Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery modules; a battery pack case for accommodating the plurality of battery modules; and a heat sink provided between the battery modules and the battery pack case, wherein the heat sink includes: a plurality of heat exchange flow paths on which heat is exchanged with each of the plurality of battery modules at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of battery modules; a connection flow path for connecting the plurality of heat exchange flow paths; a main inlet port and a main outlet port through which a fluid is supplied to the plurality of heat exchange flow paths; and an auxiliary inlet port and an auxiliary outlet port through which a fluid is supplied to each of the plurality of heat exchange flow paths.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] Secondary batteries, which can be recharged and discharged, are widely used in mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and laptops. They have recently attracted attention as an energy source for electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Meanwhile, as electric vehicles and ESS demand large capacity and high output, medium- to large-sized battery devices, such as battery modules housing multiple secondary batteries within a housing or battery packs comprising multiple battery modules, are becoming widely used.

[0003] Since mid- to large-sized battery devices are preferably manufactured with the smallest possible size and weight, square and pouch-shaped battery cells, which can be stacked with high integration and have a small weight-to-capacity ratio, are primarily used as battery cells (unit cells). In particular, pouch-shaped battery cells, which utilize aluminum laminate sheets as external components, have recently attracted significant attention due to their advantages, including light weight, low manufacturing costs, and ease of shape modification.

[0004] Meanwhile, these medium and large battery devices can generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process, and therefore include a heat sink configured to dissipate the heat inside the device.

[0005] However, the heat sink can only provide bulk cooling or heating for multiple mounted modules or entire cells, making it difficult to implement partial cooling or heating when required.

[0006] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and has as its primary purpose the provision of a battery pack configured to cool or heat each zone of the battery pack.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack includes: a plurality of battery modules; a battery pack case accommodating the plurality of battery modules; and a heat sink provided between the battery modules and the battery pack case, wherein the heat sink includes: a plurality of heat exchange passages configured to exchange heat with each of the plurality of battery modules at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of battery modules; a connecting passage connecting the plurality of heat exchange passages; a main inlet port and a main outlet port configured to supply fluid to the plurality of heat exchange passages; and an auxiliary inlet port and an auxiliary outlet port configured to supply fluid to each of the plurality of heat exchange passages.

[0008] The heat sink may further include a flow control unit that blocks connection with the connecting passage to allow fluid supplied by the auxiliary inlet port to circulate within the corresponding heat exchange passage.

[0009] The flow control unit can be configured to control the flow of the fluid by adjusting the size of the cross-section perpendicular to the direction of fluid movement of the heat exchange path.

[0010] The flow control unit may include a fixed screw that can move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid movement of the heat exchange path, and a boss unit configured to allow the fixed screw to be fastened.

[0011] The connecting passage may include a first connecting passage configured to transfer fluid introduced from the main inlet port to a plurality of heat exchange passages; and a second connecting passage configured to transfer fluid that has undergone heat exchange in the plurality of heat exchange passages to the main outlet port.

[0012] Each of the plurality of heat exchange paths may include an inlet path connected to the first connecting path; an outlet path connected to the second connecting path; and an intermediate path connecting the inlet path and the outlet path.

[0013] The flow control unit may include a first flow control unit that blocks connection with the first connecting passage; and a second flow control unit that blocks connection with the second connecting passage.

[0014] The heat sink may include a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel adjacent to each other among a plurality of heat exchange channels, and may be configured such that when the inflow and outflow of fluid are blocked by the first flow control unit and the second flow control unit corresponding to the first heat exchange channel, the fluid introduced from the auxiliary inflow port of the first heat exchange channel does not flow to the second heat exchange channel but flows to the auxiliary outflow port of the first heat exchange channel.

[0015] The battery pack may include an adhesive member between the heat sink and the plurality of battery modules.

[0016] The adhesive member may include a thermally conductive member.

[0017] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fluid can be rapidly introduced and discharged into a heat exchange path corresponding to a specific battery module. By utilizing auxiliary inlet and outlet ports, the fluid can be directly introduced and discharged into the heat exchange path corresponding to a specific battery module, thereby reducing the time required.

