Heat sink assembly

Abstract

A heat sink assembly according to embodiments is provided. The heat sink assembly may comprise: a heat sink that includes first to fourth heat sink units including, respectively, first to fourth flow paths extending in a first horizontal direction and sequentially joined in a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction, and has a first end and a second end which are on opposite sides in the first horizontal direction and are opened by the first to fourth flow paths; a front end block configured to close the first end of the heat sink; and a rear end block configured to close the second end of the heat sink. The front end block may include: a first front end block located on the first end and configured to connect the first and fourth flow paths and close the second and third flow paths; and a second front end block located on the first front end block and configured to close the first front end block.

Description

Heat sink assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat sink assembly. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2025-0037578, filed on March 24, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The technological development trend for rechargeable batteries in mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a rechargeable battery is defined as the maximum electrical energy that can be stored by the battery's mass. As high energy density is directly linked to driving efficiency and range in mobility applications, various studies are being conducted to improve this energy density.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a heat sink assembly that enables cooling efficiency, rigidity, and internal space utilization of a battery pack.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a heat sink assembly is provided. The heat sink assembly comprises a heat sink including first to fourth heat sink units, wherein each of the first to fourth heat sink units comprises first to fourth fluid passages extending in a first horizontal direction, and the first to fourth heat sinks are joined in sequence in a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction, and the heat sink comprises a first end and a second end that are open by the first to fourth fluid passages and opposite in the first horizontal direction; and may include a front end block configured to close the first end of the heat sink; and a rear end block configured to close the second end of the heat sink. The front end block may include a first front end block located on the first end and configured to connect the first and fourth fluid passages to each other while closing the second and third fluid passages; and a second front end block located on the first front end block and configured to close the first front end block.

[0006] The heat sink may further include a first forward channel connected to the first channels at the first end; a second forward channel connected to the second and third channels at the first end; and a third forward channel connected to the fourth channels at the first end.

[0007] The first front end block may include a connecting channel configured to connect the first and third front channels to each other.

[0008] The first front end block may further include an outlet hole connected to the connecting path.

[0009] The first front end block may further include a first protrusion inserted into the first front flow path; a second protrusion inserted into the second front flow path; and a third protrusion inserted into the third front flow path.

[0010] The first front end block may include a first hole connected to the first front flow path; a second hole connected to the third front flow path; and a passage connecting the first and second holes.

[0011] The second protrusion may be configured to close the second forward flow path.

[0012] The heat sink may further include an inlet hole connected to the second front path.

[0013] The heat sink may further include a first rear passage connected to the first and second passages at the second end; and a second rear passage connected to the third and fourth passages at the second end.

[0014] The rear end block may include a first protrusion inserted into the first rear flow path; and a second protrusion inserted into the second rear flow path.

[0015] The first heat sink unit may include first ribs between the first flow paths, the second heat sink unit may include second ribs between the second flow paths, the third heat sink unit may include third ribs between the third flow paths, and the fourth heat sink unit may include fourth ribs between the fourth flow paths.

[0016] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a heat sink assembly is provided. The heat sink assembly is a heat sink comprising first to fourth heat sink units, wherein the first to fourth heat sink units are each extended in a first horizontal direction and joined in sequence in a second horizontal direction; a front end block configured to close the front end of the heat sink, comprising a connecting channel connecting the internal spaces of the first and fourth heat sink units; and a rear end block configured to close the rear end of the heat sink. Each of the first to fourth heat sink units may include a bottom plate; a top plate spaced vertically from the bottom plate; side walls connecting the bottom plate and the top plate and facing each other in the second horizontal direction; and ribs spaced apart in the second horizontal direction between the side walls. The length of each of the ribs in the first horizontal direction may be smaller than the length of the heat sink in the first horizontal direction.

[0017] The front end of the heat sink may be at a first position in the first horizontal direction. The front end of each of the ribs of the first to fourth heat sink units, and the front end of each of the mutually facing side walls of the second and third heat sink units may be at a second position in the first horizontal direction. The second position may be closer to the center of the heat sink in the first horizontal direction than the first position.

[0018] The rear end of the heat sink may be at a third position in the first horizontal direction. The rear end of each of the ribs of the first to fourth heat sink units, the rear end of the mutually facing side walls of the first and second heat sink units, and the rear end of the mutually facing side walls of the third and fourth heat sink units may each be at a fourth position in the first horizontal direction. The fourth position may be closer to the center of the heat sink in the first horizontal direction than the third position.

