Battery module with heat conducting structure

Abstract

The present application discloses a battery module with heat conduction structure, which comprises a plurality of battery cores, a battery fixing frame and a plurality of heat conductors. The battery fixing frame is used for accommodating and fixing the battery cores. Each heat conductor is respectively inserted into the space kept between a plurality of corresponding adjacent battery cores; and at least one end of each heat conductor vertically penetrates the battery fixing frame and is connected to a heat collector; the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cores around the heat conductors can be conducted to the heat collector through the heat conductors, so as to avoid the accumulation of the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cores on the battery cores.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly to a battery module that utilizes a thermal conduction structure to conduct heat generated during the charging and discharging of the battery cells and to collect the heat. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing demand for environmental protection and carbon reduction, electric vehicles have gradually gained popularity. Many car manufacturers have entered the electric vehicle development field, hoping to seize business opportunities in the electric vehicle market. The power source of electric vehicles is batteries, such as lithium batteries. To increase the range of electric vehicles, they are usually equipped with battery modules containing a considerable number of battery cells to provide sufficient power for operation.

[0003] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are top, front, and side sectional views of existing battery modules. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the battery module 100 includes a housing 11, a plurality of battery cells 12, a first mounting bracket 131, and a second mounting bracket 132. The battery cells 12 are housed and fixed between the first mounting bracket 131 and the second mounting bracket 132, and the first mounting bracket 131 and the second mounting bracket 132, which hold the battery cells 12, are placed in the housing 11, which protects the battery cells 12 and the first mounting bracket 131 and the second mounting bracket 132.

[0004] When the battery cell 12 of the battery module 100 is charged and discharged, it generates heat. To dissipate the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cell 12, a blower fan 151 and an exhaust fan 153 are typically installed on both sides of the housing 11. A first mounting bracket 131 and a second mounting bracket 132, which house the battery cell 12, are placed between the blower fan 151 and the exhaust fan 153. The blower fan 151 blows cool air from outside toward the location of the battery cell 12 inside the housing 11. The blown cool air becomes hot air after passing through the heated battery cell 12. Then, the exhaust fan 153 draws out the hot air to exhaust it to the outside. Thus, through the blowing of the blower fan 151 and the drawing out of the hot air by the exhaust fan 153, the battery cell 12, which generates heat during charging and discharging, can be cooled down.

[0005] Previously, these battery cells 12 were arranged horizontally and at the same height between the elongated first and second mounting brackets 131 and 132. Therefore, most of the airflow from the fan 151 was blocked by the front row of battery cells 12, which were closer to the fan 151, resulting in high flow resistance. Only a small amount of airflow could pass through the gaps between the front row of battery cells 12 to the rear row. Furthermore, in order to accommodate a large number of battery cells 12 within the limited space of the first and second mounting brackets 131 and 132, the gaps between the arranged battery cells 12 were usually very small, such as 2mm. This also resulted in high flow resistance, leading to very poor airflow efficiency between the battery cells 12. Therefore, the cold air blown in by the fan 151 can only flow in areas with low flow resistance. For example, the cold air tends to blow towards the battery cells 12 near the front of the fan 151 and the outer side of the first fixing bracket 131 and the second fixing bracket 132. As a result, the battery cells 12 arranged in the inner region 121 of the battery module 100 do not easily receive the cold air, causing the battery cells 12 to be at a higher temperature when charging and discharging.

