Battery packs and automobiles including them

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell array structure including a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of cooling tubes provided between the plurality of battery cells, a pack case housing the cell array structure, and a cooling pipe section provided between the plurality of cooling tubes along the stacking direction of the plurality of cooling tubes within the pack case, which connects cooling tubes facing each other in the stacking direction so that they can communicate with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack having improved energy density and assembly process efficiency, and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0129749 filed on September 26, 2023, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly applicable to a variety of products and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency, not only because they can significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also because they are environmentally friendly in that they do not generate any by-products during energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and the like. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, that is, a unit battery cell, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series to form a battery pack. Also, depending on the charge and discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] On the other hand, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first configure a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components and configure the battery pack.

[0006] Conventional battery packs are equipped with a cooling line structure for cooling the battery cells. Such a cooling line structure includes a plurality of cooling tubes placed between the battery cells, a cooling line connected to an external cooling device for supplying and recovering a cooling medium to the plurality of cooling tubes, and a cooling pipe connecting the cooling line and the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0007] Conventional cooling pipes are generally formed to a predetermined length within the battery pack case for connecting to multiple cooling tubes, and are provided on both sides of the edge inside the battery pack case.

[0008] However, this type of cooling pipe structure in conventional battery packs has a disadvantage in terms of energy density because it increases the volume it occupies within the pack case. In addition, the cooling structure of conventional battery packs has a complex connection structure due to the structure of the cooling pipes connected to multiple cooling tubes, which also complicates the assembly process.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a method that can provide a battery pack that can improve space utilization and increase energy density. Furthermore, there is a need for a method that can improve process efficiency by enhancing ease of assembly. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can improve space utilization and maximize energy density by simplifying the cooling line structure, and an automobile including the same.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can improve process efficiency by enhancing ease of assembly, and an automobile including the same.

[0012] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a cell array structure including a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of cooling tubes provided between the plurality of battery cells; a pack case housing the cell array structure; and a cooling pipe section provided between the plurality of cooling tubes along the stacking direction of the plurality of cooling tubes within the pack case, and connecting cooling tubes facing each other in the stacking direction so as to enable communication between them.

[0014] Furthermore, preferably, the cooling pipe portion may have a connecting end capable of covering any steps or assembly tolerances between opposing cooling tubes when connected to them in the stacking direction.

[0015] Furthermore, preferably, the connecting end may be provided with bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, the connecting end may be provided to have a predetermined elasticity.

[0017] Also, preferably, the cooling pipe portion can include a first portion having a predetermined thickness in the height direction of the cell array structure and a second portion having a thickness greater than that of the first portion.

[0018] Also, preferably, when connecting to the cooling tube, the first portion can be arranged closer to the cooling tube than the second portion.

[0019] Also, preferably, the first portion can be provided at both ends along the length direction of the cooling pipe portion.

[0020] Also, preferably, bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction can be provided in the first portion.

[0021] Also, preferably, bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction can be provided in the second portion.

[0022] Also, preferably, a cooling pipe flow path communicating with the cooling tube is provided inside the cooling pipe portion, and the cooling pipe flow path can be formed larger in the first portion than in the second portion.

[0023] Also, preferably, the cooling pipe portion can include an inner pipe connected to the cooling tubes facing each other in the stacking direction and an outer pipe provided outside the inner pipe.

[0024] Also, preferably, the outer pipe can have a higher hardness than the inner pipe.

[0025] Also, preferably, the inner pipe and the outer pipe can be formed of a rubber material.

[0026] Also, preferably, the outer pipe can be formed of a plastic material.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention provides a motor vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can improve the space utilization rate and maximize the energy density by simplifying the cooling line structure, and a motor vehicle including the same.

[0029] Also, according to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can improve the process efficiency by enhancing the assemblability, and a motor vehicle including the same.

