Battery pack

Abstract

The technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery pack including: a first side frame including a first inlet channel and a first outlet channel; a center frame including a first central channel communicating with the first inlet channel; a front frame including a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel; a first cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the front frame; and a top cover covering the first cell assembly and including a first upper channel connecting the first central channel to the first front channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0016112, filed February 1, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of cordless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries. As the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] The use of secondary batteries in mobility has led to increased demand for their safety. Research into technologies to improve the safety of secondary batteries is essential, as fires and other accidents involving secondary batteries used in mobility vehicles could put the lives of drivers at risk. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technical problem that the present invention aims to achieve is to provide a battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery pack including: a first side frame including a first inlet through which a cooling fluid provided from the outside flows in, a first inlet channel extending from the first inlet, a first outlet through which the cooling fluid flows out to the outside, and a first outlet channel extending from the first outlet; a center frame connected to the first side frame and including a first central channel communicating with the first inlet channel; a front frame connected to the first side frame and including a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel; a first cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the front frame; and a top cover disposed on the center frame and the front frame to cover the first cell assembly, the top cover including a first upper channel connecting the first central channel to the first front channel, wherein the first inlet channel, the first central channel, the first upper channel, the first front channel, and the first outlet channel are communicated in this order.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the first central channel includes a first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel and a plurality of first branch channels extending from the first common channel, and the first upper channel includes a plurality of first sub-upper channels, each of the plurality of first branch channels extending from a corresponding one of the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the first forward channel includes a first forward merging channel communicating with the first outlet channel and a plurality of first forward connecting channels extending from the first forward merging channel, and each of the plurality of first forward connecting channels extends from a corresponding first sub-upper channel of the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first forward merging channel.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle further includes a rear frame connected to the first side frame, the rear frame including a first rear channel communicating with the first outlet channel, and a second cell assembly disposed between the central frame and the rear frame, and the top cover further includes a second upper channel connecting the first central channel to the first rear channel, and the first inlet channel, the first central channel, the second upper channel, the first rear channel, and the first outlet channel are connected in that order.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first central channel includes a first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel and a plurality of first branch channels extending from the first common channel, the second upper channel includes a plurality of second sub-upper channels, and each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from a corresponding one of the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the first rear channel includes a first rear merging channel communicating with the first outlet channel and a plurality of first rear connecting channels extending from the first rear merging channel, and each of the plurality of first rear connecting channels extends from a corresponding second sub-upper channel of the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first rear merging channel.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling fluid exiting the first central channel is separated into the first upper channel and the second upper channel.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes a base plate supporting the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly, the base plate including a lower channel configured to allow the cooling fluid to flow.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower channel is characterized by communicating with at least one of the first center channel, the first front channel, and the first rear channel.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling system further includes a second side frame including a second inlet through which the cooling fluid provided from the outside flows in, a second inlet channel extending from the second inlet, a second outlet through which the cooling fluid flows out to the outside, and a second outlet channel extending from the second outlet, and a third cell assembly disposed between the central frame and the front frame, wherein the central frame and the front frame each extend from the first side frame to the second side frame, the central frame further including a second central channel communicating with the second inlet channel, the front frame further including a second front channel communicating with the second outlet channel, and the top cover further including a third upper channel connecting the second central channel to the second front channel, and the second inlet channel, the second central channel, the third upper channel, the second front channel, and the second outlet channel are connected in this order.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the second central channel includes a second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel and a plurality of second branch channels extending from the second common channel, the third upper channel includes a plurality of third sub-upper channels, and each of the plurality of second branch channels extends from a corresponding one of the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second common channel.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the second forward channel includes a second forward merging channel communicating with the second outlet channel and a plurality of second forward connecting channels extending from the second forward merging channel, and each of the plurality of second forward connecting channels extends from a corresponding third sub-upper channel of the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second forward merging channel.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle further includes a rear frame extending from the first side frame to the second side frame, the rear frame including a second rear channel communicating with the second outlet channel, and a fourth cell assembly disposed between the central frame and the rear frame, and the top cover further includes a fourth upper channel connecting the second central channel to the second rear channel, and the second inlet channel, the second central channel, the fourth upper channel, the second rear channel, and the second outlet channel are connected in that order.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the second central channel includes a second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel and a plurality of second branch channels extending from the second common channel, the second rear channel includes a second rear merging channel communicating with the second outlet channel and a plurality of second rear connecting channels extending from the second rear merging channel, and the fourth upper channel includes a plurality of fourth sub-upper channels, each of which extends from a corresponding second branch channel of the plurality of second branch channels to a corresponding second rear connecting channel of the plurality of second rear connecting channels.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling fluid exiting the second central channel is separated into the third upper channel and the fourth upper channel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the battery pack of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multi-sided cooling can be performed for each of the multiple cell assemblies mounted in the pack housing, thereby improving the cooling performance for the battery cells. Heat generation in the battery cells can be effectively controlled, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a center frame, a front frame, or a rear frame having a cooling channel is disposed near the end of a battery cell to which an electrode lead is provided, thereby effectively cooling the end of the battery cell where heat generation is relatively large, and reducing the temperature deviation of the battery cell.

