Battery pack and vehicle comprising same battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell array structure which includes a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of cooling tubes provided between the plurality of battery cells; and a pack case in which the cell array structure is accommodated and which has a cooling medium flow path communicating with the plurality of 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. 10-2023-0165927, filed on November 24, 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] 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; and a pack case that accommodates the cell array structure and has a cooling medium passage communicating with the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0014] Additionally, preferably, the cooling medium path can be formed integrally with the pack case.

[0015] Additionally, preferably, the cooling medium path is provided inside the side edge of the pack case and can be connected to an external cooling device outside the pack case.

[0016] In addition, preferably, the pack case includes a bottom plate supporting the cell array structure; and an outer side wall coupled to the bottom plate and surrounding a rim of the cell array structure, wherein the cooling medium path can be formed in the outer side wall.

[0017] In addition, preferably, the cooling medium path may include a cooling medium supply path for supplying a cooling medium to the plurality of cooling tubes; and a cooling medium discharge path that is partitioned from the cooling medium supply path and for discharging the cooling medium that has circulated through the plurality of cooling tubes to an external cooling device.

[0018] In addition, preferably, the cooling medium supply path and the cooling medium discharge path may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the height direction of the pack case.

[0019] Additionally, preferably, the battery pack may include a connector unit coupled to the pack case so as to be connected to the plurality of cooling tubes and communicated with the cooling medium passage.

[0020] Additionally, preferably, the connector unit can connect the plurality of cooling tubes and the pack case in a space between the cell array structure within the pack case and the pack case.

[0021] In addition, preferably, a cooling medium inlet / outlet portion is provided at the end of the plurality of cooling tubes to guide the inlet / outlet of the cooling medium, and the cooling medium inlet / outlet portion may be provided between the plurality of battery cells and the pack case.

[0022] Additionally, preferably, the connector unit may have a length shorter than the cooling medium inlet / outlet portion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0023] In addition, preferably, the connector unit is provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of the plurality of cooling tubes, and each cooling tube can be connected to the cooling medium path of the pack case.

[0024] In addition, preferably, the plurality of connector units may each include a supply connector for supplying a cooling medium to the cooling tube side; and a discharge connector for discharging the cooling medium circulated within the cooling tube to the cooling medium path of the pack case.

[0025] Additionally, preferably, the supply connector and the discharge connector may be arranged with the cooling tube interposed therebetween.

[0026] And, the present invention provides a vehicle, characterized in that it includes at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiments.

[0027] 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 the cooling line structure.

[0028] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided that can increase assembly efficiency and process efficiency.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 is a plan view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part A of the battery pack of Figure 3.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an inner side wall portion of a pack case of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a pack case of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the BB portion of Fig. 6.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a cooling tube of a cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a connector unit of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part C of the battery pack of Fig. 10.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a plan view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A of the battery pack of FIG. 3.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (10) may include a cell array structure (100) and a pack case (200).

[0049] 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).

[0050] The plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided as secondary batteries, and may be 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.

[0051] The plurality of cooling tubes (130) are for cooling the plurality of battery cells (110), and can cool the plurality of battery cells (110) by flowing a cooling medium therein, which will be described later. The plurality of cooling tubes (130) will be described in more detail in the related description below.

[0052] The pack case (200) can accommodate the cell array structure (100). The pack case (200) can have a cooling medium passage (250, 260, see FIGS. 6 and 7) that communicates with the plurality of cooling tubes (130). The cooling medium passage (250, 260, see FIGS. 6 and 7) can be connected to a cooling device connection line (270, 280) provided at one end of the pack case (200) for connection to an external cooling device.

[0053] In the case of the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the pack case (200) is provided with a cooling medium path (250, 260, see FIGS. 6 and 7) that communicates with the cooling tubes (130), the cooling medium path can be configured without a separate pipe member having a cooling medium path that communicates with the cooling tubes.

[0054] Accordingly, the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention does not require additional components such as pipe members for communication with the cooling tubes (130), and thus can significantly increase both space efficiency and energy density.

[0055] In addition, the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can omit additional pipe members and other components, thereby increasing manufacturing process efficiency and lowering manufacturing costs to secure price competitiveness.

[0056]

[0057] Hereinafter, the pack case (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an inner side wall portion of a pack case of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a pack case of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a BB portion of FIG. 6. Here, for convenience of explanation, the battery cells and side frames of the cell array structure are omitted in FIG. 5.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the cooling medium passage (250, 260) of the pack case (200) may be formed integrally with the pack case (200). Specifically, the cooling medium passage (250, 260) may be formed integrally within the pack case (200).