[0019] In addition, when the connecting path is configured such that multiple heat exchange paths are connected in parallel, rapid heat exchange between the heat sink and the battery modules can be achieved. Conventional heat exchange paths are formed as a single path without branching the paths, so when the battery pack is large, it takes a long time for the fluid to circulate throughout, and there is a problem that the cooling performance of the module located at the rear end is relatively low. However, according to the present invention, the fluid introduced along the main inlet port is branched into multiple parts from the first connecting path and is delivered to each of the multiple heat exchange paths in parallel, thereby achieving rapid heat exchange and uniform cooling performance.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, heat exchange between a heat sink and battery modules can be made more efficient. When rapid heat exchange is required for a specific battery module, the first flow control unit and the second flow control unit corresponding to the heat exchange path corresponding to the other battery modules can be used to prevent the fluid from flowing into the heat exchange path and ensure that the fluid flows only into the heat exchange path corresponding to the specific battery module. Even when heat exchange is not required for a specific battery module, a similar method can be used to ensure that the fluid flows only into the heat exchange path corresponding to the other battery modules.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the flow rate can be easily controlled. The operation of the fixing screw can be performed manually by an operator, or automatically by an electric signal when connected to an actuator. Furthermore, the fixing screw can be operated continuously so that the cross-section roughly perpendicular to the direction of movement of the heat exchange path can be in any state between a completely closed state and a completely open state, thereby enabling rapid response depending on the required degree and location of heat exchange.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a combined battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in Figure 2.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a heat sink according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the portion shown in Figure 4.

[0027] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the portion shown in Figure 5.

[0028] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the portion shown in Figure 5.

[0029] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat sink included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a process for replacing a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figures 10 to 13 are drawings showing the appearance before and after operation of the first flow control unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Before going into the detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to explain his own invention in the best way. Therefore, 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 idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0034] The same reference numbers or symbols used in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used in different embodiments. In other words, even if components with the same reference numbers are depicted in multiple drawings, they do not necessarily represent a single embodiment.

[0035] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprises" or "comprises" should be understood to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] In addition, in the description below, expressions such as top, upper, lower, lower, side, front, and rear are expressed based on the direction shown in the drawing, and it is noted in advance that they may be expressed differently if the direction of the object in question changes.

[0037] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in this specification and claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from each other, and the use of these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted in a limited manner. For example, components associated with these ordinals should not be interpreted in a restricted manner, such as in the order of use or arrangement, based on their numbers. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may propose other embodiments within the spirit of the present invention by adding, modifying, or deleting components, etc., but such embodiments will also be considered within the spirit of the present invention. The shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0039] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an assembled perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in Fig. 2.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include a battery module (100), a pack case (200), and a heat sink (300).

[0041] The battery module (100) may include a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells may be pouch-type battery cells. The pouch-type battery cell may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch outer material. The plurality of pouch-type battery cells may be stacked in at least one direction to form the battery module (100). The plurality of pouch-type battery cells may be stacked and arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0042] The battery module (100) may not include a module case. That is, the battery pack (10) may not be provided with a separate module case in order to implement a CTP (Cell To Pack) type battery pack (10) using pouch-type battery cells. Therefore, the battery module (100) in the present invention may mean a bundle of multiple pouch-type cells stacked in one direction.

[0043] In some cases, the battery module (100) may include a cell cover that at least partially surrounds the exterior of the plurality of stacked battery cells.

[0044] Additionally, it goes without saying that the features of the present invention can be equally applied even when the battery module (100) includes a module case.

[0045] The pack case (200) can accommodate a plurality of battery modules (100). The pack case (200) can accommodate a plurality of battery modules (100) by forming a space therein. For example, the pack case (200) can be provided with a case body (210), a partition wall (220), and a pack cover (230). The case body (210) is configured in a box shape with an open top and can accommodate a plurality of battery modules (100) in the internal space. The partition wall (220) can partition the internal space of the case body (210). The partition wall (220) can be provided in a space corresponding to the space between adjacent battery modules (100). The pack cover (230) can be configured in the form of a cover that covers the upper opening portion (the opening portion located in the positive direction of the Z-axis) of the case body (210). Meanwhile, the pack case (200) is not limited to the structure shown and described herein, and for example, the case body (210) may be composed of a bottom plate, an end plate, a front plate, and a side plate.

