Battery pack and automobile including the battery module

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules each including a plurality of battery cells; a cooling pipe assembly that supplies a cooling medium to each of the plurality of battery modules; and a plurality of insertion ports configured to connect each of the plurality of battery modules to the cooling pipe assembly, wherein the cooling pipe assembly has a communication hole formed in each of the plurality of insertion ports that is configured to communicate with the insertion port, and the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of communication holes are configured to be different so that the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to each of the plurality of battery modules through the communication hole is uniform.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery module, and more particularly to a battery pack and a vehicle that can evenly distribute the flow rate of a cooling medium flowing into a battery module.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0077599 filed on June 16, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0018004 filed on February 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in their specifications and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability to each product group and electrical properties such as high energy density, are commonly used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), etc. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency, not only because they have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they are environmentally friendly as they do not produce any by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries are widely used. When a high output voltage is required, a battery module or a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. To increase the charge / discharge capacity, a battery module or a battery pack may also be formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or a battery pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] However, battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, which can generate heat. If the battery reaches an acceptable temperature prematurely, the battery output will be limited, making it difficult to use the battery pack efficiently.

[0006] Therefore, a battery module including a plurality of battery cells includes a heat sink for cooling the heated battery cells, and a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules supplies a cooling medium to the heat sink of each battery module to reduce the temperature of the battery cells when they generate heat.

[0007] However, if the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into the heat sinks of each battery module is not uniform, the cooling performance of each heat sink will vary, resulting in temperature differences between the battery modules. For example, if a small amount of cooling medium flows into a battery module, the battery cells included in that battery module will reach their allowable temperature more quickly and deteriorate faster than the battery cells included in other battery modules. If the cooling medium does not flow uniformly into each battery module and temperature differences occur between the battery cells, the lifespan of each battery cell will vary, making it impossible to maximize the performance of all battery cells.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery pack structure that can minimize the temperature difference between battery cells by maximizing the uniformity of the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into the heat sink of each battery module to cool the battery cells evenly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of minimizing the temperature difference between battery cells or battery modules by equalizing the flow rate of a cooling medium supplied to each battery module, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following explanation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules each including a plurality of battery cells, a cooling pipe assembly that supplies a cooling medium to each of the plurality of battery modules, and a plurality of insertion ports configured to connect each of the plurality of battery modules to the cooling pipe assembly, wherein the cooling pipe assembly has a communication hole configured to communicate with the insertion port formed for each of the plurality of insertion ports, and the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of communication holes are configured to be different so that the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to each of the plurality of battery modules through the communication hole is uniform.

[0012] The cooling pipe assembly may include a plurality of cooling pipes configured to allow the cooling medium to flow therethrough, and a plurality of connectors that connect adjacent ones of the cooling pipes to the insertion port, and the communication holes may be configured to communicate with each of the connectors.

[0013] The battery pack may further include a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules and the cooling pipe assembly, the plurality of connectors and the plurality of insertion ports may be arranged along one direction of the pack case, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole may increase toward the one direction of the pack case.

[0014] The cooling pipe assembly may be provided in pairs to face each other with respect to the plurality of battery modules, and may further include an inlet port provided on one side of the pack case to allow the cooling medium to flow in, and an outlet port provided on the one side of the pack case to face the inlet port and configured to allow the cooling medium to be discharged, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole may increase as the communication hole is located farther from the inlet port or the outlet port.

[0015] Each of the plurality of battery modules may further include a heat sink that cools the plurality of battery cells, and the insertion port may be configured to couple the heat sink to each of the plurality of connectors.

[0016] Each of the multiple connectors may include a port insertion portion into which the insertion port is inserted and which includes the communication hole, and a pipe insertion portion configured to communicate with the port insertion portion and to which at least one of the multiple cooling pipes is connected.

[0017] The insertion port may include a locking portion that protrudes at least partially outward and is configured to lock onto the distal end of the port insertion portion.

[0018] The insertion port may be coupled upward from the lower portion of the port insertion portion, and an end of the port insertion portion may be supported by the latch portion.

[0019] The battery pack may further include an insertion pipe inserted into the insertion port to vary the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole for each insertion port.

[0020] The inner diameter of the insertion pipe may increase toward one side of the pack case.

[0021] The insertion pipe may include a main body portion inserted into the insertion port, and a mounting portion extending from the main body portion and mounted on an end of the insertion port.

[0022] The insertion pipe may include a guide protrusion at least partially protruding outward, and the insertion port may include a guide groove at least partially recessed to correspond to the guide protrusion so that the guide protrusion can slide and be coupled thereto.

