An adaptive heat dissipation structure for battery connectors

Abstract

This invention provides an adaptive heat dissipation structure for battery connectors, comprising: a housing, with an insulating heat-conducting module embedded inside the housing. This adaptive heat dissipation structure for battery connectors, through the arrangement of the housing, embedded groove, insulating heat-conducting module, spring groove, slider, and locking slot, uses the housing as the core carrier. The embedded groove provides a positioning and stable assembly foundation for the insulating heat-conducting module. The insulating heat-conducting module combines efficient heat dissipation, reliable insulation, and structural support, effectively avoiding the risks of localized overheating and leakage. The spring groove, slider, and locking slot form an adaptive clamping core. The spring groove carries the spring and maintains a pre-compressed state, the slider converts the spring force into a vertical clamping force, and the locking slot ensures accurate positioning of the connector. The three components work together to dynamically compensate for loosening caused by the thermal expansion of the battery cell, always maintaining tight contact between the connector and the terminals / tabs, thus improving the reliability and lifespan of the battery under high-rate discharge and fast charging conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power battery thermal management technology, and more specifically, to an adaptive heat dissipation structure for battery connectors. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the electric vehicle and energy storage industries, the industry's requirements for battery fast charging capabilities are constantly being upgraded, and the discharge rate of power batteries is gradually increasing from the traditional 1-2C to 8C and above. Under high-rate charging and discharging conditions, a large amount of Joule heat is generated in the connection and welding areas between the connecting pieces and the tabs and terminals, which can easily cause local heat accumulation and is a key hidden danger that can induce battery thermal runaway.

[0003] However, the existing battery connector heat dissipation structure has the following problems during use: (1) Relying on the pole to conduct heat outward, the heat transfer path is long and the overall thermal resistance is relatively large, making it difficult to achieve efficient cooling of the high-temperature area of ​​the connecting piece welding.

[0004] (2) The static heat dissipation method of attaching a thermal pad between the tab and the housing cannot adapt to the expansion and contraction deformation of the battery cell during charging and discharging cycles. The interface gap continues to change, and coupled with the aging problem of the thermal pad, the contact thermal resistance continues to increase, making it difficult to cope with the transient thermal shock under high-rate operating conditions. (3) Liquid cooling has a complex structure and high manufacturing cost. It also has the risk of coolant leakage and cannot accurately control the heat dissipation of the local high-heat area of ​​the connecting piece.

[0005] This invention enables efficient heat dissipation of the connecting piece in the lateral direction, adaptive compression of the battery cell expansion, and ensures stable contact pressure during long-term operation, while also taking into account insulation protection and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art and provide an adaptive heat dissipation structure for battery connectors.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an adaptive heat dissipation structure for a battery connector, comprising: a housing, an insulating heat-conducting module embedded inside the housing, an electrode post sleeved on the outer end of the insulating heat-conducting module, a connector embedded inside the insulating heat-conducting module, the rear end of the electrode post sleeved on the surface of the connector, a battery cell housed inside the housing, the rear end of the insulating heat-conducting module connected to the battery cell, and an electrode tab electrically connected to the rear end of the connector, the electrode tab being fixedly installed on the front side of the battery cell.

[0008] A further preferred embodiment: a cover plate is provided on the front of the outer casing, and an insulating layer is fixedly installed on both the left and right sides of the front of the cover plate. The insulating layer is matched with the pole post, and an explosion-proof valve is provided in the center of the front of the cover plate.

[0009] A further preferred embodiment: The housing has an embedding groove inside, and the insulating heat-conducting module is inserted into the embedding groove.

[0010] A further preferred embodiment: three spring slots are provided on the side of the insulating heat-conducting module near the outer side, and the spring slots are arranged vertically.

[0011] A further preferred embodiment: the insulating heat-conducting module has a slider internally connected, and the slider is T-shaped.

[0012] A further preferred embodiment: the insulating heat-conducting module has a slot inside, and the connecting piece is placed inside the slot.

