Battery pack

Abstract

Technical idea of the present invention provides a battery pack. The battery pack comprises: a first side frame including a first inlet channel and a first outlet channel; a center frame including a first center channel communicating with the first inlet channel; a front frame including a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel; a first cell assembly arranged between the center frame and the front frame; and a top cover which covers the first cell assembly and which includes a first upper channel that connects the first center channel to the first front 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. 10-2024-0016112, filed February 1, 2024, and all contents of the document in that Republic of Korea Patent Application are 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 first side frame including a first inlet into which a cooling fluid provided from the outside flows, a first inlet channel extending from the first inlet, a first outlet for discharging the cooling fluid to the outside, and a first outlet channel extending from the first outlet; a center frame including a first center channel communicating with the first inlet channel and connected to the first side frame; a front frame including a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel and connected to the first side frame; a first cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the front frame; and a top cover disposed on the center frame and the front frame so as to cover the first cell assembly and including a first upper channel connecting the first center channel to the first front channel; wherein the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the first upper channel, the first front channel, and the first outlet channel are sequentially communicated with each other.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the first central channel includes a first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel; and a plurality of first branch channels extending from the first common channel; wherein the first upper channel includes a plurality of first sub-upper channels, each of the plurality of first branch channels extending from a corresponding first sub-upper channel among the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the first front channel includes a first front merge channel communicating with the first outlet channel; and a plurality of first front connection channels extending from the first front merge channel; wherein the plurality of first front connection channels are each characterized in that they extend from a corresponding first sub-upper channel among the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first front merge channel.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises a rear frame connected to the first side frame and including a first rear channel communicating with the first outlet channel; and a second cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the rear frame; wherein the top cover further comprises a second upper channel connecting the first center channel to the first rear channel, wherein the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the second upper channel, the first rear channel, and the first outlet channel are sequentially communicated with each other.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the first central channel includes a first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel; and a plurality of first branch channels extending from the first common channel; and the second upper channel includes a plurality of second sub-upper channels, wherein each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from a corresponding second sub-upper channel among the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the first rear channel includes: a first rear merge channel communicating with the first outlet channel; and a plurality of first rear connection channels extending from the first rear merge channel; wherein the plurality of first rear connection channels each extend from a corresponding second sub-upper channel among the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first rear merge channel.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid flowing out from the first central channel is characterized in that it is separated into the first upper channel and the second upper channel.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises a base plate supporting the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly, the base plate comprising a lower channel configured to allow the cooling fluid to flow.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the lower channel is characterized in that it communicates with at least one of the first center channel, the first front channel, and the first rear channel.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the cooling system further comprises a second side frame including a second inlet for introducing externally supplied cooling fluid, a second inlet channel extending from the second inlet, a second outlet for discharging the cooling fluid to the outside, and a second outlet channel extending from the second outlet; and a third cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the front frame, wherein the center frame and the front frame each extend from the first side frame to the second side frame, the center frame further including a second center channel communicating with the second inlet channel, the front frame further including a second front channel communicating with the second outlet channel, and the top cover further including a third upper channel connecting the second center channel to the second front channel, wherein the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the third upper channel, the second front channel, and the second outlet channel are sequentially communicated with each other.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the second central channel includes a second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel; and a plurality of second branch channels extending from the second common channel; and the third upper channel includes a plurality of third sub-upper channels, each of the plurality of second branch channels extending from a corresponding third sub-upper channel among the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second common channel.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the second front channel includes a second front merge channel communicating with the second outlet channel; and a plurality of second front connection channels extending from the second front merge channel; wherein the plurality of second front connection channels each extend from a corresponding third sub-upper channel among the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second front merge channel.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a rear frame extending from the first side frame to the second side frame, the rear frame including a second rear channel communicating with the second outlet channel; and a fourth cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the rear frame; wherein the top cover further includes a fourth upper channel connecting the second center channel to the second rear channel, wherein the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the fourth upper channel, the second rear channel, and the second outlet channel are sequentially communicated with each other.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the second central channel includes a second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel; and a plurality of second branch channels extending from the second common channel; the second rear channel includes a second rear merge channel communicating with the second outlet channel; and a plurality of second rear connection channels extending from the second rear merge channel; and the fourth upper channel includes a plurality of fourth sub-upper channels, each of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels extending from a corresponding second branch channel among the plurality of second branch channels to a corresponding second rear connection channel among the plurality of second rear connection channels.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid flowing out from the second central channel is characterized in that it is separated into the third upper channel and the fourth upper channel.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack can perform multi-faceted cooling for each of the plurality of cell assemblies mounted in the pack housing, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery cells. Since heat generation from the battery cells can be effectively controlled, the safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a center frame, a front frame, or a rear frame having a cooling channel is arranged near the end of a battery cell provided with an electrode lead, so that the end of the battery cell, which generates relatively a lot of heat, can be effectively cooled and the temperature deviation of the battery cell can be reduced.