[0006] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the battery module 100 is operating, a temperature detector monitors the temperature of four battery cells (A, B, C, D) 12 located at different positions. Based on the temperature detection, the temperature of battery cell (A) 12 can be T1, the temperature of battery cell (B) 12 can be T2, the temperature of battery cell (C) 12 can be T3, and the temperature of battery cell (D) 12 can be T4. The temperature order of these four battery cells 12 can also be T4>T3>T2>T1. Therefore, the rear inner battery cell (D) 12, which is farther from the fan 151, will have a higher temperature than the front inner battery cells (A, B, C) 12. Furthermore, as cold air flows in from the fan 151, the cold air exchanges heat with each passing battery cell 12. The battery cell 12 located at the rear of the airflow direction receives air that has already undergone heat exchange with the front battery cells 12. Therefore, the temperature of each battery cell 12 inside the entire battery module 100 exhibits an increasingly higher temperature gradient depending on its distance from the fan 151, causing the battery cell 12 located at the rear of the airflow to age much faster than the battery cell 12 located at the front of the airflow, which in turn leads to a relatively shorter lifespan of the battery module 100. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the technical problems in the prior art, an objective of this invention is to provide a battery module comprising a housing, a battery holder, multiple battery cells, and a heat conduction structure. The housing has an air inlet on one side and an exhaust outlet on the other. The battery holder is positioned between the air inlet and exhaust outlet of the housing and serves to house and secure the multiple battery cells. The heat conduction structure includes multiple heat conductors and a heat collector. Each heat conductor is inserted into the gap between multiple adjacent battery cells, and at least one end of each heat conductor vertically passes through the battery holder and connects to the heat collector. During battery module operation, each heat conductor absorbs the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the surrounding battery cells and transfers the heat to the housing, thereby concentrating the heat on the housing and preventing the battery cells from operating at excessively high temperatures during charging and discharging.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the collector is a large-area metal block. When the heat conductor delivers heat to the rear or middle section of the metal block, the heat is conducted to the front of the cooler metal block via the high thermal conductivity of the large-area metal block, thus achieving long-distance heat exchange.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the heat conduction structure further includes at least one heat pipe. The heated end of each heat pipe is connected to a corresponding metal block, while the cooled end is located near the air outlet or connected to heat sink fins. When the battery module operates, the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cells is transported to the metal block by the heat conductor and collected on the metal block. Then, the working fluid inside the heated end of the heat pipe absorbs the heat collected on the metal block, undergoes a phase change, and rapidly transports the heat to the condensing end in a vapor flow manner. After receiving the heat, the condensing end of the heat pipe can dissipate the heat received by the condensing end through the heat sink fins. Through the arrangement of the heat pipes, the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cells collected on the metal block can be quickly transferred to the cold side, thereby accelerating the speed of long-distance heat exchange.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a battery module with a heat conduction structure, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery mounting bracket for accommodating and fixing the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of heat conductors, each heat conductor being inserted into a gap maintained between a plurality of corresponding adjacent battery cells, and at least one end of each heat conductor passing vertically through the battery mounting bracket and connected to a heat collector.

[0011] Preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module further includes a metal housing, with a blower on one side and an exhaust port on the other side inside the metal housing, the battery mounting bracket being disposed between the blower and the exhaust port, and the heat collector being a metal housing.

[0012] Preferably, the heat conductor is an aluminum metal column, a copper metal column, or a heat pipe.

[0013] Preferably, each heat conductor has a flat portion at one end, and each heat conductor is connected to the heat collector through the flat portion, with the flat portion facing the air outlet with its narrow side facing the air outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the heat conductor is a circular, triangular, or square metal cylinder.

[0015] Preferably, the collector is a metal block.

[0016] Preferably, multiple heat dissipation fins are provided on the surface of the metal block.

[0017] Furthermore, the battery module with a heat conduction structure also includes at least one heat pipe, one end of which is connected to the heat collector, and the other end is located close to the air outlet.

[0018] Furthermore, the battery module with a heat conduction structure also includes heat sink fins, with the other end of the heat pipe connected to the heat sink fins.

[0019] Preferably, the heat dissipation fins are located next to the air vent. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a top cross-sectional view of the existing technology where the battery module is installed in the housing.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a front cross-sectional view of a battery module installed in a housing, which is a prior art technology.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view of the existing technology where the battery module is installed in the housing.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a battery module with a heat-conducting structure according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a battery module with a heat conduction structure according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the battery module with a thermally conductive structure according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module with a heat conduction structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the battery module with a thermally conductive structure according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module with a heat conduction structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 10A to 10E These are, respectively, a top view, a bottom view, a right view, a left view, and a front view of a heat conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the battery module with a thermally conductive structure according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module with a heat conduction structure of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module with a heat conduction structure of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the battery module with a thermally conductive structure according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module with a heat conduction structure of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100-Battery module; 11-Housing shell; 12-Battery cell; 131-First mounting bracket; 132-Second mounting bracket; 151-Blowing fan; 153-Exhaust fan; 300-Battery module; 301-Battery module; 302-Battery module; 303-Battery module; 304-Battery module; 31-Housing shell; 32-Battery cell; 33-Battery mounting bracket; 331-First mounting bracket; 332-Second mounting bracket; 34-Heat conductor; 351-Blowing device; 353-Exhaust device; 36-Heat conductor; 361-Flat section; 37-Conductive frame; 38-Heat dissipation fins; 39-Metal block; 391-Heat dissipation fins; 392-Heat pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are, respectively, a top perspective view and a front sectional view of an embodiment of the battery module of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the battery module 300 in this embodiment includes a housing 31, a plurality of battery cells 32, and a battery mounting bracket 33. The housing 31 is a metal housing, with a blower 351 having a blower nozzle on one side and an exhaust device 353 having an exhaust vent on the other side. During the charging and discharging of the battery module 300, cold air enters the housing 31 from the blower nozzle of the blower 351, while hot air is extracted from the exhaust vent of the exhaust device 353.