[0013] A further preferred embodiment: the spring groove is located on the outermost side inside the insulating heat-conducting module, the slot is located on the innermost side inside the insulating heat-conducting module, and the slider is located between the spring groove and the slot. Beneficial effects

[0014] 1. By setting an embedding groove, the embedding groove provides precise installation positioning for the insulation and heat conduction module, allowing it to be firmly assembled inside the shell and constructing a reliable load-bearing foundation. Through the fitting and engaging with the insulation and heat conduction module, it directly ensures a tight fit between the module and the lateral side of the connecting piece, providing solid support for the initial contact and fit relationship. At the same time, the embedding groove limits the assembly position of the insulation and heat conduction module, indirectly providing a stable installation environment for the pre-positioning of the pressure adaptive mechanism, ensuring the effective maintenance of the spring pre-compression state. When the battery cell thermally expands, the embedding groove constrains the displacement direction of the insulation and heat conduction module, assisting in the transmission of spring force and slider force, helping to accurately apply the vertical clamping force, thereby ensuring the contact stability between the connecting piece and the battery cell electrode, and providing structural protection for the synergistic performance of heat dissipation, insulation and support. 2. By incorporating an insulating and heat-conducting module, a spring groove, a slider, and a slot, the insulating and heat-conducting module combines insulation and heat conduction functions. The slot provides precise placement space for the connecting piece, ensuring a tight fit between the two and laying the foundation for heat transfer and electrical connection stability. The spring groove serves as the mounting carrier for the spring, ensuring the stability of the spring's pre-compression state and reserving driving force for adaptive action. The slider is fitted between the spring groove and the slot, and slides along the inclined plane after receiving the spring force, converting the horizontal driving force into a vertical clamping force. This force is indirectly applied to the connecting piece through the slot, compensating for the loosening caused by the expansion of the battery cell. The four components work together to achieve stable positioning of the connecting piece and ensure reliable contact during thermal expansion through adaptive clamping. At the same time, relying on the characteristics of the insulating and heat-conducting module, it balances insulation protection and efficient heat dissipation. 3. By incorporating an insulating and thermally conductive module, which is a multi-layered composite structure, the bonding layer uses thermally conductive silicone to tightly bond the connecting piece and the battery cell, significantly reducing contact thermal resistance, improving heat transfer efficiency, and quickly dissipating the heat generated by the battery cell during operation, thus preventing localized overheating. The heat dissipation layer uses aluminum nitride ceramic or copper-based composite material, which combines high thermal conductivity with structural stability, and can quickly and evenly diffuse the heat conducted by the bonding layer, further enhancing the heat dissipation effect and ensuring a balanced battery operating temperature. The insulating layer uses a polyimide coating to build a reliable insulating barrier in the heat conduction path, effectively isolating the connecting piece, terminals, and casing, preventing leakage or short circuit risks, and ensuring electrical safety. The three layers work together to achieve efficient heat dissipation while also ensuring insulation protection and structural support performance, providing comprehensive protection for the stable operation of the battery connecting piece. 4. In summary, this adaptive heat dissipation structure for battery connectors incorporates a shell, explosion-proof valve, embedding groove, insulating heat-conducting module, spring groove, slider, and locking slot. The shell serves as the core load-bearing base, while the embedding groove provides precise positioning and a stable assembly foundation for the insulating heat-conducting module, ensuring the stability of the assembly loop for each component. The explosion-proof valve promptly releases pressure when the internal pressure of the battery is abnormal, strengthening the safety protection line. The multi-layered composite structure of the insulating heat-conducting module, through the synergy of the bonding layer, heat-spreading layer, and insulation layer, balances efficient heat dissipation, reliable insulation, and structural support. Effectively avoiding the risks of localized overheating and leakage, the spring groove, slider, and slot form an adaptive clamping core. The spring groove carries the spring and maintains its pre-compression state, the slider converts the spring force into vertical clamping force, and the slot ensures accurate positioning of the connecting piece. The three work together to dynamically compensate for the loosening caused by the thermal expansion of the battery cell, always maintaining close contact between the connecting piece and the terminal and tab. Each structure performs its function and works together to achieve a unified function of stable connection, adaptive heat dissipation, and safety protection, while also improving the battery's reliability and lifespan under high-rate discharge and fast charging conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the battery cell and the insulating heat-conducting module of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the insulating and heat-conducting module structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the insulating and heat-conducting module of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1-5In the middle: 1. Outer shell; 101. Cover plate; 102. Insulation layer; 103. Explosion-proof valve; 104. Embedded groove; 2. Insulation and heat conduction module; 201. Spring groove; 202. Slider; 203. Card slot; 3. Terminal post; 4. Connecting piece; 5. Electrode ear; 6. Battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following will refer to the appendices in the embodiments of the present invention. Figures 1-5 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described.

