Cooling device, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a cooling device, a battery pack and a vehicle, and the cooling device comprises a first cooling structure which is provided with a first cooling flow channel; the second cooling structure is provided with a second cooling flow channel, at least part of the first cooling structure and at least part of the second cooling structure are arranged at intervals, and a containing space used for containing the battery cell assembly is formed between the first cooling structure and the second cooling structure; the beam body is provided with a communicating flow channel, and the communicating flow channel communicates with the first cooling flow channel and the second cooling flow channel; wherein the first cooling structure and the second cooling structure are respectively used for cooling the bottom and the top of the battery cell assembly. According to the cooling device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the communication of the first cooling flow channel and the second cooling flow channel can be realized through the communication flow channel integrated in the beam body, and the communication of the first cooling flow channel and the second cooling flow channel can be realized without an additional pipeline, so that the space occupied by the pipeline is saved, and the integration efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to a cooling device, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve rapid battery recharging in vehicles, high-rate fast charging is typically used. High-rate fast charging generates extremely high current, which causes the Joule heat generated by current-carrying mechanical components, busbars, and other current-carrying elements to increase exponentially.

[0003] Currently, cooling structures are typically included to cool the battery, and these structures typically consist of cooling plates connected to additional piping. However, this piping occupies extra space and hinders battery pack integration. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a cooling device, a battery pack, and a vehicle, aiming to at least solve the technical problem that the connecting pipes in the cooling structure of the prior art occupy additional space and are not conducive to the integration of the battery pack.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, a cooling device is provided, comprising:

[0006] The first cooling structure has a first cooling flow channel;

[0007] The second cooling structure has a second cooling channel, at least a portion of the first cooling structure and at least a portion of the second cooling structure are spaced apart, and a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly is formed between the first cooling structure and the second cooling structure.

[0008] The beam has a connecting channel, which is connected to the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel respectively;

[0009] The first cooling structure and the second cooling structure are used to cool the bottom and top of the battery cell assembly, respectively.

[0010] Optionally, the first cooling channel includes an inlet section and an outlet section, wherein the inlet section and the outlet section are respectively connected to a first branch port and a second branch port;

[0011] The second cooling structure includes at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet connected to the second cooling channel;

[0012] The connecting channels include a liquid inlet connecting channel and a liquid outlet connecting channel that are separated from each other.

[0013] The first diversion port is connected to at least one of the liquid inlets through the liquid inlet communication channel, and the second diversion port is connected to at least one of the liquid outlets through the liquid outlet communication channel.

[0014] Optionally, the beam has a cavity, and the beam includes a partition that divides the cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity being located on both sides of the partition along the width direction of the beam;

[0015] The inlet flow channel and the outlet flow channel are located in the first cavity and the second cavity, respectively.

[0016] Optionally, the beam includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and an intermediate body. The intermediate body includes a body frame and the partition. The first cover plate and the second cover plate are respectively connected to both sides of the intermediate body along the width direction of the beam.

[0017] The first cover plate, the main body frame, and the second cover plate form the cavity; the partition, the main body frame, and the first cover plate form the first cavity; and the partition, the main body frame, and the second cover plate form the second cavity.

[0018] Optionally, the beam body also has at least two first liquid passage ports and at least two second liquid passage ports;

[0019] At least two of the first liquid inlets are connected to the liquid inlet communication channel, the first diversion port is connected to one of the first liquid inlets, and each of the liquid inlets is connected to one of the first liquid inlets;

[0020] At least two of the second liquid inlets are connected to the liquid outlet communication channel, the second diversion port is connected to one of the second liquid inlets, and each of the liquid outlets is connected to one of the second liquid inlets.

[0021] Optionally, the beam body also has at least two first assembly slots and at least two second assembly slots, with at least two first liquid outlets respectively opened on the bottom wall of the first slot of the at least two first assembly slots, and at least two second liquid outlets respectively opened on the bottom wall of the second slot of the at least two second assembly slots.

[0022] Both the first diversion port and the liquid inlet are connected to the first liquid outlet through a first connecting member, and the first connecting member is located in the first assembly tank;

[0023] Both the second diversion port and the liquid outlet are connected to the second liquid outlet through a second connecting member, which is located inside the second assembly tank.

[0024] Optionally, the beam has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along the width direction of the beam, the first side being used to abut against the battery cell assembly;

[0025] The first assembly groove includes a first side groove wall and a first side groove opening disposed opposite to each other, the first side groove wall and the first side groove opening being located on the first side and the second side of the beam body, respectively;

[0026] And / or, the second assembly groove includes a second side groove wall and a second side groove opening disposed opposite to each other, the second side groove wall and the second side groove opening being located on the first side and the second side of the beam body, respectively.

[0027] Optionally, the bottom wall of the first tank includes a first portion located on the same side as the liquid inlet channel and a second portion located on the same side as the liquid outlet channel. The thickness of the second portion is greater than the thickness of the first portion, and the depth of the first liquid outlet is greater than or equal to the thickness of the first portion and less than the thickness of the second portion.

