Battery module

Abstract

The application discloses a battery module, comprising: a conductive seat body, two conductive bodies and a plurality of single batteries, the conductive body comprising a first conducting element, a plurality of second conducting elements and a plurality of connecting elements, the first conducting element and the second conducting element being connected through the connecting element, and the plurality of second conducting elements being connected through the connecting element; the first conducting element has a first inner hole, the second conducting element has a second inner hole, and the connecting element has a third inner hole, the first inner hole, the second inner hole and the third inner hole being communicated and forming a flow channel, the flow channels of the two conductive bodies being communicated, and a cooling liquid flowing in the flow channel; the positive and negative electrode areas of the plurality of single batteries being connected with the first conducting element or the second conducting element of the two conductive bodies respectively, and the plurality of positive electrode areas and the plurality of negative electrode areas on the same conductive body being distributed alternately; in use, the heat generated by the positive and negative electrode areas is transferred to the conductive body, and then the heat of the conductive body is taken out through the flowing cooling liquid, so that the heat can be taken out from the core heat generation area of the single battery, and the heat dissipation efficiency is improved.

Description

Battery Module Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of energy storage and power systems, battery modules are increasingly widely used in various fields, including new energy vehicles and energy storage power stations. In practical applications, to meet power and capacity requirements, battery modules are typically connected in series with multiple modules. However, batteries inevitably generate heat during charging and discharging. If this heat cannot be dissipated in time, it will seriously affect the working efficiency and lifespan of the battery module, and may even cause safety hazards.

[0003] The current mainstream heat dissipation solution in the industry is to place heat dissipation materials on the outer surface of the battery module to achieve heat dissipation through heat conduction. However, this solution has obvious drawbacks. It ignores the fact that the tabs of individual cells inside the battery module are the core heat-generating areas. The external surface heat dissipation method cannot effectively control the heat generated by the tabs, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency and failing to meet the high-efficiency heat dissipation requirements of the battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a battery module.

[0005] This invention discloses a battery module comprising:

[0006] Conductive base;

[0007] Two conductive bodies are distributed on both sides of the conductive base. Each conductive body includes a first conductive element, multiple second conductive elements, and multiple connecting elements. The first conductive element and the second conductive elements, as well as the multiple second conductive elements, are connected by connecting elements. The first conductive element has a first inner hole, the second conductive element has a second inner hole, and the connecting element has a third inner hole. The first inner hole, the second inner hole, and the third inner hole are interconnected and form a flow channel. The flow channels of the two conductive bodies are connected, and coolant flows within the flow channel.

[0008] Multiple individual cells, the positive and negative electrode regions of the multiple individual cells are respectively connected to the first or second conductive element of two conductors, and the multiple positive and multiple negative electrode regions on the same conductor are staggered.

[0009] The conductive base, the first conductive element, and the second conductive element are all conductive.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conductive base includes a plurality of sub-bases and a fixing member. The plurality of sub-bases are arranged side by side, the fixing member passes through the plurality of sub-bases, and a first conductive member, a plurality of second conductive members and a plurality of connecting members are all disposed on the sub-bases.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two ends of the sub-base have a first groove and a second groove respectively. The first grooves of multiple sub-bases are spliced ​​together to form a first receiving groove, and the second grooves of multiple sub-bases are spliced ​​together to form a second receiving groove. The first conductive element, multiple second conductive elements and multiple connecting elements of the two conductors are respectively located in the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two sides of the sub-base have a first positioning block and a first positioning hole, and adjacent sub-bases are connected by the snap-fit ​​of the first positioning block and the first positioning hole.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sub-base further has a second positioning hole disposed in the first groove and / or the second groove, and the coupling has a second positioning block, which is engaged with the second positioning hole.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling includes a coupling block and coupling tubes distributed on both sides of the coupling block, a third inner hole penetrating the coupling block and the coupling tubes, and the coupling tubes respectively engaging with the first inner hole and the second inner hole, or the coupling tubes respectively engaging with the second inner holes of the two second conductive members.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conductor further includes a plurality of sealing elements, which are respectively sleeved on the connecting tubes of a plurality of connecting elements, and the sealing elements abut against the inner wall surface of the first inner hole or the inner wall surface of the second conductive element.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a plurality of reeds, which are respectively disposed on the first conductive member and / or the plurality of second conductive members, and the reeds abut against the positive electrode region or the negative electrode region of the single cell.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer wall surface of the first conductive member and / or the outer wall surface of the second conductive member are provided with a metal layer, and the spring is disposed on the side of the metal layer away from the first conductive member or the second conductive member.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the metal layer is made of a different material than the first conductive element or the second conductive element.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the positive and negative electrode regions of a single battery cell are both connected to a conductor, and the conductor is provided with a flow channel for coolant to flow. In use, the heat generated in the positive and negative electrode regions is transferred to the conductor, and then the heat in the conductor is carried away by the flowing coolant. In this way, heat can be discharged from the core heat-generating area of ​​the single battery cell, improving the effective control of the heat generation problem of the single battery cell, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency to meet the high-efficiency heat dissipation requirements of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the battery module;

