Battery module

Abstract

The invention provides a battery module, which mainly solves the problem that the existing battery pack has potential safety hazards. The battery module comprises a battery pack and a pressure-bearing shell, the battery pack comprises a plurality of single batteries, the plurality of single batteries are arranged in the pressure-bearing shell along the x direction, the pressure-bearing shell is internally provided with an explosion venting channel, and the explosion venting channel covers the explosion venting part of each single battery; a top plate of the pressure-bearing shell is provided with first avoiding holes corresponding to the polar terminals of the single batteries, and the polar terminals of the single batteries are connected in series through an electric connection assembly after extending out of the first avoiding holes; a top plate area of the pressure-bearing shell corresponding to the first avoiding hole is fixedly sealed with the single battery shell; meanwhile, the top of the pressure-bearing shell is provided with a heat exchange device, and the heat exchange device is insulated from each single battery; the heat exchange device is provided with a heat exchange channel through which an insulated heat exchange medium passes; and the insulated heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel is in direct contact with the polar terminals of the single batteries for heat exchange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of batteries, and in particular relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Currently, battery packs are constructed by connecting multiple cells in series. These packs offer high integration and energy density. However, due to the high concentration of cells in a battery pack, a large amount of heat is generated during charging and discharging. This heat gradually accumulates. If the generated heat is not released promptly, it accumulates, causing uneven temperature in the battery pack, which reduces the pack's service life. In severe cases, the thermal balance of the cells in the pack is disrupted, leading to thermal runaway. This thermal runaway can easily cause combustion and, in severe cases, explosion, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a battery module, which mainly solves the problem of potential safety hazards in existing battery packs.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is:

[0005] A battery module comprises a battery pack and a pressure-bearing shell; the battery pack comprises a plurality of single cells, which are arranged in the pressure-bearing shell along the x-direction; the pressure-bearing shell is a closed pressure shell, and is provided with an explosion relief channel therein, and the explosion relief channel covers the explosion relief portion of each single cell; a first avoidance hole is provided on the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell corresponding to the polarity terminal of each single cell, and after the polarity terminal of each single cell extends out of the first avoidance hole, it is connected in series through an electrical connection assembly; the top plate area of ​​the pressure-bearing shell corresponding to the first avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell shell; a heat exchange device is provided on the top of the pressure-bearing shell, and the heat exchange device is insulated from the pressure-bearing shell and each single cell; at the same time, the heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes, and the insulating heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel is in direct contact with the polarity terminals of each single cell for heat exchange.

[0006] Furthermore, the pressure-bearing shell includes a cylinder with at least one end, the top or the bottom, open, a top plate sealing the open end of the top of the cylinder, and a bottom plate sealing the open end of the bottom of the cylinder.

[0007] Furthermore, a protrusion extending along the x-direction is provided on the top plate, and an explosion relief channel is formed in the protrusion.

[0008] Furthermore, an insulating sealant layer is provided above the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell, the main body of the heat exchange device is located in the insulating sealant layer, and the transfer pipe connected to the liquid inlet and outlet of the heat exchange device extends out of the insulating sealant layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the electrical connection assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector; polarity terminals of adjacent single cells with different polarities are electrically connected through the first electrical connector, and the two second electrical connectors are electrically connected to the single cells at both ends of the battery pack respectively, and the second electrical connectors serve as electrical connection terminals of the battery pack respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, the heat exchange device is a hollow box with one end open, the open end of the hollow box is sealed and fixed to the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell, and the cavity formed by the hollow box and the top plate is used as a heat exchange channel; the hollow box is provided with a second avoidance hole corresponding to the polarity terminal of each single battery, and the polarity terminal of each single battery extends out of the corresponding second avoidance hole, and the polarity terminal and the second avoidance hole are sealed.

[0011] Furthermore, the hollow box body is mainly composed of a sealing plate, two first side plates and two second side plates, and the two second side plates are integrally formed with the cylinder body, wherein the first side plate is parallel to the yz plane, and the second side plate is parallel to the xz plane.

[0012] Furthermore, the heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate, which has a first channel extending along the x-direction and at least one group of second channels arranged along the x-direction. The first channel of the heat exchange plate serves as a heat exchange channel, and each second channel passes through the z-direction and is connected to the first channel; the polarity terminals of each single battery pass through the second channel in the z-direction and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly, and part of the structure of the polarity terminal of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and is in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0013] Furthermore, the heat exchange device includes a connecting pipe assembly, and each single cell polarity terminal is provided with a channel penetrating the polarity terminal. The connecting pipe assembly connects the channels on the polarity terminals of adjacent single cells to form a heat exchange channel, and the connecting pipe assembly is insulated from the polarity terminals of each single cell.

[0014] Furthermore, both ports of the channel are provided with fixing portions fixed to the side walls of the polarity terminals for connecting to the connecting pipe assembly; the inner wall of the channel is provided with heat-conducting ribs for increasing the heat exchange area.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. The battery module of the present invention is equipped with a heat exchange channel through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes. This heat exchange channel primarily exchanges heat with the polarity terminals of the individual cells, where heat is most concentrated, to achieve reliable temperature control of each individual cell in the battery pack. The battery module utilizes a direct heat exchange method, bringing the insulating heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel into direct contact with the polarity terminals of the individual cells. The insulating heat exchange medium directly acts on the polarity terminals, resulting in a shorter heat exchange path for the insulating heat exchange medium. This improves the utilization efficiency of the insulating heat exchange medium, the heat exchange efficiency of the battery pack, and the temperature control of the battery pack, reducing the probability of thermal runaway in the battery pack and enhancing the safety of the battery pack during use.

[0017] At the same time, the present invention also adds a pressure-bearing shell outside the battery pack. The pressure-bearing shell has an explosion-relief channel and a certain pressure-bearing capacity. When a single cell suffers thermal runaway, the high-temperature and high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas and electrolyte generated by the single cell can be gathered in the pressure-bearing shell, thereby avoiding the damage to surrounding devices caused by the leakage of the high-temperature and high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas, thereby further improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0018] Finally, after the polarity terminals of each single cell pass through the pressure shell, the heat exchange device is installed and the electrical connections of each single cell are carried out outside the pressure shell. This method facilitates the formation of the heat exchange channel and the connection of the electrical connection components, and when the single cell in the pressure shell has thermal runaway, it is not easy to affect the external electrical connection components and heat exchange channel.

[0019] 2. In the battery module of the present invention, the pressure-bearing shell includes a cylindrical structure with at least one end open at the top or bottom, a top plate that seals the open end at the top of the cylinder, and a bottom plate that seals the open end at the bottom of the cylinder. In the pressure-bearing shell of this structure, the height of the cylinder is almost the same as the height of the shell of the single battery, which makes the volume and production cost of the entire battery module relatively small.

[0020] 3. In the battery module of the present invention, the heat exchange device is a hollow box with one end open. In the heat exchange channel formed by the hollow box, the insulating heat exchange medium not only directly exchanges heat with the polarity terminals of each single battery, but also directly contacts the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell for heat exchange, further enhancing the heat exchange effect of the insulating heat exchange medium on the battery module.

[0021] 4. In the battery module of the present invention, the heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate, which exchanges heat with the polarity terminals of all single cells in the battery pack. This heat exchange device adopts an integrated structure. Compared with the structure in which sub-heat exchange devices are respectively provided in the single cells, its overall sealing is better and it is also easier to process and manufacture.