[0037] The battery mounting bracket 33 includes a first mounting bracket 331 and a second mounting bracket 332. The first mounting bracket 331 and the second mounting bracket 332 each include a sleeve (not shown). The upper end of each battery cell 32 is fitted into the sleeve of the first mounting bracket 331, and the lower end is fitted into the sleeve of the second mounting bracket 332, so that each battery cell 32 can be fixed between the first mounting bracket 331 and the second mounting bracket 332 while maintaining a distance between each battery cell 32. In this embodiment, the battery cells 32 are arranged in a matrix in the battery mounting bracket 33.

[0038] The battery module 300 of the present invention also includes a plurality of heat conductors 34. Each heat conductor 34 is inserted into the gap between a plurality of corresponding adjacent battery cells 32. The heat conductor 34 may also be an aluminum metal pillar, a copper metal pillar, a heat pipe, or a conductor with good thermal conductivity. Furthermore, battery cells 32 farther from the air outlet are often at higher temperatures during charging and discharging. Therefore, each heat conductor 34 may also be selectively disposed in the gap between a plurality of adjacent battery cells 32 located inside the battery holder 33 and farther from the air outlet. One end of the heat conductor 34 passes through the first fixing bracket 331 of the battery holder 33 and is connected to the housing 31, while the other end passes through the second fixing bracket 332 of the battery holder 33 and is connected to the housing 31.

[0039] In this embodiment, the housing 31 serves as a heat collector. When the battery module 300 is operating, each heat conductor 34 absorbs the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the surrounding battery cells 32 and transfers the heat to the housing 31 so that the heat can be collected on the housing 31. Subsequently, the heat collected on the housing 31 is removed by blowing air through the blower 351 and exhausting air through the exhaust device 353. Thus, by using the heat conductors 34 to conduct heat, the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cells 32 is transferred to the housing 31 and collected on the housing 31, thus preventing the battery cells 32 from being in a high-temperature state during charging and discharging.

[0040] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are, respectively, a top perspective view and a front sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module of the present invention. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the battery mounting bracket 33 of the battery module 301 in this embodiment, the battery cells 32 are arranged in parallel and the battery cells 32 in adjacent rows are arranged in an alternating manner.

[0041] The battery module 301 also includes multiple conductive frames 37. These battery cells 32 are connected in series and parallel via the conductive frames 37. Some of the conductive frames 37 are disposed in the internal space of the first fixing frame 331 for electrically connecting the upper electrodes (positive or negative) of two adjacent battery cells 32 together, and other conductive frames 37 are disposed in the internal space of the second fixing frame 332 for electrically connecting the lower electrodes (negative or positive) of two adjacent battery cells 32 together.

[0042] Similarly, the battery module 301 in this embodiment also has multiple heat conductors 36. Each heat conductor 36 is disposed in the gap between multiple adjacent battery cells 32 located inside the battery mounting bracket 33 and far from the air outlet. Furthermore, the conductive frame 37 spans between two adjacent battery cells 32. Therefore, one end of the heat conductor 36 disposed in the gap between the battery cells 32 will be blocked by the conductive frame 37 and cannot be connected to the housing 31. For example, the upper end of the heat conductor 36 is blocked by the conductive frame 37 in the first mounting bracket 331 and is not connected to the housing 31, while the lower end passes through the second mounting bracket 332 and is connected to the housing 31; or, the lower end of the heat conductor 36 is blocked by the conductive frame 37 in the second mounting bracket 332 and is not connected to the housing 31, while the upper end passes through the first mounting bracket 331 and is connected to the housing 31. Furthermore, in this invention, the shape of the heat conductor 36 can be determined according to the tightness between the heat conductor 36 and the surrounding battery cell 32. For example, the heat conductor 36 can be designed as a triangular, circular or square metal column.

[0043] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figures 10A to 10D These are, respectively, a top perspective view, a front sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module of the present invention, and a top view, a bottom view, a right view, a left view, and a front view of the heat conductor of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figures 10A to 10D As shown, in the battery module 302 of this embodiment, the heat conductor 36 has a flat portion 361 at one end. The flat portion 361 is a component formed by widening and thinning one end of the heat conductor 36. One end of each heat conductor 36 is connected to the housing 31 (or heat collector) through the flat portion 361, and specifically, the narrow side of the flat portion 361 faces the air outlet.

[0044] The flat portion 361 functions similarly to a heat sink fin, increasing the heat exchange area between the heat conductor 36 and the air, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the narrow edge of the flat portion 361 facing the air outlet reduces air resistance, thus preventing interference with the heat exchange of other heat conductors 36 behind it.

