Apparatus for cooling battery pack

Abstract

To provide a device for cooling a battery pack with improved reliability.SOLUTION: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for cooling a battery pack is provided. The apparatus includes a heat sink and a plumbing assembly coupled to the heat sink. The pipe assembly includes a main pipe, first and second branch pipes, a plurality of branched connectors, a plurality of directional connectors, a plurality of connection pipes, and a cooling port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for cooling a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2022-0167119, filed December 2, 2022, and Korean Application No. 10-2023-0035244, filed March 17, 2023, which are incorporated herein 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, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries. As the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] As secondary batteries are increasingly used in mobility, there are growing demands for the safety of these batteries. Research into technologies to enhance the safety of secondary batteries is essential, as a fire or other accident involving a secondary battery used in a mobility vehicle could put the driver's life at risk. In particular, cooling technology to maintain the temperature of a secondary battery during operation is directly linked not only to the stability of the battery, but also to its lifespan and performance, so much research is being conducted on cooling technologies for secondary batteries. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the technical idea 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 to solve the above-mentioned 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 branched 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] The first pipe joints are connected to the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, respectively.

[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 curved portion, and an angle between the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe is the same as an angle of the curved 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 to one another; and a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink, the piping assembly including a plurality of cooling ports connected to the plurality of cooling channels, a plurality of directional connectors including port couplings connected to corresponding ones of the plurality of cooling ports, port clamps for fixing the corresponding ones of the plurality of cooling ports, and piping couplings, the piping couplings of each of the plurality of directional connectors being coupled to a connecting pipe.

[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 connected in parallel to one another; and a piping assembly coupled to the heat sink, the piping assembly including a plurality of cooling ports connected to the plurality of cooling channels, a port coupling coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of cooling ports, a port clamp for fixing the corresponding ones of the plurality of cooling ports, and 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 connected to the plurality of first cooling channels and including piping couplings, a bifurcated connector connected to any one of the plurality of second cooling channels and including a first piping coupling and a second piping coupling, and a plurality of connecting pipes connected to any one of the piping couplings, the first piping coupling, and the second piping coupling.

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

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

[0025] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood from the following description by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong. In other words, 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 explanation 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. [Figure 2] 2 shows the branched connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] The directional connector of Figure 1 is shown. [Figure 4] The connecting pipes of Figure 1 are shown. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment; [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment; [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment; [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment; [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments 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 concepts of the terms to best describe his own invention.

[0028] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments 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] Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known structures or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and therefore the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically 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 , an apparatus 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) through 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 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 one another 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 the cooling design of the device 10 for cooling a battery pack. The piping assembly 100 of this embodiment may be configured in a 3P (Parallel)-3P (Parallel) design. That is, the cooling ports 161, 162, and 163 connected in parallel may form a first group, the cooling ports 164, 165, and 166 connected in parallel may form a second group, and the cooling ports 167, 168, and 169 connected in parallel may form 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. As a result, 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 into the heat sink 200, and the other of the piping assemblies 100 may correspond to the discharge of cooling fluid from 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 based on discharging cooling fluid is substantially the same as the relationship between each element of the piping assembly 100 described based on supplying cooling fluid, except for the direction of fluid flow. Therefore, even when each specific element of the piping assembly 100 is described based on 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 based on the other one of supplying or 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 from the heat sink 200). Piping of various routes and designs may be provided between the main piping 110 and the cooling fluid source.

[0043] The main pipe 110 may be connected to 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 joined to the main pipe 110 by methods such as welding and brazing.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first branch point 121P, which is the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 uniform cooling of the heat sink 200.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of 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. As a result, 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 also 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 portions 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 portions 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 order of connection. 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] Here, including a branched structure means including two or more outlets for distributing the cooling fluid that enters 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 entire fluid that flows into the piping coupling 141 to the port coupling 143. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of directional connectors 140 may be configured to transfer the entire fluid that flows into the port coupling 143 to the piping coupling 141. In this way, the fluid that flows into the piping 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 piping coupling 141 without being branched.

