Battery pack and automobile including same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack with improved cooling performance. The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery modules, each including a plurality of battery cells and a cooling tube for cooling the plurality of battery cells; a pack case having an interior space and accommodating the plurality of battery modules in the interior space; and a pipe assembly provided within the pack case and connecting the cooling tubes of the plurality of battery modules in at least one direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack with improved cooling performance and a vehicle including the same. This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0181799 filed on December 22, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0082842 filed on June 27, 2023, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Secondary batteries, which are easy to apply to various products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which are powered by electrical sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency, not only because they have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce any by-products associated with energy use.

[0003] Currently widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery pack may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series and / or in parallel, a common method is to first configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to configure a battery pack or a battery rack.

[0005] When constructing such a battery pack, a battery module including a large number of battery cells is densely packed in a small space, and when a large number of battery cells are densely packed in a small space, the temperature of the battery cells increases due to continuous use, which can cause problems such as a decrease in performance of the battery pack due to a continuous increase in temperature inside the battery pack or an explosion of the battery pack, resulting in personal injury. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a battery pack with improved cooling performance by connecting a plurality of cooling tubes.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack configured so that its structure can be easily changed to suit the required cooling performance.

[0008] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery modules, each including a plurality of battery cells and a cooling tube for cooling the plurality of battery cells; a pack case having an interior space, the pack case accommodating the plurality of battery modules in the interior space; and a pipe assembly provided within the pack case, connecting the cooling tubes of the plurality of battery modules in at least one direction.

[0010] The pipe assembly may include an in-module pipe connecting cooling tubes within each battery module, and an out-module pipe connecting adjacent cooling tubes between the plurality of battery modules.

[0011] the plurality of battery modules include: the cooling tube, at least a portion of which is disposed between the plurality of battery cells along a longitudinal direction of the battery pack; and a plurality of side structure units configured to house the cooling tube and the plurality of battery cells; The pipe assembly may be disposed on one side of the pack case in a space between an inner wall of the pack case and the plurality of side structure units.

[0012] the cooling tube includes a main body portion disposed between the plurality of battery cells; and a protrusion portion connected to the main body portion and protruding from at least one side end of the main body portion, The pipe assembly may connect protrusions of the plurality of battery modules in the one direction.

[0013] The protrusion may include a plurality of ports on either side configured to be mated and connected to a pipe assembly.

[0014] The in-module pipe may include a pipe body having a flow path formed in an internal space thereof, and coupling portions provided on both sides of the pipe body and configured to be coupled to the ports.

[0015] The coupling portion may include a plurality of ribs protruding from an outer peripheral surface.

[0016] A first anti-play member is provided between the port and the pipe assembly, and the port may include a first groove configured to receive the first anti-play member.

[0017] The outer module pipe may be configured to be adjustable in length.

[0018] The outer module pipe may be composed of a plurality of pipe members that are variably and slidably coupled to each other.

[0019] A second anti-play member may be provided between the plurality of pipe members, and at least one of the plurality of pipe members that are joined together may be provided with a second groove configured to accommodate the second anti-play member.

[0020] the protrusion is provided in the internal space and includes a cooling fluid inlet / outlet port that communicates with the port; The main body may include a cooling passage provided in the interior space and communicating with the cooling fluid inlet / outlet.

[0021] The port may include a first inlet and a second inlet provided at corresponding positions on either side of the protrusion, and a first outlet and a second outlet provided at other corresponding positions on either side of the protrusion.

[0022] the cooling fluid inlet / outlet includes a first inlet / outlet communicating with the first inlet and the second inlet, and a second inlet / outlet communicating with the first outlet and the second outlet; The cooling flow passage may include a first flow passage in communication with the first inlet / outlet and a second flow passage in communication with the second inlet / outlet.

