Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided, comprising: battery cells; cooling tubes each disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the side surface of a battery cell and having cooling flow paths configured to cool the battery cell; and a housing having a bottom surface disposed so as to be spaced apart from the lower ends of the battery cells, wherein each cooling tube includes a protrusion protruding toward the bottom surface below the lower end of the battery cell and supporting the battery cell above the bottom surface.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including the same

[0001] The technical field of the present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] Generally, a battery pack is equipped with battery cells, cooling tubes for cooling the battery cells, and a housing for housing the battery cells. Between the battery cells and the bottom surface of the housing, a venting space is formed to guide the flow of fluid flowing inside the housing.

[0003] In conventional battery packs, a separation means for separating the lower part of the battery cell and the bottom surface of the housing in the vertical direction has been essential to form the aforementioned venting space. That is, to manufacture the battery pack, the separation means must be additionally produced, and an additional process must be involved to position the separation means between the battery cell and the bottom surface.

[0004] Therefore, recently, there has been an increasing demand for manufacturing battery packs that have a structure capable of forming a venting space with minimal components, without adding separate configurations to create the venting space.

[0005] The present invention, conceived in consideration of the aforementioned problems, relates to a battery pack capable of achieving structural simplification by forming a space between the battery cell and the bottom surface with minimal configuration, and a vehicle including the same.

[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 those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack may be provided comprising: a battery cell; a cooling tube arranged to surround at least a portion of the side of the battery cell and forming a cooling channel configured to cool the battery cell; and a housing having a bottom surface arranged to be spaced apart from the bottom of the battery cell, wherein the cooling tube includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the bottom surface with respect to the bottom of the battery cell and supports the battery cell with respect to the bottom surface.

[0008] Additionally, a battery pack may be provided, wherein the bottom surface of the housing comprises: an indented area that is recessed downward and spaced vertically from the protrusion; and a protruding area that protrudes upward from the indented area and contacts the protrusion vertically.

[0009] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which the vertical spacing between the bottom of the battery cell and the protruding area is smaller than the spacing between the bottom of the battery cell and the indented area.

[0010] Additionally, a battery pack may be provided in which the indented area is provided in a plurality and the protruding area is provided in a plurality, and the plurality of indented areas and the plurality of protruding areas are arranged to alternate with each other in a first direction intersecting with the vertical direction.

[0011] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which a plurality of the above-mentioned indented regions and a plurality of the above-mentioned protruding regions extend in an up-and-down direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0012] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which a plurality of the above-mentioned indented regions and a plurality of the above-mentioned protruding regions are connected to each other and formed integrally.

[0013] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which the protrusion is positioned to cross the gap formed between the protruding area and the bottom of the battery cell.

[0014] In addition, a battery pack may be provided that further includes a filler disposed in the gap and spaced apart from the indentation area in the vertical direction.

[0015] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which a venting space for fluid flow is formed between the indentation area and the filler.

[0016] Additionally, the cooling tube may further include a tube body extending upward from the top of the protrusion, and the cooling channel may be formed in the tube body and extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, thereby providing a battery pack.

[0017] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which the cooling channels are provided in plurality and the plurality of cooling channels are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0018] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which the battery cells are provided in plurality, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersect the vertical direction and are orthogonal to each other, and the cooling tube is disposed between two battery cells adjacent to each other in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells.

[0019] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which the battery cell is equipped as a cylindrical battery.

[0020] In addition, a vehicle including the above battery pack.

[0021] The battery pack according to the present invention and the vehicle including the same have the effect of achieving structural simplification by having a structure that can form a space between the battery cell and the bottom surface with only a minimal configuration.

[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 those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the interior of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part "A" shown in Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing a filler material placed in the space between the battery cell and the bottom surface of Figure 2.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Where in this specification it is stated that one component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0028] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0029]

[0030] Hereinafter, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the interior of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part "A" shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery pack (10) may have a structure that can form a space for fluid to flow in the lower part of the battery cell (100) with minimal configuration. The battery pack (10) may include a battery cell (100), a housing (200), and a cooling tube (300).

[0033] The battery cell (100) may be a secondary battery including an electrode assembly, a battery housing, a current collector, etc. Furthermore, the battery cell (100) may further include a housing cover, an insulator, a terminal, a sealing gasket, an insulating gasket, etc. Such a battery cell (100) may be provided as, for example, a cylindrical battery extending in the vertical direction. However, the shape of the battery cell (100) is not limited and may also be provided as a prismatic battery. Additionally, the battery cell (100) may be provided in multiple numbers to form a cell stack.

