Cooling type battery case for electric vehicles

Abstract

The present invention discloses a cooled battery case for an electric vehicle. The disclosed cooled battery case for an electric vehicle comprises a lower heat dissipation cover portion through which a cooling fluid circulates, a case frame having a body mounting portion for fixing to a vehicle body and formed by being coupled along the edge portion of the lower heat dissipation cover portion to form a side wall, and an upper cover portion coupled to the case frame to cover the upper surface of the case frame, and is characterized by having a base plate portion to which the case frame is bonded to the upper surface of the lower heat dissipation cover portion, and a flow path forming plate portion bonded to the lower surface of the base plate portion to form a cooling flow path for fluid circulation. Accordingly, by forming embossing on the lower heat dissipation cover portion and the upper cover portion and forming the case frame in a hollow shape, the present invention can improve durability and rigidity while reducing weight, and can improve the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack by enabling cooling in two ways, water cooling and air cooling.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling battery case for an electric vehicle, and more specifically, to a cooling battery case for an electric vehicle that can improve durability and rigidity while reducing weight by forming embossing on a lower heat dissipation cover portion and an upper cover portion, and by forming the case frame in a hollow shape, and can improve the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack by enabling cooling in two ways, water cooling and air cooling. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, interest in eco-friendly vehicles has been rising due to factors such as environmental issues and high oil prices, and electric vehicles that run on electric energy are being developed in various forms. In particular, the demand for electric vehicles has been increasing rapidly over the past few years.

[0004] The electric vehicle market reached 3.11 million units in 2017 (EIA-Global EA Outlook 2018), and the size of the related battery market is projected to reach 40 trillion won by 2020. China (1.23 million units) and the United States (760,000 units) hold a 64% market share, while Korea accounts for only 0.2%. As the annual production growth rate of the electric vehicle sector is expected to reach 39.9% by 2025, countermeasures are also required.

[0005] Meanwhile, electric vehicles are being developed, including pure electric vehicles (battery-powered EVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (fuel cell EVs) that use fuel cells as electric motors, hybrid electric vehicles (hybrid EVs) that use both an electric motor and an engine, and hydrogen-fueled cars (HFCs).

[0006] In particular, the European Union is mandating the adoption of electric vehicles through the enactment of the Air Conservation Act. Following these EU regulations, countries around the world are also tightening regulations on internal combustion engine vehicles as part of low-carbon green growth initiatives, making the transition to eco-friendly vehicles an urgent matter.

[0007] Accordingly, the development and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), and hydrogen-fueled cars (HFCs) are rapidly expanding and increasing not only in Korea but also worldwide, with the adoption of electric vehicles, in particular, growing rapidly.

[0008] In particular, electric vehicles are equipped with battery modules for storing electrical energy, and these modules accommodate multiple battery cell units within a battery housing. Such battery modules must prevent damage to the battery cell units from external impacts.

[0009] Furthermore, battery modules used in electric vehicles widely utilize pouch-type battery cell units, in which a single battery cell is housed within a pouch. In this configuration, multiple battery cell units are stacked and housed within a single battery pack case, and the number of battery cell units is determined according to the required power capacity.

[0010] In addition, the battery case is formed by separating aluminum material into multiple parts using a die-casting method, molding them, and then joining each part by welding.

[0011] However, the battery case of the conventional technology described above has the problem that performance is degraded due to heat generated by the battery cells housed inside, and the durability of the case frame for weight reduction is reduced.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to improve this.

[0013] Meanwhile, Korean published patent No. 10-2023-0112419 (publication date: July 27, 2023) discloses a "battery case structure for electric vehicles," and Korean published patent No. 10-2023-0097803 (publication date: July 3, 2023) discloses a "structure of a battery pack case for electric vehicles." The problem to be solved

[0015] The present invention was created in response to the aforementioned necessity, and aims to provide a cooling battery case for electric vehicles that can improve the heat dissipation effect of a battery pack by forming embossing on the lower heat dissipation cover and the upper cover and forming the case frame in a hollow shape, thereby reducing weight while improving durability and rigidity, and enabling cooling in two ways, water cooling and air cooling. means of solving the problem

[0017] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, a cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a lower heat dissipation cover portion through which a cooling fluid circulates; a case frame having a body mounting portion for fixing to a vehicle body and formed by being coupled along the edge portion of the lower heat dissipation cover portion to form a side wall; and an upper cover portion coupled to the case frame to cover the upper surface of the case frame.

[0018] In addition, the lower heat dissipation cover portion of the present invention is characterized by including a base plate portion to which the case frame is bonded to an upper surface, and a flow path forming plate portion bonded to the lower surface of the base plate portion to form a cooling flow path for fluid circulation.