[0019] Each of the above first to fourth heat sink units may further include channels separated by ribs.

[0020] A heat sink assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a plurality of heat sinks and a front end block and a rear end block that close the heat sinks, thereby forming a continuous flow path for the flow of refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing through the flow path may absorb heat generated from battery cells mounted on the heat sink assembly, thereby preventing a rapid temperature rise of the battery cells.

[0021] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top view of a heat sink according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a top view of a heat sink according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a top view of a heat sink assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a top view of a first front end block according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a first front end block according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a top view of a rear end block according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a rear end block according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a top view of a heat sink assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a top view of a first front end block according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a rear view of a first front end block according to exemplary embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a top view of a heat sink assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a top view of the first and second front end blocks according to exemplary embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 17 is a top view illustrating the flow path of a refrigerant in a heat sink assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a heat sink assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0041] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0042] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0043] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0044]

[0045] (1st and 2nd embodiments)

[0046] FIGS. 1 to 17 are drawings for explaining the manufacturing process of a heat sink assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the manufacturing process of a heat sink assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0048]

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 18, in S11, a plurality of heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) can be joined. FIG. 1 is a top view showing a heat sink (105). FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink (105). FIG. 2 shows a cross-section along A-A' of FIG. 1.

[0050] The first to fourth heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) may each extend in the X direction. The first to fourth heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) may be arranged in order in the Y direction. The first and second heat sink units (110, 120) may be joined by welding or bonding. The second and third heat sink units (120, 130) may be joined by welding or bonding. The third and fourth heat sink units (130, 140) may be joined by welding or bonding. In some embodiments, adjacent heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) may be fixed to each other by friction stir welding.

[0051] Each of the first to fourth heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) may include a bottom plate, a top plate, side walls, and ribs. Each of the bottom plate, top plate, side walls, and ribs of each of the first to fourth heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) may extend in the X direction. In some embodiments, the bottom plate, top plate, side walls, and ribs of each of the first to fourth heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) may be formed integrally. The first to fourth heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) may be manufactured, for example, by extrusion molding.

[0052] The first heat sink unit (110) may include a bottom plate (110B), a top plate (110T), side walls (110S1, 110S2), and ribs (110R). The side walls (110S1, 110S2) may connect the bottom plate (110B) and the top plate (110T). The side walls (110S1, 110S2) may face each other in the Y direction. The side walls (110S1, 110S2) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The ribs (110R) may be located between the side walls (110S1, 110S2). The ribs (110R) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The ribs (110R) may be substantially parallel to the side walls (110S1, 110S2).

[0053] The second heat sink unit (120) may include a bottom plate (120B), a top plate (120T), side walls (120S1, 120S2), and ribs (120R). The side walls (120S1, 120S2) may connect the bottom plate (120B) and the top plate (120T). The side walls (120S1, 120S2) may face each other in the Y direction. The side walls (120S1, 120S2) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The ribs (120R) may be located between the side walls (120S1, 120S2). The ribs (120R) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The ribs (120R) may be substantially parallel to the side walls (120S1, 120S2).

[0054] The third heat sink unit (130) may include a bottom plate (130B), a top plate (130T), side walls (130S1, 130S2), and ribs (130R). The side walls (130S1, 130S2) may connect the bottom plate (130B) and the top plate (130T). The side walls (130S1, 130S2) may face each other in the Y direction. The side walls (130S1, 130S2) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The ribs (130R) may be located between the side walls (130S1, 130S2). The ribs (130R) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The ribs (130R) may be substantially parallel to the side walls (130S1, 130S2).

[0055] The fourth heat sink unit (140) may include a bottom plate (140B), a top plate (140T), side walls (140S1, 140S2), and ribs (140R). The side walls (140S1, 140S2) may connect the bottom plate (140B) and the top plate (140T). The side walls (140S1, 140S2) may face each other in the Y direction. The side walls (140S1, 140S2) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The ribs (140R) may be located between the side walls (140S1, 140S2). The ribs (140R) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The ribs (140R) may be substantially parallel to the side walls (140S1, 140S2).

