Battery pack with heat dissipation plate

Abstract

Battery pack that includes the following: a cell assembly comprising a multitude of plate-shaped secondary batteries stacked in a first direction, and a large number of heat dissipation plates inserted alternately between the large number of secondary batteries, wherein each heat dissipation plate has a coolant inlet section and a coolant outlet section and a coolant movement section in between, wherein the heat dissipation plates each comprise a base plate and side walls extending from the base plate, wherein both side surfaces of each base plate formed on the heat dissipation plates are configured to face each of the side surfaces of the two secondary batteries, with the conducted heat being radiated from the top or bottom of the heat dissipation plate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack including a heat dissipation plate, and more particularly to a battery pack capable of more efficiently cooling a plurality of secondary batteries housed therein.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0164183, filed on December 1, 2017, in the Republic of Korea. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Secondary batteries currently available on the market include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, and so on. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are in the spotlight compared to nickel-based secondary batteries due to advantages such as free charging and discharging caused by a virtually nonexistent memory effect, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] A battery pack used in an electric vehicle or the like has a structure in which a plurality of battery modules, each of which includes a plurality of secondary batteries, are interconnected to achieve high performance. Furthermore, each secondary battery includes a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector, a separator, an active material, and an electrolyte as an electrode assembly, and can be repeatedly charged and discharged through an electrochemical reaction between the components.

[0005] As the need for a large-capacity structure has recently increased along with use as an energy storage device, there has been an increase in demand for a battery pack having a multi-module structure in which a plurality of battery modules, each of which has a plurality of secondary batteries connected in series and / or parallel, are combined.

[0006] Since the battery pack is manufactured with a multi-module structure such that a large number of secondary batteries are densely packed in a small space, it is important that the heat generated by each secondary battery can easily escape.

[0007] In other words, heat is generated during the charging or discharging process of the secondary battery due to the electrochemical reaction. Thus, if the heat generated by the battery module during the charging and discharging process is not effectively dissipated, heat accumulation may occur. Furthermore, the battery module may deteriorate more rapidly, and in some cases, ignition or explosion may occur. Accordingly, conventional technology uses a secondary cooling device to cool the high-capacity battery module and the secondary batteries contained therein.

[0008] In the conventional cooling device, for example, a plurality of secondary batteries mounted inside the battery module and a plurality of cartridges on which the secondary batteries are mounted may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance to separately form a cooling channel through which a coolant flows.

[0009] However, if a predetermined distance is maintained between the plurality of cartridges inside the battery module, the energy density per volume of the battery module decreases significantly.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology that can provide a battery pack with a high energy density while improving the performance of the battery pack by effectively cooling the battery pack. REVELATION Technical problem

[0011] The present disclosure is configured to solve the problems of the prior art, and therefore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack that can more effectively cool a plurality of secondary batteries housed therein.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description and will become more apparent from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will also be readily understood that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by the means and combinations thereof pointed out in the appended claims. Technical solution

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of plate-shaped secondary batteries stacked in a first direction, and a plurality of heat dissipation plates alternately interposed between the plurality of secondary batteries, each heat dissipation plate having a coolant inlet portion and a coolant outlet portion and a coolant moving portion therebetween, the heat dissipation plates each including a base plate and side walls extending from the base plate, both side surfaces of each base plate formed on the heat dissipation plates being configured to face each of the side surfaces of the two secondary batteries, wherein the conducted heat is radiated from the top or bottom surface of the heat dissipation plate.

[0014] The secondary battery may also include an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween; and an outer side having a receiving portion configured to receive and seal the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte, and arranged to stand upright so that the receiving portion is aligned to both sides.

[0015] Further, the heat dissipation plate may include a base plate provided to face a side surface of the secondary battery on which the receiving portion is formed; and side walls extending from an outer edge of the base plate toward the secondary battery to surround the front end, the upper end, the lower end, and the rear end of the secondary battery.

[0016] Furthermore, the coolant moving portion may be formed in a space between the front end, the upper end, the lower end, and the rear end of the receiving portion and the side walls of the heat dissipation plate.

[0017] Further, the side walls of the heat dissipation plate may include a front side wall, a rear side wall, an upper side wall, and a lower side wall.

[0018] Corner portions ribbed toward the arrangement of the plurality of secondary batteries may also be formed on the upper and lower portions of an inner surface of the front side wall or the rear side wall.

[0019] Furthermore, the corner portion may have an inclined surface extending from the front side wall or the rear side wall to the upper side wall or the lower side wall.

[0020] In addition, a coupling protrusion protruding to another heat dissipation plate may be formed at the corner portion.

[0021] Further, an insertion groove may be formed on the heat dissipation plate so that a coupling projection formed on another heat dissipation plate is inserted therein.

[0022] A grip portion extending at an inclination from the base plate may also be formed on the side wall of the heat dissipation plate to closely fit and support an outer surface of the secondary battery.

[0023] In addition, at least two support projections projecting upward or downward may be formed on the handle portion to support and fix the inner surface of the upper side wall or the lower side wall of the side plate.

