Battery pack

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells, each including an electrode assembly and an electrode tab that protrudes from the electrode assembly in a first direction, and being stacked in a second direction; a plurality of module housings for accommodating the respective battery cells; a pack housing in which the plurality of module housings are stacked and accommodated in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; and a connection member communicating with the inside the respective module housings so as to form a movement path of a cooling member, wherein the connection member includes: an inlet portion forming a path through which the cooling member is injected into the respective module housings; and an outlet portion forming a path through which the cooling member is discharged from the inside of the respective module housings.

Description

battery pack

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to batteries capable of charging and discharging, and are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved cooling efficiency.

[0005] In addition, another problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved space utilization.

[0006] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0007] A battery pack according to the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of battery cells stacked along a second direction, each including an electrode assembly and an electrode tab protruding in a first direction from the electrode assembly; a plurality of module housings each accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a pack housing in which the plurality of module housings are stacked and accommodated along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; and a connecting member communicating with the interior of each of the plurality of module housings to form a movement path for a cooling member; wherein the connecting member comprises an inlet portion forming a path for the cooling member to be injected into the interior of each of the plurality of module housings; and an outlet portion forming a path for the cooling member to be discharged from the interior of each of the plurality of module housings.

[0008] Each of the plurality of module housings includes a support plate that supports the plurality of battery cells; and the connecting member may be in communication with the interior of the support plate.

[0009] Each of the plurality of module housings may further include a side plate extending from both ends of the support plate in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are located; and a cover plate covering the plurality of battery cells.

[0010] Each of the above plurality of module housings may further include a plurality of partition plates that partition the interior of the module housing along the second direction.

[0011] The support plate may further include a protrusion that protrudes outward along the second direction to the outer side of the partition plate located at the outermost of the plurality of partition plates.

[0012] The above protrusion may include a coupling portion connected to the above connecting member.

[0013] It may further include a fixing member that separates the plurality of module housings.

[0014] The above fixing member may protrude onto the cover plate.

[0015] A fixing member of a module housing located at the bottom along the third direction can be arranged to contact a support plate of a module housing located at the top.

[0016] The above inlet and outlet may each include a first terminal portion connected to the outside of the pack housing; a plurality of second terminal portions connected to each of the plurality of module housings; and a transfer hose connecting the first terminal portion and the plurality of second terminal portions to transfer the cooling member.

[0017] The above transfer hose may include a main hose connected to the first terminal section; and sub-hose connected to the plurality of second terminal sections.

[0018] The above sub-hose can be extended along the above third direction.

[0019] The point where one end of the main hose is connected to the sub-hose may be located higher than the midpoint of the sub-hose along the third direction.

[0020] Among the plurality of second terminal parts, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal part located at the bottom along the third direction may be less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal part located at the top.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack with improved cooling efficiency can be provided. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack with improved space utilization can be provided.

[0022] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a module housing and a battery cell housed in the module housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a disassembled view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 4.

[0028] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a part of a module housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 9 illustrates a front view of a battery cell housed in a module housing.

[0030] Figure 10 illustrates a battery cell housed in a module housing as viewed from the top surface.

[0031] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is merely illustrative and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described illustratively.

[0032] Specific terms used in this specification are for convenience of explanation only and are not intended to limit the exemplified embodiments.

[0033] For example, expressions such as "identical" and "to be identical" indicate not only a strictly identical state, but also a state where tolerances or differences exist in the degree to which the same function is obtained.

[0034] For example, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "perpendicular," "to the center," "concentric," or "coaxial," not only strictly represent such arrangements but also indicate a state of relative displacement with respect to tolerances or angles or distances to which the same function is obtained.

[0035] To explain the present disclosure, the following description is based on a spatial orthogonal coordinate system formed by mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Each axis direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) refers to the two directions in which each axis extends.

[0036] The X, Y, and Z directions mentioned below are for the purpose of explanation to ensure a clear understanding of the present disclosure, and it goes without saying that each direction may be defined differently depending on where the reference is placed.

[0037] The use of terms such as 'first, second, third' attached to the components mentioned below is intended solely to avoid confusion regarding the components being referred to, and is unrelated to the order, importance, or master-subordinate relationship between the components. For example, an invention including only the second component without the first component can be implemented.

