Battery pack and device including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a pack frame accommodating the battery module, a pack cooling path assembly connected to the battery module, and a pack cooling path housing accommodating the pack cooling path assembly therein. The pack cooling path housing has an open bottom, and the pack cooling path assembly is positioned between the pack cooling path housing and the pack frame.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack with improved cooling performance and a device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, video cameras, and digital cameras has become commonplace, there has been active development of technology related to these mobile devices. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are used as the power source for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), etc., as a measure to solve air pollution caused by existing gasoline-powered vehicles that use fossil fuels, and there is an increasing need for the development of secondary batteries.

[0003] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to the advantages they have over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, the ability to be charged and discharged freely, a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0004] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates coated with the positive and negative active materials are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and a battery case that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] In general, lithium secondary batteries are classified according to the shape of their exterior material into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] In the case of a secondary battery used in a small device, two or three battery cells are arranged, while in the case of a secondary battery used in a medium to large device such as an automobile, a battery module in which a number of battery cells are electrically connected is used. In such a battery module, a number of battery cells are connected to each other in series or parallel to form a battery cell stack, thereby improving capacity and output. In addition, one or more battery modules can be mounted with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0007] If the temperature of a secondary battery becomes higher than the appropriate temperature, the performance of the secondary battery decreases, and if the temperature becomes severe, there is a risk of explosion or fire. In particular, in a battery module or battery pack including a large number of secondary batteries, i.e., battery cells, the temperature may rise more rapidly and violently due to the heat generated from the large number of battery cells being combined in a small space. In other words, a battery module including a large number of battery cells and a battery pack equipped with such a battery module can obtain high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not performed well, the battery cells deteriorate faster, their lifespan is shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire increases.

[0008] Furthermore, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and high temperature conditions such as in summer and desert regions.

[0009] Therefore, when constructing a battery module or battery pack, it is extremely important to ensure stable and effective cooling performance. In particular, as the capacity of battery modules and battery packs increases, the amount of heat generated increases, and in order to control the increased amount of heat generated, a water-cooled cooling structure is required rather than an air-cooled structure. Although a water-cooled cooling structure has excellent cooling performance, it is essential to have a sealed structure that prevents the coolant from leaking into the electrical components inside the battery pack.

[0010] As the demand for increased capacity and improved heat dissipation of battery packs continues, there is a substantial need to develop battery packs with stable and sealed cooling systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack having improved sealing performance for preventing leakage of a refrigerant in a water-cooling type cooling structure, and a device including the battery pack.

[0012] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and can be variously expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack includes a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a pack frame for accommodating the battery module, a pack cooling path assembly connected to the battery module, and a pack cooling path housing for accommodating the pack cooling path assembly therein. The pack cooling path housing has an open bottom, and the pack cooling path assembly is positioned between the pack cooling path housing and the pack frame.

[0014] The pack cooling path housing may include a storage section in which the pack cooling path assembly is stored and which has an open bottom, and a fastening section extending from the storage section and fastened to the pack frame.

[0015] The battery pack may further include a gasket positioned between the fastening portion and the pack frame.

[0016] The fastening portion is fastened to the pack frame by bolt connection.

[0017] The battery module may include a battery cell stack in which the battery cells are stacked, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, a heat sink located under a bottom of the module frame, and a cooling port that supplies a refrigerant to the heat sink or discharges a refrigerant from the heat sink.

[0018] The module frame may include a module frame protrusion protruding from a bottom of the module frame, the cooling port may be located on the module frame protrusion, and the pack cooling path assembly is coupled to the cooling port.

[0019] The battery module may include a first battery module and a second battery module. The module frame protrusion of the first battery module may protrude toward the second battery module. The module frame protrusion of the second battery module may protrude toward the first battery module.

[0020] The pack cooling path assembly and the pack cooling path housing can be positioned between the first battery module and the second battery module, and the pack cooling path assembly is connected to the cooling port through an open bottom of the pack cooling path housing.

[0021] The bottom of the module frame may form a top plate of the heat sink, and the bottom of the module frame may be in contact with the coolant.

[0022] The pack cooling pathway assembly may include a pack cooling pathway and a connection port connecting the pack cooling pathway and the cooling port.

[0023] The cooling port may be insert-coupled to a lower side of the connection port, and a sealing member may be positioned between the cooling port and the connection port.

[0024] The battery pack may further include a drain valve that is formed in a region of the pack frame that is covered by the pack cooling path housing and has an openable / closable structure.

[0025] The drain valve may include a spacer having a connecting pipe formed therein, and a drain plug inserted into the connecting pipe.

[0026] The battery pack may further include a leak detection sensor housed in the pack cooling path housing. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance can be improved by integrating a module frame and a heat sink into a cooling integrated structure. At this time, cooling ports are formed in each battery module in the battery pack, so that uniform cooling performance can be achieved within each battery module.