[0034] These battery cells (100) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple battery cells (100) may be arranged in a first direction and a second direction. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be directions that are orthogonal to each other. Additionally, the first direction and the second direction may be directions that intersect with the up-down direction. For example, the first direction may be the left-right direction, and the second direction may be the front-back direction.

[0035] The housing (200) may have a receiving space formed therein to accommodate a battery cell (100). In other words, the housing (200) may be provided to surround the battery cell (100). The bottom surface (201) of the housing (200) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the bottom of the battery cell (100). The bottom surface (201) may refer to the lower area of ​​the inner surface of the housing (200). This bottom surface (201) may be positioned to face the battery cell (100) upward. This bottom surface (201) may include an indented area (201-1) and a protruding area (201-2).

[0036] The indentation area (201-1) can be defined as an area of ​​the bottom surface (201) having a shape that is indented downward. This indentation area (201-1) can be extended in a second direction. This indentation area (201-1) can be provided in multiple numbers. Multiple indentation areas (201-1) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction.

[0037] The protruding area (201-2) can be defined as an area having a shape that protrudes upward from the recessed area (201-1) within the bottom surface (201). This protruding area (201-2) can be extended in a second direction. In other words, the protruding area (201-2) and the recessed area (201-1) can each be extended in a direction parallel to one another. This protruding area (201-2) can be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple protruding areas (201-2) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction. Additionally, the multiple recessed areas (201-1) and the multiple protruding areas (201-2) can be arranged to alternate with each other in the first direction. Furthermore, the multiple recessed areas (201-1) and the multiple protruding areas (201-2) can be formed integrally, for example. However, the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of indented areas (201-1) and the plurality of protruding areas (201-2) may each be formed as separate members.

[0038] The distance between the protruding area (201-2) and the bottom of the battery cell (100) may be smaller than the distance between the recessed area (201-1) and the bottom of the battery cell (100). In other words, the height of the gap (G) formed between the protruding area (201-2) and the bottom of the battery cell (100) may be higher than the height of the space (V) formed between the recessed area (201-1) and the bottom of the battery cell (100).

[0039] A cooling tube (300) can cool a battery cell (100). Such a cooling tube (300) can be positioned on the side of the battery cell (100). For example, the cooling tube (300) can be positioned to wrap around at least a portion of the side of the battery cell (100). Such a cooling tube (300) can be fixed in a position relative to the battery cell (100).

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 2, a cooling tube (300) may be positioned between two battery cells (100) that are adjacent to each other in a first direction among a plurality of battery cells (100). A plurality of such cooling tubes (300) may be provided. A plurality of cooling tubes (300) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction with the battery cells (100) in between. Additionally, a plurality of cooling tubes (300) may be arranged to be in close contact with each other in a second direction. A cooling tube (300) may include a tube body (310) and a protrusion (320).

[0041] The tube body (310) may be in close contact with at least a portion of the side of the battery cell (100). A cooling channel (310a) may be formed in the tube body (310) through which a coolant may flow to cool the battery cell (100).

[0042] The cooling channel (310a) may be formed as a passage extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. A predetermined refrigerant may flow through this cooling channel (310a). This cooling channel (310a) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple cooling channels (310a) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0043] The protrusion (320) may have a shape that protrudes toward the bottom surface (201) (e.g., downward) with respect to the bottom of the battery cell (100). For example, the protrusion (320) may be positioned to cross the gap (G) formed between the protruding area (201-2) and the bottom of the battery cell (100). This protrusion (320) may extend downward from the bottom of the tube body (310). This protrusion (320) may, for example, be formed integrally with the tube body (310).

[0044] The lower end of the protrusion (320) can be positioned to abut the upper surface of the protrusion area (201-2). This protrusion (320) can support the battery cell (100) against the bottom surface (201). Through this protrusion (320), it is possible to form a space between the battery cell (100) and the bottom surface (201) and simultaneously support the battery cell (100) against the bottom surface (201) without adding a separate configuration. In other words, through the protrusion (320), there is an advantage that the structure of the battery pack (10) is simplified.

[0045] Additionally, the protrusion (320) may be positioned to cross the gap formed between the bottom of the battery cell (100) and the protruding area (201-2). Additionally, the protrusion (320) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the indentation area (201-1) in the vertical direction.