[0060] Therefore, according to the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium path (250, 260) can be configured by utilizing the structure of the pack case (200) itself, thereby maximizing space efficiency and providing a battery pack (10) with a higher energy density.

[0061] The cooling medium passage (250, 260) is provided inside the side edge of the pack case (200) and can be connected to an external cooling device outside the pack case (200). The side edge of the pack case (200) is provided as an extruded structure having an internal hollow space, and the cooling medium passage (250, 260) is formed in the internal hollow space within the side edge and can be provided together when the compression structure is formed.

[0062] Therefore, according to the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium path (250, 260) can be prepared together with the manufacturing of the pack case (200) manufactured as a compression structure, thereby increasing process efficiency and simplifying the fastening structure.

[0063] The above pack case (200) may include a bottom plate (220) and an outer side wall (240).

[0064] The above bottom plate (220) can support the cell array structure (100). To this end, a predetermined support space capable of supporting the cell array structure (100) can be provided in the bottom plate (220).

[0065] The outer side wall (240) is coupled with the bottom plate (220) and can surround the perimeter of the cell array structure (100). The cooling medium passage (250, 260) can be formed in the outer side wall (240). The outer side wall (240) is provided as an extruded aluminum structure having an internal hollow shape, and the cooling medium passage (250, 260) can be provided together when the outer side wall (240) is manufactured.

[0066] The above cooling medium path (250, 260) may include a cooling medium supply path (250) and a cooling medium discharge path (260).

[0067] The above cooling medium supply path (250) is for supplying cooling medium to the plurality of cooling tubes (130), is integrally provided on one side of the outer side wall (240), and can be formed to a predetermined length on one side of the outer side wall (240).

[0068] 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 a 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).

[0069] The cooling medium supply path (250) may be provided with a plurality of supply path connection portions (255). The plurality of supply path connection portions (255) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cooling medium supply path (250) and may be connected to communicate with a supply connector (320) of a connector unit (300) described later.

[0070] The cooling medium supply conduit (250) may be connected to a cooling device connection line (270, 280, see FIG. 1) that is connected to an external cooling device for providing the cooling medium. The cooling device connection line (270, 270) may be provided to be exposed to the outside of the pack case (200) and may include a cooling medium supply line (270) and a cooling medium discharge line (280). The cooling medium supply conduit (250) may be connected to the cooling medium supply line (270) of the cooling device connection line (270, 280).

[0071] The cooling medium discharge passage (260) is for discharging the cooling medium circulating through the plurality of cooling tubes (130) to an external cooling device, and may be partitioned from the cooling medium supply passage (250). The cooling medium discharge passage (260) is integrally provided on one side of the outer side wall (240) so as to be spaced apart from the cooling medium supply passage (250) by a predetermined distance, and may be formed with a predetermined length on one side of the outer side wall (240). Specifically, the cooling medium supply passage (250) and the cooling medium discharge passage (260) may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack case (200). For example, the cooling medium supply passage (250) may be arranged at a lower position than the cooling medium discharge passage (260) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack case (200).

[0072] The cooling medium discharge path (260) may be provided with a plurality of discharge path connection portions (265). The plurality of discharge path connection portions (265) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cooling medium discharge path (260) and may be connected to a discharge connector (340) of a connector unit (300) described later. The plurality of discharge path connection portions (265) may be arranged to be staggered with respect to the plurality of supply path connection portions (255) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cooling medium paths (250, 260).

[0073] The cooling medium discharge passage (260) may be connected to the cooling device connection line (270, 280) that is connected to an external cooling device for providing the cooling medium. Specifically, the cooling medium discharge passage (260) may be connected to the cooling medium discharge line (280) of the cooling device connection line (270, 280).

[0074] Below, other configurations of the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a cooling tube of a cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 8 and the preceding FIGS. 1 to 7, the plurality of cooling tubes (130) of the cell array structure (100) have an internal cooling path for circulating the cooling medium, and may be formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pack case (200). A cooling medium inlet / outlet portion (135) may be provided at an end of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) to guide the inflow / outflow of the cooling medium. The cooling medium inlet / outlet portion (135) may be provided between the plurality of battery cells (110) and the pack case (200). Specifically, the cooling medium inlet / outlet portion (135) may be provided between the plurality of battery cells (110) and one inner wall of the outer side wall (240) of the pack case (200). The cooling medium supply path (250) and the cooling medium discharge path (260) may be provided inside one inner wall of the outer side wall (240).

