A housing and a battery pack

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of new energy vehicles. Specifically disclosed is a shell and a battery pack. The shell has a receiving cavity for accommodating a battery cell module and a liquid cooling channel for cooling the battery cell module. The side wall of the shell is provided with a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel. One end of the water inlet channel is connected to an external water inlet port, and the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet channel is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port. The water outlet channel includes a plurality of branch channels. A cooling channel is provided at the bottom of the shell. The water inlet channel, the cooling channel and the water outlet channel are connected in sequence to form a liquid cooling channel. The liquid cooling channel is integrally formed with the shell, which reduces the space occupied by the liquid cooling channel. The water inlet channel and the water outlet channel jointly reduce the pressure drop of the coolant flowing through the liquid cooling channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of new energy vehicles, and in particular to a housing and a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] As one of the core components of electric vehicles, the safety of the power battery pack has attracted considerable attention. A liquid cooling system is essential for the battery pack, as it keeps the battery cool to prevent overheating.

[0003] At present, the existing power battery pack generally includes a tray and a number of battery modules installed in the tray, and the battery module includes a shell and a battery cell module installed in the shell. The cooling system includes a liquid cooling plate, which is arranged on the tray, and the battery module is placed on the liquid cooling plate. The existing liquid cooling plate is generally made of two layers of metal plates brazed together, and the liquid cooling plate is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes of the coolant by brazing. The above-mentioned cooling method of installing a liquid cooling plate in the power battery pack requires additional arrangement of the liquid cooling plate, which is relatively expensive and occupies a large space, and the space utilization rate of the battery pack is low.

[0004] Secondly, the traditional liquid cooling system has a large pressure drop, which requires the tram to use a high-power pump to drive the liquid cooling system, increasing the tram's energy consumption.

[0005] Therefore, a housing and a battery are needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a housing to improve the utilization rate of the internal space thereof and reduce the pressure drop of a liquid cooling system.

[0007] To achieve this object, the technical solution adopted in the present invention is:

[0008] A shell, the shell having an accommodating cavity for accommodating a battery cell module and a liquid cooling channel for cooling the battery cell module; a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel are provided on the side wall of the shell, one end of the water inlet channel is connected to an external water inlet port, and the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet channel is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port, the water outlet channel includes multiple branch channels, and a cooling channel is provided at the bottom of the shell, the water inlet channel, the cooling channel and the water outlet channel are connected in sequence to form the liquid cooling channel.

[0009] Preferably, a boss is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the accommodating cavity, and a heat-conducting adhesive layer is further provided in the accommodating cavity, wherein the heat-conducting adhesive layer is provided with a groove adapted to the boss.

[0010] Preferably, the area of ​​the radial cross section of the water inlet channel gradually increases from top to bottom in the height direction of the shell.

[0011] Preferably, the radial cross-section of the water inlet channel is an oblong.

[0012] Preferably, the water outlet channel further includes a main channel, one end of each of the branch channels intersects and connects with the main channel as a whole, and the other end of each of the branch channels connects with the cooling channel.

[0013] Preferably, the side wall of the shell is further provided with the water inlet port and the water outlet port, and the water outlet port is communicated with one end of the main channel.

[0014] Preferably, the shell also includes a sealing plate, and a U-shaped groove is provided on the bottom surface of the shell, one end of the U-shaped groove is connected to the water inlet channel, and the other end is connected to the water outlet channel; the sealing plate is fixedly arranged on the bottom surface of the shell, and is jointly enclosed with the U-shaped groove to form the cooling channel.

[0015] Preferably, the inner cavity of the U-shaped groove is provided with a plurality of turbulent flow structures.

[0016] Preferably, a U-shaped guide portion is constructed at the U-shaped bending position of the U-shaped groove, and the U-shaped guide portion is consistent with the opening direction of the U-shaped groove.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack to improve the internal space utilization and reduce the pressure drop of the liquid cooling system.