[0038] The terms used in this disclosure are for the description of specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and in the appended claims, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 illustrates a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 illustrates a module housing (200) and a battery cell (10) housed in the module housing (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 illustrates a disassembled view of a battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] The battery pack (100) of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of battery cells (10) each comprising an electrode assembly (13) and an electrode tab (17) protruding in a first direction from the electrode assembly (13) and stacked along a second direction; a plurality of module housings (200) each accommodating the plurality of battery cells (10); a pack housing (110) in which the plurality of module housings (200) are stacked and accommodated along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; and a connecting member (300) communicating with the interior of each of the plurality of module housings (200) to form a movement path for a cooling member. The connecting member (300) comprises an inlet part (310) for injecting the cooling member into the interior of each of the plurality of module housings (200); and an outlet part (320) through which the cooling member is discharged from the interior of each of the plurality of module housings (200). The cooling element may be cooling water or cooling insulating oil.

[0042] Multiple battery cells (10) may be accommodated inside a pack housing (110). The multiple battery cells (10) accommodated inside the pack housing (110) may be protected from external shocks, vibrations, and heat. The number of battery cells (10) accommodated inside the pack housing (110) may be changed according to the voltage and capacity of the battery pack (100).

[0043] The battery pack (100) may include a positive terminal (120) and a negative terminal (130) exposed outside the pack housing (110). An external device may be electrically connected to the battery pack (100) through the positive terminal (120) and the negative terminal (130) to receive energy from the battery pack (100). Referring to FIG. 1, the positive terminal (120) and the negative terminal (130) may be exposed outside the pack housing (110).

[0044] The battery pack (100) may further include a control unit (140). The control unit (140) may include a Battery Disconnect Unit, a Manual Service Disconnector, a High Voltage Connect, a Low Voltage Connect, and a Battery Management System. The control unit (140) can prevent damage to the battery pack (100) caused by overcharging, overvoltage, and short circuits, and can stably operate and maintain the battery pack (100).

[0045] A battery cell (10) refers to a secondary battery that can be used repeatedly by charging and discharging electrical energy. For example, it may refer to a lithium secondary battery or a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. As another example, it may refer to a solid-state battery.

[0046] The battery cell (10) can be classified into a pouch-type secondary battery, a prismatic-type secondary battery, or a cylindrical-type secondary battery depending on its shape. Referring to FIG. 2, the present specification illustrates a pouch-type secondary battery as an example for convenience of explanation, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] A battery cell (10) may include an electrode assembly (13) and an outer casing (15) that accommodates the electrode assembly (13). The electrode assembly (13) may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A charge carrier (e.g., lithium ions) may move between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and chemical energy may be converted into electrical energy. The electrode assembly (13) may further include a separator. The separator may be positioned between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to prevent electrical connection between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0048] The above outer material (15) can accommodate the electrode assembly (13) and the electrolyte inside. The above outer material (15) may have an outer insulating layer and an inner adhesive layer made of a polymer material, and a metal layer interposed between the outer insulating layer and the inner adhesive layer. The above outer material (15) may include a material with high mechanical strength to protect the battery cell (10) from external impact. For example, the above outer material (15) may include an aluminum layer.

[0049] The battery cell (10) may further include an electrode tab (17) that protrudes outside the outer casing (15) for electrical connection with the outside. The electrode tab (17) may be connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell (10), respectively. The electrode tab (17) may include a positive tab connected to the positive electrode and a negative tab connected to the negative electrode. In an embodiment, one end of the positive tab may be in contact with the positive electrode and the other end may protrude outside the outer casing (15). Additionally, one end of the negative tab may be in contact with the negative electrode and the other end may protrude outside the outer casing (15).

[0050] The electrode tab (17) may protrude in a first direction from the electrode assembly (13). Referring to FIG. 2, the positive electrode tab may protrude in the +X-axis direction, and the negative electrode tab may protrude in the -X-axis direction. In this specification, the first direction may mean a direction parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0051] The battery pack (100) of the present disclosure may include a plurality of module housings (200). Each of the plurality of module housings (200) may accommodate the plurality of battery cells (10). The number of battery cells (10) accommodated inside each module housing (200) may all be the same. The plurality of battery cells (10) accommodated inside the module housings (200) may be grouped into a single unit and stacked and assembled inside a pack housing (110) according to the voltage and capacity of the battery pack (100).

[0052] Inside the module housing (200), the plurality of battery cells (10) can be stacked along a second direction. The plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked such that the wider side of each of their respective faces faces each other, so that the internal space of the battery pack (100) can be used efficiently. Referring to FIG. 3, the plurality of battery cells (10) can be stacked along the Y-axis direction. In this specification, the second direction may mean a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0053] Each of the plurality of module housings (200) may include a support plate (210) that supports the plurality of battery cells (10). The plurality of battery cells (10) may be placed on the support plate (210). The support plate (210) may be made of a material with high mechanical strength to stably support the battery cells (10). In addition, one surface of the support plate (210) may be formed flat.