[0022] 5. In the battery module of the present invention, each cell's polarity terminal is provided with a channel extending through the polarity terminal. A connecting tube assembly connects the channels on the polarity terminals of adjacent cells, forming a heat exchange channel. Both ends of the channel are equipped with fixing portions, which enable a quick and reliable connection between the polarity terminals and the connecting tube assembly. Furthermore, the inner wall of the channel is provided with thermally conductive ribs to increase the heat exchange area. These ribs increase the contact area between the insulating heat exchange medium and the polarity terminals, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and further improving the heat exchange effect.

[0023] 6. In the battery module of the present invention, an insulating sealant layer is provided above the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell, and the main body of the heat exchange device is located in the insulating sealant layer. The insulating sealant layer can avoid short circuit problems caused by the presence of condensation on the outside of the heat exchange device, and secondly, it can further improve the sealing performance of the entire heat exchange device.

[0024] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be reflected in part from the following description and will be understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the battery module in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery module in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 3 1 is an exploded view of the battery module (with electrical connection components omitted) in Example 1;

[0029] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the heat exchange device in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 5 The cross section of the battery module in Example 1 Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 6 The cross section of the battery module in Example 1 Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module in Example 2;

[0033] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the battery module in Example 2;

[0034] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 2;

[0035] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module in Example 3 Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchange plate in Example 3 Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module in Example 3 Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchange plate in Example 3 Figure 2 ;

[0039] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module in Example 4;

[0040] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the polarity terminals of the single battery are provided with channels in Example 4;

[0041] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the battery module in Example 4;

[0042] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 4;

[0043] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the structure of the single battery polarity terminal provided with a fixing portion in Example 4 Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the structure of the single battery polarity terminal provided with a fixing portion in Example 4 Figure 2 ;

[0045] Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module in Example 5.

[0046] Figure numerals: 1-battery pack, 2-pressure-bearing shell, 3-electrical connection assembly, 4-transfer tube, 5-sealing connector, 6-insulating sealing layer, 11-single battery, 12-sub-connecting tube, 13-heat exchange pipe, 14-heat exchange plate, 15-first channel, 16-second channel, 17-hollow box, 18-O-ring, 19-explosion relief part, 110-middle pipe section, 111-polarity terminal, 112-channel, 113-fixing part, 114-heat-conducting rib plate, 21-cylinder, 22-bottom plate, 23-explosion relief channel, 24-explosion relief mechanism, 25-top plate, 221-first avoidance hole, 31-first electrical connector, 32-second electrical connector, 171-sealing plate, 173-first side plate, 172-second side plate, 174-second avoidance hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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," and so on, are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] The present invention provides a battery module. To reduce the hazards of thermal runaway of each cell in the battery module, a pressure-resistant pressure-bearing casing is added to the outside of each cell. The pressure-bearing casing has an explosion venting channel and a certain pressure-bearing capacity. When a cell experiences thermal runaway, the high-temperature, high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas and electrolyte ejected from the cell are collected within the pressure-bearing casing, preventing the high-temperature, high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas from leaking and causing damage to surrounding devices. Furthermore, to reduce the probability of thermal runaway of each cell in the battery module, a heat exchange channel is provided at the top of the pressure-bearing casing through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes. The heat exchange channel primarily exchanges heat with the polarity terminals of each cell, where heat is most concentrated. Direct heat exchange is achieved by placing a portion of the polarity terminal structure directly within the heat exchange channel, allowing the polarity terminal to directly contact the insulating heat exchange medium. Compared to indirect heat exchange, the direct heat exchange method has a shorter heat exchange path. The insulating heat exchange medium directly acts on the polarity terminals of each cell, thereby increasing the utilization efficiency of the insulating heat exchange medium and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the battery pack. Under the combined action of the above-mentioned pressure-bearing shell and heat exchange channel, this type of battery module has higher safety performance.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a battery module, which includes a battery pack 1 and a pressure-bearing shell 2; the battery pack 1 includes a plurality of single cells 11, and the plurality of single cells 11 are arranged in the pressure-bearing shell along the same direction, and the number of single cells 11 can be adjusted according to actual needs. The pressure-bearing shell is insulated from each single cell, and the insulation can be specifically provided by providing an insulating layer on the inner wall of the pressure-bearing shell, or adding an insulating layer on the shell of each single cell, or adding an insulating pad between the single cell and the pressure-bearing shell; the pressure-bearing shell 2 is a closed pressure shell, and has an explosion-relief channel 23 in the pressure-bearing shell 2, and the explosion-relief channel 23 covers the explosion-relief part 19 of each single cell, and the explosion-relief part 19 can be specifically provided on the shell of each single cell 11. The explosion-relief film.

[0053] A first avoidance hole 221 is provided on the top plate 25 of the pressure-bearing shell 2, through which the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 can extend. After multiple single batteries 11 are arranged in the same direction in the pressure-bearing shell 2, the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 extends out of the corresponding first avoidance hole 221 and is connected in series through the electrical connection component 3; a sealing connector 5 is added between the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 and the first avoidance hole 221 to achieve fixed sealing between the top plate 25 area corresponding to the first avoidance hole 221 and the shell of the single battery 11.

[0054] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the sealing connector 5 comprises a hollow member, the bottom of which is sealedly connected to a first area of ​​the cell 11, and the top of which is sealedly connected to a second area of ​​the top plate. The first area is the area surrounding any polarity terminal 111 on the top cover of any cell 11. The area surrounding the polarity terminal 111 is the area surrounding the insulating gasket on the polarity terminal 111. The insulating gasket is a component on the cell 11 that insulates the polarity terminal 111 from the top cover of the cell 11. The second area is the area of ​​the top plate 25 corresponding to any first avoidance hole 221 on the top plate 25. The area of ​​the top plate 25 corresponding to the first avoidance hole 221 is the area on the outer surface of the top plate 25 surrounding any first avoidance hole 221; alternatively, the area of ​​the top plate 25 corresponding to the first avoidance hole 221 is the wall of the first avoidance hole 221.

[0055] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the single cells 11 is defined as the x direction, the height direction of the single cells 11 is defined as the z direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the x and z directions is defined as the y direction.

[0056] The pressure-bearing housing 2 in this embodiment is a closed pressure housing that primarily integrates and mounts the battery pack 1 and also provides safety protection for the battery pack 1. Unlike conventional housings of conventional battery packs 1, the pressure-bearing housing 2 in the present invention is a closed pressure housing capable of withstanding a certain pressure. In the event of thermal runaway of each cell 11, the pressure-bearing housing 2 ensures that the thermal runaway fumes do not leak from the pressure-bearing housing 2, thereby preventing damage to devices near the battery module. Furthermore, the pressure-bearing housing 2 is provided with an explosion relief passage 23 and an explosion relief mechanism 24. The explosion relief mechanism 24 is connected to the explosion relief passage 23 and is capable of discharging the thermal runaway fumes from each cell 11 in a targeted and orderly manner.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the shape and size of the pressure-bearing shell 2 can be designed to be a shape that is convenient for placement according to the application scenario of the battery module. In this embodiment, the pressure-bearing shell 2 is a rectangular shell, specifically including a cylinder, a top plate and a bottom plate. At least one end of the top or bottom of the cylinder is open, the top plate is sealed and fixed to the open end of the top of the cylinder 21, and the bottom plate 22 is sealed and fixed to the open end of the bottom of the cylinder 21. The above-mentioned sealing fixation can be welding or threaded connection, etc.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bottom plate 22 and the cylinder 21 are an integral structure, or the top plate 25 and the cylinder 21 are an integral structure. The pressure-bearing shell 2 of this structure has better pressure resistance and sealing performance.

