Cooling device and battery pack including same

Abstract

A cooling device according to some embodiments comprises: a heat sink including 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; and a block coupled to the heat sink, wherein the block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on a side close to the heat sink and a side far from the heat sink, each of the plurality of first holes overlaps a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels in the first direction, each of the plurality of second holes overlaps a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows in the first direction, and each of the plurality of cooling channels may include two or more sub-channels. Some embodiments of the present invention enable rapid cooling of a battery. Accordingly, the stability of the battery can be improved, and rapid charging of the battery is enabled.

Description

Cooling device and battery pack including same

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

[0002] This disclosure claims the benefit of priority to Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0109828, filed August 16, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0003] To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions, interest in rechargeable secondary batteries, which can be reused for extended periods of time, is growing. Secondary batteries are used in diverse fields, including vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy storage systems (ESS). Therefore, various technologies to enhance the safety of secondary batteries are being researched. In particular, the operating temperature of secondary batteries must be maintained at an appropriate level, as a thermal runaway event can lead to serious accidents such as fire and explosion. Furthermore, operating temperatures exceeding this threshold negatively impact performance, including battery life and capacity. Consequently, extensive research is being conducted on cooling technologies for secondary batteries.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a cooling technology for a battery.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present invention that can solve the above problem are as follows.

[0006] A cooling device according to some embodiments comprises a heat sink including 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; and

[0007] A block coupled to the above heat sink; including:

[0008] The block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on a side near the heat sink and a side far from the heat sink,

[0009] Each of the plurality of first holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels in the first direction,

[0010] Each of the plurality of second holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows in the first direction, and

[0011] Each of the plurality of cooling channels may include two or more sub-channels.

[0012] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cooling channels and each of the plurality of hollows may be alternately positioned in the second direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of connectors can be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of first holes.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of joining members can be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of second holes.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of joining members can be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of cavities.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of cooling channels may be rectangular or rounded rectangular.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of hollows may be a circle or an ellipse.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of cooling channels may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the sub-channels may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows.

[0020] In some embodiments, a gasket may be interposed between the heat sink and the block.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cooling channels may include two sub-channels.

[0022] In some embodiments, the two sub-channels are isolated from each other by a bulkhead,

[0023] The above bulkhead can overlap the first hole in the first direction.

[0024] A battery pack according to some embodiments comprises a cooling device; and

[0025] A battery cell assembly disposed on the cooling device and including a plurality of battery cells;

[0026] The above cooling device,

[0027] A heat sink including 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; and

[0028] A block coupled to the above heat sink; including:

[0029] The block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on a side near the heat sink and a side far from the heat sink,

[0030] Each of the plurality of first holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels in the first direction,

[0031] Each of the plurality of second holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows in the first direction, and

[0032] Each of the plurality of cooling channels may include two or more sub-channels.

[0033] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cooling channels and each of the plurality of hollows are alternately positioned in the second direction,

[0034] Each of the plurality of connectors is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of first holes,

[0035] 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.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the sub-channels may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows.

[0037] Some embodiments of the present invention can rapidly cool a battery. This can improve battery stability and enable rapid charging of the battery.

[0038] 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 by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the embodiments of the present invention can also be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain.

[0039] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a heat sink that may be included in a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic top perspective view of a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 4.

[0044] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a cooling device according to some other embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to some embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the interior of a battery pack according to some embodiments.

[0047] The terms or words used in this specification should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning that conforms to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meaning of the terms or words to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0048] In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof. In addition, when it is said that a part such as a layer, film, region or plate is "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when it is said that a part such as a layer, film, region or plate is "under" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly below" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between.

[0049] It should be understood that the examples and drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications may be substituted for them.

[0050] When describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0051] Since the drawings are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shape, size, and number of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. The shape, size, ratio, and number of each component in the drawings do not entirely reflect the actual shape, size, ratio, and number of each component.

[0052] In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the positions of components, shapes of components, and relationships between components are described using a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are indicated in FIGS. 1 to 8. In this specification, "X-direction" means a direction parallel to the X-axis. In this specification, "Y-direction" means a direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this specification, "Z-direction" means a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0053]

[0054] (Example 1)

[0055] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a heat sink that may be included in a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a schematic top perspective view of a cooling device according to some embodiments.

[0059] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 4.

[0060]

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 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 joining members (1400).

[0062] The heat sink (1100) may be part of a housing that accommodates a heat source (such as a plurality of battery cells). The heat sink (1100) may be a support plate configured to support the heat source (such as a plurality of battery cells). The heat sink (1100) may be a lid configured to cover the upper portion of the heat source (such as a plurality of battery cells).

[0063] The heat sink (1100) can be manufactured through an extrusion process. The heat sink (1100) can have a seamless structure. A plurality of hollows can be formed in the heat sink (1100). The cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of hollows can be substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the discharge port of the die from which each of the plurality of hollows is discharged. Some of the plurality of hollows can be utilized as cooling channels. That is, among the plurality of hollows, those utilized as cooling channels can be referred to as cooling channels, and those not utilized as cooling channels can be referred to as hollows.