[0054] The battery pack may further include a heat conduction section (260). The heat conduction section (260) may be placed on a support plate (210). The heat conduction section (260) may be located between one side of the support plate (210) and a plurality of battery cells (10). In an embodiment, the heat conduction section (260) may be coated on the support plate (210). The heat conduction section (260) may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity to help transfer heat between the plurality of battery cells (10) and the support plate (210).

[0055] Each of the plurality of module housings (200) may further include the side plate (220) and the cover plate (230). The side plate (220) may extend from both ends of the support plate (210) in the direction where the plurality of battery cells (10) are located. The side plate (220) may be manufactured separately from the support plate (210). After the side plate (220) and the support plate (210) are manufactured, they may be connected by welding. The connection method is not limited to welding. The support plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be connected by known methods such as screw connection or bond connection.

[0056] The cover plate (230) can cover the plurality of battery cells (10). After the plurality of battery cells (10) are placed on the support plate (210), the cover plate (230) can be positioned on the opposite side of the support plate (210) relative to the plurality of battery cells (10). That is, the plurality of battery cells (10) can be placed between the cover plate (230) and the support plate (210). The cover plate (230) can fix the position of the plurality of battery cells (10) and protect the plurality of battery cells (10) from external impact.

[0057] The above cover plate (230) may include a venting hole (231). The venting hole (231) may be formed to penetrate the cover plate (230) along the third direction. Gas, heat, etc. can be smoothly discharged through the venting hole (231).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the plurality of battery cells (10) can be arranged in the space formed by the support plate (210), the side plate (220), and the cover plate (230). Each electrode tab (17) of the plurality of battery cells (10) can face the side plate (220). Each electrode tab (17) of the plurality of battery cells (10) can be electrically connected by a bus bar (250). The bus bar (250) can be electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal.

[0059] Each of the plurality of module housings (200) may further include a plurality of partition plates (240) that partition the interior of the module housing (200) along the second direction. The plurality of partition plates (240) may partition the space formed by the support plate (210), the cover plate (230), and the side plate (220). Based on the appearance after the plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked, some of the partition plates (240) among the plurality of partition plates may be located between the plurality of battery cells (10). Additionally, some of the partition plates (240) among the plurality of partition plates (240) may be placed on each side of the plurality of battery cells (10). Ultimately, a partition plate (240) is disposed on the outermost side along the second direction, a plurality of battery cells (10) are disposed between the outermost partition plates (240), and another partition plate (240) can be disposed between the plurality of battery cells (10).

[0060] The above partition plate (240) can prevent and delay heat propagation when heat or flame occurs in the plurality of battery cells (10). In addition, the partition plate (240) can prevent damage to the plurality of battery cells (10) by providing rigidity to the module housing (200).

[0061] The support plate (210) may further include a protrusion (213) that protrudes outward from the outermost partition plate (240) among the plurality of partition plates (240) along the second direction. A part of the support plate (210) may protrude outward from the outermost partition plate (240) positioned along the second direction, and this may be the protrusion (213) of the support plate (210). A battery cell (10) may not be placed on the protrusion (213).

[0062] The protrusion (213) can delay and prevent heat propagation. Multiple module housings (200) can be stacked along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The protrusion (213) can delay and prevent heat or flame propagation along the third direction. Referring to FIG. 4, the pack housing (110) can accommodate the multiple module housings (200), and the multiple module housings (200) can be stacked along the Z-axis direction. In this specification, the third direction may mean a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0063] The above protrusion (213) may include a coupling part (215) connected to a connecting member (300). The connecting member (300) may communicate with the interior of each of the plurality of module housings (200) to form a movement path for a cooling member. The cooling member may be supplied from outside the pack housing (110) to control the temperature of the plurality of module housings (200). Here, the interior of each of the plurality of module housings (200) does not refer to the space formed by the module housing (200), but rather refers to the interior of each component constituting the module housing (200). In an embodiment, the interior of each of the plurality of module housings (200) may refer to the interior space of the support plate (210) constituting each of the plurality of module housings (200). The above connecting member (300) may be in communication with the interior of the support plate (210). The cooling member may move within the support plate (210) and control the temperature of the plurality of battery cells (10) placed on the support plate (210). For example, the cooling member may indirectly cool the plurality of battery cells (10).

