Cooling module and battery pack including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling module and a battery pack including the same, the cooling module including a supply collector block connected to an inlet pipe for introducing cooling water and distributing the cooling water, a collection collector block connected to the supply collector block and distributing the cooling water, a plurality of first channels connected to the collection collector block, a plurality of second channels connected to the collection collector block, and a bypass channel connected to the collection collector block. The cooling device includes a supply collecting block connected to a discharge pipe for discharging cooling water, a collecting collecting block connected to a discharge pipe for discharging the cooling water, collecting the cooling water, and conveying the cooling water to the discharge pipe, a plurality of first channels including portions connected to the supply collecting block, and a backflow collecting block connected to the plurality of first channels and changing a flow direction of the cooling water conveyed from the plurality of first channels, and a plurality of second passages connecting the return flow collecting block and the collecting flow collecting block, and a bypass passage bypassing the first passages, receiving cooling water from the supply flow collecting block, and delivering the cooling water to the return flow collecting block through a passage shorter than the first passages.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0155657, filed on November 5, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a cooling module and a battery pack including the cooling module. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, with increasing awareness of the crisis of environmental degradation and the depletion of oil resources, the research and development of electric vehicles, as environmentally friendly vehicles, has received attention.

[0005] Electric vehicles are vehicles powered by electricity and may include battery packs. A battery pack may include a substrate for supporting battery modules or battery cell stacks, the battery modules or battery cell stacks including multiple battery cells formed therein.

[0006] To ensure the performance of battery cells, a predetermined temperature needs to be maintained. Structures for this purpose can be divided into air-cooled types that regulate the temperature of battery cells by circulating air, direct-cooled types that regulate the temperature of battery cells by using refrigerant, and water-cooled types that regulate the temperature of battery modules by using water.

[0007] In water-cooled systems, there is a method that uses cooling water to cool the battery cells. The method of forming the cooling water channels by pressing has problems with relatively weak rigidity and issues caused by brazing, and therefore, there is an increasing need to address these problems.

[0008] Furthermore, in water-cooled systems, the problem is that the cooling performance of the battery cells is reduced due to temperature differences occurring at their positions along the width of the cells. Therefore, it is increasingly necessary to solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention has solved the aforementioned problems arising in the prior art, while fully retaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a cooling module and a battery pack including the cooling module, the cooling module being used to prevent a reduction in the cooling performance of the battery cells by reducing the temperature difference based on the position of the battery cells in the width direction.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a cooling module and a battery pack including the cooling module, the cooling module being configured to be manufactured using an extrusion die rather than a press forming die.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein through the following description.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, a cooling module includes: a supply manifold block, a collection manifold block, a plurality of first channels, a return manifold block, a plurality of second channels, and a bypass channel. The supply manifold block is connected to an inlet pipe for introducing cooling water and distributing cooling water. The collection manifold block is connected to a outlet pipe for discharging cooling water, collecting cooling water, and conveying the cooling water to the outlet pipe. The plurality of first channels include portions connected to the supply manifold block and extending in one direction, and the plurality of first channels are spaced apart from each other. The return manifold block is connected to the plurality of first channels and changes the flow direction of the cooling water conveyed from the plurality of first channels. The plurality of second channels connect the return manifold block and the collection manifold block. The bypass channel bypasses the plurality of first channels, receives cooling water from the supply manifold block, and conveys the cooling water to the return manifold block through a path shorter than the plurality of first channels.

[0014] The bypass channel can be arranged between multiple first channels in a direction intersecting with one direction, and can extend from the supply manifold to the return manifold in one direction.

[0015] The bypass channel can be spaced apart from multiple first channels in a direction intersecting with a direction.

[0016] Each first channel may include: a first region and a second region, the first region being connected to the supply manifold and extending in one direction, and the second region being located downstream of the first region relative to the flow direction of the cooling water and extending in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0017] The first channel may further include a third region located downstream of the second region relative to the flow direction of the cooling water and connected to the return manifold, the third region extending in one direction.

