Battery pack

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises: a housing including a plate portion and first and second side walls connected to the plate portion; a plurality of battery assemblies disposed on the housing; and a lower supply pipe assembly disposed on a first side of the housing; wherein the plate portion includes a plurality of lower cooling channels extending in a first direction, the first side wall includes a first lower recovery channel, the second side wall includes a second lower recovery channel, and the lower supply pipe assembly is connected to the plurality of lower cooling channels.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] As rechargeable batteries are increasingly used in mobility applications, demands for their safety are rising. Since accidents such as fires involving rechargeable batteries in mobility vehicles can endanger the lives of drivers, research into technologies to enhance safety is indispensable. In particular, cooling technology for maintaining the temperature of operating rechargeable batteries is directly linked not only to their stability but also to their lifespan and performance; consequently, extensive research is being conducted on this cooling technology. Prior art literature

[0004] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0037237 The problem to be solved

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with enhanced reliability and safety. means of solving the problem

[0006] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises: a housing including a plate portion and first and second side walls connected to the plate portion; a plurality of battery assemblies disposed on the housing; and a lower supply pipe assembly disposed on a first side of the housing; wherein the plate portion includes a plurality of lower cooling channels extending in a first direction, the first side wall includes a first lower recovery channel, the second side wall includes a second lower recovery channel, and the lower supply pipe assembly is connected to the plurality of lower cooling channels.

[0007] The battery pack further includes lower supply ports disposed on the first side and connected to the lower supply piping assembly.

[0008] The battery pack further includes lower discharge ports disposed on the first side and connected to the first and second lower recovery channels.

[0009] Each of the first and second side walls further includes an exhaust passage configured to exhaust gas discharged from the battery assemblies.

[0010] The battery pack further comprises a lower recovery piping assembly positioned on a second side opposite to the first side of the housing and connecting the plurality of lower cooling channels to the first and second lower recovery channels.

[0011] The lower supply pipe assembly and the lower return pipe assembly connect the plurality of lower cooling channels in parallel.

[0012] The first side wall further includes a first upper recovery channel positioned above the first lower recovery channel.

[0013] The second side wall further includes a second upper recovery channel positioned above the second lower recovery channel.

[0014] The battery pack further includes an upper cooling device disposed on the battery assemblies and comprising a plurality of upper cooling channels.

[0015] The battery pack further includes an upper supply piping assembly disposed on the first side of the housing and connected to the plurality of upper cooling channels.

[0016] The above upper supply piping assembly connects the plurality of upper cooling channels in parallel.

[0017] The battery pack further includes upper supply ports disposed on the first side and connected to the upper supply piping assembly.

[0018] The battery pack further includes upper discharge ports disposed on the first side and connected to the first and second upper recovery channels.

[0019] The battery pack further includes an upper recovery piping assembly that connects the plurality of upper cooling channels to the first and second upper recovery channels.

[0020] The upper recovery piping assembly is positioned on the second side of the housing. Effects of the invention

[0021] A battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a recovery channel for a cooling fluid embedded within the side wall of the battery pack, so that the side of the battery pack can be cooled during the recovery process of the cooling fluid, and the cooling system can be implemented in a relatively narrow space. In addition, since the input port and the output port of the cooling port are each placed on one side of the battery pack, the design of the flow path of the cooling system can be simplified.

[0022] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1A-1A'. FIG. 4 is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 1B-1B'. FIG. 5 is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 1C-1C'. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7 is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 6A-6A'. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0025] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0026] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0027] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0029] (1st embodiment)

[0030] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 2, cooling channels (111CH) and first and second recovery channels (112CH, 113CH) embedded in the housing (110) are shown as dashed lines.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1A-1A'.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 1B-1B'.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 1C-1C'.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery pack (100) may include a housing (110), a plurality of battery assemblies (120), a center beam (131), a plurality of cross beams (133), injection ports (210), a supply piping assembly (220), a recovery piping assembly (230), recovery ports (240), and discharge ports (250). The battery pack (100) is the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device, etc.

[0036] The housing (110) may include a plate portion (111), a first side wall (112), a second side wall (113), a third side wall (114), and a fourth side wall (115). Two directions substantially parallel to the plate portion (111) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate portion (111) is defined as the Z direction. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise noted, the definitions of directions are the same for the following drawings.

[0037] A battery area (BR) and an electrical component area (ER) may be defined on the plate portion (111). A plurality of battery assemblies (120) may be placed on the battery area (BR). Electrical components may be placed on the electrical component area (ER).

