Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell array structure comprising battery cells and cooling tubes provided between the battery cells; a pack case accommodating the cell array structure; and a cooling pipe unit mounted so as to communicate with a cooling line for circulating a cooling medium, and configured to connect the cooling tubes in one direction in the pack case along the stacking direction of the cooling tubes.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack having improved energy density and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0129708, filed on September 26, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then configure the battery pack by adding other components using this at least one battery module.

[0006] Conventional battery packs have a cooling line structure for cooling battery cells. This cooling line structure comprises a plurality of cooling tubes provided between battery cells, a cooling line connected to an external cooling device for supplying or recovering a cooling medium to the plurality of cooling tubes, and a cooling pipe connecting the cooling line to the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0007] Conventionally, a cooling pipe is generally formed to a predetermined length within the pack case of the battery pack for connection with a plurality of cooling tubes, and is provided on both sides of the rim within the pack case of the battery pack.

[0008] However, the cooling pipe structure of conventional battery packs has the disadvantage of increasing the volume within the pack case, which is detrimental to the energy density of the battery pack. Furthermore, the cooling structure of conventional battery packs has the problem of complex connection structures due to the cooling pipes connecting multiple cooling tubes, which complicates the assembly process.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to explore ways to provide battery packs that can increase space utilization and energy density. Furthermore, there is a need to explore ways to enhance assembly and process efficiency.

[0010] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can increase space utilization and maximize energy density by simplifying the cooling line structure.

[0011] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the same that can increase process efficiency by increasing assembling efficiency.

[0012] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0013] In order to solve the above object, the present invention provides a battery pack, characterized by including: a cell array structure including a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of cooling tubes provided between the plurality of battery cells; a pack case accommodating the cell array structure; and a cooling pipe part mounted in communication with a cooling line for circulating a cooling medium and configured to connect the plurality of cooling tubes in one direction within the pack case along a stacking direction of the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0014] In addition, preferably, the cooling pipe portion is disposed between the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes and may not protrude outside the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes in a direction toward the inner wall of the pack case.

[0015] Additionally, preferably, the cooling pipe portion may have a thickness thinner than the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0016] In addition, preferably, the cooling pipe portion may not protrude beyond the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes in the height direction of the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0017] In addition, preferably, the cooling pipe section is provided in a plurality, and the plurality of cooling pipe sections can be sequentially connected to the plurality of cooling tubes in the one direction along the stacking direction of the plurality of cooling tubes when assembling the cell array structure.

[0018] In addition, preferably, the plurality of cooling pipe sections may include a main cooling pipe section connected to the cooling line; and a plurality of side cooling pipe sections communicating with the main cooling pipe.

[0019] Additionally, preferably, the main cooling pipe section can be arranged between the plurality of side cooling pipe sections.

[0020] In addition, preferably, the cell array structure includes a side frame that accommodates a plurality of battery cells in the longitudinal direction of the pack case, and the cooling pipe section is provided to face the side frame in the longitudinal direction and can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the side frame.

[0021] In addition, preferably, the side frame includes a pair of side walls that are arranged on both outermost sides of the cell array structure and support at least one row of battery cells in the longitudinal direction of the pack case; and a plurality of side structures that are provided between the pair of side walls and support at least two rows of battery cells in the longitudinal direction of the pack case, and the cooling pipe portion is provided to face the plurality of side structures in the longitudinal direction of the pack case and can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the plurality of side structures.

[0022] In addition, preferably, the cooling pipe section is provided in a plurality, and the length of each cooling pipe section can be formed to be smaller than or equal to the width of each side structure in the stacking direction.

[0023] In addition, preferably, the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes protrude outside the side frame in the longitudinal direction of the pack case, and the cooling pipe portion can be sequentially connected to the plurality of cooling tubes along the stacking direction of the side frame.

[0024] In addition, preferably, the cooling pipe section includes an inlet pipe for guiding a cooling medium from the cooling line toward the plurality of cooling tubes; and an outlet pipe for discharging the cooling medium circulated through the plurality of cooling tubes toward the cooling line, wherein the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe can be arranged between the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes in the height direction of the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0025] Additionally, preferably, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe may not protrude beyond the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes in the height direction of the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0026] Additionally, preferably, the inlet pipe may be positioned lower than the outlet pipe in the height direction of the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0027] And, the present invention provides a vehicle, characterized in that it includes a battery pack according to the embodiments described above.