[0023] The effects obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood from the following description by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong. In other words, unintended effects accompanying the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary skill in the art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the battery pack. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the battery pack. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line IV-IV' in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line VV' in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line VI-VI' in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line VII-VII' in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As a premise, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best describe his / her own invention.

[0026] Therefore, 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 there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0027] Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of related publicly known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and therefore the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0029] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a portion of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a portion of the battery pack 10. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 taken along line IV-IV' in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 taken along line V-V' in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 taken along line VI-VI' in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 taken along line VII-VII' in FIG. 1.

[0030] 1 to 7, a battery pack 10 can include a pack housing 100 and a plurality of cell assemblies 200. The pack housing 100 has an internal space for accommodating the plurality of cell assemblies 200, and the plurality of cell assemblies 200 can be mounted in the pack housing 100.

[0031] The plurality of cell assemblies 200 may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) within the pack housing 100. The plurality of cell assemblies 200 may be electrically connected to each other via conductors such as bus bars. For example, the plurality of cell assemblies 200 may include first to fourth cell assemblies 210, 220, 230, and 240. While the battery pack 10 is illustrated as including four cell assemblies 200, this is not limiting, and the number of cell assemblies 200 provided in the battery pack 10 may be one or more than two. Each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200 may correspond to a battery module or a cell-to-pack structure.

[0032] Each of the multiple cell assemblies 200 may include multiple battery cells BC. Each battery cell BC is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell BC may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly housed in the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly roll type or a stack type. A jelly roll type electrode assembly may include a rolled structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A stack type electrode assembly may include multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separators interposed therebetween, stacked in sequence. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0033] The plurality of battery cells BC can be connected in series and / or parallel. In one example, the plurality of battery cells BC can be connected in series with each other. In one example, the plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in parallel with each other. In one example, when a set of two or more battery cells BC connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells BC connected in parallel with each other can be connected in series with another bank consisting of two or more battery cells BC connected in parallel with each other.

[0034] Each battery cell BC may be a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, each of the multiple cell assemblies 200 may include battery cells BC stacked in one direction. In each of the multiple cell assemblies 200, adjacent battery cells BC among the multiple battery cells BC may be fixed to each other by an adhesive member such as an adhesive tape. In the exemplary embodiment, in each of the multiple cell assemblies 200, the multiple battery cells BC may be stacked in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and each battery cell BC may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). An electrode lead may be provided on at least one of both ends of each battery cell BC along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells BC may be physically coupled.

[0036] When viewed from above, each of the multiple cell assemblies 200 may have a rectangular shape. Each of the multiple cell assemblies 200 may include a top surface and a bottom surface that are opposite in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction), a first side surface and a second side surface that are opposite in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and a third side surface and a fourth side surface that are opposite in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The top surface of each of the multiple cell assemblies 200 may include top surfaces of the multiple battery cells BC, and the bottom surface of each of the multiple cell assemblies 200 may include bottom surfaces of the multiple battery cells BC.

