Battery pack

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention relates to a battery pack. The battery pack comprises: a base plate including a lower cooling channel; a cell assembly, which is arranged on the base plate and includes a plurality of battery cells; a top plate, which is arranged on the cell assembly and has an upper cooling channel; a front end frame having a first side cooling channel that communicates with the upper cooling channel; a rear end frame having a second side cooling channel that communicates with the upper cooling channel and the lower cooling channel; an inlet pipe having an inlet channel that communicates with the first side cooling channel and transfers, to the first side cooling channel, a cooling fluid provided from the outside; and an outlet pipe having an outlet channel that communicates with the lower cooling channel.

Description

battery pack

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0014130, filed January 30, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As secondary batteries become increasingly used in mobility, demand for their safety is increasing. Fires and other accidents involving secondary batteries used in mobility vehicles can endanger the lives of drivers, making research into technologies that enhance secondary battery safety essential.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack.

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery pack including: a base plate including a lower cooling channel; a cell assembly disposed on the base plate and including a plurality of battery cells; a top plate disposed on the cell assembly and having an upper cooling channel; a front frame coupled to the top plate and having a first side cooling channel communicating with the upper cooling channel; a rear frame extending from the base plate to the top plate and having a second side cooling channel communicating with the upper cooling channel and the lower cooling channel; an inlet pipe coupled to the front frame and having an inlet channel communicating with the first side cooling channel and configured to deliver a cooling fluid provided from the outside to the first side cooling channel; and an outlet pipe coupled to the base plate and having an outlet channel communicating with the lower cooling channel.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the inlet channel, the first side cooling channel, the upper cooling channel, the second side cooling channel, the lower cooling channel, and the outlet channel are characterized in that they are sequentially connected.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the first side cooling channel comprises a common channel communicating with the inlet channel; and a plurality of first vertical channels; wherein the upper cooling channel comprises a plurality of sub-upper channels spaced apart from each other, and wherein the plurality of first vertical channels are each characterized in that they extend from a corresponding sub-upper channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to the common channel.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the second side cooling channel comprises a plurality of second vertical channels spaced apart from each other, each of the plurality of second vertical channels extending from a corresponding sub-upper channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to the lower cooling channel.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the lower cooling channel comprises a plurality of spaced apart sub-lower channels, wherein each of the plurality of second vertical channels extends from a corresponding sub-upper channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to a corresponding sub-lower channel among the plurality of sub-lower channels.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of sub-upper channels are each characterized in that they extend in a first direction, the plurality of sub-lower channels are each characterized in that they extend in the first direction, and the plurality of second vertical channels are characterized in that they extend in a vertical direction.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the top plate is characterized by including a first plug inserted into the first side cooling channel and having an internal channel.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the top plate is characterized by including a second plug inserted into the second side cooling channel and having an internal channel.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the rear frame is characterized by including a third plug inserted into the lower cooling channel and having an internal channel.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the top plate comprises a plurality of segments spaced apart from each other with a venting gap therebetween, the venting gap being characterized by vertically overlapping the cell assembly.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are stacked in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each of the plurality of battery cells is characterized by including a central portion vertically overlapping the venting gap; and a pair of outer portions vertically overlapping the top plate and spaced apart in the second direction with the central portion therebetween.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises a peripheral wall extending along the perimeter of the base plate and surrounding the cell assembly; and a pack cover coupled to the peripheral wall so as to cover the cell assembly and the top plate; wherein the pack cover is spaced apart from the top plate with a venting space therebetween.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the device comprises a peripheral wall extending along the perimeter of the base plate and surrounding the cell assembly; and a pack cover coupled to the peripheral wall so as to cover the cell assembly and the top plate; wherein the inlet pipe penetrates the peripheral wall.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the upper cooling channel comprises a plurality of sub-upper channels spaced apart from each other, the lower cooling channel comprises a plurality of sub-lower channels spaced apart from each other, the first side cooling channel comprises a plurality of first vertical channels and a common channel communicating with the inlet channel, each of the plurality of first vertical channels connecting a corresponding sub-cooling channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to the common channel, the second side cooling channel comprises a plurality of second vertical channels, each of the plurality of second vertical channels connecting a corresponding sub-upper channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to a corresponding sub-lower channel among the plurality of sub-lower channels, the top plate comprises a plurality of first plugs inserted into the plurality of first vertical channels and a plurality of second plugs inserted into the plurality of second vertical channels, and the rear frame comprises a plurality of third plugs inserted into the plurality of sub-lower channels.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises a peripheral wall extending along the perimeter of the base plate and surrounding the cell assembly; and a pack cover coupled to the peripheral wall so as to cover the cell assembly and the top plate, the pack cover being spaced apart from the top plate with a venting space therebetween; wherein the inlet pipe penetrates the peripheral wall, the top plate includes a plurality of segments spaced apart from each other with a venting gap therebetween, and the venting gap communicates with the venting space.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack can perform multi-faceted cooling of battery cells by a front frame having a first side cooling channel, a top plate having an upper cooling channel, a rear frame having a second side cooling channel, and a base plate having a lower cooling channel, thereby improving cooling performance of the battery cells. Since heat generation of the battery cells can be effectively controlled, the safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0022] According to the battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the cooling fluid circulates within the battery pack through separated cooling channels, the difference in the flow rate of the cooling fluid between regions can be reduced, and more uniform cooling can be achieved for the battery cells.

