Battery cell module and battery

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery cell module and a battery, and belongs to the technical field of power batteries. The battery cell module comprises a frame, a liquid cooling plate, a bottom plate and a battery cell unit, wherein the bottom end of the frame is connected with the liquid cooling plate, a battery cell groove is defined by the inner wall of the frame and the liquid cooling plate, the battery cell unit is located in the battery cell groove and makes contact with the liquid cooling plate, and the bottom plate is located on the side, opposite to the battery cell unit, of the liquid cooling plate and connected with the bottom end of the frame. The battery comprises at least one battery cell module. Therefore, on the basis of the liquid cooling plate structure, the pipeline design of an original liquid cooling system is cancelled, so that the number of battery cells arranged in the space in the battery pack is increased, the volume utilization rate and the energy density of the battery pack are improved, the pipeline cost in the battery pack is saved, and the internal attractiveness of the whole pack is improved; the probability that the cooling liquid leaks in the battery pack is reduced, and the safety is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of power batteries, and in particular to a battery cell module and a battery. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology and the diversification of user needs, new energy power battery technology has also developed rapidly. Among them, the new energy power battery pack is composed of a cluster of battery cell modules. The battery cells can be independent packaged individuals, several battery cells can be assembled to form a battery cell module, and several modules can be assembled to form a module cluster, thereby forming a power battery pack. In addition, the battery pack also needs to be equipped with a liquid cooling system to cool the battery cells, so it is crucial to improve the heat dissipation function of the battery pack.

[0003] Among them, the liquid cooling system in power batteries is currently a battery cooling method with good effect and wide application. The common arrangement method of liquid cooling for the battery cell modules in the battery pack is to set up several pipes on the liquid cooling plate, and introduce coolant circulation through connecting pipes to cool the battery pack.

[0004] However, the main problem with battery pack liquid cooling systems at this stage is that there is an optimal temperature range for charging and discharging lithium-ion batteries, and battery charging and discharging will generate a lot of heat. When the battery temperature exceeds the allowable operating range, it will affect the charging and discharging performance and even thermal runaway. In order to ensure the normal operation of the battery, appropriate thermal management methods need to be adopted. Liquid cooling is a mainstream thermal management method and is widely used in battery pack liquid cooling systems. Among them, the mainstream liquid cooling design needs to be connected with the pipes in the battery pack, which occupies a large space and has the problem of battery leakage. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present application provides a battery cell module and a battery, which cancels the pipeline design of the original liquid cooling system, and integrates components such as quick-plug connectors and open terminals outside the battery cell module, making the replacement of components easier and reducing the possibility of battery pack leakage to an extremely low level, thereby increasing the number of battery cells arranged in the battery pack, improving the volume utilization and energy density of the battery pack, saving the cost of pipelines in the battery pack, improving the aesthetics of the entire pack, reducing maintenance costs, and improving safety and reliability.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A first aspect of the present application provides a battery cell module, including a frame, a liquid cooling plate, a bottom plate and a battery cell unit;

[0008] The bottom end of the frame is connected to the liquid cooling plate, and the inner wall of the frame and the liquid cooling plate form a battery cell slot, the battery cell unit is located in the battery cell slot and the battery cell unit is in contact with the liquid cooling plate;

[0009] The bottom plate is located on a side of the liquid cooling plate facing away from the battery cell unit, and the bottom plate is connected to the bottom end of the frame.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the present application can also be improved as follows.

[0011] In a possible implementation, a flow channel is provided in the liquid cooling plate for the cooling liquid to flow;

[0012] One side of the liquid cooling plate also has a protrusion, and the protrusion is located outside the frame;

[0013] The protruding portion is provided with two opening terminals which are connected with the flow channel.

[0014] In a possible implementation, each open terminal is provided with a quick-connect connector;

[0015] The quick-connect fittings provide a tight fit with the open terminals.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the quick-plug connector has a plug-in end that can be inserted into the open terminal, and a sealing ring is sleeved on the plug-in end;

[0017] The plug-in end and the open terminal are sealed by a sealing ring.

[0018] In a possible implementation, a plurality of grooves arranged at intervals are provided on the outer side of the plug end, and a sealing ring is provided in each groove.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the quick-connect connector further has a cantilever located outside the plug end;

[0020] A barb is provided at one end of the cantilever;

[0021] A protrusion matching with the barb is arranged on the outer periphery of each open terminal.

