Liquid-cooled battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid-cooled battery module. The liquid-cooled battery module comprises a battery pack and a liquid-cooled pipeline assembly, circuits of all battery cells in the battery pack are connected in series, a cavity penetrating through the two ends of each battery cell is formed in the middle of each battery cell, and the cavities of all the battery cells are sequentially connected in series through a liquid cooling pipeline assembly, so that cooling liquid can sequentially flow through the cavities in the middle of all the battery cells. The cooling liquid can directly pass through the interior of the battery cell, so that the heat dissipation efficiency and the heat dissipation uniformity are greatly improved, the safety of the battery is improved, and the service life of the battery is prolonged; the liquid cooling pipeline is arranged outside the battery pack and is designed in sections, on one hand, energy density reduction caused by occupation of the internal space of the battery pack can be avoided, on the other hand, the adaptive capacity to displacement of the battery cells is improved, and the requirement for the limiting reliability of the battery pack is lowered. Therefore, the liquid-cooled battery module disclosed by the utility model has the advantages of good heat dissipation effect, simple structure and good safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a liquid-cooled battery module. Background Art

[0002] Battery modules will generate a lot of heat when running for a long time. If the heat is not dissipated in time, the battery life will be shortened, or even battery swelling will occur. Battery module liquid cooling technology directly contacts the battery cell with the liquid cooling system, removes the heat from the battery through heat conduction, and then dissipates the heat through cooling water or other media during the heat exchange process, thereby protecting the battery and increasing the battery life.

[0003] In the prior art, a liquid cooling plate is often provided at the bottom of the battery cell or a liquid cooling tube is provided between the battery cells to dissipate heat from the battery module. However, the liquid cooling plate in the battery module is mostly designed as a whole piece, which not only has low heat dissipation efficiency but also has uneven heat dissipation, leading to temperature difference problems inside the battery cell module. The temperature difference can cause overcharging and over-discharging of different battery cells, thereby reducing the safety of the battery. The liquid cooling tube between the battery cells will occupy the battery cell space, which is equivalent to reducing the energy density of the battery. In addition, the liquid cooling tube inside the battery module is too long, which is more likely to cause coolant leakage, which is not conducive to the safety of the battery.

[0004] Therefore, designing a battery module liquid cooling system with good heat dissipation effect, simple structure and good safety is still a problem that technical personnel in this field need to solve. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims at the problems in the prior art and discloses a liquid-cooled battery module, which solves the problems of poor heat dissipation and poor safety of the liquid cooling system of the battery module in the prior art and has the advantages of good heat dissipation effect, simple structure and good safety.

[0006] The utility model provides a liquid-cooled battery module, including a battery pack and a liquid cooling pipe assembly. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in parallel horizontally and vertically, and the circuits in all the battery cells are connected in series. The middle of each of the battery cells has a cavity that runs through both ends of the battery cell, and the cavities of all the battery cells are sequentially connected in series through the liquid cooling pipe assembly so that the coolant can flow through the cavities in the middle of all the battery cells in turn. As a preferred connection path, the series path formed by the cavities of all the battery cells and the liquid cooling pipe assembly is consistent with the flow direction of the current in the battery pack (i.e., all the battery cells).

[0007] The liquid cooling pipe assembly includes a liquid inlet pipe, a liquid outlet pipe and a plurality of branch pipes. The liquid cooling pipe assembly is provided with a connecting elbow that can match the internal cavities of all battery cells. The connecting elbow is matched and connected to the cavity through an interface so that the coolant can flow through the internal cavities of all battery cells.

[0008] Furthermore, the battery pack is fixed together in a strap-type or frame-type structure.

[0009] As a specific embodiment of the strapping structure, the battery pack is limited by the first module cover plates on the front and rear sides and the first module end plates on the left and right sides. The battery pack is sheathed with a steel belt, which binds the battery pack and the first module end plates.

[0010] The first module cover plate is provided with a first module insulating member on the inner side, and the first module insulating member is provided with a plurality of first inner grooves on the side close to the battery pack, which are used to further limit the front and rear ends of the battery pack. The first module insulating member has a plurality of outer grooves on the side close to the first module cover plate for accommodating the first aluminum bar assembly. The first aluminum bar assembly is embedded in the outer groove of the first module insulating member, and is welded to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell through the opening on the first module insulating member, so as to realize the series connection of all battery cells.