[0046] A heat sink (300) may be provided between the battery modules (100) and the pack case (200). The heat sink (300) may be configured to perform heat exchange with the battery modules (100) based on a coolant flowing inside. For example, the coolant may be introduced into the heat sink (300) from the outside in a cooled state, and while flowing through a specific flow path provided inside, the coolant may be heated by heat conducted from the battery modules (100) and then discharged to the outside again. This coolant may have a circulation structure in which it is cooled again from the outside, introduced into the heat sink (300), flows through a specific flow path provided inside, exchanges heat with the battery modules (100), and then discharged.

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 3, the battery pack (10) may include an adhesive member (400).

[0048] An adhesive member (400) may be provided between a heat sink (300) and a plurality of battery modules (100). The adhesive member (400) may be provided between the heat sink (300) and the pack case (200). The adhesive member (400) may be a urethane-based heat-dissipating adhesive.

[0049] The adhesive member (400) may include a thermally conductive member. The thermally conductive member may be a thermal interface material (TIM). Heat generated in the battery module (100) may be dissipated through heat exchange through the adhesive member (400) and the heat sink (300).

[0050] Below, a more detailed structure of the heat sink (300) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a heat sink according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the portion shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the portion shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the portion shown in FIG. 5.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the heat sink (300) may include a main inlet port (I1), a main outlet port (O1), a plurality of heat exchange paths (310), connection paths (320, 330), an auxiliary inlet port (I2), and an auxiliary outlet port (O2).

[0053] The main inlet port (I1) may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the outside of the battery pack (10) into the inside of the battery pack (10). The fluid may flow from the outside of the battery pack (10) into the inside of the battery pack (10) through a fluid supply device connected to the main inlet port (I1). The fluid supply device may flow the fluid at a constant pressure or a preset pressure.

[0054] The main outlet port (O1) may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the inside of the battery pack (10) to the outside of the battery pack (10). The fluid may flow from the inside of the battery pack (10) to the outside of the battery pack (10) through a fluid recovery device connected to the main outlet port (O1). The fluid recovery device may recover the fluid at a constant pressure or a preset pressure.

[0055] The main inlet port (I1) and the main outlet port (O1) may include ball valves. The main inlet port (I1) and the main outlet port (O1) may include check valves. In addition, the auxiliary inlet port (I2) and the auxiliary outlet port (O2), which will be described later, may also include ball valves or check valves. However, the main inlet port (I1), the main outlet port (O1), the auxiliary inlet port (I2), and the auxiliary outlet port (O2) are not limited to including only ball valves or check valves.

[0056] A plurality of heat exchange passages (310) may be connected to the main inlet port (I1) and the main outlet port (O1). Each of the plurality of heat exchange passages (310) may be provided at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of battery modules (100). The plurality of heat exchange passages (310) may be configured to exchange heat with each of the battery modules (100).

[0057] The connecting passages (320, 330) can connect a plurality of heat exchange passages (310). The connecting passages (320, 330) can include a first connecting passage (320) and a second connecting passage (330). However, the connecting passages (320, 330) can be configured not only to connect a plurality of heat exchange passages (310) in parallel as illustrated in FIG. 4, but can also be configured to connect a plurality of heat exchange passages (310) in series, or can be configured to connect a plurality of heat exchange passages (310) in various connection methods including both parallel connection and series connection.

[0058] The first connecting passage (320) may be configured to transfer fluid introduced from the main inlet port (I1) to a plurality of heat exchange passages (310). The first connecting passage (320) may be directly connected to the main inlet port (I1). The first connecting passage (320) may be directly connected to each of the plurality of heat exchange passages (310). The fluid introduced from the main inlet port (I1) may flow along the first connecting passage (320) formed approximately clockwise from the inside of the heat sink (300) from the main inlet port (I1) and be transferred to each of the plurality of heat exchange passages (310).

