Cartridge for mounting battery cell and air cooling battery system assembly comprising same

Abstract

Disclosed are a cartridge for mounting a battery cell, and an air cooling battery system assembly comprising same. The cartridge may comprise a frame and a flow rate restriction member. The frame may be provided with a flow path which extends with a first flow cross-sectional area. The flow rate restriction member may be disposed in the flow path. The flow rate restriction member can reduce the first flow cross-sectional area to a second flow cross-sectional area that is less than the first flow cross-sectional area.

Description

Cartridge for mounting battery cells and air-cooled battery system assembly having the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for mounting a battery cell and an air-cooled battery system assembly having the same.

[0002]

[0003] In general, secondary batteries are widely used as a power source for mobile devices. They are also attracting attention as a power source for electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0004] The basic unit of a secondary battery is the battery cell. While small mobile devices use one or two battery cells, medium- to large-sized devices like automobiles use battery pack assemblies. A battery pack assembly electrically connects multiple battery module assemblies to achieve high output and large capacity. A single battery module assembly connects multiple battery cells.

[0005] Components such as the battery pack assembly and power relay are installed in the case assembly to form the battery system assembly (BSA). The battery system assembly can be mounted on the vehicle's chassis. The battery system assembly also includes a cooling device for cooling the battery cells.

[0006] Air cooling is used as a cooling device, creating an airflow that acts on the battery cells located within the case assembly. The cooling air passes through a cartridge containing a pair of battery cells, removing heat from the cells and exhausting it outside the case. To distribute air across a large number of cartridges (and battery cells), baffles are placed within the case (see Figure 1). The baffles are positioned on the upper side of the cartridges and may be plate-shaped. The baffles restrict airflow to cartridges close to the air inlet, ensuring that an appropriate amount of air is supplied to cartridges farther from the inlet. The arrangement of the baffles and the case can be described in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0086171 (June 18, 2024).

[0007]

[0008] Although baffles are used to artificially control airflow, the actual flow rate distributed to each cartridge (battery cell) is not uniform. Consequently, battery cells with high airflow have lower temperatures, while those with high airflow have higher temperatures, resulting in a significant difference between temperature and flow rate. Consequently, the cooling performance analysis graph shows significant fluctuations in battery cell temperature (Temperature) and airflow rate (MFR, Mass Flow Rate) (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the adoption of baffles increases the weight and cost of the battery system assembly. Additional processes for baffle installation are also required.

[0009] To address the problem of flow inequality, each cartridge could have a different flow path structure. This would complicate the design, manufacturing, and assembly of different cartridge types.

[0010] Taking these problems into consideration, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell mounting cartridge and an air-cooled battery system assembly including the cartridge, which can uniformly cool each battery cell with a single cartridge while eliminating a baffle.

[0011]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention for realizing the above-described task, a battery cell mounting cartridge may include a frame having a flow path extending with a first flow cross-sectional area; and a flow restriction member disposed within the flow path to reduce the first flow cross-sectional area to a second flow cross-sectional area smaller than the first flow cross-sectional area.

[0013] Here, the flow restriction member can extend from the frame so as to protrude into the flow path.

[0014] Here, the frame includes a pair of pillars extending in the height direction and defining the flow path therebetween, and the flow restriction member can be formed integrally with the pillars.

[0015] Here, the frame may include a pair of columnar portions extending in the height direction and defining the flow path therebetween, and the flow restriction member may include a first restriction member protruding into the flow path from one of the pair of columnar portions; and a second restriction member protruding into the flow path from the other of the pair of columnar portions.

[0016] Here, the first limiting member and the second limiting member can be arranged alternately along the extension direction of the euro.

[0017] Here, the flow restriction member may be arranged to form an acute angle with the direction of flow of air flowing within the passage.

[0018] Here, the flow restriction member may have one of a semicircular plate shape and a rod shape.

[0019] Here, the frame includes a pair of pillars extending in the height direction and defining the flow path therebetween, and the flow restriction member may have a width smaller than the pillars along the thickness direction of the pillars.