[0023] A motor vehicle according to the invention may include a battery pack according to the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of cooling tubes included in a battery pack are connected using a pipe assembly, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery pack. Furthermore, it is not necessary to apply a water supply system to each cooling tube, and by applying one water supply system to one cooling system having a plurality of cooling tubes connected via a pipe assembly, the cooling efficiency and space utilization rate of the battery pack can be improved.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of cooling tubes are connected using a pipe assembly, all of the cooling tubes can be connected using only two types of members: in-module pipes within a battery module and out-module pipes between battery modules, thereby facilitating the assembly and manufacturing processes.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, when a pipe assembly and a cooling tube are connected, play due to component tolerances caused by variations (deviations) in the manufacturing process of each component and / or assembly tolerances such as misalignment of central axes can be prevented or reduced. In addition, the connection between the pipe assembly and the cooling tube can improve the bonding strength and waterproof performance against the cooling fluid.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the structure of the in-module pipe can be easily modified depending on the flow rate of cooling fluid required for the cooling performance of the battery pack. Furthermore, as described above, if a first play prevention member is provided between the port and the coupling, the thickness of that portion can be increased to prevent deformation due to the repulsive force of the first play prevention member. Furthermore, even if the port and the coupling are coupled, the structure of the in-module pipe can be modified so that the inner diameter of the port and the inner diameter of the pipe body are approximately the same, minimizing friction caused by the flow of cooling fluid as it passes through the boundary between the coupling and the pipe body.

[0028] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, when an outer module pipe and a port are connected, play due to component tolerances resulting from variations (deviations) in the manufacturing process of each component and / or assembly tolerances, such as misalignment of central axes, can be prevented or reduced. Furthermore, the connection strength and waterproof performance against cooling fluids can be improved when connecting the outer module pipe and the port. The second play prevention member, which has a smaller coefficient of friction between one pipe and the other than the coefficient of friction between the other pipe, facilitates sliding to adjust the length of the outer module pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded view showing components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4. [Figure 6]1 is a diagram illustrating a coupling relationship between a battery module and a pipe assembly included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing a cooling tube included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a cooling fluid in a cooling tube included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an in-module pipe included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an in-module pipe included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an in-module pipe included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an in-module pipe included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an in-module pipe included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an in-module pipe included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outer module pipe included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating components of an outer module pipe included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a sliding method of an outer module pipe included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 illustrates some components of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of connecting outer module pipes between adjacent battery modules included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of connecting outer module pipes between adjacent battery modules included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of connecting outer module pipes between adjacent battery modules included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 1 illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention to be given later, serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the details shown in such drawings. The same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, in the drawings, thicknesses, ratios, and dimensions of components are exaggerated to effectively explain the technical contents.

[0031] The terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited way to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that corresponds to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms himself / herself in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0032] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up and down are used, but these terms are used for the convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this invention pertains (hereinafter referred to as "persons skilled in the art") that they may differ depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0033] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalent and modified embodiments that can be substituted for them at the time of this application.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing components of the battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a battery module 20 included in the battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] 1 to 3, a battery pack 2 according to the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules 20, a pack case 10, and a pipe assembly 30.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3 , each of the plurality of battery modules 20 may include a plurality of battery cells 210 and a cooling tube 220 .

[0037] Although the battery cell 210 is not shown in detail, a plurality of battery cells 210 may be provided. The battery cell 210 may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell 210 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case that houses the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The battery cell 210 may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0038] The cooling tubes 220 may be configured to allow cooling of the plurality of battery cells 210. The cooling tubes 220 may be configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow through an interior space of the cooling tubes 220. The cooling tubes 220 may be provided around the plurality of battery cells 210 and / or between the plurality of battery cells 210.

[0039] The pack case 10 may have an internal space. The pack case 10 may house a plurality of battery modules 20 in the internal space. The pack case 10 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The pack case 10 may include a case body 11 and a pack cover 12. The case body 11 is formed in a box shape with an open top, and may house a plurality of battery modules 20 in the internal space. The pack cover 12 may be formed in a lid shape that covers the open top portion of the case body 11.

[0040] The pipe assembly 30 may be provided inside the pack case 10. The pipe assembly 30 may be configured to connect the cooling tubes 220 in at least one direction. However, as shown in the drawings, the pipe assembly 30 is not configured to connect the cooling tubes 220 only in one direction, but may be configured to connect the cooling tubes 220 in the one direction and also in another direction beyond the one direction.

[0041] According to this configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling tubes 220 included in the battery pack 2 are connected using the pipe assembly 30, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery pack 2. Furthermore, it is not necessary to apply a water supply system to each cooling tube 220, and by applying one water supply system to one cooling system having the plurality of cooling tubes 220 connected via the pipe assembly 30, the cooling efficiency and space utilization rate of the battery pack 2 can be improved.