[0028] In addition, by storing the pack cooling path assembly, which transfers refrigerant to the cooling port, in the pack cooling path housing, it is possible to prevent leaking refrigerant from entering the electrical components inside the battery pack and leading to a fire or explosion.

[0029] Furthermore, since a pack cooling path housing having an open bottom is used, the number of parts required can be reduced, and the area requiring sealing can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a plan view of a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing the battery module of FIG. 1 viewed from below along the Z-axis direction. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention with a pack cooling path housing removed; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pack cooling path assembly, a pack cooling path housing and a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 2 is a partial perspective view showing a portion of a battery module, a pack cooling path assembly, and a pack cooling path housing according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a partial view showing a connection port and a cooling port according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pack cooling pathway housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pack cooling pathway housing of FIG. 10 flipped over so that the open bottom faces up. [Figure 12] 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a cross section taken along line AA' in FIG. 5. [Figure 13] 12. (a) and (b) are partial views of the area indicated by "B" in FIG. 12, viewed from different angles. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view showing a pack cooling path assembly, a pack cooling path housing, and a pack cooling path cover according to a comparative example to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not necessary for the explanation will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0034] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are enlarged to clearly express various layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0035] In addition, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly on" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, being "on" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0036] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this means that it can further include other elements, not excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0037] Furthermore, throughout the specification, a reference to "in a plane" means that the part is viewed from above, and a reference to "in cross section" means that the part is viewed from the side through a vertical cut.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a plan view of a battery cell included in the battery module of Fig. 2.

[0039] 1 to 3, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 110. Specifically, the battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack 120 in which the battery cells 110 are stacked, and a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120.

[0040] First, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell is formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then fusing the outer periphery of the pouch case. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the battery cell 110 is formed into a rectangular sheet-like structure.

[0041] Specifically, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a structure in which two electrode leads 111, 112 face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of a battery body 113, respectively. The battery cell 110 can be manufactured by joining both ends 114a, 114b of the battery case 114 to one side 114c connecting them, with an electrode assembly (not shown) housed in the battery case 114. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing parts, which are sealed by a method such as heat fusion, and the remaining other side comprises a connecting part 115. The distance between both ends 114a, 114b of the battery case 114 can be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110, and the distance between one side 114c connecting the both ends 114a, 114b of the battery case 114 and the connecting portion 115 can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell 110.

[0042] Although only the battery cell 110 having the electrode leads 111, 112 protruding in both directions has been described above, it is of course possible to provide a unidirectional pouch-type battery cell in which the electrode leads protrude in both directions as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Such a battery cell 110 may be configured in a plurality of pieces, and a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked along a direction parallel to the x-axis. The battery case 114 generally has a laminate structure of a resin layer / metal thin film layer / resin layer. For example, when the surface of the battery case is made of an O(oriented)-nylon layer, it tends to be slippery due to external impact when a plurality of battery cells are stacked to form a medium- to large-sized battery module. Therefore, in order to prevent this and to maintain a stable stacked structure of the battery cells, an adhesive member such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive such as double-sided tape or a chemical adhesive that bonds by a chemical reaction during adhesion may be attached to the surface of the battery case to form the battery cell stack 120.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the battery module of FIG. 1 as viewed from below along the Z-axis direction.

[0045] 1, 2 and 4, a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120 may include a U-shaped frame 210 and an upper cover 220.

[0046] The U-shaped frame 210 may include a bottom portion 210a and two side portions 210b extending upward from both ends of the bottom portion 210a. The bottom portion 210a may cover the lower surface of the battery cell stack 120, and the side portions 210b may cover both side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120.

[0047] The upper cover 220 is formed as a single plate-shaped structure surrounding the remaining upper surface (z-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120 except for the lower surface and both side surfaces surrounded by the U-shaped frame 210. The upper cover 220 and the U-shaped frame 210 may be joined by welding or the like with corresponding corners in contact with each other to form a structure that covers the battery cell stack 120 from above, below, left and right. The battery cell stack 120 may be physically protected by the upper cover 220 and the U-shaped frame 210. To this end, the upper cover 220 and the U-shaped frame 210 may include a metal material having a predetermined strength.

[0048] Meanwhile, although not specifically shown, the module frame according to another embodiment of the present invention may be a monoframe made of a metal plate material with the top, bottom and both sides integrated together. In other words, instead of a structure in which the U-shaped frame 210 and the upper cover 220 are interconnected, the module frame may be manufactured by extrusion molding and have a structure in which the top, bottom and both sides are integrated together.

[0049] The end plates 400 are formed to be located on both open, corresponding sides (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) of the module frame 200 and cover the battery cell stack 120. Such end plates 400 can physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impacts.