[0018] The first channel may further include: a first connecting region and a second connecting region, the first connecting region connecting the first region and the second region and extending in a direction intersecting with a direction, and the second connecting region connecting the second region and the third region and extending in a direction intersecting with a direction.

[0019] The plurality of first channels may include: a first-first channel and a first-second channel, wherein the first-second channel is disposed outside the first-first channel and spaced apart from the first-first channel in a direction intersecting with a direction, and the flow rate of cooling water distributed from the supply manifold to the first-second channel may be greater than the flow rate of cooling water distributed from the supply manifold to the first-first channel.

[0020] The cooling module may further include: at least one first distribution connection pipe and at least one second distribution connection pipe, wherein the at least one first distribution connection pipe is connected to the supply manifold and the first-first channel, and the at least one second distribution connection pipe is connected to the supply manifold and the first-second channel, and the number of at least one second distribution connection pipe may be greater than the number of at least one first distribution connection pipe.

[0021] The cooling module may further include: a first distribution connecting pipe and a second distribution connecting pipe, the first distribution connecting pipe connecting the supply manifold and the first-first channel, the second distribution connecting pipe connecting the supply manifold and the first-second channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second distribution connecting pipe being larger than that of the first distribution connecting pipe.

[0022] Each of the first-first channel and the first-second channel may include a first region connected to the supply manifold and extending in one direction. The cooling module may further include: a first distribution connecting pipe and a second distribution connecting pipe, the first distribution connecting pipe connecting the supply manifold and the first-first channel, and the second distribution connecting pipe connecting the supply manifold and the first-second channel. The first distribution connecting pipe and the second distribution connecting pipe may be connected to locations offset from the central portions of the first regions of the first-first channel and the central portions of the first regions of the first-second channel in a direction intersecting with one direction.

[0023] The first distribution connector can be connected to the first-first channel at the inner position of the center portion of the first region of the first-first channel in a direction intersecting with a direction, and the second distribution connector can be connected to the first-second channel at the outer position of the center portion of the first region of the first-second channel in a direction intersecting with a direction.

[0024] The supply manifold can be connected to a bypass channel at an inner position of multiple first channels in a direction intersecting with one direction.

[0025] The return current collector can be connected to the bypass channel at an inner position of multiple first channels in a direction intersecting with one direction.

[0026] Each second channel can be positioned outside multiple first channels in a direction intersecting with a direction.

[0027] The return current collector can be connected to multiple second channels at locations outside multiple first channels in a direction intersecting with a direction.

[0028] Multiple first channels, multiple second channels, and bypass channels can be formed from extruded material.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes: a battery cell stack and a substrate, the battery cell stack comprising battery cells stacked in one direction and extending along a direction intersecting the other direction, the substrate supporting the battery cell stack, and the substrate including a cooling module. The cooling module includes: a supply current collector, a collection current collector, a plurality of first channels, a return current collector, a plurality of second channels, and a bypass channel. The supply current collector is connected to an inlet pipe for introducing cooling water and distributing cooling water; the collection current collector is connected to an outlet pipe for discharging cooling water, collecting cooling water and conveying the cooling water to the outlet pipe; the plurality of first channels include portions connected to the supply current collector and extending along one direction, the plurality of first channels being spaced apart from each other; the return current collector is connected to the plurality of first channels and changes the flow direction of the cooling water conveyed from the plurality of first channels; the plurality of second channels connect the return current collector and the collection current collector; the bypass channel bypasses the plurality of first channels, receives cooling water from the supply current collector, and conveys the cooling water to the return current collector through a path shorter than the plurality of first channels.

[0030] The bypass channel can be arranged between multiple first channels in a direction intersecting with one direction, and extends in one direction from the supply manifold to the return manifold.

[0031] The bypass channel can be spaced apart from multiple first channels in a direction intersecting with a direction. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more clearly understood from the detailed description presented thereafter in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack housing and a battery cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a bottom perspective view of a battery pack housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a plan view of a cooling module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the flow direction of cooling water through a cooling module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A shown in the figure; and

[0039] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the temperature of cooling water flowing through a cooling module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown for illustrative purposes. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each figure, it should be noted that identical or equivalent components are identified by the same reference numerals even if shown in other figures. Furthermore, in describing exemplary embodiments of the invention, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the essential points of the invention.