[0059] The second connecting passage (330) may be configured to transfer the fluid that has undergone heat exchange in the plurality of heat exchange passages (310) to the main outlet port (O1). The second connecting passage (330) may be directly connected to the main outlet port (O1). The second connecting passage (330) may be directly connected to each of the plurality of heat exchange passages (310). The fluid that has undergone heat exchange in the plurality of heat exchange passages (310) may flow clockwise along the second connecting passage (330) and be transferred to the main outlet port (O1).

[0060] That is, the fluid introduced through the main inlet port (I1) can be transferred to each of the plurality of heat exchange passages (310) through the first connection passage (320). The fluid transferred to each of the plurality of heat exchange passages (310) can exchange heat with each of the plurality of battery modules (100) while flowing along each of the plurality of heat exchange passages (310). The fluid that has completed heat exchange with each of the plurality of battery modules (100) can flow to the second connection passage (330). The fluid that has flowed to the second connection passage (330) can be discharged through the main discharge port (O1).

[0061] Auxiliary inlet ports (I2) and auxiliary outlet ports (O2) may be provided corresponding to each of a plurality of heat exchange passages (310). Each auxiliary inlet port (I2) and auxiliary outlet port (O2) may be configured to supply fluid to each heat exchange passage (310) or discharge fluid from each heat exchange passage (310). The auxiliary inlet port (I2) may be configured to allow fluid to be introduced into the heat exchange passage (310) from the outside of the battery pack (10). The auxiliary outlet port (O2) may be configured to allow fluid to be discharged from the heat exchange passage (310) to the outside of the battery pack (10).

[0062] Meanwhile, the auxiliary inlet port (I2) and the auxiliary outlet port (O2) may be arranged opposite to the drawing start.

[0063] Alternatively, the auxiliary inlet port (I2) and the auxiliary outlet port (O2) may perform opposite functions, despite their respective names. This assumes that the auxiliary inlet port (I2) and the auxiliary outlet port (O2) are configured with the same physical structure.

[0064] As described above, the auxiliary inlet ports (I2) and the auxiliary outlet ports (O2) may include ball valves or check valves.

[0065] According to this configuration of the present invention, a fluid can be quickly introduced into and discharged from a heat exchange path (310) corresponding to a specific battery module (100). By using the auxiliary inlet port (I2) and the auxiliary outlet port (O2), a fluid can be directly introduced into and discharged from a heat exchange path (310) corresponding to a specific battery module (100), thereby shortening the time.

[0066] In addition, when the connecting passages (320, 330) are configured such that a plurality of heat exchange passages (310) are connected in parallel, rapid heat exchange between the heat sink (300) and the battery modules (100) can be achieved. The existing heat exchange passages (310) are formed as a single path without branching the passages, so that when the battery pack (10) is large, it takes a long time for the fluid to circulate throughout, and there is a problem that the cooling performance of the module located at the rear end is relatively low. However, according to the present invention, the fluid introduced along the main inlet port (I1) branches into a plurality of passages at the first connecting passage (320) and delivers the fluid in parallel to each of the plurality of heat exchange passages (310), thereby achieving rapid heat exchange and uniform cooling performance.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of heat exchange paths (310) may include an inlet path (311), an outlet path (315), and an intermediate path (313).

[0068] The inflow path (311) can be connected to the first connecting path (320). One inflow path (311) can be formed.

[0069] The outlet flow path (315) can be connected to the second connecting flow path (330). Two outlet flow paths (315) can be formed.

[0070] The intermediate flow path (313) can connect the inflow flow path (311) and the outflow flow path (315). The intermediate flow path (313) can be formed in a long zig-zag shape to allow sufficient time for heat exchange with the battery module (100).

[0071] However, the present invention is not limited to the number and position of the inflow paths (311) and the outflow paths (315) as described above. For example, two inflow paths (311) and two outflow paths (315) may be formed, and the inflow paths (311) and the outflow paths (315) may be connected through an independent intermediate path (313), or when two outflow paths (315) are connected to a second connecting path (330), they may be combined and connected as one, like the inflow path (311).

[0072] Referring again to FIG. 5, the heat sink (300) may include a flow control unit (340a, 340b).

[0073] The flow control unit (340a, 340b) may be configured to block the connection with the connecting passage (320, 330) so that the fluid supplied by the auxiliary inlet port (I2) circulates within the heat exchange passage (310) corresponding to the auxiliary inlet port (I2).

