Cooling device and battery pack including it

Abstract

A cooling device according to some embodiments includes a heat sink comprising a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of hollows extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The block includes the above heat sink, The above block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on the side closer to the heatsink and on the side further away from the heatsink. Each of the above multiple first holes overlaps with the corresponding cooling channel in the above first direction. Each of the above multiple second holes overlaps with the corresponding one among the above multiple hollows in the first direction. Each of the above cooling channels may contain two or more subchannels. Some embodiments of the present invention allow for rapid cooling of the battery. This improves battery stability and enables rapid charging of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device and a battery pack including the same.

[0002] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority under Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0109828 filed on August 16, 2024, and the entire contents of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0109828 are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

Background Art

[0003] To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions, interest in secondary batteries that can be repeatedly used for a long time through recharging is growing. Secondary batteries are used in various fields such as vehicles, portable electronic devices, and ESS (Energy Storage System). Accordingly, various technologies that can enhance the stability of secondary batteries are being researched. In particular, when a thermal runaway event occurs in a secondary battery, it may lead to serious accidents such as fire and explosion, so the operating temperature of the secondary battery must be maintained at an appropriate level. In addition, if the operating temperature of the secondary battery deviates from the appropriate level, it will adversely affect the performance of the secondary battery such as service life and capacity. For this reason, numerous studies on cooling technologies for secondary batteries have been conducted.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the technical idea of the present invention is to provide a battery cooling technology.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Some embodiments of the present invention capable of solving the above problems are as follows.

[0006] A cooling device according to some embodiments includes a heat sink comprising a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of hollows extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The block includes the above heat sink, The above block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on the side closer to the heatsink and on the side further away from the heatsink. Each of the above multiple first holes overlaps with the corresponding cooling channel in the above first direction. Each of the above multiple second holes overlaps with the corresponding one among the above multiple hollows in the first direction. Each of the above cooling channels may contain two or more subchannels.

[0007] In some embodiments, each of the multiple cooling channels and each of the multiple hollows may be alternately located in the second direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the multiple connectors can be inserted into a corresponding of the multiple first holes.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the multiple connecting members can be inserted into a corresponding of the multiple second holes.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the multiple connecting members can be inserted into a corresponding of the multiple hollows.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the multiple cooling channels may be rectangular or a rounded rectangle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the multiple hollows described above may be a circle or an ellipse.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the multiple cooling channels may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the multiple hollows.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the subchannels may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the multiple hollows.

[0015] In some embodiments, a gasket may be interposed between the heat sink and the block.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the above-mentioned cooling channels may include two subchannels.

[0017] In some embodiments, the two subchannels are separated from each other by a partition wall. The above-mentioned partition wall may overlap with the above-mentioned first hole and the above-mentioned first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the battery pack includes a cooling device, A battery cell assembly, which includes a plurality of battery cells, is placed on the above-mentioned cooling device, and includes: The above cooling device, A heat sink comprising a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of hollows extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, The block includes the above heat sink, The above block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on the side closer to the heatsink and on the side further away from the heatsink. Each of the above multiple first holes overlaps with the corresponding cooling channel in the above first direction. Each of the above multiple second holes overlaps with the corresponding one among the above multiple hollows in the first direction. Each of the above cooling channels may contain two or more subchannels.

[0019] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cooling channels and each of the plurality of hollows are alternately positioned in the second direction, Each of the plurality of connectors is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of first holes, Each of the plurality of screws can be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of second holes and a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of each of the sub-channels may be larger than the cross-sectional area of each of the plurality of hollows. Effects of the Invention

[0021] Some embodiments of the present invention can rapidly cool the battery. Thereby, the stability of the battery can be improved, and rapid charging of the battery is enabled.

[0022] The effects of the embodiments of the present invention 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 knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain. That is, unintended effects accompanying the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention can also be clearly derived and understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a simplified exploded perspective view showing a cooling device according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] It is a simplified perspective view showing a cooling device according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] It is a simplified perspective view showing a heat sink that can be included in a cooling device according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] It is a simplified top perspective view showing a cooling device according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view showing a cooling device according to some other embodiments. [Figure 7] This is a simplified perspective view showing a battery pack according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] This is a simplified perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to some embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The terms and words used herein should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the meaning of terms and words in order to best describe their own invention.