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the battery module;

[0023] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 2;

[0024] Figure 4 is a partial schematic diagram of the battery module;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled conductive base;

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the conductor's disassembly;

[0027] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of multiple individual cells.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1. Conductive base; 11. Sub-base; 111. First groove; 112. Second groove; 113. First positioning block; 114. First positioning hole; 115. Second positioning hole; 12. Fixing member; 13. First receiving groove; 14. Second receiving groove;

[0030] 2. Conductor; 21. First conductive element; 211. First inner hole; 22. Second conductive element; 221. Second inner hole; 23. Connecting element; 231. Third inner hole; 232. Second positioning block; 233. Connecting block; 234. Connecting tube; 24. Sealing element;

[0031] 3. Single cell; 31. Positive electrode region; 32. Negative electrode region;

[0032] 4. Reed;

[0033] 5. Metal layer. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following drawings disclose several embodiments of the present invention. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not intended to limit the invention. That is, in some embodiments of the invention, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and components will be shown in the drawings in a simple schematic manner.

[0035] Furthermore, in this invention, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" is for descriptive purposes only and does not specifically refer to any order or sequence, nor is it intended to limit the invention. They are merely used to distinguish components or operations described using the same technical terms, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If a combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination should be considered nonexistent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1-4, Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery module; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of the battery module; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a partial schematic diagram of the battery module. The battery module includes a conductive base 1, two conductive bodies 2, and multiple individual cells 3. The two conductive bodies 2 are spaced apart on the conductive base 1, and the multiple individual cells 3 are all disposed on the conductive bodies 2. Both the conductive base 1 and the conductive bodies 2 can conduct electricity, and current can be conducted between the individual cells 3, the conductive base 1, and the conductive bodies 2. In addition, coolant can flow inside the conductive bodies 2 to carry away the heat absorbed by the conductive bodies 2.

[0037] Referring again to Figure 5, which is a disassembled schematic diagram of the conductive base 1, the conductive base 1 includes multiple sub-bases 11 and a fixing member 12. The multiple sub-bases 11 are arranged sequentially, and adjacent sub-bases 11 are joined together. The fixing member 12 passes through the multiple sub-bases 11, fixing the multiple sub-bases 11 into a whole. In specific applications, the fixing member 12 can be detachably connected to the multiple sub-bases 11. For example, the fixing member 12 can be a screw and nut structure, where the screw passes through the multiple sub-bases 11 and is locked securely by the nut.

[0038] Sub-base 11 has a first groove 111 and a second groove 112. The first groove 111 and the second groove 112 are located at the two ends of the sub-base 11 respectively. After the first grooves 111 of multiple sub-bases 11 are spliced ​​together, a first receiving groove 13 is formed. Similarly, after the second grooves 112 of multiple sub-bases 11 are spliced ​​together, a second receiving groove 14 is formed. Two conductors 2 are respectively disposed in the first receiving groove 13 and the second receiving groove 14. Furthermore, the sub-base 11 also has a first positioning block 113 and a first positioning hole 114. Along the direction of the arrangement of multiple sub-bases 11, each sub-base 11 has a first positioning block 113 and a first positioning hole 114 on opposite sides. When two adjacent sub-bases 11 are spliced, the first positioning block 113 of the first sub-base 11 is engaged with the first positioning hole 114 of the second sub-base 11. Similarly, the first positioning hole 114 of the first sub-base 11 is engaged with the first positioning block 113 of the second sub-base 11. The arrangement of the first positioning block 113 and the first positioning hole 114 helps to improve the connection stability between multiple sub-bases 11.