[0037] The pack housing 100 may include a base plate 110 , a first side frame 120 , a second side frame 130 , a center frame 140 , a front frame 150 , a rear frame 160 , and a top cover 170 .

[0038] The base plate 110 can support a plurality of cell assemblies 200. The base plate 110 can have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). When viewed from above, the base plate 110 can have a generally square flat plate shape.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, a thermally conductive adhesive layer may be interposed between each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200 and the base plate 110. Each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200 may be thermally and physically coupled to the base plate 110 by the thermally conductive adhesive layer. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0040] The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can be disposed on the base plate 110. The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) on the base plate 110. The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) with a plurality of cell assemblies 200 interposed therebetween.

[0041] The central frame 140, the front frame 150, and the rear frame 160 may be disposed on the base plate 110. The central frame 140, the front frame 150, and the rear frame 160 may each extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) from the first side frame 120 to the second side frame 130. The front frame 150 may be spaced apart in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) from the rear frame 160 with the central frame 140 therebetween. The first cell assembly 210 and the third cell assembly 230 may be disposed between the front frame 150 and the central frame 140, and may be arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) between the first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130. The second cell assembly 220 and the fourth cell assembly 240 can be positioned between the rear frame 160 and the central frame 140 and can be arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) between the first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130.

[0042] The top cover 170 can be disposed on the first side frame 120, the second side frame 130, the central frame 140, the front frame 150, and the rear frame 160, and can cover the multiple cell assemblies 200. For example, the top cover 170 can be fastened to each of the first side frame 120, the second side frame 130, the central frame 140, the front frame 150, and the rear frame 160 with fastening bolts. The top cover 170 can have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). When viewed from above, the top cover 170 can have a generally square flat plate shape.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, a thermally conductive adhesive layer may be interposed between each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200 and the top cover 170. Each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200 may be thermally and physically coupled to the top cover 170 by the thermally conductive adhesive layer. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0044] In an embodiment, the battery pack 10 may have a multi-sided cooling structure configured to provide multi-sided cooling to each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200. The multi-sided cooling structure may be achieved by the pack housing 100 having cooling channels configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. For example, the multi-sided cooling structure may be achieved by selecting two or more components from the base plate 110, the first side frame 120, the second side frame 130, the center frame 140, the front frame 150, the rear frame 160, and the top cover 170 to have cooling channels configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. The cooling fluid may be provided from an external source configured to supply the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid supplied from the external source may flow along the cooling channels provided in the pack housing 100 and then be collected back into the external source. The flow of the cooling fluid may provide cooling to each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200. The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0045] The multi-sided cooling structure of the battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described below. In Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, the flow paths of the cooling fluid flowing along the cooling channels of the pack housing 100 are indicated by dashed and dotted lines.

[0046] The first side frame 120 may include a first inlet 121 through which cooling fluid provided from the outside flows in, a first inlet channel 123 extending from the first inlet 121, a first outlet 122 through which the cooling fluid flows out to the outside, and a first outlet channel 124 extending from the first outlet 122. The first inlet channel 123 and the first outlet channel 124 may be spaced apart from each other within the first side frame 120, and the first inlet channel 123 and the first outlet channel 124 may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0047] The second side frame 130 may include a second inlet 131 through which cooling fluid provided from the outside flows in, a second inlet channel 133 extending from the second inlet 131, a second outlet 132 through which the cooling fluid flows out to the outside, and a second outlet channel 134 extending from the second outlet 132. The second inlet channel 133 and the second outlet channel 134 may be spaced apart from each other within the second side frame 130, and the second inlet channel 133 and the second outlet channel 134 may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0048] The central frame 140 can include a first central channel 141 that communicates with the first inlet channel 123 and a second central channel 145 that communicates with the second inlet channel 133 .