[0077] The cooling medium inlet / outlet section (135) may be provided with a supply connection section (137) and a discharge connection section (138). The supply connection section (137) is provided to protrude by a predetermined length on one surface (-Y-axis direction) of the cooling medium inlet / outlet section (135) and may be connected to a supply connector (320) of a connector unit (300) described later. The discharge connection section (138) is provided to protrude by a predetermined length on the other surface (+Y-axis direction) of the cooling medium inlet / outlet section (135) and may be connected to a discharge connector (340) of a connector unit (300) described later.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a connector unit of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIGS. 1 to 8 above, the battery pack (10) may include a connector unit (300).

[0081] The connector unit (300) is connected to the plurality of cooling tubes (130) and can be coupled to the pack case (200) so as to be in communication with the cooling medium path (250, 260). The connector unit (300) is connected to the plurality of cooling tubes (130) and can guide the interconnection of the cooling medium paths (250, 260).

[0082] The connector unit (300) can connect the plurality of cooling tubes (130) and the pack case (200) in the space between the cell array structure (100) and the pack case (200) within the pack case (200). Specifically, the connector unit (300) can connect the cooling tubes (130) and the cooling medium flow paths (250, 260) in the space between one end of the cell array structure (100) within the pack case (200) and one inner wall of the outer side wall (240) to the cooling medium inlet / outlet (135) of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) and the outer side wall (240) of the pack case (200).

[0083] The connector unit (300) may have a shorter length than the cooling medium inlet / outlet section (135) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the plurality of cooling tubes (130). Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the size of one side space (W) within the pack case (200) may not increase due to the connector unit (300).

[0084] The above connector unit (300) may be provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of the plurality of cooling tubes (130). The plurality of connector units (30) may connect each cooling tube (130) to the cooling medium path (250, 260) of the pack case (200).

[0085] Below, these multiple connector units (300) will be examined in more detail.

[0086] The plurality of connector units (300) may each include a supply connector (320) for supplying a cooling medium toward the cooling tube (130) and a discharge connector (340) for discharging the cooling medium circulated within the cooling tube (130) to the cooling medium path (260) of the pack case (200). The supply connector (320) and the discharge connector (340) may be arranged with the cooling tube (130) interposed therebetween.

[0087] The above supply connector (320) may include a connector body (322), a tube connection portion (324), and a case connection portion (326).

[0088] The connector body (322) forms the outer appearance of the supply connector (320) and may have a roughly bent shape. The tube connection portion (324) is provided at one end of the connector body (322) and may be connected to the supply connection portion (137) of the cooling medium inlet / outlet portion (135) of the cooling tube (130) in a communicable manner. The case connection portion (326) is provided at the other end of the connector body (322) and may be connected to the supply flow path connection portion (255) of the pack case (200).

[0089] The above discharge connector (340) may include a connector body (342), a tube connection portion (344), and a case connection portion (346).

[0090] The connector body (342) forms the outer appearance of the discharge connector (340) and may have a roughly bent shape. The tube connection portion (344) is provided at one end of the connector body (342) and may be connected to the discharge connection portion (138) of the cooling medium inlet / outlet portion (135) of the cooling tube (130) in a communicative manner. The case connection portion (346) is provided at the other end of the connector body (342) and may be connected to the discharge path connection portion (265) of the pack case (200) in a communicative manner.

[0091]

[0092] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, the cell array structure (100) of the battery pack (10) may include a side frame (150).

[0093] The side frame (150) can accommodate a plurality of battery cells (110) and a plurality of cooling tubes (130) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pack case (200). The side frame (150) can include a pair of side walls (152) and a plurality of side structures (156).

[0094] The above pair of side walls (152) are arranged on the outermost sides (+Y-axis direction and -Y-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100) and can support at least one row of battery cells (110) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pack case (200). The above pair of side walls (152) can be fixed to the outer side wall (240) of the pack case (200) 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).

[0095] The plurality of side structures (155) are provided between the pair of side walls (152) in the stacking direction (Y-axis direction) of the plurality of cooling tubes (130) and can support at least two rows of battery cells (110) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pack case (200). Specifically, the plurality of side structures (155) can support the battery cells (110) along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) on each of the front (+Y-axis direction) and rear (-Y-axis direction) sides along the stacking direction (Y-axis direction).

[0096]

[0097] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part C of the battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0098] Since the battery pack (20) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack (10) of the previous embodiment, duplicate descriptions of components that are substantially the same or similar to those of the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the following will focus on differences from the previous embodiment.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the battery pack (20) may include the cell array structure (100), the pack case (200), and a plurality of connector units (400).

[0100] Since the above cell array structure (100) and the pack case (200) are substantially the same or similar to those of the previous embodiment, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted below.

