Heatsink Assembly

Abstract

The disclosed heat sink assembly includes a heat sink having a plurality of ribs integrally molded along its internal longitudinal direction, the spaces between the ribs forming a flow channel, and having first and second surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction that are open; and a first end plug and a second end plug that close the first and second surfaces at both ends of the heat sink, respectively, wherein the first end plug includes an inner end plug that closes a portion of the first surface and includes a cut-out flow channel formed along the width direction; and an outer end plug that closes both the cut-out flow channel of the inner end plug and the remaining first surfaces on both sides that are not closed by the inner end plug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat sink assembly that forms the bottom surface of a battery pack equipped with a plurality of secondary batteries or is attached to the bottom surface to promote heat dissipation of the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0126561 filed on September 21, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and have been actively researched and developed in recent years due to the potential for miniaturization and increased capacity. With the increasing development of technology and demand for mobile devices, as well as the emergence of electric vehicles and energy storage systems in line with the contemporary requirements of environmental protection, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has been increasing even more rapidly.

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into coin-type batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch-type batteries according to the shape of the battery case. The electrode assembly mounted inside the battery case in a secondary battery is a power generation element capable of charge and discharge, which consists of a laminated structure of electrodes and a separator.

[0005] Since secondary batteries are required to be used continuously for a long period of time, it is necessary to effectively control the heat generated during the charge and discharge process. If the cooling of the secondary battery is not carried out smoothly, an increase in temperature causes an increase in current, and the increase in current causes a positive feedback chain reaction that again causes an increase in temperature, ultimately leading to a catastrophic state of thermal runaway.

[0006] To effectively dissipate the heat generated by secondary batteries, heat sinks (also called cooling plates) with flowing coolants are widely used. Heat sinks are mounted on the bottom of a group of secondary batteries, such as a battery pack containing many secondary batteries, and perform a cooling function by absorbing the heat generated inside the pack with a coolant and releasing it to the outside.

[0007] Heat sinks can be divided into brazed heat sinks and extruded heat sinks depending on their structure or manufacturing method. Brazed heat sinks have a structure in which two plate materials are brazed together to form a flow channel. While this offers a high degree of freedom in flow channel design, it has the disadvantage of having poor structural rigidity due to the deterioration of the material's physical properties. In contrast, extruded heat sinks, which are manufactured as a continuous body by extrusion molding, have an advantage in structural rigidity, but only straight flow channels can be realized, resulting in many ports, which in turn means that pipes for connecting them occupy space. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a heat sink assembly that does not require a separate pipe for flow path formation, occupies less space, and can improve differential pressure by reducing the number of parts with a simplified flow path configuration.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a heat sink assembly that can evenly distribute the flow rate of refrigerant through the inlet channel and the outlet channel, reduce the number of parts, and allow for a close arrangement of the inlet port and outlet port, thereby simplifying the external piping.

[0010] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by an ordinary person of the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention relates to a heat sink assembly, in one example, comprising a heat sink having a plurality of ribs integrally molded along the internal longitudinal direction, the spaces between the ribs forming a flow channel, and first and second surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction being open; and first and second end plugs that close the first and second surfaces at both ends of the heat sink, respectively, wherein the first end plug includes an inner end plug that closes a portion of the first surface and includes a cut-out flow channel formed along the width direction; and an outer end plug that closes both the cut-out flow channel of the inner end plug and the remaining first surfaces on both sides that are not closed by the inner end plug.

[0012] The incised channel of the inner end plug connects the channels on both sides whose first surfaces are not closed by the inner end plug.

[0013] The channel whose first surface is closed by the inner end plug forms an inlet channel, and the channel whose first surface is closed by the outer end plug forms an outlet channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the second end plug forms a return channel along the second surface, which is converted from the inlet channel to the outlet channel.

[0015] An inlet port can be positioned on a heat sink whose first surface is closed by the inner end plug described above, and an outlet port can be positioned on the cut-out channel of the inner end plug.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink may include a center heat sink unit, inlet heat sink units joined to both sides of the center heat sink unit, and outlet heat sink units joined to both sides of the inlet heat sink unit.

[0017] As a result, the inner end plug is connected to the first surface of the center heat sink unit and the inlet heat sink unit, and the cut channel is exposed at the open end of the inner end plug.

[0018] The open ends of the inner end plugs can be aligned with respect to the first surface of the outlet heatsink unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the above-mentioned center heat sink unit may be equipped with an inlet channel.