[0038] According to exemplary embodiments, the plate portion (111) may include a plurality of cooling channels (111CH) and a plurality of cavities (111C). As a non-limiting example, the plate portion (111) may be provided through an extrusion process. According to exemplary embodiments, the plate portion (111) may be provided by welding a plurality of plates (e.g., friction stir welding), and accordingly, the plate portion (111) may include the joint surface (JS) thereof.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of cooling channels (111CH) may be configured to provide a path for a cooling fluid to flow. The cooling fluid is a fluid for cooling a plurality of battery assemblies (120), such as water, air, and a coolant. The plurality of cooling channels (111CH) may be spaced apart in the Y direction. The plurality of cooling channels (111CH) may be arranged along the Y direction. The plurality of cooling channels (111CH) may be interposed between a plurality of cavities (111C). Each of the plurality of cooling channels (111CH) may be referred to as a lower cooling channel.

[0040] Multiple cavities (111C) are empty spaces formed inside the plate portion (111). Due to the formation of multiple cavities (111C), the mass of the plate portion (111) can be reduced, and accordingly, the energy density of the battery pack (100) can be increased. The multiple cavities (111C) can be spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0041] A plurality of battery assemblies (120) may be disposed on a plate portion (111) of a housing (110). The plate portion (111) may support the plurality of battery assemblies (120). The plate portion (111) may include substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface of the plate portion (111) may face the plurality of battery assemblies (120). The lower surface of the plate portion (111) is opposite to the upper surface of the plate portion (111).

[0042] The first to fourth side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can horizontally surround a plurality of battery assemblies (120). The first to fourth side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can protect the plurality of battery assemblies (120). The first to fourth side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can be fixed to each other by methods such as friction stir welding and spot welding.

[0043] Each of the first and second side walls (112, 113) may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The third side wall (114) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The fourth side wall (115) may include portions substantially perpendicular to the X direction and portions substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The first and second side walls (112, 113) may cover the sides of the plate portion (111). The third and fourth side walls (114, 115) may be disposed on the plate portion (111).

[0044] According to exemplary embodiments, the first to fourth sidewalls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be provided by an extrusion process. According to exemplary embodiments, the first to fourth sidewalls (112, 113, 114, 115) may include an internal empty space, such as the second sidewall (113) of FIG. 5. Accordingly, the first to fourth sidewalls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be made lighter, and the energy density of the battery pack (100) may be increased.

[0045] According to exemplary embodiments, some of the empty spaces of the first to fourth sidewalls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be gas venting paths (113VP). The first and second sidewalls (112, 113) may be provided by an extrusion process. The empty spaces of each of the first and second sidewalls (112, 113) may extend in the X direction.

[0046] According to exemplary embodiments, the first sidewall (112) may include a first recovery channel (112CH) disposed in a portion of the empty space of the first sidewall (112). The first recovery channel (112CH) may be embedded in the first sidewall (112). According to exemplary embodiments, the second sidewall (113) may include a second recovery channel (113CH) disposed in a portion of the empty space of the second sidewall (113). The second recovery channel (113CH) may be embedded in the second sidewall (113). The first recovery channel (112CH) may be referred to as the first lower recovery channel, and the second recovery channel (113CH) may be referred to as the second lower recovery channel.

[0047] Battery assemblies (120) may include a plurality of battery cells. According to some embodiments, battery assemblies (120) may include a module frame surrounding the plurality of battery cells. According to some embodiments, battery assemblies (120) may not include a module frame.

[0048] A battery cell is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, or a secondary battery. A battery cell includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Battery cells are classified into lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries depending on the composition of the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. Lithium-ion polymer batteries are increasing their market share within the secondary battery sector due to their low risk of electrolyte leakage and ease of manufacturing.

[0049] Battery cells are classified according to the shape of the battery case into cylindrical batteries in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical metal can, prismatic batteries in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a rectangular metal can, and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch case made of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0050] The electrode assembly embedded in the battery case includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly is classified into a jelly-roll type and a stack type depending on the assembly form. The jelly-roll type consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them wound together. The stack type includes a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them that are sequentially stacked.

[0051] The center beam (131) can isolate elements placed on the housing (110) from one another. Accordingly, the center beam (131) can protect multiple battery assemblies (120) while preventing unwanted short circuits between them.

[0052] The center beam (131) may extend between the third side wall (114) and any one of the plurality of cross beams (133) (e.g., the cross beam (133) furthest from the third side wall (114)). The center beam (131) may extend in the X direction. The center beam (131) may be in contact with each of the third side wall (114) and the plurality of cross beams (133). The center beam (131) may isolate the plurality of battery assemblies (120) from one another. The center beam (131) may be interposed between the plurality of battery assemblies (120).