[0101] The plurality of connector units (400) may each include a supply connector (420) for supplying a cooling medium toward the cooling tube (130) and a discharge connector (440) for discharging the cooling medium circulated within the cooling tube (130) to the cooling medium path (260, see FIG. 7) of the pack case (200). The supply connector (420) and the discharge connector (440) may be arranged with the cooling tube (130) interposed therebetween.

[0102] The above supply connector (420) may include a connector body (422), a tube connection portion (424), and a case connection portion (426).

[0103] The connector body (422) forms the outer appearance of the supply connector (420), is provided in a roughly linear shape, and may have a shorter length than the cooling water inlet / outlet (135) of the cooling tube (130) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cooling tube (130). The tube connection portion (424) is provided at one end of the connector body (422) and may be connected to the supply connection portion (137) of the cooling medium inlet / outlet (135) of the cooling tube (130). The case connection portion (326) is provided at the other end of the connector body (422) and may be connected to the supply flow path connection portion (255, see FIG. 7) of the pack case (200).

[0104] The above discharge connector (440) may include a connector body (442), a tube connection portion (444), and a case connection portion (446).

[0105] The connector body (442) forms the outer appearance of the discharge connector (440), is provided in a roughly linear shape, and may have a shorter length than the cooling water inlet / outlet (135) of the cooling tube (130) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cooling tube (130). The tube connection portion (444) is provided at one end of the connector body (442) and may be connected to the discharge connection portion (138) of the cooling medium inlet / outlet (135) of the cooling tube (130). The case connection portion (446) is provided at the other end of the connector body (442) and may be connected to the discharge path connection portion (265, see FIG. 7) of the pack case (200).

[0106] In this way, the connector unit (400) may be provided in a straight shape rather than a folded shape as in the previous embodiment. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the connector unit (400) can be provided in a simpler structure, thereby further increasing the manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack (20) and further reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 12, a vehicle (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (10, 20) according to an embodiment of the present invention described above. In addition to the battery packs (10, 20), 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 packs (10, 20) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (10, 20) 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).

[0111]

[0112] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (10, 20) and a vehicle (V) including the same can be provided, which can increase space utilization and maximize energy density by simplifying the cooling line structure.

[0113] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (10, 20) and a vehicle (V) including the same can be provided that can increase process efficiency by increasing assemblability.

[0114]

[0115] 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; and A pack case that accommodates the above cell array structure and has a cooling medium path that communicates with the plurality of cooling tubes. A battery pack comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The above cooling medium path is, A battery pack characterized by being formed integrally with the above pack case.

3. In paragraph 1, The above cooling medium path is, A battery pack characterized in that it is provided inside the side edge of the pack case and is connected to an external cooling device outside the pack case.

4. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is, A bottom plate supporting the above cell array structure; and Combined with the above bottom plate, it includes an outer side wall surrounding the perimeter of the cell array structure, The above cooling medium path is, A battery pack characterized by being formed on the above outer side wall.

5. In paragraph 1, The above cooling medium path is, A cooling medium supply path for supplying a cooling medium to the plurality of cooling tubes; and A cooling medium discharge path is provided for discharging the cooling medium circulating through the plurality of cooling tubes to an external cooling device, and is separated from the cooling medium supply path. A battery pack comprising:

6. In paragraph 5, The above cooling medium supply path and the above cooling medium discharge path are, A battery pack characterized in that the pack cases are arranged at a predetermined distance apart from each other in the height direction of the pack case.

7. In paragraph 1, A connector unit connected to the plurality of cooling tubes and coupled to the pack case so as to be in communication with the cooling medium path. A battery pack comprising:

8. In paragraph 7, The above connector unit, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of cooling tubes are connected to the pack case in a space between the cell array structure within the pack case and the pack case.

9. In paragraph 7, At the ends of the above plurality of cooling tubes, A cooling medium inlet / outlet section is provided to guide the inflow / outflow of the cooling medium. The above cooling medium inlet / outlet section is, A battery pack characterized by being provided between the plurality of battery cells and the pack case.

10. In paragraph 9, The above connector unit, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of cooling tubes have a shorter length in the longitudinal direction than the cooling medium inlet / outlet portion.

11. In paragraph 7, The above connector unit, A battery pack characterized in that it is provided with a plurality of cooling tubes corresponding to the number of the plurality of cooling tubes, and each cooling tube is connected to a cooling medium path of the pack case.

12. In paragraph 11, The above multiple connector units are, respectively, A supply connector for supplying cooling medium to the cooling tube side; and A discharge connector for discharging the cooling medium circulating within the cooling tube to the cooling medium path of the pack case. A battery pack comprising:

13. In paragraph 12, The above supply connector and the above discharge connector, A battery pack characterized by being arranged with the cooling tubes interposed therebetween.

14. In automobiles, A vehicle characterized by comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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