[0024] In addition, the electrode line may be inserted into the insertion hole of the bus bar assembly and be in contact with the bus bar in a state where one end of the electrode line is bent in a left direction or in a right direction.

[0025] Further, a leaf spring may be mounted on an inner side surface of the end cover to urge an end of the electrode lead in contact with the bus bar toward the bus bar.

[0026] At least a portion of a surface of the end cover opposite the surface to which the leaf spring is mounted may also have a honeycomb structure.

[0027] In addition, a stopper protruding toward the secondary battery accommodating portion may be formed on the bus bar frame to prevent the secondary battery from moving forward or backward.

[0028] Furthermore, the stopper may have a plate shape whose left and right side surfaces are wider than its upper and lower surfaces, and a guide projection may be formed on a left side surface or a right side surface of the stopper so that the coolant introduced into the introduction hole is distributed in an upper and lower direction.

[0029] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery pack comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of secondary batteries arranged in a left and right direction, and a plurality of heat dissipation plates interposed between the plurality of secondary batteries, the heat dissipation plates having an inlet portion and an outlet portion recessed so that a coolant is introduced from the outside or discharged to the outside, and the heat dissipation plates having a coolant moving portion at which a moving space is formed so that the coolant moves to a front end, an upper end, a lower end, and a rear end of the secondary batteries; a bus bar assembly located at a front side or a rear side of the cell assembly and including a plurality of bus bars electrically connected to electrode leads provided on the plurality of secondary batteries, respectively, and a bus bar frame to which the bus bars are mounted, the bus bar frame having insertion holes into which the electrode leads of the secondary batteries are inserted, and a sensor circuit board mounted on the bus bar frame and electrically connected to the plurality of bus bars; an end cover coupled to a surface of the busbar assembly and having a vent hole communicating with the coolant moving portion so that the coolant is introduced from the outside or discharged to the outside; and a plurality of side plates each configured to surround both the left and right side surfaces of the cell assembly.

[0030] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is also provided comprising the battery pack as above. Beneficial effects

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack includes a heat dissipation plate having a coolant moving portion formed on its inner side and accommodating the secondary batteries, and therefore, the secondary batteries accommodated in the battery pack can be effectively cooled even if there is no separate space for moving the coolant within the cell assembly.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, both side surfaces of the base plate formed on the heat dissipation plate are configured to face the accommodating portions of two secondary batteries. Thus, the heat generated by the secondary batteries of the cell assembly can be efficiently conducted to the heat dissipation plate, and the conducted heat can be dissipated to the open top or bottom of the heat dissipation plate, thereby ensuring an excellent cooling effect.

[0033] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the coolant can also be introduced to move from the front end of the secondary battery to the upper end or lower end thereof using the inclined surface of the corner portion of the heat dissipation plate. This minimizes the deterioration of the cooling effect due to coolant stagnation, and improves the cooling efficiency of the battery pack.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the leaf spring mounted on the end cover presses and fixes the outer surface of the electrode lead into contact with the bus bar, the welding process between the electrode lead and the bus bar can be omitted, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and thus reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the stopper formed on the bus bar frame effectively prevents the plurality of secondary batteries located inside the battery pack from moving forward or backward, it is possible to effectively prevent the connection structure of the electrode line and the bus bar of the secondary battery from being broken or the internal configuration of the secondary battery from being damaged.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the guide projection formed on the stopper can effectively guide the coolant introduced into the battery pack to the coolant moving portion, the coolant can move smoothly without stagnation and thereby effectively cool the battery pack. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a secondary battery used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a side view schematically showing a secondary battery and a heat dissipation plate used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the secondary battery and the heat dissipation plate used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing some components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view schematically showing an end cover used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a front view schematically showing the end cover used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a plan view schematically showing some components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. BEST EXECUTION

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before proceeding, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to generic and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define terms for the best explanation.

[0039] Therefore, the description proposed herein is only an advantageous example for illustrative purposes, which is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, so that other equivalents and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a secondary battery used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 3, a battery pack 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cell assembly 100, a bus bar assembly 220, an end cover 230, and a side plate 240.

[0042] Here, the cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of secondary batteries 110 arranged in a left and right direction.

[0043] The secondary battery 110 here may be a pouch-type secondary battery 110. Specifically, the pouch-type secondary battery 110 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch.

[0044] Here, the pouch may include two pouches, namely a left pouch and a right pouch, each of which has a receiving portion 115 formed therein with a concave shape. Furthermore, each pouch includes an outer insulating layer, a metal layer, and an inner adhesive layer, and a sealing portion 116 may be formed by fusing inner adhesive layers at an edge portion of the pouch. The receiving assembly 115 may also receive and seal the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. Furthermore, the secondary battery 110 may be arranged such that the receiving portion 115 faces both sides of the cell assembly 100 in the left and right directions.