[0064] The cooling channel may provide a path for the cooling fluid to flow. The cooling fluid may absorb heat from a heat source (e.g., multiple battery cells) and thereby lower the temperature of the heat source (e.g., multiple battery cells). The cavity may provide a space into which multiple bonding elements may be inserted.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5, in some embodiments, a heat sink (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 positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of hollows (1120) may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of cooling channels (1110) and each of the plurality of hollows (1120) may be positioned alternately in the Y direction. Although FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 illustrate that the hollows (1120) are positioned at both ends of the heat sink (1100), this is merely exemplary. Cooling channels (1110) may be positioned at both ends of the heat sink (1100). A hollow (1120) may be positioned at one end of the heat sink (1100) and a cooling channel (1110) may be positioned at the other end.

[0066] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cooling channels (1110) may include two or more sub-channels. The two or more sub-channels may be branched from the cooling channel (1110). The two or more sub-channels may join the cooling channel (1110). The two or more sub-channels may be isolated from each other by a partition wall. The partition wall may improve the durability of the heat sink (1100). Each of the two or more sub-channels may extend in the X-direction. The partition wall may extend in the X-direction. Each of the two or more sub-channels and the partition wall may be alternately positioned in the Y-direction.

[0067] The sub-channels and the bulkheads allow most of the internal space of the heat sink (1100) to be utilized as a cooling channel while maintaining the durability of the heat sink (1100) at an appropriate level. The heat sink (1100) is generally larger in length (length in the X direction) and width (length in the Y direction) than in height (length in the Z direction). Therefore, the hollows located inside the heat sink (1100) are also generally larger in length (length in the X direction) and width (length in the Y direction) than in height (length in the Z direction). In order to utilize a large amount of the internal space of the heat sink (1100) as a cooling channel, it may be considered to form a hollow space with a large volume in the heat sink (1100) and utilize the hollow space as a cooling channel. That is, a hollow space with a large width (length in the Y direction) may be formed inside the heat sink (1100) and utilized as a cooling channel. However, if the length (length in the X direction) and width (length in the Y direction) are too large compared to the height (length in the Z direction), such as in the hollow, the durability of the heat sink (1100) may be reduced. Therefore, a partition wall needs to be installed inside the hollow with a large width (length in the Y direction).

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of cooling channels (1110) may include two sub-channels (1110S1, 1110S2). The two sub-channels (1110S1, 1110S2) may be isolated from each other by a partition wall (1110P). The two sub-channels (1110S1, 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.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of cooling channels (1110) may be a rectangle or a rounded rectangle. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of hollows (1120) may be a circle or an ellipse. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of cooling channels (1110) may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows (1120). In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of two or more sub-channels (1110S1, 1110S2) may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows (1120).

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, in some embodiments, a block (1200) may be coupled to a heat sink (1100). The block (1200) may provide a path for a cooling fluid to flow into the plurality of cooling channels (1110). The block (1200) may provide a path for a 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) proximate to the heat sink (1100) and distal to the heat sink (1100). In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first holes (1200H1) may overlap a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels (1110) in the X-direction. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of second holes (1200H2) may overlap with a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows (1120) in the X direction.

[0071] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of connectors (1300) may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of first holes (1200H1). Each of the plurality of connectors (1300) may be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels (1110). Each of the plurality of connectors (1300) may be coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports (not shown). As a non-limiting example, each of the plurality of connectors (1300) may be inserted into and coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling ports (not shown). The plurality of cooling ports (not shown) may be connected to a cooling fluid reservoir (not shown) via a cooling hose (not shown). The cooling fluid may be sequentially delivered from the cooling fluid reservoir (not shown) through the cooling hose (not shown), the plurality of cooling ports (not shown), and the plurality of connectors (1300) to the plurality of cooling channels (1110) and branched into two or more sub-channels. Conversely, the cooling fluid may be joined from two or more sub-channels into a plurality of cooling channels (1110) and sequentially passed through a plurality of connectors (1300), a plurality of cooling ports (not shown), and a cooling hose (not shown) to a cooling fluid storage unit (not shown).

[0072] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of connecting members (1400) may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of second holes (1200H2). Each of the plurality of connecting members (1400) may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows (1120). As a non-limiting example, each of the plurality of connecting members (1400) may be a screw or a bolt.

[0073]

[0074] (Example 2)

[0075] For the second embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment are specifically described, and the description of the parts that are substantially the same as the first embodiment is omitted.

[0076] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a cooling device according to some other embodiments.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 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 joining members (1400), and a gasket (1500).

[0078] A gasket (1500) may be interposed between the heat sink (1100) and the block (1200). The gasket (1500) may prevent cooling fluid from leaking. That is, the gasket (1500) may allow the block (1200) to be watertightly coupled to the heat sink (1100). The gasket (1500) may include a plurality of holes positioned corresponding to the plurality of first holes (1200H1) and the plurality of second holes (1200H2). The gasket (1500) may include a plurality of holes positioned corresponding to the plurality of cooling channels (1110) and the plurality of hollows (1120).