[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 an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a portion of a battery pack.

[0026] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a portion of a battery pack.

[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 of a battery pack along line VV' of Fig. 1.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack taken along line VI-VI' of FIG. 1.

[0030] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack along line Ⅶ-Ⅶ' of Fig. 1.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036]

[0037] (Example 1)

[0038] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a portion of the battery pack (10). FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a portion of the battery pack (10). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along line IV-IV' of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along line VV' of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along line VI-VI' of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along line VII-VII' of FIG.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a battery pack (10) may include a pack housing (100) and a plurality of cell assemblies (200). The pack housing (100) has an internal space that accommodates a plurality of cell assemblies (200), and the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be mounted on the pack housing (100).

[0040] A plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction) within the pack housing (100). The plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be electrically connected to each other through conductors such as bus bars. For example, the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may include first to fourth cell assemblies (210, 220, 230, 240). Although the battery pack (10) is exemplified as including four cell assemblies (200), this is not limited thereto, and the number of cell assemblies (200) provided in the battery pack (10) may be one or two or more. Each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may correspond to a battery module or a cell-to-pack structure.

[0041] Each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (BC). Each battery cell (BC) is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell (BC) 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.

[0042] A plurality of battery cells (BC) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (BC) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (BC) may also be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (BC) connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank composed of two or more battery cells (BC) connected in parallel with each other and another bank composed of two or more battery cells (BC) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0043] An individual battery cell (BC) may be a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may each include battery cells (BC) stacked in one direction. In each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200), adjacent battery cells (BC) among the plurality of battery cells (BC) may be fixed to each other through an adhesive member, such as an adhesive tape. In exemplary embodiments, in each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200), the plurality of battery cells (BC) may be stacked in a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y direction), and each battery cell (BC) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X direction). An electrode lead may be provided at at least one of both ends of each battery cell (BC) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells (BC) may be physically coupled.

[0045] When viewed from a plan view, each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may have a rectangular shape. Each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may include upper and lower surfaces that are opposite to each other in a vertical direction (e.g., a Z direction), first and second sides that are opposite to each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X direction), and third and fourth sides that are opposite to each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y direction). The upper surface of each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may include upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (BC), and the bottom surface of each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may include bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (BC).

[0046] The pack housing (100) may include a base plate (110), a first side frame (120), a second side frame (130), a center frame (140), a front frame (150), a rear frame (160), and a top cover (170).

[0047] The base plate (110) can support a plurality of cell assemblies (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.

[0048] In exemplary embodiments, a thermally conductive adhesive layer may be interposed between each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) and the base plate (110). Each of the plurality of cell assemblies (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] The first side frame (120) and the second side frame (130) may be arranged on the base plate (110). The first side frame (120) and the second side frame (130) may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) on the base plate (110). The first side frame (120) and the second side frame (130) may be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) with a plurality of cell assemblies (200) therebetween.

[0050] The center frame (140), the front frame (150), and the rear frame (160) may be disposed on the base plate (110). The center frame (140), the front frame (150), and the rear frame (160) may each extend from the first side frame (120) to the second side frame (130) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The front frame (150) may be spaced apart from the rear frame (160) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) with the center frame (140) interposed therebetween. The first cell assembly (210) and the third cell assembly (230) may be disposed between the front frame (150) and the center frame (140), and may be arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) between the first side frame (120) and the second side frame (130). The second cell assembly (220) and the fourth cell assembly (240) can be arranged between the rear frame (160) and the center frame (140), and can be arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) between the first side frame (120) and the second side frame (130).