[0025] In this specification, terms such as “includes” and “have” are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, 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, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be “on top” of another part, this includes not only when it is “directly on top” of the other part, but also when there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be “below” another part, this includes not only when it is “directly below” the other part, but also when there is another part in between.

[0026] The embodiments and drawings are illustrative of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention; therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them.

[0027] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0028] Since the drawings are provided to give a more complete explanation of the invention to an ordinary person of the art, the shapes, sizes, and quantities of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. The shapes, sizes, proportions, and quantities of each component in the drawings do not fully reflect the actual shapes, sizes, proportions, and quantities of each component.

[0029] For the sake of clarity, this specification uses a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system to describe the position, form, and relationships between components. The X, Y, and Z axes are shown in Figures 1 to 8. In this specification, "X direction" means the direction parallel to the X-axis. In this specification, "Y direction" means the direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this specification, "Z direction" means the direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0030] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a simplified exploded perspective view showing a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 2 is a simplified perspective view showing a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 3 is a simplified perspective view showing a heat sink that may be included in a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 4 is a simplified top perspective view showing a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 4.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the cooling device 1000 may include a heat sink 1100, a block 1200, a plurality of connectors 1300, and a plurality of coupling members 1400.

[0036] The heatsink 1100 may be part of a housing that contains a heat source (such as multiple battery cells). The heatsink 1100 may be a support plate configured to support the heat source (such as multiple battery cells). The heatsink 1100 may be a lid configured to cover the top of the heat source (such as multiple battery cells).

[0037] The heat sink 1100 may be manufactured by an extrusion process. The heat sink 1100 may have a seamless structure. The heat sink 1100 may have a plurality of hollows. The cross-sectional shape of each of the hollows may be substantially identical to the cross-sectional shape of the discharge port of the die from which each of the hollows was extruded. Some of the hollows may be used as cooling channels. That is, of the hollows, those used as cooling channels may be called cooling channels, and those not used as cooling channels may be called hollows.

[0038] Cooling channels can provide pathways through which a cooling fluid can flow. The cooling fluid can absorb heat from a heat source (such as multiple battery cells) and lower the temperature of the heat source. Hollows can provide spaces into which multiple coupling members can be inserted.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1 and 3-5, in some embodiments, the heatsink 1100 may include a plurality of cooling channels 1110 and a plurality of hollows 1120. The plurality of cooling channels 1110 may extend in the X direction. The plurality of hollows 1120 may extend in the X direction. Each of the plurality of cooling channels 1110 may be located at a predetermined distance from each other in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of hollows 1120 may be located at a predetermined distance from each other in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of cooling channels 1110 and each of the plurality of hollows 1120 may be located alternately in the Y direction. Figures 1 and 3-5 show hollows 1120 located at both ends of the heatsink 1100, but this is illustrative only. Cooling channels 1110 may be located at both ends of the heatsink 1100. Hollows 1120 may be located at one end of the heatsink 1100 and cooling channels 1110 may be located at the other end.

[0040] In some embodiments, each of the multiple cooling channels 1110 may include two or more subchannels. The two or more subchannels may branch off from the cooling channel 1110. The two or more subchannels may merge into the cooling channel 1110. The two or more subchannels may be separated from each other by partitions. The partitions may improve the durability of the heatsink 1100. Each of the two or more subchannels may extend in the X direction. The partitions may extend in the X direction. Each of the two or more subchannels and the partitions may be alternately located in the Y direction.

[0041] The subchannels and partitions allow the majority of the internal space of the heatsink 1100 to be used as a cooling channel while maintaining the durability of the heatsink 1100 at an appropriate level. Generally, the heatsink 1100 has a length (X direction) and width (Y direction) that are larger than its height (Z direction). Therefore, the hollow space located inside the heatsink 1100 also generally has a length (X direction) and width (Y direction) that are larger than its height (Z direction). In order to utilize a large portion of the internal space of the heatsink 1100 as a cooling channel, it is conceivable to form a large hollow space in the heatsink 1100 and utilize that hollow space as a cooling channel. That is, a hollow space with a large width (Y direction) can be formed inside the heatsink 1100 and utilized as a cooling channel. However, if the length (X direction) and width (Y direction) are too large compared to the height (Z direction), as in the case of such a hollow space, the durability of the heatsink 1100 may decrease. Therefore, partitions need to be installed in the hollow interior where the width (length in the Y direction) is large.