[0030] <00001​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the main cooling pipe section of the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the side cooling pipe section of the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a side view of the side cooling pipe section of the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the side cooling pipe portion of the cooling pipe portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the assembly of the cell array structure and cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the assembly of the cooling tube and cooling pipe section of the cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the assembly of the cooling tube and cooling pipe section of the cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates how the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention prevents assembly errors. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates how the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention prevents assembly errors. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates the assembly of the cooling pipe section and cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18]This diagram illustrates the assembly of the cooling pipe section and cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a side view of the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view of the cooling pipe portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This diagram illustrates the assembly of the cooling tubes and cooling pipes in the cell array structure of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates the assembly of the cooling tubes and cooling pipes in the cell array structure of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a diagram illustrating an automobile relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in their general and dictionary sense, but in accordance with the principle that inventors can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and in accordance with the technical ideas of the present invention.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described herein represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of filing this application.

[0035] On the other hand, while terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used in this specification, such terms are for convenience of explanation and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0036] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery pack 10 may include a cell array structure 100, a pack case 200, and a cooling pipe section 300.

[0038] The cell array structure 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and a plurality of cooling tubes 130 provided between the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0039] Multiple battery cells 110 can be provided as a secondary battery. For example, multiple battery cells 110 can be provided as a cylindrical secondary battery, a pouch-type secondary battery, or a prismatic secondary battery. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the description will be limited to the case in which multiple battery cells 110 are provided as a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0040] The plurality of cooling tubes 130 are for cooling the battery cell 110, and each may be formed to a predetermined length along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case 200. The plurality of cooling tubes 130 may be arranged along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the pack case 200, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0041] The pack case 200 can accommodate the cell array structure 100. Specifically, the pack case 200 has a predetermined storage space that can accommodate the cell array structure 100, and is coupled to the cell array structure 100, and can stably support the cell array structure 100.

[0042] The cooling pipe section 300 is provided within the pack case 200 between the multiple cooling tubes 130 along the stacking direction of the multiple cooling tubes 130, and can connect opposing cooling tubes 130 in the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0043] In the case of the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment of the present invention, the cooling tubes 130 facing each other in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) can be connected via the cooling pipe section 300, and the connection structure of the cooling tubes 130 within the pack case 200 can be simplified.

[0044] Furthermore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pipe portion 300 is provided between the cooling tubes 130 in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the cooling tubes 130, thereby reducing the space occupied by the cooling pipe portion 300 within the pack case 200, improving the usability of the space within the pack case 200, and also significantly improving the overall energy density of the battery pack 10.

[0045] Furthermore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the simplified connection structure of the cooling pipe section 300 shortens the cycle time of the assembly process of the entire battery pack 10 and significantly improves overall process efficiency.

[0046] The cooling pipe section 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail below.

[0047] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a plan view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the cooling pipe section 300 is positioned between the ends (-Y axis direction) of the multiple cooling tubes 130, and does not protrude outside the ends (-Y axis direction) of the multiple cooling tubes 130 in the direction toward the inner wall (-Y axis direction) of the pack case 200.

[0049] Therefore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when assembling the cooling pipe portion 300 and the cooling tube 130, collisions or interference with the inner wall (-Y axis direction) of the pack case 200 do not occur, and the risk of damage to the cooling pipe portion 300 or assembly defects that may occur during assembly with the cooling pipe portion 300 can be greatly reduced.

[0050] The cooling pipe portion 300 may have a thickness W1 that is thinner than the thickness W2 of the ends of the multiple cooling tubes 130. This thickness W1 of the cooling pipe portion 300 makes it possible to more reliably prevent the cooling pipe portion 300 from protruding outside the multiple cooling tubes 130 during assembly.

[0051] Furthermore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness W1 of the cooling pipe portion 300 is formed to be thinner than the thickness W2 of the end of the cooling tube 130, so that the cooling pipe portion 300 does not increase the end width W on one side (-Y axis direction) of the pack case 200. In other words, in one embodiment of the present invention, since the attachment of the cooling pipe portion 300 does not relatively require securing space on one side (-Y axis direction) of the pack case 200, the width of the pack case 200 in the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) can be reduced as much as possible. For example, in this embodiment, the end width W on one side (-Y axis direction) of the pack case 200 can be about 43 mm.