[0064] Meanwhile, since the plurality of battery cells (10) must be arranged in the area excluding the protrusion (213) on the support plate (210), the coupling portion (215) can be formed on the protrusion (213). Through this structure, the space efficiency of the battery pack (100) is improved and heat propagation can be prevented.

[0065] The above-mentioned connecting portion (215) may be a pipe formed on the protrusion (213). It may be connected to the connecting member (300) through one end of the pipe. The cooling member may move from the connecting member (300) into the interior of the support plate (210) via the pipe. The above-mentioned connecting portion (215) is not limited to a pipe and may be formed in a structure capable of transporting the cooling member.

[0066] The above connecting member (300) may include an inlet (310) and an outlet (320). The inlet (310) may form a path through which the cooling member is injected into the interior of each of the plurality of module housings (200). The cooling member may be injected into each of the plurality of module housings (200) from the outside of the battery pack (100) through the inlet (310). The outlet (320) may form a path through which the cooling member is discharged from the interior of each of the plurality of module housings (200). The cooling member may be discharged to the outside of the plurality of module housings (200) through the outlet (320). As described above, the interior of the plurality of module housings (200) may refer to the interior space of the support plate (210). Ultimately, the cooling member can circulate through a path leading to the outside of the battery pack (100), an inlet (310), an internal space of the support plate (210), an outlet (320), and the outside of the battery pack (100). Through this, the cooling member can continuously cool the battery pack (100).

[0067] When the above plurality of module housings (200) are stacked, the inlet (310) and the outlet (320) can be connected to the coupling part (215), respectively. The coupling part (215) can be formed at both ends of the protrusion (213) along the first direction to be connected to the inlet (310) and the outlet (320), respectively. Referring to FIG. 4, the coupling part (215) can be formed at both ends of the protrusion (213) along the X-axis direction. The inlet (310) can be connected to the coupling part (215) formed in the +X-axis direction, and the outlet (320) can be connected to the coupling part (215) formed in the -X-axis direction.

[0068] The above pack housing (110) may include a body housing, a side frame (113), and a cover frame (115). The body housing may accommodate the plurality of module housings (200). Inside the body housing, the plurality of module housings (200) may be stacked along the third direction.

[0069] The side frame (113) can cover each side of the body housing. Here, the side of the body housing may refer to one side of the body housing facing the first direction. The cover frame (115) may be equipped with the control unit (140). The cover frame (115) can cover the front of the body housing. Here, the front of the body housing may refer to one side of the body housing facing the second direction. Referring to FIG. 4, the pack housing (110) may form an internal receiving space by combining the body housing, the side frame (113), and the cover frame (115).

[0070] The battery pack (100) may further include a fastening member (400). The fastening member (400) may connect each component of the battery pack (100). Each component of the battery pack (100) may include a through hole (500) for connection with the fastening member (400).

[0071] The above fastening member (400) can connect the components of the pack housing (110) to each other. The above fastening member (400) can connect the body frame (111) and the side frame (113) to each other. In addition, the above fastening member (400) can connect the body frame (111) and the cover frame (115) to each other.

[0072] The above fastening member (400) can connect the components of the module housing (200) to each other. The above fastening member (400) can connect the support plate (210) and the partition plate (240) to each other. The above fastening member (400) can connect the cover plate (230) and the partition plate (240) to each other. The above fastening member (400) can connect the partition plate (240) and the side plate (220) to each other.

[0073] The clamping member (400) can connect the components of the pack housing (110) and the components of the module housing (200) to each other. The clamping member (400) can connect the side frame (113), the side plate (220), and the partition plate (240) at once. To this end, each through hole (500) of the side frame (113), the side plate (220), and the partition plate (240) can be formed at a corresponding position. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the through hole (500) of the side plate (220), the through hole (500) of the side frame (113), and the through hole (500) of the partition plate (240) are formed at a corresponding position, and the clamping member (400) can pass through them to connect them at once. Through this structure, the space utilization and energy density of the battery pack (100) can be improved. The clamping member (400) can be formed in various shapes depending on the application.

[0074] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 4. Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates the connection between a plurality of module housings (200) and an inlet section (310).

[0075] The above inlet section (310) may be formed with a structure corresponding to the above outlet section (320). Below, the configuration of the above inlet section (310) will be described, and the description of the configuration of the above inlet section (310) may be applied in the same way to the outlet section (320).