[0046] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing a filler material placed in the space between the battery cell and the bottom surface of Figure 2.

[0047] Referring further to FIG. 3, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a filler (400).

[0048] The filler material (400) may be placed above the gap (G) and the venting space (V). The venting space (V) may be defined as a space enclosed by the bottom of the battery cell (100) and the indentation area (201-1). Fluid may flow in this venting space (V). As a specific example, fluid (flame, liquid, gas, etc.) released from the bottom of the battery cell (100) may flow in the venting space (V). For example, the filler material (400) may be placed to fill the gap (G), and the height of the filler material (400) may be less than or equal to the vertical width of the gap (G). This filler material (400) may have a shape that extends horizontally so that the height is equal. In other words, the filler material (400) may only fill the upper part of the venting space (V) and may not be placed in the remaining space excluding the upper part of the venting space (V).

[0049] This filler material (400) may include, for example, at least one material among polyurethane and silicone. Through this filler material (400), when thermal runaway occurs at the bottom of one battery cell (100), the spread of fire to an adjacent battery cell (100) can be minimized. Additionally, through the venting space (V), heat released from the battery cell (100) where thermal runaway has occurred can be effectively ventilated.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring further to FIG. 4, a vehicle (1) according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. A vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack (10) according to the present invention. Additionally, the vehicle (1) includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. Such a vehicle (1) may operate by receiving power from the battery pack (10).

[0052] 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 spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0053] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0054] 1: Vehicle

[0055] 10: Battery pack

[0056] 100: Battery cell

[0057] 200: Housing

[0058] 201: Bottom surface

[0059] 201-2: Indentation area

[0060] 201-2: Protruding area

[0061] 300: Cooling tube

[0062] 310: Tube body

[0063] 310a: Cooling channel

[0064] 320: Protrusion

[0065] 400: Filler

[0066] G: Gap

[0067] V: Venting space

Claims

1. Battery cell; A cooling tube formed to form a cooling channel configured to cool the battery cell, positioned to surround at least a portion of the side of the battery cell; and It includes a housing having a bottom surface positioned to be spaced apart from the bottom of the battery cell, and The above cooling tube is, A protrusion that protrudes toward the bottom surface with respect to the bottom of the battery cell and supports the battery cell with respect to the bottom surface, Battery pack.

2. In Paragraph 1, The bottom surface of the above housing is, An indented area that is recessed downward and spaced apart from the protrusion in the vertical direction; and A protruding area that protrudes upward with respect to the above-mentioned indentation area and includes a protruding area that contacts the protruding part in the vertical direction. Battery pack.

3. In Paragraph 2, The vertical separation distance between the bottom of the battery cell and the protruding area is, Smaller than the distance between the bottom of the battery cell and the indentation area Battery pack.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned indentation area is provided in multiple numbers, and The above protruding areas are provided in multiple numbers, and The plurality of the above-mentioned indented areas and the plurality of the above-mentioned protruding areas are, Arranged to alternate with each other in a first direction intersecting the up and down direction, Battery pack.

5. In Paragraph 4, The plurality of the above-mentioned indented areas and the plurality of the above-mentioned protruding areas are, Extending in the vertical direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction, Battery pack.

6. In Paragraph 4, The plurality of the above-mentioned indented areas and the plurality of the above-mentioned protruding areas are, Connected to each other, formed as a single unit Battery pack.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above protrusion is, A structure positioned to cross the gap formed between the above-mentioned protruding area and the bottom of the battery cell, Battery pack.

8. In Paragraph 7, A filler further comprising a filler disposed in the gap and spaced vertically from the indentation area. Battery pack.

9. In Paragraph 8, Between the above-mentioned indentation area and the above-mentioned filler, A venting space formed for fluid flow, Battery pack.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling tube is, It further includes a tube body extending upward from the top of the above-mentioned protrusion, and The above cooling channel is, Formed in the above tube body and extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, Battery pack.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above cooling channels are provided in multiple numbers, and A plurality of the above cooling channels are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, Battery pack.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above battery cells are provided in multiple quantities, and A plurality of the above battery cells are arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersect the vertical direction and are orthogonal to each other, and The above cooling tube is, A plurality of the battery cells disposed between two battery cells adjacent to each other in the first direction, Battery pack.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above battery cell is provided as a cylindrical battery, Battery pack.

14. A vehicle comprising a battery pack described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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