[0042] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, in some embodiments, each of the multiple cooling channels 1110 may include two subchannels 1110S1 and 1110S2. The two subchannels 1110S1 and 1110S2 may be separated from each other by a partition wall 1110P. The two subchannels 1110S1 and 1110S2 may not overlap with the first hole 1200H1 in the X direction. The partition wall 1110P may overlap with the first hole 1200H1 in the X direction.

[0043] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the multiple cooling channels 1110 may be rectangular or a rounded rectangle. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the multiple hollows 1120 may be circular or elliptical. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the multiple cooling channels 1110 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the multiple hollows 1120. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​two or more subchannels 1110S1, 1110S2 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the multiple hollows 1120.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4, in some embodiments, the block 1200 may be coupled to the heat sink 1100. The block 1200 may provide a path for the cooling fluid to flow into a plurality of cooling channels 1110. The block 1200 may also provide a path for the cooling fluid to flow out of the plurality of cooling channels 1110. In some embodiments, the block 1200 may include a plurality of first holes 1200H1 and a plurality of second holes 1200H2 on the side closer to the heat sink 1100 and on the side further away from the heat sink 1100. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first holes 1200H1 may overlap in the X direction with a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels 1110. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of second holes 1200H2 may overlap in the X direction with a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows 1120.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the multiple connectors 1300 may be inserted into a corresponding of the multiple first holes 1200H1. Each of the multiple connectors 1300 may be connected to a corresponding of the multiple cooling channels 1110. Each of the multiple connectors 1300 may be coupled to a corresponding of the multiple cooling ports (not shown). In a non-limiting example, each of the multiple connectors 1300 may be inserted into and coupled to a corresponding of the multiple cooling ports (not shown). The multiple cooling ports (not shown) may be connected to a cooling fluid reservoir (not shown) via a cooling hose (not shown). The cooling fluid is transmitted from the cooling fluid reservoir (not shown) through the cooling hose (not shown), the multiple cooling ports (not shown), and the multiple connectors 1300 in sequence to the multiple cooling channels 1110, and can be branched into two or more subchannels. Conversely, the cooling fluid can be transferred from two or more subchannels to multiple cooling channels 1110, passing sequentially through multiple connectors 1300, multiple cooling ports (not shown), and cooling hoses (not shown) to a cooling fluid storage unit (not shown).

[0046] In some embodiments, each of the multiple connecting members 1400 may be inserted into a corresponding of the multiple second holes 1200H2. Each of the multiple connecting members 1400 may be inserted into a corresponding of the multiple hollows 1120. In non-limiting examples, each of the multiple connecting members 1400 may be a screw or a bolt, etc.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) Regarding the second embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of parts that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0048] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a cooling device according to some other embodiments.

[0049] Referring to Figure 6, in some other embodiments, the cooling device 1000' may include a heat sink 1100, a block 1200, a plurality of connectors 1300, a plurality of coupling members 1400, and a gasket 1500.

[0050] The gasket 1500 may be interposed between the heat sink 1100 and the block 1200. The gasket 1500 may prevent leakage of the cooling fluid. That is, the gasket 1500 may ensure that the block 1200 is watertightly coupled to the heat sink 1100. The gasket 1500 may include a plurality of holes positioned to correspond to a plurality of first holes 1200H1 and a plurality of second holes 1200H2. The gasket 1500 may include a plurality of holes positioned to correspond to a plurality of cooling channels 1110 and a plurality of hollows 1120.

[0051] (Third embodiment) A battery pack according to some embodiments may include a cooling device and a battery cell assembly disposed on the cooling device and containing a plurality of battery cells.

[0052] Figure 7 is a simplified perspective view of a battery pack according to some embodiments. Figure 8 is a simplified perspective view of the inside of a battery pack according to some embodiments.

[0053] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments the battery pack 2000 may include a cooling device 1000, a battery cell assembly 2100, a side wall 2200, a first partition wall 2300, a second partition wall 2400, and a lid 2500.

