Battery pack cooling device

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cooling a battery pack, the apparatus including a heat sink and a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink, the piping assembly including a main piping, a first branch piping and a second branch piping, a plurality of branched connectors, a plurality of directional connectors, a plurality of connecting piping, and a cooling port.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cooling a battery pack.This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2022-0167119, filed on December 2, 2022, and Korean Application No. 10-2023-0035244, filed on March 17, 2023, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has dramatically decreased due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) increases to a level comparable to that of fuel-powered vehicles, the main use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] As secondary batteries are used in mobility, the demand for the safety of secondary batteries is increasing. If a secondary battery used in mobility were to suffer an accident such as a fire, the life of the driver could be endangered, so research into technologies to improve the safety of secondary batteries is essential. In particular, cooling technology to maintain the temperature of secondary batteries during operation is directly linked not only to the stability of the secondary battery, but also to its life and performance, so much research is being conducted on cooling technology for secondary batteries. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a device for cooling a battery pack with improved reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems, there is provided an apparatus for cooling a battery pack, the apparatus including: a heat sink including a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink.

[0006] The piping assembly includes: a main pipe; a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe connected to the main pipe, wherein a first branch point, which is a connection point between the first branch pipe and the main pipe, is farther from the heat sink than a second branch point, which is a connection point between the second branch pipe and the main pipe; a plurality of branched connectors connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe; a plurality of connecting pipes connected to the plurality of branched connectors; a plurality of directional connectors connected to the plurality of connecting pipes, spaced apart from the plurality of branched connectors with the plurality of connecting pipes interposed therebetween; and a plurality of cooling ports connecting the plurality of branched connectors and the plurality of directional connectors to the plurality of cooling channels.

[0007] Each of the plurality of branched connectors and each of the plurality of directional connectors includes a port clamp that secures the plurality of cooling ports.

[0008] Each of the plurality of bifurcated connectors and the plurality of directional connectors includes a port coupling portion coupled to the plurality of cooling ports.

[0009] Each of the plurality of branched connectors includes a first pipe coupling portion and a second pipe coupling portion.

[0010] Each of the first pipe joints is connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe.

[0011] Each of the second pipe joints is connected to the plurality of connecting pipes.

[0012] Each of the plurality of connecting pipes includes a bent portion, and an angle between the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe is the same as an angle of the bent portion of each of the plurality of connecting pipes.

[0013] Each of the plurality of directional connectors includes a branch pipe connected to the plurality of connecting pipes.

[0014] Each of the plurality of directional connectors includes only one piping coupling.

[0015] The length of the first branch pipe in the second direction is longer than the length of the second branch pipe in the second direction.

[0016] Each of the plurality of branched connectors includes a port coupling portion coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports.

[0017] Each of the plurality of branched connectors has a symmetrical shape with respect to the port coupling portion.

[0018] Each of the plurality of directional connectors includes a port coupling portion coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports.

[0019] Each of the plurality of directional connectors has an asymmetric shape with respect to the port coupling portion.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cooling a battery pack, the apparatus including: a heat sink including a plurality of cooling channels connected in series with each other; and a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink, the piping assembly including a plurality of cooling ports coupled to the plurality of cooling channels, a plurality of directional connectors including port couplings coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of cooling ports, port clamps and piping couplings for fixing the corresponding ones of the plurality of cooling ports, the piping couplings of each of the plurality of directional connectors being coupled to a connecting piping.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cooling a battery pack, the apparatus including: a heat sink including a plurality of cooling channels coupled to each other in parallel; and a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink, the piping assembly including a plurality of cooling ports coupled to the plurality of cooling channels, a port coupling coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports, a port clamp for fixing the corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports, a bifurcated connector including a first piping coupling, and a second piping coupling.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cooling a battery pack, the apparatus including: a heat sink including a plurality of first cooling channels connected in series and a plurality of second cooling channels connected in parallel, and a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink, the piping assembly including: a plurality of directional connectors coupled to the plurality of first cooling channels and including a piping coupling portion; a bifurcated connector coupled to any one of the plurality of second cooling channels and including a first piping coupling portion and a second piping coupling portion; and a plurality of connecting pipes coupled to any one of the piping coupling portion, the first piping coupling portion, and the second piping coupling portion.

[0023] The pipe coupling portions of the directional connectors are connected to each other via one of the connecting pipes. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device for cooling a battery pack includes a bifurcated connector and a directional quick connector, which eliminates the need for a brazing process and a welding process to construct the device for cooling a battery pack, and allows for a quick cooling design.