[0042] 4 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG.

[0043] 4 and 5, the pipe assembly 30 may include an in-module pipe 310 and an out-module pipe 320.

[0044] The in-module pipes 310 may connect the cooling tubes 220 in each battery module 20. The in-module pipes 310 may connect adjacent cooling tubes 220 within one battery module 20. The in-module pipes 310 may connect the cooling tubes 220 by forming a flow path in the internal space.

[0045] The outer module pipe 320 may connect adjacent cooling tubes 220 between multiple modules. The outer module pipe 320 may connect a pair of adjacent cooling tubes 220 between a pair of adjacent battery modules 20. The outer module pipe 320 may connect the cooling tubes 220 by forming a flow path in the internal space.

[0046] According to this configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, when connecting a plurality of cooling tubes 220 using the pipe assembly 30, all of the cooling tubes 220 can be connected using only two types of members: the in-module pipe 310 inside the battery module 20 and the out-module pipe 320 between the battery modules 20. This can facilitate the assembly process and the manufacturing process.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 3, the battery module 20 may include a side structure unit 230.

[0048] The side structure unit 230 may be configured to house the cooling tubes 220 and the plurality of battery cells 210. The side structure unit 230 may include a main unit 231 and an end unit 232.

[0049] The main unit 231 may be formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the battery module 20. There may be multiple main units 231. The main unit 231 may accommodate a plurality of batteries arranged in two rows in the width direction of the battery module 20. The main unit 231 may accommodate a plurality of batteries arranged in the longitudinal direction of the battery module 20 and may include a first battery accommodating portion 231a arranged on a first side of the main unit 231. The main unit 231 may accommodate a plurality of batteries arranged in the longitudinal direction of the battery module 20 and may include a second battery accommodating portion 231b arranged on a second side of the main unit 231 opposite to the first battery accommodating portion 231a.

[0050] The first battery accommodating section 231a may be provided in front of the main unit 231 (positive direction of the X axis) along the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) of the main unit 231. Such a first battery accommodating section 231a may accommodate a plurality of battery cells 210 arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) of the battery module 20. Therefore, a plurality of first battery accommodating sections 231a may be provided in front of the main unit 231 (positive direction of the X axis).

[0051] Each of the plurality of first battery accommodating portions 231 a may be formed in a concave shape corresponding to the outer surface of the battery cell 210 and may at least partially enclose the outer surface of the battery cell 210 .

[0052] The second battery accommodating section 231b may be provided behind the main unit 231 (negative direction of the X axis) along the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) of the main unit 231. Such a second battery accommodating section 231b may accommodate a plurality of battery cells 210 arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) of the battery module 20. Therefore, a plurality of second battery accommodating sections 231b may be provided behind the main unit 231 (negative direction of the X axis).

[0053] Each of the plurality of second battery accommodating portions 231b may be formed in a concave shape corresponding to the outer surface of the battery cell 210, and may at least partially enclose the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 210.

[0054] Such multiple second battery accommodating sections 231b can be arranged offset from the multiple first battery accommodating sections 231a in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the main unit 231 so as to accommodate a maximum number of battery cells 210 composed of cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0055] The pipe assembly 30 may be provided on one side of the pack case 10. Specifically, the pipe assembly 30 may be disposed in the space between the inner wall of the pack case 10 and the plurality of side structure units 230.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the coupling relationship between the battery module 20 and the pipe assembly 30 included in the battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The coupling structure between the plurality of battery cells 210 and the cooling tubes 220 via the side structure unit 230 will be described in more detail below.

[0058] 6, a cooling tube 220 may be sandwiched between the battery cells 210 arranged in two rows in the width direction (X-axis direction) among the plurality of battery cells 210. In the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells 210 between which the cooling tube 220 is sandwiched, a side structure unit 230 may house the battery cells 210 facing each other.

[0059] Specifically, in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module 20, the outermost end unit 232, the plurality of battery cells 210, the cooling tubes 220, the plurality of battery cells 210, and the main unit 231 are arranged, and then the plurality of battery cells 210, the cooling tubes 220, the plurality of battery cells 210, and the main unit 231 are arranged again in this order, and adjacent cooling tubes 220 can be coupled via the pipe assembly 30. Thereafter, the end unit 232 located at the outermost position on the opposite side in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery module 20 is finally arranged and coupled, thereby completing the coupling of the side structure unit 230, and the plurality of battery cells 210 and the cooling tubes 220 can be housed within the side structure unit 230.