[0019] In addition, the base plate portion, the flow path forming plate portion, and the upper cover portion in the present invention are characterized by being formed to have an embossing using aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0020] In addition, the base plate portion of the present invention is characterized by having a cooling water supply pipe and a cooling water discharge pipe for the circulation of the fluid respectively coupled to one side upper surface.

[0021] In addition, the case frame of the present invention is characterized in that a pipe exposure opening is formed on one side of a side wall panel portion constituting a side wall for exposing the cooling water supply pipe and the cooling water discharge pipe, and a protective bracket is coupled to the inside of the pipe exposure opening to form an installation space portion.

[0022] In addition, the case frame in the present invention is characterized by comprising a plurality of side wall panel portions that are joined along the edge portion of the lower heat dissipation cover portion to form a side wall portion and have reinforcing ribs provided inside in a hollow shape, and a frame support beam portion that is joined to the upper surface of the lower heat dissipation cover portion to support the space between the side wall panel portions and forms a mounting space for a battery pack.

[0023] In addition, the vehicle body mounting portion of the present invention is characterized by having a hollow shape and reinforcing ribs formed vertically and horizontally inside for reinforcement, which are coupled to the outer surface of the side wall panel portion, having a fastening hole formed through it for fastening a bolt, and having a reinforcing bushing inserted into the fastening hole to be joined.

[0024] In addition, the heat dissipation battery case for an electric vehicle according to the present invention is characterized by further including an air-cooled heat dissipation part that penetrates the lower heat dissipation cover part and is supported on the case frame, and introduces air for cooling. Effects of the invention

[0026] As described above, unlike the prior art, the cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention press-forms the lower heat dissipation cover portion and the upper cover portion using embossed aluminum, and forms the case frame in a hollow shape to reduce weight while improving durability and rigidity. Furthermore, since the interior and the battery pack can be cooled in two ways, water cooling and air cooling, the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack can be improved. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a lower heat dissipation cover portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lower heat dissipation cover portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a case frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a key part to explain an air-cooled heat dissipation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intent or practice of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a lower heat dissipation cover portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] In addition, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a lower heat dissipation cover portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a case frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining an air-cooled heat dissipation portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a cooling battery case (100) for an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a lower heat dissipation cover (110), a case frame (120), an upper cover (130), and an air-cooling heat dissipation part (140) so as to increase the cooling effect of a battery pack (not shown) installed inside.

[0036] The cooling battery case (100) for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment can be manufactured using aluminum material for the lower heat dissipation cover portion (110), the case frame (120), and the upper cover portion (130), and can be cooled by water cooling and air cooling methods to improve the cooling effect.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cooling battery case (100) for an electric vehicle is described as being made of an aluminum-based material, but if lightweighting is possible, it may also be made using an aluminum alloy, a multilayer metal material, etc.

[0038] The lower heat dissipation cover portion (110) according to the present embodiment is joined to the case frame (120) to seal the lower part of the square-shaped case frame (120), and a fluid that is a refrigerant for cooling can circulate inside. Here, the refrigerant gas of a vehicle may be used as the refrigerant, and the coolant of a vehicle may also be used for safety.

[0039] For example, the lower heat dissipation cover portion (110) may have cooling water circulated inside so as to cool the battery pack (10) placed on the upper surface in a water-cooling manner. Specifically, the lower heat dissipation cover portion (110) includes a base plate portion (111) to which a case frame (120) is attached to the upper surface, and a flow path forming plate portion (113) attached to the lower surface of the base plate portion (111). At this time, a cooling flow path portion (115) for the circulation of cooling water may be formed between the base plate portion (111) and the flow path forming plate portion (113).

[0040] At this time, the base plate portion (111) and the Euro-forming plate portion (113) are formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy to reduce weight, and an embossing (110a) may be formed to improve durability and heat dissipation performance.

[0041] Additionally, a cooling water supply pipe (111a) and a cooling water discharge pipe (111b) are respectively connected to one side of the lower heat dissipation cover (110) so that cooling water can be supplied to and discharged from the cooling flow path (115). A cooling water line may be connected to the cooling water supply pipe (111a) and the cooling water discharge pipe (111b) to supply and recover the vehicle's cooling water. Here, two connecting holes (111c) may be formed spaced apart in the lower heat dissipation cover (110) to connect the cooling water supply pipe (111a) and the cooling water discharge pipe (111b).

[0042] The rim portion of the flow path forming plate (113) is joined to the lower surface of the base plate portion (111) by welding, and a recessed portion (113a) may be formed on the inner side by bending to form a cooling flow path (115). At this time, the recessed portion (113a) of the flow path forming plate portion (113) is formed in a curved manner along the longitudinal direction so that the cooling flow path (115) can be formed in a curved manner. This is to allow the cooling water to circulate through the cooling flow path (115) for a longer period of time.