[0011] An insulating plate is provided inside the first module end plate.

[0012] The first module end plate also includes a through rod. The first module end plate has at least two channels vertically disposed therein, the channels extending from the top to the bottom of the first module end plate, the through rod being inserted into the channels and extending out of the channels to fix the battery pack to the external bottom shell.

[0013] The first module insulating member and the first module cover are also provided with a first opening for passing the connecting elbow of the liquid cooling pipe assembly. The first opening is preferably set to a shape that matches the passing part of the connecting elbow, which can also play a role in firmly positioning the connecting elbow.

[0014] As a specific implementation of the frame structure, the battery pack is provided with module connecting plates on the upper and lower sides, second module cover plates on the front and rear sides, and second module end plates on the left and right sides. The module connecting plates, the second module cover plates and the second module end plates surround the battery pack and form the external frame of the battery pack.

[0015] The module connecting plate and the second module end plate are firmly connected by bolts, and the second module cover plate is connected and fixed to the module connecting plate and the second module end plate by laser welding.

[0016] A second module insulating member is provided between the battery pack and the second module cover. The second module insulating member includes a plurality of insulating grooves arranged in parallel in the horizontal and vertical directions, and two adjacent insulating grooves are tightly connected to each other by interlocking with protrusions and grooves. A second inner groove is provided on a side of each insulating groove close to the battery pack, and the shape of the second inner groove corresponds to each battery cell, further limiting the position of the battery cell.

[0017] A second aluminum bar assembly is disposed between the second module insulating member and the second module cover plate, and the second aluminum bar assembly connects the positive and negative electrodes of two adjacent battery cells to achieve series connection of the battery cells.

[0018] The second module insulating member and the second module cover are also provided with a second opening for passing the connecting elbow of the liquid cooling pipe assembly. The second opening is preferably set to a shape that matches the passing position of the connecting elbow, which can also play a role in firmly positioning the connecting elbow.

[0019] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled battery module also includes a sampling component, which is an FPC flexible circuit board fixedly connected to the module insulation component.

[0020] The characteristics and beneficial effects of the utility model are:

[0021] The utility model discloses a liquid-cooled battery module, including a battery pack and a liquid-cooling pipe assembly. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in parallel horizontally and vertically, and all the battery cells are connected in series. There is a cavity in the middle of each of the battery cells that passes through both ends of the battery cell, and the cavities of all the battery cells are connected in sequence through the liquid-cooling pipe assembly so that the coolant flows through the cavities in the middle of all the battery cells in a series manner. The coolant can pass directly through the inside of the battery cell, which greatly improves the heat dissipation efficiency and heat dissipation uniformity, thereby improving the safety and service life of the battery; the liquid cooling pipe is arranged outside the battery pack and is designed in sections, which can avoid the reduction of energy density caused by occupying the internal space of the battery pack on the one hand, and on the other hand, it also improves the adaptability to the displacement of the battery cell and reduces the requirements for the reliability of the battery pack limit. Therefore, the liquid-cooled battery module of the utility model has the advantages of good heat dissipation effect, simple structure and good safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery cell of a liquid-cooled battery module provided by the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an integrated device of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 1 of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional exploded structure of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 1 of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a module insulation member on one side of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 1 of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the other side module insulation component of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 1 of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the fixed position of an aluminum row on one side of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 1 of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the fixing position of the aluminum bar on the other side of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 1 of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an integrated device of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 2 of the present utility model;

[0031] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional exploded structure of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 2 of the utility model;

[0032] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of an insulation slot of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 2 of the utility model;

[0033] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the fixed position of an aluminum row on one side of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 2 of the utility model;

[0034] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the fixing position of the aluminum bar on the other side of a liquid-cooled battery module provided in Example 2 of the utility model;