[0023] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Figure 1.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Fig. 1.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack taken along line IV-IV' of Fig. 1.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0032] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0033] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0034]

[0035] (Example 1)

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along line II-II' of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along line III-III' of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along line IV-IV' of Fig. 1.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (10) may include a pack housing (100) and a cell assembly (200).

[0038] A battery pack (10) may include one or more cell assemblies (200) mounted in a pack housing (100). In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (10) may include a plurality of battery assemblies (200) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction) within the pack housing (100).

[0039] A cell assembly (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (210). Each battery cell (210) is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell (210) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly built into the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type depending on the assembly form. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and an negative electrode active material.

[0040] A plurality of battery cells (210) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (210) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (210) may also be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (210) connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank composed of two or more battery cells (210) connected in parallel with each other and another bank composed of two or more battery cells (210) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0041] Each battery cell (210) may be a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a square battery cell. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is housed in a square metal can.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, a cell assembly (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (210) that are mutually stacked in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). In the cell assembly (200), adjacent battery cells (210) among the plurality of battery cells (210) may be fixed to each other through an adhesive material, such as an adhesive tape. Each of the plurality of battery cells (210) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, in which a length along a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction) is greater than a length along a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). Each battery cell (210) may extend in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction), and an electrode lead (213) may be provided at at least one of both ends of each battery cell (210) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction). The electrode leads (213) of adjacent battery cells (210) may be physically coupled.

[0043] When viewed from a plan view, the cell assembly (200) may have a rectangular shape. The cell assembly (200) may include upper and lower surfaces that are opposed to each other in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction), first and second sides that are opposed to each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction), and third and fourth sides that are opposed to each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction). The upper surface of the cell assembly (200) may include upper surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (210), and the bottom surface of the cell assembly (200) may include bottom surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (210).

[0044] The pack housing (100) can provide a receiving space for receiving a cell assembly (200). The pack housing (100) can include a base plate (110), a peripheral wall (171), a first separating wall (173), a second separating wall (175), a top plate (130), a front frame (120), a rear frame (140), an inlet pipe (150), an outlet pipe (160), and a pack cover (191).

[0045] The base plate (110) can support the cell assembly (200). The base plate (110) can have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). When viewed in a plan view, the base plate (110) can have an approximately square flat plate shape.