[0039] Referring again to Figures 6 and 7, Figure 6 is a split schematic diagram of the conductor 2; Figure 7 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of multiple individual cells 3. The conductor 2 includes a first conductive element 21, multiple second conductive elements 22, and multiple connecting elements 23. The first conductive element 21, multiple second conductive elements 22, and multiple connecting elements 23 are all located within a first receiving groove 13 or a second receiving groove 14. The first conductive element 21 and the second conductive elements 22 are connected by connecting elements 23, and two adjacent second conductive elements 22 are connected by connecting elements 23. The individual cell 3 has a positive electrode region 31 and a negative electrode region 32. The positive electrode region 31 and the negative electrode region 32 are respectively connected to the first conductive elements 21 of two conductors 2; or the positive electrode region 31 and the negative electrode region 32 are respectively connected to the second conductive elements 22 of two conductors 2. In use, the positive electrode region 31 and negative electrode region 32 of some individual cells 3 are connected to the first conductive element 21 of the two conductors 2, respectively, while the positive electrode region 31 and negative electrode region 32 of other individual cells 3 are connected to the second conductive element 22 of the two conductors 2. It should be noted that due to the distribution of multiple individual cells 3, multiple positive electrode regions 31 and multiple negative electrode regions 32 are connected on one conductor 2, and the multiple positive electrode regions 31 and multiple negative electrode regions 32 are distributed alternately. As shown by the arrow I in Figure 4, which indicates the direction of current conduction, the first conductive element 21 of one conductor 2 serves as the current inlet. The current flows through the positive electrode region 31 and the sub-base 11 of the single cell 3 and reaches the negative electrode region 32 of the single cell 3 and the second conductive element 22 of another conductor 2. Since the same second conductive element 22 connects the negative electrode region 32 of one single cell 3 and the positive electrode region 31 of another single cell 3, the current will flow through the second conductive element 22 to the positive electrode region 31 of the other single cell 3. And so on, the current conduction path is "S" shaped, and finally it is led out by the first conductive element 21 of another conductor 2.

[0040] Please review Figures 2, 3, and 6. In specific applications, the first conductive element 21 has a first inner hole 211, the second conductive element 22 has a second inner hole 221, and the connecting element 23 has a third inner hole 231. The first inner hole 211, the second inner hole 221, and the third inner hole 231 are interconnected and form a flow channel. The two conductive bodies 2 have the same structure, so both conductive bodies 2 have flow channels, and the two flow channels are connected. Specifically, the two flow channels are connected by a pipe (e.g., a water pipe). One end of one flow channel serves as the liquid inlet, and the other end serves as the liquid outlet. Coolant enters the flow channel through the liquid inlet, flows through the first inner hole 211, the second inner hole 221, and the third inner hole 231, and finally flows out of the flow channel through the liquid outlet. This process can carry away the heat of the first conductive element 21 and multiple second conductive elements 22 through the coolant, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0041] Please review Figure 4. The arrow marked V indicates the flow direction of the coolant in the flow channel. The coolant flows in from a first conductive member 21 and through the first inner hole 211 of the first conductive member 21. Then it flows through the third inner hole 231 of the connector 23 that connects the first conductive member 21 and the second conductive member 22. Then the coolant flows into the second inner hole 221 of the second conductive member 22. After flowing through multiple second inner holes 221 and third inner holes 231, it flows through a water pipe into the first inner hole 211 of the first conductive member 21 of another conductor 2, or into the second inner hole 221 of the second conductive member 22. The coolant flows in the other conductor 2 in the same way and finally flows out from the flow channel of the conductor 2.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 3. Further, the connecting member 23 is provided with a second positioning block 232, and the sub-base 11 has a second positioning hole 115 located in the first groove 111 or the second groove 112. The second positioning block 232 is engaged with the second positioning hole 115 to realize the connection between the conductor 2 and the conductive base 1. In this embodiment, the connector 23 is provided with two second positioning blocks 232, and two second positioning holes 115 are provided in a first groove 111 or a second groove 112. Taking two adjacent sub-bases 11 as an example, the first groove 111 of the two sub-bases 11 is provided with two second positioning holes 115 respectively. In use, the two second positioning blocks 232 of the connector 23 are respectively engaged with the second positioning holes 115 of the two sub-bases 11. In other words, one second positioning block 232 on the connector 23 is engaged with the second positioning hole 115 of one sub-base 11, and the other second positioning block 232 on the connector 23 is engaged with the second positioning hole 115 of the other sub-base 11. This helps to improve the connection stability between the connector 23 and the sub-base 11, and also improves the connection stability between adjacent sub-bases 11.