[0074] The flow control unit (340a, 340b) may include a first flow control unit (340a) and a second flow control unit (340b).

[0075] The first flow control unit (340a) may be configured to block the connection between the heat exchange passage (310) and the first connection passage (320). The first flow control unit (340a) may be configured to selectively control the flow of fluid flowing from the first connection passage (320) to the heat exchange passage (310). The first flow control unit (340a) may be provided in the inflow passage (311). The first flow control unit (340a) may be provided in the first connection passage (320). The number of the first flow control units (340a) may be equal to the number of the heat exchange passages (310).

[0076] The second flow control unit (340b) may be configured to block the connection between the heat exchange passage (310) and the second connection passage (330). The second flow control unit (340b) may be configured to selectively control the flow of fluid flowing from the heat exchange passage (310) to the second connection passage (330). The second flow control unit (340b) may be provided in the second connection passage (330). The number of second flow control units (340b) may be equal to the number of heat exchange passages (310).

[0077] However, the number and positions of the first flow control unit (340a) and the second flow control unit (340b) are not limited to those shown in Fig. 5. For example, the first flow control unit (340a) may be provided in the first connection flow path (320) rather than the inflow flow path (311), and the second flow control unit (340b) may also be provided in each of the outlet flow paths (315) rather than the second connection flow path (330).

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, heat exchange between the heat sink (300) and the battery modules (100) can be made more efficient. When rapid heat exchange is required for a specific battery module (100), the first flow control unit (340a) and the second flow control unit (340b) corresponding to the heat exchange path (310) corresponding to the other battery modules (100) can be used to prevent the fluid from flowing into the heat exchange path (310) and to allow the fluid to move only to the heat exchange path (310) corresponding to the specific battery module (100). Even when heat exchange is not required for a specific battery module (100), a similar method as above can be used to allow the fluid to move only to the heat exchange path (310) corresponding to the other battery modules (100).

[0079] In particular, this method can be used to weaken the adhesive strength of the adhesive member (400). During the use of the battery pack (10), a problem may occur only in a specific battery module (100), and only the corresponding battery module (100) may need to be replaced or inspected. In this case, only the specific battery module (100) with the problem must be separated. In the process of separating the specific battery module (100), the battery module (100) may be damaged or the separation process may not be easy due to the excessive adhesive strength of the adhesive member (400). In particular, when the battery module (100) is configured without a separate module frame for the CTP format, the problem of the battery module (100) being damaged during the separation process of the battery module (100) occurs more frequently.

[0080] The adhesive member (400) may have a reduced adhesive strength above a certain temperature. Therefore, by allowing the fluid to flow only through the heat exchange path (310) corresponding to the specific battery module (100) requiring separation through the above method, the adhesive strength of the adhesive member (400) may be weakened by introducing a fluid having a temperature above a certain temperature through the inlet port, thereby easily separating the specific battery module (100). The specific temperature may be approximately 50°C, which may be an appropriate temperature for easily separating the battery module (100) while preventing damage to the cells.

[0081] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat sink (300) included in a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 8, the heat sink (300) may include a first heat exchange passage (310a) and a second heat exchange passage (310b) adjacent to each other among a plurality of heat exchange passages (310). The first heat exchange passage (310a) and the second heat exchange passage (310b) may be adjacent to each other along the Y-axis direction. However, the first heat exchange passage (310a) and the second heat exchange passage (310b) are only for describing a plurality of heat exchange passages (310) adjacent to each other, and the number of heat exchange passages (310) is not limited to two.

[0083] The heat sink (300) may be configured so that when the inflow and outflow of the fluid are blocked by the first flow control unit (340a) and the second flow control unit (340b) corresponding to the first heat exchange path (310a), the fluid introduced from the auxiliary inflow port (I2) of the first heat exchange path (310a) does not flow to the second heat exchange path (310b) but flows to the auxiliary outflow port (O2) of the first heat exchange path (310a). Referring to Fig. 8, when the inflow and outflow of the fluid are blocked by the first flow control unit (340a) and the second flow control unit (340b), if the fluid is introduced into the auxiliary inflow port (I2), it moves along the heat exchange path (310). During the movement process, the fluid cannot move to the first connection path (320) because the first flow control unit (340a) is blocked, and instead flows out to the auxiliary outflow port (O2). Additionally, even if some of the fluid does not escape through the auxiliary outlet port (O2), the second flow control unit (340b) may be blocked and the fluid may flow back through the auxiliary outlet port (O2) and escape.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 9, the process of replacing a battery module (100) using an auxiliary inlet port (I2) and an auxiliary outlet port (O2) will be described in more detail.

