Upper cover assembly, single battery and battery module

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of batteries, and particularly relates to an upper cover assembly, a single battery and a battery module. And the heat exchange problem of a high-capacity battery is solved. The upper cover assembly comprises an upper cover plate and a polarity terminal arranged on the upper cover plate; and at least one step structure is arranged on the outer wall of the polar terminal along the circumferential direction of the polar terminal. The single batteries are provided with the upper cover assembly, and the battery module comprises a plurality of single batteries arranged in the same direction and a heat exchange device. The heat exchange of the high-capacity battery is realized based on the heat exchange device, and the heat exchange device is matched with the step surface of the step structure of the polar terminal and is pressed on the step surface, so that the sealing between the polar terminal and the heat exchange device can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of batteries, and specifically relates to an upper cover assembly, a single cell and a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Currently, multiple single cells are connected in parallel, in series, or in series-parallel connection to form large-capacity batteries (also known as battery modules or battery packs).

[0003] However, existing large-capacity batteries have inherent differences among individual cells. Due to the "barrel effect," the performance of the worst cell is often affected, significantly limiting the upper capacity and cycle life of the entire large-capacity battery. Therefore, improving the uniformity of individual cells in large-capacity batteries has become a key and challenging area of ​​research in this field.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, Chinese patent CN220797038U discloses a large-capacity battery, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, such a large-capacity battery includes a housing 1 and a plurality of single cells 2 .

[0005] The length direction of the housing 1 is defined as the x direction, the width direction as the y direction, and the height direction as the z direction;

[0006] A plurality of single cells 2 are arranged in the inner cavity of the housing 1 along the x direction;

[0007] The bottom plate 12 of the outer shell is provided with an electrolyte sharing chamber 13, which is connected to the electrolyte area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell 2; the electrolyte in the inner cavity of each single cell 2 is connected through the electrolyte sharing chamber 13, so that the electrolyte of all single cells 2 is in the same system, reducing the difference between the electrolytes of each single cell 2, and to a certain extent improving the consistency between the single cells 2, thereby to a certain extent improving the cycle life of the large-capacity battery.

[0008] The housing top plate 11 is provided with a first avoidance hole 3 through which the polarity terminal 21 of each single battery 2 can extend. The polarity terminal 21 of each single battery 2 extends out of the first avoidance hole 3 and the housing top plate 11 area corresponding to the first avoidance hole 3 is fixedly sealed with the upper cover of the single battery 2 .

[0009] It should be noted that the above-mentioned single cell 2 polarity terminal 21 can be a single cell 2 pole. If, in order to avoid the single cell 2 pole from being unable to smoothly extend out of the first avoidance hole 3 as a polarity terminal 21 or the height of the pole extending out of the first avoidance hole 3 does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter can also be connected to the single cell 2 pole, and the overall structure of the single cell 2 pole and the pole adapter can be used as the single cell 2 polarity terminal 21.

[0010] The above-mentioned large-capacity batteries will release heat during use. If the heat exchange is not timely, the battery life will be greatly shortened, energy loss will be aggravated, and even safety hazards such as spontaneous combustion and fire will occur. Therefore, it is particularly important to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the above-mentioned large-capacity batteries.

[0011] In order to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the above-mentioned large-capacity battery, Chinese patent CN118299714A discloses a large-capacity battery, such as Figure 2 As shown, the patent provides a slot at the location of the polarity terminal 21 of the large-capacity battery extending from the first avoidance hole 3. A heat exchange element 01 is fixed in the slot, effectively achieving heat exchange for the large-capacity battery. The larger the contact area between the polarity terminal and the heat exchange element, the better the heat exchange effect. In other words, the larger the slot surface area, the greater the contact area between the polarity terminal and the heat exchange element, and the better the heat exchange effect achieved. However, if the slot surface area is too large, it will affect the overall structure of the polarity terminal and, in turn, its conductivity. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a top cover assembly, a single cell and a battery module to overcome the heat exchange problem of large-capacity batteries.

[0013] The concept of the present invention is:

[0014] The present invention abandons the heat exchange component and directly sets a heat exchange device on the top plate of the shell of the large-capacity battery disclosed in Chinese patent CN220797038U. The inner cavity of the heat exchange device serves as a accommodating chamber for the heat exchange medium. At the same time, the polarity terminal penetrates the heat exchange device in the z direction, that is, part of the structure of the polarity terminal is located inside the heat exchange device and is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium; the other part of the structure of the polarity terminal is located outside the heat exchange device and serves as an electrical connection part.

[0015] Compared with the solution of Chinese patent CN118299714A, firstly, the heat exchange path is shortened from "heat exchange medium-heat exchange element-polarity terminal" to "heat exchange medium-polarity terminal". The heat exchange medium directly acts on the polarity terminal, which can improve the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium and thus improve the heat exchange efficiency of such large-capacity batteries; secondly, the heat exchange area is increased from "a slot with a certain surface area" to "a partial structure in which the polarity terminal is located in the heat exchange device", which can further improve the heat exchange efficiency of such large-capacity batteries; finally, there is no need to change the polarity terminal structure, and the conductive performance of the polarity terminal is not affected.

[0016] However, when the heat exchange medium is liquid, the seal between the heat exchange device and the polarity terminal is particularly important.

[0017] To address the sealing issue between the heat exchange device and the polarity terminals, the first aspect of the present invention discloses a top cover assembly comprising a top cover plate and polarity terminals mounted thereon; at least one step structure is provided on the outer wall of the polarity terminals along their circumference. After replacing the individual cells in the aforementioned high-capacity battery with cells equipped with this top cover assembly, the heat exchange device mates with and is pressed against the stepped surface of the polarity terminal structure, thereby achieving a seal between the polarity terminals and the heat exchange device.

[0018] Furthermore, a first opening piece is provided on the upper cover. When the large-capacity battery housing top plate is provided with a gas sharing chamber, the gas areas in the inner cavities of each single battery can be connected to the gas sharing chamber by opening the first opening piece.

[0019] A second aspect of the present invention provides a single cell comprising an outer shell and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte located therein; wherein the outer shell is enclosed by an upper cover assembly, a cylinder, and a lower cover assembly; and the upper cover assembly is the upper cover assembly described above.

[0020] Furthermore, a second opening piece is provided on the lower cover. When the large-capacity battery is provided with a shared electrolyte chamber, the electrolyte areas in the inner cavities of each single battery can be connected to the shared electrolyte chamber by opening the second opening piece.