[0028] And / or, the bottom wall of the second tank includes a third portion located on the same side as the liquid outlet channel and a fourth portion located on the same side as the liquid inlet channel, the thickness of the fourth portion being greater than the thickness of the third portion, and the depth of the second liquid outlet being greater than or equal to the thickness of the third portion and less than the thickness of the fourth portion.

[0029] Optionally, the second cooling structure includes a second liquid cooling plate, the second cooling channel is located inside the second liquid cooling plate, and the second liquid cooling plate is used to cool the busbar structure located on top of the cell assembly;

[0030] The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells spaced apart along a first direction, and the second cooling channel includes a plurality of C-shaped second sub-channels spaced apart along a second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0031] Optionally, the second liquid cooling plate includes a plurality of harmonica tubes spaced apart along the second direction, a first current collector connected to the plurality of harmonica tubes, a second sub-channel located within the harmonica tubes and the first current collector, and the plurality of harmonica tubes being used to cool the busbar structure located on top of the cell assembly.

[0032] Optionally, the first cooling structure includes a first liquid cooling plate, and the first cooling channel is located inside the first liquid cooling plate;

[0033] The first cooling channel includes a plurality of C-shaped first sub-channels, which are spaced apart along the second direction.

[0034] In a second aspect of the invention, a battery pack is also provided, including a cell assembly and a cooling device as described above.

[0035] Optionally, the battery pack further includes a housing, the beam in the cooling device is connected to the housing, the cell assembly includes a plurality of cells arranged along a first direction, the first direction being consistent with the width direction of the cells, the beam is located on at least one side of the cell assembly along the first direction, and the beam is used to abut against the cell assembly along the first direction via a buffer structure.

[0036] In a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle is also provided, including the battery pack described above.

[0037] In this embodiment of the invention, the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel can be connected through the integrated flow channel within the beam, eliminating the need for additional piping. This saves space occupied by piping, improves integration efficiency, and facilitates battery pack integration. Furthermore, the first and second cooling structures allow for cooling of the bottom and top of the battery cell assembly, achieving multi-faceted cooling and improving the overall cooling effect. This avoids the risk of high-temperature thermal runaway due to insufficient cooling. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cooling device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the cooling device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the beam, the first water nozzle, and the second water nozzle in the cooling device provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first cavity of the beam in the cooling device provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second cavity of the beam in the cooling device provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a top view of the cooling device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first liquid cooling plate in the cooling device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure label:

[0047] 1-First cooling structure, 11-First liquid cooling plate, 111-First cooling channel, 1111-Inlet section, 1112-Outlet section, 1113-First sub-channel, 112-First branch port, 113-Second branch port, 114-Main inlet, 115-Main outlet, 2-Second cooling structure, 21-Second liquid cooling plate, 211-Second cooling channel, 2111-Second sub-channel, 212-Inlet, 213-Outlet 214-Harmonica tube, 215-First collector, 2151-First main body, 2152-First plug, 216-Second collector, 2161-Second main body, 2162-Second plug, 2163-Water baffle, 3-Beam, 31-Connecting channel, 311-Inlet connecting channel, 312-Outlet connecting channel, 32-First cover plate, 33-Intermediate body, 331-Body frame, 332-Separator, 333-First liquid outlet 334 - Second liquid outlet, 335 - First assembly tank, 3351 - First tank bottom wall, 3352 - First side tank wall, 3353 - First section, 3354 - Second section, 336 - Second assembly tank, 3361 - Second tank bottom wall, 3362 - Second side tank wall, 3363 - Third section, 3364 - Fourth section, 337 - First reinforcing rib, 338 - Second reinforcing rib, 34 - Second cover plate, 341 - First through groove, 34 2-Second channel, 35-First cavity, 36-Second cavity, 4-Cell assembly, 41-Cell group, 411-Cell, 412-Terminal, 42-Busting structure, 5-First connecting component, 51-First flexible water pipe, 52-First water nozzle, 6-Second connecting component, 61-Second flexible water pipe, 62-Second water nozzle, 7-Heat-conducting structure, 71-First heat-conducting structure, 72-Second heat-conducting structure, 8-Main water inlet, 9-Main water outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] The embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The invention is described more specifically in the following paragraphs by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the invention.

[0050] Currently, cooling structures are typically installed to cool the battery, including cooling plates connected to additional connecting pipes. However, these connecting pipes occupy extra space, hindering battery pack integration. To address these issues, embodiments of the present invention provide a cooling device, a battery pack, and a vehicle, which are described in detail below.

[0051] Firstly, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The cooling device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a first cooling structure 1, a second cooling structure 2, and a beam 3. The first cooling structure 1 has a first cooling channel 111, and the second cooling structure 2 has a second cooling channel 211. At least a portion of the first cooling structure 1 and at least a portion of the second cooling structure 2 are spaced apart. A receiving space for accommodating a battery cell assembly 4 is formed between the first cooling structure 1 and the second cooling structure 2. The first cooling structure 1 and the second cooling structure 2 are respectively used to cool the bottom and top of the battery cell assembly 4. The beam 3 has a connecting channel 31, which connects the first cooling channel 111 and the second cooling channel 211.