[0025] Effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects accompanying the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary skill in the art. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 shows the branched connector of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] The directional connector of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 4] The connecting pipes of FIG. 1 are shown. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best describe his own invention.

[0028] Therefore, the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0029] In addition, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of related publicly known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated roughly for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0031] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an apparatus 10 for cooling a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows the bifurcated connector 130 of FIG.

[0033] FIG. 3 shows the directional connector 140 of FIG.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows the connecting pipe 150 of FIG.

[0035] 1 to 4, the device 10 for cooling a battery pack may include a piping assembly 100 and a heat sink 200. According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink 200 may be configured to cool a heat source (e.g., a battery cell assembly) by direct or indirect thermal contact. As a non-limiting example, the heat sink 200 may be a support plate configured to support the heat source (e.g., a plurality of battery cell assemblies). As a non-limiting example, the heat sink 200 may be a top cooling device disposed above the heat source (e.g., a plurality of battery cell assemblies) and covering the heat source (e.g., a plurality of battery cell assemblies). A thermal interface material (TIM) may be interposed between the heat sink 200 and the heat source (e.g., a plurality of battery cell assemblies).

[0036] As a non-limiting example, the heat sink 200 may be provided by an extrusion process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink 200 may include a plurality of cooling channels 200CH. Each of the plurality of cooling channels 200CH may provide a passage for a cooling fluid to flow. Each of the plurality of cooling channels 200CH may extend along the X direction.

[0037] One end of each of the cooling channels 200CH in the X direction may be referred to as an inlet, and the other end of each of the cooling channels 200CH in the X direction may be referred to as an outlet. The cooling channels 200CH may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The heat sink 200 may further include a cavity interposed between the cooling channels 200CH. The cavity may extend in the X direction.

[0038] Each of the piping assemblies 100 may include a main piping 110, first to third branch pipings 121, 123, 125, a plurality of branched connectors 130, a plurality of directional connectors 140, a plurality of connecting pipings 150, and a plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169 (hereinafter referred to as 161 to 169).

[0039] Each of the piping assemblies 100 may be coupled to a heat sink 200. Each of the piping assemblies 100 may be configured to distribute or collect cooling fluid according to a cooling design of the device 10 for cooling a battery pack. The piping assembly 100 of the present embodiment may be configured in a 3P (Parallel)-3P (Parallel) design. That is, the cooling ports 161, 162, and 163 connected in parallel may constitute a first group, the cooling ports 164, 165, and 166 connected in parallel may constitute a second group, and the cooling ports 167, 168, and 169 connected in parallel may constitute a third group. The first to third groups may be respectively connected to first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125, which are connected in parallel to the main pipe 110 in turn. Thus, each of the piping assemblies 100 may be configured in a 3P-3P design including two-hierarchy parallel connections.

[0040] One of the piping assemblies 100 may correspond to the injection of cooling fluid to the heat sink 200, and the other of the piping assemblies 100 may correspond to the discharge of cooling fluid to the heat sink 200. One of the piping assemblies 100 may be configured to supply cooling fluid to the heat sink 200, and the other of the piping assemblies 100, the main piping 110, may be configured to discharge cooling fluid that has flowed through the cooling channels 200CH of the heat sink 200. Thus, one of the piping assemblies 100 may be referred to as a supply piping assembly, and the other of the piping assemblies 100 may be referred to as a discharge piping assembly. The supply piping assembly may be connected to the inlets of the plurality of cooling channels 200CH, and the discharge piping assembly may be connected to the outlets of the plurality of cooling channels 200CH.

[0041] The relationship between each element of the piping assembly 100 described with respect to discharging cooling fluid is substantially the same as the relationship between each element of the piping assembly 100 described with respect to supplying cooling fluid, except for the direction of fluid flow. Therefore, even when each specific element of the piping assembly 100 is described with respect to either supplying or discharging cooling fluid, a person of ordinary skill in the art can easily arrive at the characteristics and properties of the specific element with respect to the other one of supplying and discharging cooling fluid based on what is described herein.

[0042] The main piping 110 may be connected to a cooling fluid source (or a cooling fluid sink). The main piping 110 may provide the overall supply of cooling fluid to the heat sink 200 (or the overall discharge of cooling fluid to the heat sink 200). Piping of various paths and designs may be provided between the main piping 110 and the cooling fluid source.