[0051] The top cover (170) can be placed on the first side frame (120), the second side frame (130), the center frame (140), the front frame (150), and the rear frame (160), and can cover a plurality of cell assemblies (200). For example, the top cover (170) can be fastened to each of the first side frame (120), the second side frame (130), the center frame (140), the front frame (150), and the rear frame (160) via fastening bolts. The top cover (170) 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 top cover (170) can have an approximately square flat plate shape.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, a thermally conductive adhesive layer may be interposed between each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) and the top cover (170). Each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be thermally and physically coupled to the top cover (170) by the thermally conductive adhesive layer. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0053] In embodiments, the battery pack (10) may have a multi-faceted cooling structure configured to perform multi-faceted cooling for each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200). The multi-faceted cooling structure may be achieved by the pack housing (100) having cooling channels configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therein. For example, the multi-faceted cooling structure may be achieved by two or more components selected from the base plate (110), the first side frame (120), the second side frame (130), the center frame (140), the front frame (150), the rear frame (160), and the top cover (170) having cooling channels configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therein. The cooling fluid may be provided from an external source configured to supply the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid supplied from the external source may flow along the cooling channels provided in the pack housing (100) and then be returned to the external source. During the process of the cooling fluid flowing, cooling may be achieved for each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200). The above cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0054] Hereinafter, a multi-faceted cooling structure of a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments will be described. In FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 to 7, the flow path of the cooling fluid flowing along the cooling channel of the pack housing (100) is indicated by a dashed line and a dotted line.

[0055] The first side frame (120) may include a first inlet (121) through which cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows in, a first inlet channel (123) extending from the first inlet (121), a first outlet (122) for discharging cooling fluid to the outside, and a first outlet channel (124) extending from the first outlet (122). The first inlet channel (123) and the first outlet channel (124) may be spaced apart from each other within the first side frame (120), and the first inlet channel (123) and the first outlet channel (124) may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0056] The second side frame (130) may include a second inlet (131) into which cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a second inlet channel (133) extending from the second inlet (131), a second outlet (132) for discharging cooling fluid to the outside, and a second outlet channel (134) extending from the second outlet (132). The second inlet channel (133) and the second outlet channel (134) may be spaced apart from each other within the second side frame (130), and the second inlet channel (133) and the second outlet channel (134) may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction).

[0057] The center frame (140) may include a first center channel (141) communicating with the first inlet channel (123) and a second center channel (145) communicating with the second inlet channel (133).

[0058] A first central channel (141) may be disposed on one side of the first cell assembly (210) and one side of the second cell assembly (220). The first central channel (141) may include a first common channel (142) communicating with the first inlet channel (123) and a plurality of first branch channels (143) extending from the first common channel (142). The first common channel (142) may extend from the first inlet channel (123) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first branch channels (143) may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of first branch channels (143) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the first common channel (142).

[0059] A second central channel (145) may be disposed on one side of the third cell assembly (230) and one side of the fourth cell assembly (240). The second central channel (145) may include a second common channel (146) communicating with the second inlet channel (133) and a plurality of second branch channels (147) extending from the second common channel (146). The second common channel (146) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) from the second inlet channel (133). The plurality of second branch channels (147) may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of second branch channels (147) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the second common channel (146).

[0060] The front frame (150) may include a first front channel (151) communicating with the first outlet channel (124) and a second front channel (155) communicating with the second outlet channel (134).

[0061] A first front channel (151) may be disposed on one side of the first cell assembly (210). The first front channel (151) may include a first front merge channel (152) communicating with a first outlet channel (124) and a plurality of first front connection channels (153) extending from the first front merge channel (152). The first front merge channel (152) may extend from the first outlet channel (124) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first front connection channels (153) may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first front connection channels (153) may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the first front merge channel (152). Cooling fluids provided from the plurality of first front connection channels (153) may be combined in the first front merge channel (152).