[0050] Meanwhile, although not shown in detail, a bus bar frame on which a bus bar is mounted and an insulating cover for electrical insulation may be positioned between the battery cell stack 120 and the end plate 400 .

[0051] The battery module 100 according to this embodiment may further include a heat sink 300 located below the bottom 210a of the module frame 200. The bottom 210a of the module frame 200 may constitute an upper plate of the heat sink 300, and a recess 340 of the heat sink 300 and the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 may form a refrigerant flow path. In addition, the battery module 100 may include a cooling port 500 that supplies a refrigerant to the heat sink 300 or discharges the refrigerant from the heat sink.

[0052] Specifically, the module frame 200 according to this embodiment may include a module frame protrusion 211 that protrudes from the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 through the end plate 400. At this time, the coolant is supplied to or discharged from the heat sink 300 through a cooling port 500 located on the module frame protrusion 211. A pack cooling path assembly, which will be described later, is connected to the cooling port 500.

[0053] The cooling port 500 may include a coolant inlet port 500a for supplying coolant to the heat sink 300, and a coolant outlet port 500b for discharging the coolant from the heat sink 300. The coolant inlet port 500a and the coolant outlet port 500b are respectively connected to a pack coolant supply pipe and a pack coolant outlet pipe, which will be described later. The module frame protrusion 211 may include a first module frame protrusion and a second module frame protrusion spaced apart from each other on one side of the module frame 200, and the coolant inlet port 500a is disposed on the first module frame protrusion, and the coolant outlet port 500b is disposed on the second module frame protrusion.

[0054] The heat sink according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. As described above, the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 constitutes the upper plate of the heat sink 300, and the recess 340 of the heat sink 300 and the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 can correspond to a flow path through which the coolant flows.

[0055] Specifically, the heat sink 300 is formed at the lower part of the module frame 200. The heat sink 300 may include a lower plate 310 that forms the framework of the heat sink 300 and is directly joined to the bottom part 210a of the module frame 200 by welding or the like, and a recessed part 340 that is a path through which the coolant flows. The heat sink 300 may also include a heat sink protrusion 300P that protrudes from one side of the heat sink 300 to a part where the module frame protrusion 211 is located. That is, the recessed part 340 may connect the two heat sink protrusions 300P, and the two heat sink protrusions 300P may be a part into which the coolant flows and a part from which the coolant flows, respectively. For this reason, the heat sink protrusion 300P may be located to correspond to the module frame protrusion 211 in which the cooling port 500 is formed.

[0056] The heat sink protrusion 300P and the module frame protrusion 211 can be directly joined to each other by a method such as welding.

[0057] The recess 340 of the heat sink 300 corresponds to a portion where the lower plate 310 is recessed downward. The recess 340 may be a tube having a U-shaped cross section along an xz plane or a yz plane perpendicular to the direction in which the refrigerant flow path extends, and the bottom 210a may be located on the open upper side of the U-shaped tube. As the lower plate 310 of the heat sink 300 contacts the bottom 210a, the space between the recess 340 and the bottom 210a becomes an area where the refrigerant flows, i.e., a refrigerant flow path. This allows the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 to directly contact the refrigerant.

[0058] There is no particular limitation on the method for manufacturing the recess 340 of the heat sink 300, but by providing a recessed structure to the plate-shaped heat sink 300, a U-shaped recess 340 with an open upper side can be formed.

[0059] As described above, the recess 340 may be connected from one of the heat sink protrusions 300P to the other. The coolant supplied through the coolant inlet port 500a passes between the module frame protrusion 211 and the heat sink protrusion 300P, and first flows into the space between the recess 340 and the bottom 210a. Thereafter, the coolant moves along the recess 340, passes between the other module frame protrusion 211 and the other heat sink protrusion 300P, and is discharged through the coolant outlet port 500b.

[0060] Meanwhile, although not shown, a thermally conductive resin layer including a thermal resin may be located between the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 in Fig. 2 and the battery cell stack 120. The thermally conductive resin layer is formed by applying a thermally conductive resin to the bottom 210a and curing the applied thermally conductive resin.

[0061] The thermally conductive resin may include a thermally conductive adhesive material, and specifically may include at least one of a silicone material, a urethane material, and an acrylic material. The thermally conductive resin is liquid when applied, and hardens after application to fix one or more battery cells 110 that constitute the battery cell stack 120. In addition, the thermally conductive resin has excellent thermal conductivity, and can quickly transfer heat generated from the battery cells 110 to the underside of the battery module.