[0045] Please see Figure 11 and Figure 12 These are, respectively, a top perspective view and a front sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module of the present invention. Compared with the battery module 300 of the above embodiment, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the battery module 303 in this embodiment further includes at least one metal block 39 with good thermal conductivity, such as a copper or aluminum block. The metal block 39 is disposed on the upper and / or lower surface of the inner edge of the housing 31. The two ends of the heat conductor 34 are respectively connected to the corresponding metal block 39. Furthermore, the heat conductor 34 can also be designed as a circular, triangular, or square metal cylinder. In this embodiment, the metal block 39 is used as a heat collector. The heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cell 32 will be transported by the heat conductor 34 to the metal block 39 and collected on the metal block 39, thereby preventing the accumulation of heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cell 32.

[0046] The large metal block 39 can also serve as a heat sink, as it has a high thermal conductivity. Thus, the heat collected in the middle section and rear of the metal block 39 can be conducted to the front of the metal block 39, which has a lower temperature (such as the cold side near the air vent), to achieve long-distance heat exchange.

[0047] Or, such as Figure 13 As shown, multiple heat dissipation fins 391 are further provided on the surface of the metal block 39 to increase the heat exchange area of ​​the metal block 39 and improve the heat dissipation effect of the metal block 39.

[0048] Please see Figure 14 and Figure 15 These are, respectively, a top perspective view and a front sectional view of another embodiment of the battery module of the present invention. Compared with the battery module 300 of the above embodiment, as... Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the battery module 304 in this embodiment further includes one or more metal blocks 39. Each metal block 39 corresponds to a specific region, and the heat conductor 34, which is inserted in the intervals between the multiple battery cells 32 in the specific region, is connected at both ends to the corresponding metal block 39.

[0049] Furthermore, the battery module 304 also includes one or more heat pipes 392. One end of each heat pipe 392 (e.g., the heated end) is connected to a corresponding metal block 39, while the other end (e.g., the cooled end) is located near the air outlet or connected to the heat sink 38. The heat sink 38 can also be located in a position with better air convection, for example, the heat sink 38 can be located next to the air outlet of the air blower 351.

[0050] When the battery module 304 is operating, the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cells 32 in a specific area will be transferred by the heat conductor 34 to the corresponding metal block 39 and collected on the metal block 39. Then, the working fluid inside the heated end of the heat pipe 392 absorbs the heat collected on the metal block 39 and undergoes a phase change, rapidly transferring the heat to the condensing end in the form of vapor flow. After receiving the heat, the condensing end of the heat pipe 392 can dissipate the heat through the heat dissipation fins 38.

[0051] In this way, the heat generated by the charging and discharging of the battery cells 32 in a specific area collected on each metal block 39 can be quickly transported to the cold side (such as the location of the heat dissipation fins 38) through the heat pipe 392, so as to accelerate the speed of long-distance heat exchange and thus improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery module 304 during operation.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. All equivalent variations and modifications made in accordance with the shape, structure, features and spirit described in the claims of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module having a heat transfer structure, characterized by, Comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery holder for holding the plurality of battery cells; a plurality of heat conductors, each of the heat conductors being respectively inserted into a space held between a plurality of corresponding adjacent battery cells, at least one end of each of the heat conductors being connected to a heat collector perpendicularly through the battery holder; a metal casing, one side of the metal casing being provided with a blowing port and the other side being provided with an exhaust port, the battery holder being arranged between the blowing port and the exhaust port, the heat collector being the metal casing; and at least one heat pipe, one end of the heat pipe being connected to the heat collector and the other end of the heat pipe being arranged at a position closer to the blowing port.

2. The battery module with a heat transfer structure according to claim 1, characterized by, The heat conductors are aluminum metal columns, copper metal columns or the heat pipe.

3. The battery module with a heat transfer structure according to claim 1, wherein Each of the heat conductors is provided with a flat portion at one end, each of the heat conductors being connected to the heat collector through the flat portion, the flat portion facing the blowing port with a narrow side.

4. The battery module with a heat transfer structure according to claim 1, characterized by, The heat conductors are circular, triangular or square metal columns.

5. The battery module with a heat transfer structure according to claim 1, wherein The heat collector is a metal block.

6. The battery module with a heat transfer structure according to claim 5, wherein A plurality of heat dissipation fins are arranged on the surface of the metal block.

7. The battery module with a heat transfer structure according to claim 1, wherein The other end of the heat pipe is connected to a heat dissipation fin.

8. The battery module with a heat transfer structure according to claim 7, wherein The heat dissipation fin is arranged beside the blowing port.

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