Battery pack

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0016112 filed on February 1, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various cordless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been significantly reduced, and as the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level comparable to that of fuel vehicles, the main use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As secondary batteries are used in mobility, the requirements for the safety of secondary batteries are increasing. When an accident such as a fire occurs in a secondary battery used for mobility, it may endanger the life of the driver, so research on technologies to improve the safety of secondary batteries is essential.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a first side frame including a first inlet into which cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows in, a first inlet channel extending from the first inlet, a first outlet for the cooling fluid to flow out to the outside, and a first outlet channel extending from the first outlet; a central frame connected to the first side frame and including a first central channel communicating with the first inlet channel; a front frame connected to the first side frame and including a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel; a first cell assembly disposed between the central frame and the front frame; and a top cover disposed on the central frame and the front frame so as to cover the first cell assembly and including a first upper channel connecting the first central channel to the first front channel, wherein the first inlet channel, the first central channel, the first upper channel, the first front channel, and the first outlet channel communicate in that order.

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

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

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the top cover further includes a rear frame connected to the first side frame, which includes a first rear channel communicating with the first outlet channel, and a second cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the rear frame, wherein the top cover further includes a second upper channel connecting the first center channel to the first rear channel, and is characterized in that it communicates with the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the second upper channel, the first rear channel, and the first outlet channel in that order.

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

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

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

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the system further includes a base plate supporting the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly, the base plate comprising a lower channel configured for the flow of the cooling fluid.

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

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a second side frame comprising a second inlet into which the cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a second inlet channel extending from the second inlet, a second outlet for the cooling fluid to flow out, and a second outlet channel extending from the second outlet, and a third cell assembly disposed between the central frame and the front frame, wherein the central frame and the front frame each extend from the first side frame to the second side frame, the central frame further includes a second central channel communicating with the second inlet channel, the front frame further includes a second front channel communicating with the second outlet channel, and the top cover further includes a third upper channel connecting the second central channel to the second front channel, characterized in that the second inlet channel, the second central channel, the third upper channel, the second front channel, and the second outlet channel communicate in that order.

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

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

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the top cover further includes a rear frame extending from the first side frame to the second side frame, which includes a second rear channel communicating with the second outlet channel, and a fourth cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the rear frame, wherein the top cover further includes a fourth upper channel connecting the second center channel to the second rear channel, and is characterized in that it communicates with the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the fourth upper channel, the second rear channel, and the second outlet channel in that order.

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

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

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack can be cooled from multiple sides for each of the multiple cell assemblies mounted in the pack housing, thereby improving the cooling performance for the battery cells. Since the heat generated by the battery cells can be effectively controlled, the safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since a central frame, a front frame, or a rear frame having a cooling channel is disposed near an end of a battery cell provided with an electrode lead, an end of the battery cell where heat generation is relatively high can be effectively cooled, and a temperature deviation of the battery cell can be reduced.

[0023] The effects obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. As a premise, terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own invention.

[0026] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

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

[0028] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

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

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

[0031] Multiple cell assemblies 200 can be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) within the pack housing 100. Multiple cell assemblies 200 can be electrically connected to each other via conductors such as busbars. For example, multiple cell assemblies 200 may include first to fourth cell assemblies 210, 220, 230, and 240. Although the battery pack 10 is illustrated as containing four cell assemblies 200, it is not limited to this, and the number of cell assemblies 200 provided to the battery pack 10 may be one or more. Each of the multiple cell assemblies 200 may correspond to a battery module or a cell-to-pack structure.

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

[0033] Multiple battery cells BC can be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, multiple battery cells BC can be connected in series with each other. For example, multiple battery cells BC may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when defining a bank as a set of two or more battery cells BC connected in parallel with each other, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells BC connected in parallel with each other can be connected in series with another bank consisting of two or more battery cells BC connected in parallel with each other.

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

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of cell assemblies 200 may each include battery cells BC stacked in one direction. In each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200, adjacent battery cells BC can be fixed to each other by an adhesive member such as adhesive tape. In exemplary embodiments, in each of the plurality of cell assemblies 200, the battery cells BC can be stacked in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and individual battery cells BC can extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Electrode leads can be provided at least one of the ends of an individual battery cell BC along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Electrode leads of adjacent battery cells BC can be physically coupled.

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

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

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

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

[0040] The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can be placed on the base plate 110. The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can each extend on the base plate 110 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 can be separated in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) with multiple cell assemblies 200 in between.

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

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

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

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

[0045] The following describes the multi-faceted cooling structure of a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. In Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, the flow paths of the cooling fluid flowing along the cooling channels of the pack housing 100 are shown by dashed and dotted lines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0052] The first forward channel 151 can be located on one side of the first cell assembly 210. The first forward channel 151 may include a first forward merge channel 152 communicating with a first outlet channel 124, and a plurality of first forward connecting channels 153 extending from the first forward merge channel 152. The first forward merge channel 152 may extend from the first outlet channel 124 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first forward connecting channels 153 may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of first forward connecting channels 153 may extend vertically (e.g., the Z direction) from the first forward merge channel 152. Cooling fluids supplied from the plurality of first forward connecting channels 153 can merge in the first forward merge channel 152.