[0018] To achieve this object, the technical solution adopted in the present invention is:

[0019] A battery pack includes the above-mentioned shell.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0021] The present invention proposes a housing that integrates a liquid cooling channel with the housing through an integrated design and processing, reducing the internal space occupied by the liquid cooling channel. Compared to existing liquid cooling channels composed of multiple liquid cooling plates, this eliminates the need for connectors and pipes between the plates, reduces welding processes, avoids coolant leakage, and reduces the production cost of the housing.

[0022] The liquid cooling channel includes a water inlet channel, a cooling channel, and a water outlet channel. The water inlet channel is connected to an external water inlet port and has a larger radial cross-sectional area than the water inlet port. The water outlet channel includes multiple branch channels. Compared to existing single circular inlet and outlet channels, the water inlet and outlet channels of the present invention increase the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant flow, reducing the pressure drop in the liquid cooling channel and reducing energy consumption.

[0023] A boss is provided in the middle position of the bottom of the accommodating cavity of the shell, and a groove adapted to the boss is provided in the middle position of the thermal conductive adhesive layer, so that when the battery cell module is fixedly installed in the accommodating cavity of the shell, the bottom of the battery cell module is in contact with the thermal conductive adhesive layer. By reducing the thickness of the middle position of the thermal conductive adhesive layer, the thermal resistance of the middle position of the battery cell module is reduced, and the heat dissipation of the middle position of the battery cell module is improved. At the same time, the thickness of the thermal conductive adhesive layer at both ends of the battery cell module is greater than the thickness of the thermal conductive adhesive layer at the middle position, which reduces the heat dissipation at both ends of the battery cell module, and together improves the temperature difference between the two ends and the middle position of the battery cell module, thereby improving the service life of the battery cell module.

[0024] The battery pack proposed by the present invention includes the above-mentioned shell. The liquid cooling channel and the shell are designed and processed into an integrated form, which reduces the internal space of the shell occupied by the liquid cooling channel and reduces the production cost of the battery pack. The radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet channel is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port, and the water outlet channel includes multiple branch channels, which reduces the pressure drop of the liquid cooling channel and reduces energy consumption. A boss is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the accommodating cavity of the shell, and a groove adapted to the boss is provided at the middle position of the thermal conductive adhesive layer, so that when the battery cell module is fixedly installed in the accommodating cavity of the shell, the bottom of the battery cell module abuts the thermal conductive adhesive layer. By reducing the thickness of the thermal conductive adhesive layer in the middle position, the thermal resistance of the battery cell module in the middle position is reduced, and the heat dissipation of the battery cell module in the middle position is increased. At the same time, the thickness of the thermal conductive adhesive layer at both ends of the battery cell module is greater than the thickness of the thermal conductive adhesive layer at the middle position, which reduces the heat dissipation at both ends of the battery cell module, and together improves the temperature difference between the two ends and the middle position of the battery cell module, thereby increasing the service life of the battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structural decomposition of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a front view of a housing provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the AA axis;

[0029] Figure 5 is a bottom view of a housing provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0031] Figure 7 is a flow chart of coolant flowing through a liquid cooling channel provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 is a side view of a housing provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Cross-sectional view in CC direction;

[0034] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Cross-sectional view along the DD direction.

[0035] The names and numbers of the components in the figure are as follows:

[0036] 10. Battery module; 101. Thermal conductive adhesive layer;

[0037] 1. Shell; 11. Water inlet channel; 12. Water outlet channel; 121. Main channel; 122. Branch channel; 13. U-shaped groove; 131. Turbulence structure; 132. U-shaped guide part; 14. Boss; 15. Sealing plate; 16. Water inlet port; 17. Water outlet port; 2. Cover plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved more clearly, the technical solutions of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for the purpose of explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the drawings only show portions relevant to the present invention, not all of them.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances.

[0040] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0041] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplified operation. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meanings.

[0042] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation methods.