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

[0058] The branched connectors 130 and the connecting pipe 150 may be fixed to each other by an insertion method or a forced fitting method. The 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 sequentially. 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. For 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 can flow along the plurality of cooling channels 200CH. The cooling fluid that has flowed along the plurality of cooling channels 200CH can be discharged through the plurality of cooling ports 161-169.

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

[0062] Each of the plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, and 168 may be secured by a respective port clamp 135 of the plurality of branched connectors 130. Each port clamp 135 of the plurality of branched connectors 130 may secure a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, and 168. This may prevent each of the plurality of cooling ports 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, and 168 from being 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 portion 143 of the plurality of directional connectors 140. Each port coupling portion 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 port clamp 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.

[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 this 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 cooling fluid according to the cooling design of the device 11 that cools the battery pack. More specifically, the piping assembly 101 of this embodiment may be configured in 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 in 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 series-connected group. For 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 via 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 via another of the directional connectors 140. As a result, the cooling fluid may be discharged from the heat sink 200 after sequentially 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.

[0071] The series connection of the cooling ports 164, 165, 166 and the series connection between the cooling ports 167, 168, 169 are similar to the series connection of the cooling ports 161, 162, 163, so 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 device 12 for cooling the battery pack may include piping assemblies 102 a , 102 b 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. The cooling channels 200CH connected in series may be referred to as first cooling channels, and the cooling channels 200CH 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, and 166, the serially connected cooling ports 167, 168, and 169, and the multiple directional connectors 140 connected thereto are similar to those described with reference to FIG. 5, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] Furthermore, 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 a device 13 for cooling a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0079] 7, the device 13 for cooling the 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.

[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 a corresponding one 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. As a result, each of the piping assemblies 103 may be configured with a 9P design (or a 9P-1S design) including one layer 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 device 14 for cooling a battery pack may include a piping assembly 104 and a heat sink 200. The heat sink 200 is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIGS.

[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 this embodiment may not include a branch piping connected to the main piping 110. Each of the piping assemblies 104 of this embodiment may not include a branched connector. The plurality of cooling ports 161-169 of the piping assembly 104 of this 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. This may allow each of the pipe assemblies 104 to be configured in a 9S design (or a 9S-1S design) that includes 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 device 15 for cooling the battery pack may include system piping SP, a piping assembly 100, and a heat sink 200. The device 15 for cooling the battery pack may be a dual cooling system.

[0088] 1 to 4, except that the piping assembly 100 and the heat sink 200 are arranged in a double layer. The system piping SP can 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 that is placed on top of the heat source (e.g., multiple battery cell assemblies) and covers the heat source (e.g., multiple battery cell assemblies).

[0090] Those skilled in the art can easily realize an embodiment in which each of the four piping assemblies 100 in the device 15 for cooling a battery pack of FIG. 9 is replaced with any one of the piping assembly 101 of FIG. 5, the piping assemblies 102a and 102b of FIG. 6, the piping assembly 103 of FIG. 7, and the piping assembly 104 of FIG. 8. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the piping assemblies disposed on each end of the heat sink 200 can have different connection relationships with each other. For example, the piping assembly 100 of FIG. 1 can be connected to the inlet of the heat sink 200, and the piping assembly 101 of FIG. 5 can 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 represent all of 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 Second Branch Point 125 Third 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 channels

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, 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 spaced apart from the plurality of branched connectors and connected to the plurality of connecting pipes; a plurality of cooling ports connecting the plurality of branched connectors and the plurality of directional connectors to the plurality of cooling channels.

2. 2. The device 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 coupling portions is connected to the plurality of connecting pipes.

5. each of the plurality of connecting pipes includes a bent portion; 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 piping coupling.

8. The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, 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; 3. The device for cooling a battery pack according to claim 1, 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, each including a port coupling portion connected 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 pipe coupling portion of each of the plurality of directional connectors is connected to a connecting pipe, and the device for cooling a battery pack.

12. a heat sink including a plurality of cooling channels connected in parallel 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 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 piping connections; a branched connector connected to any one of the plurality of second cooling channels, the branched connector 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 the plurality of directional connectors are connected to each other via one of the plurality of connecting pipes.

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