[0043] Meanwhile, in the lower heat dissipation cover portion (110) according to the present embodiment, air cooling pipe coupling holes (111c) may be formed in the base plate portion (111) and the flow path forming plate portion (113) respectively so that an air-cooled heat dissipation portion (140) can be installed. At this time, a plurality of air cooling pipe coupling holes (111c) may be formed in the contact portion of the flow path forming plate portion (113). Additionally, the base plate portion (111) and the flow path forming plate portion (113) according to the present embodiment may be manufactured from aluminum 6000 series.

[0044] The case frame (120) according to the present embodiment is joined to the upper surface of the edge portion of the lower heat dissipation cover portion (110) to form a side wall of the electric vehicle cooling battery case (100), and can be coupled to the vehicle body. It is preferable that such a case frame (120) be configured to reduce weight while ensuring the rigidity and durability of the electric vehicle cooling battery case (100).

[0045] For example, the case frame (120) may include a side wall panel portion (121) forming the side wall portion of the cooled battery case (100), a frame support beam portion (127) provided inside the side wall panel portion (121) for mounting the battery pack (10), and a body mounting portion (129) fixed to the vehicle body.

[0046] The side wall panel portion (121) is joined along the upper surface of the edge portion of the base plate portion (111) to form a square frame-shaped side wall portion, and can be configured to reduce weight and improve impact resistance by forming a hollow shape.

[0047] Specifically, the side wall panel section (121) may include a first side wall panel (122) and a second side wall panel (123) provided to correspond to the vertical direction of the base plate section (111), and a third side wall panel (124) and a fourth side wall panel (125) provided to correspond to the horizontal direction of the base plate section (111). Additionally, a body mounting section (129) may be provided on the first side wall panel (122) and the second side wall panel (123).

[0048] In particular, the side wall panel section (121) is formed such that the first side wall panel (122), the second side wall panel (123), the third side wall panel (124), and the fourth side wall panel (125) are formed in a hollow shape, and reinforcing ribs (121a) are formed inside each to improve durability.

[0049] The first side wall panel (122) and the second side wall panel (123) have a rectangular hollow body shape, multiple reinforcing ribs (121a) are formed inside, and a body mounting portion (129) may be formed on the outer surface. Additionally, the third side wall panel (124) and the fourth side wall panel (125) are respectively connected to and supported at both ends of the first side wall panel (122) and the second side wall panel (123).

[0050] The third side wall panel (124) is fixed by having both ends in contact with the inner surfaces of the first side wall panel (122) and the second side wall panel (123), and a pipe exposure opening (124a) may be formed to expose the cooling water supply pipe (111a) and the cooling water discharge pipe (111b). At this time, a 'U'-shaped protective bracket (124b) is coupled to the inside of the pipe exposure opening (124a) of the third side wall panel (124) to form an installation space (124c). Through this, the cooling water supply pipe (111a) and the cooling water discharge pipe (111b) are positioned inside the side wall panel section (121), thereby improving safety.

[0051] The fourth side wall panel (125) is connected to the other end of the first side wall panel (122) and the second side wall panel (123) to correspond to the third side wall panel (124), and an auxiliary mounting part (129a) is connected to the outer surface.

[0052] In addition, reinforcing ribs (121a) are formed inside the third side wall panel (124) and the fourth side wall panel (125) to partition the interior, thereby improving durability.

[0053] Meanwhile, the side wall panel portion (121) according to the present embodiment can be supported by a frame support beam portion (127) to further improve durability against external impact.

[0054] The frame support beam section (127) is formed in a grid shape inside the side wall panel section (121), and its end portion is supported on the lower inner side of the side wall panel section (121) and can be joined to the upper surface of the base plate section (111). Additionally, the frame support beam section (127) is formed in a grid shape to form a mounting space section (127a) for supporting and installing the battery pack (10). Through this, the battery pack (10) can be fixed more securely, thereby increasing safety.

[0055] The frame support beam portion (127) has a hollow shape, and an air cooling pipe support hole portion (127b) corresponding to the air cooling pipe coupling hole portion (111c) is formed for the installation and support of the air cooling heat dissipation portion (140).

[0056] The body mounting portion (129) according to the present embodiment has a hollow shape and reinforcing ribs (121a) for reinforcement are formed vertically and horizontally inside and are coupled to the outer surface of the first side wall panel (122) and the second side wall panel (123), and a plurality of fastening holes (129b) for fastening bolts may be formed through it.

[0057] This body mounting portion (129) can be integrally formed with the first side wall panel (122) and the second side wall panel (123), and a reinforcing bushing (129c) is joined to the fastening hole (129b) to reinforce the fastening hole (129b). For example, the reinforcing bushing (129c) is joined so that its upper end is exposed to the upper side of the body mounting portion (129). By means of such a reinforcing bushing (129c), it is possible to prevent the body mounting portion (129) from being deformed or damaged when the body mounting portion (129) is fixed to the body using a bolt and nut.