[0046] The base plate (110) may include a lower cooling channel (111) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The lower cooling channel (111) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments, the lower cooling channel (111) may include a plurality of sub-sub-channels (1111) spaced apart from each other. The plurality of sub-sub-channels (1111) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and individual sub-sub-channels (1111) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The plurality of sub-sub-channels (1111) may be joined at a merging channel (112) at a front end of the base plate (110), and the merging channel (112) may be connected to an outlet channel (161) of an outlet pipe (160) described below. In addition, a horizontal connecting channel (116 of FIG. 6) extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) may be provided at a rear end of the base plate (110) to connect the plurality of sub-sub-channels (1111).

[0048] In exemplary embodiments, a thermally conductive adhesive layer may be interposed between the bottom surface of the cell assembly (200) and the base plate (110). The cell assembly (200) may be thermally and physically coupled to the base plate (110) by the thermally conductive adhesive layer. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0049] A perimeter wall (171) may be disposed on a base plate (110) and may form an exterior of a pack housing (100). The perimeter wall (171) may extend along the perimeter of the base plate (110) to surround a plurality of cell assemblies (200) mounted on the base plate (110). The base plate (110) and the perimeter wall (171) may together define an accommodation space of the pack housing (100). The perimeter wall (171) may include a front wall (1711) and a rear wall (1713) opposed in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction), and a pair of side walls (1715) opposed in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The front wall (1711) of the above peripheral wall (171) may constitute the front of the pack housing (100), and the rear wall (1713) of the above peripheral wall (171) may constitute the rear of the pack housing (100).

[0050] The first separation wall (173) and the second separation wall (175) are arranged on the base plate (110) and can partition or divide the internal space of the pack housing (100) into a plurality of spaces. A cell assembly (200) can be arranged in each of the plurality of spaces defined by the first separation wall (173) and the second separation wall (175). The first separation wall (173) can extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction). Some of the cell assemblies (200) among the plurality of cell assemblies (200) can be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) with the first separation wall (173) interposed therebetween. The second separation wall (175) can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). Among the plurality of cell assemblies (200), some of the cell assemblies (200) may be spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) with a second separation wall (175) therebetween.

[0051] A top plate (130) may be placed on a cell assembly (200). The top plate (130) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The top plate (130) may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) from the front frame (120) to the rear frame (140) and may face upper surfaces of the cell assemblies (200) arranged in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction).

[0052] The top plate (130) may include an upper cooling channel (131) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The upper cooling channel (131) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction).

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, the upper cooling channel (131) may include a plurality of spaced apart sub-upper channels (1311). The plurality of sub-upper channels (1311) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and individual sub-upper channels (1311) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, a thermally conductive adhesive layer may be interposed between the upper surface of the cell assembly (200) and the top plate (130). The cell assembly (200) may be thermally and physically coupled to the top plate (130) by the thermally conductive adhesive layer. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0055] The shear frame (120) may extend vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) between the base plate (110) and the top plate (130) and may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction) between a pair of side walls (1715) along the surface of the base plate (110). The upper portion of the shear frame (120) may be coupled to the shear end of the top plate (130), and the lower portion of the shear frame (120) may be coupled to the base plate (110). In exemplary embodiments, the shear frame (120) may be fastened to the top plate (130) via bolts. If necessary, the bolts may be removed to separate the top plate (130) from the shear frame (120). The shear frame (120) faces the front wall (1711) of the perimeter wall (171) and can be placed on one side of the cell assembly (200) that is the outermost in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) among the plurality of cell assemblies (200).

[0056] The shear frame (120) may include a first side cooling channel (121) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The first side cooling channel (121) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). The first side cooling channel (121) may be connected to an upper cooling channel (131) of the top plate (130).