[0021] The third aspect of the present invention provides another upper cover assembly, including an upper cover plate, a polarity terminal arranged on the upper cover plate, and a second heat exchange device arranged on the upper cover plate; the inner cavity of the second heat exchange device serves as a heat exchange medium accommodating cavity; at least one step structure is provided on the outer wall of the polarity terminal along the circumference of the polarity terminal; the polarity terminal passes through the second heat exchange device, and at least part of the structure of the polarity terminal is located in the heat exchange medium accommodating cavity and is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium; another part of the structure of the polarity terminal is located outside the second heat exchange device and serves as an electrical connection part; the second heat exchange device cooperates with the step surface of the polarity terminal and is pressed onto the step surface to achieve sealing between the polarity terminal and the second heat exchange device.

[0022] Different from the upper cover assembly disclosed in the first aspect, this upper cover assembly is directly provided with a second heat exchange device on the upper cover plate. The second heat exchange device mainly exchanges heat for the polarity terminals of the single battery cells where heat is more concentrated. At the same time, a direct heat exchange method is adopted to place part of the structure of the polarity terminal directly in the heat exchange medium accommodating chamber, so that the polarity terminal is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium to realize heat exchange of the polarity terminal. Compared with the indirect heat exchange method, it has a shorter heat exchange path, and the heat exchange medium directly acts on the polarity terminal, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the battery.

[0023] The second heat exchange device cooperates with the step surface of the step structure of the polarity terminal and is pressed onto the step surface, thereby achieving sealing between the polarity terminal and the second heat exchange device.

[0024] Furthermore, there are two polarity terminals, and the second heat exchange device can adopt the following two structures:

[0025] The first and second heat exchange device:

[0026] The second heat exchange device includes two third heat exchange tubes, each corresponding to the two polarity terminals. The third heat exchange tube is a half tube, and a third avoidance hole is defined in the wall of the half tube. The third heat exchange tube is buckled and sealed to the upper cover plate. The space formed between the third heat exchange tube and the upper cover plate serves as a heat exchange medium accommodating chamber. At least a portion of the polarity terminal is located within the heat exchange medium accommodating chamber, and another portion extends out of the third avoidance hole corresponding to the third heat exchange tube to serve as an electrical connection portion.

[0027] The peripheral area of ​​the third avoidance hole of the third heat exchange pipe is sealed and crimped onto the step surface of the corresponding polarity terminal.

[0028] The second heat exchange device:

[0029] The second heat exchange device includes a fourth heat exchange tube, which is a half-tube. Two third avoidance holes are defined in the wall of the half-tube, and the two third avoidance holes correspond one-to-one to the two polarity terminals. The fourth heat exchange tube is buckled and sealed to the upper cover plate. The space formed between the fourth heat exchange tube and the upper cover plate serves as a heat exchange medium accommodating chamber. At least a portion of the polarity terminal is located within the heat exchange medium accommodating chamber, and another portion extends out of the corresponding third avoidance holes to serve as an electrical connection portion.

[0030] The peripheral area of ​​the third avoidance hole of the fourth heat exchange pipe is sealed and crimped onto the step surface of the corresponding polarity terminal.

[0031] In the above two second heat exchange devices, part of the structure of the polarity terminal and at least part of the structure of the upper cover plate are in direct contact with the heat exchange medium, and have a good heat exchange effect.

[0032] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a single cell comprising an outer shell and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte located therein; wherein the outer shell is enclosed by an upper cover assembly, a cylinder, and a lower cover assembly; and the upper cover assembly is the upper cover assembly with the second heat exchange device.

[0033] The fifth aspect of the present invention also provides a battery module, comprising a plurality of single cells arranged in the same direction, wherein the single cells are the single cells provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention; the second heat exchange devices of adjacent single cells are interconnected to form a heat exchange channel at the top of the battery module to realize heat exchange of the battery module.

[0034] Furthermore, when the second heat exchange device is two third heat exchange pipes, the third heat exchange pipes of adjacent single batteries located on the same side are connected to each other.

[0035] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0036] 1. The present invention provides at least one step structure on the outer wall of the polarity terminal along the circumference of the polarity terminal. After the single cell in the large-capacity battery is replaced with a single cell having such an upper cover assembly, the heat exchange device (including the first heat exchange device and the second heat exchange device) cooperates with the step surface of the polarity terminal step structure and is pressed onto the step surface to achieve a reliable seal between the polarity terminal and the heat exchange device.

[0037] 2. The present invention incorporates a second heat exchange device directly on the upper cover plate. This device primarily exchanges heat with the polarity terminals of the single battery cells, where heat is most concentrated. Furthermore, a direct heat exchange method is employed, placing portions of the polarity terminals directly within the heat exchange medium chamber, allowing direct contact between the polarity terminals and the heat exchange medium. Compared to indirect heat exchange methods, this method offers a shorter heat exchange path, with the heat exchange medium acting directly on the polarity terminals, increasing the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the battery. Furthermore, the second heat exchange device mates with the stepped surface of the polarity terminal structure, pressing against it to achieve a reliable seal between the polarity terminals and the second heat exchange device.

[0038] 3. After the present invention uses single cells with a second heat exchange device to construct a battery module, the second heat exchange devices of adjacent single cells are connected to form a heat exchange channel on the top of the battery module, which can effectively realize heat exchange of the battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a large-capacity battery in the background technology;

[0040] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of another large-capacity battery in the background technology;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the upper cover assembly in Example 1;

[0042] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the upper cover assembly in Example 1;

[0043] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of a single cell in Example 2;

[0044] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a single cell in Example 2;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery in Example 3;

[0046] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery in Example 3;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery in Example 4;

[0048] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery in Example 4;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of a large-capacity battery in Example 4;

[0050] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the shell of a large-capacity battery in Example 4;

[0051] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the cylindrical structure of the large-capacity battery in Example 4;

[0052] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0053] Figure 15 This is a partial enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of the large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0054] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery in another embodiment;

[0055] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of another large-capacity battery in other embodiments;

[0056] Figure 18 This is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0057] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of another large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0058] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of another large-capacity battery in Example 5;

[0059] Figure 21 This is a schematic structural diagram of a large-capacity battery according to Example 6;

[0060] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery according to Example 6;

[0061] Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of another large-capacity battery according to Example 6;

[0062] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the partial explosion structure of the large-capacity battery in Example 7;

[0063] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view of a large-capacity battery in Example 7;

[0064] Figure 26This is a schematic structural diagram of the upper cover assembly in Example 8;

[0065] Figure 27 Schematic diagram of the structure of a single cell in Example 8;

[0066] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of a single cell in Example 8;

[0067] Figure 29 This is a schematic structural diagram of the upper cover assembly in Example 9;

[0068] Figure 30 Schematic diagram of the structure of a single cell in Example 9;

[0069] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of a single cell in Example 9;