[0028] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided that can increase space utilization and maximize energy density by simplifying a cooling line structure.

[0029] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided that can increase process efficiency by increasing assembling efficiency.

[0030] In addition, various additional effects can be achieved through various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects easily understandable to those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] 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.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the main parts of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 is a plan view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a main cooling pipe section of a cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a side cooling pipe section of a cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the assembly of a cell array structure and a cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are drawings for explaining the assembly of a cooling pipe section and a cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Accordingly, 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, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0046] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (10) may include a cell array structure (100), a pack case (200), and a cooling pipe section (300).

[0050] The above cell array structure (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110) and a plurality of cooling tubes (130) provided between the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0051] The plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided as secondary batteries. For example, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided as cylindrical secondary batteries, pouch-shaped secondary batteries, or square secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where the plurality of battery cells (110) are provided as cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0052] The plurality of cooling tubes (130) are for cooling the battery cells (110), and may be formed to have a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200). The plurality of cooling tubes (130) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the pack case (200).

[0053] The pack case (200) can accommodate the cell array structure (100). Specifically, the pack case (200) has a predetermined accommodation space capable of accommodating the cell array structure (100), and can stably support the cell array structure (100) by being combined with the cell array structure (100).

[0054] The above cooling pipe section (300) is mounted in communication with a cooling line (400) for circulating a cooling medium, and can be configured to connect the plurality of cooling tubes (130) in one direction (-Y-axis direction) within the pack case (200) along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the plurality of cooling tubes (130).

[0055] In the case of the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the interconnection of the cooling tubes (130) and the connection with the cooling line (400) are all performed in one direction (-Y-axis direction) within the pack case (200) through the cooling pipe section (300), the cooling line connection structure for the cooling can be simplified.

[0056] In addition, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the space occupied by the cooling pipe part (300) within the pack case (200) can be reduced, thereby increasing the space utilization within the pack case (200) and significantly increasing the overall energy density.

[0057] In addition, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly process time of the entire battery pack (10) can be reduced through the simplified connection structure of the cooling pipe portion (300), thereby significantly increasing the overall process efficiency.

[0058] Hereinafter, the cooling pipe section (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0059]

[0060] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the cooling pipe portion (300) is positioned between the ends (-Y-axis direction) of the plurality of cooling tubes (130), and may not protrude out of the ends (-Y-axis direction) of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) in the direction toward the inner wall (-Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200).

[0062] Accordingly, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when assembling the cooling pipe part (300) and the cooling tubes (130), no collision or interference with the inner wall (-Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200) occurs, so that the risk of damage to the cooling pipe part (300) or assembly defects that may occur when assembling the cooling pipe part (300) can be significantly reduced.

[0063] The cooling pipe part (300) may have a thickness (W1) that is thinner than the thickness (W2) of the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes (130). Depending on the thickness (W2) of the cooling pipe part (300), the protrusion of the cooling pipe part (300) out of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) during assembly can be more reliably prevented.

[0064] In addition, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the thickness (W1) of the cooling pipe parts (300) is formed thinner than the end thickness (W2) of the cooling tubes (130), an increase in the end width (W) on the edge side in one direction (-Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200) due to the cooling pipe parts (300) may not occur. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, since securing space on the edge side in one direction (-Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200) due to the mounting of the cooling pipe parts (300) is relatively not required, the width in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200) can be reduced as much as possible. For example, in the present embodiment, the end width (W) on the edge side in one direction (-Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200) may be approximately 43 mm.

[0065] In this way, in one embodiment of the present invention, only a predetermined width (W) that can cover the end thickness (W2) of the cooling tubes (130) is secured on the edge side of the pack case (200) in one direction (-Y-axis direction), so that the width in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the entire pack case (200) can be reduced as much as possible.

[0066] In addition, the cooling pipe section (300) may not protrude beyond the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes (130).