[0052] The first cooling structure 1 and the second cooling structure 2 are spaced apart and opposite to each other along the height direction of the cooling device. In one embodiment, the first cooling structure 1 is connected to an independent liquid supply structure and a liquid outlet structure, such as a main inlet 8 and a main outlet 9, to provide circulating coolant to the first cooling channel 111. The coolant enters the first cooling channel 111 from the liquid supply structure and flows out through the liquid outlet structure. The coolant entering the first cooling channel 111 flows to the second cooling channel 211 through a connecting channel 31, and the coolant flowing out of the second cooling channel 211 flows back to the first cooling channel 111 through the connecting channel 31, and finally flows out through the liquid outlet structure.

[0053] In another embodiment, the second cooling structure 2 is connected to an independent liquid supply structure and a liquid outlet structure to provide circulating coolant for the second cooling channel 211. The coolant entering the second cooling channel 211 flows to the first cooling channel 111 through the connecting channel 31, and the coolant flowing out of the first cooling channel 111 flows back to the second cooling channel 211 through the connecting channel 31, and finally flows out through the liquid outlet structure.

[0054] The battery cell assembly 4 includes a battery cell group 41 and a bus structure 42 disposed on top of the battery cell group 41. The number of battery cell groups 41 is at least one, and each battery cell group 41 includes a plurality of battery cells 411 spaced apart along a first direction. The first direction is consistent with the width direction of the battery cells 411, and the first direction can be referenced to... Figure 1 and Figure 6 The direction indicated by arrow A. A terminal post 412 is provided on the top of the cell 411, and a bus structure 42 is used to connect to multiple terminals 412 in the same cell group 41. Specifically, the bus structure 42 can be a busbar. The grouping method of the cell groups 41 in the cell assembly 4 can be set according to actual needs. For example, the cell assembly 4 can include two rows of cell groups 41 arranged at intervals along a second direction, which can be the length direction of the cell 411. The second direction can refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 6 As indicated by arrow B, each cell group 41 may include five cells 411. The first cooling structure 1 is specifically used to cool the bottom of the cell group 41 in the cell assembly 4, and the second cooling structure 2 is specifically used to cool the busbar structure 42 located at the top of the cell assembly 4.

[0055] The beam 3 can be used to abut against the battery cell assembly 4 along the first direction to provide expansion constraint force for the battery cell assembly 4, preventing damage to the battery cell 411 due to excessive expansion, thereby extending the service life of the battery cell 411. The cooling device also includes a heat-conducting structure 7, which includes a first heat-conducting structure 71 and a second heat-conducting structure 72. The first cooling structure 1 is connected to the bottom of the battery cell assembly 4 through the first heat-conducting structure 71, and the second cooling structure 2 is connected to the busbar structure 42 through the second heat-conducting structure 72. The first heat-conducting structure 71 can be a heat-conducting structural adhesive, a heat-conducting pad, a sealant, etc., and the second heat-conducting structure 72 can be a heat-conducting structural adhesive, a heat-conducting pad, a sealant, etc.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, the first cooling channel 111 and the second cooling channel 211 can be connected through the integrated connecting channel 31 within the beam 3, eliminating the need for additional piping. This saves space occupied by piping, improves integration efficiency, and facilitates battery pack integration. Furthermore, the first cooling structure 1 and the second cooling structure 2 enable cooling of the bottom and top of the battery cell assembly 4, achieving multi-faceted cooling and improving the cooling effect. This avoids the risk of high-temperature thermal runaway due to insufficient cooling.

[0057] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 3 to 7The first cooling channel 111 includes an inlet section 1111 and an outlet section 1112, with the inlet section 1111 and the outlet section 1112 respectively connected to a first branch port 112 and a second branch port 113; the second cooling structure 2 includes at least one inlet port 212 and at least one outlet port 213 connected to the second cooling channel 211; the connecting channel 31 includes an inlet connecting channel 311 and an outlet connecting channel 312 separated from each other; the first branch port 112 is connected to at least one inlet port 212 through the inlet connecting channel 311, and the second branch port 113 is connected to at least one outlet port 213 through the outlet connecting channel 312.

[0058] The inlet section 1111 is connected to the main inlet 114, and the outlet section 1112 is connected to the main outlet 115. The number of inlets 212 can be one, two, or three, and the number of outlets 213 can also be one, two, or three. Preferably, there is one inlet 212 and two outlets 213. The beam 3 has a length direction, a width direction, and a height direction. The inlet connecting channel 311 and the outlet connecting channel 312 can be separated along the width direction, the length direction, or the height direction of the beam 3.

[0059] After the coolant enters the first cooling channel 111 through the main inlet 114, a portion of the coolant flows through the inlet section 1111 and the first branch outlet 112 to the inlet connecting channel 311 inside the beam body 3, while another portion flows through the inlet section 1111 to the rear end of the first cooling structure 1, and finally flows out through the outlet section 1112 and the main outlet 115. The coolant entering the inlet connecting channel 311 inside the beam body 3 enters the second cooling channel 211 through the inlet 212. The coolant entering the second cooling channel 211 flows through the outlet 213 to the outlet connecting channel 312 inside the beam body 3, then flows to the second branch outlet 113, and finally flows out through the outlet section 1112 and the main outlet 115. In this embodiment, the inlet flow channel 311 and the outlet flow channel 312 within the beam body 3 are separated from each other, thereby making the flow of coolant in the two regions of the inlet flow channel 311 and the outlet flow channel 312 independent of each other, and avoiding mutual interference between the flow of coolant in the inlet flow channel 311 and the outlet flow channel 312.