[0043] The main pipe 110 may be connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125. The cooling fluid transmitted to the main pipe 110 may be distributed to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125. The first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125 may be coupled to the main pipe 110 by a method such as welding or brazing.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first branch point 121P, which is a connection point between the first branch pipe 121 and the main pipe 110, may be farther away from the heat sink 200 in the X direction than the second branch point 123P, which is a connection point between the second branch pipe 123 and the main pipe 110. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second branch point 123P, which is a connection point between the second branch pipe 123 and the main pipe 110, may be farther away from the heat sink 200 in the X direction than the third branch point 125P, which is a connection point between the third branch pipe 125 and the main pipe 110.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, the length in the Y direction of the first branch pipe 121 may be longer than the length in the Y direction of the second branch pipe 123. According to an exemplary embodiment, the length in the Y direction of the second branch pipe 123 may be longer than the length in the Y direction of the third branch pipe 125.

[0046] This can reduce the difference in the supply (or discharge) paths of the cooling fluid through the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125, and can achieve uniformity in cooling of the heat sink 200.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the multiple branched connectors 130 may include a first tubing coupling 131 and a second tubing coupling 132 , a port coupling 133 , and a port clamp 135 .

[0048] Each of the multiple branched connectors 130 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the port coupling portion 133. Thus, the first piping coupling portion 131 and the second piping coupling portion 132 may have substantially the same shape. The angle θ1 between the first piping coupling portion 131 and the second piping coupling portion 132 may be greater than 90 degrees. The angle θ1 between the first piping coupling portion 131 and the second piping coupling portion 132 may be less than 180 degrees.

[0049] Some of the branched connectors 130 may be connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125. The branched connectors 130 connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125 may be referred to as a first branched connector based on the order of connection. The first branched connector may be connected to the cooling ports 161, 164, and 167.

[0050] The first pipe coupling parts 131 of the branched connectors 130 connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125 may be connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125. The second pipe coupling parts 132 of the branched connectors 130 connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125 may be connected to the connecting pipe 150.

[0051] Each of the first pipe coupling portion 131 and the second pipe coupling portion 132 of the branched connector 130 that is not connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125 may be connected to the connecting pipe 150. The branched connector 130 including the first pipe coupling portion 131 and the second pipe coupling portion 132 that are respectively connected to the connecting pipe 150 may also be referred to as a second branched connector based on the connection order. The second branched connector may be connected to the cooling ports 162, 165, and 168.

[0052] The cooling fluid supplied through the first pipe coupling portion 131 of the branched connector 130 connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125 can flow to the second pipe coupling portion 132 and the port coupling portion 133. The cooling fluid flowing in through the port coupling portion 133 of the branched connector 130 connected to the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125 can flow to the first pipe coupling portion 131 and the second pipe coupling portion 132.

[0053] The connecting pipe 150 may include a bent portion. The bend angle θ2 of the connecting pipe 150 may be greater than 90 degrees. The bend angle θ2 of the connecting pipe 150 may be less than 180 degrees. The angle θ1 between the first pipe joint 131 and the second pipe joint 132 may be substantially the same as the bend angle θ2 of the connecting pipe 150.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of directional connectors 140 may include a tubing coupling 141, a port coupling 143, and a port clamp 145. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of directional connectors 140 may have an asymmetric shape about the port coupling 143. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of directional connectors 140 may include only one tubing coupling 141. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of directional connectors 140 may not include a bifurcated structure.

[0055] Including a branched structure here means including two or more outlets for distributing the cooling fluid entering a single inlet, i.e. an element including a branched structure includes three or more paths.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of directional connectors 140 may be configured to transfer the entirety of the fluid that flows into the tubing coupling 141 to the port coupling 143. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of directional connectors 140 may be configured to transfer the entirety of the fluid that flows into the port coupling 143 to the tubing coupling 141. In this way, the fluid that flows into the tubing coupling 141 may flow to the port coupling 143 without being branched, and the fluid that flows through the port coupling 143 may flow to the tubing coupling 141 without being branched.

[0057] The plurality of directional connectors 140 may be spaced apart from the plurality of branched connectors 130 with a connecting pipe 150 therebetween. The plurality of directional connectors 140 may be connected to the connecting pipe 150 that is connected to the second branched connector. The pipe coupling portion 141 of the plurality of directional connectors 140 may be connected to the connecting pipe 150.

