Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery pack and a vehicle including same are disclosed. The battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a frame which has a plurality of battery cells accommodated therein, and which includes at least one inlet through which a refrigerant is introduced and at least one outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged; a pack case for accommodating the frame and allowing the refrigerant to move; and a partition member that is provided inside the pack case so as to partition same into a part in which the inlet is located and a part in which the outlet is located, and that has at least one movement hole through which the refrigerant moves.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0049294, filed April 12, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0017546, filed February 11, 2025, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of efficient cooling and a vehicle including the same.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency because they not only have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also have the advantage of producing no byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Commonly used secondary battery types include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells ranges from approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V.

[0006] Lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative active materials, respectively, arranged with a separator between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0007] Lithium secondary batteries are composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator and electrolyte interposed between them. Depending on the type of positive and negative electrode active materials used, they are divided into lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and lithium polymer batteries (PLIBs). Typically, the electrodes of these lithium secondary batteries can be formed by applying a positive or negative electrode active material to a current collector such as an aluminum or copper sheet, mesh, film, or foil, and then drying it.

[0008] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, there is a problem that lithium secondary batteries can cause overcurrent and overheating when overcharged, which in severe cases can cause fire due to explosion or ignition.

[0009] To prevent overheating-induced fires, conventional methods use separate heat sinks to cool battery cells. However, this method suffers from reduced cooling efficiency because heat is transferred through the heat sink.

[0010] Meanwhile, there is a conventional method in which coolant flows directly into the battery cells. This method involves cooling the battery cells by introducing coolant through the inlet, circulating it, and then flowing out through the outlet. However, this method suffers from the problem of increasing the temperature difference between the battery cells located on the inlet side and those located on the outlet side.

[0011] In other words, the temperature of the battery cells in contact with the relatively cold coolant on the inlet side is low. However, as the coolant circulates and cools the battery cells, the coolant temperature rises.

[0012] Accordingly, the coolant on the outlet side becomes relatively hot, and the temperature of the battery cells in contact with the coolant on the outlet side, which is relatively hot, is higher than the temperature of the battery cells on the inlet side.

[0013] In this way, when a temperature difference occurs between battery cells, if the temperature difference is excessive or persists for a long time, lithium is precipitated from the battery cells, and the lifespan of the battery cells is reduced, which causes problems in that the performance of not only the battery cells but also the battery module or battery pack deteriorates.

[0014] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of reducing the temperature deviation of a plurality of battery cells through uniform cooling, and an automobile including the same.

[0015] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can prevent lithium precipitation from battery cells and reduce lifespan.

[0016] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can directly cool battery cells by immersing them in a coolant, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0017] Additionally, it provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can simplify the structure for cooling by removing the heat sink.

[0018] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided, including: a plurality of battery cells; a frame in which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated and in which at least one inlet for introducing a coolant and at least one outlet for discharging the coolant are formed; a pack case in which the frame is accommodated and configured to allow the coolant to move; and a partition member installed inside the pack case to partition a portion in which the inlet is located and a portion in which the outlet is located, and in which at least one movement hole through which the coolant moves is formed.

[0020] In one embodiment, the frame includes a side frame, and the partition member can be installed horizontally from the center based on the height of the side frame.

[0021] In one embodiment, the inlet may be formed in the side frame at a position lower than the partition member, or the inlet may be formed in the side frame at a position higher than the partition member.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the inlet is formed in the side frame at a position lower than the partition member, the outlet is formed in the side frame at a position higher than the partition member, and when the inlet is formed in the side frame at a position higher than the partition member, the outlet can be formed in the side frame at a position lower than the partition member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the side frame includes a first side frame and a second side frame positioned to face each other, and the inlet may be formed in the first side frame and the outlet may be formed in the second side frame.

[0024] In one embodiment, the compartment member is formed with at least one insertion hole into which the battery cell is inserted, and the moving hole can be positioned close to the insertion hole.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plurality of said moving holes may be arranged at preset intervals along the periphery of the said insertion hole.

[0026] In one embodiment, the refrigerant introduced into the frame through the inlet may move from the lower side of the partition member through the moving hole of the partition member to the upper side of the partition member and then flow out of the frame through the outlet, or the refrigerant introduced into the frame through the inlet may move from the upper side of the partition member through the moving hole of the partition member to the lower side of the partition member and then flow out of the frame through the outlet.