[0041] In describing components according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and they do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. 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. These terms, as defined in general dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined as such in this application.

[0042] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 7The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The first direction can be the X direction or the direction opposite to the X direction, the second direction can be the Y direction or the direction opposite to the Y direction, and the third direction can be the Z direction or the direction opposite to the Z direction. The first direction can be the overall length direction of the electric vehicle, while the second direction can be the width direction of the electric vehicle.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack housing and a battery cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a bottom perspective view of a battery pack housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The battery pack 100 can be installed in an electric vehicle and can provide power to the electric vehicle. The battery pack 100 may include a battery cell stack 200 and a battery pack housing 300 supporting the battery cell stack 200.

[0045] The battery pack 100 may include a battery pack cover 110 and an electronic module 120. The battery pack cover 110 covers the area of ​​the battery cell stack 200 facing the third-party upward side (facing the Z direction), and the electronic module 120 is connected to the battery cell stack 200.

[0046] Each battery cell stack 200 may include a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction (X direction or the opposite direction to X direction) and extending along a second direction (Y direction or the opposite direction to Y direction). However, with Figure 1 Unlike those shown, the three battery cell stacks 200 can be mounted in a second direction (the Y direction or the direction opposite to the Y direction).

[0047] The battery pack housing 300 may include side members 310 disposed on opposite sides of the battery cell stack 200 in a second direction, a front cover 320 covering the area of ​​the battery cell stack 200 facing one side (facing the X direction) in a first direction, and a rear cover 330 covering the area of ​​the battery cell stack 200 facing the opposite side (facing the direction opposite to the X direction) in the first direction.

[0048] The battery pack housing 300 may include spanning members 340 disposed between and supporting the battery cell stacks 200. The spanning members 340 may include a first spanning member 350 extending in a first direction and a second spanning member 360 extending in a second direction.

[0049] The battery pack housing 300 may include a substrate 400 supporting the battery cell stack 200. The substrate 400 may include a cooling module 410. The cooling module 410 may include channels through which cooling water flows.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a plan view of a cooling module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the flow direction of cooling water through a cooling module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown for illustrative purposes. Figure 6 for Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A shown in the figure.

[0051] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The cooling module 410 may include an inlet pipe 420, a supply manifold 430, multiple first channels 450, a return manifold 470, multiple second channels 490, a bypass channel 500, a collection manifold 600, and an outlet pipe 630.

[0052] In addition, the cooling module 410 may include a distribution connection pipe 440, a first return connection pipe 460 and a second return connection pipe 480, a bypass inlet pipe 510, a bypass outlet pipe 520 and a collection connection pipe 620.

[0053] Inlet pipe 420 may be used to introduce cooling water into substrate 400 (see reference). Figure 2 The pipes in the cooling module 410. The inlet pipe 420 can deliver cooling water introduced from outside the cooling module 410 to the supply manifold 430.

[0054] The supply manifold 430 can be connected to the inlet pipe 420 and can extend in a second direction to distribute cooling water introduced from the inlet pipe 420 to a plurality of first channels 450. The supply manifold 430 can distribute cooling water to the first channels 450 via a distribution connection pipe 440.

[0055] The distribution connection pipe 440 can connect the supply manifold 430 and the first channel 450.

[0056] Multiple first channels 450 may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction and may be connected to a supply manifold 430. A first channel 450 may include a portion extending along a first direction. A first channel 450 may be a passageway for receiving cooling water from the supply manifold 430 and directing the cooling water to a return manifold 470.

[0057] Cooling water can reduce the temperature of the battery cell stack 200 as it flows through the first channel 450. Therefore, the closer to the inlet pipe 420, the lower the temperature of the cooling water, and the closer to the return current collector 470, the higher the temperature of the cooling water.

[0058] The multiple first channels 450 may include a pair of first-first channels 451 and a pair of first-second channels 452. The cooling water flowing through the first-first channels 451 and the cooling water flowing through the first-second channels 452 may not mix.