[0056]

[0057] Each of the first to fourth heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) may each include a flow path (111, 112, 113, 114). Each of the flow paths (111, 112, 113, 114) may extend in the X direction. The flow paths (111, 112, 113, 114) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction.

[0058] The flow paths (111) of the first heat sink unit (110) can be separated by ribs (110R). The flow paths (121) of the second heat sink unit (120) can be separated by ribs (120R). The flow paths (131) of the third heat sink unit (130) can be separated by ribs (130R). The flow paths (141) of the fourth heat sink unit (140) can be separated by ribs (140R).

[0059] The flow paths (111) of the first heat sink unit (110) may be the space between two adjacent ribs (110R), or the space between each side wall (110S1, 110S2) and the adjacent rib (110R). The flow paths (121) of the second heat sink unit (120) may be the space between two adjacent ribs (120R), or the space between each side wall (120S1, 120S2) and the adjacent rib (120R). The flow paths (131) of the third heat sink unit (130) may be the space between two adjacent ribs (130R), or the space between each side wall (130S1, 130S2) and the adjacent rib (130R). The channels (141) of the fourth heat sink unit (140) may be the space between two adjacent ribs (140R), or the space between each side wall (140S1, 140S2) and the adjacent rib (140R).

[0060] The heat sink (105) may include a front end (E1) and a rear end (E2). The heat sink (105) may be opposite each other in the X direction. In this specification, the front end (E1) may be referred to as the first end, and the rear end (E2) may be referred to as the second end. Each of the ends (E1, E2) may be opened by the first to fourth channels (111, 121, 131, 141).

[0061]

[0062] Next, referring to FIGS. 3 through 6 and FIG. 18, in S12, the front end (E1) and the rear end (E2) of the heat sink (105) can be machined. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the heat sink (105). FIGS. 4 through 6 are cross-sectional views showing the heat sink (105). FIG. 4 shows a cross-section along B-B' of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows a cross-section along C-C' of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows a cross-section along D-D' of FIG. 3.

[0063] At the front end (E1) of the heat sink (105), the first ribs (110R), the second ribs (120R), the side walls (120S2, 130S1), the third ribs (130R), and the fourth ribs (140R) can be partially removed. At the rear end (E2) of the heat sink (105), the first ribs (110R), the side walls (110S2, 120S1), the second ribs (120R), the third ribs (130R), the side walls (130S2, 140S1), and the fourth ribs (140R) can be partially removed.

[0064] Referring together to FIGS. 3 to 5, front channels (171, 172, 173) may be formed by machining the front end (E1) of the heat sink (105). The first front channel (171) may be formed by removing part of the first channels (111). The first front channel (171) may be connected to the first channels (111). The second front channel (172) may be formed by removing part of the second ribs (120R), side walls (120S2, 130S1), and third ribs (130R). The second front channel (172) may be connected to the second channels (121) and the third channels (131). The third front channel (173) may be formed by removing part of the fourth ribs (140R). The third forward Euro (173) can be connected to the fourth Euro (141).

[0065] Referring together to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, rear channels (181, 182) may be formed by machining the rear end (E2) of the heat sink (105). The first rear channel (181) may be formed by removing parts of the first ribs (110R), side walls (110S2, 120S1), and second ribs (120R). The first rear channel (181) may be connected to the first channels (111) and the second channels (121). The second rear channel (182) may be formed by removing parts of the third ribs (130R), side walls (130S2, 140S1), and fourth ribs (140R). The second rear channel (182) may be connected to the third channels (131) and the fourth channels (141).

[0066] By the processing described above, the length in the X direction of the first to fourth ribs (110R, 120R, 130R, 140R) may be smaller than the length in the X direction of the heat sink (105). The front end (E1) of the heat sink (105) may be at a first position (P1) in the X direction. The front end of each of the first to fourth ribs (110R, 120R, 130R, 140R) may be at a second position (P2) in the X direction. The second position (P2) may be closer to the center of the heat sink (105) in the X direction than the first position (P1).

[0067] The rear end (E2) of the heat sink (105) may be at a third position (P3) in the X direction. The rear end of each of the first to fourth ribs (110R, 120R, 130R, 140R) may be at a fourth position (P4) in the X direction. The fourth position (P4) may be closer to the center of the heat sink (105) in the X direction than the third position (P3).