[0053] Each of the plurality of cross beams (133) may extend between the first side wall (112) and the center beam (131), or each of the plurality of cross beams (133) may extend between the second side wall (113) and the center beam (131). Each of the plurality of cross beams (133) may be in contact with either the first side wall (112) or the second side wall (113). Each of the plurality of cross beams (133) may extend in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of cross beams (133) may isolate the plurality of battery assemblies (120) from one another. Each of the plurality of cross beams (133) may be interposed between the plurality of battery assemblies (120).

[0054] The arrangement of the center beam (131), the plurality of cross beams (133), and the plurality of battery assemblies (120) disclosed in FIG. 1 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a battery pack comprising various arrangements and numbers of center beams, cross beams, and battery assemblies based on what is described herein.

[0055] Cooling fluid can be supplied to the supply piping assembly (220) through injection ports (210). Each of the injection ports (210) may be referred to as a lower injection port. The injection ports (210) can be connected to a cooling fluid source (e.g., a cooling system of the mobility). The injection ports (210) can provide a flow path for the cooling fluid.

[0056] Cooling fluid may be supplied to a plurality of cooling channels (111CH) through a supply pipe assembly (220). The supply pipe assembly (220) may also be referred to as a lower supply pipe assembly. The supply pipe assembly (220) may include a plurality of supply pipes (221), a plurality of connectors (223), and a plurality of connecting pipes (225).

[0057] Multiple supply pipes (221) may be connected to injection ports (210). Multiple supply pipes (221) may be connected in parallel with each other. Multiple connectors (223) may be connected to multiple supply pipes (221) or to multiple connection pipes (225). Multiple connection pipes (225) may connect multiple connectors (223) to each other. Each of the multiple connectors (223) may be connected to a corresponding one of the multiple cooling channels (111CH). Accordingly, each of the multiple cooling channels (111CH) may be connected in parallel based on the flow of the cooling fluid, and the pressure drop along the path of the cooling fluid may be mitigated. Additional pipes may be provided between the multiple connectors (223) and the multiple cooling channels (111CH) to connect the multiple connectors (223) and the multiple cooling channels (111CH).

[0058] A cooling fluid can cool multiple battery assemblies (120) by flowing along multiple cooling channels (111CH). The cooling fluid flowing along the multiple cooling channels (111CH) can be recovered through a recovery piping assembly (230). The recovery piping assembly (230) may also be referred to as a lower recovery piping assembly. The cooling fluid recovered by the recovery piping assembly (230) can flow to recovery ports (240). Each of the recovery ports (240) may also be referred to as a lower recovery port. The recovery piping assembly (230) may include multiple recovery pipes (231), multiple connectors (233), and multiple connecting pipes (235).

[0059] Multiple recovery pipes (231) may be connected to recovery ports (240). Multiple recovery pipes (231) may be connected in parallel with each other. Multiple connectors (233) may be connected to multiple recovery pipes (231) or to multiple connection pipes (235). Multiple connection pipes (235) may connect multiple connectors (233) to each other. Each of the multiple connectors (233) may be connected to a corresponding one of the multiple cooling channels (111CH). Additional pipes may be provided between the multiple connectors (233) and the multiple cooling channels (111CH) to connect the multiple connectors (233) and the multiple cooling channels (111CH).

[0060] The cooling fluid can be discharged to a cooling fluid sink (e.g., a cooling system of mobility) through recovery ports (240), first and second recovery channels (112CH, 113CH), and discharge ports (250). Each of the discharge ports (250) may be referred to as a lower discharge port. While the cooling fluid flows along the first and second recovery channels (112CH, 113CH), it can cool a plurality of battery assemblies (120). Accordingly, the number of surfaces cooling the plurality of battery assemblies (120) increases, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery pack (100).

[0061] According to exemplary embodiments, the injection ports (210) and the discharge ports (250) may be positioned on the same side of the housing (110). More specifically, the injection ports (210) and the discharge ports (250) may be positioned on the side of the housing (110) where the third sidewall (114) is positioned. Since the injection ports (210) and the discharge ports (250) are positioned on the same side of the housing (110), the flow path design of the cooling system for supplying cooling fluid to the battery pack (100) can be simplified. The side of the housing (110) adjacent to the third sidewall (114) is defined as the first side, and the side of the housing (110) adjacent to the fourth sidewall is defined as the second side. The first side and the second side may be spaced apart in the X direction and may be opposite to each other.