[0057] The rear frame (140) may extend vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) between the base plate (110) and the top plate (130) and may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction) along the surface of the base plate (110). An upper portion of the rear frame (140) may be coupled to a rear end of the top plate (130), and a lower portion of the rear frame (140) may be coupled to the base plate (110). In exemplary embodiments, the rear frame (140) may be fastened to the top plate (130) via bolts. If necessary, the bolts may be removed to separate the top plate (130) from the rear frame (140). The rear frame (140) faces the rear wall (1713) of the perimeter wall (171) and can be arranged on one side of a cell assembly (200) that is outermost in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) among the plurality of cell assemblies (200). The rear frame (140) can be spaced apart from the front frame (120) in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) with the cell assemblies (200) interposed therebetween.

[0058] The rear frame (140) may include a second side cooling channel (141) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The second side cooling channel (141) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) from the upper surface to the lower surface of the rear frame (140). The second side cooling channel (141) may be connected to the upper cooling channel (131) of the top plate (130) and the lower cooling channel (111) of the base plate (110). The upper cooling channel (131) of the top plate (130) may be connected to the lower cooling channel (111) of the base plate (110) through the second side cooling channel (141).

[0059] An inlet pipe (150) may be coupled to the shear frame (120) and configured to receive cooling fluid provided from an external cooling fluid source. The inlet pipe (150) may have an inlet channel (151) communicating with a first side cooling channel (121) of the shear frame (120). The inlet pipe (150) may be configured to deliver the externally provided cooling fluid to the first side cooling channel (121) of the shear frame (120). In exemplary embodiments, the inlet pipe (150) may be coupled to the shear frame (120) so as to penetrate the peripheral wall (171) and be in fluid communication with the shear frame (120). A portion of the inlet pipe (150) may be external to the peripheral wall (171), and another portion of the inlet pipe (150) may be within an interior space of the pack housing (100) surrounded by the peripheral wall (171).

[0060] An outlet pipe (160) may be coupled to the base plate (110) and configured to discharge cooling fluid to an external cooling fluid source. The outlet pipe (160) may have an outlet channel (161) communicating with a lower cooling channel (111) of the base plate (110). The outlet pipe (160) may be configured to convey cooling fluid discharged from an outlet of the lower cooling channel (111) to an external cooling fluid source. In exemplary embodiments, the outlet pipe (160) may be coupled to a portion of the base plate (110) that is external to the peripheral wall (171).

[0061] In embodiments, the inlet channel (151) of the inlet pipe (150), the first side cooling channel (121) of the front frame (120), the upper cooling channel (131) of the top plate (130), the second side cooling channel (141) of the rear frame (140), the lower cooling channel (111) of the base plate (110), and the outlet channel (161) of the outlet pipe (160) may be sequentially connected. The inlet channel (151) of the inlet pipe (150), the first side cooling channel (121) of the front frame (120), the upper cooling channel (131) of the top plate (130), the second side cooling channel (141) of the rear frame (140), the lower cooling channel (111) of the base plate (110), and the outlet channel (161) of the outlet pipe (160) may form an integrated cooling channel that is sequentially connected.

[0062] Cooling fluid provided from the outside is supplied to the inlet channel (151) of the inlet pipe (150), and flows sequentially along the inlet channel (151) of the inlet pipe (150), the first side cooling channel (121) of the front frame (120), the upper cooling channel (131) of the top plate (130), the second side cooling channel (141) of the rear frame (140), the lower cooling channel (111) of the base plate (110), and the outlet channel (161) of the outlet pipe (160), and can then be discharged to the outside through the outlet channel (161) of the outlet pipe (160). While the cooling fluid flows, cooling of the cell assembly (200) can be achieved.

[0063] The pack cover (191) may be placed on the peripheral wall (171) of the pack housing (100). The pack cover (191) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The pack cover (191) may be coupled to the peripheral wall (171) of the pack housing (100) to cover the cell assembly (200). For example, the pack cover (191) may be coupled to the peripheral wall (171) of the pack housing (100) by bolts.