[0076] The inlet section (310) and the outlet section (320) may each include a first terminal section (331) connected to the outside of the pack housing (110); a plurality of second terminal sections (335) connected to each of the plurality of module housings (200); and a transfer hose (337) that connects the first terminal section (331) and the plurality of second terminal sections (335) to transfer the cooling member.

[0077] The first terminal portion (331) may be connected to the outside of the pack housing (110). Referring to FIG. 1, the first terminal portion (331) may be exposed to the outside of the pack housing (110) and connected to a storage device that stores the cooling material. The cooling material may be injected into the battery pack (100) only through the first terminal portion (331).

[0078] Each of the plurality of second terminal sections (335) can be connected to the plurality of module housings (200). Each of the plurality of second terminal sections (335) can be connected to the coupling section (215) formed on the protrusion (213). The transfer hose (337) can transfer the cooling member by connecting the first terminal section (331) and the plurality of second terminal sections (335).

[0079] Ultimately, the movement path of the cooling member can be formed along the first terminal section (331), the transfer hose (337), and the plurality of second terminal sections (335). The movement path of the cooling member can be branched from the transfer hose (337) along each of the plurality of second terminal sections (335). By branching the movement path of the cooling member, the cooling member can be supplied to each support plate (210) of the plurality of module housings (200).

[0080] The above transfer hose (337) may include a main hose (3371) connected to the first terminal section (331) and a sub-hose (3373) connected to the plurality of second terminal sections (335).

[0081] The main hose (3371) and the sub-hose (3373) are connected to each other so that the cooling member can move from the main hose (3371) to the sub-hose (3373). One end of the main hose (3371) is connected to the first terminal portion (331), and the other end of the main hose (3371) can be connected to a portion of the sub-hose (3373). In an embodiment, the main hose (3371) and the sub-hose (3373) can be connected through a manifold.

[0082] The sub-hose (3373) can receive the cooling material from the main hose (3371), and the cooling material can move to the plurality of second terminal sections (335). The sub-hose (3373) can be extended along the third direction. By being extended along the third direction, the cooling material can be supplied to the support plate (210) of each of the plurality of module housings (200).

[0083] The point where one end of the main hose (3371) is connected to the sub-hose (3373) may be located higher than the midpoint of the sub-hose (3373) along the third direction. The position of one end of the main hose (3371) may be adjusted to easily supply the cooling member into the multiple module housings (200).

[0084] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a portion of a module housing (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a support plate (210) stacked along the third direction, FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the support plate (210) stacked along the third direction from the top surface, and FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the support plate (210) stacked along the third direction from the front surface.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a cooling member introduced into the first terminal portion (331) of the inlet portion (310) can be transferred to the support plate (210) through the coupling portion (215) formed on the protrusion (213). The cooling member can be discharged to the second terminal portion (335) of the outlet portion (320) through the coupling portion (215) formed on the protrusion (213) via the internal space of the support plate (210).

[0086] In an embodiment, the support plate (210) may further include a cooling channel (not shown). The cooling channel may be formed in the internal space of the support plate (210) to form a path for the cooling member to move along. The cooling channel may be formed by a straight line, a curve, or a combination thereof of the support plate (210). The cooling channel may be in communication with the coupling portion (215). This allows the cooling member to move smoothly.

[0087] As described above, each component of the battery pack (100) may include a through hole (500) to be connected by the tightening member (400). Referring to FIG. 7, the support plate (210) may also include a through hole (500). The protrusion (213) may be located outside the through hole (500) along the second direction. The partition plate (240) is coupled to the through hole (500), and the protrusion (213) may protrude outside the partition plate (240).

[0088] The sub-hose (3373) may be located inside the protrusion (213) along the second direction. Additionally, the sub-hose (3373) may be located inside the side plate (220) along the first direction. As the protrusion (213) protrudes, a space may be formed on the side of the protrusion (213). The sub-hose (3373) may be placed in the side space of the protrusion (213) to improve space utilization and energy density. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the sub-hose (3373) may be located in the space formed by the protrusion (213) and the side plate (220).

[0089] The cross-sectional area of ​​each of the second terminal portions (335) can be adjusted so that the cooling member is smoothly supplied to each of the plurality of module housings (200). Among the plurality of second terminal portions (335), the cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal portion (335) located at the bottom along the third direction may be less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal portion (335) located at the top. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal portion (335) may decrease as it moves from the top to the bottom along the third direction. Since the cooling member will try to move downward due to gravity, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal portion (335) located at the top may be made wider than the second cross-sectional area located at the bottom to help the cooling member move.