[0023] The port insertion portion may be provided with a first connector hole into which the insertion port is inserted and where the end of the insertion port is located, and a second connector hole which extends from the first connector hole in the insertion direction of the insertion port and is defined as the remaining portion excluding the first connector hole, and is configured to make the cross-sectional area of ​​the communicating hole different for each insertion port.

[0024] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second connector hole may increase in one direction of the pack case.

[0025] The port insertion portion may further include a protrusion that protrudes inward from at least a portion of the second connector hole.

[0026] The length of the protrusion may become shorter in one direction of the pack case.

[0027] At least one protrusion may be provided, and the number of the protrusions may decrease toward one side of the pack case.

[0028] The intervals between the protrusions may become wider in one direction of the pack case.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle including a battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the battery cells generate heat, a cooling medium is evenly supplied to each battery module to lower the temperature of the battery cells, thereby extending the life of the battery cells.

[0031] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to each battery module can be made uniform, thereby minimizing the temperature difference between the battery cells or the battery modules, thereby maximizing the performance of the battery pack.

[0032] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, in manufacturing a battery pack, by supplying a cooling medium using an insertion port of the same size for each battery module, design changes can be easily made and productivity can be improved.

[0033] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, in manufacturing a battery pack, the possibility of contamination when assembling battery modules into a battery pack is reduced, improving assembly efficiency and reducing costs and time.

[0034] The present invention can also provide various other effects, which will be described in the respective embodiments, but the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0035] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, are intended to facilitate a further understanding of the technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an entire battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an insertion pipe included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a variation of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XZ plane of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XZ plane of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining modified forms of the insertion pipe. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other modified forms of the insertion pipe. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along the XY plane of a connector included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XZ plane of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XZ plane of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along the XY plane of a connector included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and phrases used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0038] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the illustrated configurations 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 equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0039] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific parts constituting the component may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not solely reflect the actual size. Furthermore, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted. Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating directions are terms based on the components shown in the drawings and are relative terms that may change depending on the actual posture or position of the components.

[0040] Meanwhile, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back in this specification are used merely for the convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they may change depending on the position of the object in question or the position of the observer, etc.

[0041] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may refer to the horizontal direction or the front-to-back direction, the Y-axis direction may refer to the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0042] Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of part B in Fig. 4.

[0043] 1 to 5, a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100, a cooling pipe assembly 200, and an insertion port 400.

[0044] The battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110. The battery cells 110 may be secondary batteries of any shape, such as rectangular, cylindrical, or pouch-type battery cells, but in this embodiment, the battery cells 110 are cylindrical battery cells, as shown in FIG.

[0045] The plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged in columns and rows within the battery module 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) while lying horizontally (X-axis direction). At this time, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to each other. According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of battery modules 100 may include battery cells 110 arranged in two rows in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

[0046] A plurality of battery modules 100 including a plurality of such battery cells 110 may be provided in the battery pack 10. For example, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be arranged in a row aligned in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) as shown in FIGS.

[0047] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the cooling pipe assembly 200 may be configured to supply a cooling medium to each of the plurality of battery modules 100.

[0048] 3 to 5 , the insertion port 400 may be configured to connect a plurality of battery modules 100 to the cooling pipe assembly 200. A plurality of insertion ports 400 may be provided and configured to individually connect a plurality of battery modules 100 to the cooling pipe assembly 200. The insertion port 400 may be configured to be coupled to the cooling pipe assembly 200. Specifically, the insertion port 400 may be configured to be inserted into and coupled to the cooling pipe assembly 200. The insertion port 400 is configured to communicate with the cooling pipe assembly 200, so that the cooling medium supplied from the cooling pipe assembly 200 can flow through the insertion port 400. Thus, the cooling medium supplied from the cooling pipe assembly 200 can flow to the battery module 100 through the insertion port 400.

[0049] The insertion port 400 may have a hollow shape including an outer wall and an inner wall, and the outer diameter of the insertion port 400 may be the same as the inner diameter of the cooling pipe assembly 200 into which the insertion port 400 is inserted.

[0050] 5, when the insertion port 400 is coupled to the cooling pipe assembly 200, a communication hole H may be formed in the cooling pipe assembly 200. The communication hole H may be defined as a portion where the cooling pipe assembly 200 communicates with the insertion port 400. For example, in FIG. 5, the communication hole H may be defined as an end of the insertion port 400. The communication hole H may be formed for each of the plurality of insertion ports 400.

[0051] The cross-sectional areas of the multiple communication holes H may be configured to be different so that the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to each of the multiple battery modules 100 through the communication holes H is uniform. The flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into a certain communication hole H is proportional to the product of the flow rate of the cooling medium at that position and the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H. The flow rate of the cooling medium through the communication hole H may vary depending on the position of the communication hole H within the battery pack 10. In such a case, by varying the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H depending on the position, the flow rate of the cooling medium can be made uniform regardless of the position within the battery pack 10.