[0045] Furthermore, the electrode assembly is an assembly of an electrode and a separator, and at least one positive electrode plate and at least one negative electrode plate may be arranged with a separator interposed therebetween. A first electrode plate of the electrode assembly includes a first electrode rod, and at least one first electrode rod may be connected to the first electrode lead 111A. Here, one end of the first electrode lead 111A is connected to the first electrode rod, and the other end thereof is exposed outside the bag. The exposed portion may function as an electrode terminal of the secondary battery 110, for example, as a positive electrode terminal of the secondary battery 110.

[0046] Furthermore, a second electrode plate of the electrode assembly includes a second electrode rod, and at least one second electrode rod may be connected to the second electrode lead 111B. One end of the second electrode lead 111B may also be connected to the second electrode rod, and the other end thereof is exposed outside the bag. The exposed portion may function as an electrode terminal of the secondary battery 110, for example, as a negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery 110.

[0047] At this time, the first electrode rod and the second electrode rod of the secondary battery 110 may be a positive electrode rod or a negative electrode rod, and the first electrode line 111A and the second electrode line 111B may be a positive electrode line or a negative electrode line. Furthermore, the first electrode line 111A and the second electrode line 111B may be electrode lines 111 with different polarities. For example, the first electrode line 111A may be a positive electrode line, and the second electrode line 111B may be a negative electrode line.

[0048] Further, the positive electrode line and the negative electrode line may be formed on opposite sides with respect to the center of the secondary battery 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, each secondary battery 110 may be configured such that the first electrode line 111A and the second electrode line 111B protrude forward and backward, respectively.

[0049] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in a secondary battery 110, there is no overlap between the positive electrode line 111 and the negative electrode line 112, and thus it is possible to increase the area of ​​the electrode line 111. Furthermore, the welding process between the electrode lines 111 and the welding process between the electrode line 111 and the busbar 221 can be performed more easily.

[0050] Also, the first electrode line 111A and the second negative electrode line 111B may be configured to have a plate shape. Specifically, the first electrode line 111A and the second electrode line 111B may protrude horizontally in the standing state so that their wide surfaces face left and right, and the end of the electrode line 111 may be bent to the right or left.

[0051] Furthermore, the secondary battery 110 may be provided in multiples in the battery pack 200, and the plurality of secondary batteries 110 may be arranged in at least one direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the plurality of pouch-type secondary batteries 110 can be stacked in parallel on the right and left. At this time, each pouch-type secondary battery 110 can be arranged so that it is approximately perpendicular to the ground, so that two wide surfaces are located on the left and right, respectively, and the sealing portions 116 are located at an upper, a lower, a front, and a rear portion, as viewed in the direction F (in Fig. 1 shown).

[0052] In other words, each secondary battery 110 can be configured in a vertically standing form. At the same time, in this specification, the upper, lower, front, rear, right, and left directions are defined based on the direction F (in Fig. 1 shown), unless otherwise stated.

[0053] The configuration of the pouch-type secondary battery 110 described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described in further detail here. Furthermore, the battery pack 200 according to the present disclosure can utilize various types of secondary batteries 110 known at the time of filing this application.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a side view schematically showing a secondary battery and a heat dissipation plate used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the secondary battery and the heat dissipation plate used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] With reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 together with Fig. 3, the cell assembly 100 may further include a plurality of heat dissipation plates 130.

[0056] Here, the heat dissipation plate 130 may be interposed between the plurality of secondary batteries 110. The heat dissipation plate 130 may also accommodate at least a portion of the secondary battery 110 therein. Furthermore, the secondary battery 110 may be applied to at least one of the left and right side surfaces of the heat dissipation plate 130.

[0057] For example in Fig. 2, six heat dissipation plates 130 may be interposed between seven secondary batteries 110. Furthermore, the side plate 240 may be positioned on the left and right sides of the cell assembly 100, respectively.

[0058] Furthermore, the heat dissipation plate 130 may have an inlet portion 131A and an outlet portion 131B so that a coolant can be introduced from the outside or discharged to the outside. Specifically, a front end of the heat dissipation plate 130 may be partially recessed in the right direction compared to the rest of the portion to form the inlet portion 131A. A rear end of the heat dissipation plate 130 may also be partially recessed in the right direction compared to the rest of the portion to form the outlet portion 131B.

[0059] That is, the coolant can be introduced to the heat dissipation plate 130 from the outside through the inlet portion 131A formed at the front end, and the introduced coolant can be discharged to the outside through the outlet portion 131B formed at the rear end.

[0060] Further, the heat dissipation plate 130 may include a coolant moving portion 132 having a moving space such that the coolant moves from a front end 110a, an upper end 110c, a lower end 110d, and a rear end 110b of the secondary battery 110 and contacts the secondary battery 110.

[0061] That is, the coolant moving portion 132 may have a structure in which the heat dissipation plate 130 is spaced apart from the front end 110a, the upper end 110c, the lower end 110d, and the rear end 110b of the secondary battery 110 by a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the coolant introduced through the inlet portion 131A may be discharged at the coolant moving portion 132 through the outlet portion 131B sequentially via the front end 110a, the upper end 110c, and the rear end 110b of the secondary battery 110.