[0027] In one embodiment, the battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, and the cylindrical battery cell can be inserted into the insertion hole.

[0028] In one embodiment, the refrigerant may be comprised of coolant or coolant oil.

[0029] In one embodiment, the pack case includes a side pack case, and a refrigerant movement channel through which the refrigerant moves can be formed in the side pack case.

[0030] In one embodiment, the refrigerant movement channel may include a lower channel formed on the lower side; an upper channel formed on the upper side of the lower channel; and a channel separator separating the lower channel and the upper channel.

[0031] In one embodiment, the lower channel may be formed with a lower opening communicating with the inlet, and the upper channel may be formed with an upper opening communicating with the outlet, or the lower channel may be formed with a lower opening communicating with the outlet, and the upper channel may be formed with an upper opening communicating with the inlet.

[0032] In one embodiment, when the inlet is formed in the side frame at a position higher than the partition member, the size of the moving hole may be configured to increase as it moves away from the inlet.

[0033] In one embodiment, the power source may include a power source for circulating the refrigerant.

[0034] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle including at least one battery pack as described above can be provided.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of reducing the temperature deviation of a plurality of battery cells through uniform cooling.

[0036] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing lithium precipitation from battery cells and preventing a decrease in lifespan.

[0037] Additionally, direct cooling is possible by immersing the battery cells in a coolant, which has the effect of improving cooling efficiency.

[0038] Additionally, it has the effect of simplifying the structure for cooling by removing the heat sink.

[0039] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0040] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0044] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell and frame viewed along arrow B in Figure 2.

[0045] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell and frame viewed along arrow C in Figure 2.

[0046] Figure 6 is a perspective view of some battery cells combined with the frame in Figure 4.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which battery cells are coupled to a frame.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention in which a lower opening is formed in a side pack case.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an upper opening formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a coolant movement channel formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F' of Fig. 11.

[0054] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell and frame viewed along arrow G in Figure 12.

[0055] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell and frame viewed along arrow H in Figure 12.

[0056] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of some battery cells combined with the frame in Fig. 14.

[0057] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which battery cells are coupled to a frame.

[0058] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention in which a lower opening is formed in a side pack case.

[0059] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an upper opening formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a coolant movement channel formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a modified example of a compartment member in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 22 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0064] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0065] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0066] Meanwhile, the common elements described in one embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to other embodiments. For example, the common elements described in the first embodiment of the second embodiment can be replaced with the description of the first embodiment, but the common elements can also be applied to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the elements described in the second embodiment that are applicable to the first embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell and a frame taken along arrow B in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell and a frame taken along arrow C in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of some battery cells coupled to a frame in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a plan view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention in which battery cells are coupled to a frame, FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a state in which a lower opening is formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which an upper opening is formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a coolant movement channel formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100), a frame (200), a pack case (300), and a partition member (400).

[0069] The battery cell (100) can be housed in a frame (200). Here, the battery cell (100) housed in the frame (200) can include various types. For example, the frame (200) can include a pouch-shaped battery cell (100), a square battery cell (100), or a cylindrical battery cell (100). However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on a case where the battery cell (100) is cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0070] A cylindrical battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly, a battery can, a positive electrode collector, a cell terminal, and a negative electrode collector.

[0071] The electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plates are wound in one direction, and is formed in a jelly roll type with a central hole. For example, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator, a positive electrode plate, and a separator at least once.

[0072] Additionally, the center hole of the electrode assembly is also used for welding the cell terminal and the positive current collector plate. That is, the electrode assembly can be configured to weld the cell terminal and the positive current collector plate by irradiating a laser through the center hole.

[0073] The positive and negative plates can be formed in a sheet shape. The positive plate has a positive active material applied to one or both sides thereof, and a first uncoated region on which the positive active material is not applied may be present at an end of the positive plate. The negative plate has a negative active material applied to one or both sides thereof, and a second uncoated region on which the negative active material is not applied may be present at an end of the negative plate.