[0052] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H may be configured to be different for each insertion port 400. Here, the cross-sectional area may be defined as the cross-sectional area of ​​the battery pack 10 cut horizontally, i.e., the cross-sectional area on the XY plane. In other words, the diameter of the communication hole H may be configured to be different for each insertion port 400. This is because the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H is proportional to the square of the "diameter / 2" of the communication hole H.

[0053] That is, the diameters of the communication holes H communicating with the insertion ports 400 provided in each of the battery modules 100 may be made different so that the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to each of the battery modules 100 is uniform. According to this embodiment, the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into the battery modules 100 can be adjusted and uniformly distributed to each battery module 100.

[0054] In this case, even if the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H changes, the outer diameter of the insertion port 400 may remain constant. As a result, when the coolant flows into the insertion port 400 through the communication hole H, the insertion port 400 may remain connected to the cooling pipe assembly 200.

[0055] According to this embodiment, when the battery cells 110 generate heat, the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100 is evenly distributed to lower the temperature of the battery cells 110, thereby extending the life of the battery cells 110.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to each battery module 100 is made uniform, thereby minimizing the temperature difference between the battery modules 100, thereby maximizing the performance of the battery pack 10.

[0057] 2 and 3, the battery module 100 may include a module frame 120 to maintain the state of a single unit by grouping the plurality of battery cells 110 together. The module frame 120 may be configured to maintain a distance between the battery cells 110. The module frame 120 may be made of, for example, a metal material or a plastic material. The module frame 120 may have holes formed therein into which the plurality of battery cells 110 are inserted.

[0058] The module frame 120 may include a module top frame 121 and a module bottom frame 122 .

[0059] The module top frame 121 may maintain a gap between the battery cells 110 at the top of the battery cells 110. The module top frame 121 may have holes formed therein into which the tops of the battery cells 110 are inserted.

[0060] In addition, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be mounted on the module bottom frame 122. The module bottom frame 122 may be provided below the plurality of battery cells 110, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be mounted and fixed on the module bottom frame 122. The module bottom frame 122 may have a structure into which the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells 110 are inserted.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one battery module 100, two module bottom frames 122 may be provided facing each other.

[0062] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pipe assembly 200 may include a cooling pipe 210 and a connector 220.

[0063] The cooling pipe 210 may be hollow to allow a cooling medium to flow. A plurality of cooling pipes 210 may be provided and arranged on both sides of the plurality of battery modules 100. The plurality of cooling pipes 210 may also be arranged in a row. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of cooling pipes 210 may be linearly arranged in a row along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and arranged to face each other on both sides of the plurality of battery modules 100.

[0064] The connector 220 may be configured to couple two adjacent cooling pipes 210 among the plurality of cooling pipes 210. The connector 220 may also be configured to couple an insertion port 400. That is, the connector 220 may be configured to couple at least one cooling pipe 210 and at least one insertion port 400 simultaneously.

[0065] A plurality of the connectors 220 may be provided and arranged in a row. Also, the connectors 220 may be arranged on both sides of the plurality of battery modules 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of the cooling pipes 210 may be arranged in a row along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and arranged to face each other on both sides of the plurality of battery modules 100.

[0066] The communication holes H may be configured to individually connect the connectors 220 to the insertion ports 400. In other words, the communication holes H may be formed in the portions of the connectors 220 where the insertion ports 400 are coupled. In this case, the cross-sectional areas of the communication holes H may be configured to be different so that the amount of coolant flowing in from the connectors 220 is uniform.

[0067] According to this embodiment, even if the inner diameter of the insertion port 400 inserted into the connector 220 is the same, by varying the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H, it is possible to evenly distribute the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100. As a result, one size of insertion port 400 can be used for each battery module 100, which makes it easy to make design changes and improves productivity.

[0068] Meanwhile, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a pack case 300.

[0069] The pack case 300 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules 100 and a cooling pipe assembly 200. To this end, the pack case 300 may include a case frame 310 including a rectangular bottom surface that forms the lower surface of the pack case 300 and on which the plurality of battery modules 100 are placed, and side surfaces that extend upward from each side of the bottom surface to surround the plurality of battery modules 100. For example, in this embodiment, the bottom surface may be a substantially rectangular plate-like shape, and the side surfaces may include walls in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0070] The pack case 300 may also include a pack lid 320 configured to cover the top of the case frame 310 .

[0071] The connectors 220 and the insertion ports 400 may be arranged along one direction of the pack case 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, one direction of the pack case 300 may be defined as the +X-axis direction.