[0067] Accordingly, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the cooling pipe part (300) does not protrude further than the cooling tubes (130) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack case (200), an increase in the size of the entire battery pack (10) or interference with other components due to the cooling pipe part (300) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack case (200) can be more reliably prevented.

[0068] The above cooling pipe section (300) may be provided in multiple pieces.

[0069] The above plurality of cooling pipe sections (300) can be sequentially connected to the plurality of cooling tubes (130) in one direction (-Y-axis direction) along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) when assembling the cell array structure (100).

[0070] In this way, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the cooling pipe parts (300) are connected together with the cooling tubes (130) when assembling the cell array structure (100), the connection and assembly process of the cooling pipe parts (130) can be made faster and more simplified.

[0071]

[0072] Below, the specific configurations of the plurality of cooling pipe sections (300) will be examined in more detail.

[0073] The above plurality of cooling pipe sections (300) may include a main cooling pipe section (310, 320) connected to the cooling line (400) and a plurality of side cooling pipe sections (330, 340) communicating with the main cooling pipe section (310, 320).

[0074] The main cooling pipe section (310, 320) may be positioned between the plurality of side cooling pipe sections (330, 340). Specifically, the main cooling pipe section (310, 320) may be positioned approximately at the center position between the plurality of side cooling pipe sections (330, 340).

[0075] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a main cooling pipe section of a cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 3 to 5 above, the main cooling pipe section (310, 320) may include a first connection section (312, 322), a second connection section (314, 324), and a third connection section (316, 326).

[0077] The first connecting portion (312, 322) may be connected to the cooling tubes (130) on one side (-X-axis direction) facing each other in the stacking direction (X-axis direction), and the second connecting portion (314, 324) may be connected to the cooling tubes (130) on the other side (+X-axis direction) facing each other in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction).

[0078] The third connecting portion (316, 326) may be connected to the first connecting portion (312, 322) and the second connecting portion (314, 324). The third connecting portion (316, 326) is for connection to the cooling line (400) and may be connected to the inlet connecting portion (430) and the outlet connecting portion (450) of the cooling line (400).

[0079] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a side cooling pipe section of a cooling pipe of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIGS. 3 to 5 above, the plurality of side cooling pipe sections (330, 340) may include a first connecting section (332, 342) and a second connecting section (334, 344).

[0081] The first connecting portion (332, 342) is connected to the cooling tubes (130) on one side (-X-axis direction) facing each other in the stacking direction (X-axis direction), and the second connecting portion (334, 344) is connected to the first connecting portion (332, 342) and can be connected to the cooling tubes (130) on the other side (+X-axis direction) facing each other in the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0082] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIGS. 3 to 5 above, the battery pack (10) may include the cooling line (400).

[0084] The cooling line (400) is connected to an external cooling device and can supply a cooling medium toward the cooling tubes (130) and also discharge the cooling medium circulated through the cooling tubes (130) toward the external cooling device. The cooling medium may be provided as a cooling fluid that can circulate through the cooling tubes (130) while cooling the battery cells (110). For example, the cooling medium may be provided as cooling water. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cooling medium may of course be provided as any other cooling fluid that can circulate through the cooling tubes (130) while cooling the battery cells (110).

[0085]

[0086] The cooling line (400) may include a line body (410), an inlet connection (430), and an outlet connection (450).

[0087] The above line body (410) is mounted within the pack case (200) and can be connected to an external cooling device. To this end, a portion of the line body (410) can be exposed to the outside of the pack case (200) for connection to the external cooling device.

[0088] The above inlet connection part (430) is provided in the line body (410) and can be connected to the main cooling pipe part (310). Specifically, the inlet connection part (430) can be connected to the inlet pipe (310) of the main cooling pipe part (310, 320) described below.

[0089] The above outlet connection part (450) is provided in the line body (410) and can be connected to the main cooling pipe part (320). Specifically, the outlet connection part (450) can be connected to the outlet pipe (320) of the main cooling pipe part (310, 320) described below.

[0090]

[0091] Hereinafter, a specific connection structure between the cooling pipe section (300) and the cell array structure (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIGS. 3 to 5 above, the cell array structure (100) may include a side frame (150).

[0094] The side frame (150) can accommodate a plurality of battery cells (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200). The cooling pipe section (300) is provided to face the side frame (150) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the side frame (150).