[0058] The multiple branched connectors 130 and the connecting pipe 150 may be fixed to each other by an insertion method or a forced fitting method. The multiple directional connectors 140 and the connecting pipe 150 may be fixed to each other by an insertion method or a forced fitting method.

[0059] The cooling ports 161-169 may be connected to the cooling channels 200CH of the heat sink 200. The cooling ports 161-169 may be arranged in sequence. That is, a leading one of the cooling ports 161-169 may be closer to the main pipe 110 in the Y direction than a following one of the cooling ports 161-169. As an example, the cooling port 161 is closer to the main pipe 110 than the cooling port 162.

[0060] The cooling fluid supplied through the plurality of cooling ports 161-169 may flow along the plurality of cooling channels 200CH. The cooling fluid having flowed along the plurality of cooling channels 200CH may be discharged through the plurality of cooling ports 161-169.

[0061] The plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168 may be coupled to the plurality of branched connectors 130. Each of the plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168 may be coupled to a respective port coupling 133 of the plurality of branched connectors 130. Each port coupling 133 of the plurality of branched connectors 130 may be coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168.

[0062] Each of the plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168 may be secured by a respective port clamp 135 of the plurality of branched connectors 130. Each of the port clamps 135 of the plurality of branched connectors 130 may secure a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168. In this way, each of the plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, 168 may not be welded or brazed to the plurality of branched connectors 130.

[0063] The plurality of cooling ports 163, 166, 169 may be coupled to the plurality of directional connectors 140. Each of the plurality of cooling ports 163, 166, 169 may be coupled to a respective port coupling 143 of the plurality of directional connectors 140. Each port coupling 143 of the plurality of directional connectors 140 may be coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports 163, 166, 169.

[0064] Each of the plurality of cooling ports 163, 166, 169 may be secured by a respective port clamp 145 of the plurality of directional connectors 140. Each of the port clamps 145 of the plurality of directional connectors 140 may secure a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports 163, 166, 169. Each of the plurality of cooling ports 163, 166, 169 may not be welded or brazed to the plurality of directional connectors 140.

[0065] Second embodiment FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus 11 for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0066] 5, an apparatus 11 for cooling a battery pack may include a piping assembly 101 and a heat sink 200. The heat sink 200 is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0067] Each of the piping assemblies 101 may include a main piping 110, first to third branch pipings 121, 123, and 125, a plurality of directional connectors 140, a plurality of connecting pipings 150, and a plurality of cooling ports 161 to 169. Each of the piping assemblies 101 of the present embodiment may not include a plurality of branched connectors 130.

[0068] The main pipe 110, the first to third branch pipes 121, 123, 125, the multiple directional connectors 140, the multiple connecting pipes 150, and the multiple cooling ports 161 to 169 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, except for the connection relationships between the multiple directional connectors 140 and the multiple connecting pipes 150.

[0069] The piping assembly 101 may be configured to distribute or collect the cooling fluid according to the cooling design of the device 11 for cooling the battery pack. More specifically, the piping assembly 101 of the present embodiment may be configured with a 3P-3S (Series) design. That is, the cooling ports 161, 162, and 163 connected in series may constitute a first group, the cooling ports 164, 165, and 166 connected in series may constitute a second group, and the cooling ports 167, 168, and 169 connected in series may constitute a third group. The first to third groups may be connected to first to third branch pipes 121, 123, and 125, which are connected in parallel to the main pipe 110, respectively. Thus, the piping assembly 101 may be configured with a 3P-3S design including one level of series connection and one level of parallel connection.

[0070] In this example, the cooling ports 161 to 169 may each be connected to a plurality of directional connectors 140 to form a group connected in series. As an example, the cooling fluid that flows into the cooling port 161 and flows through the cooling channel 200CH may be transferred to the cooling channel 200CH connected to the cooling port 162 by one of the directional connectors 140. The cooling fluid that flows through the cooling channel 200CH connected to the cooling port 162 may be transferred to the cooling channel 200CH connected to the cooling port 163 by another of the directional connectors 140. Thus, the cooling fluid may be discharged from the heat sink 200 after passing through the cooling channel 200CH connected to the cooling port 161, the cooling channel 200CH connected to the cooling port 162, and the cooling channel 200CH connected to the cooling port 163 in sequence.