[0062] The battery module 100 according to this embodiment realizes an integrated cooling structure between the module frame 200 and the heat sink 300, thereby further improving the cooling performance. The bottom 210a of the module frame 200 plays a role corresponding to the upper plate of the heat sink 300, thereby realizing the integrated cooling structure. The cooling efficiency is increased by direct cooling, and the structure in which the heat sink 300 is integrated with the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 can further improve the space utilization rate of the battery module 100 and the battery pack to which the battery module 100 is attached.

[0063] Specifically, heat generated from the battery cells 110 is transferred to the outside of the battery module 100 through a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) located between the battery cell stack 120 and the bottom 210a, the bottom 210a of the module frame 200, and the refrigerant. By removing the conventional unnecessary cooling structure, the heat transfer path is simplified and the air gap between each layer can be reduced, thereby improving cooling efficiency and performance. In particular, since the bottom 210a is configured as the upper plate of the heat sink 300 and is in direct contact with the refrigerant, there is an advantage in that more direct cooling through the refrigerant is possible.

[0064] In addition, the height of the battery module 100 is reduced by removing unnecessary cooling structures, which can reduce costs and improve space utilization. Furthermore, the battery modules 100 can be arranged compactly, which can increase the capacity and output of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules 100.

[0065] Meanwhile, the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 is joined by welding to a portion of the lower plate 310 of the heat sink 300 where the recess 340 is not formed. In this embodiment, the cooling integrated structure of the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 and the heat sink 300 not only improves the cooling performance as described above, but also supports the load of the battery cell stack 120 housed in the module frame 200 and reinforces the rigidity of the battery module 100. In addition, the lower plate 310 and the bottom 210a of the module frame 200 are sealed by welding or the like, so that the refrigerant can flow through the recess 340 formed inside the lower plate 310 without leakage.

[0066] For effective cooling, as shown in Fig. 4, it is preferable that the recess 340 is formed over the entire area corresponding to the bottom 210a of the module frame 200. For this purpose, the recess 340 may be bent at least once to connect from one side to the other. In particular, since the recess 340 is formed over the entire area corresponding to the bottom 210a of the module frame 200, it is preferable that the recess 340 be bent several times. The coolant moves from the start point to the end point of the coolant flow path formed over the entire area corresponding to the bottom 210a of the module frame 200, thereby efficiently cooling the entire area of ​​the battery cell stack 120.

[0067] Meanwhile, the coolant is a medium for cooling and is not particularly limited, but may be cooling water. That is, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may have a water-cooling type cooling structure.

[0068] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0069] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention with a pack cooling path housing removed. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a pack cooling path assembly, a pack cooling path housing, and a gasket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] 5 to 7, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100, a pack frame 1100 that houses the battery module 100, a pack cooling path assembly 600 connected to the battery module 100, and a pack cooling path housing 700 that houses the pack cooling path assembly 600 therein. The pack cooling path housing 700 has an open bottom. The battery module 100 described in FIGS. 1 to 4 is housed in the pack frame 1100.

[0071] There is no particular limit to the number of battery modules 100 included in the battery pack 1000. One battery module is arranged, and several battery modules are arranged. As an example, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, four battery modules 100 are arranged in a lattice pattern. The battery modules 100 are arranged in two rows in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked, and may include a first battery module 100a and a second battery module 100b that face each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked. In addition, in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked, a third battery module 100c may be located on the first battery module 100a side, and a fourth battery module 100d may be located on the second battery module 100b side.

[0072] In this embodiment, the pack cooling path assembly 600 is connected to the cooling port 500 of the battery module 100. The pack cooling path assembly 600 is disposed between the adjacent battery modules 100. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, all the cooling ports 500 formed in the adjacent battery modules 100 are disposed in the space between the adjacent battery modules 100 in which the pack cooling path assembly 600 is disposed. Specifically, referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the module frame protrusion 211 of the first battery module 100a may protrude toward the second battery module 100b, and the module frame protrusion 211 of the second battery module 100b may protrude toward the first battery module 100a. That is, the cooling port 500 of the first battery module 100a and the cooling port 500 of the second battery module 100b may all be located between the first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b. As a result, a portion of the pack cooling path assembly 600 connected to the cooling port 500 may be located between the first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b. Also, a portion of the pack cooling path housing 700 housing the pack cooling path assembly 600 may be located between the first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b. The pack cooling path assembly 600 is connected to the cooling port 500 through an open lower portion of the pack cooling path housing 700. The connection structure between the pack cooling path assembly 600 and the cooling port 500 and the structure of the pack cooling path housing 700 will be described again below.

[0073] Meanwhile, the refrigerant injection port 500a formed in one of the adjacent battery modules 100 and the refrigerant discharge port 500b formed in the other battery module 100 are arranged to face each other. As an example, the refrigerant injection port 500a of the first battery module 100a and the refrigerant discharge port 500b of the second battery module 100b are arranged to face each other.