[0062] Further, the coolant introduced through the inlet portion 131A can be discharged at the coolant moving portion 132 through the outlet portion 131B in sequence via the front end 110a, the lower end 110d, and the rear end 110b of the secondary battery 110.

[0063] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the heat dissipation plate 130 forms the coolant moving portion 132 inside which the secondary battery 110 is housed, and thus it is possible to effectively cool the secondary battery 110 even if no separate space for moving the coolant is formed inside the cell assembly 100.

[0064] Although the coolant is usually only in contact with the heat dissipation plate 130, in the present disclosure, the coolant further flows through the front end 110a, the upper end 110c, the lower end 110d, and the rear end 110b of the secondary battery 110, which directly cools the secondary battery 110, thereby maximizing the cooling rate and efficiency.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing some components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 6 together with Fig. 2, the busbar assembly 220 may be located on a front side or a rear side of the cell assembly 100. Furthermore, the busbar assembly 220 may include a plurality of busbars 221, each electrically connected to the electrode lines 111 of the plurality of secondary batteries 110.

[0067] Here, the bus bar 221 may be made of an electrically conductive material with a relatively high electrical conductivity. Thus, the bus bar 221 configured as above may contact at least one of the first electrode line 111A and the second electrode line 111B of the plurality of secondary batteries 110 to electrically connect the secondary batteries 110 to each other.

[0068] For example, the bus bar 221 may contact a plurality of electrode lines 111 having the same polarity or a plurality of electrode lines 111 having different polarities to electrically connect the plurality of secondary batteries 110.

[0069] Furthermore, the busbar 221 may be in the shape of a metal plate. Specifically, the shape of the metal plate may be in the shape of a beam elongated in one direction. Furthermore, the metal may be an alloy containing, for example, copper, aluminum, nickel, or the like. Furthermore, the beam shape of the busbar 221 may be bent at least once. Furthermore, the busbar 221 may have a rectangular frame shape.

[0070] One end of the bus bar 221 may also be electrically connected to the sensor circuit board 250. Furthermore, the sensor circuit board 250 may include a measuring element for measuring the voltage, current, or the like of the plurality of secondary batteries 110.

[0071] Furthermore, the busbar assembly 220 may further include a busbar frame 225. Here, the busbar frame 225 may comprise an electrically insulating material. For example, the busbar frame 225 may comprise a plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride.

[0072] In addition, the busbar 221 can be mounted on an outer side surface of the busbar frame 225. The busbar 221 can also be fixed to the busbar frame 225 using a fastening screw. Alternatively, an insertion groove 225H is formed in the outer side surface of the busbar frame 225, into which the busbar 221 is inserted and fixed.

[0073] Also with reference to Fig. 6 together with Fig. 3, an insertion hole H1 for inserting the electrode lead 111 of the secondary battery 110 may be formed in the busbar frame 225. Furthermore, the electrode lead 111 may be inserted into the insertion hole H1 to protrude forward or backward, and the end of the electrode lead 111 may be bent to the left or right direction to contact the outer side surface of the busbar 221.

[0074] In addition, the introduction hole H1 can serve as a passage through which the coolant introduced from the outside can move to the inlet portion 131A of the heat dissipation plate 130. Furthermore, the introduction hole H1 of the bus bar assembly 220 near the outlet portion 131B of the heat dissipation plate 130 can be used as a passage through which the coolant discharged from the outlet portion 131B flows out.

[0075] Again with reference to Fig. 2, the end cover 230 may be coupled to the outer side surface of the busbar assembly 220. Specifically, the end cover 230 located on the front side of the battery pack 200 may be coupled to the front surface of the busbar assembly 220 located on the front side, and the end cover 230 located on the rear side of the battery pack 200 may be coupled to the rear surface of the busbar assembly 220 located on the rear side. At this time, the coupling method may be a screw coupling and / or a hook coupling.

[0076] Again referring to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, a vent hole H2 may be formed in the end cover 230 so that the coolant can be introduced into the battery pack 200 from the outside or discharged from the inside of the battery pack 200 to the outside.

[0077] Specifically, the vent hole H2 may communicate with the insertion hole H1 formed in the busbar frame 225 of the busbar assembly 220, which is coupled to the end cover 230. That is, the vent hole H2 of the end cover 230 may be connected to the inlet portion 131A of the heat dissipation plate 130, so that the coolant can flow to the coolant moving portion 132 formed in the heat dissipation plate 130 because the insertion hole H1 of the busbar frame 225 communicates with the inlet portion 131A or the outlet portion 131B of the heat dissipation plate 130.

[0078] Furthermore, the side plate 240 may be provided in multiples. The plurality of side plates 240 may be configured to surround both the left and right side surfaces of the cell assembly 100.

[0079] In particular, the side plate 240 may serve as an exterior surface within the battery pack 200. Accordingly, the side plate 240 provides structural stability to the battery pack 200 and protects the components housed therein, such as the cell assembly 100, from other external physical factors such as impacts and substances.