[0062] A second front channel (155) may be disposed on one side of the third cell assembly (230). The second front channel (155) may include a second front merge channel (156) communicating with a second outlet channel (134) and a plurality of second front connection channels (157) extending from the second front merge channel (156). The second front merge channel (156) may extend from the second outlet channel (134) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second front connection channels (157) may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second front connection channels (157) may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the second front merge channel (156). Cooling fluids provided from the plurality of second front connection channels (157) may be combined in the second front merge channel (156).

[0063] The rear frame (160) may include a first rear channel (161) communicating with the first outlet channel (124) and a second rear channel (165) communicating with the second outlet channel (134).

[0064] A first rear channel (161) may be disposed on one side of the second cell assembly (220). The first rear channel (161) may include a first rear merge channel (162) communicating with a first outlet channel (124) and a plurality of first rear connection channels (163) extending from the first rear merge channel (162). The first rear merge channel (162) may extend from the first outlet channel (124) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of first rear connection channels (163) may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of first rear connection channels (163) may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) from the first rear merge channel (162). Cooling fluids provided from the plurality of first rear connection channels (163) may be combined in the first rear merge channel (162).

[0065] A second rear channel (165) may be disposed on one side of the fourth cell assembly (240). The second rear channel (165) may include a second rear merge channel (166) communicating with the second outlet channel (134) and a plurality of second rear connection channels (167) extending from the second rear merge channel (166). The second rear merge channel (166) may extend from the second outlet channel (134) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second rear connection channels (167) may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of second rear connection channels (167) may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) from the second rear merge channel (166). Cooling fluids provided from the plurality of second rear connection channels (167) may be combined in the second rear merge channel (166).

[0066] The top cover (170) may include a first upper channel (171) extending between the first center channel (141) and the first front channel (151), a second upper channel (173) extending between the first center channel (141) and the first rear channel (161), a third upper channel (175) extending between the second center channel (145) and the second front channel (155), and a fourth upper channel (177) extending between the second center channel (145) and the second rear channel (165).

[0067] The first upper channel (171) may vertically overlap the first cell assembly (210). The first upper channel (171) may transfer cooling fluid from the first central channel (141) to the first front channel (151). The first upper channel (171) may include a plurality of first sub-upper channels (172) spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction). Each of the plurality of first sub-upper channels (172) may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction). Each of the plurality of first sub-upper channels (172) may extend from a corresponding first branch channel (143) among the plurality of first branch channels (143) to a corresponding first front connection channel (153) among the plurality of first front connection channels (153).

[0068] The second upper channel (173) may vertically overlap the second cell assembly (220). The second upper channel (173) may transfer cooling fluid from the first central channel (141) to the first rear channel (161). The second upper channel (173) may include a plurality of second sub-upper channels (174) spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction). Each of the plurality of second sub-upper channels (174) may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction). Each of the plurality of second sub-upper channels (174) may extend from a corresponding first branch channel (143) among the plurality of first branch channels (143) to a corresponding first rear connection channel (163) among the plurality of first rear connection channels (163).

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the first upper channel (171) and the second upper channel (173) may be connected. In this case, the first upper channel (171) and the second upper channel (173) may each be connected to the first central channel (141), and the cooling fluid flowing out from the first central channel (141) may be separated into the first upper channel (171) and the second upper channel (173). Each of the plurality of first sub-upper channels (172) may be connected to a corresponding second sub-upper channel (174) among the plurality of second sub-upper channels (174). In this case, a portion of the cooling fluid flowing out from the first branch channel (143) may flow forward along the first sub-upper channel (172), and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid flowing out from the first branch channel (143) may flow backward along the second sub-upper channel (174).

[0070] The third upper channel (175) may vertically overlap the third cell assembly (230). The third upper channel (175) may transfer cooling fluid from the second central channel (145) to the second front channel (155). The third upper channel (175) may include a plurality of third sub-upper channels (176) spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction). Each of the plurality of third sub-upper channels (176) may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction). Each of the plurality of third sub-upper channels (176) may extend from a corresponding second branch channel (147) among the plurality of second branch channels (147) to a corresponding second front connection channel (157) among the plurality of second front connection channels (157).