[0074] That is, at least one of the positive and negative electrode plates may include a non-coated portion, which is not coated with an active material, at a long end in the winding direction. The non-coated portion may be exposed to the outside of the separator while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the center of the electrode assembly, and may be used as an electrode tab in its own right.

[0075] Here, the first uncoated portion and the second uncoated portion may be configured to face opposite directions. However, the electrode assembly may not have an uncoated portion formed. Furthermore, any active material known in the art can be used as the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate.

[0076] The separation membrane may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., which may be used alone or in a laminated manner.

[0077] As another example, the separator may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, such as a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, etc. At least one surface of the separator may include a coating layer of inorganic particles.

[0078] It is also possible for the membrane itself to be composed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure bonded to a binder such that an interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0079] The battery can accommodates an electrode assembly and may have a through hole formed therein. For example, the battery can be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the electrode assembly may be accommodated within the battery can and electrically connected to the negative plate of the electrode assembly. Accordingly, the battery can have the same polarity as the negative plate, i.e., a negative electrode.

[0080] The positive electrode collector is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate, for example, at the top of the electrode assembly. For example, the positive electrode collector is made of a conductive metal material and can be electrically connected to the first non-conductive portion of the positive electrode plate.

[0081] The cell terminal is made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the positive electrode collector plate through a through-hole in the battery can. Furthermore, the cell terminal is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly through the positive electrode collector plate, thereby having a positive polarity.

[0082] The negative current collector is electrically connected to the negative electrode plate, for example, at the bottom of the electrode assembly. For example, the negative current collector may be made of a conductive metal material such as aluminum, steel, copper, or nickel, and may be electrically connected to the second non-conductive portion of the negative electrode plate.

[0083] A plurality of battery cells (100) are housed in the frame (200). The frame (200) may be configured in various ways to protect the plurality of battery cells (100). For example, the frame (200) may be a module case of a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are housed, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the frame (200) is formed with at least one inlet (222) through which refrigerant flows in. Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the frame (200) is formed with at least one outlet (226) through which refrigerant flows out. The refrigerant may be of various types, for example, but is not limited to, cooling water or cooling oil. Furthermore, although not illustrated in the drawings, various types of power sources for circulating the refrigerant may be combined.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame (200) may include a lower frame (210), a side frame (220), and an upper frame (230).

[0086] The lower frame (210) is connected to the lower portion of the side frame (220). Then, a battery cell (100) is mounted on the lower frame (210). That is, a plurality of battery cells (100) can be supported by the lower frame (210). The lower frame (210) may have various shapes, for example, a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] The side frame (220) may include a first side frame (221) and a second side frame (225) positioned to face each other. Here, the inlet (222) may be formed in the first side frame (221), and the outlet (226) may be formed in the second side frame (225). Of course, the inlet (222) may be formed in the second side frame (225), and the outlet (226) may be formed in the first side frame (221). However, for the convenience of explanation, in the following first embodiment, the case where the inlet (222) is formed in the first side frame (221) and the outlet (226) is formed in the second side frame (225) will be mainly described.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the inlet (222) may be formed in the first side frame (221) at a lower position than the partition member (400) described later. And, referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the outlet (226) may be formed in the second side frame (225) at a higher position than the partition member (400) described later.

[0089] And, as a modified embodiment for FIG. 3, the inlet (222) may be formed at a higher position than the partition member (400), and the outlet (226) may be formed at a lower position than the partition member (400), but this will be described in the second embodiment.

[0090] The upper frame (230) is coupled to the upper portion of the side frame (220). The upper frame (230) may have various shapes, for example, a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a frame (200) containing a battery cell (100) is stored in a pack case (300).

[0092] And, the pack case (300) is configured to allow the refrigerant to move. Here, the refrigerant can move in various ways in the pack case (300). For example, the refrigerant may flow from the pack case (300) into the frame (200), or the refrigerant may flow out from the frame (200), and the refrigerant may move through the refrigerant movement channel (321) formed in the pack case (300).

[0093] The pack case (300) may be configured to include, for example, a lower pack case (310), a side pack case (320), and an upper pack case (330).

[0094] The lower pack case (310) may be formed in a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto. The lower pack case (310) is configured to have at least one frame (200) mounted thereon. While one frame (200) is illustrated in FIG. 2, the number of frames (200) is not limited thereto and may be configured in multiple pieces. In addition, the lower pack case (310) forms the bottom portion of the pack case (300).