[0074] The pack cooling pathway assembly 600 may include a pack cooling pathway 610 and a connection port 620 connecting the pack cooling pathway 610 to the cooling port 500 .

[0075] The pack cooling path 610 may include a main pack cooling path 611 connected to the inlet 910 and the outlet 920, and a subpack cooling path 612 connecting between the main pack cooling path 611 and the battery module 100. The subpack cooling path 612 may extend from one end of the main pack cooling path 611 in both directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main pack cooling path 611.

[0076] In particular, the subpack cooling paths 612 are connected to the cooling ports 500 of the battery modules 100 via the connection ports 620. The subpack cooling paths 612 may extend crossing each other. One of the crossing subpack cooling paths 612 may be a subpack refrigerant supply pipe 612a, and the other may be a subpack refrigerant discharge pipe 612b.

[0077] As the pack cooling path 610 according to the present embodiment has the above-mentioned arrangement structure, it is possible to realize an integrated cooling structure with the battery module 100 in the battery pack 1000. This makes it possible to improve cooling efficiency while increasing space utilization rate. In order to achieve such an arrangement structure of the pack cooling path 610, the heights of the intersecting subpack refrigerant supply pipe 612a and the heights of the subpack refrigerant discharge pipe 612b may be different from each other. The heights of the subpack refrigerant supply pipe 612a and the subpack refrigerant discharge pipe 612b may differ from each other only in part.

[0078] Meanwhile, the main pack cooling path 611 may include a main pack refrigerant supply pipe 611a and a main pack refrigerant discharge pipe 611b. The main pack refrigerant supply pipe 611a is connected to a sub-pack refrigerant supply pipe 612a, and the main pack refrigerant discharge pipe 611b is connected to a sub-pack refrigerant discharge pipe 612b.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view showing a portion of a battery module, a pack cooling path assembly, and a pack cooling path housing according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a partial view showing a connection port and a cooling port according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] 5 to 9, the connection port 620 can connect the cooling port 500 and the pack cooling path 610. As described above, the cooling port 500 can include the refrigerant injection port 500a and the refrigerant discharge port 500b, and the pack cooling path 610 can include the sub-pack refrigerant supply pipe 612a and the sub-pack refrigerant discharge pipe 612b.

[0081] At this time, any one of the connection ports 620 can connect between the refrigerant injection port 500a and the subpack refrigerant supply pipe 612a. Also, the other connection port 620 can connect between the refrigerant discharge port 500b and the subpack refrigerant discharge pipe 612b. In other words, the connection port 620 is connected to each of the refrigerant injection ports 500a that supply refrigerant to the multiple battery modules 100 and each of the refrigerant discharge ports 500b that discharge refrigerant from the multiple battery modules 100.

[0082] In summary, together with the structure of the heat sink 300 described above, the refrigerant flows through the inlet 910, the main pack refrigerant supply pipe 611a, the subpack refrigerant supply pipe 612a, the connection port 620, and the refrigerant injection port 500a in sequence, and then flows into the heat sink 300 of the battery module 100. The refrigerant flowing along the heat sink 300 cools the heat generated by the battery module 100. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant discharge port 500b, the connection port 620, the subpack refrigerant discharge pipe 612b, the main pack refrigerant discharge pipe 611b, and the outlet 920 in sequence, and is discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000. As described above, the refrigerant circulation structure of the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment is provided.

[0083] The subpack cooling path 612 may be located between the first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b, and between the third battery module 100c and the fourth battery module 100d. The subpack cooling path 612 is connected to the cooling ports 500 of each of the first to fourth battery modules 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. The main pack cooling path 611 may be located between the second battery module 100b and the fourth battery module 100d.

[0084] Meanwhile, there is no particular limitation on the manner of connection between the connection port 620 and the cooling port 500. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the cooling port 500 may be inserted and coupled to the lower side of the connection port 620. The lower end of the connection port 620 may contact the upper surface of the module frame protrusion 211. In other words, the cooling port 500 and the connection port 620 are coupled to each other in a form in which the cooling port 500 is inserted into the connection port 620.

[0085] A sealing member 630 may be located between the cooling port 500 and the connection port 620. The sealing member 630 may be an O-ring type and is fitted between the cooling port 500 and the connection port 620. The sealing member 630 is inserted into the connection port 620 together with the cooling port 500 while being fitted into the cooling port 500. The sealing member 630 may prevent the refrigerant from leaking through a gap between the cooling port 500 and the connection port 620.

[0086] The pack cooling path housing according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 10 to 12.

[0087] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a pack cooling path housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the pack cooling path housing of Fig. 10 turned over so that the open bottom faces upward. Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a cross section taken along line A-A' of Fig. 5. In particular, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view assuming that the pack cooling path housing 700 and the pack cooling path assembly 600 in Fig. 5 are disposed between the battery modules 100.