[0059] In this embodiment, the installation process of each single battery 11 is described with the top plate 25 and the cylinder 21 being an integrated structure, and the bottom plate 22 and the cylinder 21 being a separate structure.

[0060] When installing each single battery 11, each single battery is placed into the barrel 21 from the open end at the bottom so that the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 passes through the first avoidance hole 221 of the top plate 25. Then, the bottom plate 22 is fixedly connected to the barrel 21.

[0061] Of course, the above-mentioned pressure-bearing shell 2 can also adopt a cylindrical body with open ends on the left and right ends and an end plate structure with open ends on both sides of the sealed cylindrical body. In the pressure-bearing shell 2 with this structure, each single battery 11 needs to be installed from the side end of the cylindrical body. After each single battery 11 is pushed into the cylindrical body 21 from the open ends on both sides of the cylindrical body 21, each single battery 11 is then lifted in the z direction so that the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 passes through the first avoidance hole 221 of the top plate 25. Then, a support member extending along the x direction is inserted between the bottom plate of the cylindrical body 21 and each single battery 11, and the support member lifts and supports each single battery 11 in the z direction. As can be seen from the installation process, each single battery 11 is placed in the cylinder 21 from the open end of the side of the cylinder 21, and then the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is extended from the first avoidance hole 221 on the top plate 25. This installation method requires that the height of the cylinder is greater than the height between the top of the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 and the bottom of the single battery 11 shell to achieve the installation of each single battery 11.

[0062] In this embodiment, each cell 11 is installed from the top or bottom of the cylinder 21. This installation method allows the height of the cylinder 21 to be slightly greater than the height of the shell of each cell 11. In other words, the height of the cylinder 21 only needs to consider the size of the shell of each cell 21, without considering the size of the polarity terminals of each cell 11. Compared with the structure of the cylinder 21 that is open from the side end, the structure of the cylinder 21 that is open at the top or bottom in this embodiment has a relatively small height of the entire cylinder 21, thereby reducing the height of the entire battery module in the z direction, and the volume and manufacturing cost of the battery module are also reduced accordingly. At the same time, the pressure-bearing shell 2 structure installed from the top or bottom does not require support members to be installed in the cylinder 21, further reducing the manufacturing cost of the entire battery module.

[0063] The pressure-bearing housing 2 installed from the top or bottom has an explosion relief channel 23 inside, which covers the explosion relief portion 19 of each single battery. In specific settings, the explosion relief channel 23 can be set at the top of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing housing 2, or at the bottom of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing housing 2.

[0064] When the explosion relief channel 23 is provided at the top of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing shell 2, a protrusion extending in the x-direction can be provided on the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2, and the explosion relief channel 23 is formed in the protrusion. Alternatively, the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2 is a flat plate structure. When the explosion relief channel 23 is formed between the top of the single cell 11 and the top plate, a certain amount of space needs to be left between the top of the single cell 11 and the top plate. During actual installation, the polarity terminal 111 of each single cell 11 needs to be increased in height to meet the requirements of the polarity terminal 111 being in contact with the heat exchange channel and being electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3. When the polarity terminal 111 of the single cell 11 is increased in height, the height of the sealing connector 5 and the cylinder 21 is also further increased accordingly, thereby increasing the height of the entire battery module in the z-direction, and the volume and production cost of the entire battery module are also further increased.

[0065] When the explosion relief passage 23 is provided at the bottom of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing shell 2, a protrusion extending in the x-direction can also be provided on the bottom plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2, with the explosion relief passage 23 formed within the protrusion. Alternatively, a support member extending in the x-direction can be inserted between the bottom plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2 and each cell 11. After the support member elevates and supports each cell 11 in the z-direction, the passage between the support member and the bottom of each cell serves as the explosion relief passage. However, this type of explosion relief passage also increases the overall height of the pressure-bearing shell 2 in the z-direction.

[0066] Therefore, it is a relatively better way to set a protrusion on the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2 and form an explosion-relief channel 23 inside the protrusion. The explosion-relief channel of this structure will not increase the overall height of the pressure-bearing shell 2, and no support parts need to be set inside the cylinder 21. The production cost of the entire battery module is also relatively small.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the pressure-bearing shell 2 is provided with an explosion relief mechanism 24, and the thermal runaway flue gas in the explosion relief channel 23 is directedly discharged from the pressure-bearing shell 2 through the explosion relief mechanism 24. The explosion relief mechanism 24 specifically includes an explosion relief pipe and a pressure relief portion. The explosion relief pipe is connected to the explosion relief port on the pressure-bearing shell 2, and the pressure relief portion is provided on the explosion relief pipe or on the explosion relief port. The pressure relief portion can specifically be an explosion relief membrane or an explosion relief valve. The explosion relief mechanism 24 can ensure that when a single battery 11 in the pressure-bearing shell 2 experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway flue gas inside it can be directed and orderly discharged from the pressure-bearing shell 2.

[0068] To improve the heat exchange efficiency of the battery module, a heat exchange device is installed on the top of the pressure-bearing shell 2. The heat exchange device is insulated from the pressure-bearing shell and each single battery cell. The heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes. The insulating heat exchange medium in this heat exchange channel directly contacts the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery cell 11 for heat exchange. This heat exchange device uses a direct heat exchange method, allowing the polarity terminals 111 to directly contact the insulating heat exchange medium. Compared to the effect of the insulating heat exchange medium indirectly exchanging heat with the polarity terminals 111 through heat exchange components, this heat exchange device firstly has a shorter heat exchange path, which can improve the utilization efficiency of the insulating heat exchange medium; secondly, it has a larger heat exchange area, which improves heat exchange efficiency, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency of this type of battery module.

[0069] An insulating heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange channel, directly contacting the polarity terminals 111, to achieve temperature control of the battery pack 1. When the temperature of the battery pack 1 exceeds a set threshold, a lower-temperature insulating heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange channel to cool the battery pack 1. When the temperature of the battery pack 1 falls below the set threshold, a higher-temperature insulating heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange channel to raise the temperature of the battery pack 1. By controlling the temperature of the insulating heat exchange medium, the battery pack 1 is ensured to always operate at its normal operating temperature.

[0070] The heat exchange device and heat exchange channel in this embodiment are realized by the following structure:

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchange device includes multiple sub-heat exchange devices, each of which corresponds to each single cell 11; each sub-heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange pipe 13, and each heat exchange pipe 13 has a first channel extending along the x-direction and at least one second channel; after the polarity terminal 111 of each single cell 11 passes through the first avoidance hole 221 on the top plate 25, it then passes through each heat exchange pipe 13 in the z-direction respectively and is electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly, connecting the first channels of the heat exchange pipes of adjacent single cells to form a heat exchange channel, and part of the structure of the polarity terminal of each single cell is located in the heat exchange channel, in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium, and each heat exchange pipe is insulated from the adjacent single cells 11.