[0095] The side pack case (320) may be configured to extend upward from the edge of the lower pack case (310). The side pack case (320) defines the height of the pack case (300) and forms a preset space between it and the lower pack case (310).

[0096] At least one frame (200) is installed in the space between the side pack case (320) and the lower pack case (310). The side pack case (320) may include a long side frame (220) that is relatively long and a short side frame (220) that is relatively short. Alternatively, the side pack case (320) may include side frames (220) that are all the same length.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, a refrigerant movement channel (321) through which refrigerant moves may be formed in the side pack case (320). The refrigerant movement channel (321) may include a lower channel (322), an upper channel (323), and a channel separator (324).

[0098] The lower channel (322) is formed below the upper channel (323). Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8 together, a lower opening (326) is formed in the lower channel (322) that is connected to the inlet (222). That is, the refrigerant supplied from the supply port (340) to the lower channel (322) moves along the lower channel (322) and moves into the frame (200) through the lower opening (326) and the inlet (222).

[0099] And, the cold air that has moved into the frame (200) through the lower opening (326) and the inlet (222) moves upward through the moving hole (410) of the partition member (400).

[0100] The upper channel (323) is formed above the lower channel (322). Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 9 together, an upper opening (327) is formed in the upper channel (323) that is connected to the outlet (226). That is, the refrigerant that has moved from the inside of the frame (200) to the upper channel (323) through the outlet (226) and the upper opening (327) of the frame (200) moves along the upper channel (323) and is discharged to the outside through the discharge port (350).

[0101] The channel separator (324) is configured to separate the lower channel (322) and the upper channel (323). The channel separator (324) may be manufactured integrally with the lower channel (322) and the upper channel (323), or may be manufactured separately and then combined. The refrigerant movement channel (321) may be separated into the lower channel (322) and the upper channel (323) by the channel separator (324).

[0102] The upper pack case (330) is coupled to the side pack case (320). The upper pack case (330) may be formed in a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 3, a partition member (400) is installed inside a pack case (300) to partition a portion where an inlet (222) is located and a portion where an outlet (226) is located. In addition, at least one movement hole (410) through which refrigerant moves is formed in the partition member (400).

[0104] The partition member (400) can be installed horizontally from the center based on the height of the side frame (220). The partition member (400) does not necessarily need to be installed at the exact center of the side frame (220), and the installation height of the partition member (400) can be appropriately adjusted as needed.

[0105] And, referring to FIG. 3, as described above, the inlet (222) can be formed in the first side frame (221) at a position lower than the partition member (400), and the outlet (226) can be formed in the second side frame (225) at a position higher than the partition member (400). With this structure, the refrigerant introduced through the inlet (222) of the first side frame (221) moves upward through the movement hole (410) of the partition member (400) and flows out through the outlet (226) of the second side frame (225).

[0106] Referring to Fig. 6, the partition member (400) is formed with at least one insertion hole (420) into which a battery cell (100) is inserted, and the moving hole (410) can be positioned close to the insertion hole (420). That is, when the battery cell (100) is a cylindrical battery cell (100), the cylindrical battery cell (100) can be inserted into the insertion hole (420). Here, a plurality of moving holes (410) can be arranged at preset intervals along the periphery of the insertion hole (420).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 together, refrigerant is supplied to the lower channel (322) of the refrigerant movement channel (321) through the supply port (340). Then, the refrigerant moves along the lower channel (322) in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 7.

[0108] And, referring to FIG. 3, the refrigerant flows into the frame (200) from the lower channel (322) through the lower opening (326) formed in the lower channel (322) and the inlet (222) of the first side frame (221) connected to the lower opening (326).

[0109] Here, the coolant flowing into the frame (200) through the inlet (222) fills the lower side of the frame (200) and the water level rises. At this time, since the coolant is filled from the lower side to the upper side of the frame (200), all battery cells (100) come into contact with the coolant simultaneously.

[0110] And, the refrigerant rises from the lower side of the partition member (400) and moves to the upper side of the partition member (400) through the moving hole (410) of the partition member (400) (see arrow in FIG. 3) to fill the upper side of the frame (200).