[0070] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of another single cell in Example 9;

[0071] Figure 33 Schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module in Example 10;

[0072] Figure 34 A partial cross-sectional view of connecting adjacent third heat exchange pipe members using connecting pipe segments in Example 10;

[0073] Figure 35 A partial cross-sectional view of connecting adjacent third heat exchange tube members using the first tube and the second tube in Example 10;

[0074] Figure 36 Schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module in Example 11;

[0075] The accompanying drawings are denoted as follows:

[0076] 01. Heat exchanger; 1. Housing; 11. Housing top plate; 12. Housing bottom plate; 13. Electrolyte shared chamber; 14. Gas shared chamber; 2. Single cell; 21. Polarity terminal; 211. Electrical connection; 22. Electrical connection assembly; 221. First electrical connection; 222. Second electrical connection; 3. First avoidance hole; 4. First heat exchange device; 41. First sub-heat exchange device; 42. Second sub-heat exchange device; 43. Annular protrusion; 44. First side plate; 45. Second side plate; 5. Hollow box top plate; 51. Second avoidance hole; 52. First sub-hollow box top plate; 53. Second sub-hollow box top plate; 6. Splitting member; 7. Connecting Connecting pipe; 8. Through hole; 9. First insulating sealant layer; 10. Second insulating sealant layer; 15. Sealing connector; 16. Support member; 17. Boss; 18. Liquid inlet; 19. Cylinder; 191. Cylinder side plate; 192. Cylinder top plate; 20. End plate; 23. Upper cover; 24. Explosion venting part; 25. Explosion venting branch pipe; 26. Connecting pipe section; 27. First pipe; 28. Second pipe; 29. ​​Liquid injection port; 30. Step structure; 31. Step surface; 32. Second unpacking part; 101. Second heat exchange device; 23. O-ring; 50. Third heat exchange pipe fitting; 501. Third pipe body; 503. Sealing plate; 60. Fourth heat exchange pipe fitting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention is given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary persons in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0078] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art may make similar generalizations without violating the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0079] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," and so on, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and so on, are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0080] Example 1

[0081] This embodiment is a top cover assembly, and its structure is as follows Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, it includes an upper cover plate 23 and two polarity terminals 21 located on the upper cover plate 23. The polarity of the two polarity terminals 21 is opposite, and they serve as the positive and negative polarity terminals 21 of the single cell 2 respectively. The polarity terminals 21 described here can be the poles of the single cell 2. When the height of the poles of the single cell 2 does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter can be connected to the pole of the single cell 2, and the overall structure of the pole of the single cell 2 and the pole adapter can be used as the polarity terminal 21 of the single cell 2. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen from the figure, the polarity terminal 21 of this embodiment is a single cell 2 pole, which is higher than a conventional single cell 2 pole.

[0082] The upper cover plate 23 is used to enclose the lower cover assembly and the outer cylinder of the single battery 2 to form the outer shell of the single battery 2.

[0083] It should be noted that insulation is maintained between the polarity terminal 21 and the upper cover plate 23 , and a method of maintaining insulation may be pouring insulating glue or providing an insulating rubber sleeve.

[0084] In this embodiment, a two-step step structure 30 is provided on the polarity terminal 21 along the circumference of the polarity terminal 21 to cooperate with the heat exchange device to achieve sealing between the heat exchange device and the polarity terminal 21; in other embodiments, one or more than two step structures 30 can be provided according to actual needs.

[0085] This embodiment may further include a first opening member disposed on the upper cover plate 23, located between the two polarity terminals 21. The first opening member can be separated from the upper cover plate 23 of the single cell 2 under the action of external force or electrolyte, thereby forming a through hole in the upper cover plate 23 that penetrates the inner cavity of the outer shell. The first opening member may employ an existing structure, such as the first opening member disclosed in Chinese Patent CN221327991U, the sealing device disclosed in Chinese Patent CN117476997A, or the opening device disclosed in CN117477117A.

[0086] Example 2

[0087] This embodiment is a single cell 2, and its structure is as follows Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it includes an outer shell and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte located inside the outer shell; wherein the outer shell is enclosed by an outer cylinder, a lower cover assembly and the upper cover assembly in Example 1.

[0088] The lower cover assembly of this embodiment includes a lower cover plate, and a second opening member 32 may be further provided on the lower cover plate. This second opening member 32 can be separated from the lower cover plate of the single cell 2 under the action of external force or electrolyte, and form a through hole in the lower cover plate that penetrates the inner cavity of the outer shell. The second opening member 32 may also be of an existing structure, such as the opening member disclosed in Chinese Patent CN221327991U, the sealing device disclosed in Chinese Patent CN117476997A, or the opening device disclosed in CN117477117A. The structure of the second opening member 32 may be the same as or different from that of the first opening member.

[0089] Example 3

[0090] This embodiment is a large capacity battery, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 The figures are a schematic structural diagram and a cross-sectional view of the large-capacity battery of this embodiment, respectively. As can be seen from the figures, the large-capacity battery of this embodiment includes a housing 1 and a plurality of single cells 2 arranged along the x-direction within the housing 1. The single cells 2 are the single cells 2 in Example 2, and the number is 12. In other embodiments, the number of single cells 2 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0091] The top plate 11 of the outer shell is provided with a first avoidance hole 3 through which the polarity terminal 21 of each single battery 2 can extend; the polarity terminal 21 of each single battery 2 extends out of the corresponding first avoidance hole 3, and a sealing connector 15 is added between the first avoidance hole 3 and the polarity terminal 21 to achieve fixed sealing between the area of ​​the top plate 11 of the outer shell corresponding to the first avoidance hole 3 and the shell of the single battery 2.

[0092] The sealing connector 15 includes a hollow member; the bottom of the hollow member is used to seal and connect with the first area of ​​the single cell 2, and the top of the hollow member is sealed and connected with the second area of ​​the outer shell top plate 11; wherein the first area is the area around any polarity terminal 21 on the upper cover plate 23 of the single cell 2 of any single cell 2; wherein the area around the polarity terminal 21 is the area around the insulating gasket on the polarity terminal 21. The insulating gasket is a part on the single cell 2 used to insulate between the polarity terminal 21 and the upper cover plate 23 of the single cell 2. The second area is the area of ​​the outer shell top plate 11 corresponding to any first avoidance hole 3 on the outer shell top plate 11. The area of ​​the outer shell top plate 11 corresponding to the first avoidance hole 3 is the area around the outer surface of the outer shell top plate 11 corresponding to any first avoidance hole 3; or the area of ​​the outer shell top plate 11 corresponding to the first avoidance hole 3 is the hole wall of the first avoidance hole 3.