[0059] To achieve this, the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. A pair of first-first channels 451 may be positioned inside the pair of first-second channels 452 in the second direction. A pair of first-second channels 452 may be positioned outside the pair of first-first channels 451 in the second direction.

[0060] Simultaneously, both the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452 can be connected to the supply manifold 430 via the distribution connection pipe 440. For example... Figure 6 As shown, each distribution connection pipe 440 may include a first distribution connection pipe 441 connecting the supply manifold 430 and the first-first channel 451, and a second distribution connection pipe 442 connecting the supply manifold 430 and the first-second channel 452.

[0061] Because the first-first channel 451 is closer to the inlet pipe 420 than the first-second channel 452, when the number of first distribution connecting pipes 441 equals the number of second distribution connecting pipes 442, the pressure of the cooling water introduced into the first-first channel 451 may be higher than the pressure of the cooling water introduced into the first-second channel 452. In other words, the flow rate of cooling water introduced into the first-first channel 451 may be greater than the flow rate of cooling water introduced into the first-second channel 452.

[0062] In this situation, the battery cell stack 200 installed in the middle region of the battery pack housing 300 in the second direction may become too cold. To prevent this, the flow rate of cooling water distributed from the supply current collector 430 to the first-second channel 452 may be greater than the flow rate of cooling water distributed from the supply current collector 430 to the first-first channel 451.

[0063] In other words, the number of second distribution connection tubes 442 can be greater than the number of first distribution connection tubes 441. For example, the number of second distribution connection tubes 442 connecting the supply manifold 430 and each first-second channel 452 can be three, while the number of first distribution connection tubes 441 connecting the supply manifold 430 and each first-first channel 451 can be two. However, the present invention is not limited to this; it is sufficient as long as the number of second distribution connection tubes 442 is greater than the number of first distribution connection tubes 441.

[0064] Alternatively, the number of second distribution connecting pipes 442 can be equal to the number of first distribution connecting pipes 441, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second distribution connecting pipes 442 can be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first distribution connecting pipes 441.

[0065] At the same time, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first-first channel 451 may include a first region 451a, a first connection region 451b, a second region 451c, a second connection region 451d, and a third region 451e.

[0066] The first region 451a of the first-first channel 451 may be a portion connected to the supply manifold 430 and extending to the opposite side in the first direction (extending in a direction opposite to the X direction). The second region 451c of the first-first channel 451 may be a portion located downstream of the first region 451a of the first-first channel 451 relative to the flow direction of the cooling water and extending to one side in the first direction (extending in the X direction). The third region 451e of the first-first channel 451 may be a portion located downstream of the second region 451c of the first-first channel 451 and extending to the opposite side in the first direction (extending in a direction opposite to the X direction). The third region 451e of the first-first channel 451 may be connected to the return manifold 470.

[0067] The first connecting region 451b of the first-first channel 451 may be the portion that connects the first region 451a of the first-first channel 451 and the second region 451c of the first-first channel 451 and extends inward along the second direction.

[0068] The second connecting region 451d of the first-first channel 451 may be the portion that connects the second region 451c of the first-first channel 451 and the third region 451e of the first-first channel 451 and extends inward along the second direction.

[0069] Similar to the first-first channel 451, the first-second channel 452 may include a first region 452a, a first connecting region 452b, a second region 452c, a second connecting region 452d, and a third region 452e.

[0070] The first region 452a of the first-second channel 452 may be a portion connected to the supply manifold 430 and extending to the opposite side in the first direction (extending in a direction opposite to the X direction). The second region 452c of the first-second channel 452 may be a portion located downstream of the first region 452a of the first-second channel 452 relative to the flow direction of the cooling water and extending to one side in the first direction (extending in the X direction). The third region 452e of the first-second channel 452 may be a portion located downstream of the second region 452c of the first-second channel 452 and extending to the opposite side in the first direction (extending in a direction opposite to the X direction). The third region 452e of the first-second channel 452 may be connected to the return manifold 470.