[0022] In a possible implementation, a reinforcing rib is provided on a surface of the bottom plate facing the liquid cooling plate;

[0023] The ribs are used to increase the strength of the base plate.

[0024] In a possible implementation, a sealing member is provided on the outer periphery of the liquid cooling plate;

[0025] The seal is used to seal the liquid cooling plate.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the open terminal and the liquid cooling plate are an integrated structure.

[0027] A second aspect of the present application provides a battery, comprising at least one of the above-mentioned battery cell modules.

[0028] The present application provides a battery cell module and a battery, wherein the battery cell module includes a frame, a liquid cooling plate, a bottom plate and a battery cell unit. The bottom end of the frame is connected to the liquid cooling plate, and the inner wall of the frame and the liquid cooling plate form a battery cell slot, the battery cell unit is located in the battery cell slot and the battery cell unit is in contact with the liquid cooling plate, the bottom plate is located on the side of the liquid cooling plate facing away from the battery cell unit, and the bottom plate is connected to the bottom end of the frame. The battery includes at least one of the above-mentioned battery cell modules. In this way, the present application can cancel the pipeline design of the original liquid cooling system on the basis of the liquid cooling plate structure, so that the number of battery cells arranged in the space inside the battery pack is increased, the volume utilization rate and energy density of the battery pack are improved, and the cost of the pipelines in the battery pack is saved, the aesthetics of the entire package is improved, the probability of leakage of the coolant in the battery pack is reduced, and the safety is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 A top view of an open terminal in a battery cell module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a quick-connect connector in a battery module provided in an embodiment of the present application when inserted into an open terminal;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a quick-connect connector in a battery cell module provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Description of reference numerals:

[0035] 100-battery cell module;

[0036] 200-border;

[0037] 210-battery cell tank;

[0038] 300-Liquid cooling plate;

[0039] 310-protrusion; 320-open terminal; 321-protrusion; 322-hollow cavity; 330-quick plug connector; 331-plug end; 332-groove; 333-cantilever; 334-barb; 340-sealing ring;

[0040] 400-base plate;

[0041] 410- extension portion; 420- reinforcing rib;

[0042] 500 - Seals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] As described in the background technology, the main problem with the battery pack liquid cooling system at this stage is that there is an optimal temperature range for charging and discharging lithium-ion batteries, and battery charging and discharging will generate a lot of heat. When the battery temperature exceeds the allowable operating range, it will affect the charging and discharging performance and even thermal runaway. In order to ensure the normal operation of the battery, it is necessary to adopt a suitable thermal management method. Liquid cooling is widely used in battery pack liquid cooling systems as a mainstream thermal management method. Among them, the mainstream liquid cooling design needs to be connected with the pipes in the battery pack, which occupies a large space and has the problem of battery leakage.

[0044] In response to the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a battery cell module and a battery, wherein the battery cell module includes a frame, a liquid cooling plate, a bottom plate and a battery cell unit. The bottom end of the frame is connected to the liquid cooling plate, and the inner wall of the frame and the liquid cooling plate form a battery cell slot, the battery cell unit is located in the battery cell slot and the battery cell unit is in contact with the liquid cooling plate, the bottom plate is located on the side of the liquid cooling plate facing away from the battery cell unit, and the bottom plate is connected to the bottom end of the frame. The battery includes at least one of the above-mentioned battery cell modules. In this way, the embodiments of the present application can cancel the pipeline design of the original liquid cooling system on the basis of the liquid cooling plate structure, so that the number of battery cells arranged in the space inside the battery pack is increased, the volume utilization and energy density of the battery pack are improved, and the cost of the pipelines in the battery pack is saved, the aesthetics of the entire package is improved, the probability of leakage of the coolant in the battery pack is reduced, and the safety is improved.

[0045] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more obvious and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work belong to the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] The embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell module and a battery, which cancels the original pipeline design of the liquid cooling system, so that the number of battery cells arranged in the battery pack is increased, the volume utilization and energy density of the battery pack are improved, and the cost of the pipeline in the battery pack is saved. The specific structure of the battery cell module and the battery provided in the embodiment of the present application is introduced below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0047] refer to Figure 1, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery cell module 100. Among them, in the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell module 100 may include a frame 200, a liquid cooling plate 300, a bottom plate 400 and a battery cell unit. In a possible implementation, the number of battery cell units may be several, and the present application does not limit the number of battery cell units. In the embodiment of the present application, the liquid cooling plate 300 may be located at the bottom end of the frame 200, and the bottom end of the frame 200 may be connected to the liquid cooling plate 300, so that the inner wall of the frame 200 and the liquid cooling plate 300 can enclose a battery cell slot 210, so that the battery cell unit can be located in the battery cell slot 210, and each battery cell unit can be in contact with the liquid cooling plate 300. It can be understood that the bottom plate 400 can be located on the side of the liquid cooling plate 300 facing away from the battery cell unit, and the bottom plate 400 can also be connected to the bottom end of the frame 200.