[0093] A support member 16 extending along the x-direction is provided between the bottom plate 12 of the outer shell and each single cell 2 to form a liquid channel serving as a shared electrolyte chamber 13. By opening the second opening piece 32 on the lower cover of each single cell 2, the inner cavity of each single cell 2 is connected to the shared electrolyte chamber 13.

[0094] A boss 17 extending along the x-direction is provided on the top plate 11 of the outer shell, and a gas channel is opened on the boss 17. The gas channel is connected to the inner cavity of the outer shell 1 and serves as a gas sharing chamber 14. By opening the first opening piece on the upper cover 23 of each single battery 2, the gas areas in the inner cavities of each single battery 2 are connected through the gas sharing chamber 14; when the inner cavity of the single battery 2 produces gas, the inner cavity of the gas channel can also be used as a gas containing chamber to alleviate the problem of swelling of the outer shell 1 caused by gas production.

[0095] In some other embodiments, only the electrolyte sharing chamber 13 or the gas sharing chamber 14 may be provided.

[0096] A first heat exchange device 4 is provided on the top of the outer shell 1, and the inner cavity of the first heat exchange device 4 serves as a heat exchange medium accommodating cavity; for the regularity of the large-capacity battery structure, a component whose shape and size are adapted to the outer shell top plate 11 is usually used as the first heat exchange device 4; after the first heat exchange device 4 is fixed to the top of the outer shell 1, in the z direction, the polarity terminal 21 passes through the first heat exchange device 4, that is, part of the structure of the polarity terminal 21 is located inside the first heat exchange device 4 and is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium; another part of the structure of the polarity terminal 21 is located outside the first heat exchange device 4, serving as an electrical connection part 211.

[0097] The first heat exchange device 4 can adopt at least the following two different structures:

[0098] The first structure:

[0099] The hollow box body is adapted to the size of the outer shell top plate 11. In this embodiment, the outer shell top plate 11 is a rectangular plate. Therefore, a cubic box body can be used. Second avoidance holes 51 are opened on the bottom plate and the top plate 5 of the hollow box body corresponding to the polarity terminals 21 of each single battery 2. When the first heat exchange device 4 of this structure is fixed to the top of the outer shell 1, the electrical connection part 211 of the polarity end of each single battery 2 passes through the second avoidance hole 51 of the bottom plate and extends out of the first heat exchange device 4 from the corresponding second avoidance hole 51 of the hollow box top plate 5.

[0100] The second structure:

[0101] See Figure 7 and Figure 8, is a hollow box with one end open that matches the size of the housing top plate 11. As above, in this embodiment, the housing top plate 11 is a rectangular plate, so the hollow box is a cubic box. Second avoidance holes 51 corresponding to the polarity terminals 21 of each single battery 2 are opened on the hollow box top plate 5 opposite the open end of the cubic box; that is, the second structure is the structure without the bottom plate of the cubic box of the first structure;

[0102] When fixing the first heat exchange device 4 of this type of structure on the top of the shell 1, it is necessary to buckle it on the top of the shell 1, and fix the open end to the shell 1 (the shell 1 here can be the shell top plate 11, or it can be the shell 1 side plate, and the shell 1 side plate here includes the side plates in the shell 1 parallel to the xz plane and the yz plane); the electrical connection part 211 of the polarity terminal 21 of each single battery 2 extends out of the second avoidance hole 51 corresponding to the hollow box top plate 5, and the polarity terminal 21 and the corresponding second avoidance hole 51 are sealed.

[0103] In the first heat exchange device 4 of the above two structures, part of the structure of the polarity terminal 21 is located inside the first heat exchange device 4 and is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange device 4, thereby achieving a better heat exchange effect.

[0104] However, compared with the first structure, the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchange device 4 of the second structure can also directly contact the outer shell top plate 11, and the heat exchange medium can also directly act on the outer shell top plate 11, which has a better heat exchange effect on large-capacity batteries; while in the first heat exchange device 4 of the first structure, the heat exchange medium cannot directly contact the outer shell top plate 11 due to the presence of the hollow box bottom plate. Therefore, compared with the second structure, the heat exchange effect on large-capacity batteries is weaker.

[0105] In addition, in the first structure, for each polarity terminal 21, it is necessary to seal between it and the second avoidance hole 51 of the hollow box top plate 5 and the bottom plate, which makes the sealing more complicated; while in the second structure, for each polarity terminal 21, it is only necessary to seal between it and the second avoidance hole 51 of the hollow box top plate 5, and then seal between the open end and the outer shell 1. Compared with the sealing process of the first structure, it is relatively simple.

[0106] Based on the above analysis, this embodiment selects the first heat exchange device 4 of the second structure.

[0107] Specific as Figures 7 and 8As shown, this embodiment uses a hollow box with one end open and made of insulating material, and the hollow box is buckled on the top plate 11 of the outer shell. In order to ensure that the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 of each single battery 2 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoidance hole 51 on the top plate 5 of the hollow box, the orthographic projection area of ​​the second avoidance hole 51 in the xy plane needs to be slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the electrical connection portion 211 of the corresponding polarity terminal 21 in the xy plane, and in the z direction, the vertical distance between the bottom end of the polarity terminal 21 and the top plate 5 of the hollow box needs to be smaller than the size of the polarity terminal 21; to ensure that the electrical connection portion 211 of the corresponding polarity terminal 21 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoidance hole 51.

[0108] Typically, the shape of the second avoidance hole 51 matches the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21. If the second avoidance hole 51 is a round hole and the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 is circular, then the diameter of the second avoidance hole 51 needs to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21. If the second avoidance hole 51 is a square hole and the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 is square, then the area of ​​the second avoidance hole 51 needs to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21. Of course, the shape of the second avoidance hole 51 does not need to match the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21. It is only necessary to ensure that the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoidance hole 51 and that a seal can be achieved between the two.

[0109] When the heat exchange medium is liquid, the sealing of the hollow box is particularly important. In order to ensure the sealing of the hollow box, Figure 8 It can be seen that when the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 extends out of the second avoidance hole 51, the peripheral area of ​​the second avoidance hole 51 on the top plate 5 of the hollow box body is sealed and pressed against the first step surface 31 close to the electrical connection portion 211; in order to further improve the sealing performance of this part, a second insulating sealant layer 10 can also be laid on the first step surface 31, and the peripheral area of ​​the second avoidance hole 51 on the top plate 5 of the hollow box body is pressed against the second insulating sealant layer 10, and at the same time, the insulating sealant penetrates into the gap between the second avoidance hole 51 and the polarity terminal 21, further improving the sealing performance between the polarity terminal 21 and the second avoidance hole 51.