[0020] Here, the flow restriction member may be spaced apart to form a gap space along the thickness direction for each of a pair of battery cells mounted on the frame.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery cell mounting cartridge may include a frame having a flow path extending in a height direction while having a basic flow cross-sectional area limited by a basic width along a width direction and a basic thickness along a thickness direction; and a flow restriction member disposed within the flow path and having a restriction thickness smaller than the basic thickness along the thickness direction to reduce the basic flow cross-sectional area.

[0022] Here, the flow restriction member may be spaced apart to form a gap space along the thickness direction for each of a pair of battery cells mounted on the frame.

[0023] Here, the frame includes a pair of columnar portions extending along the height direction and defining the basic flow cross-sectional area therebetween, and the flow restriction member can protrude from at least one of the pair of columnar portions.

[0024] Here, the flow restriction member may connect the pair of pillar parts to each other.

[0025] Here, the flow restriction member can be extended to correspond to the entire section of the flow path along the height direction.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, an air-cooled battery system assembly comprises: a battery cell assembly including a cartridge having a flow path, and battery cells mounted in the cartridge and exposed to the flow path; and a blower disposed on a flow path of air through the flow path to cause the air to flow, wherein the flow path extends and has a first flow cross-sectional area, and the cartridge may include a flow restriction member disposed within the flow path to reduce the first flow cross-sectional area to a second flow cross-sectional area smaller than the first flow cross-sectional area.

[0027] Here, the cartridge further includes a frame forming the euro, and the flow restriction member can be formed integrally with the frame.

[0028] Here, the flow restriction member may include a rod arranged to have an acute angle with respect to the direction of flow of the air within the passage.

[0029] Here, a casing is further included to surround the battery cell assembly, and the flow restriction member can be formed to protrude from the casing to be inserted into the flow path.

[0030] Here, the flow restriction member may be spaced apart from the side facing the battery cell among the four sides defining the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

[0031] Here, the first flow cross-sectional area is limited by a basic width along the width direction and a basic thickness along the thickness direction, and the flow restriction member has a restriction thickness along the thickness direction that is smaller than the basic thickness, so that the first flow cross-sectional area can be reduced to the second flow cross-sectional area.

[0032]

[0033] According to the battery cell mounting cartridge and the air-cooled battery system assembly including the same according to the present invention configured as described above, the flow path of the frame has a first flow cross-sectional area and the flow restriction member forms a restriction section having a second flow cross-sectional area smaller than the first flow cross-sectional area, so that an equal flow rate can be distributed to a plurality of cartridges simply by the configuration of the cartridge itself. Here, since the cartridges have a single shape regardless of their arrangement position, a decrease in productivity due to individualization of cartridges by position can also be prevented.

[0034] Furthermore, due to the equalization of flow rate solely through the cartridge, baffles can be eliminated from the battery system assembly. This elimination of baffles reduces the weight and cost of the battery system assembly. Furthermore, since the process for installing the baffles is eliminated, the productivity of the battery system assembly can be improved.

[0035]

[0036] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional air-cooled battery system assembly and its main components.

[0037] Figure 2 is a graph showing the cooling performance analysis results for the battery system assembly of Figure 1.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of an air-cooled battery system assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the manufacturing process of the battery cell assembly of Fig. 3.

[0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the cartridge of Figure 4.

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cartridge of Figure 5 viewed from a different angle.

[0042] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the euro in Figure 5.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a graph showing the cooling performance analysis results for a battery system assembly having the cartridge of Fig. 5.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a front view showing a cartridge according to a modified example of the cartridge of Fig. 5.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a graph showing the cooling performance analysis results related to a battery system assembly having the cartridge of Fig. 9.

[0046] Figure 11 is a front view showing a cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 12 is a graph showing the cooling performance analysis results related to a battery system assembly having the cartridge of Fig. 11.

[0048] Figure 13 is a front view showing a cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 14 is a plan view of the cartridge of Figure 13.

[0050] Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a cartridge according to a modified example of the cartridge of Fig. 13.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an air-cooled battery system assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing the cartridge and the flow restriction member in Fig. 16.