[0111] Here, when the refrigerant fills the upper side of the frame (200), it flows out of the frame (200) through the outlet (226) formed in the second side frame (225) and the upper opening (327) connected to the outlet (226) to the upper channel (323).

[0112] Then, the refrigerant moves in the direction of arrow E in Fig. 7 along the upper channel (323) and is discharged through the discharge port (350).

[0113] As described above, since the plurality of battery cells (100) housed in the frame (200) are in contact with the coolant at the same time, the temperature difference between the battery cells (100) is reduced, thereby enabling uniform cooling.

[0114] In addition, lithium precipitation from the battery cell (100) can be prevented through uniform cooling, thereby preventing a decrease in lifespan.

[0115] Additionally, direct cooling is possible by immersing the battery cell (100) in a coolant without a heat sink, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0116] Additionally, the structure for cooling can be simplified by removing the heat sink.

[0117] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F' of FIG. 11, FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell and a frame taken along arrow G in FIG. 12, FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell and a frame taken along arrow H in FIG. 12, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of some battery cells coupled to a frame in FIG. 14, FIG. 17 is a plan view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention in which battery cells are coupled to a frame, FIG. 18 is a view showing a state in which a lower opening is formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a view showing a state in which an upper opening is formed in a side pack case in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a view showing a state in which a side pack case is formed in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This is a drawing showing a refrigerant movement channel formed in a case.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the inlet (222) may be formed in the second side frame (225), and the outlet (226) may be formed in the first side frame (221). Of course, the inlet (222) may be formed in the first side frame (221), and the outlet (226) may be formed in the second side frame (225). However, for convenience of explanation, the following second embodiment will focus on a case where the inlet (222) is formed in the second side frame (225), and the outlet (226) is formed in the first side frame (221).

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the outlet (226) may be formed in the first side frame (221) at a position lower than the partition member (400). And, referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, the inlet (222) may be formed in the second side frame (225) at a position higher than the partition member (400).

[0120] Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 19 together, an upper opening (327) is formed in the upper channel (323) that is connected to the inlet (222). That is, the refrigerant supplied from the supply port (340) to the upper channel (323) moves along the upper channel (323) and moves into the frame (200) through the upper opening (327) and the inlet (222).

[0121] And, the cold air that has moved into the frame (200) through the upper opening (327) and the inlet (222) moves downward through the moving hole (410) of the partition member (400).

[0122] Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 18 together, a lower opening (326) is formed in the lower channel (322) that is connected to the outlet (226). That is, the refrigerant that has moved from the inside of the frame (200) to the lower channel (322) through the outlet (226) and the lower opening (326) of the frame (200) moves along the lower channel (322) and is discharged to the outside through the discharge port (350).

[0123] Referring to Fig. 13, a partition member (400) is installed inside the pack case (300) to partition a portion where an inlet (222) is located and a portion where an outlet (226) is located. In addition, at least one movement hole (410) through which refrigerant moves is formed in the partition member (400).

[0124] And, referring back to FIG. 13, as described above, the inlet (222) can be formed in the second side frame (225) at a position higher than the partition member (400), and the outlet (226) can be formed in the first side frame (221) at a position lower than the partition member (400).

[0125] By this structure, as shown in Fig. 13, the refrigerant introduced through the inlet (222) of the second side frame (225) moves downward through the moving hole (410) of the partition member (400) and flows out through the outlet (226) of the first side frame (221).

[0126] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 20 together, refrigerant is supplied to the upper channel (323) of the refrigerant movement channel (321) through the supply port (340). Then, the refrigerant moves along the upper channel (323) in the direction of arrow I of FIG. 17.

[0127] And, referring to FIG. 13, the refrigerant flows into the frame (200) from the upper channel (323) through the upper opening (327) formed in the upper channel (323) and the inlet (222) of the second side frame (225) connected to the upper opening (327).

[0128] Here, the refrigerant that flows into the frame (200) through the inlet (222) falls from the upper side to the lower side of the frame (200). Then, the refrigerant falls from the upper side to the lower side of the partition member (400) and then flows to the lower channel (322) through the outlet (226) formed in the first side frame (221) and the lower opening (326) connected to the outlet (226) and flows out to the outside of the frame (200).