[0060] According to this configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the cooling tubes 220 via the pipe assemblies 30 in each battery module 20 can be achieved simultaneously when the side structure unit 230, the plurality of battery cells 210, and the cooling tubes 220 are coupled, which simplifies the connection process of the pipe assemblies 30, shortens the assembly time of the pipe assemblies 30, and significantly improves the assembly quality.

[0061] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a cooling tube 220 included in a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of a cooling fluid in the cooling tube 220 included in a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] 7 to 9, the cooling tube 220 may include a main body portion 221 and a protrusion portion 222.

[0063] The body portion 221 may be provided between the plurality of battery cells 210. The body portion 221 may be provided between a pair of adjacent main units 231. The body portion 221 may be provided between the adjacent main unit 231 and end unit 232. The body portion 221 may have an internal space and may have a shape that generally corresponds to the outer surfaces of the plurality of adjacent battery cells 210.

[0064] The protrusion 222 may be connected to the main body 221 and protrude from at least one side end of the main body 221. The protrusion 222 may have an internal space and may be substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape. The protrusion 222 may be formed forward along the longitudinal direction of the side structure unit 230. The protrusion 222 may be provided between the ends of a pair of adjacent main units 231. The protrusion 222 may be provided between one side end of the adjacent main units 231 and one side end of the end unit 232.

[0065] 5, the pipe assembly 30 may connect the protrusions 222 in one direction. The pipe assembly 30 may connect the protrusions 222 at the front along the longitudinal direction (extension direction of the Y axis) of the side structure unit 230. The pipe assembly 30 may connect adjacent protrusions 222 on both sides of the protrusions 222.

[0066] According to this configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, by connecting the protrusion 222 only in one direction, there is no need to provide the protrusion 222 and the associated water supply system in the other direction opposite to the one direction, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery pack 2.

[0067] 8, the protrusion 222 may include a plurality of ports 223. The battery pack 2 may include a first anti-play member 40.

[0068] The ports 223 may be provided on both sides of the protrusion 222. Two ports 223 may be provided on each side of the protrusion 222. The ports 223 may be configured to be fitted into and connected to the pipe assembly 30. Each port 223 may be in the form of a pipe protruding from one side of the protrusion 222. The ports 223 may be in the form of a pipe having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pipe assembly 30 to be fitted into.

[0069] The first anti-play member 40 may be provided between the port 223 and the pipe assembly 30. The first anti-play member 40 may be an O-ring having a diameter that approximately corresponds to the diameter of the port 223. The first anti-play member 40 may include a rubber member.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 8, the port 223 may include a first groove H1.

[0071] The first groove H1 may be configured to accommodate the first anti-play member 40. The first groove H1 may be a groove formed along the outer periphery on the outer periphery of the port 223. The first groove H1 may be formed adjacent to an end of the port 223.

[0072] According to this configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, when the pipe assembly 30 and the cooling tube 220 are connected, it is possible to prevent or reduce play (gap) due to component tolerances caused by variations (deviations) in the manufacturing process of each component and / or assembly tolerances such as misalignment of central axes. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the connection strength and waterproof performance against the cooling fluid in the connection between the pipe assembly 30 and the cooling tube 220.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of cooling fluid in the cooling tube 220 included in the battery pack 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] 9, the protrusion 222 may include a cooling fluid inlet / outlet portion A. The main body portion 221 may include a cooling flow passage C.

[0075] The cooling fluid inlet / outlet portion A may be provided in the internal space of the protrusion 222. The cooling fluid inlet / outlet portion A may be in communication with the port 223.

[0076] The cooling flow path C may be provided in the internal space of the main body portion 221. The cooling flow path C may be in communication with the cooling fluid inlet / outlet portion A.