[0043] Please review Figures 2, 3, and 6. Specifically, the connecting member 23 includes a connecting block 233 and two connecting tubes 234. The two connecting tubes 234 are respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting block 233. The second positioning block 232 is disposed on the connecting block 233. The third inner hole 231 passes through the connecting block 233 and the two connecting tubes 234. The two connecting tubes 234 are respectively locked in the first inner hole 211 of the first conductive member 21 and the second inner hole 221 of the second conductive member 22, or the two connecting tubes 234 are respectively locked in the second inner hole 221 of the two second conductive members 22. Furthermore, the conductor 2 also includes a sealing element 24, which is sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting tube 234. In use, the sealing element 24 abuts against the inner wall surfaces of the connecting tube 234 and the first inner hole 211, or the sealing element 24 abuts against the inner wall surfaces of the connecting tube 234 and the second inner hole 221. The sealing element 24 improves the sealing performance of the conductor 2, making it less likely for coolant to leak to the outside during the flow of the channel, thus avoiding damage to other electronic components and improving the lifespan and safety of the battery module. In this embodiment, the outer surface of each connecting tube 234 is sleeved with a sealing element 24; the sealing element 24 is a conventional sealing ring or sealing sleeve structure.

[0044] Please review Figures 2, 3, 4, and 6. The battery module also includes multiple springs 4, which are respectively disposed on the first conductive element 21 and / or the second conductive element 22 of the two conductors 2. The positive electrode region 31 and / or negative electrode region 32 of the individual battery 3 abuts against the springs 4. The connection between the springs 4 and the individual battery 3 changes the traditional welding connection method of the individual battery 3. The springs 4 and the individual battery 3 are detachably connected, facilitating subsequent replacement or maintenance. In practical use, a cover can be placed on the outer surface of the battery module. The cover can apply a clamping force to the multiple individual batteries 3, pressing the individual batteries 3 tightly against the springs 4. This protects the multiple individual batteries 3 and increases the positive force between the individual batteries 3 and the springs 4, thereby increasing the current conduction efficiency between the individual batteries 3 and the springs 4 and reducing the temperature rise between them. In this embodiment, the springs 4 use spring products from the existing connector field. In this embodiment, both the positive electrode region 31 and the negative electrode region 32 of each individual battery 3 abut against the springs 4.

[0045] Preferably, the battery module further includes a metal layer 5, which is disposed on the first conductive member 21 and / or the second conductive member 22, and a spring 4 is disposed on the side of the metal layer 5 away from the first conductive member 21 or the second conductive member 22. Specifically, the metal layer 5 and the spring 4 are made of the same material, such as copper; or the metal layer 5 and the first conductive member 21 and / or the second conductive member 22 are made of different materials, for example, the metal layer 5 is made of copper, which facilitates improved current and heat conduction; the first conductive member 21 and / or the second conductive member 22 are made of aluminum, which reduces the cost and weight of the battery module. Specifically, both the first conductive member 21 and the second conductive member 22 are made of aluminum. In this embodiment, each spring 4 is correspondingly disposed on a corresponding metal layer 5, and the metal layer 5 is distributed on the outer surface of the first conductive member 21 and the second conductive member 22. The heat generated by the positive electrode region 31 and negative electrode region 32 of the single cell 3 during operation is transferred to the first conductive element 21 or the second conductive element 22 through the metal layer 5 made of copper. Copper has a better thermal conductivity. Combined with the heat dissipation method of coolant, the heat dissipation effect of the battery module can be further improved to ensure the normal operation of the battery module.