[0043] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this embodiment discloses a shell 1. The shell 1 includes a housing for accommodating a battery cell module 10 and a liquid cooling channel for cooling the battery cell module 10. A water inlet channel 11 and a water outlet channel 12 are provided on the side wall of the shell 1. One end of the water inlet channel 11 is connected to an external water inlet port 16, and the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet channel 11 is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port 16. The water outlet channel 12 includes a plurality of branch channels 122. A cooling channel is provided at the bottom of the shell 1. The water inlet channel 11, the cooling channel and the water outlet channel 12 are connected in sequence to form a liquid cooling channel.

[0044] In this embodiment, the liquid cooling channel and the shell 1 are integrally designed and die-cast, which reduces the internal space of the shell 1 occupied by the liquid cooling channel. Compared with the existing liquid cooling channel composed of multiple liquid cooling plates, there is no need for plugs and pipes between the liquid cooling plates, and the welding process is reduced, which avoids leakage of the coolant and reduces the production cost of the shell 1. One end of the water inlet channel 11 in the liquid cooling channel is connected to the external water inlet port 16, and its radial cross-sectional area is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port 16. The water outlet channel 12 includes multiple branch channels 122. Compared with the existing single-channel structure in which the radial cross-sections of the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel are circular, the water inlet channel 11 and the water outlet channel 12 in this embodiment increase the radial cross-sectional area through which the coolant flows, reduce the pressure drop of the liquid cooling channel, and reduce energy consumption. Figure 4 and Figure 10As shown, the water inlet channel 11 extends along the height of the housing 1, and the bottom of the water inlet channel 11 is connected to the U-shaped groove 13 mentioned below. Preferably, the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet channel 11 gradually increases from top to bottom along the height of the housing 1. This further increases the flow area of ​​the coolant in the water inlet channel 11 and improves the pressure drop of the liquid cooling channel.

[0045] Preferably, the radial cross-section of the water inlet channel 11 is an oblong shape to increase the area through which the coolant flows. Of course, the radial cross-section of the water inlet channel 11 can also be a square hole or an elliptical hole, as long as the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet channel 11 is larger than the radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port 16.

[0046] Continue as Figure 4 As shown, the outlet channel 12 further includes a main channel 121 , one end of a plurality of branch channels 122 are all connected to the main channel 121 as a whole, and the other ends of the plurality of branch channels 122 are all connected to the cooling channel.

[0047] In this embodiment, the outlet channel 12 includes a main channel 12 and two branch channels 122. One end of the two branch channels 122 intersects and connects with the main channel 121 to form a Y-shaped channel. The other ends of the two branch channels 122 are connected to the cooling channel. By increasing the number of branch channels 122, the area through which the coolant flows is increased, and the pressure drop of the liquid cooling channel is improved. In other embodiments, the branch channels 122 can also be three, four or more than four. In this embodiment, the water inlet channel 11 is an oblong hole channel, and the water outlet channel 12 is a multi-branch channel, both of which can increase the area through which the coolant flows in the liquid cooling channel and reduce the pressure drop of the coolant.

[0048] Preferably, the two branch flow channels 122 are arranged at an acute angle to each other and intersect and connect with the main flow channel 121 to form a whole. This reduces the flow rate loss of the coolant at the intersection of the two branch flow channels 122 and the main flow channel 121, avoids a significant decrease in the circulation efficiency of the liquid cooling channel, and facilitates processing and manufacturing. Of course, the two branch flow channels 122 can also be arranged at an obtuse angle to each other.

[0049] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the housing further includes a sealing plate 15. The bottom surface of the housing 1 is provided with a U-shaped groove 13, one end of which is connected to the water inlet channel 11, and the other end is connected to the water outlet channel 12. The sealing plate 15 is fixedly mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 1 and, together with the U-shaped groove 13, forms a cooling channel.