[0049] The first central channel 141 may be disposed on one side of the first cell assembly 210 and on one side of the second cell assembly 220. The first central channel 141 may include a first common channel 142 communicating with the first inlet channel 123 and a plurality of first branch channels 143 extending from the first common channel 142. The first common channel 142 may extend from the first inlet channel 123 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first branch channels 143 may be spaced apart from one another in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first branch channels 143 may each extend from the first common channel 142 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0050] The second central channel 145 may be disposed on one side of the third cell assembly 230 and on one side of the fourth cell assembly 240. The second central channel 145 may include a second common channel 146 communicating with the second inlet channel 133 and a plurality of second branch channels 147 extending from the second common channel 146. The second common channel 146 may extend from the second inlet channel 133 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second branch channels 147 may be spaced apart from one another in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second branch channels 147 may each extend from the second common channel 146 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0051] The front frame 150 may include a first front channel 151 in communication with the first outlet channel 124 and a second front channel 155 in communication with the second outlet channel 134 .

[0052] The first forward channel 151 may be disposed on one side of the first cell assembly 210. The first forward channel 151 may include a first forward merging channel 152 communicating with the first outlet channel 124 and a plurality of first forward connecting channels 153 extending from the first forward merging channel 152. The first forward merging channel 152 may extend from the first outlet channel 124 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first forward connecting channels 153 may be spaced apart from one another in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first forward connecting channels 153 may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the first forward merging channel 152. The cooling fluid provided from the plurality of first forward connecting channels 153 may merge in the first forward merging channel 152.

[0053] The second forward channel 155 may be disposed on one side of the third cell assembly 230. The second forward channel 155 may include a second forward merging channel 156 communicating with the second outlet channel 134 and a plurality of second forward connecting channels 157 extending from the second forward merging channel 156. The second forward merging channel 156 may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) from the second outlet channel 134. The plurality of second forward connecting channels 157 may be spaced apart from one another in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second forward connecting channels 157 may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the second forward merging channel 156. The cooling fluid provided from the plurality of second forward connecting channels 157 may merge in the second forward merging channel 156.

[0054] The aft frame 160 may include a first aft channel 161 in communication with the first outlet channel 124 and a second aft channel 165 in communication with the second outlet channel 134 .

[0055] The first rear channel 161 may be disposed on one side of the second cell assembly 220. The first rear channel 161 may include a first rear merging channel 162 communicating with the first outlet channel 124 and a plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 extending from the first rear merging channel 162. The first rear merging channel 162 may extend from the first outlet channel 124 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 may be spaced apart from one another in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the first rear merging channel 162. The cooling fluid provided from the plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 may merge in the first rear merging channel 162.

[0056] The second rear channel 165 may be disposed on one side of the fourth cell assembly 240. The second rear channel 165 may include a second rear merging channel 166 communicating with the second outlet channel 134 and a plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 extending from the second rear merging channel 166. The second rear merging channel 166 may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) from the second outlet channel 134. The plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 may be spaced apart from one another in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the second rear merging channel 166. The cooling fluid provided from the plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 may merge in the second rear merging channel 166.

[0057] The top cover 170 may include a first upper channel 171 extending between the first central channel 141 and the first front channel 151, a second upper channel 173 extending between the first central channel 141 and the first rear channel 161, a third upper channel 175 extending between the second central channel 145 and the second front channel 155, and a fourth upper channel 177 extending between the second central channel 145 and the second rear channel 165.

[0058] The first upper channel 171 may vertically overlap the first cell assembly 210. The first upper channel 171 may transmit a cooling fluid from the first central channel 141 to the first forward channel 151. The first upper channel 171 may include a plurality of first sub-upper channels 172 spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of first sub-upper channels 172 may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of first sub-upper channels 172 may extend from a corresponding one of the plurality of first branch channels 143 to a corresponding one of the plurality of first forward connection channels 153.

[0059] The second upper channel 173 may vertically overlap the second cell assembly 220. The second upper channel 173 may transmit a cooling fluid from the first central channel 141 to the first rear channel 161. The second upper channel 173 may include a plurality of second sub-upper channels 174 spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of second sub-upper channels 174 may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of second sub-upper channels 174 may extend from a corresponding one of the plurality of first branch channels 143 to a corresponding one of the plurality of first rear connection channels 163.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment, the first upper channel 171 and the second upper channel 173 can be connected to each other. In this case, the first upper channel 171 and the second upper channel 173 can each be connected to the first central channel 141, and the cooling fluid flowing out of the first central channel 141 can be separated into the first upper channel 171 and the second upper channel 173. The plurality of first sub-upper channels 172 can each be connected to a corresponding second sub-upper channel 174 among the plurality of second sub-upper channels 174. In this case, a portion of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first branch channel 143 can flow forward along the first sub-upper channel 172, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid flowing out of the first branch channel 143 can flow backward along the second sub-upper channel 174.