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the top plate (130) may include a venting gap (139) that vertically overlaps the cell assembly (200). The top plate (130) may include a plurality of segments, each of which may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-direction) from the front frame (120) to the rear frame (140). The plurality of segments of the top plate (130) may be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-direction) with the venting gap (139) therebetween. The venting gap (139) of the top plate (130) may overlap a central portion of each of the battery cells (210) that are stacked in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-direction). Since the top plate (130) has a venting gap (139), when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs, high-temperature gas generated in the battery cell (210) can be vented upward through the venting gap (139) of the top plate (130).

[0065] The top plate (130) may be spaced apart from the pack cover (191) with a venting space (181) therebetween. That is, the venting space (181) may refer to a space provided between the top plate (130) and the pack cover (191) by vertically spaced apart from each other (e.g., in the Z direction). The venting space (181) may communicate with the venting gap (139) of the top plate (130). The venting space (181) and the venting gap (139) of the top plate (130) may be utilized as a venting passage for venting high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell (210). For example, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs, high-temperature gas generated in the battery cell (210) flows through the venting gap (139) and venting space (181) of the top plate (130) to a venting device (e.g., a relief valve and / or a rupture valve) mounted on the peripheral wall (171) of the pack housing (100), and can be discharged to the outside of the pack housing (100) through the venting device.

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, each battery cell (210) may include a central portion vertically overlapping the venting gap (139) and a pair of peripheral portions spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) with the central portion interposed therebetween. Each of the pair of peripheral portions of each battery cell (210) may include an electrode lead (213). In this case, the top plate (130) may be arranged to vertically overlap the pair of peripheral portions of each battery cell (210). Generally, more heat generation of each battery cell (210) occurs in the peripheral portion of the battery cell (210) where the electrode lead (213) is provided than in the central portion of the battery cell (210). According to exemplary embodiments, since the battery pack (10) has a dual cooling structure by the top plate (130) and the base plate (110) in the peripheral portion of the battery cell (210) where heat generation is relatively high, the heat generation of the battery cell (210) can be effectively controlled.

[0067]

[0068] (Example 2)

[0069] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the first side cooling channel (121) of the shear frame (120) may include a common channel (123) and a plurality of first vertical channels (125). The common channel (123) may be connected to an inlet channel (151) of an inlet pipe (150). The plurality of first vertical channels (125) may each extend vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) from the common channel (123). The plurality of first vertical channels (125) may connect between the common channel (123) and the upper cooling channel (131). The plurality of first vertical channels (125) may each extend vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) from a corresponding sub-upper channel (1311) among the plurality of sub-upper channels (1311) to the common channel (123). The cooling fluid flowing into the common channel (123) through the inlet channel (151) of the inlet pipe (150) can be separated into a plurality of first vertical channels (125) and then supplied to each of a plurality of sub-upper channels (1311).

[0071] The top plate (130) may include a first plug (133) inserted into a first side cooling channel (121) and having an internal channel (1331). In exemplary embodiments, the top plate (130) may include a plurality of first plugs (133) inserted into a plurality of first vertical channels (125). The internal channel (1331) of each first plug (133) may communicate with a corresponding sub-upper channel (1311) among the plurality of sub-upper channels (1311). Cooling fluid provided from the first vertical channel (125) may be supplied to the sub-upper channel (1311) through the internal channel (1331) of the first plug (133). Since the top plate (130) has a plurality of first plugs (133) inserted into a plurality of first vertical channels (125), the physical bond between the top plate (130) and the shear frame (120) can be strengthened and leakage of cooling fluid between the top plate (130) and the shear frame (120) can be prevented.

[0072] In exemplary embodiments, a sealing member such as a gasket (183) and an O-ring may be placed between the top plate (130) and the shear frame (120) to prevent leakage of cooling fluid.

[0073] The second side cooling channel (141) of the rear frame (140) may include a plurality of second vertical channels (1411) spaced apart from each other. The plurality of second vertical channels (1411) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) from an upper surface of the rear frame (140) in contact with the top plate (130) to a lower surface of the rear frame (140) in contact with the base plate (110). The plurality of second vertical channels (1411) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) from a corresponding sub-upper channel (1311) among the plurality of sub-upper channels (1311) to a corresponding sub-lower channel (1111) among the plurality of sub-lower channels (1111).