[0095] Accordingly, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when assembling the cooling pipe part (300) and the cell array structure (100), problems such as collision or interference with the side frame (150) do not occur, and thus damage or assembly failure of the cooling pipe part (300) due to collision or interference with the side frame (150) can be prevented.

[0096] Hereinafter, the side frame (150) of the cell array structure (100) will be examined in more detail.

[0097] The above side frame (150) may include a pair of side walls (152) and a plurality of side structures (155).

[0098] The above pair of side walls (152) are arranged on the outermost sides (+X-axis direction and -X-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100) and can support at least one row of battery cells (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200). The above pair of side walls (152) can be fixed to the outer side wall (260) of the pack case (200), which will be described later, through a fastening member or the like. Therefore, the cell array structure (100) can be fixed and supported more stably to the pack case (200).

[0099] The plurality of side structures (155) are provided between the pair of side walls (152) in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) and can support at least two rows of battery cells (110) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200). Specifically, the plurality of side structures (155) can support the battery cells (110) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) on each of the front (+X-axis direction) and rear (-X-axis direction) sides along the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0100] The cooling pipe part (300) is provided to face the plurality of side structures (155) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200), and can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the plurality of side structures (155). Therefore, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when assembling the cell array structure (100) and the cooling pipe part (300), interference or collision with the side structures (155) does not occur, so that damage or assembly defects of the cooling pipe parts (300) can be effectively prevented.

[0101] In addition, the length (d1) of each cooling pipe section (300) can be formed to be smaller than or equal to the width (d2) of each side structure (155) in the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0102] Therefore, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when assembling the cell array structure (100) and the cooling pipe section (300), assembly failure between the side structures (150) that may be caused by the cooling pipe section (300) can be fundamentally prevented.

[0103]

[0104] Hereinafter, the assembly process of the cell array structure (100) and the cooling pipe section (300) of the battery pack (10) according to this embodiment will be examined in more detail.

[0105] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the assembly of a cell array structure and a cooling pipe section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 10, the manufacturer, etc., can assemble the cooling pipe part (300) together when assembling the cell array structure (100) of the battery pack (10, see FIG. 1). First, the manufacturer, etc., can fix the cooling tube (130) between the battery cells (110) by using an adhesive, etc. to fix the cooling tube (130) between the battery cells (110). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an assembly in which the cooling tube (130) is fixed between the battery cells (110) is referred to as a cell tube assembly.

[0107] Thereafter, the manufacturer, etc., can place the side wall (152) of the side frame (150) at the outermost side, then place the cell tube assembly, and then place the side structure (155) of the side frame (150). Then, the manufacturer, etc., can place the cell tube assembly again, and at this time, connect the cooling pipe part (300) to the cooling tubes (130) of the cell tube assemblies.

[0108] In this way, the manufacturer, etc., may assemble the cell tube assemblies and the side structures (155) sequentially, and during this assembly process, may sequentially connect the cooling pipe parts (300) to the cooling tubes (130) of the cell tube assemblies. The connection of the cooling tubes (130) of the cooling pipe parts (300) to the cooling tubes (130) may be performed at the ends of the cooling tubes (130) protruding out of the side frame (150). That is, the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) protrude out of the side frame (150) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200, see FIG. 2), and the cooling pipe parts (300) may be sequentially connected to the plurality of cooling tubes (130) along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the side frame (150).

[0109] Thereafter, the manufacturer, etc., can complete the assembly of the cell array structure (100) by connecting the remaining one of the pair of side walls (152) of the side frame (150) to the cell tube assembly after the connection of the side structures (155), the cell tube assembly, and the cooling pipe parts (130) is completed.

[0110] Meanwhile, it is also possible for the manufacturer, etc., to fix the battery cells (110) and the cooling tubes (130) together with the assembly with the side frame (150) while arranging the battery cells (110), the cooling tubes (130) and the battery cells (130) in that order during the manufacturing process, without first forming a cell tube assembly, which is an assembly in which the cooling tubes (130) are fixed between the battery cells (110).

[0111] In this way, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the assembly of the cooling pipe parts (130) is performed together with the sequential assembly process according to the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100), the assembly process of the cooling pipe parts (130) can be simplified, thereby reducing the overall assembly tap time and significantly increasing the efficiency of the assembly process.