[0129] At this time, the coolant that has fallen from the upper side of the frame (200) to the lower side of the partition member (400) fills the lower side of the frame (200) before being discharged through the outlet (226), and all battery cells (100) come into contact with the coolant at the same time, thereby achieving uniform cooling for all battery cells (100).

[0130] Then, the refrigerant moves in the direction of arrow J in Fig. 17 along the lower channel (322) and is discharged through the discharge port (350).

[0131] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a modified example of a compartment member in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to Fig. 21, there is a difference from Fig. 13 in that the size of the moving hole (410) is not constant. That is, in Fig. 13, the size of the moving hole (410) is constant overall, but referring to Fig. 21, the size of the moving hole (410) closer to the inlet (222) may be configured to be the smallest, and the size of the moving hole (410) may increase as it moves away from the inlet (222). In Fig. 21, the size of the moving hole (410) on the left side of Fig. 21 is the smallest, and the size of the moving hole (410) increases as it moves to the right.

[0133] By this, the refrigerant can fall evenly from the upper side to the lower side of the partition member (400).

[0134] FIG. 22 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 22, a vehicle (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack (10) described above. That is, the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied to the vehicle (20), for example, a vehicle designed to use electricity, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0136] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0137] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in the present invention, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0138] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A frame in which the plurality of battery cells are housed, and in which at least one inlet for introducing coolant and at least one outlet for discharging coolant are formed; A pack case in which the frame is housed and configured to allow the refrigerant to move; and A battery pack comprising a partition member installed inside the pack case to divide a portion where the inlet is located and a portion where the outlet is located, and having at least one movement hole formed through which the coolant moves.

2. In paragraph 1, The above frame includes a side frame, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned partition member is installed horizontally from the center based on the height of the side frame.

3. In paragraph 2, The above inlet is formed in the side frame at a position lower than the partition member, or A battery pack characterized in that the inlet is formed in the side frame at a position higher than the partition member.

4. In paragraph 3, If the inlet is formed in the side frame at a position lower than the partition member, the outlet is formed in the side frame at a position higher than the partition member, A battery pack characterized in that when the inlet is formed in the side frame at a position higher than the partition member, the outlet is formed in the side frame at a position lower than the partition member.

5. In paragraph 2, The above side frame includes a first side frame and a second side frame positioned to face each other, A battery pack, characterized in that the inlet is formed in the first side frame and the outlet is formed in the second side frame.

6. In paragraph 1, At least one insertion hole into which the battery cell is inserted is formed in the above compartment member, A battery pack characterized in that the above moving hole is positioned close to the above insertion hole.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of said moving holes are arranged at preset intervals along the periphery of the said insertion hole.

8. In paragraph 6, The refrigerant that flows into the frame through the inlet moves from the lower side of the partition member to the upper side of the partition member through the moving hole of the partition member and then flows out of the frame through the outlet, or A battery pack characterized in that the refrigerant introduced into the frame through the inlet moves from the upper side of the partition member to the lower side of the partition member through the moving hole of the partition member and then flows out to the outside of the frame through the outlet.

9. In paragraph 6, The above battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, A battery pack characterized in that the cylindrical battery cell is inserted into the insertion hole.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above refrigerant is composed of coolant or coolant oil.

11. In paragraph 1, The above pack case includes a side pack case, A battery pack characterized in that a refrigerant movement channel through which the refrigerant moves is formed in the side pack case.

12. In paragraph 11, The above refrigerant movement channel is, Lower channel formed on the lower side; An upper channel formed on the upper side of the lower channel; and A battery pack characterized by including a channel separator that separates the lower channel and the upper channel.

13. In paragraph 12, In the lower channel, a lower opening communicating with the inlet is formed, and in the upper channel, an upper opening communicating with the outlet is formed, or A battery pack characterized in that a lower opening communicating with the outlet is formed in the lower channel, and an upper opening communicating with the inlet is formed in the upper channel.

14. In paragraph 3, A battery pack characterized in that when the inlet is formed in the side frame at a position higher than the partition member, the size of the moving hole is configured to increase as it gets farther away from the inlet.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by including a power source for circulating the above refrigerant.

16. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15.

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