[0020] Furthermore, the number of inlet channels provided in the center heat sink unit and the inlet heat sink unit can correspond to the number of outlet channels provided in the outlet heat sink unit.

[0021] For example, the number of inlet channels and the number of outlet channels located on either side of the center heatsink unit, with respect to the center of the center heatsink unit, may be the same.

[0022] Furthermore, an inlet port can be positioned in the center of the aforementioned center heatsink unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The heat sink assembly of the present invention, having the above configuration, allows for easy configuration of cooling channels divided into inlets and outlets by machining both longitudinal ends of the flow channels integrally formed in the heat sink and closing the open surfaces with end plugs.

[0024] Furthermore, the heat sink assembly of the present invention can also ensure excellent structural rigidity because the heat sink is manufactured as a continuous body by extrusion molding.

[0025] In addition, the heat sink assembly of the present invention can merge two outlet channels that are split and arranged on both sides into one by processing the inner end plug to form a cut channel for the outlet channel, thereby enabling the outlet port to be configured as one. Further, since the outlet port is located on the inner end plug, it can be brought closer to the inlet port, thus simplifying the external piping.

[0026] However, the technical effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0027] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a drawing showing a heat sink assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the heat sink assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a drawing showing the flow path structure of the heat sink assembly. [Figure 4] It is a drawing showing the inner end plug and the outer end plug. [Figure 5] It is a drawing showing a heat sink assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view of the heat sink assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a drawing showing an enlarged view of the "A" part of FIG. 5.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] The present invention can be modified in various ways and may have a variety of embodiments; therefore, specific embodiments are described in detail below.

[0030] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to any particular embodiment, but rather should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0031] In the present invention, terms such as "includes" and "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, without prejudice to the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Furthermore, in this invention, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on top" of another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where another part is located in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly below" the other part, but also the case where another part is located in between. Also, in this application, being "placed on top" may include being placed not only at the top but also at the bottom.

[0033] The present invention relates to a heat sink assembly, in one example, comprising a heat sink having a plurality of ribs integrally molded along the internal longitudinal direction, the spaces between the ribs forming a flow channel, and first and second surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction being open; and first and second end plugs that close the first and second surfaces at both ends of the heat sink, respectively, wherein the first end plug includes an inner end plug that closes a portion of the first surface and includes a cut-out flow channel formed along the width direction; and an outer end plug that closes both the cut-out flow channel of the inner end plug and the remaining first surfaces on both sides that are not closed by the inner end plug.

[0034] The heat sink assembly of the present invention, having the above configuration, allows for easy configuration of cooling channels divided into inlets and outlets by machining both longitudinal ends of the flow channels integrally formed in the heat sink and closing the open surfaces with end plugs.

[0035] Furthermore, the heat sink assembly of the present invention can also ensure excellent structural rigidity because the heat sink is manufactured as a continuous body by extrusion molding.

[0036] Furthermore, the heat sink assembly of the present invention allows two outlet channels, which are separated and arranged on both sides, to merge into one by processing the inner end plug to form a cut channel for the outlet channel, thereby enabling the configuration of a single outlet port. In addition, since the outlet port is located on the inner end plug, it can be brought closer to the inlet port, thus simplifying the external piping.

[0037] Specific embodiments of the heat sink assembly 10 of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. For reference, the front-to-back and up-down-left-right directions used in the following description to specify relative positions are for the purpose of aiding the understanding of the invention, and unless otherwise defined, the directions shown in the drawings are used as the reference.

[0038] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a drawing showing a heat sink assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heat sink assembly 10 of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a drawing showing in detail the flow path 140 structure of the heat sink assembly 10.

[0039] The heat sink assembly 10 of the present invention includes a heat sink 100 having a pair of open surfaces facing each other, and a pair of end plugs 200, namely a first end plug 210 and a second end plug 220. The open surfaces of the heat sink 100 are the surfaces located at both ends in the longitudinal direction L, and for convenience of explanation, the two open surfaces are referred to as the first surface 120 and the second surface 130, respectively. Here, the longitudinal direction L is defined as the direction in which the multiple flow channels 140, which are hollow portions, extend, and the width direction W is defined as the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L on a plane in which the multiple flow channels 140 are spaced apart.