[0080] For this purpose, the side plate 240 can be made of a metal material such as stainless steel, steel or aluminum.

[0081] In particular, when the side plate 240 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, the heat generated in the cell assembly 100 can be effectively dissipated from the side plate 240 due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum.

[0082] For example in Fig. 2, the battery pack 200 of the present disclosure may include two side plates 240 arranged to respectively surround both the left and right surfaces of the cell assembly 100.

[0083] Again with reference to Fig. 4 together with Fig. 2, the heat dissipation plate 130 may include a base plate 133 and a side wall 135 extending from the base plate 133. Specifically, the base plate 133 may be configured to face a side surface of the secondary battery 110 on which the receiving portion 115 is formed.

[0084] That is, the base plate 133 may be arranged in an upright manner so as to face the left and right side surfaces of the secondary battery 110. For example, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the left side surface of the base plate 133 may be configured to face the receiving portion 115 of the secondary battery 110 housed in the heat dissipation plate 130. Furthermore, the right side surface of the base plate 133 may be configured to face a receiving portion 115 of another secondary battery 110 adjacent thereto.

[0085] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, both side surfaces of the base plate 133 formed on the heat dissipation plate 130 are configured to face the accommodating portion 115 of two secondary batteries 110, so that the heat generated by the secondary batteries 110 of the cell assembly 100 can be conducted to the heat dissipation plate 130 with high conductivity. Furthermore, the conducted heat can be dissipated to the open top or bottom of the heat dissipation plate 130. Accordingly, the heat dissipation plate 130 can improve the cooling effect of the cell assembly 100.

[0086] Furthermore, the side wall 135 of the heat dissipation plate 130 may extend toward the secondary battery 110 to surround the front end 110a, the upper end 110c, the lower end 110d, and the rear end 110b of the secondary battery 110 at an outer edge of the base plate 133. Further, the side wall 135 may have a space formed in at least a part thereof to be spaced apart from the front end 115a, the upper end 115c, the lower end 115d, and the rear end 115b of the accommodating portion 115 of the secondary battery 110 by a predetermined distance. For example, the extended end of the side wall 135 may be spaced apart from the accommodating portion 115 of the secondary battery 110.

[0087] Furthermore, the coolant moving portion 132 may be formed as a space between the front end 115a, the upper end 115c, the lower end 115d, and the rear end 115b of the receiving portion 115 and the side wall 135 of the heat dissipation plate 130. In other words, the coolant moving portion 132 may have a moving space through which the coolant moves sequentially to the front end 115a, the upper end 115c, and the rear end 115b of the receiving portion 115, or moves sequentially to the front end 115a, the lower end 115d, and the rear end 115b of the receiving portion 115.

[0088] As in Fig. 4, the side wall 135 of the heat dissipation plate 130 may further include a front side wall 135a, a rear side wall 135b, an upper side wall 135c, and a lower side wall 135d. Furthermore, the front side wall 135a, the rear side wall 135b, the upper side wall 135c, and the lower side wall 135d are spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the front end 115a, the lower end 115d, and the rear end 115b of the receiving portion 115 to form the coolant moving portion 132.

[0089] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the heat dissipation plate 130 forms the coolant moving portion 132 for allowing the coolant to move around the outer periphery of the accommodating portion 115 of the secondary battery 110, it is possible to directly cool the accommodating portion 115 of the secondary battery 110, where intense heat is generated, and the coolant can move without much resistance. Accordingly, the battery pack 200 can be effectively cooled.

[0090] Further, corner portions 136, which are ribbed toward the arrangement of the plurality of secondary batteries 110, may be formed at an upper portion and a lower portion of the inner surface of the front side wall 135a or the rear side wall 135b of the heat dissipation plate 130. Specifically, the corner portions 136 may be formed at the front end and the rear end of the inner surface of the heat dissipation plate 130, respectively. Moreover, when the heat dissipation plate 130 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the side, the corner portion 136 may be formed at each corner of the rectangle.

[0091] For example in Fig. 4, at the corner between the front side wall 135a and the upper side wall 135c of the heat dissipation plate 130, a portion of the inner surface of the base plate 133 may be ribbed toward the arrangement of the plurality of secondary batteries 110 (in the left and right directions) to form the corner portion 136.

[0092] Furthermore, the corner portion 136 may include an inclined surface 136S extending from the front sidewall 135a or the rear sidewall 135b to the upper sidewall 135c or the lower sidewall 135d. Specifically, the corner portion 136 may include the inclined surface 136S to guide the coolant to move from the front end 110a of the secondary battery 110 to the upper end 110c or the lower end 110d.

[0093] For example in Fig. 4, the corner portion 136 formed at the upper portion of the front side wall 135a of the heat dissipation plate 130 may include an inclined surface 136S extending from the front side wall 135a to the upper side wall 135c. Likewise, the corner portion 136 formed at the lower portion of the front side wall 135a of the heat dissipation plate 130 may include an inclined surface 136S extending from the front side wall 135a to the lower side wall 135d.