[0052] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, only a predetermined width W is required on one side (in the Y-axis direction) of the pack case 200 to cover the thickness W2 of the end of the cooling tube 130, so the width of the pack case 200 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) can be reduced as much as possible.

[0053] Furthermore, the cooling pipe section 300 no longer protrudes outside the ends of the multiple cooling tubes 130 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the ends of the multiple cooling tubes 130.

[0054] Therefore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pipe portion 300 does not protrude beyond the cooling tube 130 even in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack case 200. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the increase in the overall size of the battery pack 10 due to the cooling pipe portion 300 and interference problems with other components in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack case 200.

[0055] Multiple cooling pipe sections 300 may be provided.

[0056] The multiple cooling pipe sections 300 can be connected sequentially to the multiple cooling tubes 130 in one direction (-Y axis direction) along the stacking direction (X axis direction) of the multiple cooling tubes 130 when assembled with the cell array structure 100.

[0057] Thus, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pipe section 300 is connected together with the cooling tube 130 when assembled with the cell array structure 100, making the connection and assembly process of the cooling pipe section 300 faster and simpler.

[0058] The specific configurations of these multiple cooling pipe sections 300 will be examined in more detail below.

[0059] The multiple cooling pipe sections 300 may include main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320 connected to a cooling line 400, which will be described later, and multiple side cooling pipe sections 330 and 340 communicating with the main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320.

[0060] The main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320 may be positioned between the multiple side cooling pipe sections 330 and 340. Specifically, the main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320 may be located near the approximate center of the multiple side cooling pipe sections 330 and 340.

[0061] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the main cooling pipe section of the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to Figure 6 and Figures 3 to 5 above, the main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320 may include first connection sections 312 and 322, second connection sections 314 and 324, and third connection sections 316 and 326.

[0063] The first connecting portions 312 and 322 are connected to one side (-X-axis direction) of the cooling tube 130 facing each other in the stacking direction (X-axis direction), and the second connecting portions 314 and 324 may be connected to the other side (+X-axis direction) of the cooling tube 130 facing each other in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction).

[0064] The third connecting portions 316 and 326 can communicate with the first connecting portions 312 and 322 and the second connecting portions 314 and 324. These third connecting portions 316 and 326 are for connecting to the cooling line 400 and can be connected to the inlet connecting portion 430 and outlet connecting portion 450 of the cooling line 400, which will be described later.

[0065] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the side cooling pipe portion of the cooling pipe portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is a side view of the side cooling pipe portion of the cooling pipe portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the side cooling pipe portion of the cooling pipe portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 and Figures 3 to 5, the multiple side cooling pipes 330, 340 can have connecting ends 332, 334, 342, 344 that can cover steps and assembly tolerances between opposing cooling tubes 130 when connected to the opposing cooling tubes 130 in the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0067] Specifically, of the multiple side cooling pipes 330 and 340, the side cooling pipe 330 provided on the lower side (-Z axis direction) of the pack case 200 in the height direction (Z axis direction) may have connecting ends 332 and 334 that can cover the step difference and assembly tolerances between opposing cooling tubes 130 when connected to the opposing cooling tubes 130 in the stacking direction (X axis direction). Of the multiple side cooling pipes 330 and 340, the side cooling pipe 340 provided on the upper side (+Z axis direction) of the pack case 200 in the height direction (Z axis direction) may have connecting ends 342 and 344 that can cover the step difference and assembly tolerances between opposing cooling tubes 130 when connected to the opposing cooling tubes 130 in the stacking direction (X axis direction). Here, of the multiple side cooling pipes 330 and 340, the side cooling pipe 330 provided on the lower side (-Z axis direction) of the pack case 200 in the height direction (Z axis direction) is the inlet pipe 330 described later, and of the multiple side cooling pipes 330 and 340, the side cooling pipe 340 provided on the upper side (+Z axis direction) of the pack case 200 in the height direction (Z axis direction) may be the outlet pipe 340 described later.