[0074] The top plate (130) may include a second plug (135) inserted into a second side cooling channel (141) and having an internal channel (1351). In exemplary embodiments, the top plate (130) may include a plurality of second plugs (135) inserted into a plurality of second vertical channels (1411). The internal channel (1351) of each second plug (135) may communicate with a corresponding sub-upper channel (1311) among the plurality of sub-upper channels (1311). Cooling fluid provided from the sub-upper channel (1311) may be supplied to the second vertical channel (1411) through the internal channel (1351) of the second plug (135). Since the top plate (130) has a plurality of second plugs (135) inserted into a plurality of second vertical channels (1411), the physical bond between the top plate (130) and the rear frame (140) can be strengthened and leakage of cooling fluid between the top plate (130) and the rear frame (140) can be prevented.

[0075] In exemplary embodiments, a sealing member such as a gasket (185) and an O-ring may be placed between the top plate (130) and the rear frame (140) to prevent leakage of cooling fluid.

[0076] The rear frame (140) may include a third plug (143) inserted into the lower cooling channel (111) and having an internal channel (1431). In exemplary embodiments, the rear frame (140) may include a plurality of third plugs (143) inserted into a plurality of sub-lower channels (1111). The internal channel (1431) of each third plug (143) may be connected to a corresponding second vertical channel (1411) among the plurality of second vertical channels (1411). Cooling fluid provided from the second vertical channel (1411) may be supplied to the sub-lower channel (1111) through the internal channel (1431) of the third plug (143). Since the rear frame (140) has a plurality of third plugs (143) inserted into a plurality of sub-lower channels (1111), the physical bond between the rear frame (140) and the base plate (110) can be strengthened and leakage of cooling fluid between the rear frame (140) and the base plate (110) can be prevented.

[0077] In exemplary embodiments, a sealing member such as a gasket (187) and an O-ring may be placed between the rear frame (140) and the base plate (110) to prevent leakage of cooling fluid.

[0078] In exemplary embodiments, some of the sub-sub-channels (1111) among the plurality of sub-sub-channels (1111) may not be directly connected to the second side cooling channel (141) of the rear frame (140). In this case, cooling fluid provided from the second side cooling channel (141) of the rear frame (140) may be supplied to the sub-sub-channels (1111) that are not directly connected to the second side cooling channel (141) of the rear frame (140) through the horizontal connecting channel (116).

[0079] According to the battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, multi-faceted cooling of the battery cells (210) can be performed by a front frame (120) having a first side cooling channel (121), a top plate (130) having an upper cooling channel (131), a rear frame (140) having a second side cooling channel (141), and a base plate (110) having a lower cooling channel (111), thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery cells (210). Since the heat generation of the battery cells (210) can be effectively controlled, the safety of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0080] According to the battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the cooling fluid circulates within the battery pack (10) through separated cooling channels, the difference in the flow rate of the cooling fluid between regions can be reduced, and more uniform cooling can be achieved for the battery cells (210).

[0081] In the case of a typical battery pack, a base plate is connected to a number of pipes through which cooling fluid flows in and out, making it vulnerable to external impacts. However, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cooling fluid is supplied into the pack housing (100) through the inlet pipe (150) and then separated from the shear frame (120) within the pack housing (100), thereby drastically reducing the number of pipes connected to the base plate (110), thereby reducing damage to the battery pack (10) when subjected to external vibrations and impacts.