[0062] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of exhaust devices. The plurality of exhaust devices may be connected to an exhaust path (113VP). The exhaust path (113VP) may be a path for discharging gas and heat inside the battery pack (100).

[0063] Multiple exhaust devices may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas inside the battery pack (100) to the outside when at least one of the multiple battery assemblies (120) is in a thermal runway state.

[0064] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery assemblies (120) is a state in which a temperature change of multiple battery assemblies (120) further accelerates the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery assemblies (120) in a thermal runaway state exhibit a rapid temperature rise and emit large amounts of high-pressure gas and combustion residue.

[0065] The battery pack (100) may further include electrical components. The electrical components may be placed on an electrical component area (ER). The electrical components may include any electronic components necessary to drive the battery pack.

[0066] Electrical components may include, for example, a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack. Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery assemblies (120) and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery pack (100). The battery pack (100) may include measuring instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0067] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery assemblies (120) can be prevented.

[0068] The electrical components may further include a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the multiple battery assemblies (120) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect the multiple battery assemblies (120) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltage occurs, such as a voltage surge.

[0069] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery assemblies (120). The plurality of battery assemblies (120) may be connected in series by the plurality of busbars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0070] The battery pack (100) may further include a lead plate coupled to the housing (110). The lead plate may cover electrical components and battery assemblies.

[0072] (2nd Example)

[0073] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack (100') according to exemplary embodiments.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 6A-6A'.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the battery pack (100') is substantially identical to the battery pack (100), except that the housing (110) is replaced by the housing (110') and further comprises a cooling device (140), injection ports (310), a supply piping assembly (320), a recovery piping assembly (330), recovery ports (340) and discharge ports (350). Accordingly, the battery pack (100') may comprise a plurality of battery assemblies (120), a center beam (131), a plurality of cross beams (133), injection ports (210), a supply piping assembly (220), a recovery piping assembly (230), recovery ports (240) and discharge ports (250), and a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0076] The housing (110') may include a plate portion (111), a first side wall (112'), a second side wall (113'), a third side wall (114), and a fourth side wall (115). The plate portion (111), the third side wall (114), and the fourth side wall (115) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5.

[0077] The first sidewall (112') is identical to the first sidewall (112, see FIG. 1) except that it includes an additional first recovery channel (112CH'). The second sidewall (113') is identical to the second sidewall (113, see FIG. 1) except that it includes an additional second recovery channel (113CH'). The first and second recovery channels (112CH', 113CH') may be placed in the empty space inside the first and second sidewalls (112', 113'). The first recovery channel (112CH') may be referred to as the first upper recovery channel, and the second recovery channel (113CH') may be referred to as the second upper recovery channel.

[0078] The cooling device (140) can cover a plurality of battery assemblies (120, see FIG. 1). The cooling device (140) can cool the upper portion of the plurality of battery assemblies (120, see FIG. 1), and accordingly, the cooling performance of the battery pack (100') can be improved. The cooling device (140) can be provided, for example, by an extrusion process. The cooling device (140) may include a plurality of cooling channels (140CH) extending along the X direction. The plurality of cooling channels (140CH) may be referred to as upper cooling channels.

[0079] Cooling fluid can be supplied to the supply piping assembly (320) through injection ports (310). Each of the injection ports (310) may be referred to as an upper injection port. The injection ports (310) may be connected to a cooling fluid source (e.g., a cooling system of the mobility). The injection ports (310) may provide a flow path for the cooling fluid. Each of the injection ports (310) may be referred to as an upper injection port.

[0080] Cooling fluid can be supplied to a plurality of cooling channels (140CH) through a supply pipe assembly (320). The supply pipe assembly (320) may also be referred to as an upper supply pipe assembly. The supply pipe assembly (320) may include a plurality of supply pipes (321), a plurality of connectors (323), and a plurality of connecting pipes (325).

[0081] Multiple supply pipes (321) may be connected to injection ports (310). Multiple supply pipes (321) may be connected in parallel with each other. Multiple connectors (323) may be connected to multiple supply pipes (321) or to multiple connection pipes (325). Multiple connection pipes (325) may connect multiple connectors (323) to each other. Each of the multiple connectors (323) may be connected to a corresponding one of the multiple cooling channels (140CH). Accordingly, each of the multiple cooling channels (140CH) may be connected in parallel based on the flow of the cooling fluid, and the pressure drop along the path of the cooling fluid may be mitigated. Additional pipes may be provided between the multiple connectors (323) and the multiple cooling channels (140CH) to connect the multiple connectors (323) and the multiple cooling channels (140CH).