[0061] The third upper channel 175 may vertically overlap the third cell assembly 230. The third upper channel 175 may transmit a cooling fluid from the second central channel 145 to the second forward channel 155. The third upper channel 175 may include a plurality of third sub-upper channels 176 spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of third sub-upper channels 176 may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of third sub-upper channels 176 may extend from a corresponding one of the plurality of second branch channels 147 to a corresponding one of the plurality of second forward connecting channels 157.

[0062] The fourth upper channel 177 may vertically overlap the second cell assembly 220. The fourth upper channel 177 may transmit a cooling fluid from the second central channel 145 to the second rear channel 165. The fourth upper channel 177 may include a plurality of fourth sub-upper channels 178 spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels 178 may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels 178 may extend from a corresponding second branch channel 147 of the plurality of second branch channels 147 to a corresponding second rear connection channel 167 of the plurality of second rear connection channels 167.

[0063] In the exemplary embodiment, the third upper channel 175 and the fourth upper channel 177 can be connected to each other. In this case, the third upper channel 175 and the fourth upper channel 177 can each be connected to the second central channel 145, and the cooling fluid flowing out of the second central channel 145 can be separated into the third upper channel 175 and the fourth upper channel 177. The plurality of third sub-upper channels 176 can each be connected to a corresponding fourth sub-upper channel 178 among the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels 178. In this case, a portion of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second branch channel 147 can flow forward along the third sub-upper channel 176, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid flowing out of the second branch channel 147 can flow rearward along the fourth sub-upper channel 178.

[0064] In the embodiment, the first inlet channel 123, the first central channel 141, the first upper channel 171, the first forward channel 151, and the first outlet channel 124 may be connected in this order. The first inlet channel 123, the first central channel 141, the first upper channel 171, the first forward channel 151, and the first outlet channel 124 may form a first integrated cooling channel that connects the first inlet 121 to the first outlet 122. While the cooling fluid flows along the first integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid flows around the top surface and three side surfaces of the first cell assembly 210, thereby cooling the first cell assembly 210.

[0065] In the embodiment, the first inlet channel 123, the first central channel 141, the second upper channel 173, the first rear channel 161, and the first outlet channel 124 may be connected in this order. The first inlet channel 123, the first central channel 141, the second upper channel 173, the first rear channel 161, and the first outlet channel 124 may form a second integrated cooling channel that connects the first inlet 121 to the first outlet 122. While the cooling fluid flows along the second integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid flows around the top surface and three side surfaces of the second cell assembly 220, thereby cooling the second cell assembly 220.

[0066] In the embodiment, the second inlet channel 133, the second central channel 145, the second top channel 173, the second forward channel 155, and the second outlet channel 134 may be connected in this order. The second inlet channel 133, the second central channel 145, the second top channel 173, the second forward channel 155, and the second outlet channel 134 may form a third integrated cooling channel extending from the second inlet 131 to the second outlet 132. The third integrated cooling channel may be separate from the first integrated cooling channel and the second integrated cooling channel, and the cooling fluid flowing along the third integrated cooling channel may not mix with the cooling fluid flowing along the first integrated cooling channel and the cooling fluid flowing along the second integrated cooling channel. While the cooling fluid flows along the third integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid flows around the top and three side surfaces of the third cell assembly 230, thereby providing cooling to the third cell assembly 230.

[0067] In the embodiment, the second inlet channel 133, the second central channel 145, the second top channel 173, the second rear channel 165, and the second outlet channel 134 may be connected in this order. The second inlet channel 133, the second central channel 145, the second top channel 173, the second rear channel 165, and the second outlet channel 134 may form a fourth integrated cooling channel extending from the second inlet 131 to the second outlet 132. The fourth integrated cooling channel may be separate from the first integrated cooling channel and the second integrated cooling channel, and the cooling fluid flowing along the fourth integrated cooling channel may not mix with the cooling fluid flowing along the first integrated cooling channel and the cooling fluid flowing along the second integrated cooling channel. While the cooling fluid flows along the fourth integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid flows around the top and three side surfaces of the fourth cell assembly 240, thereby providing cooling to the fourth cell assembly 240.