[0072] The sub-heat exchange device in this embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] a. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the sub-heat exchange device includes two heat exchange tubes 13 arranged along the y direction. Each heat exchange tube 13 is provided with a first channel 15 and a second channel 16. The first channel 15 extends along the x direction. The second channel 16 extends along the z direction and is connected to the first channel 15. The two polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 pass through the second channels 16 on the two heat exchange tubes 13 respectively and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3. The two ends of the second channel 16 are sealed from the polarity terminals 111.

[0074] b. The sub-heat exchange device includes a heat exchange tube 13. Each heat exchange tube 13 is provided with a first channel 15 and two second channels 16 arranged along the y direction. The first channel 15 extends along the x direction. The second channel 16 extends along the z direction and is connected to the first channel 15. The two polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 pass through the two second channels 16 on the heat exchange tube 13 to achieve electrical connection with the electrical connection assembly 3. The two ends of the second channel 16 are sealed from the polarity terminals 111.

[0075] c. Figure 6 As shown, the sub-heat exchange device includes two heat exchange tubes 13 arranged along the y direction. The heat exchange tubes 13 are half tubes. The half tubes herein can be understood as being divided into two halves along the axial direction of the entire tube, with each half being a half tube. The half tubes are buckled and sealed and fixed to the top plate 25. Each heat exchange tube 13 is provided with a first channel 15 and a second channel 16. The first channel 15 is continuous along the x direction. The second channel 16 is continuous along the z direction and is connected to the first channel 15. The two polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 pass through the second channels 16 on the two heat exchange tubes 13 respectively and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3. A seal is formed between one end of the second channel 16 and the polarity terminal 111.

[0076] d. The sub-heat exchange device includes a heat exchange tube 13, which is a half-tube that is buckled and sealed on the top plate 25. Each heat exchange tube 13 is provided with a first channel 15 and two second channels 16 arranged along the y direction; the first channel 15 is connected along the x direction; the second channel 16 is connected along the z direction and connected to the first channel 15; the two polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 pass through the two second channels 16 on the heat exchange tube 13 respectively, and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3, and a seal is formed between one end of the second channel 16 and the polarity terminal 111.

[0077] When the battery pack 1 is installed, the heat exchange tubes 13 on the polarity terminals 111 of adjacent battery cells 11 are interconnected, serving as heat exchange channels to facilitate heat exchange with each battery cell 11. The present invention does not specifically limit the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange tubes 13. Since the heat exchange tubes 13 in this embodiment are placed atop the planar top plate 25, for structural regularity, the heat exchange tubes 13 in this embodiment are rectangular tubes or rectangular half-tubes. In other embodiments, circular tubes or other tube structures may also be used.

[0078] The first channel 15 is a channel opened along the length direction of the heat exchange tube 13. The inner cavity of the first channel 15 serves as a flow cavity for the insulating heat exchange medium. The two end ports of the first channel 15 serve as the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange tube 13 respectively.

[0079] The second channel 16 allows for a portion of the polarity terminal 111 to pass through. In this embodiment, the second channel 16 is perpendicular to the first channel 15. Furthermore, in the z-direction (the height of the battery cell 11), the second channel 16 is smaller than the corresponding polarity terminal 111, ensuring that the top portion of the polarity terminal 111, which serves as an electrical connection, can extend beyond the second channel 16.

[0080] In this embodiment, the port shape of the second channel 16 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111. The port shape of the second channel 16 is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111 is also circular, and the diameter of the two ports of the second channel 16 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the polarity terminal 111. In other embodiments, the shape of the two ports of the second channel 16 and the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111 can be different, as long as it is ensured that the polarity terminal 111 can be inserted into the second channel 16 and can be sealed.

[0081] When constructing a battery module, the heat exchange pipes 13 of each single battery 11 on the same side can be connected to form two heat exchange channels on the top of the battery pack 1. The two heat exchange channels can be connected in parallel or in series to achieve heat exchange of the battery pack 1 based on the two heat exchange channels.

[0082] When making a specific connection, a connecting pipe section can be connected to the inlet or outlet of the heat exchange pipe 13. For example, if it is connected to the inlet, the connecting pipe section of one heat exchange pipe 13 can be inserted into the outlet of another heat exchange pipe 13 to achieve the connection between the two adjacent heat exchange pipes 13. The connection position between the connecting pipe section and the other heat exchange pipe 13 needs to be sealed. Figure 4 As shown, connecting pipe sections can also be provided at the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of each heat exchange pipe 13. Among two adjacent heat exchange pipes 13, the connecting pipe section of one heat exchange pipe 13 and the connecting pipe section of the other heat exchange pipe 13 are connected through an intermediate pipe section 110.

[0083] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, since an insulating heat exchange medium flows in the heat exchange tube 13, the sealing of the heat exchange tube 13 is particularly important. In order to ensure the sealing of the heat exchange tube 13, in this embodiment, two annular grooves extending along the circumference of each polarity terminal 111 are opened. The two annular grooves are arranged along the z direction, and O-rings 18 are embedded in the two annular grooves. The two O-rings 18 are respectively pressed against the two ports of the second channel 16, thereby achieving sealing and improving the stability of the heat exchange tube 13.

[0084] In some other embodiments, when a heat exchange fitting 13 made of metal is used, the polarity terminal 111 and the top port of the second channel 16 can be sealed by welding (the top port mentioned here is the port close to the electrical connection part of the polarity terminal 111, and the welding method can further improve the stability of the heat exchange fitting 13 on the polarity terminal 111).

[0085] In order to facilitate connection with external pipelines, this embodiment further connects transfer tubes 4 to the free ends of the heat exchange channel serving as the liquid inlet and outlet ends, and connects to the external pipelines through the transfer tubes 4.

[0086] It should be noted that:

[0087] Because the polarity terminals of the present invention are in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium, an ideal insulating heat exchange medium should have good 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, which can be, but is not limited to, insulating oil and fluorinated liquid.

[0088] When the heat exchange pipe 13 contacts the top plate 25 of the pressure housing 2 or the polarity terminal 111 of the single battery 11, a short circuit may occur. In this case, insulation between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the top plate 25 and the polarity terminal 111 is required. The insulation can usually be achieved by the following methods:

[0089] 1.1. Select heat exchange pipes 13 made of insulating materials;

[0090] 1.2. Select an intermediate pipe section 110 made of insulating material;

[0091] 1.3. If the heat exchange pipe 13 is made of non-insulating material, the wall of the heat exchange pipe 13 can be insulated, such as by spraying insulating paint or wrapping it with insulating film, to overcome this problem. Insulating gaskets can also be added between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the polarity terminal 111 and the top plate 25 to overcome this problem. Of course, for the sake of safety, multiple insulation methods can be used in combination with the above methods to overcome this problem.

[0092] To further improve the stability of the heat exchange fitting 13 on the single battery 11, this embodiment can add L-shaped connecting ribs between the heat exchange fitting 13 and the barrel 21. The horizontal plate of the L-shaped connecting rib is fixedly connected to the heat exchange fitting 13, and the vertical plate of the L-shaped connecting rib is fixedly connected to the barrel 21. The specific connection method can be selected according to the material of the heat exchange fitting 13. For example, in this embodiment, the heat exchange fitting 13 is made of an insulating material, so the L-shaped connecting rib, the heat exchange fitting 13, and the barrel 21 can be fixedly connected using screws. If the heat exchange fitting 13 is made of metal, the L-shaped connecting rib, the heat exchange fitting 13, and the barrel 21 can be fixedly connected using welding.