[0053]

[0054] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0056] The attached drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in exaggerated sizes or thicknesses for ease of understanding, but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0057] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0058] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0059] When a component is referred to as being "connected / connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected / connected to that other component, or that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected / connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0060] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components intervening there.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their intended meaning in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0062] The cartridge in the embodiment may generally have a plate shape. Accordingly, among the outer surfaces of the cartridge, the upper side in the drawing is referred to as the upper surface, and the lower side is referred to as the lower surface. The wide surface visible from the front of the cartridge is referred to as the front main surface, and the wide surface visible from the rear is referred to as the rear main surface. The remaining two side surfaces are referred to as the left side located on the left side of the front main surface, and the right side located on the right side. The direction connecting the front main surface and the rear main surface may be referred to as the thickness direction, and the direction connecting the upper surface and the lower surface may be referred to as the height direction. The direction connecting the left side and the right side may be referred to as the width direction. The length direction, the thickness direction, and the height direction may have a perpendicular relationship to each other.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of an air-cooled battery system assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to this drawing, the air-cooled battery system assembly (100) may include a battery cell assembly (110) and a blower (150).

[0065] A battery cell assembly (110) comprises a cartridge (111) and a battery cell (115). The cartridge (111) is an object into which the battery cell (115) is mounted. The cartridge (111) may be an insulating resin injection molded product. A plurality of battery cell assemblies (110) may be provided, and may be arranged in a row along the thickness direction (T).

[0066] The blower (150) is configured to create a flow of air passing through the cartridge (111). To this end, the blower (150) is placed in an air flow path (F). The flow path (F) may extend through an inlet into a casing (not shown), then extend along a height direction (H) from the top to the bottom of the cartridge (111), and connect to an outlet of the casing via the blower (150). The casing may be formed to surround the battery cell assembly (110). The blower (150) may discharge air through the outlet, thereby allowing external air to be drawn into the inlet.

[0067] The specific form of the battery cell assembly (110) is described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the manufacturing process of the battery cell assembly of Fig. 3.

[0068] Referring further to this drawing, one cartridge (111) has a structure in which battery cells (115) can be mounted on the left and right sides of the drawing {Fig. 4(a)}. Double-sided tape for adhesion to the battery cells (115) may be attached to the front and rear surfaces of the cartridge (111), or a bond may be applied.

[0069] When battery cells (115) are respectively mounted along the thickness direction (T) on the main surfaces of the cartridge (111), one cartridge (111) and two battery cells (115) form one battery cell assembly (110). The electrode leads (116) of the two battery cells (115) are connected to each other, so that the two cells are electrically connected to each other {Fig. 4(b)}. The fixation between the cartridge (111) and the battery cells (115) can be achieved by the double-sided tape or bond mentioned above.

[0070] When a plurality of battery cell assemblies (110), for example, six, are stacked to form a stacked structure {Fig. 4(c)}, a voltage sensing block (not shown) can be coupled to the stacked structure along the width direction (W).

[0071] The specific form of the cartridge (111) among the battery cell assemblies (110) is explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cartridge of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 5 viewed from a different angle, FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram explaining the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a graph showing the results of a cooling performance analysis for a battery system assembly having the cartridge of FIG. 5. In these drawings, the cartridge is given a new reference number 200 for convenience of explanation.

[0072] Referring to these drawings, the cartridge (200) may include a frame (210) and a flow restriction member (250).

[0073] The frame (210) may generally have a square plate shape. In the present embodiment, the frame (210) may have a length along the width direction (W) that is greater than a length along the height direction (H). The frame (210) may be divided into a column portion (211), a ceiling portion (213), and a floor portion (215). If the column portion (211) is arranged along the height direction (H), the ceiling portion (213) and the floor portion (215) may be arranged along the width direction (W). The ceiling portion (213) may be connected to the upper portion of the column portion (211), and the floor portion (215) may be connected to the lower portion of the column portion (211). The column portions (211) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged parallel to each other. The ceiling portions (213) and the floor portions (215) may also be arranged parallel to each other.

