Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case having a base plate and providing an inner space; a cell array structure located on the base plate and comprising a plurality of battery cells; cooling tubes located inside the case, provided to the cell array structure, and extending downward; and connectors communicating with the cooling tubes.

Description

battery pack

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0120714, filed September 11, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones rapidly increases and the commercialization of robots and electric vehicles becomes more widespread, research into high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for power and energy storage, not only in small devices like portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices like electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or battery modules are densely packed in a small space, assembly efficiency can be compromised. A structure that enhances the energy density of the battery pack while also improving assembly efficiency is needed.

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0010] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery pack with improved assembly properties.

[0011] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery pack having improved energy density.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case having a base plate and providing an internal space; a cell array structure positioned on the base plate and including a plurality of battery cells; a cooling tube positioned inside the case, provided in the cell array structure, and extending downward; and a connector communicating with the cooling tube.

[0013] Additionally, the cooling tube and the connector can be connected in the vertical direction.

[0014] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a first flexible cooling tube communicating with the connector.

[0015] Additionally, the connector can vertically connect the cooling tube and the first flexible cooling tube.

[0016] Additionally, the battery pack further includes a port provided in the case, and the first flexible cooling tube can be communicated with the port.

[0017] Additionally, the first flexible cooling tube may include a corrugated tube.

[0018] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a support positioned inside the case and securing the connector.

[0019] Additionally, the support may be installed on the upper surface of the base plate, and the connector may be installed on the upper surface of the support.

[0020] In addition, the cell array structure may include: a first cell array structure positioned on an upper surface of the base plate; and a second cell array structure positioned on an upper surface of the first cell array structure, and the cooling tube may include: a first cooling tube provided in the first cell array structure and extending downward; and a second cooling tube provided in the second cell array structure and extending downward, and the connector may include: a first connector communicating with the first cooling tube; and a second connector communicating with the second cooling tube.

[0021] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a second flexible cooling tube connecting the first connector and the second connector.

[0022] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery pack of the present invention.

[0023] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the assemblability of a battery pack can be improved.

[0024] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the energy density of a battery pack can be improved.

[0025] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a support and connector of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a side wall coupled to a base plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a first cell array structure coupled to a base plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings showing a second cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first cell array structure and a second cell array structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention in isolation.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a second cell array structure coupled to a first cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a first cell array structure coupled to a base plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a first cell array structure and a second cell array structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention in isolation.

[0037] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a second cell array structure coupled to a first cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0039] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention in isolation. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100), a cell array structure (200, 210, 220), a cooling tube, and a connector (510, 530, 540).

[0041] The case (100) can provide space inside. The case (100) can include a base plate (110), a side wall (120), and a top cover (130). The base plate (110) can have a flat shape. The base plate (110) can have a rectangular shape.

[0042] The side wall (120) can be fastened, joined, fixed or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) can be formed along the perimeter of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) can extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0043] The top cover (130) can cover the space formed by the base plate (110) and the side wall (120). The top cover (130) can be fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the side wall (120). The top cover (130) can have a flat shape. The top cover (130) can have a rectangular shape.

[0044] The cell array structure (200, 210, 220) may include a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells may form an array. In this case, the battery cell may refer to a secondary battery. And the battery cell may have a cylindrical shape. The cell array structure (200, 210, 220) may be accommodated in the internal space of the case (100). The cell array structure (200, 210, 220) may be positioned on the base plate (110).

[0045] The cooling tubes (410, 430, 440) may be located inside the case (100). The cooling tubes (410, 430, 440) may allow cooling liquid or cooling gas to flow. The cooling tubes (410, 430, 440) may be provided in the cell array structures (200, 210, 220). The cooling tubes (410, 430, 440) may cool heat generated from the cell array structures (200, 210, 220). And the cooling tubes (410, 430, 440) may extend in the vertical direction, the Y-axis direction, or the downward direction. The cooling tubes (410, 430, 440) may be opened in the downward direction or the -Y-axis direction.

[0046] The connectors (510, 530, 540) can be connected to the cooling tubes (410, 430, 440). The connectors (510, 530, 540) can change the flow direction of the cooling liquid or cooling gas flowing through the cooling tubes (410, 430, 440).

[0047] The cooling tubes (410, 430, 440) and the connectors (510, 530, 540) can be connected, communicated, fastened or joined in the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction. The cell array structures (200, 210, 220) can be fastened, assembled, received or joined in the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction. At this time, as the cell array structures (200, 210, 220) are fastened, assembled, received, fastened or fixed to the base plate (110), the cooling tubes (410, 430, 440) and the connectors (510, 530, 540) can be connected, communicated, fastened or joined.

[0048] According to this configuration of the present invention, the assembly of the battery pack can be improved. The assembly of the cell array structure (200, 210, 220) and the assembly of the cooling tube (410, 430, 440) can be performed simultaneously.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a first support (310) and a first connector (510) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first support (310). The first support (310) may be located inside a case (100).