[0071] The fourth upper channel (177) may vertically overlap the second cell assembly (220). The fourth upper channel (177) may transfer cooling fluid from the second central channel (145) to the second rear channel (165). The fourth upper channel (177) may include a plurality of fourth sub-upper channels (178) spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction). Each of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels (178) may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction). Each of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels (178) may extend from a corresponding second branch channel (147) among the plurality of second branch channels (147) to a corresponding second rear connection channel (167) among the plurality of second rear connection channels (167).

[0072] In exemplary embodiments, the third upper channel (175) and the fourth upper channel (177) may be connected. In this case, the third upper channel (175) and the fourth upper channel (177) may each be connected to the second central channel (145), and the cooling fluid flowing out from the second central channel (145) may be separated into the third upper channel (175) and the fourth upper channel (177). The plurality of third sub-upper channels (176) may each be connected to a corresponding fourth sub-upper channel (178) among the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels (178). In this case, a portion of the cooling fluid flowing out from the second branch channel (147) may flow forward along the third sub-upper channel (176), and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid flowing out from the second branch channel (147) may flow backward along the fourth sub-upper channel (178).

[0073] In embodiments, the first inlet channel (123), the first center channel (141), the first upper channel (171), the first front channel (151), and the first outlet channel (124) may be sequentially connected. The first inlet channel (123), the first center channel (141), the first upper channel (171), the first front channel (151), and the first outlet channel (124) may form a first integrated cooling channel extending from the first inlet (121) to the first outlet (122). While the cooling fluid flows along the first integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid flows around the upper surface and three side surfaces of the first cell assembly (210), thereby cooling the first cell assembly (210).

[0074] In embodiments, the first inlet channel (123), the first center channel (141), the second upper channel (173), the first rear channel (161), and the first outlet channel (124) may be sequentially connected. The first inlet channel (123), the first center channel (141), the second upper channel (173), the first rear channel (161), and the first outlet channel (124) may form a second integrated cooling channel extending from the first inlet (121) to the first outlet (122). While the cooling fluid flows along the second integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid flows around the upper surface and three side surfaces of the second cell assembly (220), thereby cooling the second cell assembly (220).

[0075] In embodiments, the second inlet channel (133), the second center channel (145), the second upper channel (173), the second front channel (155), and the second outlet channel (134) may be sequentially connected. The second inlet channel (133), the second center channel (145), the second upper channel (173), the second front channel (155), and the second outlet channel (134) may form a third integrated cooling channel extending from the second inlet (131) to the second outlet (132). The third integrated cooling channel may be separated from the first integrated cooling channel and the second integrated cooling channel, and the cooling fluid flowing along the third integrated cooling channel may not mix with the cooling fluid flowing along the first integrated cooling channel and the cooling fluid flowing along the second integrated cooling channel. While the cooling fluid flows along the third integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid flows around the upper surface and three side surfaces of the third cell assembly (230), so that cooling of the third cell assembly (230) can be achieved.

[0076] In embodiments, the second inlet channel (133), the second center channel (145), the second upper channel (173), the second rear channel (165), and the second outlet channel (134) may be sequentially connected. The second inlet channel (133), the second center channel (145), the second upper channel (173), the second rear channel (165), and the second outlet channel (134) may form a fourth integrated cooling channel extending from the second inlet (131) to the second outlet (132). The fourth integrated cooling channel may be separated from the first integrated cooling channel and the second integrated cooling channel, and the cooling fluid flowing along the fourth integrated cooling channel may not mix with the cooling fluid flowing along the first integrated cooling channel and the cooling fluid flowing along the second integrated cooling channel. While the cooling fluid flows along the fourth integrated cooling channel, the cooling fluid flows around the upper surface and three side surfaces of the fourth cell assembly (240), so that cooling of the fourth cell assembly (240) can be achieved.

[0077] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery pack (10) can perform multi-faceted cooling for each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) mounted on the pack housing (100), thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery cells (BC). Since the heat generation of the battery cells (BC) can be effectively controlled, the safety of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0078] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since a central frame (140), a front frame (150), or a rear frame (160) having a cooling channel is arranged near the end of a battery cell (BC) provided with an electrode lead, the end of the battery cell (BC) that generates relatively a lot of heat can be effectively cooled, and the temperature deviation of the battery cell (BC) can be reduced.