[0074] A flow path (217) may be defined between a pair of adjacent column sections (211). The flow path (217) thus extends along the height direction (H). In the flow path (217), the air flow path (F) extends from top to bottom along the height direction (H). An inlet (217a) located at the upper end of the flow path (217) may be formed at the ceiling (213), and an outlet (217b) located at the lower end may be formed at the floor (215). A cross-sectional area (first flow cross-sectional area) (A) of the flow path (217) is set within a plane perpendicular to the height direction (H), and may have a generally rectangular shape. The length of one side forming the rectangle may be a spacing (L) between a pair of adjacent column sections (211) along the width direction (W). The spacing (L) is typically determined in a range of 20 mm to 23 mm. The length of the other side forming the above rectangle may be the width along the thickness direction (T) of the pillar portion (211) {see Fig. 7(a)}. The length of the other side may also be the gap between a pair of battery cells (115, see Fig. 4 above) mounted on both surfaces of the cartridge (111).

[0075] The flow restriction member (250) is a configuration that restricts the flow rate of air flowing through the passage (217). To this end, the flow restriction member (250) is arranged to impede the flow along the air flow path (F) within the passage, thereby forming a restriction section (S1) that reduces the first flow cross-sectional area (A) to a smaller second flow cross-sectional area (A'). The restriction section (S1) is a section of the cross-sectional area occupied by the flow restriction member (250) along the width direction (W) and the thickness direction (T). In the section where the flow restriction member (250) is positioned along the height direction (H), the original length (L) of the passage (517) along the width direction (W) is reduced to a smaller length (L') {see Fig. 7(b)}. The inventors have experimentally confirmed that it is preferable that the reduced length (L') be determined to be a value smaller than 9 mm to 11 mm.

[0076] In this embodiment, the flow restriction member (250) protrudes from the frame (210) into the flow path (217). Specifically, the flow restriction member (250) may be a member that is joined to the column part (211), for example, formed integrally with the column part (211). The width of the flow restriction member (250) along the thickness direction (T) may be the same as the width of the column part (211).

[0077] The flow restriction member (250) may have, for example, a rod shape (or a tree branch shape). If the column portion (211) is the trunk of a tree, the flow restriction member (250) becomes the tree branch. The flow restriction member (250) may be arranged to be inclined downward along the height direction (H). This allows the flow restriction member (250) to form an acute angle with respect to the air flow path (F). As a result, the flow restriction member (250) does not oppose the air flow, thereby reducing the air pressure drop compared to when the flow restriction member (250) is inclined upward. The flow restriction member (250) is also lighter than a conventional baffle, thereby reducing the weight of the battery system assembly.

[0078] The flow restriction member (250) can be divided into a first restriction member (251) and a second restriction member (255). If the first restriction member (251) protrudes into the flow path (217) from one of the adjacent pair of column parts (211), the second restriction member (255) protrudes from the other. The first restriction member (251) and the second restriction member (255) can be arranged alternately along the flow path (F). Unlike the above, the first restriction member (251) and the second restriction member (255) can be arranged arbitrarily. In addition, the flow restriction member (250) can also protrude from only one of the above.

[0079] As the blower (150, see Fig. 3) operates, a negative pressure is formed in front of the flow path (F), causing air to flow through the battery cell assembly (110, see Fig. 3). As the first flow cross-sectional area (A) is reduced to the second flow cross-sectional area (A') in the restriction section (S1), the air flow rate passing through the passage (217) of the individual cartridges (200) is restricted. As a result, all of the air flows passing through the plurality of cartridges (200) become somewhat stagnant, and the air flow is additionally distributed to the cartridges (200) with a smaller passing flow rate. As a result, air is evenly distributed to each cartridge (200), and the temperature of the battery cells (115, see Fig. 4) mounted on each cartridge (200) can also become even (see Fig. 8). The inventor confirmed that the temperature deviation of all battery cells (115) falls within the target range (within 5°C). The results of this experiment are explained with reference to Table 1.