[0050] The first support (310) can be fastened, joined, fixed, attached, or assembled to the base plate (110) or the side wall (120). The first support (310) can fix the first connector (510). At this time, the first connectors (510) can be provided as a pair. The pair of first connectors (510) can be connected to the first cooling tube (410) that supplies cooling fluid to the second cell array structure (220) and the first cooling tube (410) through which cooling fluid flowing from the second cell array structure (220) flows, respectively.

[0051] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first connector (510) can be stably fixed inside the case (100). As a result, the first cooling tube (410) and the first connector (510) can be connected when assembling the second cell array structure (220).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, the first support (310) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be fastened, coupled, fixed, attached, or installed on the upper surface of the base plate (110). In addition, the first support (310) may be fastened, coupled, fixed, attached, or assembled to the side wall (120).

[0053] The first connector (510) can be installed, fixed, coupled, attached, assembled, fixed or positioned on the upper surface of the first support (310).

[0054] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first connector (510) can be vertically connected to the first cooling tube (410). As a result, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first flexible cooling tube (610). The first flexible cooling tube (610) may be provided in pairs. The first flexible cooling tube (610) may be in communication with a first connector (510). The first cooling tube (410) and the first flexible cooling tube (610) may be in communication. The first flexible cooling tube (610) may be located inside the first support (310).

[0056] According to this configuration of the present invention, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack can be improved. By bending the first flexible cooling tube (610), the space efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, the first flexible cooling tube (610) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a flexible material. Alternatively, the first flexible cooling tube (610) may be a corrugated tube. Alternatively, the first flexible cooling tube (610) may be a corrugated tube. By being bent, the first flexible cooling tube (610) can be easily connected to the first connector (510) even in a restricted space.

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack can be improved. By bending the first flexible cooling tube (610), the space efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a port (700). The port (700) may be provided in a case (100). The ports (700) may be provided in pairs. Cooling fluid may be introduced into or discharged from the interior of the battery pack through the ports (700). The pair of ports (700) may be an inlet port (700) and an outlet port (700), respectively.

[0060] The first flexible cooling tube (610) may be connected to a port (700). Each of the pair of first flexible cooling tubes (610) may be connected to a pair of ports (700).

[0061] According to this configuration of the present invention, the assembly of the battery pack can be improved. The assembly of the second cell array structure (220), the assembly of the first cooling tube (410), and the assembly of the port (700) can be performed simultaneously.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second connector (520). The second connectors (520) may be provided in pairs. The second connectors (520) may be positioned, installed, fixed, coupled, or fastened within the first support (310). The second connectors (520) may be in communication with the first flexible cooling tube (610).

[0063] Additionally, the second connector (520) may be in communication with the second cooling tube (420). The second cooling tube (420) may have one side in communication with the second connector (520) and the other side in communication with the port (700).

[0064] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a side wall (120) coupled to a base plate (110) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the side wall (120) of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed on the upper surface of the base plate (110). The first support (310) may be located on the inner side of the side wall (120).

[0065] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a first cell array structure (210) coupled to a base plate (110) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 7 and 8 are drawings showing a second cell array structure (220) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a plurality of cell array structures (200, 210, 220) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided. The cell array structures (200, 210, 220) may include a first cell array structure (210) and a second cell array structure (220). The first cell array structure (210) and the second cell array structure (220) may be laminated, stacked, or installed in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The first cell array structure (210) may be installed, fixed, coupled, mounted, or coupled to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The second cell array structure (220) may be positioned, fastened, coupled, mounted, installed, or fixed on the first cell array structure (210).

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a second cell array structure (220) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first cooling tube (410). The second cell array structure (220) may have a head (221) through which a cooling fluid flows. In addition, the second cell array structure (220) may include a sixth cooling tube (222) that communicates with the head (221). The first cooling tube (410) may be connected, communicated with, fastened, joined, or fixed to the right outermost head (221). The first cooling tube (410) may extend in the -Z-axis direction or in the downward direction.

[0068] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a first cell array structure (210) and a second cell array structure (220) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention in a separate manner. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second cell array structure (220) coupled to a first cell array structure (210) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, a first cooling tube (410) and a first connector (510) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention can be connected in a vertical direction.

[0069] The first cooling tube (410) and the first connector (510) can be connected, communicated, fastened or joined in the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction. The second cell array structure (220) can be fastened, assembled, received or joined in the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction. At this time, as the second cell array structure (220) is fastened, assembled, received, fastened or fixed to the first cell array structure (210), the first cooling tube (410) and the first connector (510) can be connected, communicated, fastened or joined.

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack can be improved. The assembly of the second cell array structure (220) and the assembly of the first cooling tube (410) can be performed simultaneously.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first connector (510) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can vertically connect the first cooling tube (410) and the first flexible cooling tube (610).