[0071] The series connection between the cooling ports 164, 165, 166 and the series connection between the cooling ports 167, 168, 169 are similar to the series connection between the cooling ports 161, 162, 163, so that a duplicated description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] Third embodiment FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus 12 for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus 12 for cooling the battery pack may include piping assemblies 102a, 102b and a heat sink 200.

[0074] The heat sink 200 may include a plurality of cooling channels 200CH, similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Among the plurality of cooling channels 200CH, those connected in series may be referred to as first cooling channels, and among the plurality of cooling channels 200CH, those connected in parallel may be referred to as second cooling channels.

[0075] Each of the piping assemblies 102a, 102b may include a main piping 110, first to third branch pipings 121, 123, 125, a plurality of branched connectors 130, a plurality of directional connectors 140, a plurality of connecting pipings 150, and a plurality of cooling ports 161 to 169. The cooling ports 164, 165, 166 may be connected in series with each other, the cooling ports 167, 168, 169 may be connected in series with each other, and the cooling ports 161, 162, 163 may be connected in parallel with each other.

[0076] The configurations and connection relationships of the serially connected cooling ports 164, 165, 166, the serially connected cooling ports 167, 168, 169, and the multiple directional connectors 140 connected thereto are similar to those described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore will not be described again.

[0077] In addition, the configurations and connection relationships of the cooling ports 161, 162, 163 connected in parallel, and the multiple branched connectors 130 and multiple directional connectors 140 connected thereto are similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, so duplicated explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0078] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus 13 for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0079] 7, the device 13 for cooling a battery pack may include a piping assembly 103 and a heat sink 200. The heat sink 200 is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0080] Each of the piping assemblies 103 may include a main piping 110, a plurality of branched connectors 130, a directional connector 140, a plurality of connecting piping 150, and a plurality of cooling ports 161-169. Each of the piping assemblies 103 of this embodiment may not include a branch piping connected to the main piping 110. The plurality of cooling ports 161-169 of the piping assembly 103 of this embodiment may be connected in parallel.

[0081] Each of the cooling ports 161-168 may be connected to each of the plurality of branched connectors 130. The plurality of connecting pipes 150 may connect adjacent ones of the plurality of branched connectors 130 to each other, or may connect the plurality of connectors 130 to the directional connector 140. The cooling port 169 may be connected to the directional connector 140. Thus, each of the piping assemblies 103 may be configured with a 9P design (or a 9P-1S design) including one level of parallel connection.

[0082] Fifth embodiment FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus 14 for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0083] 8, the apparatus 14 for cooling a battery pack may include a piping assembly 104 and a heat sink 200. The heat sink 200 is substantially similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0084] Each of the piping assemblies 104 may include a main piping 110, a directional connector 140, a plurality of connecting piping 150, and a plurality of cooling ports 161-169. Each of the piping assemblies 104 of the present embodiment may not include a branch piping connected to the main piping 110. Each of the piping assemblies 104 of the present embodiment may not include a branched connector. The plurality of cooling ports 161-169 of the piping assembly 104 of the present embodiment may be connected in series with each other.

[0085] The cooling ports 161-169 may be connected to a plurality of directional connectors 140. The plurality of connecting pipes 150 may connect adjacent ones of the plurality of directional connectors 140. This may form a path for the cooling fluid that passes through the cooling ports 161-169 in sequence. Thus, each of the pipe assemblies 104 may be configured with a 9S design (or a 9S-1S design) including one level of parallel connection.

[0086] Sixth embodiment FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus 15 for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0087] According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 15 for cooling the battery pack may include system piping SP, a piping assembly 100, and a heat sink 200. The apparatus 15 for cooling the battery pack may be a dual cooling system.

[0088] 1-4, except that the piping assembly 100 and the heat sink 200 are arranged in a double layer. The system piping SP may supply cooling fluid to the piping assembly 100 or discharge cooling fluid transmitted through the piping assembly 100.

[0089] The lower one of the heat sinks 200 may be a support plate configured to support a heat source (e.g., multiple battery cell assemblies), and the upper one of the heat sinks 200 may be an upper cooling device disposed above and covering the heat source (e.g., multiple battery cell assemblies).

[0090] Those skilled in the art may easily arrive at an embodiment in which each of the four piping assemblies 100 in the device 15 for cooling a battery pack in FIG. 9 is replaced with any one of the piping assembly 101 in FIG. 5, the piping assemblies 102a and 102b in FIG. 6, the piping assembly 103 in FIG. 7, and the piping assembly 104 in FIG. 8. Those skilled in the art may also understand that the piping assemblies disposed on both ends of the heat sink 200 may have different connection relationships with each other. As an example, the piping assembly 100 in FIG. 1 may be connected to the inlet of the heat sink 200, and the piping assembly 101 in FIG. 5 may be connected to the outlet of the heat sink 200.