[0079]

[0080] (Example 3)

[0081] A battery pack according to some embodiments may include a cooling device and a battery cell assembly disposed on the cooling device and including a plurality of battery cells.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to some embodiments. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the interior of a battery pack according to some embodiments.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 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 bulkhead (2300), a second bulkhead (2400), and a lid (2500).

[0084] The cooling device (1000) is substantially the same as that described above, so its description is omitted.

[0085] A battery cell assembly (2100) may be configured to store energy. The battery cell assembly (2100) may be a cell unit including a plurality of battery cells. The battery cell assembly (2100) may not include a module frame. An assembly method in which a cell unit is mounted on a battery pack may be referred to as a cell-to-pack. A battery pack assembled using a cell-to-pack method may be referred to as a module-less type battery pack. The battery cell assembly (2100) may be a battery module. A battery module may include a cell unit including a plurality of battery cells and a module frame on which the cell unit is mounted. An assembly method in which a cell unit is mounted on a module frame having at least one open side and the module frame is mounted on a battery pack is also referred to as a cell-to-pack.

[0086] Each of the plurality of battery cells may be a secondary battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells may be a lithium secondary battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells may be any one of a lithium ion battery, a lithium ion polymer battery, a lithium metal battery, and a lithium polymer battery. The three-dimensional shape of each of the plurality of battery cells may be any one of a cylindrical shape, a square shape, and a pouch shape. The three-dimensional shape of the battery cell refers to the three-dimensional shape of the battery case.

[0087] A side wall (2200) may be positioned on the cooling device (1000) to surround the battery cell assembly (2100), the first bulkhead (2300), and the second bulkhead (2400). The side wall (2200) may provide a space in which the battery cell assembly (2100), the first bulkhead (2300), and the second bulkhead (2400) are mounted together with the cooling device (1000). 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 lead (2500) can be coupled to the side wall (200) to cover the battery cell assembly (2100), the side wall (2200), the first bulkhead (2300), and the second bulkhead (2400).

[0088] According to some embodiments, the battery pack (2000) can rapidly cool the battery cell assembly (2100) even if heat is generated in the battery cell assembly (2100), since the cooling fluid flowing through the plurality of cooling channels included in the cooling device (1000) can absorb the heat. Accordingly, the battery pack (2000) according to some embodiments has excellent stability and can be rapidly charged.

[0089]

[0090] The above description is intended solely to illustrate the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent or equivalent thereto should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0091]

[0092] [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1000, 1000': Cooling device

[0094] 1100: Heat sink

[0095] 1110: Cooling channel

[0096] 1110S1, 1110S2: Sub-channel

[0097] 1110P: Bulkhead

[0098] 1120: China

[0099] 1200: Block

[0100] 1200H1: Hole 1

[0101] 1200H2: 2nd hole

[0102] 1300: Connector

[0103] 1400: Joining member

[0104] 1500: Gasket

[0105] 2000: Battery Pack

[0106] 2100: Battery cell assembly

[0107] 2200: Sidewall

[0108] 2300: First bulkhead

[0109] 2400: Second bulkhead

[0110] 2500: Lid

Claims

1. A heat sink including 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; and A block coupled to the above heat sink; including: The block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on a side near the heat sink and a side far from the heat sink, Each of the plurality of first holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels in the first direction, Each of the plurality of second holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows in the first direction, and A cooling device wherein each of the plurality of cooling channels includes two or more sub-channels.

2. In claim 1, A cooling device in which each of the plurality of cooling channels and each of the plurality of hollows are alternately positioned in the second direction.

3. In claim 1, A cooling device in which each of a plurality of connectors is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of first holes.

4. In claim 1, A cooling device in which each of a plurality of connecting members is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of second holes.

5. In claim 4, A cooling device in which each of a plurality of connecting members is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows.

6. In claim 1, A cooling device in which each of the plurality of cooling channels has a cross-sectional shape of a rectangle or a round rectangle.

7. In claim 1, A cooling device in which each of the plurality of hollows has a cross-sectional shape that is circular or elliptical.

8. In claim 1, A cooling device in which each of the plurality of cooling channels has a cross-sectional area greater than each of the plurality of hollows.

9. In claim 1, A cooling device in which the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the above sub-channels is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of hollows.

10. In claim 1, A cooling device having a gasket interposed between the heat sink and the block.

11. In claim 1, A cooling device wherein each of the plurality of cooling channels includes two sub-channels.

12. In claim 11, The above two sub-channels are isolated from each other by a bulkhead, The above bulkhead is a cooling device that overlaps the first hole in the first direction.

13. Cooling device; and A battery cell assembly disposed on the cooling device and including a plurality of battery cells; The above cooling device, A heat sink including 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; and A block coupled to the above heat sink; including: The block includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes on a side near the heat sink and a side far from the heat sink, Each of the plurality of first holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels in the first direction, Each of the plurality of second holes overlaps with a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows in the first direction, and A battery pack wherein each of the plurality of cooling channels includes two or more sub-channels.

14. In claim 13, 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, A battery pack in which each of the plurality of screws is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of second holes and a corresponding one of the plurality of hollows.

15. In claim 13, A battery pack wherein each of the above sub-channels has a cross-sectional area greater than that of each of the plurality of hollows.

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