[0071] The first connecting region 452b of the first-second channel 452 may be the portion that connects the first region 452a of the first-second channel 452 and the second region 452c of the first-second channel 452 and extends outward along the second direction.

[0072] The second connecting region 452d of the first-second channel 452 may be the portion that connects the second region 452c of the first-second channel 452 and the third region 452e of the first-second channel 452 and extends outward along the second direction.

[0073] As described above, the multiple first channels 450 can be formed in a tortuous shape. The reason for forming the first channel 450 in a tortuous shape is to increase the flow time of the cooling water flowing through the first channel 450 and the area of ​​the first channel 450 by lengthening the passage of the first channel 450. Therefore, as the cooling water flows through the first channel 450, the battery cell stack 200 (refer to) disposed on one side of the first channel 450 in the third direction (Z direction) Figure 1 It can be cooled for a relatively long period of time.

[0074] At the same time, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first distribution connecting pipe 441 and the second distribution connecting pipe 442 can be connected to a position in the second direction (Y direction or the direction opposite to Y direction) that is offset from the center portion of the first region 451a of the first-first channel 451 and the center portion of the first region 452a of the first-second channel 452.

[0075] This may be for the regions where the velocity of the cooling water introduced into the first regions 451a and 452a of the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452 is instantaneously zero, because the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the first regions 451a and 452a of the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452 is lower than the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the other regions of the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452.

[0076] In other words, since the first distribution connection pipe 441 and the second distribution connection pipe 442 are connected to positions that are offset from the center portion of the first region 451a of the first-first channel 451 and the center portion of the first region 452a of the first-second channel 452 in the second direction (Y direction or the direction opposite to Y direction), the flow velocity of the cooling water in the portions of the first regions 451a and 452a of the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452 that are not connected to the first distribution connection pipe 441 and the second distribution connection pipe 442 can be delayed or locally zero.

[0077] This structure can prevent the battery cell stack 200, which is installed in the battery pack housing 300, from being cooled by the first regions 451a and 452a of the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452.

[0078] More specifically, the first distributing connector 441 can be connected to the first-first channel 451 in a second direction at an inner position of the central portion of the first region 451a of the first-first channel 451. The second distributing connector 442 can be connected to the first-second channel 452 in a second direction at an outer position of the central portion of the first region 452a of the first-second channel 452.

[0079] The first distribution connection pipe 441 and the second distribution connection pipe 442 can be spaced apart from each other as far as possible in the second direction. This is to increase the flow rate of cooling water flowing through a portion of the first region 451a of the first-first channel 451 and a portion of the first region 452a of the first-second channel 452, which are far apart from each other, to a greater than the flow rate of cooling water flowing through a portion of the first region 451a of the first-first channel 451 and a portion of the first region 452a of the first-second channel 452, which are adjacent to each other.

[0080] Due to the provided configuration, overcooling of the battery cell stack 200 disposed adjacent to the inlet pipe 420 in the battery cell stack 200 installed in the battery pack housing 300 can be prevented.

[0081] Refer again Figure 4 and Figure 5 The return flow collector 470 can be connected to multiple first channels 450 and can change the flow direction of cooling water delivered from the multiple first channels 450.

[0082] The return manifold 470 can receive cooling water from the first channel 450 and can return the cooling water to multiple second channels 490. The return manifold 470 needs to extend in the second direction because it must connect to both the first channel 450 and the second channel 490.

[0083] The second channel 490 can connect the return flow collector 470 and the collection flow collector 600. The second channel 490 can be a component that is disposed outside the first channel 450 in a second direction and allows cooling water supplied from the return flow collector 470 to flow to the collection flow collector 600.

[0084] The reason why the second channel 490 is located outside the first channel 450 in the second direction is to reduce the temperature difference between the first channel 450 and the second channel 490 in the second direction.

[0085] Since the cooling water flowing through the first channel 450 is the same cooling water that has just been introduced into the cooling module 410 through the inlet pipe 420, the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the first channel 450 may be lower than the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the second channel 490.