[0094] Furthermore, the corner portion 136 formed at the upper portion of the rear sidewall 135b of the heat dissipation plate 130 may include an inclined surface 136S extending from the rear sidewall 135b to the upper sidewall 135c. The corner portion 136 formed at the lower portion of the rear sidewall 135b of the heat dissipation plate 130 may also include an inclined surface 136S extending from the rear sidewall 135b to the lower sidewall 135d.

[0095] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the corner portion 136 has the inclined surface 136S, it is possible to guide the coolant to move from the front end 110a of the secondary battery 110 to the upper end 110c or the lower end 110d, thereby allowing the coolant to move in a desired direction without much resistance. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the deterioration of the cooling effect due to coolant stagnation can be reduced, and the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 200 can be improved.

[0096] In addition, Fig. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] With reference to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 together with Fig. 4, a coupling protrusion 136P protruding toward another heat dissipation plate 130 may be formed on the corner portion 136. Furthermore, the coupling protrusion 136P may be formed by protruding at least a portion of the ribbed upper surface of the corner portion 136. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, four coupling protrusions 136P may be formed on the left side surface of the heat dissipation plate 130 to protrude from the corner portions 136, respectively.

[0098] Furthermore, an insertion groove 136H may be formed on the heat dissipation plate 130 such that the coupling protrusion 136P formed on another heat dissipation plate 130 is inserted therein. That is, the insertion groove 136H may have an inner shape into which the coupling protrusion 136P can be inserted and fixed.

[0099] For example in Fig. 5, four insertion grooves 136H may be formed on the right side surface of the heat dissipation plate 130. In addition, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the six heat dissipation plates 130 are arranged so that they are stacked such that the coupling projection 136P is inserted into the insertion groove 136H.

[0100] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the plurality of heat dissipation plates 130 are fixed to each other using the coupling protrusion 136P and the insertion groove 136H so as to easily have a uniform arrangement, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack 200.

[0101] Furthermore, the side wall 135 of the heat dissipation plate 130 may include a grip portion 137 so that at least a portion of the side wall 135 tightly abuts and supports the outer surface of the secondary battery 110. Furthermore, the grip portion 137 may be formed by a portion of the side wall 135 extending convexly outwardly from the base plate 133 at a slope.

[0102] For example in Fig. 5, the grip portion 137 may be formed on the front side wall 135a, the upper side wall 135c, the lower side wall 135d, and the rear side wall 135b of the heat dissipation plate 130 to extend at a slope from the base plate 133.

[0103] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the heat dissipation plate 130 stably accommodates the accommodating portion of the secondary battery 110 via the inner surface of the grip portion 137, and the contact area between the heat dissipation plate 130 and the secondary battery 110 is increased, thereby improving the cooling effect of the secondary battery 110.

[0104] In addition, the grip portion 137 may have at least two support projections 137T projecting upwardly or downwardly. Specifically, the support projection 137T is formed to be ribbed to support the inner surface of the upper side wall 240a ( Fig. 1) or the lower side wall 240b ( Fig. 1) to support and fix the side plate 240 mounted on the outer surface of the heat dissipation plate 130.

[0105] That is, when the inner surface of the upper side wall 240a or the lower side wall 240b of the side plate 240 has a horizontal surface, the support projection 137T may be formed to be ribbed upwardly or downwardly so as to have a horizontal outer surface from the grip portion 137.

[0106] With reference to Fig. 5, for example, eleven support projections 137T may be formed to be ribbed upward from the grip portion 137 on the outer surface of the upper side wall 240a of the heat dissipation plate 130, and eleven support projections 137T may be formed to be ribbed downward from the grip portion 137 on the outer surface of the lower side wall 240b of the heat dissipation plate 130.

[0107] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the support protrusion 137T formed on the grip portion 137 enables the side plate 240 coupled to the heat dissipation plate 130 to be easily assembled and fixed, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0108] Fig. Figure 8 is a rear perspective view schematically showing an end cover used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a front view schematically showing the end cover used in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] With reference to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 together with Fig. 6, a leaf spring 232 may be mounted on an inner side surface 230a of the end cover 230. Specifically, the leaf spring 232 may be positioned so that one end of the electrode lead 111 in contact with the bus bar 221 is urged toward the bus bar 221.

[0110] Furthermore, the leaf spring 232 may have a plate shape extending in a vertical direction. Furthermore, an upper end and a lower end of the plate-shaped leaf spring 232 may be inserted into the end cover 230 and fixed. Furthermore, a central portion of the leaf spring 232 may have a curved shape bent in the front and rear directions to have elasticity capable of exerting a compressive force in the front and rear directions.

[0111] For example in Fig. As shown in Fig. 8, seven leaf springs 232 may be mounted on the inner side surface 230a of the end cover 230. Moreover, each of the seven leaf springs 232 may press and fix the outer surface of the electrode lead 111 into contact with the bus bar 221.