[0072] The cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H may increase in one direction of the pack case 300. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H may increase in the +X-axis direction. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H on the other side of the pack case 300 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H on one side of the pack case 300.

[0073] 2 and 3, the cooling pipe assemblies 200 may be provided in pairs to face each other with respect to the plurality of battery modules 100. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of cooling pipes 210 and connectors 220 may be provided to face each other on both sides of the plurality of battery modules 100 and be symmetrical to each other along the Y axis.

[0074] The cooling pipe assembly 200 may include an inlet port 230 and an outlet port 240. The inlet port 230 and the outlet port 240 may both be provided on one side, for example, the front side, of the pack case 300. The inlet port 230 may be configured to allow the cooling medium to flow in. The outlet port 240 may be provided to face the inlet port 230. The outlet port 240 may be configured to allow the cooling medium to be discharged. The inlet port 230 and the outlet port 240 may be provided to communicate with the cooling pipe 210.

[0075] Meanwhile, the pack case 300 may include an inlet I through which the cooling medium flows in from the outside and an outlet O through which the cooling medium is discharged to the outside. The inlet I and the outlet O may be configured to be connected to the inlet port 230 and the outlet port 240, respectively.

[0076] The cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H may increase as it is located farther from the inlet port 230 or the outlet port 240. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the inlet port 230 and the outlet port 240 are provided on one side, e.g., the front side, of the pack case 300, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H may increase as it is located in one direction (+X-axis direction) of the pack case 300.

[0077] If the inner diameter of the insertion port 400 is the same, the flow rate of the coolant flowing into the battery module 100 may decrease as the battery module 100 is located farther from the inlet I or outlet O of the pack case 300. In this embodiment, by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H as the battery module 100 is located farther from the inlet port 230 or outlet port 240, the flow rate of the coolant flowing into each battery module 100 can be made uniform regardless of the distance between each battery module 100 and the inlet I or outlet O. This minimizes the temperature difference between the battery modules 100, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack 10.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 4, each of the battery modules 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a heat sink 130.

[0079] The heat sink 130 may be configured to cool a plurality of battery cells 110 or a battery module 100. The heat sink 130 may be provided between a plurality of module frames 120. For example, in one battery module 100, two module bottom frames 122 are provided facing each other, and the heat sink 130 may be provided between the two module bottom frames 122. The heat sink 130 may be provided closer to the lower side of the pack case 300 than the upper side. In this case, the insertion port 400 may be provided in an L-shape to connect the heat sink 130 provided on the lower side to the connector 220.

[0080] The insertion ports 400 are configured to individually connect the heat sink 130 and the plurality of connectors 220, and the cooling medium flowing through the cooling pipe assembly 200 can flow into each battery module 100. In this embodiment, the cooling medium flows directly into the heat sink 130, thereby enabling the temperature of each battery module 100 to be quickly reduced when it generates heat.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of connectors 220 may include a port insert 221 and a pipe insert 222 .

[0082] The port insert portion 221 may be configured to receive the insertion port 400. The inner diameter of the port insert portion 221 may be the same as or similar to the outer diameter of the insertion port 400.

[0083] The pipe insertion part 222 may be configured to communicate with the port insertion part 221. The pipe insertion part 222 may be configured to be coupled to at least one of the cooling pipes 210. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the pipe insertion part 222 may be inserted into the inner circumferential surface of the cooling pipe 210. In this case, the outer diameter of the pipe insertion part 222 may be larger than the inner diameter of the cooling pipe 210, so that the cooling pipe 210 may be tightly fitted into the pipe insertion part 222 when inserted into the pipe insertion part 222. This may prevent leakage when the cooling medium flows through the cooling pipe 210 and the pipe insertion part 222.

[0084] Also, for example, a plurality of cooling pipes 210 may be inserted into both sides of the pipe insertion portion 222. That is, a plurality of the connectors 220 may be configured to simultaneously couple at least one cooling pipe 210 and an insertion port 400. According to one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the connector 220 is provided in a T-shape, and two cooling pipes 210 may be inserted into both sides in the X-axis direction, and the insertion port 400 may be inserted into the Z-axis direction.

[0085] A communication hole H may be provided inside the port insertion portion 221. That is, the communication hole H may be formed at a portion where the port insertion portion 221 and the insertion port 400 communicate with each other.

[0086] 5, the insertion port 400 may include a locking portion 410. The locking portion 410 may be provided by at least a portion of the outer wall of the insertion port 400 protruding outward. The locking portion 410 may be provided to lock onto the end of the port insertion portion 221. That is, the outer diameter of the locking portion 410 may be larger than the inner diameter of the port insertion portion 221. Thus, when the insertion port 400 is inserted into the port insertion portion 221, the insertion depth can be adjusted.