[0085] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a process of replacing a battery module (100) included in a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] In the process of replacing the battery module (100), the adhesive strength of the adhesive member (400) must be reduced. In order to reduce the adhesive strength of the adhesive member (400), a fluid having a temperature higher than a certain temperature must be introduced and discharged into and from the heat exchange path (310) corresponding to a specific battery module (100). However, if the main inlet port (I1) and the main outlet port (O1) are used instead of the auxiliary inlet port (I2) and the auxiliary outlet port (O2), the high-temperature fluid will flow along the entire first connection path (320) and the second connection path (330). In this case, the high-temperature fluid may heat even the area of ​​the battery module (100) that does not require removal, which may cause the bonding strength of the battery module (100) to be reduced or the battery module to be separated. The use of the auxiliary inlet port (I2) and the auxiliary outlet port (O2) prevents such problems.

[0087] For example, in a general driving condition of a vehicle, i.e., in a situation where cooling of a battery pack (10) is required, a vehicle cooler hose may be connected to a main inlet port (I1) and a main outlet port (O1) to supply a coolant for cooling, and in a situation where replacement of a specific battery module (100) is required, a vehicle cooler hose may be connected to an auxiliary inlet port (I2) and an auxiliary outlet port (O2) to supply a coolant for heating. At this time, the coolant for cooling and the coolant for heating may be the same material, but the temperature of the coolant may be controlled differently and supplied.

[0088] Hereinafter, the flow rate control operation method of the first flow rate control unit (340a) and the second flow rate control unit (340b) will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. FIGS. 10 to 13 are drawings showing the appearance of the first flow rate control unit (340a) included in the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention before and after operation.

[0089] In FIGS. 10 to 13, only the appearance before and after operation of the first flow control unit (340a) is shown, but the second flow control unit (340b) can also operate in the same manner.

[0090] The first flow control unit (340a) and the second flow control unit (340b) may be configured to control the flow of the fluid by adjusting the size of a cross-section that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of fluid movement of the heat exchange passage (310). The first flow control unit (340a) and the second flow control unit (340b) may be configured to control the flow of the fluid by adjusting the width along the height direction of the heat exchange passage (310).

[0091] The first flow control unit (340a) and the second flow control unit (340b) may include a fixing screw (F) and a boss portion (B). The fixing screw (F) may move in a direction approximately perpendicular to the fluid movement direction of the heat exchange channel (310). The fixing screw (F) may move along the height direction of the heat exchange channel (310). The boss portion (B) may be configured so that the fixing screw (F) may be fastened from below. The inner surface of the boss portion (B) may be provided with a screw thread corresponding to the fixing screw (F) for stable coupling of the fixing screw (F). The fixing screw (F) may be fastened to the boss portion (B) from below.

[0092] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the appearance of the first flow control unit (340a) when there is no need to control the flow rate. The fixing screw (F) is only fastened to the boss unit (B) and does not move in the height direction, so that the cross-section that is approximately perpendicular to the fluid movement direction of the heat exchange path (310) is completely open.

[0093] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the appearance of the first flow control unit (340a) when it is necessary to control the flow rate. The fixing screw (F) is fastened to the boss portion (B) and moves in the height direction, so that the size of the cross-section approximately perpendicular to the fluid movement direction of the heat exchange channel (310) can be seen to decrease. The fixing screw (F) can operate continuously so that the cross-section approximately perpendicular to the fluid movement direction of the heat exchange channel (310) can be in any state between a completely open state and a completely closed state.