[0068]

[0069] Next, referring to FIGS. 7 through 11 and FIG. 18, in S13, a first front end block (151) and a rear end block (160) can be inserted into a heat sink (105). FIG. 7 is a top view of a heat sink assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a top view of a first front end block (151) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the surface of the first front end block (151) facing the heat sink (105) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 10 is a top view of a rear end block (160) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the surface of the rear end block (160) facing the heat sink (105) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, the heat sink assembly (100) may include a heat sink (105), a first front end block (151), and a rear end block (160). The first front end block (151) may be configured to close the front end (E1 in FIG. 3) of the heat sink (105). The rear end block (160) may be configured to close the rear end (E2 in FIG. 3) of the heat sink (105).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, the first front end block (151) may include a base (151B) and protrusions (151P1, 151P2, 151P3). The protrusions (151P1, 151P2, 151P3) may be on the base (151B). The first protrusion (151P1) may be inserted into the first front passage (171). The second protrusion (151P2) may be inserted into the second front passage (172). The third protrusion (151P3) may be inserted into the third front passage (173). The first front end block (151) may be configured to seal the first to third front passages (171, 172, 173).

[0072] The first front end block (151) can be fixed to the heat sink (105) by welding or bonding. In some embodiments, the first front end block (151) can be fixed to the heat sink (105) by friction stir welding after being inserted into the heat sink (105).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the rear end block (160) may include a base (160B) and protrusions (160P1, 160P2). The protrusions (160P1, 160P2) may be on the base (160B). The first protrusion (160P1) may be inserted into the first rear passage (181). The second protrusion (160P2) may be inserted into the second rear passage (182). The rear end block (160) may be configured to seal the first and second rear passages (181, 182).

[0074] The rear end block (160) can be fixed to the heat sink (105) by welding or bonding. In some embodiments, the rear end block (160) can be fixed to the heat sink (105) by friction stir welding after being inserted into the heat sink (105).

[0075] However, the order of the insertion process of the rear end block (160) is not limited to that described above. Referring together with FIG. 18, the rear end block (160) may be performed between S12 and S13, between S13 and S14, between S14 and S15, or after S15.

[0076]

[0077] Next, referring to FIGS. 12 through 14 and FIG. 18, the first front end block (151) can be machined in S14. FIG. 12 is a top view showing a heat sink assembly (100). FIG. 13 is a top view showing the first front end block (151). FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the surface of the first front end block (151) facing the heat sink (105).

[0078] The first front end block (151) may be machined to include holes (151P1H, 151P3H). The hole (151P1H) may be formed to penetrate the first protrusion (151P1) and the base (151B) in contact with the first protrusion (151P1). The hole (151P1H) may be connected to the first front passage (171). The hole (151P3H) may be formed to penetrate the third protrusion (151P3) and the base (151B) in contact with the third protrusion (151P3). The hole (151P3H) may be connected to the third front passage (173).

[0079] By processing the first front end block (151), the base (151B) is separated into first to third bases (151B1, 151B2, 151B3), and each of the first protrusion (151P1) and the third protrusion (151P3) can be separated into two parts.

[0080] In addition, a portion of the second base (151B2) can be removed so that the width of the second base (151B2) in the X direction becomes smaller than the width of each of the first and third bases (151B1, 151B3). Accordingly, a passage (151P2H) connecting the holes (151P1H, 151P3H) can be formed.

[0081] By means of the hole (151P1H), the first front passage (171) and the first passages (111) connected to the first front passage (171) can be in communication with the outside of the heat sink assembly (100). By means of the hole (151P3H), the third front passage (173) and the fourth passages (141) connected to the third front passage (173) can be in communication with the outside of the heat sink assembly (100). By means of the second protrusion (151P2), the second front passage (172) and the second and third passages (121, 131) connected to the second front passage (172) can be closed to the outside of the heat sink (105).

[0082]

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 15, 16 and 18, in S15, a second front end block (152) can be inserted into a first front end block (151). FIG. 15 is a top view showing a heat sink assembly (100). FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the process of inserting the second front end block (152) into the first front end block (151).

[0084] The second front end block (152) may be inserted into the first front end block (151) and configured to close the first front end block (151). The first and second front end blocks (151, 152) may form a front end block (150). The front end block (150) may be configured to close the front end (E1 in FIG. 3) of the heat sink (105).