[0050] Specifically, in order to ensure the airtightness of the cooling channel, the sealing plate 15 is welded to the bottom surface of the shell 1 by stir friction welding. The cooling channel formed by the sealing plate 15 and the U-shaped groove 13 avoids leakage of the coolant and achieves good sealing of the battery pack.

[0051] Preferably, the inner cavity of the U-shaped groove 13 is provided with a plurality of turbulent flow structures 131. In this embodiment, the turbulent flow structure 131 is a cylinder with a flow-guiding function, and the plurality of turbulent flow structures 131 are arranged in an array along the extension direction of the U-shaped groove 13, so that the flow velocity of the coolant at each position of the cooling channel remains uniform. The coolant flows in the cooling channel with the turbulent flow structure 131, which increases the disturbance of the coolant, is conducive to improving the circulation efficiency of the coolant, and eliminates the phenomenon of stagnation of the coolant in the cooling channel. In other embodiments, the turbulent flow structure 131 can also be a polygonal cylinder or an elliptical cylinder.

[0052] Further preferably, a U-shaped guide portion 132 is provided at the U-shaped bend of the U-shaped groove 13, and the U-shaped guide portion 132 is aligned with the opening direction of the U-shaped groove 13. The provision of the U-shaped guide portion 132 improves the flow deviation of the coolant, allowing the coolant to flow better along the extension direction of the U-shaped groove 13, avoiding eddy currents when the coolant flows at the U-shaped bend of the U-shaped groove 13, reducing the flow rate of the coolant, and facilitating faster heat dissipation of the battery cell module 10.

[0053] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the side wall of the housing 1 is further provided with a water inlet port 16 and a water outlet port 17, and the water outlet port 17 is connected to one end of the main channel 121. The water inlet port 16 and the water outlet port 17 are provided on the same outer side wall of the housing 1, so that the water inlet channel 11 and the water outlet channel 12 are located in the same outer side wall of the housing 1, which facilitates the die-casting process of the housing 1.

[0054] Specifically, the water inlet port 16 is connected to the upper end of the water inlet channel 11, and the water outlet port 17 is connected to the upper end of the main channel 121. The water inlet port 16 is located above the water outlet port 17. Of course, the water inlet port 16 can also be located below the water outlet port 17.

[0055] It should be noted that a coolant storage device (not shown) is also provided on the outside of the housing 1. Both the water inlet port 16 and the water outlet port 17 are connected to the coolant storage device. The coolant in the coolant storage device passes through the water inlet port 16, the water inlet channel 11, the cooling channel, the water outlet channel 12, and the water outlet port 17, ultimately returning to the coolant storage device to cool the battery cell module 10 within the housing 1. The coolant storage device and the liquid cooling channel form a liquid cooling system.

[0056] For ease of understanding, the shape of the cooling liquid flowing through the liquid cooling channel in the housing 1 is as follows: Figure 7As shown, the specific process is as follows: the coolant flows through the water inlet port 16, sequentially through the water inlet channel 11, the cooling channel, and the water outlet channel 12, and finally flows out of the housing 1 through the water outlet port 17, cooling the battery module 10 and achieving liquid cooling. The liquid cooling channel is integrally die-cast with the housing 1, reducing the internal space occupied by the liquid cooling channel and eliminating the problem of liquid leakage.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, a boss 14 is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the accommodating cavity, and a heat-conducting adhesive layer 101 is also provided in the accommodating cavity. The heat-conducting adhesive layer 101 is provided with a groove adapted to the boss 14.

[0058] Specifically, when the battery cell module 10 is fixedly installed in the housing 1, the boss 14 cooperates with the groove of the thermally conductive adhesive layer 101, reducing the thickness of the thermally conductive adhesive layer 101 in the middle position, reducing the thermal resistance in the middle position of the battery cell module 10, and increasing the heat dissipation of the battery cell module 10 in the middle position. At the same time, the thickness of the thermally conductive adhesive layer 101 at both ends of the battery cell module 10 is greater than the thickness of the thermally conductive adhesive layer 101 in the middle position, thereby reducing the heat dissipation at both ends of the battery cell module 10, and jointly improving the temperature difference between the two ends and the middle position of the battery cell module 10, thereby increasing the service life of the battery cell module 10.