[0093] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when assembling the battery pack 1, the channels 112 on the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 are connected using a connecting tube assembly, and then the electrical connection assembly 3 is used to achieve electrical connection between the single batteries 11. The electrical connection assembly 3 in this embodiment includes a first electrical connector 31 and a second electrical connector 32. The first electrical connector 31 is used to connect the single batteries 11 in the battery pack 1 in series, and the second electrical connector 32 is used to connect the battery pack 1 to external devices. The single batteries 11 in the battery pack 1 can be connected in series in the following manner:

[0094] First, the positive polarity terminal of each single battery 11 is located on the same side of the single battery 11, and the negative polarity terminal of each single battery 11 is located on the other side of the single battery 11; that is, the polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 located on the same side have the same polarity, and the polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 with different polarities are electrically connected via a first electrical connector 31 arranged obliquely with respect to the x-direction. The two second electrical connectors 32 are electrically connected to the single batteries 11 at both ends of the battery pack 1, and the two second electrical connectors 32 serve as external electrical connection terminals of the battery pack 1.

[0095] Second, the polarity of the polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single cells 11 on the same side is different. That is, of two adjacent single cells 11, the positive polarity terminal of one single cell 11 and the negative polarity terminal of the other single cell 11 are located on the same side of the battery pack 1. In this case, the polarity terminals 111 of the two adjacent single cells 11 on the same side have opposite polarity. The polarity terminals 111 of the adjacent single cells 11 on the same side are electrically connected via a first electrical connector 31 arranged parallel to the x-direction. The two second electrical connectors 32 are electrically connected to the single cells 11 at both ends of the battery pack 1. The two second electrical connectors 32 serve as external electrical connection terminals of the battery pack 1.

[0096] The above-mentioned first electrical connector 31 and second electrical connector 32 are generally implemented as electrical connection plates. When the electrical connection plates are electrically connected to the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11, the electrical connection plates can be welded to the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11, or the electrical connection plates can be fixed to the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 with screws to achieve electrical connection.

[0097] Example 2

[0098] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the battery module in this embodiment is similar in structure to the battery module in Example 1. In this embodiment, the structure of the heat exchange device is different from that in Example 1. The heat exchange device in this embodiment is implemented by the following structure:

[0099] In this embodiment, the heat exchange device includes a hollow box 17 with one end open. In order to ensure the regularity of the battery module structure, a component with a shape and size that matches the top plate 25 is usually used as the heat exchange device. In this embodiment, the top plate 25 is a rectangular plate, so the hollow box 17 is a cubic box. A second avoidance hole 174 corresponding to the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is opened on the hollow box 17 opposite to the open end of the cubic box. When fixing a heat exchange device of this structure to the top plate 25, it is buckled on the top plate 25, and the open end is fixed and sealed to the top plate 25. In the z direction, the polarity terminal 111 passes through the heat exchange device, that is, part of the structure of the polarity terminal 111 is located inside the heat exchange device and is in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium, and the polarity terminal 111 is sealed from the corresponding second avoidance hole 174. The other part of the structure of the polarity terminal 111 is located outside the heat exchange device and is connected to the electrical connection component 3. The cavity formed by the hollow box 12 and the top plate 25 serves as a heat exchange channel.

[0100] In this embodiment, in the heat exchange channel formed by the hollow box 17, the insulating heat exchange medium not only directly exchanges heat with the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11, but also directly contacts the top plate 25. The insulating heat exchange medium can also directly act on the top plate 25, further improving the heat exchange effect of the insulating heat exchange medium on each single battery, and having a better heat exchange effect on the battery module.

[0101] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, this embodiment uses a hollow box 17 with one end open and made of insulating material, and the hollow box 17 is buckled on the top plate 25. In order to ensure that the electrical connection part of the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoidance hole 174 on the hollow box 17, the orthographic projection area of ​​the second avoidance hole 174 in the xy plane needs to be slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the electrical connection part of the corresponding polarity terminal 111 in the xy plane, and in the z direction, it is necessary to ensure that the electrical connection part of the corresponding polarity terminal 111 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoidance hole 174.

[0102] Typically, the shape of the second avoidance hole 174 matches the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion of the polarity terminal 111. If the second avoidance hole 174 is a round hole and the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion of the polarity terminal 111 is circular, then the diameter of the second avoidance hole 174 needs to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the electrical connection portion of the polarity terminal 111. If the second avoidance hole 174 is a square hole and the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion of the polarity terminal 111 is square, then the area of ​​the second avoidance hole 174 needs to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the electrical connection portion of the polarity terminal 111. Of course, the shape of the second avoidance hole 174 may not match the cross-sectional shape of the electrical connection portion of the polarity terminal 111. It is only necessary to ensure that the electrical connection portion of the polarity terminal 111 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoidance hole 174 and that a seal can be achieved between the two.

[0103] When the insulating heat exchange medium is a liquid insulating heat exchange medium, the sealing of the hollow box 17 is particularly important. In order to ensure the sealing of the hollow box 17, Figure 9 It can be seen that in this embodiment, a stepped structure is provided along the circumference of each polarity terminal 111, and a sealing layer is laid on the stepped surface. When the electrical connection portion of the polarity terminal 111 extends out of the corresponding second avoidance hole 174 of the hollow box 17, the area surrounding the second avoidance hole 174 of the hollow box 17 is pressed against the sealing layer. At the same time, the sealing layer penetrates the gap between the second avoidance hole 174 and the polarity terminal 111, thereby achieving a seal between the polarity terminal 111 and the second avoidance hole 174. In other embodiments, an O-ring can be provided between the polarity terminal 111 and the second avoidance hole 174 to achieve a seal therebetween.

[0104] The heat exchange device in this embodiment is easily in contact with the top plate 25 of the pressure-bearing housing 2 and the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery. If the heat exchange device is conductive, a short circuit problem will occur. Therefore, the heat exchange device in this embodiment is preferably made of an insulating material. When a non-insulating material is used, an insulating sealing ring can be added between the polarity terminals 111 and the heat exchange device to overcome this problem. The heat exchange device can also be insulated, such as spraying insulating paint, wrapping with insulating film, etc. To be on the safe side, the above methods can be combined to adopt multiple insulation methods to overcome this problem.

[0105] In some other embodiments, a hollow box 17 with one end open and made of metal can be selected. In order to ensure insulation between the polarity terminal 111 and the second avoidance hole 174, an O-ring can be added between the two to achieve insulation and sealing between the two. The open end of the hollow box 17 and the top plate 25 can be sealed and fixed by welding.

[0106] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, to further improve the sealing performance of the heat exchange device, the hollow box 17 can adopt the following structure: the hollow box 17 includes a sealing plate 171, two first side plates 173, and two second side plates 172. The first side plates are parallel to the yz plane, and the second side plates are parallel to the xz plane. When manufacturing the cylinder 21, the two second side plates 172 are integrally formed with the cylinder 21. When constructing the heat exchange device, it is only necessary to fix the sealing plate 171 and the first side plates 173 of the hollow box 17. In this structure, only the sealing plate 171 needs to be insulated.