[0085] The second front end block (152) may include a base (152B) and a protrusion (152P). The protrusion (152P) may be on the base (152B). The protrusion (152P) may be inserted between the first and third bases (151B1, 151B3) of the first front end block (151).

[0086] The second front end block (152) may be fixed to the first front end block (151) by welding or bonding. In some embodiments, the second front end block (152) may be fixed to the first front end block (151) by friction stir welding.

[0087] Referring together with FIG. 15, the inserted protrusion (152P) may be spaced apart from the second base (151B2) in the X direction. Accordingly, a connecting channel (155) may be formed inside the front end block (150). The connecting channel (155) may be configured to connect the internal space of the first heat sink unit (110) and the internal space of the fourth heat sink unit (140) to each other. The connecting channel (155) may be configured to connect the first front channel (171) and the third front channel (173) to each other. The connecting channel (155) may be configured to connect the first channels (111) and the fourth channels (141) to each other.

[0088] Subsequently, in S16, an inlet hole (191) and an outlet hole (192) may be formed in the heat sink assembly (100). The inlet hole (191) may be in communication with the second front channel (172). The inlet hole (191) may be formed in the top plate (120T in FIG. 2) of the second heat sink unit (120) and / or the top plate (130T in FIG. 2) of the third heat sink unit (130). The outlet hole (192) may be in communication with the connecting channel (155). The outlet hole (192) may be formed in the top plate of the front end block (150), for example, the first front end block (151).

[0089] An inlet port (not shown) may be connected to the inlet hole (191). The inlet hole (191) may be configured to introduce refrigerant supplied from the inlet port into the interior of the heat sink assembly (100). An outlet port (not shown) may be connected to the outlet hole (192). The outlet hole (192) may be configured to discharge refrigerant from the interior of the heat sink assembly (100) to the outside.

[0090]

[0091] Hereinafter, the flow process of the refrigerant flowing inside the heat sink assembly (100) will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the flow path of the refrigerant flowing inside the heat sink assembly (100). In FIG. 17, arrows without accompanying drawing numbers indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0092] Refrigerant can be introduced into the interior of the second and third heat sink units (120, 130) through the inlet hole (191). Refrigerant can be supplied to the second forward flow path (172) through the inlet hole (191). From the second forward flow path (172), the refrigerant can flow by being divided into the second and third flow paths (121, 131) connected to the second forward flow path (172). The refrigerant can flow in the -X direction along the second and third flow paths (121, 131).

[0093] The refrigerant flowing along the second flow path (121) can join at the first rear flow path (181). The refrigerant joined at the first rear flow path (181) can be separated again along the first flow path (111) and flow in the +X direction. The refrigerant flowing along the first flow path (111) can join at the first front flow path (171). The refrigerant joined at the first front flow path (171) can move to the outlet hole (192) along the connecting flow path (155). The refrigerant can be discharged to the outside of the heat sink assembly (100) through an outlet port (not shown) connected to the outlet hole (192).

[0094] The refrigerant flowing along the third flow path (131) can join at the second rear flow path (182). The refrigerant joined at the second rear flow path (182) can be separated again along the fourth flow path (141) and flow in the X direction. The refrigerant flowing along the fourth flow path (141) can join at the third forward flow path (173). The refrigerant joined at the third forward flow path (173) can move to the outlet hole (192) along the connecting flow path (155). The refrigerant can be discharged to the outside of the heat sink assembly (100) through an outlet port (not shown) connected to the outlet hole (192).

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, a heat sink assembly (100) comprising four heat sink units (110, 120, 130, 140) was described, but is not limited thereto. The number of heat sink units may be three or fewer, or five or more.

[0096] The number of heat sink units (120, 130) connected to the inlet hole (191) may be equal to the number of heat sink units (110, 140) flowing toward the outlet hole (192). However, this is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the heat sink units (120, 130) connected to the inlet hole (191) may be composed of a single heat sink.

[0097] A heat sink assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used as a base plate for mounting battery cells. The heat sink assembly (100) can absorb heat generated by the battery cells to prevent the temperature of the battery cells from rising rapidly.