[0022] Please see Figure 1-5In this embodiment of the invention, a battery connector adaptive heat dissipation structure includes: a shell 1, an insulating heat-conducting module 2 embedded inside the shell 1, an electrode post 3 sleeved on the outer end of the insulating heat-conducting module 2, a connector 4 embedded inside the insulating heat-conducting module 2, the rear end of the electrode post 3 sleeved on the surface of the connector 4, a battery cell 6 housed inside the shell 1, the rear end of the insulating heat-conducting module 2 connected to the battery cell 6, an electrode tab 5 electrically connected to the rear end of the connector 4, the electrode tab 5 fixedly installed on the front of the battery cell 6, a cover plate 101 provided on the front of the shell 1, an insulating layer 102 fixedly installed on both the left and right sides of the front of the cover plate 101, the insulating layer 102 matching the electrode post 3, an explosion-proof valve 103 opened in the center of the front of the cover plate 101, an embedding groove 104 opened inside the shell 1, the insulating heat-conducting module 2 snapped into the embedding groove 104, and three... A spring groove 201 is arranged vertically. A slider 202 is slidably connected inside the insulating and heat-conducting module 2. The slider 202 is T-shaped. A slot 203 is opened inside the insulating and heat-conducting module 2. The connecting piece 4 is placed inside the slot 203. The spring groove 201 is located on the outermost side inside the insulating and heat-conducting module 2, and the slot 203 is located on the innermost side inside the insulating and heat-conducting module 2. The slider 202 is located between the spring groove 201 and the slot 203. The insulating and heat-conducting module 2 is inserted into the embedding groove 104 opened inside the outer shell 1, completing the initial positioning of the heat-conducting and insulating module 2 and the outer shell 1. The connecting piece 4 is placed in the slot 203 inside the insulating and heat-conducting module 2, so that the lateral sides of the heat-conducting and insulating module 2 and the connecting piece 4 are tightly fitted. At this time, the pre-compression ratio of the heat-conducting and insulating module 2 and the connecting piece 4 is controlled at 10%-15%, establishing an initial contact and fit relationship. Springs are installed in vertically arranged spring slots 201 near the outer side inside the thermally conductive and insulating module 2. There are 2-3 springs, which are evenly distributed along the length of the thermally conductive and insulating module. At the same time, sliders 202 are assembled in the slider mounting position between the spring slots 201 and the slots 203, so that the springs are in a pre-compressed state. The pre-compression amount is 30%-40% of the free length of the spring. The sliders 202 are initially located inside the thermally conductive and insulating module 2 to reserve power for subsequent adaptive action. These structures are combined to form a pressure adaptive mechanism. The pole post 3 is sleeved on the outer end of the thermally conductive and insulating module 2, and the rear end of the pole post 3 is sleeved on the surface of the connecting piece 4. The battery cell 6 is placed inside the outer shell 1, so that the rear end of the thermally conductive and insulating module 2 is connected to the battery cell 6. The rear end of the connecting piece 4 is electrically connected to the tab 5 on the front of the battery cell 6, thus completing the assembly loop of the entire structure.Under high-rate discharge or fast charging conditions, the battery cell 6 undergoes thermal expansion. This expansion and deformation in its thickness direction causes the outer casing 1 to expand outwards synchronously. This results in a change in the assembly gap between the outer casing 1 and the thermally conductive insulation module 2 as the battery cell expands. The outward expansion of the outer casing 1 alters the spring cavity spacing, causing further changes in the spring's elastic force. This elastic force is transmitted as a horizontal driving force to the trapezoidal slider 202. The trapezoidal slider 202 slides along the inclined surface structure inside the thermally conductive insulation module 2, utilizing the inclined surface transmission principle to convert the horizontal driving force into a vertical clamping force. This vertical clamping force continuously acts on the thermally conductive insulation module 2, further compressing it in the vertical direction. The contact pressure with the connecting piece 4 adaptively increases, actively compensating for the loosening tendency caused by the expansion of the battery cell 6 and the outward expansion of the outer casing 1. Simultaneously, the trapezoidal slider 202's angle is designed to be 15°-25°, smaller than the friction angle, providing a one-way self-locking characteristic. This locks the clamping state to prevent springback and loosening, and the amplification ratio of the vertical clamping force to the horizontal driving force is 1 / t. With anθ≈2.7-3.7, the effective transmission of clamping force is ensured. Since the stiffness of the middle spring is greater than that of the springs on both sides, it can effectively offset the risk of off-center load during the expansion of the battery cell, ensuring that the clamping force of the thermal insulation module 2 on the connecting piece 4 is uniform and stable. The spring has a 50% compression margin, which provides sufficient adaptive compensation stroke for the continuous expansion of the battery cell, ensuring the connection reliability and heat dissipation performance of the structure during the full expansion cycle of the battery cell. Throughout the process, the pressure adaptive mechanism senses the expansion deformation in the thickness direction of the battery cell and slides the trapezoidal slider on the inclined surface of the small side (narrow side) of the battery cell, converting the spring deformation in the direction of the large side (wide side) of the battery cell into an adaptive clamping force perpendicular to the thermal insulation module 2. This not only realizes the active compensation for the thermal expansion of the battery cell, but also ensures the contact stability between the connecting piece and the battery cell electrode through the continuous clamping of the thermal insulation module. At the same time, the thermal insulation module has a multi-layer structure, with a thermally conductive silicone bonding layer, an aluminum nitride ceramic or copper-based composite material heat dissipation layer, and an insulating polyimide coating layer, which takes into account heat dissipation, insulation and support performance.