[0060] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 3 to 5The beam body 3 has a cavity, and the beam body 3 includes a partition 332, which divides the cavity into a first cavity 35 and a second cavity 36. The first cavity 35 and the second cavity 36 are located on both sides of the partition 332 along the width direction of the beam body 3. The liquid inlet communication channel 311 and the liquid outlet communication channel 312 are located in the first cavity 35 and the second cavity 36, respectively. In this embodiment, the cavity inside the beam body 3 is divided into two mutually separated cavities by the partition 332, and the liquid inlet communication channel 311 and the liquid outlet communication channel 312 are located in the two cavities, thereby achieving the separation of the liquid inlet communication channel 311 and the liquid outlet communication channel 312.

[0061] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 3 The beam 3 includes a first cover plate 32, a second cover plate 34, and an intermediate body 33. The intermediate body 33 includes a body frame 331 and a partition 332. The first cover plate 32 and the second cover plate 34 are respectively connected to both sides of the intermediate body 33 along the width direction of the beam 3. The first cover plate 32, the body frame 331, and the second cover plate 34 form a cavity. The partition 332, the body frame 331, and the first cover plate 32 form a first cavity 35. The partition 332, the body frame 331, and the second cover plate 34 form a second cavity 36. The connection method between the first cover plate 32, the second cover plate 34, and the intermediate body 33 can be laser welding, bonding, etc. In this embodiment, the first cover plate 32, the second cover plate 34, and the intermediate body 33 can be processed individually, thereby improving processing efficiency. Furthermore, dividing the beam 3 into multiple parts for processing is beneficial for processing beams with complex structures.

[0062] The main frame 331 may include several reinforcing rib structures, which may be strip-shaped and have their height direction parallel to the width direction of the beam 3. These reinforcing rib structures may include several first reinforcing ribs 337 and several second reinforcing ribs 338 located respectively within the first cavity 35 and the second cavity 36. These reinforcing rib structures enhance the overall structural strength of the beam 3, thereby ensuring that the expansion constraint force it provides meets the requirements. The size and distribution of the reinforcing rib structures in the main frame 331 can be adjusted according to actual expansion constraint force requirements and coolant diversion and merging requirements.

[0063] The main frame 331 and the partition 332 can be an integral structure. In this case, the beam 3 can be integrally formed by casting to save costs. Specifically, when integrally formed by casting, the beam 3 can be split along its width to differentiate the first cavity 35 and the second cavity 36. The beam 3 can be made of aluminum, aluminum alloys, such as C611, AlSi10MnMg, ADC12, A380, and A356. Alternatively, the main frame 331 and the partition 332 can be separate structures. In this case, the main frame 331 can be divided into a first frame and a second frame, which are formed by extrusion molding. During assembly, the partition 332 connects the first frame and the second frame. The connection method between the partition 332 and the first and second frames can be welding, bonding, etc.

[0064] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 3 to 7 The beam body 3 also has at least two first liquid passage ports 333 and at least two second liquid passage ports 334; at least two first liquid passage ports 333 are connected to the liquid inlet communication channel 311, the first diversion port 112 is connected to one of the first liquid passage ports 333, and each liquid inlet port 212 is connected to one of the first liquid passage ports 333; at least two second liquid passage ports 334 are connected to the liquid outlet communication channel 312, the second diversion port 113 is connected to one of the second liquid passage ports 334, and each liquid outlet port 213 is connected to one of the second liquid passage ports 334.

[0065] The first liquid outlet 333 and the second liquid outlet 334 are located on the intermediate body 33. When there is one liquid inlet 212, there are two first liquid outlets 333, one of which is located above the other. The upper first liquid outlet 333 is connected to the liquid inlet 212, and the lower first liquid outlet 333 is connected to the first branch port 112. Coolant flowing in from the lower first liquid outlet 333 can flow out from the upper first liquid outlet 333 through the liquid inlet connecting channel 311. It should be noted that the flow direction can also be reversed; for example, coolant flowing in from the upper first liquid outlet 333 can also flow out from the lower first liquid outlet 333 through the liquid inlet connecting channel 311.

[0066] When there are two outlets 213, there are three second passage ports 334. Two of the second passage ports 334 are located above the third second passage port 334. The two upper passage ports 334 are connected to the two outlets 213 respectively, and the lower passage port 334 is connected to the second branch port 113. The two upper passage ports 334 are spaced apart along the length of the beam 3, and are preferably located between the upper first passage port 333 and the two upper second passage ports 334. Coolant flowing in from the two upper second passage ports 334 can flow out from the lower first passage port 333 through the outlet connecting channel 312. It should be noted that the flow direction can also be reversed. For example, coolant flowing in from the lower second passage port 334 can also flow out from the two upper second passage ports 334 through the outlet connecting channel 312.