[0098] In some embodiments, two or more heat sink assemblies (100) may be stacked to absorb heat generated from battery cells. The heat sink assembly (100) of the present invention can enable simplification of the battery pack manufacturing process, improved space utilization, improved energy density, and increased rigidity of the cooling structure compared to a method of attaching a separate cooling plate to a base plate.

[0099]

[0100] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A heat sink comprising first to fourth heat sink units, wherein each of the first to fourth heat sink units comprises a first to fourth flow path extending in a first horizontal direction, and the first to fourth heat sinks are joined in sequence in a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction, and the heat sink comprises a first end and a second end that are open by the first to fourth flow paths and opposite each other in the first horizontal direction; A front end block configured to close the first end of the heat sink; and It includes a rear end block configured to close the second end of the heat sink, and The above front end block is, A first front end block located on the first end portion and configured to connect the first and fourth fluid paths to each other while closing the second and third fluid paths; and A heat sink assembly comprising a second front end block positioned on the first front end block and configured to close the first front end block.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above heat sink is, A first forward path connected to the first paths at the first end; A second forward channel connected to the second and third channels at the first end; and A heat sink assembly characterized by further including a third forward channel connected to the fourth channels at the first end.

3. In Paragraph 2, A heat sink assembly characterized in that the first front end block comprises a connecting channel configured to connect the first and third front channels to each other.

4. In Paragraph 3, A heat sink assembly characterized in that the first front end block further includes an outlet hole connected to the connecting channel.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first front end block is, A first protrusion inserted into the first front channel; A second protrusion inserted into the second front channel; and A heat sink assembly characterized by further including a third protrusion inserted into the third front channel.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above-mentioned first front end block is, A first hole connected to the first forward Euro above; A second hole connected to the third forward Euro mentioned above; and A heat sink assembly characterized by including a passage connecting the first and second holes.

7. In Paragraph 5, A heat sink assembly characterized in that the second protrusion is configured to close the second front flow path.

8. In Paragraph 2, A heat sink assembly characterized in that the heat sink further includes an inlet hole connected to the second front flow path.

9. In Paragraph 2, The above heat sink is, A first rear channel connected to the first and second channels at the second end; and A heat sink assembly characterized by further including a second rear channel connected to the third and fourth channels at the second end.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above rear end block is, A first protrusion inserted into the first rear passage; and A heat sink assembly characterized by including a second protrusion inserted into the second rear passage.

11. In Paragraph 1, The first heat sink unit includes first ribs between the first channels, and The second heat sink unit includes second ribs between the second channels, and The third heat sink unit includes third ribs between the third channels, and A heat sink assembly characterized in that the above-mentioned fourth heat sink unit includes fourth ribs between the above-mentioned fourth channels.

12. A heat sink comprising first to fourth heat sink units, wherein the first to fourth heat sink units are each extended in a first horizontal direction and joined in sequence in a second horizontal direction; A front end block configured to close the front end of the heat sink, comprising a connecting channel connecting the internal spaces of the first and fourth heat sink units; and It includes a rear end block configured to close the rear end of the heat sink, and Each of the above first to fourth heat sink units is, Bottom plate; An upper plate spaced vertically from the lower plate above; The lower plate and the upper plate are connected, and the side walls face each other in the second horizontal direction; It includes ribs spaced apart in the second horizontal direction between the above side walls, and A heat sink assembly in which the first horizontal length of each of the above ribs is smaller than the first horizontal length of the heat sink.

13. In Paragraph 12, The front end of the heat sink is at a first position in the first horizontal direction, and The front end of each of the ribs of the first to fourth heat sink units, and the front end of each of the mutually facing side walls of the second and third heat sink units, are each at a second position in the first horizontal direction, and A heat sink assembly characterized in that the second position is closer to the center of the heat sink in the first horizontal direction than the first position.

14. In Paragraph 12, The rear end of the heat sink is at a third position in the first horizontal direction, and Each of the rear ends of the ribs of the first to fourth heat sink units, the rear ends of the mutually facing side walls of the first and second heat sink units, and the rear ends of the mutually facing side walls of the third and fourth heat sink units are each at a fourth position in the first horizontal direction, and A heat sink assembly characterized in that the fourth position is closer to the center of the heat sink in the first horizontal direction than the third position.

15. In Paragraph 12, A heat sink assembly characterized in that each of the first to fourth heat sink units further comprises channels separated by ribs.

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