[0112] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are drawings for explaining the assembly of a cooling pipe section and a cooling line of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when the assembly of the cell array structure (100) and the cooling pipe sections (130) is completed, the manufacturer, etc., can secure the cell array structure (100) to the pack case (200) and fix it to the pack case (200).

[0114] Thereafter, the manufacturer, etc. can complete the assembly of the cooling line of the battery pack (10) by connecting the inlet connection part (430) and the outlet connection part (450) of the cooling line (400) to the third connection part (316, 326) of the main cooling pipe parts (310, 320).

[0115] In this way, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling pipe parts (300) are assembled when the cell array structure (100) is assembled, and then the cooling line (400) is connected to the main cooling pipe parts (310, 320) of the cooling pipe part (300), thereby completing the cooling line assembly, thereby simplifying the cooling line assembly structure and significantly increasing the efficiency of the overall assembly process.

[0116] Hereinafter, the structure of the cooling pipe section (300) related to the cooling medium circulation will be examined in more detail.

[0117] Looking again at FIGS. 3 to 7, the cooling pipe section (310, 320, 330, 340) may include an inlet pipe (310, 330) and an outlet pipe (320, 340).

[0118] These inlet pipes (310, 330) can guide the cooling medium from the cooling line toward the plurality of cooling tubes (130). These inlet pipes (310, 330) can be composed of the inlet pipe (310) of the main cooling pipe section (310) and the inlet pipes (330) of the plurality of side cooling pipe sections (330).

[0119] The above outlet pipes (320, 340) are for sending the cooling medium circulating inside the plurality of cooling tubes (130) toward the cooling line (400), and may be composed of an outlet pipe (320) of the main cooling pipe section (320) and outlet pipes (340) of the plurality of side cooling pipe sections (340).

[0120] The inlet pipes (310, 330) and the outlet pipes (320, 340) may be arranged between the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the ends (-Y-axis direction) of the plurality of cooling tubes (130). According to this arrangement, the inlet pipes (310, 330) and the outlet pipes (320, 340) may not extend out of the cooling tubes (130) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cooling tubes (130).

[0121] Accordingly, in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when an external impact occurs in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack case (200), the primary impact transmission toward the inlet pipe (310, 330) and the outlet pipe (320, 340) can be prevented, so that the risk of damage to the cooling pipe parts (300) that may be caused by an external impact can be effectively prevented.

[0122] The inlet pipes (310, 330) may be arranged lower than the outlet pipes (320, 340) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes (130). Accordingly, the cooling medium delivered from the cooling line (400) side is supplied to the lower portion of the cooling tubes (130) through the inlet pipes (310, 330) arranged relatively lower, and the cooling medium circulated inside the cooling tube (130) may be discharged from the upper portion of the cooling tubes (130) to the cooling line (400) side through the outlet pipes (320, 340) arranged higher (+Z-axis direction) than the inlet pipes (310, 330). If the cooling medium supplied from the cooling line (400) is first supplied to the lower side of the cooling tube (130), the flow efficiency of the cooling medium can be further improved. However, this is merely exemplary, and depending on the design, the inlet pipes may be arranged above the outlet pipes.

[0123]

[0124] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pack case (200) of the battery pack (10) may include a bottom plate (220) and an outer side wall (260).

[0125] The above bottom plate (220) is intended to support the bottom of the cell array structure (100) and may constitute the bottom of the pack case (200). A predetermined protruding rib structure may be provided on the bottom plate (220). The rib structure may function as a predetermined venting pass line that guides the flow path of thermal event gas, etc., in the bottom of the cell array structure (100).

[0126] The outer side wall (260) is connected to the bottom plate (220) and can form a side edge of the pack case (200). The outer side wall (260) is connected to the side wall (152) of the side frame (150) of the cell array structure (100) and the fastening member, etc., so as to more stably fix the cell array structure (100) within the pack case (200).

[0127] The battery pack (10) may include a power unit (500). The power unit (500) is provided within the pack case (200) and may include power components such as a BMS that controls the cell array structure (100) of the battery pack (10). The power unit (500) may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0128] The above battery pack (10) may further include a busbar assembly and a pack cover, although not shown.