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack can be improved. Since the first cooling tube (410) and the first flexible cooling tube (610) are connected in a nearly straight line, the flow resistance of the cooling fluid can be minimized.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a first cell array structure (210) coupled to a base plate (110) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a first cell array structure (210) and a second cell array structure (220) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention separated from each other. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a second cell array structure (220) coupled to a first cell array structure (210) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a second support (320) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may be located inside a case (100). The second support (320) may be fastened, coupled, fixed, attached, or assembled to a base plate (110) or a side wall (120). The second support (320) may fix a third connector (530) and a fourth connector (540). At this time, the third connectors (530) may be provided as a pair. The pair of third connectors (530) may be respectively connected to a third cooling tube (430) that supplies cooling fluid to the first cell array structure (210) and a third cooling tube (430) through which cooling fluid flowing from the first cell array structure (210) flows.

[0075] At this time, the fourth connector (540) may be provided as a pair. The pair of fourth connectors (540) may be respectively connected to the fourth cooling tube (440) that supplies cooling fluid to the second cell array structure (220) and the fourth cooling tube (440) through which cooling fluid flowing from the second cell array structure (220) flows.

[0076] The third connector (530) can be installed, fixed, coupled, attached, assembled, fixed or positioned on the upper surface of the second support (320). In addition, the fourth connector (540) can be installed, fixed, coupled, attached, assembled, fixed or positioned on the upper surface of the second support (320).

[0077] The first cell array structure (210) may include a third cooling tube (430). The first cell array structure (210) may have a head (211) through which a cooling fluid flows. And the first cell array structure (210) may include a fifth cooling tube (212) that communicates with the head (211). The third cooling tube (430) may be connected, communicated with, fastened, joined, or fixed to the left outermost head (211). The third cooling tube (430) may extend in the -Z-axis direction or in the downward direction.

[0078] The second cell array structure (220) may include a fourth cooling tube (440). The second cell array structure (220) may have a head (221) through which a cooling fluid flows. And the second cell array structure (220) may include a sixth cooling tube (222) that communicates with the head (221). The fourth cooling tube (440) may be connected, communicated with, fastened, joined, or fixed to the left outermost head (221). The fourth cooling tube (440) may extend in the -Z-axis direction or in the downward direction.

[0079] The third cooling tube (430) and the third connector (530) can be connected, communicated, fastened, or coupled in the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction. The first cell array structure (210) can be fastened, assembled, received, or coupled in the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction. At this time, as the first cell array structure (210) is fastened, assembled, received, coupled, or fixed to the base plate (110), the third cooling tube (430) and the third connector (530) can be connected, communicated, fastened, or coupled.

[0080] The fourth cooling tube (440) and the fourth connector (540) can be connected, communicated, fastened or joined in the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction. The second cell array structure (220) can be fastened, assembled, received or joined in the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction. At this time, as the second cell array structure (220) is fastened, assembled, received, coupled or fixed to the first cell array structure (210), the fourth cooling tube (440) and the fourth connector (540) can be connected, communicated, fastened or joined.

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, the assemblability of the battery pack can be improved.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second flexible cooling tube (620) that connects a third connector (530) and a fourth connector (540). The second flexible cooling tubes (620) may be provided as a pair. The second flexible cooling tube (620) may be connected to the third connector (530). The third cooling tube (430) and the second flexible cooling tube (620) may be connected. In addition, the second flexible cooling tube (620) may be connected to the fourth connector (540). The fourth cooling tube (440) and the second flexible cooling tube (620) may be connected. The second flexible cooling tube (620) may be located inside the second support (320).

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack can be improved. By bending the second flexible cooling tube (620), the space efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0084] A vehicle according to the present invention may include the battery pack described above. The battery pack according to the present invention may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include various other components, in addition to the battery pack. For example, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like.

[0085] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0086] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

Claims

1. A case having a base plate and providing internal space; A cell array structure positioned on the base plate and including a plurality of battery cells; A cooling tube positioned inside the case, provided in the cell array structure, and extending downward; and A battery pack comprising a connector communicating with the cooling tube.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the above cooling tube and the above connector are connected in an up-down direction.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a first flexible cooling tube communicating with the connector.

4. In paragraph 3, The above connector, A battery pack that vertically connects the above cooling tube and the first flexible cooling tube.

5. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a port provided in the above case, The above first flexible cooling tube, A battery pack communicating with the above port.

6. In paragraph 3, The above first flexible cooling tube, A battery pack comprising a corrugated tube.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a support positioned inside the case and fixing the connector.

8. In paragraph 7, The above support is, Installed on the upper surface of the above base plate, The above connector, A battery pack installed on the upper surface of the above support.

9. In paragraph 1, The above cell array structure: A first cell array structure positioned on the upper surface of the base plate; and A second cell array structure is included, which is positioned on the upper surface of the first cell array structure, The above cooling tube: A first cooling tube provided in the first cell array structure and extending downward; and It is provided in the second cell array structure and includes a second cooling tube extending downward, The above connector: A first connector communicating with the first cooling tube; and, A battery pack comprising a second connector communicating with the second cooling tube.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack further comprising a second flexible cooling tube connecting the first connector and the second connector.

11. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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