[0080] Inlet flow rate (kg / s)Pressure drop [Pa]Cell temperature standard deviationMaximum temperature (℃)Minimum temperature (℃)Temperature difference (℃)Previous technology 129.8760.21.6244.938.96.0Example 125.9761.80.8443.239.83.4

[0081] Looking at the experimental results, compared to the prior art, the inflow rate in this embodiment decreased by about 3% from 129.8 to 125.9, confirming that the flow rate was restricted by the flow restriction member (250). Although the pressure drop increased by 1.6 from 760.2 to 761.8 due to the flow restriction member (250), this is an extremely small level of about 0.2%. Instead, the cell temperature standard deviation decreased significantly by about 50% from 1.62 to 0.84. In addition, the temperature difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures of the battery cell also decreased significantly by about 50% from 6.0 to 3.4. The temperature difference of 3.4 is only about 70% of the target value of 5. Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the battery system assembly having a cartridge (200) that eliminates the baffle and introduces a flow restriction member (250) causes only a minimal pressure drop compared to the existing one, but has a great effect in improving the temperature deviation of each battery cell and comfortably achieves the design goal related to cooling.

[0082] In addition, since the restricted section (S1) corresponds to only a portion of the entire section of the flow path (217), the extent to which air is prevented from coming into contact with the battery cell (115) by the flow restriction member (250) is not problematic. The inventor confirmed that the battery cell (115) can still be cooled within the required temperature range despite the introduction of the flow restriction member (250).

[0083] A description will be given of a modified form of the flow restriction member (250) with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a front view showing a cartridge according to a modified example of the cartridge of Fig. 5.

[0084] Referring further to this drawing, the flow restriction member (250') in the cartridge (200') can be formed to extend along the width direction (W). Accordingly, the flow restriction member (250') forms a generally vertical relationship with respect to the column portion (211).

[0085] The flow restriction member (250') is generally perpendicular to the flow path (F). However, this vertical path does not oppose the air flow. The experimental results for this are described with reference to Table 2.

[0086] Inlet flow rate (kg / s)Pressure drop [Pa]Cell temperature standard deviationMaximum temperature (℃)Minimum temperature (℃)Temperature difference (℃)Comparative example 125.9761.80.8443.239.83.4Example 123.0762.51.0643.239.43.8

[0087] Looking at the experimental results, the comparative example is a battery system assembly having a cartridge (200) according to the previous embodiment. Since the battery system assembly having the cartridge (200') according to the present embodiment has a vertical flow restriction member (250'), the inflow flow rate of the battery system assembly is lower and the pressure drop is higher than that of the comparative example. However, the degree of change in the inflow flow rate and the pressure drop is only at a minimal level of about 2% or 0.1%. In addition, the maximum temperature in the embodiment is the same as that of the comparative example, and the temperature difference increases by about 12% compared to the embodiment, but is still 24% lower than the target value of 5. Accordingly, it can be seen that the battery system assembly having the cartridge (200') according to the present embodiment also exhibits a great effect in improving the temperature deviation, although the pressure drop is still minimal compared to the prior art.

[0088] Another form of flow restriction member is described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a front view showing a cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to this drawing, the flow restriction member (350) of the cartridge (300) may have a semicircular plate shape. The section where the semicircular plate starts and ends along the width direction (W) {and the thickness direction (T)} becomes a restriction section (S2). The width of the restriction section (S2) along the thickness direction (T) may be the same as the width of the column portion (311) along the thickness direction (T). The semicircular plates may be alternately formed to protrude from a pair of column portions (311) along the height direction (H).

[0090] By this arrangement, the flow path (317) can form a zigzag curve. The curved flow path structure offers the advantage of reducing the air pressure drop caused by the flow restriction member (350) somewhat compared to the previous embodiment, depending on the design. The experimental results for this are described with reference to Table 3.

[0091] Weight inflow rate (kg / s)Pressure drop [Pa]Cell temperature standard deviationMaximum temperature (℃)Minimum temperature (℃)Temperature difference (℃)Comparative example 2.422125.9761.80.8443.239.83.4Example 2.811125.7761.70.8743.940.33.6

[0092] Looking at the experimental results, the comparative example is a battery system assembly having a cartridge (200) according to the first embodiment. The battery system assembly having a cartridge (300) according to this embodiment is somewhat inferior to the comparative example in terms of inflow flow rate, cell temperature standard deviation, temperature difference, etc., but generally shows equivalent performance. The present embodiment also shows a slight improvement in pressure drop of 761.7 compared to the comparative example having 761.8. However, the weight shows a slight increase compared to the comparative example. Nevertheless, it can be seen that the battery system assembly having a cartridge (300) according to this embodiment also shows a great effect in improving temperature deviation while still causing a minimal pressure drop compared to the prior art.