[0129] The above busbar assembly is for electrical connection of the battery cells (110) of the cell array structure (100), and is provided on the upper side of the cell array structure (100) so as to be connected to the battery cells (110).

[0130] The above pack cover is intended to accommodate the cell array structure (100) together with the pack case (200), and can be combined with the pack case (200) to cover the upper side of the cell array structure (100). Meanwhile, the cooling line (400) can be exposed to the outside of the pack cover for connection to an external cooling device.

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention described above. In addition to the battery pack (10), the vehicle (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be installed in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the automobile (1).

[0135]

[0136] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (10) and a vehicle (1) including the same can be provided, which can increase space utilization and maximize energy density by simplifying the cooling line structure.

[0137] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (10) capable of increasing assembly efficiency and process efficiency and an automobile (1) including the same can be provided.

[0138]

[0139] 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. In the battery pack, A cell array structure comprising a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of cooling tubes provided between the plurality of battery cells; A pack case accommodating the above cell array structure; and A cooling pipe section that is mounted in communication with a cooling line for circulating a cooling medium and is configured to connect the plurality of cooling tubes in one direction within the pack case along the stacking direction of the plurality of cooling tubes. A battery pack comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The above cooling pipe section, A battery pack characterized in that it is arranged between the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes and does not protrude beyond the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes in a direction toward the inner wall of the pack case.

3. In paragraph 1, The above cooling pipe section, A battery pack characterized in that it has a thickness thinner than the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes.

4. In paragraph 1, The above cooling pipe section, A battery pack characterized in that the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes do not protrude beyond the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes in the height direction.

5. In paragraph 1, The above cooling pipe section, It is equipped with multiple pieces, The above plurality of cooling pipe sections, A battery pack characterized in that, when assembling the cell array structure, the plurality of cooling tubes are sequentially connected in one direction along the stacking direction of the plurality of cooling tubes.

6. In paragraph 5, The above plurality of cooling pipe sections, A main cooling pipe section connected to the above cooling line; and A battery pack characterized by including a plurality of side cooling pipe sections communicating with the main cooling pipe.

7. In paragraph 6, The above main cooling pipe section, A battery pack characterized in that it is arranged between the plurality of side cooling pipe sections.

8. In paragraph 1, The above cell array structure is, A side frame for accommodating a plurality of battery cells in the longitudinal direction of the pack case is included, The above cooling pipe section, A battery pack characterized in that it is provided facing the side frame in the longitudinal direction and is arranged at a predetermined distance from the side frame.

9. In paragraph 8, The above side frame, A pair of side walls arranged on the outermost sides of the above cell array structure and supporting at least a row of battery cells in the longitudinal direction of the pack case; and A plurality of side structures are provided between the pair of side walls and support at least two rows of battery cells in the longitudinal direction of the pack case, The above cooling pipe section, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of side structures are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction of the pack case and are spaced apart from the plurality of side structures by a predetermined distance.

10. In paragraph 9, The above cooling pipe section, It is equipped with multiple pieces, The length of each cooling pipe section is: A battery pack characterized in that the width of each side structure is formed to be smaller than or equal to the width of each side structure in the stacking direction.

11. In paragraph 8, The ends of the above plurality of cooling tubes are, Protruding out of the side frame in the longitudinal direction of the above pack case, The above cooling pipe section, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of cooling tubes are sequentially connected along the stacking direction of the side frame.

12. In paragraph 1, The above cooling pipe section, An inlet pipe that guides the cooling medium from the cooling line toward the plurality of cooling tubes; and It includes an outlet pipe for sending the cooling medium circulating through the plurality of cooling tubes to the cooling line side, The above inlet pipe and the above outlet pipe, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of cooling tubes are arranged between the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes in the height direction of the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes.

13. In paragraph 12, The above inlet pipe and the above outlet pipe, A battery pack characterized in that the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes do not protrude beyond the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes in the height direction.

14. In paragraph 12, The above inlet pipe, A battery pack characterized in that the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes are positioned lower than the outlet pipe in the height direction.

15. In automobiles, A vehicle characterized by comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images