[0110] An annular groove is provided on the top plate 11 of the outer shell, and an annular protrusion 43 matching the annular groove is provided on the open end surface of the hollow box body. The annular protrusion 43 is inserted into the annular groove, and sealant is applied to the matching position to achieve sealing and fixation of the hollow box body and the top plate 11 of the outer shell; in some other embodiments, a flange connection can also be used to achieve sealing and fixation of the hollow box body and the outer shell 1.

[0111] In addition, when the heat exchange medium is a liquid heat exchange medium, when a battery pack is formed based on such large-capacity batteries, the first heat exchange devices 4 of each large-capacity battery can be connected in parallel or in series. Therefore, it is necessary to open a liquid inlet 18 and a liquid outlet on the first heat exchange device 4, such as Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid inlet 18 and the liquid outlet ( Figure 3 Liquid port not shown).

[0112] It should be noted that if Figure 8 As shown, in the z direction, the height of the boss 17 for forming the gas sharing chamber 14 provided on the top plate 11 of the housing in this embodiment is lower than the height of the inner cavity of the hollow box.

[0113] Example 4

[0114] Different from the third embodiment, this embodiment uses part of the structure of the large-capacity battery housing 1 as part of the structure of the first heat exchange device 4 (a hollow box with one end open).

[0115] Specific as Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, part of the structure of the side plate of the shell 1 (the side plate is parallel to the xz plane) is used as the second side plate 45 of the first heat exchange device 4 (the second side plate 45 is a side plate parallel to the xz plane).

[0116] The following combination Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the structure of the housing 1 of this embodiment is described in detail.

[0117] like Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the exploded structure diagram of the shell 1 of this embodiment is shown. The shell 1 is disassembled into a cylinder 19 with two open ends and an end plate 20 covering the open ends of the cylinder 19. The structure of the cylinder 19 is as follows: Figure 13 As shown, both ends of the cylinder 19 are open ends, that is, the open ends of the cylinder 19 are parallel to the yz plane; in the z direction, the height of the cylinder side plate 191 is higher than the height of the cylinder top plate 192; the part of the cylinder side plate 191 higher than the cylinder top plate 192 is used as the second side plate 45 of the first heat exchange device 4.

[0118] A gas sharing chamber 14 is provided on the top plate 192 of the cylinder along the x-direction. The gas sharing chamber 14 is in communication with the gas areas inside the individual cells 2 .

[0119] The cylinder 19 can be integrally formed by aluminum extrusion process, which is convenient to process. At the same time, it has better sealing performance compared with the split structure.

[0120] Combine Figure 10It can be seen that in this embodiment, a support member 16 is provided between the bottom plate of the cylinder 19 and each single battery 2 to form an electrolyte sharing chamber 13.

[0121] In some other embodiments, only the electrolyte sharing chamber 13 or the gas sharing chamber 14 may be provided.

[0122] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange device 4 can be assembled through the following process:

[0123] like Figure 11 As shown, the two first side panels 44 of the first heat exchange device 4 are respectively fixed and sealed at the two ends of the two second side panels 45, and the hollow box top panel 5 is sealed and fixed to the first side panels 44 and the second side panels 45; the installation order of the hollow box top panel 5 and the first side panel 44 is not specifically limited, that is, the hollow box top panel 5 can be installed first and then the first side panel 44, or the first side panel 44 can be installed first and then the hollow box top panel 5.

[0124] In order to facilitate the fixation of the hollow box top plate 5, this embodiment provides a step structure on the cylinder side plate 191, and lays a second insulating sealant layer 10 on the step surface. The hollow box top plate 5 is sealed and fixed to the cylinder side plate 191 through the second insulating sealant layer 10.

[0125] In some other embodiments, the two first side panels 44 may be integrated with the end panel 20 of the outer shell 1 , and when constructing the first heat exchange device 4 , it is only necessary to fix the hollow box top panel 5 .

[0126] Example 5

[0127] Unlike the above-described embodiment, this embodiment includes a partitioning member 6 along the x-direction within the first heat exchanger 4, dividing the first heat exchanger 4 into a first sub-heat exchanger 41 and a first sub-heat exchanger 42. The polarity terminal 21 of each cell 2 on one side extends through the first sub-heat exchanger 41, while the polarity terminal 21 of each cell 2 on the other side extends through the first sub-heat exchanger 42. When a large-capacity battery includes a large number of cells 2, the x-direction dimension of the large-capacity battery is larger, and accordingly, the x-direction dimension of the hollow housing is also larger. This can lead to deformation of the hollow housing top plate 5 in the z-direction. The addition of the partitioning member 6 provides support for the hollow housing top plate 5, significantly improving this problem.

[0128] Figures 14 to 16Taking Example 4 as an example, the partition member 6 is added. That is, within a hollow box with one end open, a partition member 6 extending along the x-direction is provided to divide the hollow box into a first sub-hollow box and a second sub-hollow box. The first sub-hollow box and the second sub-hollow box serve as the first sub-heat exchange device 41 and the first sub-heat exchange device 42, respectively. In the z-direction, the polarity terminal 21 of each single battery cell 2 on one side extends out of the top plate 52 of the first sub-hollow box, corresponding to the second avoidance hole 51, while the polarity terminal 21 of each single battery cell 2 on the other side extends out of the top plate 53 of the second sub-hollow box, corresponding to the second avoidance hole 51.

[0129] like Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the boss 17 provided on the shell top plate 11 for forming the gas sharing chamber 14 is used as the dividing member 6. In addition, in this embodiment, in order to ensure that the first sub-hollow box body and the second sub-hollow box body are completely independent, the size of the boss 17 is larger than the size of the inner cavity of the first heat exchange device 4 in the z direction, and the hollow box body top plate 5 is divided into the first sub-top plate and the second sub-top plate; the two long edges of the first sub-top plate and the second sub-top plate are respectively sealed and fixed to the cylinder side plate 191 and the boss 17; that is, see Figure 14 The first sub-top plate is sealed and fixed between one of the cylinder side plates 191 and the boss 17 as the first sub-hollow box top plate 52; the second sub-top plate is sealed and fixed between the other cylinder side plate 191 and the boss 17 as the second sub-hollow box top plate 53.

[0130] from Figure 14 and Figure 15 It can be seen that in this embodiment, a step structure is provided on the boss 17, a second insulating sealant layer 10 is laid on the step surface, and the first sub-top plate and the second sub-top plate are crimped and fixed on the second insulating sealant layer 10 to achieve fixation.

[0131] In some other embodiments, in the z direction, the size of the boss 17 may be slightly smaller than the size of the inner cavity of the first heat exchange device 4, such as Figure 16 As shown, at this time, it is necessary to ensure the sealing between the top of the boss 17 and the top plate 5 of the hollow box.