[0079]

[0080] (Example 2)

[0081] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Below, the battery pack illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery pack described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 8, in the pack housing (100A) of the battery pack, the base plate (110) may include a plurality of lower channels (111) configured to allow cooling fluid to flow. Each of the plurality of lower channels (111) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction).

[0083] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of lower channels (111) may be connected to at least one of a cooling channel of the center frame (140) (i.e., a first center channel (141) and a second center channel (145)), a cooling channel of the front frame (150) (i.e., a first front channel (151) and a second front channel (155)), and a cooling channel of the rear frame (160) (i.e., a first rear channel (161) and a second rear channel (165)).

[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of lower channels (111) may be connected to a cooling channel of the central frame (140). In this case, a cooling fluid may be provided to an inlet of each lower channel (111) provided at an end of the base plate (110). The cooling fluid supplied to the inlet of each lower channel (111) may flow along each lower channel (111) and then flow to the cooling channel of the central frame (140). The cooling fluid provided from some of the lower channels (111) among the plurality of lower channels (111) and the cooling fluid provided from the first inlet channel (123) of the first side frame (120) may be combined in the first central channel (141). And, the cooling fluid provided from another part of the lower channels (111) among the plurality of lower channels (111) and the cooling fluid provided from the second inlet channel (133) of the second side frame (130) can be combined in the second central channel (145).

[0085] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of lower channels (111) may be connected to cooling channels of the front frame (150). In this case, cooling fluid may be discharged through the outlets of individual lower channels (111) provided at the ends of the base plate (110). Cooling fluid provided from the top cover (170) is separated within the front frame (150), and a portion of the cooling fluid may be delivered to the first outlet channel (124) of the first side frame (120) and the second outlet channel (134) of the second side frame (130), and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid may be delivered to the lower channels (111) of the base plate (110). When cooling fluid is transferred from the first upper channel (171) of the top cover (170) to the first front channel (151), a portion of the cooling fluid may be transferred to the first outlet channel (124) of the first side frame (120), and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid may be transferred to the lower channels (111) of some of the plurality of lower channels (111). In addition, when cooling fluid is transferred from the third upper channel (175) of the top cover (170) to the second front channel (155), a portion of the cooling fluid may be transferred to the second outlet channel (134) of the second side frame (130), and another portion of the cooling fluid may be transferred to the lower channels (111) of some of the plurality of lower channels (111).

[0086] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of lower channels (111) may be connected to cooling channels of the rear frame (160). In this case, cooling fluid may be discharged through the outlets of individual lower channels (111) provided at the ends of the base plate (110). Cooling fluid provided from the top cover (170) is separated within the rear frame (160), and a portion of the cooling fluid may be delivered to the first outlet channel (124) of the first side frame (120) and the second outlet channel (134) of the second side frame (130), and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid may be delivered to the lower channels (111) of the base plate (110). When the cooling fluid is transferred from the second upper channel (173) of the top cover (170) to the first rear channel (161), a portion of the cooling fluid may be transferred to the first outlet channel (124) of the first side frame (120), and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid may be transferred to the lower channels (111) of some of the plurality of lower channels (111). In addition, when the cooling fluid is transferred from the fourth upper channel (177) of the top cover (170) to the second rear channel (165), a portion of the cooling fluid may be transferred to the second outlet channel (134) of the second side frame (130), and the remaining portion of the cooling fluid may be transferred to the lower channels (111) of some of the plurality of lower channels (111).