[0067] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 2 to 5 The beam body 3 also has at least two first assembly slots 335 and at least two second assembly slots 336. At least two first liquid outlets 333 are respectively opened on the bottom wall 3351 of the first slot of the at least two first assembly slots 335, and at least two second liquid outlets 334 are respectively opened on the bottom wall 3361 of the second slot of the at least two second assembly slots 336. The first diversion port 112 and the liquid inlet 212 are both connected to the first liquid outlet 333 through the first connecting member 5, which is located in the first assembly slot 335. The second diversion port 113 and the liquid outlet 213 are both connected to the second liquid outlet 334 through the second connecting member 6, which is located in the second assembly slot 336.

[0068] The first assembly groove 335 has a first vertical opening facing upwards or downwards, and the bottom wall 3351 of the first groove is disposed opposite to the first vertical opening. The number of first assembly grooves 335 is equal to the number of first liquid outlets 333. When there are two first liquid outlets 333, there are two first assembly grooves 335, with one first assembly groove 335 located above the other. The first vertical opening of the upper first assembly groove 335 faces upwards, and the first vertical opening of the lower first assembly groove 335 faces downwards. The second assembly groove 336 has a second vertical opening facing upwards or downwards, and the bottom wall 3361 of the second groove is disposed opposite to the second vertical opening. The number of second assembly slots 336 is equal to the number of second liquid inlets 334. When there are three second liquid inlets 334, there are three second assembly slots 336. Two of the second assembly slots 336 are located above the other second assembly slot 336. The second vertical slot opening of the upper second assembly slot 336 faces upward, and the second vertical slot opening of the lower second assembly slot 336 faces downward.

[0069] Each first connecting member 5 includes a first flexible water pipe 51 and two first water nozzles 52 located at both ends of the first flexible water pipe 51. Each second connecting member 6 includes a second flexible water pipe 61 and two second water nozzles 62 located at both ends of the second flexible water pipe 61. The first flexible water pipe 51 can be fitted with the first water nozzle 52 by interference fit. The second flexible water pipe 61 can be fitted with the second water nozzle 62 by interference fit. In this embodiment, the first assembly groove 335 and the second assembly groove 336 provide assembly and accommodating space for the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6, respectively. This avoids the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 protruding from the beam 3 along the width direction of the beam 3, thereby avoiding the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 occupying additional space and further improving integration efficiency.

[0070] The first flexible water pipe 51 includes a flexible inner layer and an outer layer. The flexible inner layer can be made of flexible TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), and the outer layer can be made of PA12 (Polyamide 12). The second flexible water pipe 61 also includes a flexible inner layer and an outer layer. The flexible inner layer can be made of flexible TPE, and the outer layer can be made of PA12. When the first flexible water pipe 51 and the second flexible water pipe 61 include flexible inner and outer layers, they can meet airtightness requirements even with poor coaxiality, while satisfying overall pressure resistance. This significantly improves the water pipe's tolerance absorption capacity and is beneficial for the assembly process.

[0071] The number of first connecting members 5 is equal to the number of first liquid outlets 333. When there are two first liquid outlets 333, there are two first connecting members 5, with one first connecting member 5 located above the other. One of the upper first water nozzles 52 in the lower first connecting member 5 is connected to the intermediate body 33 in the beam 3, and the other first water nozzle 52 is connected to the first cooling structure 1. One of the upper first water nozzles 52 in the upper first connecting member 5 is connected to the second cooling structure 2, and the other first water nozzle 52 is connected to the intermediate body 33 in the beam 3. The connection methods between the first water nozzles 52 and the beam 3, the first cooling structure 1, and the second cooling structure 2 can include laser welding, bonding, etc.

[0072] The number of second connecting members 6 is equal to the number of second liquid outlets 334. When there are three second liquid outlets 334, there are three second connecting members 6, with two of the second connecting members 6 located above the other. One of the uppermost second water nozzles 62 in the lower connecting member 6 is connected to the intermediate body 33 in the beam 3, and the other second water nozzle 62 is connected to the first cooling structure 1. One of the uppermost second water nozzles 62 in the upper connecting member 6 is connected to the second cooling structure 2, and the other second water nozzle 62 is connected to the intermediate body 33 in the beam 3. The connection methods between the second water nozzles 62 and the beam 3, the first cooling structure 1, and the second cooling structure 2 can include laser welding, bonding, etc.

[0073] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 3 to 5 The beam 3 has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other along the width direction of the beam 3. The first side is used to abut against the battery cell assembly 4. The first assembly groove 335 includes a first side groove wall 3352 and a first side groove opening arranged opposite to each other. The first side groove wall 3352 and the first side groove opening are located on the first side and the second side of the beam 3, respectively. And / or, the second assembly groove 336 includes a second side groove wall 3362 and a second side groove opening arranged opposite to each other. The second side groove wall 3362 and the second side groove opening are located on the first side and the second side of the beam 3, respectively.