[0107] Example 3

[0108] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the battery module in this embodiment is similar in structure to the battery module in Example 1. In this embodiment, the structure of the heat exchange device is different from that in Example 1. The heat exchange device in this embodiment is implemented by the following structure:

[0109] The heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate 14, which has a first channel 15 extending along the x-direction and at least one group of second channels 16 arranged along the x-direction. The first channel 15 in the heat exchange plate 14 serves as a heat exchange channel, and each second channel 16 runs through the z-direction and is connected to the first channel 15. The polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 passes through the second channel 16 in the z-direction and is electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly. Part of the structure of the polarity terminal of each single battery is located within the heat exchange channel and is in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium. The side walls of the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 are sealed between the heat exchange plate 14.

[0110] The heat exchange device will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0111] a. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the heat exchange device includes two heat exchange plates 14 arranged along the y direction, and each heat exchange plate 14 corresponds to the polarity terminals 111 of all the single batteries 11 in the battery pack 1 located on the same side;

[0112] Each heat exchange plate 14 is provided with a first channel 15 and a group of second channels 16 arranged along the x-direction. The number of second channels 16 is the same as the number of single cells 11. The first channels 15 extend through the x-direction. The second channels 16 extend through the z-direction and are connected to the first channels 15. The polarity terminals 111 of all single cells 11 on one side pass through the second channels 16 on one heat exchange plate 14 to achieve electrical connection with the electrical connection assembly 3. The polarity terminals 111 of all single cells 11 on the other side pass through the second channels 16 on the other heat exchange plate 14 to achieve electrical connection with the electrical connection assembly 3. At the same time, the two ends of each second channel 16 are sealed from the polarity terminals 111.

[0113] The two heat exchange plates 14 are respectively mounted on the polarity terminals 111 on different sides of the battery pack 1, and the two heat exchange plates 14 can be connected in series. In some other embodiments, the two heat exchange plates 14 can also be connected in parallel.

[0114] b. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the heat exchange device includes a heat exchange plate 14, which is provided with a first channel 15 and two groups of second channels 16 arranged along the x-direction. The first channel 15 is continuous along the x-direction. The number of the second channels 16 is twice the number of the single cells 11. Each second channel 16 is along the z-direction and is connected to the first channel 15. The polarity terminals 111 of all the single cells 11 in the battery pack 1 pass through the second channels 16 on the heat exchange plate 14 respectively and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3. At the same time, the two ports of the second channel 16 are sealed from the polarity terminals 111.

[0115] The present invention does not impose any specific restrictions on the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange plate 14. Since the heat exchange plate 14 in this embodiment is placed on a planar top plate structure, and considering structural regularity, as can be seen from the figure, the heat exchange plate 14 in this embodiment is a rectangular plate. In other embodiments, heat exchange plates with other structural forms may also be used.

[0116] The first channel 15 is a channel extending along the length of the heat exchange plate 14. In the present invention, after the heat exchange plate 14 is fixed to the top plate, the length of the heat exchange plate 14 is consistent with the length of the cylinder 21. Therefore, it can be considered that the first channel 15 extends along the x-direction, and the two end ports of the first channel 15 serve as the liquid inlet and outlet of the heat exchange plate 14.

[0117] The second channel 16 is a channel 112 that passes through the heat exchange plate 14 and communicates with the first channel 15. In the present invention, after the heat exchange plate 14 is arranged on the top plate 25, the extension direction of the second channel 16 is consistent with the height direction of the single battery 11.

[0118] In addition, each group of second channels 16 needs to correspond one-to-one with the polarity terminals 111 located on the same side of multiple single battery cells 11; in the z direction (the height direction of the single battery cell 11), the size of the second channel 16 is smaller than the size of the corresponding polarity terminal 111, ensuring that the top of the polarity terminal 111 extends out of the second channel 16 as an electrical connection portion.

[0119] In this embodiment, the port shape of the second channel 16 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111. The port shape of the second channel 16 is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111 is also circular, and the diameter of the two ports of the second channel 16 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the polarity terminal 111. In other embodiments, the shape of the two ports of the second channel 16 and the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111 can be different, as long as it is ensured that the polarity terminal 111 can be inserted into the second channel 16 and can be sealed.

[0120] After the heat exchange device is installed on the top plate, the two ports of the heat exchange device serve as the liquid inlet and liquid outlet respectively. In order to facilitate connection with the external pipeline, this embodiment also connects the transfer tube 4 as the liquid inlet and liquid outlet, and connects to the external pipeline through the transfer tube 4.

[0121] Because an insulating heat exchange medium flows in the heat exchange plate 14, the sealing of the heat exchange plate 14 is particularly important. To ensure the sealing of the heat exchange plate 14, in this embodiment, two annular grooves extending along the circumference of each polarity terminal 111 are provided. The two annular grooves are arranged along the z-direction, and O-rings are embedded in the two annular grooves. The two O-rings are respectively pressed against the two ports of the second channel 16, thereby achieving sealing and improving the stability of the heat exchange plate 14.

[0122] It should be noted that the heat exchange plate 14 is in contact with the top plate 25 of the pressure housing 2 and the polarity terminals 111 of the multiple single cells 11 for heat exchange. To avoid short circuit problems, the following methods can be used to achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14, the pressure housing 2, and the polarity terminals 111:

[0123] 3.1. Using an insulating material for the heat exchange plate 14 can achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the polarity terminal 111, and also achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the top of the battery pack 1;

[0124] 3.2. Use a heat exchange plate 14 made of non-insulating material and add an insulating ring between the polarity terminal 111 and the heat exchange plate 14. Insulate the side wall of the heat exchange plate 14, such as spraying insulating paint or wrapping it with insulating film. To be on the safe side, you can combine the above methods and adopt multiple insulation methods to overcome this problem.

[0125] In this embodiment, the heat exchange plate 14 is made of insulating material to achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the top of the battery pack 1 and the polarity terminals 111 .

[0126] To further improve the stability of the heat exchange plates 14 on the pressure-bearing shell 2, this embodiment can add L-shaped connecting ribs between the heat exchange plates 14 and the cylinder 21 of the pressure-bearing shell 2. The horizontal plates of the L-shaped connecting ribs are fixedly connected to the heat exchange plates 14, and the vertical plates of the L-shaped connecting ribs are fixedly connected to the cylinder 21. The specific connection method can be selected according to the material of the heat exchange plates 14. For example, in this embodiment, the heat exchange plates 14 are made of insulating material, so the L-shaped connecting ribs, the heat exchange plates 14, and the cylinder 21 can be fixedly connected using screws. When the heat exchange plates 14 are made of metal, the L-shaped connecting ribs, the heat exchange plates 14, and the cylinder 21 can be fixedly connected using welding.

[0127] Example 4

[0128] The battery module in this embodiment has a similar structure to that in Example 1. However, the structure of the heat exchange device in this embodiment is different from that in Example 1. The heat exchange device in this embodiment is implemented by the following structure:

[0129] like Figures 14 to 17 As shown, the heat exchange device includes a connecting pipe assembly. The polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is provided with a channel 112 that passes through the polarity terminal 111 along the x-direction. The connecting pipe assembly connects the channels 112 on the polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 to form a heat exchange channel. At the same time, the connecting pipe assembly is insulated from the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11.

[0130] The polarity terminal 111 described herein may be a pole of a single cell 11. When the pole height of a single cell 11 does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter may be connected to the pole of the single cell 11, and the overall structure of the pole of the single cell 11 and the pole adapter may serve as the polarity terminal 111 of the single cell 11. In this embodiment, the polarity terminal 111 is a pole of the single cell 11, which is taller than a conventional pole of a single cell 11.