[0054] Since the cooling device 1000 is substantially the same as the one described above, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] The battery cell assembly 2100 may be configured to store energy. The battery cell assembly 2100 may be a cell unit containing multiple battery cells. The battery cell assembly 2100 may not include a module frame. An assembly method for mounting cell units onto a battery pack may be called cell-to-pack. A battery pack assembled using cell-to-pack may be called a module-less type battery pack. The battery cell assembly 2100 may be a battery module. A battery module may include a cell unit containing multiple battery cells and a module frame on which the cell unit is mounted. An assembly method in which cell units are mounted on a module frame with at least one side open, and the module frame is mounted onto a battery pack, may also be called cell-to-pack.

[0056] Each of the battery cells may be a rechargeable battery. Each of the battery cells may be a lithium rechargeable battery. Each of the battery cells may be one of the following: a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, a lithium metal battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The three-dimensional shape of each of the battery cells may be one of the following: cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-type. The three-dimensional shape of the battery cell refers to the three-dimensional shape of the battery case.

[0057] The side wall 2200 may be positioned on the cooling device 1000 so as to surround the battery cell assembly 2100, the first bulkhead 2300, and the second bulkhead 2400. The side wall 2200, together with the cooling device 1000, may provide space for the battery cell assembly 2100, the first bulkhead 2300, and the second bulkhead 2400 to be mounted. The first bulkhead 2300 may extend in the Y direction. The first bulkhead 2300 may be positioned between the battery cell assemblies 2100. The second bulkhead 2400 may extend in the X direction. The second bulkhead 2400 may be positioned between the battery cell assemblies 2100. The lid 2500 may be coupled to the side wall 2200 so as to cover the battery cell assembly 2100, the side wall 2200, the first bulkhead 2300, and the second bulkhead 2400.

[0058] In some embodiments of the battery pack 2000, even if heat is generated in the battery cell assembly 2100, the cooling fluid flowing through multiple cooling channels in the cooling device 1000 can absorb the heat, thus enabling rapid cooling of the battery cell assembly 2100. As a result, the battery pack 2000 in some embodiments offers excellent stability and enables rapid charging.

[0059] The above description is for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims, and all technical ideas within the same or equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1000, 1000': Cooling device 1100: Heatsink 1110: Cooling channel 1110S1, 1110S2: Subchannels 1110P: Bulkhead 1120:Hollow 1200: Block 1200H1: Hole 1 1200H2: Second Hole 1300: Connector 1400: Connecting member 1500: Gasket 2000: Battery Pack 2100: Battery cell assembly 2200: Side wall 2300: 1st bulkhead 2400:Second bulkhead 2500: Lid

Claims

1. A heat sink comprising a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of hollows extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, The block is coupled to the heat sink, The block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on the side closer to the heat sink and on the side further away from the heat sink. Each of the plurality of first holes overlaps with a corresponding cooling channel in the first direction. Each of the aforementioned plurality of second holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows in the first direction. A cooling device in which each of the plurality of cooling channels includes two or more subchannels.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cooling channels and each of the plurality of hollows are alternately located in the second direction.

3. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the multiple connectors is inserted into a corresponding of the multiple first holes.

4. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the multiple connecting members is inserted into a corresponding of the multiple second holes.

5. The cooling device according to claim 4, wherein each of the multiple connecting members is inserted into a corresponding of the multiple hollows.

6. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of cooling channels is rectangular or a rounded rectangle.

7. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of hollows is a circle or an ellipse.

8. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of cooling channels is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows.

9. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the subchannels is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows.

10. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a gasket is interposed between the heat sink and the block.

11. The cooling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of cooling channels includes two subchannels.

12. The two subchannels are isolated from each other by a partition wall. The cooling device according to claim 11, wherein the partition wall overlaps the first hole in the first direction.

13. Cooling device, The cooling device is disposed on the aforementioned cooling device and includes a battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells, The cooling device, A heat sink comprising a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of hollows extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, The block is coupled to the heat sink, The block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on the side closer to the heat sink and on the side further away from the heat sink. Each of the plurality of first holes overlaps with a corresponding cooling channel in the first direction. Each of the aforementioned plurality of second holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows in the first direction. Each of the aforementioned multiple cooling channels includes two or more subchannels in the battery pack.

14. Each of the plurality of cooling channels and each of the plurality of hollows are alternately located in the second direction. Each of the multiple connectors is inserted into the corresponding of the multiple first holes. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein each of the multiple screws is inserted into a corresponding of the multiple second holes and a corresponding of the multiple hollows.

15. The battery pack according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the subchannels is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows.

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