[0074] In this embodiment, the width direction of beam 3 is parallel to the first direction. The first side of beam 3 is the side where the first cover plate 32 is located, and the second side of beam 3 is the side where the second cover plate 34 is located. The second cover plate 34 has a first through groove 341 corresponding to the first side groove and a second through groove 342 corresponding to the second side groove. The thickness of the first side groove wall 3352 and the thickness of the second side groove wall 3362 can be set according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit this. In this embodiment, the first assembly groove 335 and the second assembly groove 336 have a first side groove wall 3352 and a second side groove wall 3362 respectively at the position on the first side, thereby providing sufficient support strength for the battery cell assembly 4 and meeting the requirements of battery cell expansion constraint force. In addition, the setting of the first side groove and the second side groove facilitates the assembly of the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6. It should be noted that if the first side groove wall 3352 and the second side groove wall 3362 are not set, sufficient support strength for the battery cell assembly 4 can also be provided by increasing the thickness of the first cover plate 32.

[0075] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figures 3 to 5The bottom wall 3351 of the first tank includes a first portion 3353 located on the same side as the liquid inlet channel 311 and a second portion 3354 located on the same side as the liquid outlet channel 312. The thickness of the second portion 3354 is greater than the thickness of the first portion 3353, and the depth of the first liquid outlet 333 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the first portion 3353 and less than the thickness of the second portion 3354; and / or, the bottom wall 3361 of the second tank includes a third portion 3363 located on the same side as the liquid outlet channel 312 and a fourth portion 3364 located on the same side as the liquid inlet channel 311. The thickness of the fourth portion 3364 is greater than the thickness of the third portion 3363, and the depth of the second liquid outlet 334 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the third portion 3363 and less than the thickness of the fourth portion 3364.

[0076] The inlet channel wall used to form the inlet communication channel 311 may include a first tank bottom wall 3351 and reinforcing ribs located around the inlet communication channel 311. A first protrusion structure facing the second cavity 36 is formed on a second portion 3354 of the first tank bottom wall 3351, such that the thickness of the second portion 3354 is greater than the thickness of the first portion 3353. The difference between the thickness of the second portion 3354 and the thickness of the first portion 3353 can be 0.5mm-10mm. When the first liquid outlet 333 is opened on the bottom wall 3351 of the first tank, the processing depth of the first liquid outlet 333 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the first section 3353 and less than the thickness of the second section 3354. This allows the opened first liquid outlet 333 to penetrate the first section 3353 and flow into the liquid inlet communication channel 311. The opened first liquid outlet 333 will not penetrate the second section 3354. This ensures that there is a wall between the first liquid outlet 333 and the liquid outlet communication channel 312, preventing the first liquid outlet 333 from communicating with the liquid outlet communication channel 312. This also prevents the coolant flowing through the first liquid outlet 333 from affecting the flow of coolant in the liquid outlet communication channel 312.

[0077] The wall of the outlet flow channel 312 used to form the outlet flow channel 312 may include a second tank bottom wall 3361, a first tank bottom wall 3351, and reinforcing ribs located around the outlet flow channel 312. A second protrusion structure facing the first cavity 35 is formed on the fourth portion 3364 of the second tank bottom wall 3361, such that the thickness of the fourth portion 3364 is greater than the thickness of the third portion 3363. The difference between the thickness of the fourth portion 3364 and the thickness of the third portion 3363 can be 0.5mm-10mm. When the second liquid outlet 334 is opened on the bottom wall 3361 of the second tank, the processing depth of the second liquid outlet 334 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the third section 3363 and less than the thickness of the fourth section 3364. This allows the opened second liquid outlet 334 to penetrate the third section 3363 and flow through the liquid outlet communication channel 312. The opened second liquid outlet 334 will not penetrate the fourth section 3364, thus creating a wall between the second liquid outlet 334 and the first cavity 35. This prevents the second liquid outlet 334 from communicating with the first cavity 35, thereby preventing the coolant flowing through the second liquid outlet 334 from affecting the flow of coolant in the liquid inlet communication channel 311.

[0078] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 6 The second cooling structure 2 includes a second liquid cooling plate 21, and a second cooling channel 211 located within the second liquid cooling plate 21. The second liquid cooling plate 21 is used to cool the busbar structure 42 located on top of the cell assembly 4. The cell assembly 4 includes a plurality of cells 411 spaced apart along a first direction. The second cooling channel 211 includes a plurality of C-shaped second sub-channels 2111, which are spaced apart along a second direction, intersecting the first direction. Preferably, the second direction intersects the first direction. The number of second sub-channels 2111 is preferably equal to the number of cell assemblies 41. In this embodiment, a C-shaped channel for coolant is formed within the second liquid cooling plate 21 for the plurality of cells 411 spaced apart along the first direction, which can improve the temperature uniformity of the cell assembly 41.

[0079] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 6 The second liquid cooling plate 21 includes a plurality of harmonica tubes 214 spaced apart along the second direction and a first current collector 215 connected to the plurality of harmonica tubes 214. The second sub-channel 2111 is located inside the harmonica tubes 214 and the first current collector 215. The plurality of harmonica tubes 214 are used to cool the busbar structure 42 located on top of the cell assembly 4.

[0080] The number of harmonica tubes 214 can be set according to actual needs; for example, it can be set to two, four, six, etc. (Refer to...) Figure 6The first collector 215 can be a single-section structure, in which case the first collector 215 includes a first body 2151 and two first plugs 2152 disposed at both ends of the first body 2151. The first body 2151 can be manufactured using an extrusion process, and the first body 2151 and the two first plugs 2152 form a closed cavity. The first collector 215 can also be a segmented structure, in which case the first collector 215 includes two independent first collecting sections, one of which is connected to half of the harmonica tubes 214 located on one side in the second direction, and the other first collecting section is connected to the other half of the harmonica tubes 214.