[0093] Another form of cartridge (400) is described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 13.

[0094] Referring to the drawings, the flow restriction member (450) of the cartridge (400) has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the flow path (417). Specifically, if the thickness of the flow path (417) along the thickness direction (T) is referred to as a basic thickness, the thickness of the flow restriction member (450) is smaller than the basic thickness. The flow cross-sectional area (basic flow cross-sectional area) of the flow path (417) is limited by the basic thickness and the basic width along the width direction (W), and due to the presence of the flow restriction member (450), the basic flow cross-sectional area (first flow cross-sectional area) has a reduced cross-sectional area (second flow cross-sectional area). In that case, the restricted section may be a section occupied by the flow restriction member (450) along the width direction (W) and the thickness direction (T).

[0095] The flow restriction member (450) may extend along the height direction (H) in response to the flow path (417) extending along the height direction (H). The flow restriction member (450) may also extend along the entire section of the flow path (417) along the height direction (H).

[0096] The flow restriction member (450) is illustrated as protruding from one of the column sections (411) toward the other. However, the flow restriction member (450) may also be formed to protrude from both adjacent column sections (411) toward each other. In addition, the flow restriction member (450) may also be formed to protrude alternately from a pair of column sections (411) as in the previous embodiment.

[0097] Since the flow restriction member (450) has a thickness smaller than the basic thickness, gap spaces (417a and 417b) are formed between the flow restriction member (450) and the battery cell (115, see FIG. 4). The gap spaces (417a and 417b) are formed by spacing them (450 and 115) apart along the thickness direction (T). The gap spaces (417a and 417b) provide an air flow path (F') together with the main space (417c) between the flow restriction member (450) and the column portion (211) along the width direction (W). As a result, the air for cooling can contact the battery cell (115) in the entire section defining the basic flow cross-sectional area along the width direction (W). This structure enables equal flow distribution for each cartridge (400), while not limiting the cooling effect on the battery cells (115) mounted in each cartridge (400).

[0098] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a cartridge according to a modified example of the cartridge of Fig. 13.

[0099] Referring to this drawing, the flow restriction member (450') of the cartridge (400') can connect a pair of pillar parts (411) to each other.

[0100] If the same flow rate as in the previous embodiment is to be created, the width along the thickness direction (T) of the flow restriction member (450') can be made relatively smaller. Even in this configuration, gap spaces (417'a and 417'b) are formed throughout the entire section of the flow path (417') along the width direction (W).

[0101] A battery system assembly (500) of a different form from the above will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0102] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an air-cooled battery system assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a cartridge and a flow restriction member in FIG. 16.

[0103] Referring to these drawings, the battery system assembly (500) may have a casing (510) and a flow restriction member (550) formed thereon.

[0104] The casing (510) is arranged to surround the battery cell assembly (110, see FIG. 3). The casing (510) may be positioned on the lower or upper side of the battery cell assembly (110). In the present embodiment, the casing (510) is arranged on the lower side of the battery cell assembly (110), and a case is exemplified in which a flow restriction member (550) protrudes upward from the casing.

[0105] The flow restriction member (550) protrudes upward and is inserted into the flow path (517). Accordingly, the restricted section becomes the section occupied by the flow restriction member (550) within the flow path (517) within the plane defined by the width direction (W) and the thickness direction (T).

[0106] The flow restriction member (550) may have a rod shape extending along the height direction (H). The rod may have a square cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flow path (517). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rod may have a polygonal or circular cross-section other than a square.

[0107] The flow restriction member (550) can be spaced apart from the sides (517a and 517b) facing the battery cell (115, see FIG. 3) among the four sides (517a to 517d) defining the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path (517). This forms a space corresponding to the gap space (417a and 417b, see FIG. 14) in the previous embodiment. The flow restriction member (550) can also be spaced apart from the sides (517c and 517d) corresponding to the outer surface of the column portion (511). This forms a space corresponding to the main space (417c, see FIG. 14) in the previous embodiment. Unlike the above, the flow restriction member (550) may be in contact with all of the sides (517c and 517d) or only one of them.

[0108]

[0109] The present invention has industrial applicability in the field of manufacturing battery system assemblies.