[0068] The aforementioned connection ends 332, 334, 342, and 344 may include one-side connection ends 332, 342 and other-side connection ends 334, 344. The one-side connection ends 332, 342 are connected to communicate with the protruding pipe 135 of one side (-X-axis direction) of the cooling tube 130 that is opposite in the stacking direction (X-axis direction), and the other-side connection ends 334, 344 may communicate with the one-side connection ends 332, 342 and communicate with the protruding pipe 135 of the other side (+X-axis direction) of the cooling tube 130 that is opposite in the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0069] The connecting ends 332, 334, 342, and 344 may be provided with bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction (X-axis direction). The bellows portions guide a smoother connection between the connecting ends 332, 334, 342, and 344 and the protruding pipe 135 of the cooling tube 130, and can also prevent the cooling medium from flowing out. The connecting ends 332, 334, 342, and 344 may be provided to have a predetermined elasticity.

[0070] As a result, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connection ends 332, 334, 342, and 344 of the multiple side cooling pipes 330 and 340, which have elastic and bellows structures, prevent the cooling medium from leaking out when connected to the cooling tube 130, enable more flexible connections, and significantly reduce the risk of damage to components that may occur during connection.

[0071] The multiple side cooling pipe sections 330, 340 may include first sections 332, 334, 342, 344 and second sections 336, 346. The first sections 332, 334, 342, 344 may have a predetermined thickness in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure 100. The second sections 336, 346 may have a greater thickness than the first sections 332, 334, 342, 344. Such second sections 336, 346 may be provided between the first sections 332, 334, 342, 344.

[0072] The second portions 336 and 346, which have a relatively thicker thickness, can effectively prevent sagging of the multiple side cooling pipe portions 330 and 340 or detachment from the cooling tube 130, which may occur during the assembly process when the multiple side cooling pipe portions 330 and 340 are connected to only one of the cooling tubes 130, during the assembly process of the multiple side cooling pipe portions 330 and 340 and the cooling tube 130.

[0073] Therefore, in the case of the battery pack 10 of the present invention, the relatively thick second portions 336 and 346 prevent sagging and incomplete assembly of the multiple side cooling pipe portions 330 and 340 when assembling them with the cooling tube 130.

[0074] The first portions 332, 334, 342, and 344 may be positioned closer to the cooling tube 130 than the second portions 336, and 346 when connected to the cooling tube 130. The first portions 332, 334, 342, and 344 may be provided at both ends along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cooling pipe portion 300. That is, the first portions 332, 334, 342, and 344 may be the connecting ends 332, 334, 342, and 344. The first portions 332, 334, 342, and 344 may be provided with bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction (X-axis direction), and the second portions 336, and 346 may be provided with bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0075] As discussed above, the bellows portions of the first portions 332, 334, 342, 344 and the second portions 336, 346 guide a more flexible connection when connecting the side cooling pipe portions 330, 340 and the cooling tube 130, and reduce the risk of damage to components that may occur during connection.

[0076] Furthermore, the first portions 332, 334, 342, and 344 can be provided with chamfered portions for smoother connection with the protruding pipe 135 of the cooling tube 130.

[0077] Multiple side cooling pipe sections 330, 340 are provided with cooling pipe passages 338, 348 that communicate with the cooling tube 130, and the cooling pipe passages 338, 348 can be formed larger in the first sections 332, 334, 342, 344 than in the second sections 336, 346. This allows for a smoother flow of the cooling medium on the first sections 332, 334, 342, 344 side, which is closer to the cooling tube 130.

[0078] On the other hand, the cooling pipe passages 338 and 348 may also be provided in the main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320 of the cooling pipe section 300. Furthermore, the main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320 may also be provided with a bellows structure and chamfered sections to guide connection with the cooling tube 130.

[0079] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to Figure 10 and Figures 3 through 5 above, the battery pack 10 may include a cooling line 400.