[0046] To further explain, the following is the process of forming the metal layer 5 on the outer surface of the first conductive element 21: First, the first conductive element 21 is placed in a designated position. Then, high-pressure gas is used to transport pre-prepared powder particles corresponding to the material of the metal layer 5. The powder particles are then mixed with another heated high-pressure gas to form a mixed gas. The mixed gas passes through a Laval tube and is output to the designated position on the surface of the first conductive element 21. During the process of the mixed gas passing through the Laval tube, its flow velocity increases from subsonic to supersonic. Finally, it impacts the surface of the first conductive element 21. The powder particles, due to their own high-speed kinetic energy, undergo violent deformation at the moment of impact with the surface of the first conductive element 21. Through mechanical interlocking and metal bonding, a dense and completely covered metal layer 5 is deposited on the surface of the first conductive element 21. The mechanical interlocking and metal bonding between the powder particles and the first conductive element 21 can eliminate the gap between the metal layer 5 and the first conductive element 21, which is beneficial to solving the electrochemical corrosion problem at the interface between the two. At the same time, it also improves the bonding strength between the metal layer 5 and the first conductive element 21. Furthermore, the process of forming the metal layer 5 on the second conductive element 22 is the same as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] In summary, both the positive electrode region 31 and the negative electrode region 32 of the single cell 3 are connected to the conductor 2. The conductor 2 has a flow channel for the flow of coolant. During use, the heat generated by the positive electrode region 31 and the negative electrode region 32 is transferred to the conductor 2, and then the heat is carried away by the flowing coolant. In this way, heat can be discharged from the core heat-generating area of ​​the single cell 3, which improves the effective control of the heat generation problem of the single cell 3 and thus improves the heat dissipation efficiency to meet the high-efficiency heat dissipation requirements of the battery module.

[0048] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, include: A conductive base (1); two conductive bodies (2) distributed on both sides of the conductive base (1), each conductive body (2) includes a first conductive element (21), a plurality of second conductive elements (22) and a plurality of connecting elements (23), the first conductive element (21) and the second conductive elements (22) and the plurality of second conductive elements (22) are connected by connecting elements (23); the first conductive element (21) has a first inner hole (211) and the second conductive element (22) has a second inner hole (221). The connector (23) has a third inner hole (231), the first inner hole (211), the second inner hole (221) and the third inner hole (231) are connected and form a flow channel, the flow channels of the two conductors (2) are connected, and the coolant flows in the flow channel; and multiple single cells (3), the positive electrode region (31) and the negative electrode region (32) of the multiple single cells (3) are respectively connected to the first conductive member (21) or the second conductive member (22) of the two conductors (2), and on the same conductor (2) Multiple positive electrode regions (31) and multiple negative electrode regions (32) are staggered; wherein, the conductive base (1), the first conductive element (21) and the second conductive element (22) are all conductive; the conductive base (1) includes multiple sub-bases (11) and a fixing element (12), the multiple sub-bases (11) are arranged side by side, the fixing element (12) penetrates through the multiple sub-bases (11), the first conductive element (21), multiple second conductive elements (22) and multiple connecting elements (23) are all disposed on the sub-bases (11); The two ends of the seat (11) have a first groove (111) and a second groove (112) respectively. The first grooves (111) of multiple sub-seats (11) are spliced ​​together to form a first receiving groove (13). The second grooves (112) of multiple sub-seats (11) are spliced ​​together to form a second receiving groove (14). The first conductive element (21), multiple second conductive elements (22) and multiple connecting elements (23) of the two conductors (2) are located in the first receiving groove (13) and the second receiving groove (14) respectively.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-base (11) has a first positioning block (113) and a first positioning hole (114) on both sides. Adjacent sub-bases (11) are connected by the snap-fit ​​of the first positioning block (113) and the first positioning hole (114).

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-base (11) also has a second positioning hole (115) disposed in the first groove (111) and / or the second groove (112), and the coupling (23) has a second positioning block (232) which is engaged in the second positioning hole (115).

4. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The connector (23) includes a connector block (233) and connector tubes (234) distributed on both sides of the connector block (233). The third inner hole (231) passes through the connector block (233) and the connector tubes (234). The connector tubes (234) are respectively engaged in the first inner hole (211) and the second inner hole (221), or the connector tubes (234) are respectively engaged in the second inner holes (221) of the two second conductors (22).

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conductor (2) also includes multiple seals (24), which are respectively fitted onto the connecting tubes (234) of multiple connectors (23), and the seals (24) abut against the inner wall surface of the first inner hole (211) or the inner wall surface of the second inner hole (221).

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes multiple reeds (4), which are respectively disposed on the first conductive member (21) and / or multiple second conductive members (22), and the reeds (4) abut against the positive electrode region (31) or negative electrode region (32) of the single cell (3).

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first conductive member (21) and / or the outer wall of the second conductive member (22) are provided with a metal layer (5), and the spring (4) is disposed on the side of the metal layer (5) away from the first conductive member (21) or the second conductive member (22).

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The metal layer (5) is made of a different material than the first conductive element (21) or the second conductive element (22).

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