Claims

1. A frame having a first flow cross-sectional area and an extending path; and A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, comprising a flow restriction member disposed within the above-described euro to reduce the first flow cross-sectional area to a second flow cross-sectional area smaller than the first flow cross-sectional area.

2. In paragraph 1, The above flow restriction absence is, A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, extending from the frame so as to protrude into the euro.

3. In paragraph 1, The above frame is, extending in the height direction and including a pair of pillars defining the above-mentioned euro between them, The above flow restriction absence is, A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, formed integrally with the above pillar.

4. In paragraph 1, The above frame is, extending in the height direction and including a pair of pillars defining the above-mentioned euro between them, The above flow restriction absence is, A first limiting member protruding into the urea from one of the pair of pillars; and A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, comprising a second limiting member protruding into the euro from the other of the pair of pillars.

5. In paragraph 4, The first limiting member and the second limiting member are, A cartridge for mounting battery cells, arranged alternately along the extension direction of the above euro.

6. In paragraph 1, The above flow restriction absence is, A cartridge for mounting battery cells, arranged so as to form an acute angle with the direction of flow of air flowing within the above-mentioned euro.

7. In paragraph 1, The above flow restriction absence is, A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, having one of a semicircular plate shape and a bar shape.

8. In paragraph 1, The above frame is, extending in the height direction and including a pair of pillars defining the above-mentioned euro between them, The above flow restriction absence is, A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, having a width smaller than the column portion along the thickness direction of the column portion.

9. In paragraph 8, The above flow restriction absence is, A battery cell mounting cartridge, spaced apart to form a gap space along the thickness direction for each of a pair of battery cells mounted on the frame.

10. A frame having a flow path extending along the height direction with a basic cross-sectional area defined by a basic width along the width direction and a basic thickness along the thickness direction; and A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, comprising a flow restriction member disposed within the above-described euro and having a restriction thickness smaller than the basic thickness along the thickness direction to reduce the basic flow cross-sectional area.

11. In paragraph 10, The above flow restriction absence is, A battery cell mounting cartridge, spaced apart to form a gap space along the thickness direction for each of a pair of battery cells mounted on the frame.

12. In paragraph 10, The above frame is, It includes a pair of columns extending along the above height direction and defining the basic flow cross-sectional area therebetween, The above flow restriction absence is, A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, protruding from at least one of the above pair of pillars.

13. In paragraph 12, The above flow restriction absence is, A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, which connects a pair of pillars to each other.

14. In paragraph 10, The above flow restriction absence is, A cartridge for mounting a battery cell, which extends to correspond to the entire section of the above-mentioned euro along the above-mentioned height direction.

15. A battery cell assembly comprising a cartridge having a euro, and a battery cell mounted on the cartridge and exposed to the euro; and A blower is disposed on the air flow path through the above-mentioned euro and is configured to flow the air, The above euro is, Extended with a first fluid cross-sectional area, The above cartridge, An air-cooled battery system assembly, comprising a flow restriction member disposed within the above-described flow path to reduce the first flow cross-sectional area to a second flow cross-sectional area smaller than the first flow cross-sectional area.

16. In paragraph 15, The above cartridge, Further comprising a frame forming the above euro, The above flow restriction absence is, An air-cooled battery system assembly formed integrally with the above frame.

17. In paragraph 15, The above flow restriction absence is, An air-cooled battery system assembly comprising rods arranged at an acute angle to the direction of air flow within the euro.

18. In paragraph 15, Further comprising a casing arranged to surround the battery cell assembly; The above flow restriction absence is, An air-cooled battery system assembly formed to protrude from the casing so as to be inserted into the euro.

19. In paragraph 18, The above flow restriction absence is, An air-cooled battery system assembly, wherein the side facing the battery cell is spaced apart from the side defining the cross-sectional area of ​​the above-mentioned euro.

20. In paragraph 15, The above first flow cross-sectional area is, It is limited by the basic width along the width direction and the basic thickness along the thickness direction, The above flow restriction absence is, An air-cooled battery system assembly having a limiting thickness smaller than the base thickness along the thickness direction, thereby reducing the first flow cross-sectional area to the second flow cross-sectional area.

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