[0082] A cooling fluid can cool multiple battery assemblies by flowing along multiple cooling channels (140CH). The cooling fluid flowing along the multiple cooling channels (140CH) can be recovered through a recovery piping assembly (330). The recovery piping assembly (330) may be referred to as an upper recovery piping assembly. The cooling fluid recovered by the recovery piping assembly (330) can flow to recovery ports (340). Each of the recovery ports (340) may be referred to as upper recovery ports. The recovery piping assembly (330) may include multiple recovery pipes (331), multiple connectors (333), and multiple connecting pipes (335).

[0083] Multiple recovery pipes (331) may be connected to recovery ports (340). Multiple recovery pipes (331) may be connected in parallel with each other. Multiple connectors (333) may be connected to multiple recovery pipes (331) or to multiple connection pipes (335). Multiple connection pipes (335) may connect multiple connectors (333) to each other. Each of the multiple connectors (333) may be connected to a corresponding one of the multiple cooling channels (140CH). Additional pipes may be provided between the multiple connectors (333) and the multiple cooling channels (140CH) to connect the multiple connectors (333) and the multiple cooling channels (140CH).

[0084] The cooling fluid can be discharged to the outside (e.g., a cooling system of the mobility) through recovery ports (340), first and second recovery channels (112CH, 113CH), and discharge ports (350). Each of the discharge ports (350) may be referred to as an upper discharge port. While the cooling fluid flows along the first and second recovery channels (112CH, 113CH), it can cool a plurality of battery assemblies (120). Accordingly, the number of cooled surfaces of each of the plurality of battery assemblies (120) increases, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery pack (100).

[0085] According to exemplary embodiments, the injection ports (310) and the discharge ports (350) may be positioned on the same side of the housing (110'). More specifically, the injection ports (310) and the discharge ports (350) may be positioned on the side of the housing (110') where the third sidewall (114) is positioned. Since the injection ports (310) and the discharge ports (350) are positioned on the same side (i.e., the first side) of the housing (110'), the design of the flow path of the cooling system for supplying cooling fluid to the battery pack (100') can be simplified.

[0087] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application. Explanation of the symbols

[0088] 100, 100' battery pack, 110, 110': housing 120: Battery assembly, 131: Center beam, 133: Cross beam 140: Cooling device 210: Injection port, 220: Supply piping assembly 230: Return piping assembly, 240: Return port, 250: Discharge port 310: Injection port, 320: Supply piping assembly 330: Return piping assembly, 340: Return port, 350: Discharge port

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack comprising: a housing including a plate portion and first and second side walls connected to the plate portion; a plurality of battery assemblies disposed on the housing; and a lower supply pipe assembly disposed on a first side of the housing; wherein the plate portion includes a plurality of lower cooling channels extending in a first direction, the first side wall includes a first lower recovery channel, the second side wall includes a second lower recovery channel, and the lower supply pipe assembly is connected to the plurality of lower cooling channels. Claim 2 A battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising lower supply ports disposed on the first side and connected to the lower supply pipe assembly. Claim 3 A battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising lower discharge ports disposed on the first side and connected to the first and second lower recovery channels. Claim 4 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second side walls further includes an exhaust passage configured to exhaust gas discharged from the battery assemblies. Claim 5 A battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a lower recovery piping assembly disposed on a second side opposite to the first side of the housing and connecting the plurality of lower cooling channels to the first and second lower recovery channels. Claim 6 A battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the lower supply pipe assembly and the lower recovery pipe assembly are connected in parallel to the plurality of lower cooling channels. Claim 7 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first side wall further includes a first upper recovery channel disposed above the first lower recovery channel, and the second side wall further includes a second upper recovery channel disposed above the second lower recovery channel. Claim 8 A battery pack according to claim 7, further comprising an upper cooling device disposed on the battery assemblies and including a plurality of upper cooling channels. Claim 9 A battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising an upper supply piping assembly disposed on the first side of the housing and connected to the plurality of upper cooling channels. Claim 10 A battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the upper supply piping assembly connects the plurality of upper cooling channels in parallel. Claim 11 A battery pack according to claim 9, further comprising upper supply ports disposed on the first side and connected to the upper supply piping assembly. Claim 12 A battery pack according to claim 9, further comprising upper discharge ports disposed on the first side and connected to the plurality of first and second upper recovery channels. Claim 13 A battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising an upper recovery piping assembly connecting the plurality of upper cooling channels to the first and second upper recovery channels. Claim 14 A battery pack according to claim 13, characterized in that the upper recovery piping assembly is positioned on the second side opposite to the first side of the housing.

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