[0131] This embodiment does not restrict the shape of the polarity terminals 111 of each battery cell 11; their cross-sections can be square or circular, for example. Similarly, the cross-section of the channel 112 is also not restricted; generally, a channel 112 with a relatively regular structure, such as a circular or square cross-section, can be employed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 112 should not be too large, as this does not affect the conductivity of the polarity terminals 111. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 112 should not be too small, as this would reduce the heat exchange area and thus affect the heat exchange effect. While ensuring that the conductivity of the polarity terminals 111 is not affected, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 112 can be increased as much as possible to increase the heat exchange area and improve the heat exchange effect.

[0132] from Figure 14 and Figure 16It can be seen that the connecting tube assembly of this embodiment includes multiple sections of sub-connecting tubes 12; the two ends of each section of the sub-connecting tube 12 are respectively connected to the polarity terminals 111 and the channels 112 of the adjacent single cells 11 located on the same side, forming two heat exchange channels on the top of the battery pack 1. At the same time, the sub-connecting tube 12 is used to connect the channels 112 of the two polarity terminals 111 of one outermost single cell 11 in the battery pack 1, thereby realizing the series connection of the two heat exchange channels and forming a U-shaped heat exchange channel. The free ends of the channels 112 of the two polarity terminals 111 of the other outermost single cell 11 (the free ends mentioned here are the ends of the channels 112 that are not connected to the sub-connecting tube 12) can directly serve as the two ends of the U-shaped heat exchange channel, and the two ends of the U-shaped heat exchange channel serve as the liquid inlet and outlet, respectively.

[0133] In some other embodiments, the two heat exchange channels may be connected in parallel, that is, the ports of the two heat exchange channels on one side are used as liquid inlets, and the ports of the two heat exchange channels on the other side are used as liquid outlets.

[0134] In order to facilitate connection with external pipelines, this embodiment further connects a transfer tube 4 to the free ends serving as the liquid inlet and outlet ends, and connection with the external pipeline is achieved through the transfer tube 4.

[0135] During assembly, the two ends of the sub-connecting tube 12 are respectively inserted into the two ports of the channel 112 of the polarity terminal 111 of the adjacent single battery 11. When the sub-connecting tube 12 is made of a hard material, the channels 112 on the polarity terminals 111 of the adjacent single battery 11 must be coaxial to achieve effective connection. However, in some cases, due to manufacturing errors, it is difficult to ensure the coaxiality of the channels 112 on the polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single battery 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-connecting portion of the sub-connecting tube 12 (herein, the non-connecting portion refers to the portion of the sub-connecting tube 12 that is not connected to the end of the channel 112, which can also be understood as the middle section of the sub-connecting tube 12) preferably has a certain degree of flexibility. Based on the deformation of the sub-connecting tube 12, this processing error is overcome, facilitating the sealed connection between the sub-connecting tube 12 and the corresponding end of the channel 112.

[0136] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in order to make the connection between the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 and the sub-connecting tube 12 more reliable, a fixing portion 113 may be provided on the side wall of the polarity terminal 111. The fixing portion 113 may specifically adopt the following structure:

[0137] First, the fixing portion 113 is an annular boss integrally formed on the side wall of the polarity terminal 111 and protruding from the side wall of the polarity terminal 111. At the same time, the channel 112 passes through the annular boss;

[0138] a. Figure 18As shown, the annular boss includes a first annular boss, and the outer circumferential size of the first annular boss is adapted to the inner circumferential size of the sub-connecting pipe 12, that is, the outer circumferential size of the first annular boss is consistent with the inner circumferential size of the sub-connecting pipe 12, or is slightly smaller than the inner circumferential size of the sub-connecting pipe 12;

[0139] During connection, the sub-connecting tube 12 is sleeved on the outer wall of the first annular boss to achieve communication between the channels 112 of each single battery 11. During specific connection, the sub-connecting tube 12 can be sleeved on the first annular boss through interference fit; the fixing portion 113 of this structure can increase the heat exchange area through which the insulating heat exchange medium passes, and at the same time, it is also convenient for quick and reliable connection with the sub-connecting tube 12.

[0140] b. The annular boss includes a second annular boss, and the inner wall circumferential dimension of the second annular boss is adapted to the outer wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connecting pipe 12, that is, the inner wall circumferential dimension of the second annular boss is consistent with the outer wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connecting pipe 12, or slightly smaller than the outer wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connecting pipe 12;

[0141] During connection, the sub-connecting tube 12 is embedded in the inner wall of the second annular boss to achieve communication between the channels 112 of the single cells 11. Specifically, during connection, the sub-connecting tube 12 can be inserted into the second annular boss through interference fit.

[0142] c. The annular boss includes a first annular boss and a second annular boss. The outer circumferential dimension of the first annular boss matches the inner circumferential dimension of the sub-connecting pipe 12 , and the inner circumferential dimension of the second annular boss matches the outer circumferential dimension of the sub-connecting pipe 12 .

[0143] During connection, the sub-connecting tube 12 is clamped in the annular groove between the first annular boss and the second annular boss. At this time, the inner wall of the sub-connecting tube 12 contacts the outer wall of the first annular boss, and the outer wall of the sub-connecting tube 12 contacts the inner wall of the second annular boss. The fixing portion 113 of this structure can fix the inner and outer wall surfaces of the sub-connecting tube 12 at the same time, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the sub-connecting tube 12 and the polarity terminal 111. At the same time, the fixing portion 113 of this structure forms multiple sealing contact surfaces between the sub-connecting tube 12 and the fixing portion 113, thereby further improving the sealing and reliability of the connection.

[0144] Second, if Figure 19 As shown, the fixing portion 113 is an annular groove provided on the side wall of the polarity terminal 111;

[0145] The shape of this annular groove is similar to that of the sub-connecting tube 12, and its width is consistent with, or slightly smaller than, the wall thickness of the sub-connecting tube 12. The width of the annular groove specifically refers to its radial dimension. During connection, the end of the sub-connecting tube 12 is inserted into this annular groove. Compared to designs where the fixing portion 113 is an annular boss, this fixing portion 113 can be machined onto existing polarity terminals 111, reducing the manufacturing cost of the polarity terminals 111.

[0146] Furthermore, because an insulating heat exchange medium flows within the heat exchange channel, the sealing of the entire heat exchange channel is particularly important. To ensure this, in this embodiment, the sub-connecting tube 12 is sealed with the fixing portion 113 of the corresponding polarity terminal 111 using an interference fit. In other embodiments, a sealing ring may be added between the two to further enhance the sealing performance of the connection. When using a metal sub-connecting tube 12, the connection and sealing between the polarity terminal 111 and the sub-connecting tube 12 can also be achieved through welding. However, in this case, attention must be paid to the insulation between the polarity terminal 111 and the sub-connecting tube 12.

[0147] In order to further optimize the heat transfer effect, such as Figure 18 As shown, this embodiment may also include multiple thermally conductive ribs 114 within channel 112. These ribs 114 are evenly distributed along the circumference of channel 112, with each rib 114 extending axially along channel 112. The thermally conductive ribs 114 can increase the contact area between the insulating heat exchange medium and the polarity terminals 111, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and effectively improving the heat exchange effect. In other embodiments, the number and arrangement of the thermally conductive ribs 114 can be adjusted based on the size of channel 112, so as not to affect the flow of the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0148] It should be noted that:

[0149] 1. Because the polarity terminals 111 of the present invention are in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium, an ideal insulating 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.