[0132] In some other embodiments, it is also possible to use Figure 17 The dividing member 6 divides the hollow box into a first sub-hollow box and a second sub-hollow box, which serve as a first sub-heat exchange device 41 and a second sub-heat exchange device 42 respectively; Figure 17 In the embodiment, a baffle is directly provided on the inner surface of the hollow box top plate 5 along the x direction. After the hollow box top plate 5 is fixed on the cylinder side plate 191 , the baffle is tightly sealed against the shell top plate 11 .

[0133] The first sub-hollow box and the second sub-hollow box can be connected in parallel or in series. Figure 18 、 Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, take the series mode as an example; Figure 18 A communication interface is provided on the first side plate 44 of the first hollow sub-box and the second hollow sub-box, which can be defined as a first through hole and a second through hole respectively. The first through hole and the second through hole are connected by an external connecting pipe 7 to realize the series connection of the first hollow sub-box and the second hollow sub-box; Figure 19 and Figure 20 In the embodiment, a through hole 8 is directly opened on the boss 17 to connect the first sub-hollow box and the second sub-hollow box, so as to realize the series connection of the first sub-hollow box and the second sub-hollow box; Figure 18 The structure shown, Figure 19 The structure is relatively simple, and at the same time the length dimension of the large-capacity battery can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of such large-capacity batteries.

[0134] Example 6

[0135] Different from the above embodiment, this embodiment is based on the above embodiment, in which a first insulating sealant layer 9 is laid on the top of the first heat exchange device 4 .

[0136] The specific structure is as Figure 21 、 Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, Figure 21 and Figure 22 Taking the example of adding a first insulating sealant layer 9 on the basis of embodiment 5, the first insulating sealant layer 9 covers the first sub-hollow box top plate 52 , the second sub-hollow box top plate 53 and the top surface of the boss 17 . Figure 23 Taking the example of adding a first insulating sealant layer 9 on the basis of embodiment 4, the first insulating sealant layer 9 covers the top plate 5 of the hollow box.

[0137] from Figures 21 to 23 As can be seen, the electrical connection portions 211 of the polarity terminals 21 in this embodiment extend out of the first insulating sealant layer 9 to facilitate connection with the electrical connector assembly 22. The electrical connector assembly 22 is an electrical connector that enables parallel connection of individual cells 2 in a large-capacity battery and / or series connection of adjacent large-capacity batteries.

[0138] Laying the first insulating sealant layer 9 on top of the first heat exchange device 4 has at least the following advantages:

[0139] 1. Further improve the sealing performance of various parts of the first heat exchange device 4;

[0140] Specifically, the first insulating sealant constituting the first insulating sealant layer 9 penetrates into the gap between the second avoidance hole 51 and the polarity terminal 21, further sealing the gap in the radial direction; Figure 19In the structure shown, the first insulating sealant layer 9 covers the connection parts between the first sub-hollow box top plate 52 and the boss 17 and the second sub-hollow box top plate 53 and the boss 17, which can further improve the sealing performance of this part.

[0141] 2. Anti-condensation;

[0142] During long-term use, due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the first heat exchange device 4, condensation will be generated on the surface. When the condensation accumulates to a certain amount, it may cause a short circuit problem. By laying a first insulating sealant layer 9 on the top of the first heat exchange device 4, when condensation is generated on the surface of the first heat exchange device 4, the battery short circuit can be prevented under the protection of the first insulating sealant layer 9.

[0143] Example 7

[0144] Different from the above embodiment, Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, the large-capacity battery of this embodiment further includes an electrical connector assembly 22; the electrical connector assembly 22 includes a first electrical connector 221 and a second electrical connector 222, wherein the first electrical connector 221 is a long strip-shaped electrical connecting plate extending along the x-direction and connected to the electrical connecting portions 211 of the polarity terminals 21 of all the single cells 2 in the large-capacity battery on the same side, thereby realizing parallel connection of the single cells 2 in the large-capacity battery; the second electrical connector 222 is a Z-shaped connecting plate corresponding to the polarity terminals 21 of each single cell 2 one-to-one, with one end connected to the electrical connecting portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 of the corresponding single cell 2, and the other end being a free end for connecting to the free end of the second electrical connector 222 of another large-capacity battery, thereby realizing series connection between the large-capacity batteries.

[0145] In this embodiment, after the electrical connection assembly is connected to the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 of the single cell 2, a first insulating sealant layer 9 is laid on top of the first heat exchange device 4. That is, the first insulating sealant layer 9 completely covers the polarity terminal 21 of the single cell 2 and the connection portion between the electrical connection assembly and the polarity terminal 21. In the entire large-capacity battery, after the outer shell 1 is insulated, only the free end of the second electrical connector 222 is exposed and charged, and the rest of the parts are insulated, so that this type of large-capacity battery has higher safety performance.

[0146] Example 8

[0147] This embodiment is a top cover assembly and a single battery 2 having the top cover assembly, wherein the structure of the top cover assembly is as follows: Figure 26 As shown, the structure of the single cell 2 is as follows Figure 27 and Figure 28 shown.

[0148] from Figure 26It can be seen that, different from the upper cover assembly in Example 1, this embodiment is further provided with a second heat exchange device 101 on the basis of the upper cover assembly in Example 1, and the inner cavity of the second heat exchange device 101 is used as a heat exchange medium accommodating cavity.

[0149] In this embodiment, the second heat exchange device 101 is placed on the upper cover plate 23, and the polarity terminal 21 passes through the second heat exchange device 101. At least part of the structure of the polarity terminal 21 is located inside the second heat exchange device 101 and is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium; another part of the structure of the polarity terminal 21 is located outside the second heat exchange device 101 and serves as an electrical connection part 211.

[0150] The second heat exchange device 101 is used to mainly exchange heat with the polarity terminals 21 of the single battery cells 2 where heat is relatively concentrated. At the same time, a direct heat exchange method is adopted, and part of the structure of the polarity terminal 21 is directly placed in the heat exchange medium accommodating chamber, so that the polarity terminal 21 is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium, thereby realizing heat exchange of the polarity terminal 21. Compared with the indirect heat exchange method, it has a shorter heat exchange path, and the heat exchange medium directly acts on the polarity terminal 21, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium and the heat exchange efficiency of the battery.

[0151] from Figure 26 It can be seen that this embodiment uses two third heat exchange pipes 50 as the second heat exchange device 101 , and the two third heat exchange pipes 50 correspond one-to-one to the two polarity terminals 21 of the single battery 2 . Figure 27 and Figure 28 They are respectively a structural schematic diagram and a cross-sectional view of the single cell 2 of this embodiment.