[0112] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the welding process for electrically connecting the electrode lead 111 and the bus bar 221 can be omitted, and a reliable connection state can be maintained by simply attaching the end cover 230 to the bus bar assembly 220. Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the manufacturing process of the battery pack 200 is simplified, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0113] In addition, hook structures 233 may be formed on both the left and right side ends of the end cover 230 for coupling to the busbar assembly 220. As shown in Fig. 6, coupling holes H3 may also be formed on both the left and right side portions of the bus bar frame 225 so that the hook structure 233 of the end cover 230 can be attached thereto.

[0114] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the end cover 230 can be fixed to the bus bar frame 225 by simply pushing the end cover 230 inward onto the bus bar assembly 220, the assembly process can be performed easily and quickly.

[0115] Furthermore, the end cover 230 may be formed such that at least a portion of the outer side surface 230b includes a honeycomb structure 234. Specifically, the honeycomb structure 234 may be formed on a surface opposite the surface to which the leaf spring 232 is mounted. That is, while the end cover 230 is coupled to the busbar assembly 220, a collision may occur between the leaf spring 232 and the busbar 221, and at this time, the collision force may be transmitted to the end cover 230 to damage the end cover 230.

[0116] For this reason, in the present disclosure, the honeycomb structure 234 is formed on the opposite surface 230b (the outer side surface) of the inner side surface 230a of the end cover 230 to which the leaf spring 232 is mounted, and thus it is possible to effectively prevent the end cover 230 from being damaged due to the fastening process of the end cover 230 or due to the collision with an external object.

[0117] Fig. 10 is a plan view schematically showing some components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] With reference to Fig. 10, a stopper 235, which projects toward the receiving portion 115 of the secondary battery 110, may be provided on the busbar frame 225 ( Fig. 6) of the busbar assembly 220. Furthermore, the stopper 235 may protrude to prevent the secondary battery 110 from moving forward or backward. Furthermore, a protruding end of the stopper 235 may be positioned to face the front end or rear end of the receiving portion 115 of the secondary battery 110.

[0119] For example in Fig. 10, six stoppers 235 may be formed on the inner side surface of the bus bar frame of the bus bar assembly 220, and the six stoppers 235 may be arranged to face the accommodating portion 115 of the secondary battery 110, respectively.

[0120] Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the stopper 235 effectively prevents the plurality of secondary batteries 110 located inside the battery pack 200 from moving forward or backward because a forward or backward force is suddenly applied to the battery pack 200 due to an external force, and thus it is possible to effectively prevent the connection structure between the electrode line 111 of the secondary battery 110 and the bus bar 221 from being damaged or the internal components of the secondary battery 110 from being damaged.

[0121] The stopper 235 may also have a plate shape with left and right side surfaces 235a that are wider than their lower and upper surfaces. Furthermore, a guide projection 235P may be formed on the left side surface or the right side surface of the stopper 235 to guide the coolant introduced into the introduction hole H1 ( Fig. 6) of the busbar frame 225 in a desired direction. Furthermore, the guide projection 235P may be configured to guide the coolant introduced into the insertion hole H1 of the busbar frame 225 ( Fig. 6) of the busbar assembly 220, in the upper and lower directions.

[0122] Specifically, the guide protrusion 235P may include a beam 235P1 extending in the front and rear directions and a beam 235P2 extending in the upper and lower directions, which are coupled to each other. That is, the guide protrusion 235P may have a "T" shape and be horizontal.

[0123] For example in Fig. As shown in FIG. 10, the horizontally directed T-shaped guide protrusion 235P may be formed on the right side surface 235a of each of the six stoppers 235 formed on the bus bar frame of the bus bar assembly 220. That is, since the guide protrusion 235P guides the coolant introduced from the outside to move in the upper and lower directions, the coolant can be guided to move toward the upper end and lower end of the accommodating portion 115 of the secondary battery 110 accommodated in the heat dissipation plate 130.

[0124] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the guide protrusion 235P can effectively guide the coolant introduced into the battery pack 200 to the coolant moving portion 132, the coolant can thus move smoothly without stagnation, thereby effectively cooling the plurality of secondary batteries 110 of the battery pack 200.

[0125] Again with reference to Fig. 6, the sensor circuit board 250 may have a connection hole H4 formed therein for electrically connecting to the plurality of busbars 221. Furthermore, a connection protrusion 235P may be formed at one end of the busbar 221 to be inserted into the connection hole H4 formed in the sensor circuit board 250.

[0126] For example in Fig. 6, the sensor circuit board 250 may be mounted on the lower side of the outer side surface of the busbar assembly 220. Furthermore, a connecting protrusion 235P may be formed at the bottom of each of the four busbars 221 for connecting to the connecting hole H4 formed in the sensor circuit board 250.

[0127] Furthermore, a battery pack according to the present disclosure may include at least one battery pack 200 according to the present disclosure. The battery pack according to the present disclosure may further include, in addition to the battery pack 200, a pack case for accommodating the battery pack 200 and various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery pack 200, for example, a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, a fuse, and the like. Furthermore, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may be used in a device such as an energy storage system. In other words, the device according to the present disclosure may include the above-mentioned battery pack.