[0035] Icons: 100-battery pack; 1001-battery cell; 1002-cavity; 1003-interface; 1101-liquid inlet pipe; 1102-liquid outlet pipe; 1103-branch pipe; 1104-connecting elbow; 120-first module cover plate; 130-first module end plate; 1301-channel; 1302-through rod; 140-steel belt; 150-first module insulation; 1501-outer groove; 1502-opening Mouth; 1503-first inner groove; 160-first aluminum row assembly; 170-insulating plate; 180-first orifice; 190-module connecting plate; 200-second module cover plate; 210-second module end plate; 220-bolt; 230-second module insulating member; 2301-second inner groove; 2302-insulating groove; 2303-protrusion; 2304-groove; 240-second aluminum row assembly; 250-second orifice. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this patent and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "setting" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, they can be fixedly connected or set, or detachably connected or set, or integrally connected or set. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0040] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish different objects and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0041] See also Figures 1 to 12 The utility model provides a liquid-cooled battery module, including a battery pack 100 and a liquid cooling pipe assembly. The battery pack 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 1001 arranged in parallel horizontally and vertically, and the circuits in all battery cells 1001 are connected in series. There is a cavity 1002 in the middle of each battery cell 1001 that runs through both ends of the battery cell 1001, and the cavities 1002 of all battery cells 1001 are sequentially connected in series through the liquid cooling pipe assembly so that the coolant can flow through the cavities 1002 in the middle of all battery cells 1001 in turn. As a preferred connection path, the series path formed by the cavities 1002 of all battery cells 1001 and the liquid cooling pipe assembly 110 is consistent with the flow direction of the current in the battery pack 100 (i.e., all battery cells 1001).

[0042] The cooling liquid of the liquid-cooled battery module of the utility model flows in the liquid-cooling pipe assembly in the same direction as the current, and can directly pass through the inside of the battery cell 1001, greatly improving the heat dissipation efficiency and heat dissipation uniformity of the battery pack 100, thereby improving the safety and service life of the battery pack 100; the liquid-cooling pipe assembly is arranged outside the battery pack 100, which can avoid occupying the internal space of the battery and causing a decrease in energy density. Therefore, the liquid-cooled battery module of the utility model has the advantages of good heat dissipation effect, simple structure and good safety.

[0043] The battery cell 1001 with the internal cavity 1002 of the present application can be made by yourself or purchased. The internal cavity 1002 allows the coolant to directly pass through the center of the battery cell 1001, or even directly pass through the battery cell. As an example, the patent application with publication number CN 117039262A discloses a feasible battery cell structure.

[0044] The liquid cooling pipe assembly includes a liquid inlet pipe 1101, a liquid outlet pipe 1102 and a plurality of branch pipes 1103. The liquid cooling pipe assembly is provided with a connecting elbow 1104 that can match the internal cavities 1002 of all the battery cells 1001. The connecting elbow 1104 is matched and connected with the cavity 1002 through an interface 1003, so that the coolant flows through the internal cavities 1002 of all the battery cells 1001. The liquid cooling pipe adopts a multi-section branch pipe that is independently arranged, which is more flexible than the liquid cooling pipe row and has a stronger ability to adapt to the slight displacement of individual battery cells 1001 in the battery pack 100.

[0045] Furthermore, the battery pack 100 is fixed together in a strap-type or frame-type structure.

[0046] See also Figure 2-7 The present application provides a specific embodiment 1 of the strapping structure, wherein the battery pack 100 is limited by the first module cover plates 120 on the front and rear sides and the first module end plates 130 on the left and right sides. The battery pack 100 is sheathed with a steel belt 140. The steel belt 140 bundles the battery pack 100 and the first module end plates 130.

[0047] The first module end plate 130 is thicker and has a stronger limiting effect on the battery pack 100. The steel strip 140 can, on the one hand, strengthen the connection between the battery pack 100 and the first module end plate 130, and enhance the stability of the battery pack 100 structure; on the other hand, it can limit the expansion of the battery during long-term cycling and improve the cycle life of the battery. Therefore, Example 1 achieves the smoothness of the series passage of the cavity 1002 in the battery pack 100 through the strap-type structure.

[0048] The first module cover plate 120 is provided with a first module insulating member 150 on the inner side thereof. The first module insulating member 150 is provided with a plurality of first inner grooves 1503 on the side close to the battery pack 100 to further limit the front and rear ends of the battery pack 100. The shape of the first inner grooves 1503 is adapted to the battery cell 1001. Figure 4-7 As shown, the first module insulating member 150 has a plurality of outer grooves 1501 on one side close to the first module cover plate 120 for accommodating the first aluminum bar assembly 160. The first aluminum bar assembly 160 is embedded in the outer grooves 1501 of the first module insulating member 150, and is welded to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell 1001 through the openings 1502 on the first module insulating member 150, so as to realize the series connection of all the battery cells 1001.