[0081] The cooling line 400 is connected to an external cooling device and supplies a cooling medium to the cooling tube 130, and can also discharge the cooling medium that has circulated through the cooling tube 130 to the external cooling device. The cooling medium can be provided as a cooling fluid that can circulate through the cooling tube 130 while cooling the battery cell 110. For example, the cooling medium can be provided as cooling water. However, it is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the cooling medium can be provided as any other cooling fluid that can circulate through the cooling tube 130 while cooling the battery cell 110.

[0082] Such a cooling line 400 may include a line body 410, an inlet connection 430, and an outlet connection 450.

[0083] The line body 410 can be mounted inside the pack case 200 and connected to an external cooling device. For this purpose, a portion of the line body 410 may be exposed to the outside of the pack case 200 for connection to the external cooling device.

[0084] The inlet connection portion 430 is provided on the line body 410 and can be connected to the main cooling pipe portion 310. Specifically, the inlet connection portion 430 can be connected to the inlet pipe 310 of the main cooling pipe portions 310 and 320, which will be described later.

[0085] The outlet connection portion 450 is provided on the line body 410 and can be connected to the main cooling pipe portion 320. Specifically, the outlet connection portion 450 can be connected to the outlet pipe 320 of the main cooling pipe portions 310 and 320, which will be described later.

[0086] The following describes in more detail the specific connection structure between the cooling pipe section 300 and the cell array structure 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to Figure 11 and Figures 3 through 5 above, the cell array structure 100 may include side frames 150.

[0089] The side frame 150 can accommodate a plurality of battery cells 110 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case 200. The cooling pipe section 300 is provided so as to face the side frame 150 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the side frame 150.

[0090] Therefore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, problems such as collision or interference with the side frame 150 do not occur when assembling the cooling pipe section 300 and the cell array structure 100, and damage to the cooling pipe section 300 or assembly defects due to collision or interference with the side frame 150 can be prevented.

[0091] The side frames 150 of the cell array structure 100 will be examined in more detail below.

[0092] The side frame 150 may include a pair of side walls 152 and a plurality of side structures 155.

[0093] The pair of sidewalls 152 are positioned on both sides (+X-axis direction and -X-axis direction) of the outermost perimeter of the cell array structure 100 and can support at least one row of battery cells 110 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case 200. Such a pair of sidewalls 152 can be fixed to the outer sidewall 260 of the pack case 200, which will be described later, by fastening members or the like. Therefore, the cell array structure 100 can be stably fixed and supported by the pack case 200.

[0094] The multiple side structures 155 are provided between a pair of side walls 152 in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) and can support at least two rows of battery cells 110 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case 200. Specifically, the multiple side structures 155 can support the battery cells 110 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) on both the front (+X-axis direction) and rear (-X-axis direction) sides along the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0095] The cooling pipe section 300 is provided so as to face a plurality of the side structures 155 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case 200, and can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the plurality of side structures 155. Therefore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, interference or collision with the side structures 155 does not occur when assembling the cell array structure 100 and the cooling pipe section 300, and damage to the cooling pipe section 300 or assembly defects can be effectively prevented.

[0096] Furthermore, the length d1 of each cooling pipe section 300 may be smaller than or the same as the width d2 of each side structure 155 in the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0097] Therefore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to fundamentally prevent assembly defects between the side structures 150 that may occur due to the cooling pipe section 300 when assembling the cell array structure 100 and the cooling pipe section 300.

[0098] The assembly process of the cell array structure 100 and the cooling pipe section 300 of the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment will be examined in more detail below.

[0099] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the assembly of the cell array structure and cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to Figure 12, the above manufacturers can assemble the cooling pipe section 300 together with the cell array structure 100 of the battery pack 10 (see Figure 1) during assembly. First, the above manufacturers can fix the cooling tube 130 between the battery cells 110 using adhesive or the like. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the assembly in which the cooling tube 130 is fixed between the battery cells 110 will be referred to as the cell tube assembly.

[0101] Subsequently, the manufacturers can position the side wall 152 of the side frame 150 as the outermost part, then position the cell tube assembly, and then position the side structure 155 of the side frame 150. The manufacturers can also position the cell tube assembly again, and at this time, connect the cooling pipe section 300 to the cooling tube 130 of the cell tube assembly.