[0088] 5, 7, 8, 10 to 12, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment includes a pack cooling path housing 700 that houses the pack cooling path assembly 600 therein. The pack cooling path housing 700 has an open lower portion. That is, the pack cooling path housing 700 may have an open lower portion and a closed upper portion and side portions.

[0089] The pack cooling path assembly 600 is located between a pack cooling path housing 700 and a pack frame 1100. The pack cooling path housing 700 may be connected along an extended portion of the main pack cooling path 611 and the sub-pack cooling path 612.

[0090] Specifically, the pack cooling path housing 700 may include a storage section 710 in which the pack cooling path assembly 600 is stored and which has an open bottom, and a fastening section 720 which extends from the storage section 710 and is fastened to the pack frame 1100. In other words, the storage section 710 may be configured to have a side section and a top section, and the fastening section 720 may be configured to extend in parallel along one surface of the pack frame 1100.

[0091] The fastening portion 720 can be fastened to the pack frame 1100 by bolt fastening. Specifically, fastening holes 720H ​​are formed in the fastening portion 720, and the fastening portion 720 is coupled to the pack frame 1100 in such a manner that the bolts 700B pass through the fastening holes 720H ​​and are fastened to the pack frame 1100. As a result, the pack cooling path assembly 600 is sealed between the pack cooling path housing 700 and the pack frame 1100. Although not shown in detail, holes corresponding to the fastening holes 720H ​​are also formed in the gasket 700G so that the bolts 700B can pass through.

[0092] At this time, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include a gasket 700G located between the fastening portion 720 and the pack frame 1100. By providing the gasket 700G, leakage of the refrigerant between the fastening portion 720 of the pack cooling path housing 700 and the pack frame 1100 can be prevented.

[0093] As described above, the pack cooling path assembly 600 may include a main pack cooling path 611 and a sub-pack cooling path 612, while the storage section 710 of the pack cooling path housing 700 in this embodiment may include a first storage section 711 that houses the main pack cooling path 611 and a second storage section 712 that houses the sub-pack cooling path 612.

[0094] As described above, the main pack cooling path 611 is connected to the inlet 910 and the outlet 920. The pack cooling path housing 700 may include an inlet hole 700H1 and an outlet hole 700H2 formed at locations corresponding to the inlet 910 and the outlet 920, respectively. That is, the inlet 910 passes through the inlet hole 700H1 and is connected to the main pack refrigerant supply pipe 611a, and the outlet 920 passes through the outlet hole 700H2 and is connected to the main pack refrigerant discharge pipe 611b. Although not shown in detail, the inlet 910 and the outlet 920 are connected to an external refrigerant circulation system.

[0095] The battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment having the pack cooling path assembly 600 is applicable to vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, but a situation where a refrigerant such as cooling water leaks may occur due to assembly failure or an accident during operation. The leaked refrigerant may enter the interior of multiple components constituting the battery pack 1000 and cause a fire or explosion. Therefore, the pack cooling path assembly 600 is configured to be sealed between the pack cooling path housing 700 and the pack frame 1100, so that even if the refrigerant leaks from the pack cooling path assembly 600, it is retained inside the pack cooling path housing 700. In other words, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant leaking from the pack cooling path assembly 600 from entering other components in the battery pack 1000. At this time, it is preferable to maximize the volume of the pack cooling path housing 700 by utilizing the space between the multiple battery modules 100 so that the pack cooling path housing 700 can accommodate as much leaked refrigerant as possible.

[0096] Hereinafter, a drain valve according to a modified embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0097] 13(a) and (b) are partial views of the area indicated by "B" in FIG. 12, viewed from different angles.

[0098] 12 and 13(a) and (b), a battery pack 1000 according to a modified embodiment of the present invention may further include a drain valve 800 having an openable and closable structure. The drain valve 800 is formed in an area of ​​the pack frame 1100 that is covered by the pack cooling path housing 700. An exhaust port 1100H is formed in the pack frame 1100, and the drain valve 800 may be located at the exhaust port 1100H.

[0099] The drain valve 800 may include a spacer 810 having a connecting pipe 811 formed therein, and a drain plug 820 inserted into the connecting pipe 811. Depending on the configuration of the spacer 810 and the drain plug 820, the drain valve 800 may have an openable and closable structure.

[0100] Specifically, the connecting pipe 811 of the spacer 810 may include a first connecting pipe 811a and a second connecting pipe 811b, and the first connecting pipe 811a has an inner diameter smaller than that of the second connecting pipe 811b. The drain plug 820 may include an insertion portion 821 having a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the first connecting pipe 811a and a fixing portion 822 having a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the second connecting pipe 811b.