Claims

1. A battery connector adaptive heat dissipation structure, characterized in that: include: The outer shell (1) has an insulating heat-conducting module (2) embedded inside. The outer end of the insulating heat-conducting module (2) is fitted with a pole post (3). The insulating heat-conducting module (2) has a connecting piece (4) embedded inside. The rear end of the pole post (3) is fitted on the surface of the connecting piece (4). The outer shell (1) contains a battery cell (6). The rear end of the insulating heat-conducting module (2) is connected to the battery cell (6). The rear end of the connecting piece (4) is electrically connected to a tab (5). The tab (5) is fixedly installed on the front side of the battery cell (6).

2. The adaptive heat dissipation structure for a battery connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer shell (1) is provided with a cover plate (101) on the front side. Insulation layers (102) are fixedly installed on both the left and right sides of the front side of the cover plate (101). The insulation layer (102) is matched with the pole (3). An explosion-proof valve (103) is provided in the middle of the front side of the cover plate (101).

3. The adaptive heat dissipation structure for a battery connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer shell (1) has an embedded groove (104) inside, and the insulating heat-conducting module (2) is inserted into the embedded groove (104).

4. The adaptive heat dissipation structure for a battery connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating heat-conducting module (2) has three spring slots (201) on the side near the outside, and the spring slots (201) are arranged vertically.

5. The adaptive heat dissipation structure for a battery connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The insulating heat-conducting module (2) has a slider (202) inside, and the slider (202) is T-shaped.

6. The adaptive heat dissipation structure for a battery connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The insulating heat-conducting module (2) has a slot (203) inside, and the connecting piece (4) is placed inside the slot (203).

7. The adaptive heat dissipation structure for a battery connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The spring groove (201) is located on the outermost side inside the insulating heat-conducting module (2), the slot (203) is located on the innermost side inside the insulating heat-conducting module (2), and the slider (202) is located between the spring groove (201) and the slot (203).

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