[0077] According to this configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid that flows in through the port 223 passes through the cooling fluid inlet / outlet part A, flows into the cooling channel C, and then flows out again through the port 223, thereby cooling the cooling tube 220 and the adjacent battery cell 210. A more detailed cooling process will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0078] The port 223 may include a first inlet I1, a second inlet I2, a first outlet O1, and a second outlet O2. The first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2 may be provided at corresponding positions on both sides of the protrusion 222. The first outlet O1 and the second outlet O2 may be provided at other corresponding positions on both sides of the protrusion 222. In the longitudinal direction of the battery module 20, the positions at which the first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2 are provided may be outer than the positions at which the first outlet O1 and the second outlet O2 are provided.

[0079] The cooling fluid inlet / outlet section A may include a first inlet / outlet section A1 and a second inlet / outlet section A2. The first inlet / outlet section A1 may be in communication with the first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2. The second inlet / outlet section A2 may be in communication with the first outlet O1 and the second outlet O2. The first inlet / outlet section A1 and the second inlet / outlet section A2 do not have to be in direct communication. The first inlet / outlet section A1 and the second inlet / outlet section A2 may be indirectly in communication via the cooling channel C.

[0080] The cooling flow path C may include a first flow path C1 and a second flow path C2. The first flow path C1 may communicate with the first inlet / outlet portion A1. The second flow path C2 may communicate with the second inlet / outlet portion A2. The first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2 may communicate with each other on opposite sides of the protrusion 222. The main body portion 221 may include a partition wall W at approximately the center along the extension direction of the X-axis to separate the first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2.

[0081] According to this configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, cooling fluid flows in through the first inlet I1, and a portion of the cooling fluid flows through the pipe assembly 30 into the cooling tube 220 adjacent to the second inlet I2, while the remaining portion is collected at the first inlet / outlet port A1. The cooling fluid collected at the first inlet / outlet port A1 flows along the first flow path C1 to the opposite side of the first inlet / outlet port A1 and cools the battery cells 210 located around the cooling tube 220. The cooling fluid that flows through the first flow path C1 flows again in the opposite direction along the second flow path C2 and again cools the battery cells 210 located around the cooling tube 220. The cooling fluid that flows through the second flow path C2 is collected at the second inlet / outlet port A2. The cooling fluid that collected at the second inlet / outlet port A2 flows out through the first outlet O1 together with the cooling fluid that flows in from the cooling tube 220 adjacent to the second outlet O2 through the pipe assembly 30. To force such a flow of cooling fluid, the first inlet I1, the second inlet I2, the first outlet O1, and the second outlet O2 may be provided with one-way valves.

[0082] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an in-module pipe 310 included in a battery pack 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an in-module pipe 310 included in a battery pack 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an in-module pipe 310 included in a battery pack 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an in-module pipe 310 included in a battery pack 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an in-module pipe 310 included in a battery pack 2 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an in-module pipe 310 included in a battery pack 2 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 16, the in-module pipe 310 may include a pipe body 311 and a coupling portion 312.

[0085] The pipe body 311 may have a flow path formed therein. The pipe body 311 may be provided in approximately the middle of the in-module pipe 310. The pipe body 311 may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the pipe body 311 may be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the coupling portion 312 minus the thickness of the port 223.

[0086] The coupling portion 312 may be provided on both sides of the pipe body 311. The coupling portion 312 may be provided on both ends of the pipe body 311 along the X-axis direction. The coupling portion 312 may be configured to be coupled to the port 223. The coupling portion 312 may be configured so that the port 223 is fitted into the inner surface. The inner diameter of the coupling portion 312 may be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the port 223. The inner diameter of the coupling portion 312 may be approximately the same as the combined value of the thickness of the port 223 and the inner diameter of the pipe body 311.

[0087] 12 and 13 is an in-module pipe 310 having a different thickness of the coupling portion 312 compared to the in-module pipe 310 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The coupling portion 312 can be manufactured with different inner and / or outer diameters depending on the flow rate of the cooling fluid required for the cooling performance of the battery pack 2. Correspondingly, the inner and / or outer diameter of the pipe body 311 can also be adjusted.

[0088] The in-module pipe 310 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 differs from the in-module pipe 310 shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 in that it has multiple ribs R at the coupling portion 312. The in-module pipe 310 may have multiple ribs R protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the coupling portion 312. The multiple ribs R may be provided radially around the outer circumferential surface of the coupling portion 312. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the multiple ribs R may include four ribs R provided radially at approximately 90-degree intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the coupling portion 312. Depending on the flow rate of cooling fluid required for the cooling performance of the battery pack 2, the coupling portion 312 may have ribs R on its outer surface to increase rigidity.