[0058] Meanwhile, the cooling battery case (100) for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment may use MIG welding and laser welding methods when joining the lower heat dissipation cover part (110) and the case frame (120), etc.

[0059] The air-cooled heat dissipation unit (140) according to the present embodiment can be inserted into the air-cooling pipe coupling hole (111c) of the lower heat dissipation cover unit (110) and the air-cooling pipe support hole (127b) of the frame support beam unit (127) to be more firmly fixed. This air-cooled heat dissipation unit (140) may be equipped with a support flange (141) coupled to the lower side of the air-cooling pipe coupling hole (111c) and an air transfer pipe (143) coupled to the upper side of the air-cooling pipe support hole (127b) and fastened to the support flange (141).

[0060] In this way, the air-cooled heat dissipation unit (140) can be more easily installed in the cooling battery case (100) for an electric vehicle through the support flange (141) and the air transfer pipe (143).

[0061] The upper cover portion (130) is coupled to the upper side of the case frame (120) to cover the cooling battery case (100) for an electric vehicle and can be made of aluminum 6000 series. The upper cover portion (130) can have an embossing (110a) formed to improve durability and heat dissipation.

[0062] In the cooling battery case (100) for an electric vehicle according to the present invention configured as described above, the lower heat dissipation cover portion (110) and the upper cover portion (130) are formed from embossed aluminum, thereby reducing weight and improving durability, and in particular, the case frame (120) can be formed in a hollow shape to further improve impact resistance.

[0063] In addition, the cooling battery case (100) for an electric vehicle according to the present invention has a lower heat dissipation cover portion (110) formed in a water-cooling manner, and an air-cooling heat dissipation portion (140) passes through the lower heat dissipation cover portion (110) and communicates with the interior, so that cooling is possible in two ways, water-cooling and air-cooling, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack (10).

[0064] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0065] Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the patent claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0067] 100 : Cooled battery case for electric vehicles 110: Lower heat dissipation cover part 111: Base plate part 111a: Cooling water supply pipe 111b: Cooling water discharge pipe 111c: Joining hole portion 113: Euro-forming plate portion 113a: Depression 115: Cooling channel section 120 : Case frame 121 : Side wall panel 121a: Reinforcement rib 122: First side wall panel 123: Second side wall panel 124: Third side wall panel 124a: Pipe exposure opening 124b: Protective bracket 124c: Installation space 125: 4th side wall panel 127: Frame support beam section 127a: Mounting space section 127b: Air-cooling pipe support hole 129: Body mounting part 129a: Auxiliary mounting part 129b: Fastening hole 129c : Reinforcement bushing 130 : Upper cover part 140 : Air-cooled heat dissipation section 141 : Support flange 143 : Air transfer pipe

Claims

Claim 1 A lower heat dissipation cover portion through which a fluid for cooling circulates; a case frame coupled along the edge portion of the lower heat dissipation cover portion to form a side wall and having a body mounting portion for fixing to a vehicle body; and an upper cover portion coupled to the case frame to cover the upper surface of the case frame; wherein the lower heat dissipation cover portion comprises a base plate portion on which the case frame is bonded to the upper surface; A cooling battery case for an electric vehicle, comprising: a flow path forming plate portion joined to the lower surface of the base plate portion to form a cooling flow path portion for fluid circulation; wherein the base plate portion, the flow path forming plate portion, and the upper cover portion are formed to have embossing made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; wherein the base plate portion has a cooling water supply pipe and a cooling water discharge pipe for fluid circulation each coupled to one side upper surface; and wherein the case frame has a pipe exposure opening formed on one side of a side wall panel portion constituting a side wall for exposing the cooling water supply pipe and the cooling water discharge pipe, and a protective bracket is coupled to the inside of the pipe exposure opening to form an installation space. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the case frame comprises: a plurality of side wall panel portions that are joined along the edge portion of the lower heat dissipation cover portion to form a side wall portion and have reinforcing ribs provided inside in a hollow shape; and a frame support beam portion that is joined to the upper surface of the lower heat dissipation cover portion to support the space between the side wall panel portions and forms a mounting space for a battery pack. Claim 4 A cooling battery case for an electric vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the body mounting portion has a hollow shape and reinforcing ribs for reinforcement are formed vertically and horizontally inside and are coupled to the outer surface of the side wall panel portion, a fastening hole for fastening a bolt is formed through, and a reinforcing bushing is inserted into the fastening hole and joined. Claim 5 A cooling battery case for an electric vehicle, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 3, it further comprises an air-cooled heat dissipation part that penetrates the lower heat dissipation cover part and is supported by the case frame, and introduces air for cooling.

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