[0048] On the basis of the above embodiment, each battery cell unit can be in direct contact with the liquid cooling plate 300, so that the liquid cooling plate 300 can provide better heat dissipation effect for each battery cell unit. In a possible implementation, each battery cell unit can also be in indirect contact with the liquid cooling plate 300. For example, there can be a thermal conductive glue between the battery cell unit and the bottom of the battery cell slot 210, so as to conduct heat and fix the battery cell unit. In some embodiments, there can also be an insulating layer on the slot wall of the battery cell slot 210, so as to play an insulating protection effect.

[0049] Continue to refer Figure 1 , when the embodiment is specifically implemented, the frame 200 can be a rectangular frame 200, and accordingly, the liquid cooling plate 300 and the bottom plate 400 can also be rectangular plates. The present application does not limit the shapes of the frame 200, the liquid cooling plate 300 and the bottom plate 400. In a possible implementation, the area size of the liquid cooling plate 300 can be less than or equal to the size of the frame 200, and the area size of the bottom plate 400 can be greater than or equal to the size of the frame 200. The present application does not limit the size of the frame 200, the liquid cooling plate 300 and the bottom plate 400. In the embodiment of the present application, the sizes of the frame 200, the liquid cooling plate 300 and the bottom plate 400 can be the same, so that the outer edge of the liquid cooling plate 300 can fit with the bottom end of the frame 200, and further, the outer edge of the bottom plate 400 can also fit with the liquid cooling plate 300 and the frame 200, so that the frame 200, the liquid cooling plate 300 and the bottom plate 400 are connected as a whole.

[0050] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 300 may have a flow channel (not shown in the figure) for the flow of coolant. The flow channel may be located between the frame 200 and the bottom plate 400. A groove 332 may be provided on the side of the liquid cooling plate 300 facing the battery cell unit to form a flow channel, and the flow channel may be distributed at different angles on the liquid cooling plate 300, so that the side of the liquid cooling plate 300 facing the battery cell unit may be covered with the flow channel, thereby achieving a better heat dissipation effect for the entire battery cell module 100. In one possible implementation, as Figure 1 As shown, one side of the liquid cooling plate 300 may also have a protrusion 310. The protrusion 310 may be located outside the frame 200. In the embodiment of the present application, a relief portion may be provided at a position of the frame 200 corresponding to the protrusion 310. It is understood that the relief portion can avoid the protrusion 310 on the liquid cooling plate 300 so that the protrusion 310 has enough space to be set. In a possible implementation, as Figure 2 As shown, an open terminal 320 may be provided on the protrusion 310. In the embodiment of the present application, there may be two open terminals 320. The two open terminals 320 may be connected to the flow channel respectively.

[0051] Continue to refer Figure 1 On the basis of the above embodiment, a protruding portion 410 may also be provided at a position on the bottom plate 400 corresponding to the protruding portion 310 on the liquid cooling plate 300. In a possible implementation, the area size of the protruding portion 410 may be greater than or equal to the area size of the protruding portion 310, so that the protruding portion 410 on the bottom plate 400 has a certain supporting effect on the protruding portion 310 on the liquid cooling plate 300. In the embodiment of the present application, the sum of the areas of the bottom plate 400 and the protruding portion 410 may be the same as the sum of the areas of the liquid cooling plate 300 and the protruding portion 310.

[0052] On the basis of the above embodiment, in a possible implementation, the liquid cooling plate 300 and the bottom end of the frame 200 may be fixedly connected by hot-melt nails, and the bottom plate 400 and the bottom end of the frame 200 may be fixedly connected by bolts. Accordingly, the protrusion 310 on the liquid cooling plate 300 and the extension 410 on the bottom plate 400 may also be fixedly connected by bolts.