[0068] According to the battery pack 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multi-sided cooling can be performed for each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200 mounted in the pack housing 100, thereby improving the cooling performance for the battery cells BC. Since heat generation from the battery cells BC can be effectively controlled, the safety of the battery pack 10 can be improved.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a center frame 140, a front frame 150, or a rear frame 160 having cooling channels is arranged near the end of the battery cell BC to which the electrode leads are provided, thereby effectively cooling the end of the battery cell BC where heat generation is relatively large, and reducing the temperature deviation of the battery cell BC.

[0070] (Second embodiment) Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a part of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack shown in Fig. 8 will be described below, focusing on differences from the battery packs described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.

[0071] 8, in a pack housing 100A of a battery pack, a base plate 110 may include a plurality of lower channels 111 configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow through the lower channels 111. The plurality of lower channels 111 may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple lower channels 111 can be connected to at least one of the cooling channels of the central frame 140 (i.e., the first central channel 141 and the second central channel 145), the cooling channels of the forward frame 150 (i.e., the first forward channel 151 and the second forward channel 155), and the cooling channels of the aft frame 160 (i.e., the first aft channel 161 and the second aft channel 165).

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of lower channels 111 may communicate with the cooling channel of the central frame 140. In this case, cooling fluid may be provided to the inlets of the individual lower channels 111 provided at the end of the base plate 110. The cooling fluid supplied to the inlets of the individual lower channels 111 may flow along the individual lower channels 111 and then flow into the cooling channel of the central frame 140. The cooling fluid provided from some of the plurality of lower channels 111 and the cooling fluid provided from the first inlet channel 123 of the first side frame 120 may merge in the first central channel 141. The cooling fluid provided from other some of the plurality of lower channels 111 and the cooling fluid provided from the second inlet channel 133 of the second side frame 130 may merge in the second central channel 145.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of lower channels 111 may communicate with the cooling channels of the front frame 150. In this case, the cooling fluid may be discharged from outlets of the individual lower channels 111 provided at the end of the base plate 110. The cooling fluid provided from the top cover 170 is separated within the front frame 150, with a portion of the cooling fluid being transmitted to the first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120 and the second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid being transmitted to the lower channels of the base plate 110. When the cooling fluid is transmitted from the first upper channel 171 of the top cover 170 to the first front channel 151, a portion of the cooling fluid may be transmitted to the first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid may be transmitted to some of the plurality of lower channels 111. Then, when cooling fluid is transmitted from the third upper channel 175 of the top cover 170 to the second front channel 155, a portion of the cooling fluid is transmitted to the second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, and another portion of the cooling fluid can be transmitted to some of the lower channels 111 among the plurality of lower channels 111.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of lower channels 111 may communicate with the cooling channels of the rear frame 160. In this case, the cooling fluid may be discharged from outlets of the individual lower channels 111 provided at the end of the base plate 110. The cooling fluid provided from the top cover 170 is separated within the rear frame 160, with a portion of the cooling fluid being transmitted to the first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120 and the second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid being transmitted to the lower channels of the base plate 110. When the cooling fluid is transmitted from the second upper channel 173 of the top cover 170 to the first rear channel 161, a portion of the cooling fluid may be transmitted to the first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid may be transmitted to some of the plurality of lower channels 111. Then, when cooling fluid is transmitted from the fourth upper channel 177 of the top cover 170 to the second rear channel 165, a portion of the cooling fluid is transmitted to the second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid can be transmitted to some of the lower channels 111 among the multiple lower channels 111.