[0049] An insulating plate 170 is disposed inside the first module end plate 130 .

[0050] Welding the first aluminum bar assembly 160 to the battery cell 1001 can not only conduct current, but also improve the structural stability of the battery pack 100 . Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity of the first aluminum bar assembly 160 itself can further improve the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack 100 .

[0051] The first module insulating member 150 disposed on the front and rear sides of the battery pack 100 and the insulating plates 170 disposed on the left and right sides prevent the battery pack 100 from short circuiting and leaking electricity, thereby improving the safety of the entire structure.

[0052] See also Figure 3 The first module end plate 130 further includes a through rod 1302. At least two channels 1301 are vertically arranged inside the first module end plate 130, and the channels 1301 extend from the top to the bottom of the first module end plate 130. The through rod 1302 is inserted into the channels 1301 and extends out of the channels 1301, so as to fix the battery pack 100 to the external bottom shell.

[0053] The first module insulating member 150 and the first module cover plate 120 are also provided with a first opening 180 for passing the connecting elbow 1104 of the liquid cooling pipe assembly. The first opening 180 is preferably configured to match the shape of the connecting elbow 1104 passing through the portion, and can also play a role in firmly positioning the connecting elbow 1104.

[0054] See also Figure 8-12 The present application also discloses a specific embodiment 2 of the frame structure, wherein the battery pack 100 is provided with module connecting plates 190 on the upper and lower sides, second module cover plates 200 on the front and rear sides, and second module end plates 210 on the left and right sides. The module connecting plates 190, the second module cover plates 200 and the second module end plates 210 surround the battery pack 100 and form an external frame of the battery pack 100.

[0055] The module connecting plate 190, the second module cover plate 200 and the second module end plate 210 can be fixed by bolts, riveting, laser welding or other connection methods. Figure 8 ), the module connecting plate 190 and the second module end plate 210 are firmly connected by bolts 220. The bolts 220 have high tensile strength, can withstand large tensile and shear forces, and are easy to disassemble and assemble, and have good adjustability. The second module cover plate 200 is connected and fixed to the module connecting plate 190 and the second module end plate 210 by laser welding. Laser welding can ensure sufficient structural connection strength and effectively prevent frame deformation caused by uneven battery expansion.

[0056] A second module insulating member 230 is disposed between the battery pack 100 and the second module cover plate 200. The second module insulating member 230 includes a plurality of insulating grooves 2302 arranged in parallel in the horizontal and vertical directions. Fig. 9 ), two adjacent insulating grooves 2302 are closely connected by interlocking with each other through the protrusions 2303 and the grooves 2304. A second inner groove 2301 is provided on the side of each insulating groove 2302 close to the battery pack 100, and the shape of the second inner groove 2301 corresponds to each battery cell 1001, so as to limit the position of the battery cell 100. This frame-type structure of Example 2 not only ensures the smoothness of the series passage of the cavity 1002 in the battery pack 100, but also further reduces the overall weight and improves the insulation safety.

[0057] See also Fig. 9 A second aluminum bar assembly 240 is provided between the second module insulating member 230 and the second module cover plate 200 , and the second aluminum bar assembly 240 connects the positive and negative electrodes of two adjacent battery cells 1001 to realize the series connection of the battery cells 1001 .

[0058] The second module insulating member 230 and the second module cover plate 200 are also provided with a second opening 250 for passing the connecting elbow 1104 of the liquid cooling pipe assembly. The second opening 250 is preferably configured to match the shape of the connecting elbow 1104, and can also play a role in firmly positioning the connecting elbow 1104.

[0059] Furthermore, the liquid-cooled battery module also includes a sampling component, which is an FPC flexible circuit board (not shown in the figure) fixedly connected to the module insulation. The FPC flexible circuit board can be twisted, bent, folded, and can also quickly transmit electrical signals to enable the liquid-cooled battery module to operate well.

[0060] In summary, the liquid-cooled battery module of the present application allows the coolant to pass directly through the inside of the battery cell, greatly improving the heat dissipation efficiency and heat dissipation uniformity of the battery pack, thereby improving the safety and service life of the battery; the liquid cooling pipe assembly is arranged outside the battery pack to avoid the reduction of energy density caused by occupying the internal space of the battery pack. Therefore, the liquid-cooled battery module of the present utility model has the advantages of good heat dissipation effect, simple structure and good safety.