[0086] Meanwhile, the cooling water flowing through the second channel 490, which is located outside the first channel 450 in the second direction, may be more susceptible to the influence of external air than the cooling water flowing through the first channel 450.

[0087] Therefore, even if the cooling water flowing through the second channel 490 has a higher temperature than the cooling water flowing through the first channel 450, the cooling water flowing through the second channel 490 can still exchange heat with the outside air. Thus, compared with the structure where the first channel is located outside the second channel in the second direction, the temperature difference depending on the position of the battery cell stack 200 in the second direction can be reduced.

[0088] The second channels 490 can be configured in pairs, and each second channel 490 can be implemented using three parallel channels. All the second channels 490 can extend from the return collector block 470 to the collection collector block 600 on one side in the first direction (X direction).

[0089] The collector block 600 can collect the cooling water from the cooling module 410. The collector block 600 can be connected to the drain pipe 630 and can deliver the collected cooling water to the drain pipe 630, from which the cooling water is discharged.

[0090] The collector block 600 can be connected to the second channel 490 via the collector connection pipe 620. The guide block 610 can be positioned between the collector block 600 and the second channel 490.

[0091] The guide manifold 610 is configured as a buffer to allow cooling water to be smoothly collected into the collection manifold 600.

[0092] The cooling water recovered through the second channel 490 can be buffered in the guide channel 610 instead of being directly collected into the collection channel 600, and can be collected into the collection channel 600 when the flow rate is reduced.

[0093] The collecting block 600 can be configured to be longer than the supply block 430. The collecting block 600 can be connected to the second channel 490 in the second direction at a position outside the supply block 430.

[0094] Meanwhile, with only the first channel 450 and the second channel 490, the cooling module 410 may not be able to sufficiently reduce the temperature difference depending on the position of the battery cell stack 200 in the second direction. This is because, as described above, the battery cell stack 200 located in the middle region of the battery pack housing 300 is less affected by external air.

[0095] Since the performance of the battery cells will decrease when there is a temperature difference between the battery cell stacks 200 in the second direction, the cooling module 410 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a bypass channel 500, which bypasses the first channel 450, receives cooling water from the supply collector 430, and delivers the cooling water to the return collector 470 through a path shorter than the first channel 450.

[0096] The bypass channel 500 can be disposed in the second direction among a plurality of first channels 450 to cool the inner region of the battery cell stack 200 in the second direction.

[0097] The bypass channel 500 may be spaced apart from a plurality of first channels 450 in a second direction. The bypass channel 500 may be disposed between a pair of first-first channels 451, spaced apart from the first-first channels 451. Cooling water flowing through the bypass channel 500 may not mix with cooling water flowing through the first-first channels 451 and the first-second channels 452.

[0098] Since the bypass channel 500 is implemented as a shorter passage than the first channel 450, the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the bypass channel 500 can be lower than the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the first channel 450.

[0099] Unlike the first channel 450, the bypass channel 500 can extend from the supply manifold 430 to the return manifold 470 only in the opposite direction of the first direction (it can only extend in the direction opposite to the X direction).

[0100] The bypass channel 500 can be connected to the supply manifold 430 via the bypass inlet pipe 510, and can be connected to the return manifold 470 via the bypass outlet pipe 520.

[0101] The supply manifold 430 and the return manifold 470 can be connected to the bypass channel 500 in a second direction at a position inside the first channel 450. The return manifold 470 and the collection manifold 600 can be connected to the first channel 450 in a second direction at a position inside the second channel 490.

[0102] The supply manifold 430 and the return manifold 470 can be connected to the first channel 450 in the second direction at a position outside the bypass channel 500. The return manifold 470 and the collection manifold 600 can be connected to the second channel 490 in the second direction at a position outside the first channel 450.

[0103] In other words, the distribution connection pipe 440 can be arranged outside the bypass inlet pipe 510 in the second direction, and the collection connection pipe 620 can be arranged outside the distribution connection pipe 440 in the second direction.

[0104] Furthermore, the first return connection pipe 460 can be disposed outside the bypass discharge pipe 520 in the second direction, and the second return connection pipe 480 can be disposed outside the first return connection pipe 460 in the second direction.