[0076] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. a first side frame including a first inlet through which a cooling fluid provided from the outside flows, a first inlet channel extending from the first inlet, a first outlet through which the cooling fluid flows out to the outside, and a first outlet channel extending from the first outlet; a center frame including a first center channel communicating with the first inlet channel and coupled to the first side frame; a front frame including a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel and connected to the first side frame; a first cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the front frame; a top cover disposed on the center frame and the front frame to cover the first cell assembly, the top cover including a first upper channel connecting the first center channel to the first front channel; Including, a battery pack communicating in this order with the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the first top channel, the first front channel, and the first outlet channel;

2. The first central channel comprises: a first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel; a plurality of first branch channels extending from the first common channel; Including, the first upper channel includes a plurality of first upper sub-channels; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from a corresponding one of the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

3. The first forward channel comprises: a first forward merging channel communicating with the first outlet channel; a plurality of first forward connecting channels extending from the first forward merging channel; Including, The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein each of the first front connecting channels extends from a corresponding first upper sub-channel of the plurality of first upper sub-channels to the first front merging channel.

4. a rear frame including a first rear channel communicating with the first outlet channel and connected to the first side frame; a second cell assembly disposed between the central frame and the aft frame; further comprising the top cover further includes a second upper channel connecting the first central channel to the first rear channel; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the second upper channel, the first rear channel, and the first outlet channel are in communication with each other in this order.

5. The first central channel comprises: a first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel; a plurality of first branch channels extending from the first common channel; Including, the second upper channel includes a plurality of second upper sub-channels; The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from a corresponding one of the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

6. The first rear channel comprises: a first rear merging channel communicating with the first outlet channel; a plurality of first rear connecting channels extending from the first rear merging channel; Including, The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein each of the first rear connecting channels extends from a corresponding second upper sub-channel of the second upper sub-channels to the first rear merging channel.

7. The battery pack of claim 4 , wherein the cooling fluid exiting the first central channel is separated into the first upper channel and the second upper channel.

8. further comprising a base plate supporting the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly; The battery pack of claim 4 , wherein the base plate includes a lower channel configured for the cooling fluid to flow through.

9. The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein the lower channel communicates with at least one of the first center channel, the first front channel, and the first rear channel.

10. a second side frame including a second inlet through which the cooling fluid provided from the outside flows in, a second inlet channel extending from the second inlet, a second outlet through which the cooling fluid flows out to the outside, and a second outlet channel extending from the second outlet; a third cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the front frame; further comprising the center frame and the front frame each extend from the first side frame to the second side frame; the central frame further includes a second central channel in communication with the second inlet channel; the front frame further includes a second front channel in communication with the second outlet channel; the top cover further includes a third upper channel connecting the second central channel to the second front channel; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the third upper channel, the second front channel, and the second outlet channel are in communication with each other in this order.

11. The second central channel comprises: a second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel; a plurality of second branch channels extending from the second common channel; Including, the third upper channel includes a plurality of third upper sub-channels; The battery pack according to claim 10 , wherein each of the second branch channels extends from a corresponding one of the third sub-upper channels to the second common channel.

12. The second forward channel is a second forward merging channel communicating with the second outlet channel; a plurality of second forward connecting channels extending from the second forward merging channel; Including, The battery pack according to claim 11 , wherein each of the second front connecting channels extends from a corresponding one of the third sub-upper channels to the second front merging channel.

13. a rear frame including a second rear channel communicating with the second outlet channel and extending from the first side frame to the second side frame; a fourth cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the aft frame; further comprising the top cover further includes a fourth upper channel connecting the second central channel to the second rear channel; The battery pack according to claim 10 , wherein the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the fourth upper channel, the second rear channel, and the second outlet channel are in communication with each other in this order.

14. The second central channel comprises: a second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel; a plurality of second branch channels extending from the second common channel; Including, The second rear channel comprises: a second rearward merging channel communicating with the second outlet channel; a plurality of second rear connecting channels extending from the second rear merging channel; Including, the fourth upper channel includes a plurality of fourth upper sub-channels; 14. The battery pack of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels extends from a corresponding one of the plurality of second branch channels to a corresponding one of the plurality of second rear connection channels.

15. 15. The battery pack of claim 14, wherein the cooling fluid exiting the second central channel is separated into the third upper channel and the fourth upper channel.

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