[0089] According to this configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the in-module pipe 310 can be easily changed depending on the flow rate of the cooling fluid required for the cooling performance of the battery pack 2. Furthermore, as described above, if the first play prevention member 40 is provided between the port 223 and the coupling portion 312, the thickness of that portion may be increased to prevent deformation due to the repulsive force of the first play prevention member 40. Furthermore, even when the port 223 and the coupling portion 312 are coupled together, by changing the structure of the in-module pipe 310 so that the inner diameter of the port 223 and the inner diameter of the pipe body 311 are approximately the same, friction caused by the flow of the cooling fluid as it passes through the boundary between the coupling portion 312 and the pipe body 311 can be minimized.

[0090] Figure 16 is a view showing an outer module pipe 320 included in a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 is an exploded view showing components of the outer module pipe 320 included in a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a view showing a sliding method of the outer module pipe 320 included in a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] 16 to 18, the outer module pipe 320 may be made up of multiple pipe members.

[0092] The outer module pipe 320 may be configured to have an adjustable length. Multiple pipe members may be slidably connected to each other in an adjustable (variable) manner. For example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, two pipe members may be slidably connected to each other in an adjustable (variable) manner so that one pipe member 321 fits into the other pipe member 322.

[0093] 5, the other pipe member 322 may have a coupling portion 312 on the side opposite to the sides where they are fitted together. The coupling portion 312 may be configured to be able to couple with the port 223. The coupling portion 312 may be configured so that the port 223 is fitted into the inner surface.

[0094] 16 and 17, the multiple pipe members may have therebetween second anti-play members 50. Correspondingly, at least one of the multiple interconnected pipe members may be provided with a second groove H2 configured to receive the second anti-play member 50.

[0095] The second anti-play member 50 may be provided between one pipe member 321 and the other pipe member 322 that fits into the one pipe member 321. The second anti-play member 50 may be an O-ring having a diameter that approximately corresponds to the diameter of the other pipe member 322. The second anti-play member 50 may include a member that has a smaller coefficient of friction with the one pipe member 321 than the coefficient of friction between the one pipe member 321 and the other pipe member 322.

[0096] The other pipe member 322 may include a second groove H2. The second groove H2 may be configured to accommodate the second anti-play member 50. The second groove H2 may be a groove formed along the periphery on the outer circumferential surface of the other pipe member 322. The second groove H2 may be formed adjacent to the end of the other pipe member 322.

[0097] The ends of the one pipe member 321 and the other pipe member 322 may be provided with coupling portions 312 configured to be able to couple with the ports 223 .

[0098] According to this configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, when the outer module pipe 320 and the port 223 are connected, play (gap) due to component tolerances resulting from variations (deviations) in the manufacturing process of each component and / or assembly tolerances such as misalignment of central axes can be prevented or reduced. Furthermore, the connection strength and waterproof performance against the cooling fluid can be improved in the connection between the outer module pipe 320 and the port 223. Sliding for length adjustment of the outer module pipe 320 can be easily promoted because the coefficient of friction between the second play prevention member 50 and one pipe member 321 is smaller than the coefficient of friction between one pipe member 321 and the other pipe member 322.

[0099] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating some components of a battery pack 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] 19, the pack case 10 may include a cross beam B. The end unit 232 may be provided with a fixing portion 232a.

[0101] The cross beam B may be provided between a pair of adjacent battery modules 20. The cross beam B may define a partition between the pair of adjacent battery modules 20. The cross beam B may be a beam that protrudes a certain length from the inner surface of the pack case 10.

[0102] The fixing portion 232a may be configured to be coupled to the cross beam B. The fixing portion 232a may include a hole configured to receive a bolt for bolting to the cross beam B. The fixing portions 232a of a pair of adjacent battery modules 20 may be configured to be coupled to the cross beam B while being offset from each other.

[0103] 20 to 22 are views showing a process of connecting outer module pipes 320 between adjacent battery modules 20 included in a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] The assembly process of the battery pack 2 using the length-adjustable outer module pipe 320 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22.

[0105] 20 is a diagram showing a state before the outer module pipes 320 are connected between adjacent battery modules 20. Referring to Fig. 20, the battery modules 20 may be manufactured and assembled in modules and then placed on the inner surface of the pack case 10. Adjacent battery modules 20 may be housed in the pack case 10 with a cross beam B between them.