[0105] Meanwhile, the first channel 450, the second channel 490, and the bypass channel 500 can all be formed from extruded material, thus enhancing their rigidity compared to structures manufactured by compression molding.

[0106] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the temperature of cooling water flowing through a cooling module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0107] Reference Figure 7 It can be confirmed that cooling water flows from the supply manifold 430 to the return manifold 470 through one of the first-first channel 451, the first-second channel 452 and the bypass channel 500.

[0108] Subsequently, the cooling water introduced into the return manifold 470 can be collected into the collection manifold 600 through the second channel 490.

[0109] Since the cooling water flowing upstream relative to the flow direction of the cooling water is the cooling water that has just been introduced into the cooling module 410, the temperature of the cooling water may be relatively low. Meanwhile, the cooling water flowing downstream relative to the flow direction of the cooling water cools the battery cell stack 200 (see reference). Figure 1 The cooling water is supplied by the system, therefore the temperature of the cooling water may be relatively high.

[0110] For example, in the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452, the cooling water flowing through the area near the supply manifold 430 relative to the flow direction of the cooling water may have a relatively low temperature, while the cooling water flowing through the area near the return manifold 470 may have a relatively high temperature.

[0111] Meanwhile, the cooling water flowing through the bypass channel 500 can be introduced into the return flow collector 470 at a lower temperature than the cooling water flowing through the first-first channel 451 and the first-second channel 452.

[0112] Cooling water introduced into the return manifold 470 through the bypass channel 500 can flow into the second channel 490. In the second channel 490, the cooling water flowing through the bypass channel 500 can mix with the cooling water introduced into the second channel 490 through the first channel 450.

[0113] Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the second channel 490 can be lower than the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the second channel of the cooling module in the absence of a bypass channel structure.

[0114] Due to the provided configuration, the temperature difference of the cooling module 410 in the second direction can be reduced, and the temperature difference between the battery cell stacks 200, which depend on their positions in the second direction, can also be reduced. Therefore, performance differences between battery cells can be prevented.

[0115] As described above, cooling water flowing through the bypass channel that bypasses the first channel can be introduced into the second channel, thereby reducing the temperature difference between battery cells in the width direction.

[0116] Cooling water can flow through a bypass channel that bypasses the first channel, thus improving the cooling of the battery cell located in the middle region in the width direction.

[0117] The flow rate of cooling water introduced into each of the first-first channel and the first-second channel can be adjusted, thereby reducing the temperature difference between battery cells in the width direction.

[0118] The first and second distribution connecting pipes can be connected to positions offset from the center of the first-first channel and the first-second channel in the width direction, thus preventing the battery cells cooled by the cooling water flowing through the first-first channel and the first-second channel from being overcooled.

[0119] The flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the first channel can be changed, thereby increasing the contact time between the battery cell and the cooling water flowing through the first channel, which can improve the cooling performance of the battery cell.

[0120] The substrate of the cooling module can be manufactured using an extrusion die, thus improving productivity and rigidity.

[0121] Furthermore, the present invention can provide various effects that are directly or indirectly perceived.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

[0123] Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided to explain the spirit and scope of the invention, and not to limit them; thus, the spirit and scope of the invention are not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and technical ideas within the scope of equivalents to the claims should be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cooling module, comprising: The supply manifold is connected to the inlet pipe that introduces the cooling water and distributes the cooling water. A collection manifold is connected to a discharge pipe that discharges cooling water; the collection manifold collects cooling water and delivers the cooling water to the discharge pipe. A plurality of first channels, each including a portion connected to the supply manifold and extending in one direction, the plurality of first channels being spaced apart from each other; A return flow collector is connected to the plurality of first channels and changes the flow direction of the cooling water delivered from the plurality of first channels; Multiple second channels connect the return collector block and the collection collector block; as well as A bypass channel that bypasses the plurality of first channels receives cooling water from the supply manifold and delivers the cooling water to the return manifold through a path shorter than the plurality of first channels.

2. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, The bypass channel is disposed between the plurality of first channels in a direction intersecting the first direction, and extends from the supply manifold to the return manifold along the first direction.

3. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, The bypass channel is spaced apart from the plurality of first channels in a direction intersecting the first direction.

4. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, Each first channel includes: A first region, which is connected to the supply manifold and extends along the one direction; and The second region is located downstream of the first region and extends in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the cooling water.

5. The cooling module according to claim 4, wherein, The first channel further includes a third region located downstream of the second region and extending along the first direction relative to the flow direction of the cooling water, the third region being connected to the return manifold.

6. The cooling module according to claim 5, wherein, The first channel further includes: A first connecting region, which connects the first region and the second region and extends in a direction intersecting the said one direction; and The second connecting region connects the second region and the third region and extends in a direction intersecting the first direction.

7. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first channels include: First-first passage; and The first and second channels are disposed outside the first channel and spaced apart from it in a direction intersecting the first direction. Wherein, the flow rate of cooling water distributed from the supply manifold to the first-second channel is greater than the flow rate of cooling water distributed from the supply manifold to the first-first channel.

8. The cooling module according to claim 7, further comprising: At least one first distribution connection pipe connects the supply manifold and the first-first channel; as well as At least one second distribution connector connects the supply manifold and the first-second channel. The number of the at least one second distribution connection tube is greater than the number of the at least one first distribution connection tube.

9. The cooling module according to claim 7, further comprising: The first distribution connection pipe connects the supply manifold and the first-first channel; as well as The second distribution connector connects the supply manifold and the first-second channel. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second distribution connecting pipe is greater than that of the first distribution connecting pipe.

10. The cooling module according to claim 7, in, Each of the first-first channel and the first-second channel includes a first region connected to the supply manifold and extending along the one direction. The cooling module further includes: A first distribution connector connects the supply manifold and the first-first channel; and The second distribution connector connects the supply manifold and the first-second channel. The first and second distribution connecting pipes are connected to positions that are offset from the center portions of the first region of the first-first channel and the center portions of the first region of the first-second channel in a direction intersecting with the first direction.

11. The cooling module according to claim 10, wherein, The first distribution connector is connected to the first-first channel at a position inside the center portion of the first region of the first-first channel in a direction intersecting with the first direction. The second distribution connector is connected to the first-second channel at a position outside the center portion of the first region of the first-second channel in a direction intersecting with the first direction.

12. The cooling module according to claim 7, wherein, The supply manifold is connected to the bypass channel at a location inside the plurality of first channels in a direction intersecting the first direction.

13. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, The return current collector is connected to the bypass channel at a position inside the plurality of first channels in a direction intersecting the first direction.

14. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, Each second channel is positioned outside the plurality of first channels in a direction intersecting the first direction.

15. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, The return flow collector is connected to the plurality of second channels at a position outside the plurality of first channels in a direction intersecting the first direction.

16. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the bypass channel are formed of extruded material.

17. A battery pack, comprising: A battery cell stack comprising battery cells stacked in one direction and extending along a direction intersecting said one direction; and A substrate supporting the battery cell stack, the substrate including a cooling module. The cooling module includes: The supply manifold is connected to the inlet pipe that introduces the cooling water and distributes the cooling water. A collection manifold is connected to a discharge pipe that discharges cooling water; the collection manifold collects cooling water and delivers the cooling water to the discharge pipe. A plurality of first channels, each including a portion connected to the supply manifold and extending in one direction, the plurality of first channels being spaced apart from each other; A return flow collector is connected to the plurality of first channels and changes the flow direction of the cooling water delivered from the plurality of first channels; Multiple second channels connecting the return collector and the collection collector; and A bypass channel that bypasses the plurality of first channels receives cooling water from the supply manifold and delivers the cooling water to the return manifold through a path shorter than the plurality of first channels.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein, The bypass channel is disposed between the plurality of first channels in a direction intersecting the first direction, and extends from the supply manifold to the return manifold along the first direction.

19. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein, The bypass channel is spaced apart from the plurality of first channels in a direction intersecting the first direction.

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