[0102] In this way, the manufacturers can assemble the cell tube assembly and the side structure 155 in sequence, and in this assembly process, connect the cooling pipe section 300 to the cooling tube 130 of the cell tube assembly in sequence. The connection of the cooling pipe section 300 to the cooling tube 130 can be done at the ends of the cooling tube 130 that protrude outside the side frame 150. That is, the ends of multiple cooling tubes 130 protrude outside the side frame 150 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case 200 (see Figure 2), and the cooling pipe section 300 can be connected sequentially to multiple cooling tubes 130 along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the side frame 150.

[0103] Subsequently, after the connection of the side structure 155, the cell tube assembly, and the cooling pipe section 300 is complete, the manufacturers can complete the assembly of the cell array structure 100 by connecting the remaining side wall 152 of the pair of side walls 152 of the side frame 150 to the cell tube assembly.

[0104] On the other hand, it goes without saying that the above manufacturers do not pre-configure the cell tube assembly, which is an assembly in which the cooling tube 130 is fixed between the battery cells 110, but instead, during manufacturing, they can arrange the battery cells 110, the cooling tube 130, and the battery cells 110 in that order, assemble them with the side frame 150, and fix the battery cells 110 and the cooling tube 130.

[0105] Thus, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of the cooling pipe section 300 is performed together with the sequential assembly process along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the cell array structure 100. This simplifies the assembly process of the cooling pipe section 300, shortens the overall assembly tap time, and significantly improves the efficiency of the assembly process.

[0106] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the assembly of the cooling tube and cooling pipe section of the cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 15 and 16 illustrate how the cooling pipe section of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention prevents assembly errors.

[0107] Referring to Figures 13 to 16, the above-mentioned manufacturers can assemble the cell array structure 100 (see Figure 12) by connecting the side cooling pipe sections 330 and 340 of the cooling pipe section 300 to the cooling tube 130. On the other hand, during the assembly process of the cell array structure 100, the alignment of the already assembled cell array section a and the cell array section b for new assembly may be misaligned due to steps or tolerances between the cell arrays. In one embodiment of the present invention, if such a misalignment occurs between the already assembled cell array section a and the cell array section b for new assembly during the assembly process, this misalignment can be absorbed (c) by connecting the side cooling pipe sections 330 and 340 of the cooling pipe section 300 to the cooling tube 130.

[0108] Therefore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pipe portion 300 absorbs deviations caused by steps or tolerances between cell arrays during the assembly process of the cell array structure 100, thereby effectively preventing assembly defects of the cell array structure 100 due to assembly tolerances and the like.

[0109] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the assembly of the cooling pipe section and cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, once the assembly of the cell array structure 100 and the cooling pipe section 300 is complete, the manufacturers can secure the cell array structure 100 to the pack case 200 and fix it to the pack case 200.

[0111] Subsequently, the manufacturers can complete the assembly of the cooling line of the battery pack 10 by connecting the inlet connection 430 and the outlet connection 450 of the cooling line 400 to the third connection 316 and 326 of the main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320.

[0112] Thus, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of the cooling line can be completed by assembling the cooling pipe section 300 when assembling the cell array structure 100, and then connecting the cooling line 400 to the main cooling pipe sections 310 and 320 of the cooling pipe section 300. By simplifying the cooling line assembly structure, the overall efficiency of the assembly process can be greatly improved.

[0113] Looking again at Figures 3 to 7, the cooling pipe section 300 can include inlet pipes 310, 330 and outlet pipes 320, 340.

[0114] Such inlet pipes 310 and 330 can guide the cooling medium from the cooling line to the multiple cooling tubes 130. Such inlet pipes 310 and 330 may consist of an inlet pipe 310 of the main cooling pipe section 310 and inlet pipes 330 of the multiple side cooling pipe sections 330.

[0115] The outlet pipes 320 and 340 are for discharging the cooling medium that has circulated inside the plurality of cooling tubes 130 to the cooling line 400 side, and may consist of an outlet pipe 320 of the main cooling pipe section 320 and outlet pipes 340 of the plurality of side cooling pipe sections 340.