[0040] Multiple flow channels 140 through which the refrigerant flows are hollow sections formed along the longitudinal direction L, and the flow channels 140 are separated from each other by ribs 110. The first surface 120 and the second surface 130 at both ends of the longitudinal direction L of the heat sink 100 are open. The heat sink 100 can be manufactured as an extruded product in which the multiple flow channels 140 are integrally molded along the longitudinal direction L inside by extrusion molding. In this specification, a heat sink 100 manufactured by extrusion molding is shown as an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] The first end plug 210 and the second end plug 220 each close the open first surface 120 and second surface 130 at both ends of the heat sink 100, and organically connect the multiple flow channels 140 that are separated from each other inside the heat sink 100 to form a coolant inflow and outflow path. The coolant inflow and outflow path formed by the first end plug 210 and the second end plug 220 will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 7.

[0042] Here, the illustrated embodiment presents a heat sink 100 as an example, which has a structure in which both ends in the longitudinal direction L are open due to the characteristics of the extruded product. However, even in the case of a heat sink 100 that is not manufactured by extrusion molding, if the heat sink 100 has a structure in which both ends in the longitudinal direction L to which the multiple flow channels 140 extend form open surfaces, it would be possible to configure the heat sink assembly 10 of the present invention in the same manner in which the first end plug 210 and the second end plug 220 are connected to the open surfaces at both ends.

[0043] Figure 3 specifically shows the structure of the flow channels 140 inside the heat sink assembly 10. Multiple flow channels 140 extend in the longitudinal direction L between the first surface 120 and the second surface 130, with both ends separated from the first surface 120 and the second surface 130 by a predetermined distance. The distance at which the flow channels 140 separate from the first surface 120 and the second surface 130 can be freely designed by machining, which mechanically removes the ribs 110 that partition the hollow flow channels 140. By machining to remove a portion of the ends of the ribs 110, a space (depth) into which the end plugs 200 are inserted is secured.

[0044] The first end plug 210 and the second end plug 220 close the open first surface 120 and second surface 130 at both ends of the heat sink 100, respectively. The end plug 200 has an insertion portion 230 of a thickness and width suitable for being bonded to the first surface 120 and second surface 130 of the heat sink 100. The end plug 200 inserted into the heat sink 100 can be sealed by welding, for example, friction stir welding. For example, if the welding depths of friction stir welding performed separately on the upper and lower surfaces of the heat sink 100 are made to overlap, welded surfaces are formed on all four sides of the end plug 200, thereby completing the sealing of the heat sink 100 by the end plug 200.

[0045] The first end plug 210 that seals the first surface 120 of the heat sink 100 consists of an inner end plug 212 and an outer end plug 218. Figure 4 shows the inner end plug 212 and the outer end plug 218, and Figures 2 and 3 show the coupling structure of the inner end plug 212 and the outer end plug 218.

[0046] The inner end plug 212 closes a portion of the first surface 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end plug 212 is coupled to the central region of the first surface 120. On the opposite side of the insertion portion 230 that closes the first surface 120, in other words, the open end of the inner end plug 212 is provided with a cutting channel 214 formed along the width direction W.

[0047] The heatsink 100 has a slot 150 that defines the position into which the inner end plug 212 is inserted. The width of the slot 150 corresponds to the width of the inner end plug 212, and the open end of the inner end plug 212 faces outward. This exposes the cut channel 214 formed in the inner end plug 212 to the outside. The cut channel 214 is also aligned with the remaining first surface 120 that the inner end plug 212 does not close. As a result, the cut channel 214 of the inner end plug 212 and the remaining first surface 120 that is not closed by the inner end plug 212 are together closed by the outer end plug 218.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, the depth of the incised channel 214 formed in the inner end plug 212 is longer than the length of the insertion portion 230 of the outer end plug 218. Therefore, the mutual connection between the inner end plug 212 and the outer end plug 218 creates a sealed incised channel 214 that penetrates in the width direction W within the inner end plug 212. A space is formed between the outer end plug 218 and the first surface 120 of the heat sink 100 through which the coolant can flow. As a result, the incised channel 214 of the inner end plug 212 connects the channels on both sides that are not closed off by the first surface 120.

