Pack

[0081] 200: Battery pack casing

[0082] 210: Top Cover

[0083] 220: Bottom Cover

[0084] 221: First component

[0085] 222: Second component

[0086] 223: Third component

[0087] 225: Auxiliary components

[0088] 230: Side Cover

[0089] 260: Cooling Flow Path

[0090] 261: Inlet

[0091] 262: Discharge outlet

[0092] 265: Connecting slot

[0093] 400: Thermopolymer

[0094] 500: Washer

[0095] 800: Refrigerant Circulation Unit

[0096] [Industrial Applications]

[0097] This disclosure can be used to provide battery packs that can effectively cool the heat generated in the individual battery cells.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: Battery cell assembly; as well as A battery pack housing that houses the individual battery cells. The battery pack housing is made by combining multiple components with internal cooling flow paths, and the battery pack housing includes a bottom cover facing the lower surface of the battery cell assembly.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of components include: A first component, the first component being formed as an isosceles triangle; and The second component and the third component are formed in the shape of a right trapezoid.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The first component is an isosceles right triangle.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The hypotenuse of the second component and the hypotenuse of the third component are respectively connected to the two sides that form a right angle in the first component.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of components constituting the bottom cover also include an auxiliary component that is coupled to the second component at an end opposite to one end coupled to the first component and to the third component at an end opposite to one end coupled to the first component.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, One or more of the second and third components have an inlet for introducing refrigerant and an outlet for discharging refrigerant connected to the cooling flow path formed inside.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The refrigerant introduced through the inlet moves along the cooling flow path in the order of the second component, the first component, and the third component, or in the order of the third component, the first component, and the second component.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The cooling flow path is formed by the combination of the multiple components. "pattern.

9. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, A connection groove for connecting adjacent cooling flow paths is formed at the ends of the second and third components facing the auxiliary component.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The connecting groove is formed by cutting.

11. The battery pack of claim 6, further comprising a refrigerant circulation device for refrigerant circulation, housed within the battery pack housing and connected to the inlet and the outlet.

12. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, A thermosetting resin is inserted between the battery cell assembly and the bottom cover of the battery pack housing.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the multiple components is formed by aluminum extrusion molding.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple components are joined together by friction stir welding, or FSW.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack housing also includes a top cover facing the upper surface of the individual battery cell assembly; and Side cover, the side cover being formed in the direction connecting the top cover and the bottom cover.

16. A vehicle comprising the battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 15.

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