[0128] Although the description uses terms indicating directions such as upper, lower, left, right, front and rear, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that these are merely relative positions that facilitate explanation and may vary depending on the position of an observer or an object.

[0129] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are for purposes of illustration only. Reference symbol 200 battery pack 100 cell assembly 110 Secondary battery 115 Recording section 130 heat dissipation plate 131A Inlet section 131B Outlet section 132 Coolant movement section 133 Base plate 135 side wall 136 corner section 136S inclined surface 136P coupling projection 136H insertion groove 137 Handle section 137T support projection 220 Busbar assembly 221 busbar 225 busbar frames H1 insertion hole 230 End cover 232 leaf spring 234 Honeycomb structure 235 stop 235P lead H2 vent hole 240 side plate 250 sensor circuit board QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2017-0164183

[0002]

Claims

[1] Battery pack comprising: a cell assembly comprising a plurality of plate-shaped secondary batteries stacked in a first direction, and a plurality of heat dissipation plates alternately interposed between the plurality of secondary batteries, wherein each heat dissipation plate has a coolant inlet portion and a coolant outlet portion and a coolant moving portion therebetween, wherein the heat dissipation plates each comprise a base plate and side walls extending from the base plate, wherein both side surfaces of each base plate formed on the heat dissipation plates are configured to face each of the side surfaces of the two secondary batteries, wherein the conducted heat is radiated from the top or bottom of the heat dissipation plate. [2] A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween; and an outer side having a receiving portion configured to receive and seal the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte, and arranged to stand upright so that the receiving portion is aligned to both sides, wherein the heat dissipation plate contains: a base plate provided so as to face a side surface of the secondary battery on which the receiving portion is formed; and Side walls extending from an outer edge of the base plate toward the secondary battery to surround the front end, top end, bottom end, and rear end of the secondary battery, wherein the coolant moving portion is formed in a space between the front end, the upper end, the lower end and the rear end of the receiving portion and the side walls of the heat dissipation plate. [3] Battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the side walls of the heat dissipation plate include a front side wall, a rear side wall, an upper side wall and a lower side wall, wherein corner portions ribbed toward the arrangement of the plurality of secondary batteries are formed on the upper and lower portions of an inner surface of the front side wall or the rear side wall, and wherein the corner portion has an inclined surface extending from the front side wall or the rear side wall to the upper side wall or the lower side wall. [4] Battery pack according to claim 3, wherein a coupling projection projecting to another heat dissipation plate is formed at the corner portion, and wherein an insertion groove is formed on the heat dissipation plate so that a coupling projection formed on another heat dissipation plate is inserted therein. [5] The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein a grip portion extending at an inclination from the base plate is formed on the side wall of the heat dissipation plate to closely fit and support an outer surface of the secondary battery. [6] The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein at least two support projections projecting upward or downward are formed on the grip portion to support and fix the inner surface of the upper side wall or the lower side wall of the side plate. [7] The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the electrode lead is inserted into the insertion hole of the bus bar assembly and is in contact with the bus bar in a state where one end of the electrode lead is bent in a left direction or a right direction. [8] The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein a leaf spring is mounted on an inner side surface of the end cover to urge an end of the electrode lead in contact with the bus bar toward the bus bar. [9] The battery pack of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the end cover opposite the surface to which the leaf spring is mounted has a honeycomb structure. [10] The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein a stopper projecting toward the secondary battery accommodating portion is formed on the bus bar frame to prevent the secondary battery from moving forward or backward. [11] Battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the stopper has a plate shape whose left and right side surfaces are wider than their upper and lower surfaces, and wherein a guide projection is formed on a left side surface or a right side surface of the stopper so that the coolant introduced into the introduction hole is distributed in an upper and lower direction. [12] Battery pack comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of secondary batteries arranged in a left and right direction, and a plurality of heat dissipation plates interposed between the plurality of secondary batteries, the heat dissipation plates having an inlet portion and an outlet portion recessed so that a coolant is introduced from the outside or discharged to the outside, and the heat dissipation plates having a coolant moving portion at which a moving space is formed so that the coolant moves toward a front end, a lower end, and a rear end of the secondary batteries; a bus bar assembly located at a front side or a rear side of the cell assembly and including a plurality of bus bars electrically connected to electrode leads provided on the plurality of secondary batteries, respectively, and a bus bar frame to which the bus bars are mounted, the bus bar frame having insertion holes into which the electrode leads of the secondary batteries are inserted, and a sensor circuit board mounted on the bus bar frame and electrically connected to the plurality of bus bars; an end cover coupled to a surface of the busbar assembly and having a vent hole communicating with the coolant moving portion so that the coolant is introduced from the outside or discharged to the outside; and a plurality of side plates each configured to surround both the left and right side surfaces of the cell assembly. [13] A device comprising the battery pack according to claim 12.

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