[0059] It should be noted that the boss 14 is an aluminum boss with a high thermal conductivity, which further enhances the heat dissipation efficiency of the middle portion of the battery cell module 10 .

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment also discloses a battery pack, including the aforementioned housing 1. Specifically, the battery pack also includes a cover plate 2, and the battery cell module 10 is located within the receiving cavity of the housing 1. The housing 1 and the cover plate 2 are combined to cover the receiving cavity, and the cover plate 2 is used to block the receiving groove to achieve a sealed housing 1.

[0061] The battery pack's shell 1 and liquid cooling channel are integrally die-cast, reducing the internal space occupied by the liquid cooling channel in the shell 1 and the welding process, avoiding leakage of the coolant, and reducing the production cost of the battery pack. The water inlet channel 11 and the water outlet channel 12 both increase the cross-sectional area through which the coolant flows, reducing the pressure drop in the liquid cooling channel and reducing energy consumption. By reducing the thickness of the middle position of the thermal conductive adhesive layer 101, the thermal resistance of the middle position of the battery cell module 10 is reduced, the temperature difference between the two ends and the middle position of the battery cell module 10 is improved, and the service life of the battery pack is increased.

[0062] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and features of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed in the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A housing, characterized in that: The shell has a housing for accommodating the battery module (10) and a liquid cooling channel for cooling the battery module (10); a water inlet channel (11) and a water outlet channel (12) are provided on the side wall of the shell, one end of the water inlet channel (11) is connected to an external water inlet port (16), and a radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet channel (11) is larger than a radial cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port (16); the water outlet channel (12) includes a plurality of branch channels (122); a cooling channel is provided on the bottom of the shell, and the water inlet channel (11), the cooling channel and the water outlet channel (12) are connected in sequence to form the liquid cooling channel; The water outlet flow channel (12) further comprises a main flow channel (121), one end of each of the plurality of branch flow channels (122) intersects and communicates with the main flow channel (121) as a whole, and the other ends of each of the plurality of branch flow channels (122) communicate with the cooling flow channel; The liquid cooling channel and the shell are integrally designed and formed.

2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein: A boss (14) is provided at the middle position of the bottom of the accommodating cavity, and a heat-conducting adhesive layer (101) is also provided in the accommodating cavity. The heat-conducting adhesive layer (101) is provided with a groove adapted to the boss (14).

3. The housing according to claim 1, wherein: The area of ​​the radial cross section of the water inlet channel (11) gradually increases from top to bottom in the height direction of the shell.

4. The housing according to claim 1, wherein: The radial cross-section of the water inlet channel (11) is an oblong.

5. The housing according to claim 1, wherein: The side wall of the shell is further provided with the water inlet port (16) and the water outlet port (17), and the water outlet port (17) is in communication with one end of the main flow channel (121).

6. The housing according to claim 1, wherein: The shell further comprises a sealing plate (15), and a U-shaped groove (13) is provided on the bottom surface of the shell, one end of the U-shaped groove (13) is connected to the water inlet channel (11), and the other end is connected to the water outlet channel (12); the sealing plate (15) is fixedly arranged on the bottom surface of the shell (1), and is enclosed together with the U-shaped groove (13) to form the cooling channel.

7. The housing according to claim 6, wherein: The inner cavity of the U-shaped groove (13) is provided with a plurality of turbulent flow structures (131).

8. The housing according to claim 6, wherein: A U-shaped guide portion (132) is constructed at the U-shaped bending position of the U-shaped groove (13), and the opening direction of the U-shaped guide portion (132) is consistent with that of the U-shaped groove (13).

9. A battery pack, characterized in that: The invention comprises the housing according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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