[0116] The inlet pipes 310, 330 and the outlet pipes 320, 340 can be positioned between the ends of the multiple cooling tubes 130 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the ends of the multiple cooling tubes 130 (-Y-axis direction). With this arrangement, the inlet pipes 310, 330 and the outlet pipes 320, 340 do not extend outside the cooling tubes 130 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cooling tubes 130.

[0117] Therefore, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when an external impact occurs in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack case 200, it is possible to prevent the primary transmission of impact to the inlet pipes 310, 330 and the outlet pipes 320, 340, and effectively prevent the risk of damage to the cooling pipe section 300 that may occur during an external impact.

[0118] The inlet pipes 310 and 330 may be positioned lower than the outlet pipes 320 and 340 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the ends of the multiple cooling tubes 130. As a result, the cooling medium transmitted from the cooling line 400 is supplied to the lower side of the cooling tubes 130 via the inlet pipes 310 and 330 which are positioned relatively lower, and the cooling medium that has circulated inside the cooling tubes 130 can be discharged from the upper side of the cooling tubes 130 to the cooling line 400 via the outlet pipes 320 and 340 which are positioned above the inlet pipes 310 and 330 (+Z-axis direction). If the cooling medium supplied from the cooling line 400 is supplied to the lower side of the cooling tubes 130 first, the flow efficiency of the cooling medium can be further improved. However, this is only one example, and it is also possible to position the inlet pipes above the outlet pipes depending on the design.

[0119] The following describes the cooling pipe portion 305 of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Figure 19 is a side view of the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the cooling pipe section 305 may include an inner pipe 352 and an outer pipe 356. The inner pipe 352 is connected to a cooling tube 130 facing the other in the stacking direction (X-axis direction, see Figure 3), and the outer pipe 356 is provided outside the inner pipe 352 and can surround the outside of the central portion of the inner pipe 352 along the length direction (X-axis direction, see Figure 3) of the cooling pipe section 305. Such an inner pipe 352 and outer pipe 356 can be provided by double injection molding.

[0122] The outer pipe 356 may have a higher hardness than the inner pipe 352. Specifically, the inner pipe 352 may be made of a material with lower hardness than the outer pipe 356, and the outer pipe 356 may be made of a material with higher hardness than the inner pipe 352.

[0123] The inner pipe 352 may be provided with the bellows portion and chamfered portion described above. Having such a structure and relatively low hardness, the inner pipe 352 can prevent the cooling medium from flowing out and can serve as an assembly guide during the assembly process of the cell array structure 100. Furthermore, the outer pipe 356, which has relatively high hardness, can prevent sagging and incomplete assembly of the cooling pipe portion 305 that may occur when connecting the cooling pipe portion 305 to the cooling tube 130 (see Figure 3).

[0124] The inner pipe 352 may be formed from a rubber material having a predetermined elasticity. For example, the inner pipe 352 may be made of soft rubber. The outer pipe 356 may be formed from a rubber material having a higher hardness than the inner pipe 352. For example, the outer pipe 356 may be made from a hard rubber material. The outer pipe 356 may also be made from a plastic material to ensure higher hardness.

[0125] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate the assembly of the cooling tubes and cooling pipes in the cell array structure of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the cooling pipe section 305 can be assembled together with the cell array structure 100 (see Figure 12) during the assembly process, as in the embodiment described above. In other words, as discussed above, the cooling pipe section 305 can also be connected sequentially to the cooling tubes 130 that are stacked during the sequential stacking assembly of the cooling tubes 130 in the cell array structure assembly process. Thus, the cooling pipe section 305 can also be provided as a multi-layered structure of composite materials having different hardnesses.

[0127] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the pack case 200 of the battery pack 10 may include a bottom plate 220 and an outer side wall 260.

[0128] The bottom plate 220 is for supporting the bottom of the cell array structure 100 and can constitute the bottom of the pack case 200. Such a bottom plate 220 may be provided with a predetermined protruding rib structure. The rib structure can function as a predetermined vent path line that guides the flow path of thermal event gas or the like at the bottom of the cell array structure 100.