[0091] The present invention has been described in more detail above through the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not fully represent the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10. Battery pack cooling device 11. Battery pack cooling device 12 Battery pack cooling device 13 Battery pack cooling device 14 Battery pack cooling device 15 Battery pack cooling device 100 Piping Assembly 101 Piping Assembly 102a Piping Assembly 102b Piping Assembly 103 Piping Assembly 104 Piping Assembly 110 Main piping 121 First branch pipe 121P First branch point 123 Second branch pipe 123P 2nd branch point 125 3rd branch pipe 125P 3rd Junction 130 Connector 131 1st piping joint 132 2nd piping joint 133 Port Junction 135 Port Clamp 140 Directional Connector 141 Piping joint 143 Port Junction 145 Port Clamp 150 Connecting piping 161 Cooling port 162 Cooling port 163 Cooling port 164 Cooling Port 165 Cooling Port 166 Cooling Port 167 Cooling Port 168 Cooling Port 169 Cooling Port 200 Heatsink 200CH Cooling Channel

Claims

1. a heat sink including a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink, The piping assembly includes: The main pipe and a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe connected to the main pipe, the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe being farther from the heat sink than a second branch pipe which is a connection point between the second branch pipe and the main pipe; a plurality of branched connectors connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe; A plurality of connecting pipes connected to the plurality of branched connectors; a plurality of directional connectors spaced apart from the plurality of branched connectors by interposing the plurality of connecting pipes therebetween and connected to the plurality of connecting pipes; a plurality of cooling ports connecting the plurality of bifurcated connectors and the plurality of directional connectors to the plurality of cooling channels.

2. 2. The apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of branched connectors and each of the plurality of directional connectors includes a port clamp that secures the plurality of cooling ports.

3. 3. The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of branched connectors and the plurality of directional connectors includes a port coupling portion coupled to the plurality of cooling ports.

4. Each of the plurality of branched connectors includes a first pipe coupling portion and a second pipe coupling portion; Each of the first pipe coupling portions is connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the second pipe couplings is connected to the plurality of connecting pipes.

5. Each of the plurality of connecting pipes includes a bent portion, 5. The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 4, wherein an angle between the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe is the same as an angle of the bent portion of each of the plurality of connecting pipes.

6. The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of directional connectors includes a branch pipe connected to the plurality of connecting pipes.

7. 7. The apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of directional connectors includes only one tubing connection.

8. The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein a length of the first branch pipe in the second direction is longer than a length of the second branch pipe in the second direction.

9. each of the plurality of branched connectors includes a port coupling portion coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports; The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of branched connectors has a symmetrical shape with respect to the port coupling portion.

10. each of the plurality of directional connectors includes a port coupling portion coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports; The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of directional connectors has an asymmetric shape with respect to the port coupling portion.

11. a heat sink including a plurality of cooling channels connected in series with each other; a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink; The piping assembly includes: a plurality of cooling ports coupled to the plurality of cooling channels; a plurality of directional connectors including a port coupling portion coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports, a port clamp for fixing the corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports, and a piping coupling portion; The piping coupling portions of each of the plurality of directional connectors are connected to a connecting pipe, and an apparatus for cooling a battery pack is provided.

12. a heat sink including a plurality of cooling channels connected in parallel to each other; a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink; The piping assembly includes: a plurality of cooling ports coupled to the plurality of cooling channels; a port coupling portion connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports, a port clamp that fixes the corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports, and a branched connector including a first piping coupling portion and a second piping coupling portion.

13. a heat sink including a plurality of first cooling channels connected in series with each other and a plurality of second cooling channels connected in parallel with each other; a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink; The piping assembly includes: a plurality of directional connectors coupled to the plurality of first cooling channels, the directional connectors including tubing connections; a branched connector connected to any one of the plurality of second cooling channels and including a first pipe coupling portion and a second pipe coupling portion; a plurality of connecting pipes connected to any one of the pipe coupling portion, the first pipe coupling portion, and the second pipe coupling portion.

14. The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 13 , wherein the pipe coupling portions of each of the plurality of directional connectors are connected to each other via one of the plurality of connecting pipes.

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