[0087] 5, the insertion port 400 may be coupled upward from a lower portion of the port insertion portion 221. When the insertion port 400 is coupled upward to the port insertion portion 221, the lower end of the port insertion portion 221 may be supported by the locking portion 410. According to this embodiment, the insertion port 400 is inserted into the port insertion portion 221 to a certain depth, so that the coolant can smoothly flow into the insertion port 400 through the communication hole H.

[0088] Hereinafter, various embodiments in which the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100 is evenly distributed by making the inner diameters of the insertion ports 400 the same and making the cross-sectional areas of the communication holes H different will be described in detail.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a modified version of FIG. 5 and shows an insertion pipe included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XZ plane of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XZ plane of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] 6 and 7, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an insertion pipe 500. The insertion pipe 500 may be configured to be inserted into the insertion port 400. The insertion pipe 500 may have a pipe shape including an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer diameter of the insertion pipe 500 may be the same as or similar to the inner diameter of the insertion port 400.

[0091] The insertion pipe 500 may be provided so that the cross-sectional areas of the communication holes H are different. In this case, the communication holes H may be formed at the portions where the connectors 220 and the insertion pipes 500 communicate with each other. By making the cross-sectional areas of the insertion pipes 500 different for each insertion port 400 into which the insertion pipes 500 are inserted, the flow rate of the coolant flowing in through the communication holes H can be evenly distributed. Even if the cross-sectional areas of the communication holes H are different, the outer diameters of the insertion pipes 500 may be the same. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication holes H is changed by changing the cross-sectional area or inner diameter of the insertion pipes 500 inserted into the insertion ports 400.

[0092] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the insertion pipe 500 can be inserted downward (in the −Z-axis direction) from the upper end of the insertion port 400.

[0093] In this embodiment, by varying the cross-sectional area or inner diameter of the insertion pipe 500 inserted into the insertion port 400, it is possible to manufacture only one size of insertion port 400 without changing the inner diameter of the insertion port 400 regardless of the position of each battery module 100, thereby minimizing the problem of module mixing during assembly and improving assembly efficiency.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after assembling the battery modules 100 and the insertion ports 400 in the pack case 300, it is only necessary to insert the insertion pipes 500, the inner diameter of which is determined according to the position of each battery module 100, into the insertion ports 400, thereby improving productivity during assembly of the battery pack 10.

[0095] If the flow rate were adjusted by varying the inner diameter of each insertion port 400, it would be necessary to manufacture insertion ports 400 with various inner diameters, which could lead to a risk of mixing up when assembling the battery modules 100 into the battery pack 10. According to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to manufacture insertion ports 400 with various inner diameters, but instead, by providing one size insertion port 400 and varying the insertion pipes 500 inserted into the insertion ports 400, it is possible to achieve the effect of making the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of communication holes H equal. In this case, after all the battery modules 100 are assembled in the pack case 300, different insertion pipes 500 can be inserted into the insertion ports 400 of each battery module 100, thereby avoiding the problem of mixing up the battery modules 100.

[0096] The inner diameter D of the insertion pipe 500 may increase in one direction of the pack case 300. That is, the inner diameter of the insertion pipe 500 may increase in the +X-axis direction. Here, the +X-axis direction may be defined as a direction away from the inlet I or the outlet O. Accordingly, the diameter of the communication hole H may also increase in one direction of the pack case 300. That is, the inner diameter of the insertion pipe 500 may be set to be the same as the diameter of the communication hole H.

[0097] 8, the inner diameter D1 of the insertion pipe 500 inserted into the insertion port 400 connected to the battery module 100 closest to the inlet I or the outlet O may be smallest. Also, the inner diameter D3 of the insertion pipe 500 inserted into the insertion port 400 connected to the battery module 100 farthest from the inlet I or the outlet O may be larger than the inner diameter D1.

[0098] The farther a battery module 100 is from the inlet I or outlet O of the pack case 300, the smaller the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into the battery module 100 may be. However, as in the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the insertion pipe 500 increases as the battery module 100 is farther from the inlet I or outlet O, and therefore the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H also increases, thereby making it possible to make the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100 uniform.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a modified form of the insertion pipe.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 9, the insertion pipe 500 may include a main body portion 510 and a mounting portion 520 .

[0101] The main body 510 may be a portion inserted into the insertion port 400. The main body 510 may have a pipe shape, and the outer diameter of the main body 510 may be the same as the inner diameter of the insertion port 400. The inner diameter of the main body 510 may become larger in one direction of the pack case 300. That is, the inner diameter of the main body 510 may become larger in the +X-axis direction.