[0129] The outer sidewall 260 is connected to the bottom plate 220 and can form the edge of the side of the pack case 200. The outer sidewall 260 is connected to the sidewall 152 of the side frame 150 of the cell array structure 100 by fastening members and the like, allowing the cell array structure 100 to be more stably fixed inside the pack case 200.

[0130] The battery pack 10 may include an electrical unit 500. The electrical unit 500 is housed within the pack case 200 and may include electrical components such as a battery management system (BMS) that controls the cell array structure 100 of the battery pack 10. Such an electrical unit 500 may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0131] The battery pack 10 may further include a busbar assembly and a pack cover, although these are not shown.

[0132] The busbar assembly is for the electrical connection of the battery cells 110 of the cell array structure 100, and is located on the upper side of the cell array structure 100 and can be connected to the battery cells 110.

[0133] The pack cover is for housing the cell array structure 100 together with the pack case 200, and is coupled to the pack case 200 and can cover the upper side of the cell array structure 100. On the other hand, the cooling line 400 may be exposed to the outside of the pack cover for connection to an external cooling device.

[0134] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Referring to Figure 23, the automobile 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of the battery packs 10 according to the present embodiment described above. In addition, the automobile 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile, in addition to such battery packs 10. For example, the automobile 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), and other control devices.

[0136] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be installed not only in the automobile 1, but also in other devices, equipment, and facilities such as energy storage systems that use secondary batteries.

[0137] Through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack 10 that can improve space utilization and maximize energy density by simplifying the cooling line structure, and an automobile 1 including the same.

[0138] Furthermore, through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack 10 and an automobile 1 including the same, which can improve process efficiency by enhancing ease of assembly.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the claims described below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 10 Battery Packs 100 Cell Array Structure 110 battery cells 130 Cooling Tubes 200 pack case 300 Cooling pipe section

Claims

1. A cell array structure including multiple battery cells and multiple cooling tubes provided between the multiple battery cells, A pack case for housing the aforementioned cell array structure, A cooling pipe section is provided between the multiple cooling tubes along the stacking direction of the multiple cooling tubes within the pack case, and connects the cooling tubes facing each other in the stacking direction so that they can communicate with each other. A battery pack, including the battery pack.

2. The aforementioned cooling pipe section is The battery pack according to claim 1, having a connecting end capable of covering steps and assembly tolerances between opposing cooling tubes when connected to the opposing cooling tubes in the stacking direction.

3. The aforementioned connecting end has, The battery pack according to claim 2, further comprising bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction.

4. The aforementioned connecting end is, The battery pack according to claim 2, provided to have a predetermined elasticity.

5. The aforementioned cooling pipe section is The cell array structure has a predetermined thickness in the height direction, and the first portion is defined as follows: A second part having a thickness greater than the first part, The battery pack according to claim 1, including the following:

6. The first part is, The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, when connected to the cooling tube, it is positioned even closer to the cooling tube than the second portion.

7. The first part is, The battery pack according to claim 5, provided at both ends along the longitudinal direction of the cooling pipe section.

8. Part 1 includes, The battery pack according to claim 5, further comprising bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction.

9. The second part mentioned above includes, The battery pack according to claim 5, further comprising bellows portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction.

10. Inside the aforementioned cooling pipe section, A cooling pipe passage is provided that communicates with the aforementioned cooling tube. The aforementioned cooling pipe flow path is The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the first portion is formed to be larger than the second portion.

11. The aforementioned cooling pipe section is An inner pipe connected to the cooling tubes facing each other in the stacking direction, An outer pipe provided on the outside of the inner pipe, The battery pack according to claim 1, including the following:

12. The aforementioned outer pipe is The battery pack according to claim 11, having a higher hardness than the inner pipe.

13. The inner pipe and the outer pipe are The battery pack according to claim 12, which is made of a rubber material.

14. The aforementioned outer pipe is The battery pack according to claim 12, which is made of a plastic material.

15. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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