[0081] The second liquid-cooled plate 21 also includes a second collector 216, which, along with the first collector 215, is connected to both sides of the harmonica tube 214 along its length. An inlet 212 and an outlet 213 are located on the second collector 216. (See reference...) Figure 6 The second collector 216 can be a single-section structure. In this case, the second collector 216 includes a second main body 2161, two second plugs 2162 disposed at both ends of the second main body 2161, and a water-blocking plate 2163 disposed inside the second main body 2161. The water-blocking plate 2163 separates the inlet 212 from the outlet 213, thereby preventing the coolant entering from the inlet 212 from flowing directly through the second collector 216 to the outlet 213. The second main body 2161 can be manufactured using an extrusion process, and the second main body 2161 and the two second plugs 2162 form a closed cavity.

[0082] The second collector 216 can also be a segmented structure. In this case, the second collector 216 includes three independent second collector sections. One of the second collector sections has an inlet 212. When the number of harmonica tubes 214 is four, the second collector section is connected to the two middle harmonica tubes 214. The other two second collector sections each have an outlet 213. The other two second collector sections are respectively connected to the two edge harmonica tubes 214.

[0083] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 and Figure 7 The first cooling structure 1 includes a first liquid cooling plate 11, and a first cooling channel 111 located within the first liquid cooling plate 11. The first cooling channel 111 includes a plurality of C-shaped first sub-channels 1113, which are spaced apart along a second direction. Preferably, the number of first sub-channels 1113 is equal to the number of battery cell groups 41. In this embodiment, for the plurality of battery cells 411 spaced apart along the first direction, a C-shaped channel for coolant is formed within the first liquid cooling plate 11, which can improve the temperature uniformity of the battery cell group 41.

[0084] The assembly process of the above-mentioned cooling device may include:

[0085] First, connect the battery cell assembly 41 to the beam 3; then, pre-install the first flexible water pipe 51 and the second flexible water pipe 61 on the first water nozzle 52 and the second water nozzle 62 located at the lower part of the beam 3; apply thermally conductive adhesive or install a thermally conductive pad on the first liquid cooling plate 11, and then insert the beam 3 downward so that the first flexible water pipe 51 and the second flexible water pipe 61 are inserted into the first water nozzle 52 and the second water nozzle 62 on the first liquid cooling plate 11; then, insert the first flexible water pipe 51 and the second flexible water pipe 61 into the first water nozzle 52 and the second water nozzle 62 located at the upper part of the beam 3; then, weld the busbar structure 42 to the pole post 412; then, apply thermally conductive adhesive or install a thermally conductive pad on the busbar structure 42 or the second liquid cooling plate 21; then, install the second liquid cooling plate 21 downward so that the first water nozzle 52 and the second water nozzle 62 on the second liquid cooling plate 21 are inserted into the first flexible water pipe 51 and the second flexible water pipe 61.

[0086] The working principle of the above-mentioned cooling device can be summarized as follows:

[0087] Coolant enters the first liquid cooling plate 11 through the main inlet 8. After entering the first liquid cooling plate 11, part of the coolant flows through the first branch port 112, the first connecting member 5, and the first liquid outlet 333 to the liquid inlet connecting channel 311 inside the beam body 3, and part flows to the rear end of the first liquid cooling plate 11 and along... Figure 7 The path indicated by the dashed arrow leads back to the main outlet 115. Coolant entering the inlet connecting channel 311 within the beam 3 flows through the first outlet 333, the first connecting member 5, and the inlet 212 into the second collector 216, and then along... Figure 6 The path indicated by the dashed arrow in the middle flows back to the second collector 216, and then flows through the outlet 213 to the outlet connecting channel 312 in the beam 3, then to the second branch outlet 113, and finally flows out through the main outlet 115.

[0088] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack, including a cell assembly and the cooling device provided in the first aspect. Since the battery pack includes the aforementioned cooling device, it also possesses the beneficial effects of the aforementioned cooling device, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0089] The battery pack also includes a housing, a beam 3 in the cooling device connected to the housing, and a cell assembly 4 including a plurality of cells 411 arranged along a first direction, the first direction being consistent with the width direction of the cells 411. The beam 3 is located on at least one side of the cell assembly 4 along the first direction, and the beam 3 is used to abut against the cell assembly 4 along the first direction via a buffer structure.

[0090] The battery cell assembly 4 can be directly integrated into the housing. The beam 3 can be connected to the housing by welding, bonding, or other connection methods. Preferably, the beam 3 is located on one side of the battery cell assembly 4 along the first direction, close to the main inlet 8 and the main outlet 9. The buffer structure can be a buffer pad, buffer adhesive, etc. The buffer pad can be made of a material with buffering and thermal conductivity properties, such as silicone. In this embodiment, the beam 3 can abut against the battery cell assembly 4 along the first direction to provide expansion constraint force for the battery cell assembly 4, preventing damage to the battery cell 411 due to excessive expansion, thereby extending the service life of the battery cell 411.