[0053] The second forward channel 155 can be located on one side of the third cell assembly 230. The second forward channel 155 may include a second forward merge channel 156 communicating with the second outlet channel 134, and a plurality of second forward connecting channels 157 extending from the second forward merge channel 156. The second forward merge channel 156 may extend from the second outlet channel 134 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second forward connecting channels 157 may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of second forward connecting channels 157 may extend vertically (e.g., the Z direction) from the second forward merge channel 156. Cooling fluids supplied from the plurality of second forward connecting channels 157 can merge in the second forward merge channel 156.

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

[0055] The first rear channel 161 can be located on one side of the second cell assembly 220. The first rear channel 161 may include a first rear merge channel 162 communicating with the first outlet channel 124, and a plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 extending from the first rear merge channel 162. The first rear merge channel 162 may extend from the first outlet channel 124 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 may extend vertically (e.g., the Z direction) from the first rear merge channel 162. Cooling fluids supplied from the plurality of first rear connecting channels 163 can merge in the first rear merge channel 162.

[0056] The second rear channel 165 can be located on one side of the fourth cell assembly 240. The second rear channel 165 may include a second rear merging channel 166 communicating with the second outlet channel 134, and a plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 extending from the second rear merging channel 166. The second rear merging channel 166 may extend from the second outlet channel 134 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 may extend vertically (e.g., the Z direction) from the second rear merging channel 166. Cooling fluids supplied from the plurality of second rear connecting channels 167 can merge in the second rear merging channel 166.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] In this embodiment, the first inlet channel 123, the first central channel 141, the first upper channel 171, the first forward channel 151, and the first outlet channel 124 can be connected in that order. The first inlet channel 123, the first central channel 141, the first upper channel 171, the first forward channel 151, and the first outlet channel 124 can constitute a first integrated cooling channel connected from the first inlet 121 to the first outlet 122. Cooling can be performed on the first cell assembly 210 as the cooling fluid flows along the first integrated cooling channel and also flows around the top surface and three sides of the first cell assembly 210.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first inlet channel 123, the first central channel 141, the second upper channel 173, the first rear channel 161, and the first outlet channel 124 can be connected in that order. The first inlet channel 123, the first central channel 141, the second upper channel 173, the first rear channel 161, and the first outlet channel 124 can constitute a second integrated cooling channel connected from the first inlet 121 to the first outlet 122. Cooling can be performed on the second cell assembly 220 as the cooling fluid flows along the second integrated cooling channel and around the top surface and three sides of the second cell assembly 220.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second inlet channel 133, the second center channel 145, the second upper channel 173, the second front channel 155, and the second outlet channel 134 can be connected in that order. The second inlet channel 133, the second center channel 145, the second upper channel 173, the second front channel 155, and the second outlet channel 134 can constitute a third integrated cooling channel connected from the second inlet 131 to the second outlet 132. The third integrated cooling channel can be separated from the first integrated cooling channel and the second integrated cooling channel, and the cooling fluid flowing along the third integrated cooling channel may not be mixed with the cooling fluid flowing along the first integrated cooling channel and the cooling fluid flowing along the second integrated cooling channel. Cooling can be performed on the third cell assembly 230 as the cooling fluid flows around the top surface and three sides of the third cell assembly 230 while the cooling fluid is flowing along the third integrated cooling channel.

[0067] In this embodiment, the second inlet channel 133, the second center channel 145, the second upper channel 173, the second rear channel 165, and the second outlet channel 134 can be connected in that order. The second inlet channel 133, the second center channel 145, the second upper channel 173, the second rear channel 165, and the second outlet channel 134 can constitute a fourth integrated cooling channel connected from the second inlet 131 to the second outlet 132. The fourth integrated cooling channel can be separated from the first integrated cooling channel and the second integrated cooling channel, and the cooling fluid flowing along the fourth integrated cooling channel may not be mixed with the cooling fluid flowing along the first integrated cooling channel and the cooling fluid flowing along the second integrated cooling channel. Cooling can be performed on the fourth cell assembly 240 as the cooling fluid flows around the top surface and three sides of the fourth cell assembly 240 while the cooling fluid is flowing along the fourth integrated cooling channel.

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

[0069] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a central frame 140, a front frame 150, or a rear frame 160 having cooling channels is positioned near the ends of the battery cell BC provided with electrode leads, thereby effectively cooling the ends of the battery cell BC, which generate relatively more heat, and reducing the temperature deviation of the battery cell BC.