[0101] The insertion portion 821 of the drain plug 820 is inserted into the first connecting pipe 811a of the spacer 810 to close the drain valve 800. The fixing portion 822 is engaged without being inserted into the first connecting pipe 811a, so that the drain plug 820 is prevented from entering the internal space of the pack cooling path housing 700.

[0102] The drain valve 800 may further include a sealing ring 830 located between the spacer 810 and the drain plug 820. Specifically, after the sealing ring 830 is fitted into the insertion portion 821, it may be located between a step formed by the first connecting pipe 811a and the second connecting pipe 811b and the fixing portion 822. By providing the sealing ring 830, it is possible to prevent refrigerant from leaking through a gap therebetween when the insertion portion 821 is inserted into the first connecting pipe 811a.

[0103] In the event that the refrigerant R leaks from the pack cooling path assembly 600, the refrigerant R accumulates at the bottom of the pack frame 1100 inside the pack cooling path housing 700. At this time, the drain plug 820 can be removed from the connecting pipe 811 to discharge the leaked refrigerant R to the outside of the pack frame 1100. In particular, referring to FIG. 7, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include a leakage detection sensor 900 housed in the pack cooling path housing 700. In particular, the leakage detection sensor 900 is connected from the internal space of the pack cooling path housing 700 to the bottom of the pack frame 1100 to detect the refrigerant R accumulated at the bottom of the pack frame 1100. If a refrigerant leak occurs from the pack cooling path assembly 600, the leaked refrigerant R accumulates at the bottom of the pack frame 1100. The leakage detection sensor 900 can detect the leaked refrigerant R and send a signal. In response to this signal, the drain plug 820 can be removed from the spacer 810 to discharge the refrigerant R to the outside of the pack frame 1100. That is, according to this embodiment, the pack cooling path housing 700 can be used to prevent the refrigerant leaking from the pack cooling path assembly 600 from entering other components in the battery pack 1000, and the leaked refrigerant can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the drain valve 800 and the leakage detection sensor 900 depending on the situation. This process can prevent the leakage of the refrigerant from causing a fire or explosion of the battery pack 1000.

[0104] The advantages of the pack cooling path housing of the present invention will be described in detail below in comparison with a pack cooling path housing and a pack cooling path cover according to a comparative example for the present invention shown in FIG.

[0105] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a pack cooling path assembly, a pack cooling path housing, and a pack cooling path cover according to a comparative example to the present invention.

[0106] 14, the pack cooling path assembly 60 is housed between a pack cooling path housing 70 and a pack cooling path cover 70C according to a comparative example of the present invention. Specifically, the pack cooling path housing 70 may have an open top, and the open top of the pack cooling path housing 70 may be covered by the pack cooling path cover 70C.

[0107] In order to prevent the coolant from leaking, a first gasket 70G1 is preferably positioned between the pack cooling path housing 70 and the pack cooling path cover 70C. Also, a through hole 70H is formed in the lower surface of the pack cooling path housing 70 to allow the cooling port 500 (see FIG. 2) to pass through. A second gasket 70G2 is additionally disposed under the pack cooling path housing 70 to prevent the coolant from leaking through the through hole 70H.

[0108] In order to realize a sealed structure for the pack cooling path assembly, in this comparative example, two parts, the pack cooling path housing 70 and the pack cooling path cover 70C, are required, whereas in this embodiment, a single pack cooling path housing 700 with an open bottom is sufficient. In other words, by using the pack frame 1100 to form the sealed structure of the pack cooling path assembly, the number of parts required for the refrigerant leakage prevention structure can be reduced. Also, as for gaskets for sealing, two gaskets 70G1 and 70G2 are required in this comparative example, whereas in this embodiment, one gasket 700G is sufficient.

[0109] Since the number of parts such as the housing and the gasket is reduced, the present embodiment can reduce weight and costs. In addition, since the pack cooling path cover 70C is not provided, the space occupied by the pack cooling path cover 70C can be used for other purposes.

[0110] In addition, in this comparative example, since the number of gaskets is increased, the assembly positions of the two gaskets 70G1 and 70G2 must be set in detail during the process of connecting the components, which complicates the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the increase in the areas requiring the gaskets 70G1 and 70G2 means that the number of areas where the refrigerant may leak increases, which may increase the risk of the refrigerant leaking. Therefore, compared to this comparative example, the battery pack 1000 having the pack cooling path housing 700 according to this embodiment has the advantages of a simpler manufacturing process and a reduced risk of the refrigerant leaking.

[0111] Meanwhile, at least a portion of the receiving portion 710 of the pack cooling path housing 700 according to this embodiment may directly contact the adjacent battery module 100. Since at least a portion of the receiving portion 710 in which the pack cooling path assembly 600 is received is in contact with the battery module 100, the cooling performance for the battery module 100 may be improved.