[0102] The mounting portion 520 may be plate-shaped and extend from the body portion 510. A hole through which a cooling medium can pass may be formed in the mounting portion 520. The diameter of the hole may be the same as the inner diameter of the body portion 510. Thus, when the insertion pipe 500 is inserted into the insertion port 400, the communication hole H may be defined as the hole.

[0103] 9, the mounting portion 520 may be configured to extend in the outer diameter direction of the insertion port 400 from the upper portion of the main body portion 510 and be placed on the upper end of the insertion port 400. The outer diameter of the mounting portion 520 is larger than the diameter of the hole, but does not extend beyond the outermost wall of the insertion port 400.

[0104] Furthermore, the thickness of the mounting portion 520 can be made much thinner than that of the main body portion 510. Even if the inner diameter of the main body portion 510 differs for each insertion pipe 500, the thickness of the mounting portion 520 can be made constant. This prevents the flow of the cooling medium from the connector 220 to the main body portion 510 from being obstructed.

[0105] According to this embodiment, when the main body 510 of the insertion pipe 500 is inserted into the insertion port 400, the mounting portion 520 is mounted on the insertion port 400, thereby determining the depth to which the main body 510 is inserted into the insertion port 400. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if the insertion pipe 500 is assembled incorrectly into the insertion port 400, the mounting portion 520 can be grasped and the insertion pipe 500 can be easily removed.

[0106] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another modified embodiment of the insertion pipe.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 10 , the insertion pipe 500 may include a guide protrusion 530. The guide protrusion 530 may be formed on the outer wall of the insertion pipe 500. Specifically, the guide protrusion 530 may be formed by at least a portion of the outer wall of the insertion pipe 500 protruding outward. The guide protrusion 530 may be formed continuously or intermittently along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the insertion pipe 500. For example, a plurality of guide protrusions 530 may be formed radially on the outer wall of the insertion pipe 500. The length of the guide protrusion 530 may be shorter than the length of the insertion pipe 500 inserted into the insertion port 400. For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the guide protrusion 530 may be shorter than the length from the end of the insertion port 400 to the locking portion 410.

[0108] Meanwhile, the insertion port 400 may include a guide groove 420 configured to receive the guide protrusion 530. The guide groove 420 may be formed on an inner wall of the insertion port 400. Specifically, the guide groove 420 may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the inner wall of the insertion port 400. The recess depth and position of the guide groove 420 may be set to correspond to the guide protrusion 530.

[0109] In addition, the guide groove 420 may be configured so that the guide protrusion 530 slides from above and is coupled thereto. The guide groove 420 may be continuously formed along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the insertion port 400. The guide groove 420 may be formed to correspond to a certain portion of the longitudinal direction of the insertion port 400, i.e., the length of the guide protrusion 530. In this case, the guide groove 420 may be provided with a locking step that supports the end portion of the guide protrusion 530.

[0110] According to this embodiment, when the insertion pipe 500 is inserted into the insertion port 400, the lower end of the guide protrusion 530 engages with the engagement step of the guide groove 420, thereby determining the depth to which the insertion pipe 500 is inserted.

[0111] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cross section along the XY plane of a connector included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a cross section along the XZ plane of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a cross section along the XZ plane of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] 12, the port insertion portion 221 may be provided with a first connector hole C1 and a second connector hole C2. The first connector hole C1 may be defined as a portion into which the insertion port 400 is inserted and where the end of the insertion port 400 is located. The second connector hole C2 may be provided in a portion extending from the first connector hole C1 in the insertion direction of the insertion port 400. The insertion port 400 is not inserted into the second connector hole C2, and may be defined as the remaining portion of the port insertion portion 221 excluding the first connector hole C1.

[0113] In this case, the communication hole H may be defined as a portion where the second connector hole C2 of the connector 220 communicates with the insertion port 400. That is, the communication hole H may be defined as the second connector hole C2. The second connector holes C2 may be configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H varies for each insertion port 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the cross-sectional area of ​​the second connector hole C2 may increase in one direction of the pack case 300. As a result, the diameter of the communication hole H may also increase in one direction of the pack case 300. That is, the inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2 may be the same as the diameter of the communication hole H.

[0114] The inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2 provided on the other side of the pack case 300 may be larger than the inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2 provided on one side of the pack case 300. In other words, as shown in Fig. 13, the inner diameter D'1 of the second connector hole C2 formed in the connector 220 closest to the inlet I or the outlet O may be the smallest. Also, the inner diameter D'3 of the second connector hole C2 formed in the connector 220 farthest from the inlet I or the outlet O may be larger than D'1.