[0091] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a vehicle including the battery pack provided in the second aspect above.

[0092] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0093] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may have a component in between. When a component is considered "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may have a component in between. When a component is considered "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may have a component in between. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0094] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0095] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0096] The cooling device, battery pack, and vehicle provided by the present invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the structure and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooling device, characterized in that, include: The first cooling structure has a first cooling flow channel; The second cooling structure has a second cooling channel, at least a portion of the first cooling structure and at least a portion of the second cooling structure are spaced apart, and a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly is formed between the first cooling structure and the second cooling structure. The beam has a connecting channel, which is connected to the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel respectively; The first cooling structure and the second cooling structure are used to cool the bottom and top of the battery cell assembly, respectively.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cooling channel includes an inlet section and an outlet section, and the inlet section and the outlet section are respectively connected to a first branch port and a second branch port; The second cooling structure includes at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet connected to the second cooling channel; The connecting channels include a liquid inlet connecting channel and a liquid outlet connecting channel that are separated from each other. The first diversion port is connected to at least one of the liquid inlets through the liquid inlet communication channel, and the second diversion port is connected to at least one of the liquid outlets through the liquid outlet communication channel.

3. The cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The beam has a cavity, and the beam includes a partition that divides the cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity being located on both sides of the partition along the width direction of the beam; The inlet flow channel and the outlet flow channel are located in the first cavity and the second cavity, respectively.

4. The cooling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The beam includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and an intermediate body. The intermediate body includes a body frame and the partition. The first cover plate and the second cover plate are respectively connected to both sides of the intermediate body along the width direction of the beam. The first cover plate, the main body frame, and the second cover plate form the cavity; the partition, the main body frame, and the first cover plate form the first cavity; and the partition, the main body frame, and the second cover plate form the second cavity.

5. The cooling device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The beam also has at least two first liquid passage ports and at least two second liquid passage ports; At least two of the first liquid inlets are connected to the liquid inlet communication channel, the first diversion port is connected to one of the first liquid inlets, and each of the liquid inlets is connected to one of the first liquid inlets; At least two of the second liquid passages are connected to the liquid outlet communication channel, the second diversion port is connected to one of the second liquid passages, and each of the liquid outlets is connected to one of the second liquid passages.

6. The cooling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The beam body also has at least two first assembly slots and at least two second assembly slots, with at least two first liquid outlets respectively opened on the bottom wall of the first slot of the at least two first assembly slots, and at least two second liquid outlets respectively opened on the bottom wall of the second slot of the at least two second assembly slots. Both the first diversion port and the liquid inlet are connected to the first liquid outlet through a first connecting member, and the first connecting member is located in the first assembly tank; Both the second diversion port and the liquid outlet are connected to the second liquid outlet through a second connecting member, which is located inside the second assembly tank.

7. The cooling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The beam has a first side and a second side that are disposed opposite to each other along the width direction of the beam, and the first side is used to abut against the battery cell assembly. The first assembly groove includes a first side groove wall and a first side groove opening disposed opposite to each other, the first side groove wall and the first side groove opening being located on the first side and the second side of the beam body, respectively; And / or, the second assembly groove includes a second side groove wall and a second side groove opening disposed opposite to each other, the second side groove wall and the second side groove opening being located on the first side and the second side of the beam body, respectively.

8. The cooling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the first tank includes a first portion located on the same side as the liquid inlet channel and a second portion located on the same side as the liquid outlet channel. The thickness of the second portion is greater than the thickness of the first portion, and the depth of the first liquid outlet is greater than or equal to the thickness of the first portion and less than the thickness of the second portion. And / or, the bottom wall of the second tank includes a third portion located on the same side as the liquid outlet channel and a fourth portion located on the same side as the liquid inlet channel, wherein the thickness of the fourth portion is greater than the thickness of the third portion, and the depth of the second liquid outlet is greater than or equal to the thickness of the third portion and less than the thickness of the fourth portion.

9. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second cooling structure includes a second liquid cooling plate, and the second cooling channel is located inside the second liquid cooling plate. The second liquid cooling plate is used to cool the busbar structure located on top of the battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells spaced apart along a first direction, and the second cooling channel includes a plurality of C-shaped second sub-channels spaced apart along a second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction.

10. The cooling device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second liquid cooling plate includes a plurality of harmonica tubes spaced apart along the second direction, a first current collector connected to the plurality of harmonica tubes, a second sub-channel located within the harmonica tubes and the first current collector, and the plurality of harmonica tubes being used to cool the busbar structure located on top of the cell assembly.

11. The cooling device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first cooling structure includes a first liquid cooling plate, and the first cooling channel is located inside the first liquid cooling plate; The first cooling channel includes a plurality of C-shaped first sub-channels, which are spaced apart along the second direction.

12. A battery pack, characterized in that, It includes a battery cell assembly and a cooling device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a housing, and the beam in the cooling device is connected to the housing. The cell assembly includes a plurality of cells arranged along a first direction, which is consistent with the width direction of the cells. The beam is located on at least one side of the cell assembly along the first direction, and the beam is used to abut against the cell assembly along the first direction via a buffer structure.

14. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in claim 12 or 13.

Images