[0094] According to this configuration of the present invention, the flow rate can be easily controlled. The operation of the fixing screw (F) can be performed manually by an operator, or automatically by an electric signal when connected to an actuator. In addition, the fixing screw (F) can be operated continuously so that the cross-section substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid movement of the heat exchange path (310) can be in any state between a completely blocked state and a completely open state, thereby enabling a quick response depending on the required degree and location of heat exchange.

[0095] The battery pack (10) according to the present invention described above may further include various components other than the battery module (100), such as components of the battery pack (10) known at the time of application of the present invention, such as a BMS, a relay, a current sensor, etc., although not shown in the drawing.

[0096] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (1) according to the present invention may include a battery pack (10) according to the present invention. In addition to the battery pack (10), the vehicle (1) may further include various other components included in the vehicle (1). For example, in addition to the battery pack (10) according to the present invention, the vehicle (1) according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0098] While the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, focusing on preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous obvious modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed as encompassing the many examples of such modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0099] [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1 car

[0101] 10 battery packs

[0102] 100 battery modules

[0103] 200 pack case

[0104] 210 case body

[0105] 220 bulkhead

[0106] 230 pack lead

[0107] 300 heat sink

[0108] I1 main inlet port

[0109] O1 main leak port

[0110] 310 Multiple heat exchanger passages

[0111] 311 inflow euros

[0112] 315 euros leaked

[0113] 313 medium euros

[0114] 320 First connecting euro

[0115] 330 Second connecting euro

[0116] 340a first flow control unit

[0117] 340b Second flow control unit

[0118] B Boss Department

[0119] F fixing screw

[0120] I2 auxiliary inlet port

[0121] O2 auxiliary outlet port

[0122] 310a first heat exchanger

[0123] 310b second heat exchanger

[0124] 400 adhesive member

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules; A battery pack case accommodating the plurality of battery modules; and A heat sink is provided between the battery modules and the battery pack case, The above heat sink, A plurality of heat exchange paths configured to exchange heat with each of the plurality of battery modules at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of battery modules; A connecting path connecting the plurality of heat exchange paths; a main inlet port and a main outlet port configured to supply fluid to the plurality of heat exchange paths; and Auxiliary inlet ports and auxiliary outlet ports configured to supply fluid to each of the plurality of heat exchange paths; A battery pack comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The above heat sink, A battery pack further comprising a flow control unit for blocking connection with the connecting passage so that the fluid supplied by the auxiliary inlet port circulates within the corresponding heat exchange passage.

3. In paragraph 2, The above flow control unit, A battery pack characterized in that it is configured to control the flow of fluid by adjusting the size of a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of fluid movement of the heat exchange path.

4. In paragraph 3, The above flow control unit, A battery pack characterized by including a fixing screw that can move in a direction perpendicular to the fluid movement direction of the heat exchange path and a boss portion configured so that the fixing screw can be fastened.

5. In paragraph 2, The above connection euro is, A first connecting passage configured to transfer fluid introduced from the main inlet port to the plurality of heat exchange passages; and A battery pack characterized by including a second connecting passage configured to transfer fluid that has undergone heat exchange in the plurality of heat exchange passages to the main outlet port.

6. In paragraph 5, Each of the above multiple heat exchange paths, An inflow path connected to the first connecting path above; an outflow path connected to the second connecting path above; and A battery pack characterized by including an intermediate channel connecting the inflow channel and the outflow channel.

7. In paragraph 6, The above flow control unit, A first flow control unit for blocking connection with the first connecting flow path; and A battery pack characterized by including a second flow control unit that blocks connection with the second connecting flow path.

8. In paragraph 7, The above heat sink, A plurality of heat exchange paths, comprising a first heat exchange path and a second heat exchange path adjacent to each other, A battery pack characterized in that when the inflow and outflow of the fluid are blocked by the first flow rate control unit and the second flow rate control unit corresponding to the first heat exchange path, the fluid introduced from the auxiliary inflow port of the first heat exchange path does not flow to the second heat exchange path but flows to the auxiliary outflow port of the first heat exchange path.

9. In paragraph 1, The above battery pack, A battery pack characterized by having an adhesive member between the heat sink and the plurality of battery modules.

10. In paragraph 9, The above adhesive material is, A battery pack characterized by including a thermally conductive member.

11. A vehicle characterized by including a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images