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

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

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

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

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

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, multiple lower channels 111 can communicate with cooling channels in the rear frame 160. In this case, cooling fluid can be discharged from the outlets of individual lower channels 111 located at the ends of the base plate 110. Cooling fluid supplied from the top cover 170 is separated within the rear frame 160, and a portion of the cooling fluid can be transferred to the first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120 and the second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, while the remaining portion of the cooling fluid can be transferred to the lower channels of the base plate 110. When cooling fluid is transferred from the second upper channel 173 of the top cover 170 to the first rear channel 161, a portion of the cooling fluid can be transferred to the first outlet channel 124 of the first side frame 120, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid can be transferred to some of the multiple lower channels 111. Then, when the cooling fluid is transferred from the fourth upper channel 177 of the top cover 170 to the second rear channel 165, a portion of the cooling fluid is transferred to the second outlet channel 134 of the second side frame 130, and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid can be transferred to some of the lower channels 111 of the multiple lower channels 111.

[0076] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing.

Claims

1. A first side frame including a first inlet into which cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a first inlet channel extending from the first inlet, a first outlet for the cooling fluid to flow out to the outside, and a first outlet channel extending from the first outlet, A central frame that includes a first central channel communicating with the first inlet channel and is connected to the first side frame, A front frame that includes a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel and is connected to the first side frame, A first cell assembly is positioned between the central frame and the front frame, A top cover is provided which the first cell assembly is covered and which is positioned on the central frame and the front frame, and which includes a first upper channel connecting the first central channel to the first front channel, Includes, A battery pack in which the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the first upper channel, the first front channel, and the first outlet channel are connected in that order.

2. The first central channel is, A first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel, Multiple first branch channels extending from the first common channel, Includes, The first upper channel includes a plurality of first sub-upper channels, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from a corresponding first sub-upper channel among the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

3. The first forward channel is A first forward merging channel communicating with the first outlet channel, A plurality of first forward connecting channels extending from the first forward merging channel, Includes, The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of first forward connecting channels extends from a corresponding first sub-upper channel among the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first forward merging channel.

4. A rear frame that includes a first rear channel communicating with the first outlet channel and is connected to the first side frame, A second cell assembly is positioned between the central frame and the rear frame, It further includes, The top cover further includes a second upper channel connecting the first central channel to the first rear channel, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the second upper channel, the first rear channel, and the first outlet channel are connected in that order.

5. The first central channel is, A first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel, Multiple first branch channels extending from the first common channel, Includes, The second upper channel includes a plurality of second sub-upper channels, The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from the corresponding second sub-upper channel among the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

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

7. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the cooling fluid flowing out from the first central channel is separated into the first upper channel and the second upper channel.

8. The system further includes a base plate that supports the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly, The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the base plate includes a lower channel configured for the flow of the cooling fluid, and the lower channel communicates with at least one of the first central channel, the first front channel, and the first rear channel.

9. A second side frame including a second inlet into which the cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a second inlet channel extending from the second inlet, a second outlet for the cooling fluid to flow out to the outside, and a second outlet channel extending from the second outlet, A third cell assembly is positioned between the central frame and the front frame, It further includes, The central frame and the front frame each extend from the first side frame to the second side frame, The central frame further includes a second central channel communicating with the second inlet channel, The front frame further includes a second front channel communicating with the second outlet channel, The top cover further includes a third upper channel connecting the second central channel to the second front channel, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the third upper channel, the second front channel, and the second outlet channel are connected in that order.

10. The second central channel is A second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel, Multiple second branch channels extending from the aforementioned second common channel, Includes, The third upper channel includes a plurality of third sub-upper channels, The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of second branch channels extends from the corresponding third sub-upper channel among the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second common channel.

11. The second forward channel is A second forward merging channel communicating with the second outlet channel, A plurality of second forward connecting channels extending from the second forward merging channel, Includes, The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of second forward connecting channels extends from the corresponding third sub-upper channel among the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second forward merging channel.

12. A rear frame extending from the first side frame to the second side frame, including a second rear channel communicating with the second outlet channel, A fourth cell assembly is positioned between the central frame and the rear frame, It further includes, The top cover further includes a fourth upper channel connecting the second central channel to the second rear channel, The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the fourth upper channel, the second rear channel, and the second outlet channel are connected in that order.

13. The second central channel is A second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel, Multiple second branch channels extending from the aforementioned second common channel, Includes, The second rear channel is A second rear merging channel communicating with the second outlet channel, A plurality of second rear connecting channels extending from the second rear merging channel, Includes, The fourth upper channel includes a plurality of fourth sub-upper channels, The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels extends from a corresponding second branch channel among the plurality of second branch channels to a corresponding second rear connecting channel among the plurality of second rear connecting channels.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein the cooling fluid flowing out from the second central channel is separated into the third upper channel and the fourth upper channel.

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