[0115] According to this embodiment, by varying the cross-sectional area or inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2, which is the portion into which the insertion port 400 is not inserted, the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H also varies, thereby making it possible to equalize the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100 regardless of the position of each battery module 100. This allows for improved productivity because it is only necessary to manufacture one size of insertion port 400 without changing the outer diameter of the port insertion portion 221 of the connector 220 into which the insertion port 400 is inserted or the outer diameter and inner diameter of the insertion port 400. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is only necessary to manufacture one size of insertion port 400, making it easy to change the design of each battery module 100 or insertion port 400.

[0116] In this manner, in this embodiment, by varying the inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2, which is the portion into which the insertion port 400 is not inserted, it is possible to achieve the effect of varying the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H depending on the position of the battery module 100 within the battery pack 10, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0117] Specifically, we will explain the results of analyzing the flow rate of the cooling medium actually flowing into the heat sink 130 of each battery module 100. For the flow analysis, we used the commercial STAR-CCM+ program, which is commonly used for CFD flow analysis. 3D steady state, gravity in the -Z direction: 9.81 m / s 2 Taking this into consideration, the "realizable k-ε" turbulence model was applied. An actual flow analysis experiment was performed on nine battery modules 100 as shown in Fig. 2, with the total cooling medium flow rate set to 10 LPM. In other words, if the cooling medium flow rate flowing into each of the nine battery modules 100 is evenly distributed at 1.11 LPM (11.1%), which is "10 LPM / 9," the performance of the battery pack including such battery modules 100 can be maximized.

[0118] First, in the comparative example in which the inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2 of the connector 220 is assumed to be the same at 14.15 mm, the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100 was calculated. The ratios of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100 were 16.5%, 14.5%, 12.8%, 11.3%, 10.3%, 9.4%, 8.7%, 8.3%, and 8.2%, respectively, starting from the battery module 100 closest to the inlet I or outlet O. This indicates that the amount of cooling medium flowing in gradually decreases and is not uniform from the battery module 100 closest to the inlet I or outlet O to the battery module 100 farthest from the inlet I or outlet O. When the difference between the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate is defined as the flow rate difference, the flow rate difference in the comparative example was 8.3% (0.83 LPM), which is "16.5% - 8.2%".

[0119] Meanwhile, for example, when the inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2 of the connector 220 increases to 5.8 mm, 6.3 mm, 6.8 mm, 7.3 mm, 8.3 mm, 9.3 mm, 11.5 mm, 12.5 mm, and 14.2 mm in order from the battery module 100 closest to the inlet I or outlet O, the calculated flow rates of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100 are 11.0%, 11.1%, 11.3%, 11.1%, 11.6%, 11.5%, 11.2%, 10.7%, and 10.5%, respectively. In this case, it can be seen that the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing in is almost uniform from the battery module 100 closest to the inlet I or outlet O to the battery module 100 farthest from the inlet I or outlet O, without a tendency to decrease as in the comparative example. In this way, the present invention corresponds to the case where the inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2 of the connector 220 is made different, and the flow rate difference at this time was 1.1% (0.11 LPM), which is "11.6% - 10.5%". In other words, the flow rate difference of 1.1% made by making the difference in the present invention is significantly smaller than the flow rate difference of 8.3% in the comparative example where the inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2 of the connectors 220 is the same, and therefore the present invention was able to minimize the temperature difference between the battery modules 100.

[0120] Of course, unlike actual flow analysis experiments, the inner diameter D' of the second connector hole C2 of the connector 220 may vary in order to make the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into each battery module 100 more uniform, and the optimal size can be found through flow analysis experiments.

[0121] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a cross section along the XY plane of a connector included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the port insertion portion 221 may further include a protrusion P. The protrusion P may be provided so as to protrude inward from at least a portion of the second connector hole C2. The protrusion P may be provided in an annular shape along the inner circumferential surface of the second connector hole C2. By providing the protrusion P, the diameter or cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole H can be changed by the protrusion P without changing the inner diameter of the second connector hole C2 itself.

[0123] Specifically, the length by which the protrusion P protrudes from the second connector hole C2 may become shorter in one direction of the pack case 300. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second connector hole C2 blocked by the protrusion P may become smaller in one direction of the pack case 300. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second connector hole C2 may become larger in one direction of the pack case 300. This configuration can provide the effect of configuring the cross-sectional areas of the multiple communication holes H to be equal so that the flow rates of the cooling medium supplied to the multiple battery modules 100 through the communication holes H are uniform.