[0152] from Figures 26 to 28 It can be seen from the figure that the third heat exchange tube 50 of this embodiment is a half tube. The half tube here can be understood as dividing the entire tube into two halves along the axial direction, and each half is a half tube.

[0153] Since the upper cover plate 23 of this embodiment is a rectangular plate, for the sake of structural regularity, the third heat exchange pipe 50 adopts a half-tube with a rectangular cross-section, and a third avoidance hole is opened on the pipe wall of the third heat exchange pipe 50 for the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 to extend out.

[0154] When securing the third heat exchange tube 50 to the upper cover plate 23, it needs to be buckled onto the upper cover plate 23 and sealed securely to the upper cover plate 23. The space between the third heat exchange tube 50 and the upper cover plate 23 serves as a heat exchange medium chamber. Part of the polarity terminal 21 is located within the heat exchange medium chamber, with the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 extending through the third avoidance hole. The polarity terminal 21 and the third avoidance hole are sealed. Sealing plates 503 can be secured to the opposing open ends of the half-tube, with openings formed in the sealing plate 503 serving as the liquid inlet and outlet.

[0155] The heat exchange medium in the third heat exchange pipe 50 can also directly contact the upper cover plate 23 and directly act on the upper cover plate 23, thereby achieving a better heat exchange effect.

[0156] It should be noted that:

[0157] 1. Because the polarity terminals 21 of the present invention are in direct contact with the heat exchange medium, the ideal heat exchange medium should possess excellent insulation, high specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity, good flame retardancy, low cost, suitable operating temperature, long life, and be non-corrosive. In the present invention, the insulating heat exchange medium is a common insulating heat exchange medium in the prior art, including, but not limited to, insulating oil and fluorinated liquid.

[0158] 2. The third heat exchange tube 50 easily contacts the polarity terminal 21 and is in direct contact with the upper cover plate 23. If the third heat exchange tube 50 is conductive, the positive and negative polarity terminals 21 of the same single battery 2 will be directly connected through the third heat exchange tube 50, resulting in a short circuit. Therefore, the third heat exchange tube 50 is preferably made of an insulating material. If a non-insulating material is used, an insulating seal ring can be added between the polarity terminal 21 and the third heat exchange tube 50 to overcome this problem. Alternatively, the third heat exchange tube 50 can be insulated, such as by spraying insulating paint or wrapping it with an insulating film. To be on the safe side, a combination of the above methods can be used to adopt multiple insulation methods to overcome this problem.

[0159] In this embodiment, a third heat exchange tube 50 made of insulating material is selected, and two third heat exchange tubes 50 are respectively buckled in the upper cover plate 23 area where the two polarity terminals 21 are located. In order to ensure that the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 can smoothly pass through the third avoidance hole on the third heat exchange tube 50, the orthographic projection area of ​​the third avoidance hole in the xy plane needs to be slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the electrical connection portion 211 of the corresponding polarity terminal 21 in the xy plane, and in the z direction, the vertical distance between the bottom end of the polarity terminal 21 and the top plate of the third heat exchange tube 50 needs to be smaller than the size of the polarity terminal 21; to ensure that the electrical connection portion 211 of the corresponding polarity terminal 21 can smoothly pass through the corresponding third avoidance hole.

[0160] Typically, the shape of the third avoidance hole matches the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21. If the third avoidance hole is a round hole and the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 is circular, then the diameter of the third avoidance hole needs to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21. If the third avoidance hole is a square hole and the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 is square, then the area of ​​the third avoidance hole needs to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21. Of course, the shape of the third avoidance hole does not need to match the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21. It only needs to ensure that the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 can smoothly pass through the corresponding third avoidance hole and that a seal can be achieved between the two.

[0161] When the heat exchange medium is liquid, the sealing performance of the third heat exchange pipe 50 is particularly important. Figure 28 It can be seen that when the electrical connection portion 211 of the polarity terminal 21 extends out of the third avoidance hole, the area of ​​the third heat exchange tube 50 surrounding the third avoidance hole is sealed and pressed against the step surface 31. Furthermore, a second insulating sealant layer 10 can be laid on the step surface 31, and the area of ​​the third heat exchange tube 50 surrounding the third avoidance hole is pressed against the second insulating sealant layer 10. Simultaneously, the insulating sealant penetrates the gap between the third avoidance hole and the polarity terminal 21, thereby achieving a seal between the polarity terminal 21 and the third avoidance hole. In other embodiments, an O-ring 23 can be placed between the polarity terminal 21 and the third avoidance hole to achieve a seal between the two.

[0162] An annular groove can be set on the upper cover plate 23, and an annular protrusion 43 matching the annular groove can be set on the open end face of the third heat exchange tube 50. The annular protrusion 43 is inserted into the annular groove, and sealant is applied to the matching position to achieve sealing and fixation of the third heat exchange tube 50 and the upper cover plate 23.

[0163] In some other embodiments, a third heat exchange pipe 50 made of metal can be selected. In order to ensure insulation between the polarity terminal 21 and the third avoidance hole, an O-shaped insulating sealing ring can be added between the two to achieve insulation and sealing between the two; the third heat exchange pipe 50 and the upper cover plate 23 can be sealed and fixed by welding.

[0164] Example 9

[0165] This embodiment is another upper cover assembly and a single battery 2 having the upper cover assembly. Different from the embodiment 8, this embodiment adopts the fourth heat exchange pipe 60 as the second heat exchange device 101, wherein the structure of the upper cover assembly is as follows: Figure 29 As shown, the structure of the single cell 2 is as follows Figure 30 and Figure 31 shown.

[0166] Different from the third heat exchange tube 50 in the eighth embodiment, the fourth heat exchange tube 60 of the present embodiment is provided with two third avoidance holes on its tube wall, and the two third avoidance holes correspond to the two polarity terminals 21 of the single battery 2 respectively.

[0167] In other words, in this embodiment, portions of the two polarity terminals 21 are located within the same heat exchange medium receiving chamber. In this embodiment, sealing plates 503 may be added to both ends of the fourth heat exchange pipe 60, with holes formed in the sealing plates 503 to serve as the liquid inlet and outlet of the fourth heat exchange pipe 60, respectively.

[0168] This embodiment uses a fourth heat exchange tube 60 made of insulating material. The sealing method between each polarity terminal 21 and the third avoidance hole is the same as that in Example 8 and will not be repeated here. The sealing method between the fourth heat exchange tube 60 and the upper cover plate 23 is also the same as that in Example 8 and will not be repeated here.