[0087]

[0088] 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. A first side frame including a first inlet through which cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows in, a first inlet channel extending from the first inlet, a first outlet through which the cooling fluid flows out to the outside, and a first outlet channel extending from the first outlet; A center frame comprising a first center channel communicating with the first inlet channel and connected to the first side frame; A front frame comprising a first front channel communicating with the first outlet channel and connected to the first side frame; a first cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the front frame; and A top cover disposed on the center frame and the front frame to cover the first cell assembly, the top cover including a first upper channel connecting the first center channel to the first front channel; Including, A battery pack, characterized in that the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the first upper channel, the first front channel, and the first outlet channel are sequentially connected.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first central channel is, a first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel; and A plurality of first branch channels extending from the first common channel; Including, The first upper channel comprises a plurality of first sub-upper channels, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from a corresponding first sub-upper channel among the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first front channel is, a first front merge channel communicating with the first outlet channel; and A plurality of first front connecting channels extending from the first front merging channel; Including, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of first front connection channels extends from a corresponding first sub-upper channel among the plurality of first sub-upper channels to the first front merge channel.

4. In paragraph 1, a rear frame connected to the first side frame and including a first rear channel communicating with the first outlet channel; and A second cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the rear frame; Including more, The top cover further includes a second upper channel connecting the first center channel to the first rear channel, A battery pack, characterized in that the first inlet channel, the first center channel, the second upper channel, the first rear channel, and the first outlet channel are sequentially connected.

5. In paragraph 4, The above first central channel is, a first common channel communicating with the first inlet channel; and A plurality of first branch channels extending from the first common channel; Including, The second upper channel comprises a plurality of second sub-upper channels, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of first branch channels extends from a corresponding second sub-upper channel among the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first common channel.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first rear channel is, a first rear merge channel communicating with the first outlet channel; and A plurality of first rear connecting channels extending from the first rear merging channel; Including, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of first rear connection channels extends from a corresponding second sub-upper channel among the plurality of second sub-upper channels to the first rear merge channel.

7. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, characterized in that the cooling fluid flowing out from the first central channel is separated into the first upper channel and the second upper channel.

8. In paragraph 4, Further comprising a base plate supporting the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly, A battery pack characterized in that the base plate includes a lower channel configured to allow the cooling fluid to flow.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery pack, characterized in that the lower channel communicates with at least one of the first center channel, the first front channel, and the first rear channel.

10. In paragraph 1, A second side frame including a second inlet into which the cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows, a second inlet channel extending from the second inlet, a second outlet for discharging the cooling fluid to the outside, and a second outlet channel extending from the second outlet; and A third cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the front frame; Including more, The above center frame and the above front frame each extend from the first side frame to the second side frame, The above center frame further includes a second center channel communicating with the second inlet channel, The front frame further includes a second front channel communicating with the second outlet channel, The top cover further includes a third upper channel connecting the second center channel to the second front channel, A battery pack characterized in that the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the third upper channel, the second front channel, and the second outlet channel are sequentially connected.

11. In paragraph 10, The second central channel is, a second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel; and A plurality of second branch channels extending from the second common channel; Including, The third upper channel comprises a plurality of third sub-upper channels, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of second branch channels extends from a corresponding third sub-upper channel among the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second common channel.

12. In paragraph 11, The above second front channel is, a second forward merge channel communicating with the second outlet channel; and A plurality of second front connecting channels extending from the second front merging channel; Including, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of second front connection channels extends from a corresponding third sub-upper channel among the plurality of third sub-upper channels to the second front merge channel.

13. In paragraph 10, A rear frame including a second rear channel communicating with the second outlet channel and extending from the first side frame to the second side frame; and A fourth cell assembly disposed between the center frame and the rear frame; Including more, The top cover further includes a fourth upper channel connecting the second center channel to the second rear channel, A battery pack characterized in that the second inlet channel, the second center channel, the fourth upper channel, the second rear channel, and the second outlet channel are sequentially connected.

14. In paragraph 13, The second central channel is, a second common channel communicating with the second inlet channel; and A plurality of second branch channels extending from the second common channel; Including, The above second rear channel is, a second rear merge channel communicating with the second outlet channel; and A plurality of second rear connection channels extending from the second rear merge channel; Including, The fourth upper channel comprises a plurality of fourth sub-upper channels, A battery pack, characterized in that each of the plurality of fourth sub-upper channels extends from a corresponding second branch channel among the plurality of second branch channels to a corresponding second rear connection channel among the plurality of second rear connection channels.

15. In paragraph 14, A battery pack, characterized in that the cooling fluid flowing out from the second central channel is separated into the third upper channel and the fourth upper channel.

Images