[0049] In this heat sink assembly 10, the flow path closed off the first surface 120 by the inner end plug 212 forms the inlet flow path 142, and the flow path closed off the first surface 120 by the outer end plug 218 forms the outlet flow path 144. The second end plug 220 that closes off the second surface 130 forms a return flow path 146 along the second surface 130, which is converted from the inlet flow path 142 to the outlet flow path 144. In other words, the refrigerant flowing through the inlet flow path 142 flows through the return flow path 146 on the second surface 130 to the outlet flow paths 144 on both sides, and flows out to the outside from the end of the outlet flow path 144 on the first surface 120.

[0050] In particular, in the heat sink assembly 10 of the present invention, the outlet channels 144 on both sides are connected by the cut channel 214 of the inner end plug 212. That is, the refrigerant flowing through the outlet channels 144 on both sides merges into one at the cut channel 214 of the inner end plug 212. Therefore, even if the outlet channels 144 are separated on both sides of the inlet channel 142, the heat sink assembly 10 of the present invention is sufficient to have only one outlet port 310, which is an outlet for the refrigerant to be discharged to the outside, at an appropriate location on the first surface 120.

[0051] Since multiple flow paths 140 extend in the longitudinal direction L, and the first surface 120 and the second surface 130 are sealed by the first end plug 210 and the second end plug 220, the refrigerant can be configured to flow over the entire heat transfer area of ​​the heat sink assembly 10 by appropriately selecting the positions of the ports 300 and 310 through which the refrigerant flows in and out. Consideration here is that, in order to simplify the external piping, it is advantageous to have a small number of ports 300 and 310 through which the refrigerant flows in and out, and that the inlet port 300 and outlet port 310 be located close together.

[0052] The heat sink assembly 10 of the present invention has an inlet port 300 positioned on a heat sink 100 whose first surface 120 is closed by an inner end plug 212, and an outlet port 310 positioned on the cut channel 214 of the inner end plug 212. In particular, it is possible to have only one inlet port 300 and one outlet port 310 for a single heat sink assembly 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, it is possible to densely arrange both the inlet port 300 and the outlet port 310 around the inner end plug 212.

[0053] Thus, the heat sink assembly 10 of the present invention, by forming an incised channel 214 in the inner end plug 212 that closes a portion of the first surface 120 to form an inlet channel 142, can merge two outlet channels 144 that are separated and arranged on both sides of the inlet channel 142 into one, thereby enabling the outlet port 310 to be configured as a single unit. Furthermore, since the outlet port 310 can be positioned on the inner end plug 212 and brought closer to the inlet port 300, the external piping can be simplified.

[0054] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a drawing showing a heat sink assembly 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the heat sink assembly 10 of Figure 5, and Figure 7 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of portion "A" of Figure 5.

[0055] The heat sink assembly 10 of the second embodiment shown in the illustration is equivalent to that of the first embodiment described above in its basic flow path configuration. However, the second embodiment takes into consideration the ease of manufacturing, expandability, and ease of design modification of the heat sink 100.

[0056] The heat sink assembly 10 described in the first embodiment is intended for an integrated heat sink 100. That is, the first embodiment relates to an embodiment in which an internal flow path is formed by processing a heat sink 100 manufactured as a single extruded product and joining a first end plug 210 and a second end plug 220. In contrast, the second embodiment relates to an embodiment in which a single heat sink 100 is formed as a structure by joining a plurality of heat sink units 102, 104, and 106.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the heat sink 100 has a structure in which multiple heat sink units 102, 104, and 106 are joined together. The illustrated embodiment consists of a center heat sink unit 102, inlet heat sink units 104 joined to both sides of the center heat sink unit 102, and outlet heat sink units 106 joined to both sides of the inlet heat sink units 104.

[0058] Since a single heat sink 100 is formed by joining multiple heat sink units 102, 104, and 106 along the width direction W, the heat sink 100 can be configured in a variety of ways by combining the number and / or specifications (for example, different specifications such as width and length) of the heat sink units 102, 104, and 106. In other words, manufacturing becomes easier by processing and handling the heat sink in unit units, and not only is design modification easy, but it also offers excellent scalability to large areas.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the heat sink assembly 10 has an inner end plug 212 coupled to the first surface 120 of the center heat sink unit 102 and the inlet heat sink unit 104, with a cut channel 214 exposed at the open end (opposite the coupling end) of the inner end plug 212. The length of the outlet heat sink unit 106 is longer than that of the center heat sink unit 102 and the inlet heat sink unit 104 by the length of the inner end plug 212. This allows the open end of the inner end plug 212 to be aligned with the first surface 120 of the outlet heat sink unit 106. Therefore, in the second embodiment, there is no need to separately machine a slot 150 for coupling the inner end plug 212 to a single heat sink.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, which is an enlarged view of section "A" in Figure 5, the inlet flow path 142 can be provided not only in the inlet heat sink unit 104 but also in the center heat sink unit 102. The center heat sink unit 102 can have a solid structure to which various structures of the pack case built on the heat sink assembly 10 can be fixed, such as a center beam (not shown), and an inlet flow path 142 can be added close to the side of the center heat sink unit 102. In Figure 7, one inlet flow path 142 is formed on each side of the center heat sink unit 102.