[0169] In addition, unlike Example 8, in this embodiment, the fourth heat exchange pipe 60 is arranged behind the upper cover plate 23, and its projection substantially covers the upper cover plate 23. If the explosion venting portion 24 (the explosion venting portion 24 may also be referred to as an explosion vent, explosion-proof portion, explosion-proof vent, etc.) is arranged on the upper cover plate 23, the thermal runaway flue gas may not be removed in time under the obstruction of the fourth heat exchange pipe 60, posing a certain safety hazard. In this embodiment, such problems can be solved by the following two solutions:

[0170] Solution 1: Adjust the position of the explosion relief part 24 so that the explosion relief part 24 avoids the fourth heat exchange pipe 60. For example, the explosion relief part 24 can be set on the lower cover plate, such as Figure 31 As shown;

[0171] Option 2: If Figure 32 As shown, a fourth avoidance hole is formed in the fourth heat exchange pipe 60; the fourth avoidance hole corresponds to the explosion relief portion 24 of the upper cover plate 23; an explosion relief branch pipe 25 is provided on the upper cover plate 23, one end of the explosion relief branch pipe 25 is sealedly connected to the upper cover plate 23 area around the explosion relief portion 24, and the other end passes through the fourth avoidance hole and extends out;

[0172] Similarly, if the liquid injection port 29 is located below the fourth heat exchange pipe 60, it will be inconvenient to inject liquid. Therefore, the liquid injection port 29 should also be set away from the fourth heat exchange pipe 60 and can be set at the edge of the upper cover plate 23, such as Figure 31 shown.

[0173] Example 10

[0174] This embodiment is a battery module, and its structure is as follows Figure 33 As shown, it includes 12 single cells 2 arranged in the same direction, and the single cells 2 are the single cells 2 described in Example 8; the third heat exchange pipes 50 of adjacent single cells 2 located on the same side are interconnected; two heat exchange channels are formed on the top of the battery module; the two heat exchange channels can be connected in series or in parallel, and heat exchange of the battery module is achieved based on the heat exchange channels.

[0175] It should be noted that a connecting pipe section 26 can be connected to the inlet end or the outlet end of the third heat exchange pipe 50. Taking the inlet end as an example, the connecting pipe section 26 of one third heat exchange pipe 50 can be inserted into the outlet end of another third heat exchange pipe 50 to achieve communication between two adjacent third heat exchange pipes 50, and the connection position between the connecting pipe section 26 and the other third heat exchange pipe 50 needs to be sealed, such as Figure 34As shown. It is also possible to connect the connecting pipe sections at the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of each third heat exchange pipe 50. For the convenience of description, the two connecting pipe sections are defined as the first pipe 27 and the second pipe 28 respectively. In two adjacent third heat exchange pipes 50, the first pipe 27 of one third heat exchange pipe 50 and the second pipe 28 of the other third heat exchange pipe 50 are sealed and plugged into each other. Figure 35 .

[0176] Example 11

[0177] This embodiment is also a battery module, and its structure is as follows Figure 36 As shown, unlike Example 10, this embodiment utilizes the single cells 2 of Example 9. The fourth heat exchange pipes 60 of adjacent single cells 2 are interconnected, forming a heat exchange channel at the top of the battery module. The connection between the two fourth heat exchange pipes 60 is the same as in Example 10 and will not be further described here.

Claims

1. A top cover assembly, characterized in that: It comprises an upper cover plate and a polarity terminal arranged on the upper cover plate; at least one step structure is provided on the outer wall of the polarity terminal along the circumference of the polarity terminal.

2. The upper cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A first package opening piece is also provided on the upper cover plate.

3. A single battery, characterized in that: It comprises an outer shell and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte located inside the outer shell; wherein the outer shell is enclosed by an upper cover assembly, a cylinder and a lower cover assembly; the upper cover assembly is the upper cover assembly described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The single cell according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lower cover assembly includes a lower cover plate and a second package opening piece arranged on the lower cover plate.

5. A top cover assembly, characterized in that: It includes an upper cover plate, a polarity terminal arranged on the upper cover plate, and a second heat exchange device arranged on the upper cover plate; the inner cavity of the second heat exchange device serves as a heat exchange medium accommodating cavity; At least one step structure is provided on the outer wall of the polarity terminal along the circumference of the polarity terminal; The polarity terminal passes through the second heat exchange device, and at least a portion of the polarity terminal is located in the heat exchange medium accommodating chamber and is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium; another portion of the polarity terminal is located outside the second heat exchange device and serves as an electrical connection portion; The second heat exchange device cooperates with the step surface of the polarity terminal and is pressed onto the step surface to achieve sealing between the polarity terminal and the second heat exchange device.

6. The upper cover assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are two polarity terminals, and the second heat exchange device includes two third heat exchange pipes, and the two third heat exchange pipes correspond one to one to the two polarity terminals; The third heat exchange pipe is a half pipe, and a third avoidance hole is opened on the wall of the half pipe; the third heat exchange pipe is buckled and sealed on the upper cover; the space formed between the third heat exchange pipe and the upper cover serves as a heat exchange medium accommodating chamber; At least a portion of the polarity terminal is located in the heat exchange medium accommodating chamber, and another portion of the polarity terminal extends out of the third avoidance hole corresponding to the third heat exchange tube to serve as an electrical connection portion; The peripheral area of ​​the third avoidance hole of the third heat exchange pipe is sealed and crimped onto the step surface of the corresponding polarity terminal.

7. The upper cover assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are two polarity terminals, and the second heat exchange device includes a fourth heat exchange pipe. The fourth heat exchange pipe is a half pipe, and two third avoidance holes are opened on the wall of the half pipe. The two third avoidance holes correspond to the two polarity terminals one by one. The fourth heat exchange pipe is buckled and sealed on the upper cover; the space formed between the fourth heat exchange pipe and the upper cover serves as a heat exchange medium accommodating chamber; At least a portion of the polarity terminal is located within the heat exchange medium accommodating chamber, and another portion of the polarity terminal extends out of the corresponding third avoidance hole to serve as an electrical connection portion; The peripheral area of ​​the third avoidance hole of the fourth heat exchange pipe is sealed and crimped onto the step surface of the corresponding polarity terminal.

8. A single battery, characterized in that: It comprises an outer shell and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte located inside the outer shell; wherein the outer shell is enclosed by an upper cover assembly, a cylinder and a lower cover assembly; the upper cover assembly is the upper cover assembly described in claim 5, 6 or 7.

9. A battery module, characterized in that: The invention comprises a plurality of single cells arranged in the same direction, wherein the single cells are the single cells according to claim 8; the second heat exchange devices of adjacent single cells are connected to each other.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The third heat exchange pipes of adjacent single cells located on the same side are connected to each other.

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