[0106] 21 is a diagram showing a state in which an outer module pipe 320 is connected to only one of adjacent battery modules 20. The outer module pipe 320 can connect the other pipe member 322 to only one of the battery modules 20 by sliding one pipe member 321 and the other pipe member 322 inward while the overall length of the outer module pipe 320 is short.

[0107] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which an outer module pipe 320 is connected to both adjacent battery modules 20. In the state shown in Fig. 21, by sliding one pipe member 321 toward the other battery module 20, one pipe member 321 can be connected to the other battery module 20 with the overall length of the outer module pipe 320 long.

[0108] In the connection method described above, during the manufacturing process of the battery pack 2, rather than connecting all of the battery modules 20 and then housing them in the pack case 10, the battery modules 20 are housed in the pack case 10 in units and then connected with the outer module pipes 320, the length of which can be adjusted, thereby ensuring ease and stability of assembly. Furthermore, the outer module pipes 320 can be placed on the cross beams B, and the outer module pipes 320 can be supported by the cross beams B.

[0109] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] 23, an automobile 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack 2. The automobile 1 may be a hybrid automobile or an electric automobile. In addition to the battery pack 2, the automobile 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile 1. For example, in addition to the battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the automobile 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like.

[0111] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings focusing on preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many different and obvious modifications can be made from such description without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed by the claims which are set forth to include such many modified embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 2 battery packs 10 pack case 20 Battery Module 30 Pipe Assembly 210 battery cells 220 Cooling tube

Claims

1. a plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells and a cooling tube for cooling the plurality of battery cells; a pack case having an internal space, the pack case accommodating the plurality of battery modules in the internal space; a pipe assembly provided in the pack case and connecting cooling tubes of the plurality of battery modules in at least one direction; Including the battery pack.

2. The pipe assembly includes: an in-module pipe that connects the cooling tubes in each battery module; an out-module pipe connecting adjacent cooling tubes between the plurality of battery modules; 10. The battery pack of claim 1, comprising:

3. The plurality of battery modules include: At least a portion of the cooling tube is disposed between the plurality of battery cells along a longitudinal direction of the battery pack; a plurality of side structure units configured to house the cooling tube and the plurality of battery cells; Including, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the pipe assembly is disposed on one side of the pack case in a space between an inner wall of the pack case and the plurality of side structure units.

4. The cooling tube is a main body portion provided between the plurality of battery cells; a protrusion connected to the main body and protruding from at least one side end of the main body; Including, The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the pipe assembly connects protrusions of the plurality of battery modules in the one direction.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the protrusion includes a plurality of ports on both sides configured to be fitted and connected to the pipe assembly.

6. The in-module pipe is a pipe body having a flow path formed in an internal space; coupling portions provided on both sides of the pipe body and configured to be coupled to the ports; 6. The battery pack of claim 5, comprising:

7. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the coupling portion includes a plurality of ribs protruding from an outer circumferential surface.

8. a first anti-play member disposed between the port and the pipe assembly; 7. The battery pack of claim 6, wherein the port includes a first groove configured to receive the first anti-play member.

9. The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the outer module pipe is configured so that its length can be adjusted.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the outer module pipe is made up of a plurality of pipe members that are variably and slidably coupled to each other.

11. A second play prevention member is provided between the plurality of pipe members, 11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of pipe members coupled to each other is provided with a second groove configured to accommodate the second anti-play member.

12. the protrusion is provided in the internal space and includes a cooling fluid inlet / outlet port that communicates with the port; The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the main body includes a cooling passage provided in an internal space and communicating with the cooling fluid inlet / outlet port.

13. The port is a first inlet and a second inlet provided at corresponding positions on both sides of the protrusion; a first outlet and a second outlet provided at other corresponding positions on both sides of the protrusion; 13. The battery pack of claim 12, comprising:

14. The cooling fluid inlet / outlet port. a first inlet / outlet communicating with the first inlet and the second inlet; a second inlet / outlet communicating with the first outlet and the second outlet; Including, The cooling channel comprises: a first flow path communicating with the first inlet / outlet portion; a second flow path communicating with the second inlet / outlet portion; 14. The battery pack of claim 13, comprising:

15. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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