[0061] It should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid-cooled battery module, characterized in that: The invention comprises a battery pack (100) and a liquid cooling pipe assembly, wherein the battery pack (100) comprises a plurality of battery cells (1001) arranged in parallel in a horizontal and vertical direction, the circuits of all the battery cells (1001) in the battery pack (100) are connected in series, each of the battery cells (1001) has a cavity (1002) in the middle thereof penetrating the two ends of the battery cell (1001), and the cavities (1002) of all the battery cells (1001) are connected in series in sequence through the liquid cooling pipe assembly, so that cooling liquid can flow through the cavities (1002) in the middle of all the battery cells (1001) in sequence; The series path formed by the cavities (1002) of all the battery cells (1001) and the liquid cooling pipe assembly is consistent with the flow direction of the current in the battery pack (100).

2. A liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid cooling pipe assembly comprises a liquid inlet pipe (1101), a liquid outlet pipe (1102) and a plurality of branch pipes (1103); the liquid cooling pipe assembly is provided with a connecting elbow (1104) that can match the internal cavities (1002) of all battery cells (1001); the connecting elbow (1104) is matched and connected to the cavity (1002) through an interface (1003) so that the cooling liquid flows through the internal cavities (1002) of all battery cells (1001).

3. A liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery pack (100) is fixed together in a strap-type or frame-type structure.

4. A liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The strap-type structure of the battery pack (100) specifically includes being limited by first module cover plates (120) on the front and rear sides and first module end plates (130) on the left and right sides; The battery pack (100) is sheathed with a steel belt (140) on its outer periphery, and the steel belt (140) bundles the battery pack (100) and the first module end plate (130).

5. A liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first module insulating member (150) is provided on the inner side of the first module cover plate (120); a plurality of first inner grooves (1503) are provided on the side of the first module insulating member (150) close to the battery pack (100) for further limiting the front and rear ends of the battery pack (100); a plurality of outer grooves (1501) are provided on the side of the first module insulating member (150) close to the first module cover plate (120) for accommodating a first aluminum bar assembly (160); the first aluminum bar assembly (160) is embedded in the outer grooves (1501) of the first module insulating member and is welded to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell (1001) through the openings (1502) on the first module insulating member, so as to realize the series connection of all the battery cells (1001); An insulating plate (170) is provided inside the first module end plate (130); At least two channels (1301) are provided inside the first module end plate (130) along the vertical direction. The channels (1301) extend from the top end to the bottom end of the first module end plate (130). A through rod (1302) is inserted into the channel (1301) and extends out of the channel (1301) to fix the battery pack (100) to the external bottom shell.

6. A liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first module insulating member (150) and the first module cover plate (120) are also provided with a first opening (180) for allowing a connecting elbow (1104) of a liquid cooling pipe assembly to pass through.

7. The liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The frame structure of the battery pack (100) specifically includes: module connecting plates (190) are provided on the upper and lower sides, second module cover plates (200) are provided on the front and rear sides, and second module end plates (210) are provided on the left and right sides. The module connecting plates (190), the second module cover plates (200) and the second module end plates (210) surround the battery pack (100) and form an external frame of the battery pack (100).

8. A liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second module insulating member (230) comprises a plurality of insulating grooves (2302) arranged in parallel in the horizontal and vertical directions, and two adjacent insulating grooves (2302) are tightly connected to each other by interlocking with each other through a protrusion (2303) and a groove (2304), and each insulating groove (2302) is provided with a second inner groove (2301) on a side close to the battery pack (100), and the shape of the second inner groove (2301) corresponds to each battery cell (1001), so as to further limit the position of the battery cell (1001); A second aluminum bar assembly (240) is provided between the second module insulating member (230) and the second module cover plate (200), and the second aluminum bar assembly (240) connects the positive and negative electrodes of two adjacent battery cells (1001) to achieve series connection of the battery cells (1001).

9. A liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second module insulating member (230) and the second module cover plate (200) are also provided with a second opening (250) for allowing the connecting elbow (1104) of the liquid cooling pipe assembly to pass through.

10. The liquid-cooled battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sampling component, which is an FPC flexible circuit board fixedly connected to the module insulation component.

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