[0112] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are merely for convenience of explanation and may differ depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0113] One or more battery modules according to the above-described embodiments may be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), a cooling system, etc. to form a battery pack.

[0114] The battery pack can be applied to various devices, specifically, but not limited to, transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrids, and ESS (Energy Storage Systems).

[0115] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1000: Battery pack 100: Battery module 200:Module frame 300: Heat sink 500: Cooling port 600: Pack Cooling Path Assembly 700: Pack cooling path housing 710: Storage section 720: Fastening part

Claims

1. A battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a pack frame that houses the battery module; a pack cooling pathway assembly coupled to the battery module; a pack cooling path housing that houses the pack cooling path assembly therein; Including, The pack cooling path housing has an open bottom, The pack cooling path assembly is a battery pack located between the pack cooling path housing and the pack frame, the battery module includes a cooling port that supplies a coolant to the battery module or discharges a coolant from the battery module; The pack cooling path assembly of the battery pack is coupled to the cooling port of the battery module.

2. The pack cooling pathway housing comprises: a storage section in which the pack cooling path assembly is stored and which has an open bottom; a fastening portion extending from the storage portion and fastened to the pack frame; The battery pack of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The battery pack of claim 2 , further comprising a gasket located between the fastener and the pack frame.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the fastening portion is fastened to the pack frame by bolt fastening.

5. The battery module includes: a battery cell stack in which the battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; a heat sink located beneath a bottom of the module frame; Further comprising: The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling port supplies the coolant to the heat sink or exhausts the coolant from the heat sink.

6. A battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a pack frame that houses the battery module; a pack cooling pathway assembly coupled to the battery module; a pack cooling path housing that houses the pack cooling path assembly therein; Including, The pack cooling path housing has an open bottom, the pack cooling path assembly is located between the pack cooling path housing and the pack frame; The battery module includes: a battery cell stack in which the battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; a heat sink located beneath a bottom of the module frame; a cooling port for supplying a coolant to the heat sink or for exhausting a coolant from the heat sink; Including, the module frame includes a module frame protrusion protruding from a bottom of the module frame, the cooling port is located on the module frame protrusion; The pack cooling pathway assembly is coupled to the cooling port.

7. the battery module includes a first battery module and a second battery module; the module frame protrusion of the first battery module protrudes toward the second battery module, The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the module frame protrusion of the second battery module protrudes toward the first battery module.

8. the pack cooling path assembly and the pack cooling path housing are located between the first battery module and the second battery module; 8. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein the pack cooling path assembly is coupled to the cooling port through an open bottom of the pack cooling path housing.

9. A battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a pack frame that houses the battery module; a pack cooling pathway assembly coupled to the battery module; a pack cooling path housing that houses the pack cooling path assembly therein; Including, The pack cooling path housing has an open bottom, the pack cooling path assembly is located between the pack cooling path housing and the pack frame; The battery module includes: a battery cell stack in which the battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; a heat sink located beneath a bottom of the module frame; a cooling port for supplying a coolant to the heat sink or for exhausting a coolant from the heat sink; Including, the bottom of the module frame forms the top plate of the heat sink; The battery pack, wherein a bottom of the module frame is in contact with the coolant.

10. A battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a pack frame that houses the battery module; a pack cooling pathway assembly coupled to the battery module; a pack cooling path housing that houses the pack cooling path assembly therein; Including, The pack cooling path housing has an open bottom, the pack cooling path assembly is located between the pack cooling path housing and the pack frame; The battery module includes: a battery cell stack in which the battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; a heat sink located beneath a bottom of the module frame; a cooling port for supplying a coolant to the heat sink or for exhausting a coolant from the heat sink; Including, The pack cooling pathway assembly comprises: A pack cooling path; a connection port connecting the pack cooling path and the cooling port; Including the battery pack.

11. The cooling port is inserted into and coupled to a lower side of the connection port, The battery pack according to claim 10 , wherein a sealing member is located between the cooling port and the connection port.

12. A battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a pack frame that houses the battery module; a pack cooling pathway assembly coupled to the battery module; a pack cooling path housing that houses the pack cooling path assembly therein; Including, The pack cooling path housing has an open bottom, the pack cooling path assembly is located between the pack cooling path housing and the pack frame; The battery pack further includes a drain valve that is formed in a region of the pack frame that is covered by the pack cooling path housing and has an openable / closable structure.

13. The drain valve is a spacer having a connecting pipe formed therein; A drain plug inserted into the connecting pipe; The battery pack of claim 12 , comprising:

14. The battery pack of claim 1 , further comprising a leak detection sensor housed in the pack cooling pathway housing.

15. A device comprising the battery pack of claim 1.

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