[0090] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a battery cell (10) housed in a module housing (200), and FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a battery cell (10) housed in a module housing (200).

[0091] The battery pack (100) may further include a fixing member (270) that separates the plurality of module housings (200). When the plurality of module housings (200) are stacked along the third direction, the fixing member (270) may be placed between the plurality of module housings (200). By separating the plurality of module housings (200), gas, heat, etc. discharged through the venting hole (231) of the cover plate (230) can be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0092] The fixing member (270) may protrude onto the cover plate (230). After the cover plate (230) is placed on the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells (10), the fixing member (270) may be placed on the cover plate (230). The tightening member (400) may be fixed to the partition plate (240) by penetrating the fixing member (270) and the cover plate (230).

[0093] The above fixing member (270) may be provided in the form of a thin rod so as not to close the through hole (500) of the cover plate (230). The above fixing member (270) may extend along the first direction, and the area penetrated by the tightening member (400) may have a recessed shape. The area of ​​the above fixing member (270) excluding the area penetrated by the tightening member (400) may be provided flat.

[0094] A fixing member (270) of a module housing (200) located at the bottom along the third direction may be positioned to contact a support plate (210) of a module housing (200) located at the top. A flat area of ​​the fixing member (270) may contact the support plate (210). Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the plurality of module housings (200) may be spaced apart from each other along the third direction by the fixing member (270).

[0095] The battery pack (100) of the present disclosure can improve cooling efficiency by allowing the cooling member to flow into the interior through the connecting member (300). Additionally, energy density can be improved by efficiently utilizing the space inside the pack housing (110). Furthermore, the number of battery cells (10) included in the module housing (200) can be easily adjusted, and the number of module housings (200) can be easily adjusted. Through this, the size of the shape, along with the capacity and voltage desired by the user, can be easily adjusted.

[0096] The present disclosure may be modified and implemented in various forms, and the scope of rights is not limited to the embodiments described above. The contents described above are merely examples applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0097] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0098] 100: Battery pack 110: Pack housing

[0099] 200: Module housing 300: Connecting member

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells stacked along a second direction, each comprising an electrode assembly and an electrode tab protruding in a first direction from the electrode assembly; A plurality of module housings each accommodating the aforementioned plurality of battery cells; A pack housing in which the plurality of module housings are stacked and accommodated along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; and A connecting member that communicates with the interior of each of the plurality of module housings to form a movement path of a cooling member; comprising The above connecting member comprises an inlet portion forming a path through which the cooling member is injected into the interior of each of the plurality of module housings; and A battery pack comprising: an outlet portion that forms a path for the cooling member to be discharged from the interior of each of the plurality of module housings.

2. In Paragraph 1, Each of the plurality of module housings includes a support plate that supports the plurality of battery cells; and The above connecting member is a battery pack communicating with the interior of the support plate.

3. In Paragraph 2, Each of the plurality of module housings above has a side plate extending from both ends of the support plate in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are located; and A battery pack further comprising a cover plate covering the plurality of battery cells.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery pack further comprising: each of the plurality of module housings having a plurality of partition plates that partition the interior of the module housing along the second direction.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack in which the support plate further includes a protrusion that protrudes outwardly from the outermost partition plate among the plurality of partition plates along the second direction.

6. In Paragraph 5, A battery pack comprising a coupling portion that is connected to the connecting member, wherein the above-mentioned protrusion.

7. In Paragraph 3, A battery pack further comprising a fixing member that separates the plurality of module housings.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above fixing member is a battery pack protruding onto the above cover plate.

9. In Paragraph 7, A battery pack arranged such that a fixing member of a module housing located at the bottom along the third direction contacts a support plate of a module housing located at the top.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above inlet and the above outlet each A first terminal portion connected to the outside of the above-mentioned pack housing; A plurality of second terminal portions connected to each of the plurality of module housings; and A battery pack comprising: a transfer hose that transfers the cooling member by connecting the first terminal section and the plurality of second terminal sections.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above transfer hose is A main hose connected to the first terminal section above; and A battery pack comprising a sub-hose connected to the plurality of second terminal sections.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above subhose is a battery pack extending along the above third direction.

13. In Paragraph 12, A battery pack where one end of the main hose is connected to the sub-hose, and the point is located higher than the midpoint of the sub-hose along the third direction.

14. In Paragraph 10, A battery pack in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal portion located at the bottom along the third direction among the plurality of second terminal portions is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal portion located at the top.

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