[0150] 2. Since the connecting tube assembly is in direct contact with the polarity terminals 111, the connecting tube 12 and the two polarity terminals 111 to which it is connected must be insulated. Insulation can usually be achieved by the following methods:

[0151] 2.1. Select the sub-connecting pipe 12 made of insulating material;

[0152] 2.2. If the sub-connecting tube 12 is made of non-insulating material, the wall of the sub-connecting tube 12 can be insulated, for example, by spraying insulating paint or wrapping it with an insulating film. The inner wall where the channel 112 is connected to the sub-connecting tube 12 can also be insulated, for example, by spraying insulating paint. An insulating sleeve can also be added between the sub-connecting tube 12 and the channel 112. Of course, for the sake of safety, the above methods can be combined to adopt multiple insulation methods to achieve insulation between the sub-connecting tube 12 of the channel 112 and the polarity terminal 111.

[0153] 2.3. If the transfer tube 4 is made of metal, insulation between the transfer tube 4 and the polarity terminal 111 is also required. Specifically, the insulation treatment can be achieved in a similar manner to the insulation with the sub-connecting tube 12.

[0154] Example 5

[0155] like Figure 20 As shown, the battery module of this embodiment, in addition to the embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, has an insulating sealant layer 6 laid on top of the top plate 25. The main body of the heat exchanger is located within the insulating sealant layer 6, with the insulating sealant layer 6 exposed at both the liquid inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchanger. The insulating sealant layer 6 also fills the space between the polarity terminals 111 and the sealing connector 5.

[0156] In this embodiment, the electrical connection portions of all polarity terminals 111 extend out of the insulating sealant layer 6 to facilitate connection with the electrical connector assembly.

[0157] Laying the insulating sealant layer 6 on top of the battery module has at least the following advantages:

[0158] 1. Further improve the sealing performance of the heat exchange channel;

[0159] Specifically, the insulating sealant constituting the insulating sealant layer 6 penetrates into the tiny gap between the heat exchange device and the polarity terminal (the insulating sealant cannot enter the inner cavity of the heat exchange channel through the tiny gap), further sealing the gap in the radial direction;

[0160] 2. Secondary sealing of the first avoidance hole 221;

[0161] Even if there is a small gap between the sealing connector 5 and the housing of the single battery 11 and the pressure-bearing housing 2 (the gap does not allow the insulating sealant to pass through), the insulating sealant can be filled in the space between the polarity terminal 111 and the sealing connector 5 to seal such a small gap, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the first avoidance hole 221.

[0162] 3. Anti-condensation;

[0163] During long-term use, condensation may form on the surface of the heat exchanger due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the heat exchanger. When the condensation accumulates to a certain amount, it may cause a short circuit. The insulating sealant layer 6 is used to wrap the sub-connecting pipe 12 or the heat exchanger. When condensation forms on the surface of the sub-connecting pipe 12 or the heat exchanger, the insulating sealant layer 6 protects the surface of the sub-connecting pipe 12 or the heat exchanger to prevent the battery from short-circuiting.

[0164] 4. Improve the stability of the heat exchange device;

[0165] Since the heat exchange device is completely wrapped by the insulating sealant layer 6, the stability of the heat exchange device on the battery module can be further improved.

[0166] In some other embodiments, after the electrical connection component 3 is connected to the polarity terminal 111, an insulating sealant layer 6 can be laid on the top of the battery module, that is, the insulating sealant layer 6 completely covers the polarity terminal 111 of the single battery 11 and the connection part between the electrical connection component 3 and the polarity terminal 111; in the entire battery module, after the cylinder 21 is insulated, only the electrical connection terminal of the electrical connection component (used to realize the series connection of the battery module) is exposed and charged, and the rest of the parts are insulated, so that this type of battery module has higher safety performance.

[0167] In order to prevent glue overflow during the glue injection process, this embodiment uses the local structure of the cylinder 21 as a glue baffle. In the z direction, the height of the side plate of the cylinder 21 is higher than the height of the top plate 25, and the part of the side plate of the cylinder 21 higher than the top plate 25 is used as a glue baffle.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: including a battery pack and a pressure-containing casing; The battery pack includes a plurality of single cells, and the plurality of single cells are arranged in the pressure-bearing housing along the x direction; The pressure-bearing shell is a closed pressure shell, and an explosion-relief channel is provided in the pressure-bearing shell, and the explosion-relief channel covers the explosion-relief part of each single battery; The top plate of the pressure-bearing housing is provided with first avoidance holes corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single battery. After the polarity terminals of each single battery extend out of the first avoidance holes, they are connected in series through the electrical connection assembly. The top plate area of ​​the pressure-bearing housing corresponding to the first avoidance holes is fixedly sealed to the single battery housing. A heat exchange device is provided on the top of the pressure-bearing shell, and the heat exchange device is insulated from the pressure-bearing shell and each single battery. At the same time, the heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes. The insulating heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel is in direct contact with the polarity terminals of each single battery for heat exchange.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure-bearing shell includes a cylinder with at least one end, the top or the bottom, open, a top plate sealing the open end of the top of the cylinder, and a bottom plate sealing the open end of the bottom of the cylinder.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: A protrusion extending along the x direction is provided on the top plate, and an explosion relief channel is formed in the protrusion.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: An insulating sealant layer is provided above the top plate of the pressure shell, the main body of the heat exchange device is located in the insulating sealant layer, and the transfer pipe connected to the liquid inlet and outlet of the heat exchange device extends out of the insulating sealant layer.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connection assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector; the polarity terminals of adjacent single cells with different polarities are electrically connected through the first electrical connector, and the two second electrical connectors are electrically connected to the single cells at both ends of the battery pack respectively, and the second electrical connectors serve as electrical connection terminals of the battery pack respectively.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The heat exchange device is a hollow box with one end open, the open end of the hollow box is sealed and fixed to the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell, and the cavity formed by the hollow box and the top plate serves as a heat exchange channel; The hollow box body is provided with a second avoidance hole corresponding to the polarity terminal of each single battery. The polarity terminal of each single battery extends out of the corresponding second avoidance hole, and the polarity terminal and the second avoidance hole are sealed.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The hollow box body mainly consists of a sealing plate, two first side plates and two second side plates. The two second side plates are integrally formed with the cylinder body, wherein the first side plates are parallel to the yz plane and the second side plates are parallel to the xz plane.

8. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate, the heat exchange plate having a first channel extending along the x direction and at least one group of second channels arranged along the x direction, the first channel of the heat exchange plate serving as a heat exchange channel, and each second channel extending along the z direction and communicating with the first channel; The polarity terminals of each single battery pass through the second channel in the z direction and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly. Part of the structure of the polarity terminals of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and is in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium.

9. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The heat exchange device includes a connecting pipe assembly. The polarity terminals of each single cell are provided with a channel penetrating the polarity terminals. The connecting pipe assembly connects the channels on the polarity terminals of adjacent single cells to form a heat exchange channel. The connecting pipe assembly is insulated from the polarity terminals of each single cell.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, characterized in that: Both ends of the channel are provided with a fixing portion fixed to the side wall of the polarity terminal for connecting to the connecting pipe assembly; the inner wall of the channel is provided with a heat-conducting rib plate for increasing the heat exchange area.

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