[0061] Here, the number of inlet channels 142 provided in the center heat sink unit 102 and the inlet heat sink unit 104 can correspond to the number of outlet channels 144 provided in the outlet heat sink unit 106. For example, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 7, the number of inlet channels 142 and the number of outlet channels 144 located on either side of the center heat sink unit 102, with respect to the center of the center heat sink unit 102, may be the same. In this way, by arranging the inlet channels 142 and outlet channels 144 evenly and symmetrically, it is possible to induce uniform and rapid heat dissipation across the entire heat dissipation area of ​​the heat sink assembly 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the inlet port 300 can be positioned at the center of the center heat sink unit 102. The inlet port 300, located at the symmetrical center of the flow path arrangement, can equalize the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet flow paths 142, which are separated on both sides. As a result, the heat sink assembly 10 can exhibit uniform cooling performance that is not biased towards any particular area.

[0063] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 10: Heatsink Assembly 100: Heatsink 102: Center heatsink unit 104: Inlet Heatsink Unit 106: Outlet Heatsink Unit 110: Rib 120: 1st page 130:Second side 140: Flow channel 142: Inlet channel 144: Outlet channel 146: Return channel 150: Slot 200: End plug 210: First end plug 212: Inner End Plug 214: Incision channel 218: Outer end plug 220: Second end plug 230: Insertion part 300: Inlet port 310: Outlet Port L: Long direction W: width direction

Claims

1. A heat sink in which multiple ribs are integrally molded along the longitudinal direction of the interior, the spaces between the ribs form a flow path, and the first and second surfaces at both ends in the longitudinal direction are open. First end plugs and second end plugs that close the first and second surfaces at both ends of the heat sink, respectively. Includes, The first end plug is, An inner end plug that closes a portion of the first surface and includes an incision channel formed along the width direction, A heat sink assembly comprising an outer end plug that closes both the cut channel of the inner end plug and the remaining first surfaces on both sides that are not closed by the inner end plug.

2. The cutting channel of the inner end plug is The heat sink assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner end plug connects the flow paths on both sides that are not closed off by the first surface.

3. The flow path whose first surface is closed by the inner end plug forms an inlet flow path. The heat sink assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow path closed by the outer end plug on the first surface forms an outlet flow path.

4. The second end plug is, The heat sink assembly according to claim 3, wherein a return channel is formed along the second surface that converts from the inlet channel to the outlet channel.

5. An inlet port is located on the heat sink, the first surface of which is closed by the inner end plug. The heat sink assembly according to claim 2, wherein the outlet port is located on the cut channel of the inner end plug.

6. The aforementioned heatsink is Center heatsink unit, Inlet heat sink units are joined to both sides of the aforementioned center heat sink unit, The heat sink assembly according to claim 2 or 5, further comprising outlet heat sink units joined to both sides of the inlet heat sink unit.

7. The inner end plug is connected to the first surface of the center heat sink unit and the inlet heat sink unit. The heat sink assembly according to claim 6, wherein the cut channel is exposed at the open end of the inner end plug.

8. The heat sink assembly according to claim 7, wherein the open end of the inner end plug is aligned with respect to the first surface of the outlet heat sink unit.

9. The aforementioned center heatsink unit is The heat sink assembly according to claim 6, comprising an inlet channel.

10. The number of inlet passages provided in the center heat sink unit and the inlet heat sink unit is: The heat sink assembly according to claim 9, corresponding to the number of outlet channels provided in the aforementioned outlet heat sink unit.

11. With respect to the center of the aforementioned center heatsink unit, The heat sink assembly according to claim 10, wherein the number of inlet channels located on either side of the center heat sink unit is the same as the number of outlet channels.

12. The heat sink assembly according to claim 11, wherein an inlet port is located at the center of the center heat sink unit.

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