[0082]

[0083] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. Base plate including lower cooling channels; A cell assembly disposed on the base plate and including a plurality of battery cells; A top plate disposed on the above cell assembly and having an upper cooling channel; A shear frame having a first side cooling channel coupled to the top plate and communicating with the upper cooling channel; A rear frame having a second side cooling channel extending from the base plate to the top plate and communicating with the upper cooling channel and the lower cooling channel; An inlet pipe having an inlet channel coupled to the shear frame and configured to communicate with the first side cooling channel and deliver cooling fluid provided from the outside to the first side cooling channel; and An outlet pipe coupled to the base plate and having an outlet channel communicating with the lower cooling channel; Battery pack containing.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the inlet channel, the first side cooling channel, the upper cooling channel, the second side cooling channel, the lower cooling channel, and the outlet channel are sequentially connected.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first side cooling channel, a common channel communicating with the above inlet channel; and Multiple first vertical channels; Including, The upper cooling channel comprises a plurality of sub-upper channels spaced apart from each other, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of first vertical channels extends from a corresponding sub-upper channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to the common channel.

4. In paragraph 3, The second side cooling channel comprises a plurality of second vertical channels spaced apart from each other, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of second vertical channels extends from a corresponding sub-upper channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to the lower cooling channel.

5. In paragraph 4, The lower cooling channel comprises a plurality of sub-lower channels spaced apart from each other, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of second vertical channels extends from a corresponding sub-upper channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to a corresponding sub-lower channel among the plurality of sub-lower channels.

6. In paragraph 5, Each of the plurality of sub-upper channels extends in the first direction, Each of the plurality of sub-sub-channels extends in the first direction, A battery pack, characterized in that the plurality of second vertical channels extend in a vertical direction.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the top plate includes a first plug inserted into the first side cooling channel and having an internal channel.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the top plate includes a second plug inserted into the second side cooling channel and having an internal channel.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the rear frame includes a third plug inserted into the lower cooling channel and having an internal channel.

10. In paragraph 1, The top plate comprises a plurality of segments spaced apart from each other with a venting gap therebetween, A battery pack characterized in that the venting gap vertically overlaps the cell assembly.

11. In paragraph 10, The above plurality of battery cells are stacked in the first direction, The plurality of battery cells each extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, Each of the above plurality of battery cells, a center portion vertically overlapping the above venting gap; and A pair of outer portions vertically superimposed on the top plate and spaced apart in the second direction with the center portion therebetween; A battery pack comprising:

12. In paragraph 10, a perimeter wall extending along the perimeter of the base plate and surrounding the cell assembly; and A pack cover coupled to the peripheral wall to cover the cell assembly and the top plate; Including more, A battery pack characterized in that the pack cover is spaced apart from the top plate with a venting space therebetween.

13. In paragraph 1, a perimeter wall extending along the perimeter of the base plate and surrounding the cell assembly; and A pack cover coupled to the peripheral wall to cover the cell assembly and the top plate; Including, A battery pack characterized in that the inlet pipe penetrates the peripheral wall.

14. In paragraph 1, The upper cooling channel comprises a plurality of sub-upper channels spaced apart from each other, The lower cooling channel comprises a plurality of sub-lower channels spaced apart from each other, The first side cooling channel includes a plurality of first vertical channels and a common channel communicating with the inlet channel, and each of the plurality of first vertical channels connects a corresponding sub-cooling channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to the common channel. The second side cooling channel includes a plurality of second vertical channels, each of the plurality of second vertical channels connecting a corresponding sub-upper channel among the plurality of sub-upper channels to a corresponding sub-lower channel among the plurality of sub-lower channels, The top plate includes a plurality of first plugs inserted into the plurality of first vertical channels and a plurality of second plugs inserted into the plurality of second vertical channels, A battery pack characterized in that the rear frame includes a plurality of third plugs inserted into the plurality of sub-lower channels.

15. In paragraph 14, a perimeter wall extending along the perimeter of the base plate and surrounding the cell assembly; and A pack cover coupled to the peripheral wall to cover the cell assembly and the top plate, and spaced apart from the top plate with a venting space therebetween; Including more, The above inlet pipe penetrates the above perimeter wall, The top plate comprises a plurality of segments spaced apart from each other with a venting gap therebetween, A battery pack characterized in that the venting gap communicates with the venting space.

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