[0124] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , at least one protrusion P may be provided. The protrusion P may be provided intermittently along the inner circumferential surface of the second connector hole C2. When a plurality of protrusions P are provided and the areas of the plurality of protrusions P are the same, the number of the protrusions P may decrease in one direction of the pack case 300. Alternatively, when the areas of the plurality of protrusions P are the same, the intervals between the protrusions P may increase in one direction of the pack case 300. This configuration can provide the effect of configuring the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of communication holes H to be different from each other so that the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to each of the plurality of battery modules 100 through the communication holes H is uniform.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] 15, an automobile 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automobile 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 1 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 1 operates by receiving power from the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Because the battery pack 10 has the various effects described above, the automobile 1 including the battery pack 10 also has the same effects. Specifically, the battery pack 10 can evenly supply a coolant to each battery module 100 when the battery cells 110 generate heat, thereby lowering the temperature of the battery cells 110. In addition, the temperature difference between the battery cells 110 or the battery modules 100 can be minimized. The battery pack 10 can be used without limiting the battery output due to some battery cells 110 reaching an acceptable temperature more quickly. Therefore, the performance of all battery cells 110 in the battery pack 10 can be maximized, the service life of the battery pack 10 can be extended, and the replacement cycle can be reduced, which provides advantages in terms of maintenance for the automobile 1 including the battery pack 10.

[0128] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various changes and modifications can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10 Battery Pack 100 Battery Module 200 Cooling pipe assembly 400 Insertion Port H Communication hole

Claims

1. a plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a cooling pipe assembly that supplies a cooling medium to each of the plurality of battery modules; a plurality of insertion ports configured to connect each of the plurality of battery modules to the cooling pipe assembly; Including, The cooling pipe assembly includes: a communication hole configured to communicate with the insertion port is formed for each of the plurality of insertion ports, and the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of communication holes are configured to be different so that the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to each of the plurality of battery modules through the communication hole is uniform.

2. The cooling pipe assembly includes: a plurality of cooling pipes configured to allow the cooling medium to flow; a plurality of connectors for connecting adjacent ones of the plurality of cooling pipes to the insertion port; Including, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the communication holes are configured to communicate with the plurality of connectors, respectively.

3. a pack case configured to accommodate a plurality of the battery modules and the cooling pipe assembly; the plurality of connectors and the plurality of insertion ports are arranged along one direction of the pack case, The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole increases in one direction of the pack case.

4. The cooling pipe assembly includes: a pair of battery modules are provided facing each other with respect to the plurality of battery modules; an inlet port provided on one side of the pack case and configured to allow the cooling medium to flow in; and an outlet port provided on one side of the pack case opposite the inlet port and configured to allow the cooling medium to be discharged, The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole increases with increasing distance from the inlet port or the outlet port.

5. Each of the plurality of battery modules includes: further comprising a heat sink for cooling the plurality of battery cells; The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the insertion port is configured to couple the heat sink and a plurality of the connectors, respectively.

6. Each of the plurality of connectors comprises: a port insertion portion into which the insertion port is inserted and which includes the communication hole; a pipe insertion portion configured to communicate with the port insertion portion and to which at least one of the plurality of cooling pipes is coupled; 4. The battery pack of claim 3, comprising:

7. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the insertion port includes a locking portion that at least partially protrudes outward and is configured to lock onto an end of the port insertion portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein the insertion port is coupled upward from a lower portion of the port insertion portion, and an end of the port insertion portion is supported by the latch portion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 3 , further comprising an insertion pipe inserted into the insertion port to vary the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole for each insertion port.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein an inner diameter of the insertion pipe increases toward one side of the pack case.

11. The insertion pipe is a main body portion inserted into the insertion port; a mounting portion extending from the body portion and mounted on the distal end of the insertion port; 10. The battery pack of claim 9, comprising:

12. The insertion pipe includes a guide protrusion at least a portion of which protrudes outward, The battery pack of claim 9 , wherein the insertion port includes a guide groove configured to be at least partially recessed to correspond to the guide protrusion and to allow the guide protrusion to slide and be coupled therewith.

13. The port insertion portion has: a first connector hole into which the insertion port is inserted and into which the end of the insertion port is positioned; a second connector hole that is defined as a remaining portion excluding the first connector hole and that extends in the insertion direction of the insertion port from the first connector hole, and that is configured to vary the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication hole for each insertion port; The battery pack of claim 6 , further comprising:

14. The battery pack according to claim 13 , wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the second connector hole increases in one direction of the pack case.

15. The port insertion portion is The battery pack according to claim 13 , further comprising a protrusion protruding inward from at least a portion of the second connector hole.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the length of the protrusion decreases toward one side of the pack case.

17. At least one protrusion is provided, The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the number of the protrusions decreases toward one side of the pack case.

18. The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the protrusion is configured to be supported by an end of the insertion port.

19. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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