[0053] refer to Figure 3 On the basis of the above embodiment, each open terminal 320 may be provided with a quick-plug connector 330. The quick-plug connector 330 may be sealed and matched with the open terminal 320. In a possible implementation, the open terminal 320 may have a hollow cavity 322 inside, and the quick-plug connector 330 may be vertically inserted into the hollow cavity 322 of the open terminal 320 to achieve connection and matching between the quick-plug connector 330 and the open terminal 320.

[0054] Continue to refer Figure 3 On the basis of the above embodiment, the quick-plug connector 330 may have a plug end 331. It is understood that the plug end 331 may be inserted into the hollow cavity 322 inside the open terminal 320. In a possible implementation, the size of the plug end 331 may be less than or equal to the size of the hollow cavity 322, so that the plug end 331 can be smoothly inserted into the hollow cavity 322 inside the open terminal 320.

[0055] Continue to refer Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 On the basis of the above embodiment, a sealing ring 340 may be sleeved on the plug end 331 of the quick plug connector 330. It is understandable that the plug end 331 and the open terminal 320 may be sealed by the sealing ring 340. In the embodiment of the present application, grooves 332 arranged at intervals may be provided on the outer side of the plug end 331, wherein a sealing ring 340 may be provided in each groove 332. In a possible implementation, the number of grooves 332 and sealing rings 340 may be several, and the present application does not limit the number of grooves 332 and sealing rings 340.

[0056] Continue to refer Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 On the basis of the above embodiment, each sealing ring 340 can be sleeved on the plug end 331. The inner side of the sealing ring 340 can be attached to the inner wall of the groove 332 on the outer side of the plug end 331, and the outer side of the sealing ring 340 can contact the inner surface of the hollow cavity 322 of the open terminal 320, thereby ensuring a certain sealing performance.

[0057] Continue to refer Figure 4 On the basis of the above embodiment, the quick-plug connector 330 may further have a cantilever 333. The cantilever 333 may be located outside the plug end 331. In a possible implementation, a barb 334 may be provided at one end of the cantilever 333. It is understood that the cantilever 333 extends and bends from the outside of the plug end 331 to form a barb 334 with a certain angle. In the embodiment of the present application, a protrusion 321 that matches the barb 334 may be provided on the outer periphery of each open terminal 320.

[0058] Continue to refer Figure 4On the basis of the above embodiment, the barb 334 of the cantilever 333 may have a certain elasticity, so that when the quick-plug connector 330 is inserted into the open terminal 320, the barb 334 of the cantilever 333 may be engaged with the protrusion 321 on the outer periphery of the open terminal 320, so that the quick-plug connector 330 and the open terminal 320 are further fixed. In a possible implementation, the protrusion 321 may be arranged around the outer periphery of the open terminal 320. Among them, the protrusion 321 on the outer periphery of the open terminal 320 may be a flange structure.

[0059] Continue to refer Figure 1 On the basis of the above embodiment, a reinforcing rib 420 may be provided on the side of the bottom plate 400 facing the liquid cooling plate 300. In a possible implementation, the number of the reinforcing ribs 420 may be several, and the present application does not limit the number of the reinforcing ribs 420. In the embodiment of the present application, the reinforcing rib 420 can be used to improve the strength of the bottom plate 400 and reduce the cost without increasing the thickness of the bottom plate 400.

[0060] Continue to refer Figure 1 On the basis of the above embodiment, a seal 500 may be provided on the periphery of the liquid cooling plate 300. The seal 500 may be used to seal the liquid cooling plate 300. In this way, the improvement of the sealing property may further improve the safety and reliability of the battery module 100.

[0061] Based on the above embodiment, the open terminal 320 and the liquid cooling plate 300 may be an integrated structure. In a possible implementation, the open terminal 320 and the liquid cooling plate 300 may also be a split structure. In the embodiment of the present application, the open terminal 320 and the quick-connect connector 330 may be standardized designs to reduce costs.

[0062] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, the open terminal 320 is integrated with the protrusion 310 on the liquid cooling plate 300, wherein the open terminal 320 can be made of three-series aluminum material. In one possible implementation, the open terminal 320 can be welded with the liquid cooling plate 300 by furnace brazing. In the embodiment of the present application, the quick-plug connector 330 can be a butterfly-like quick-plug. Among them, the quick-plug connector 330 can be made of hydrolysis-resistant nylon material. The sealing ring 340 can be made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) material. It can be understood that the open terminal 320 and the quick-plug connector 330 are cast as a whole, which has the characteristics of low cost and light weight.

[0063] A second aspect of the embodiment of the present application provides a battery (not shown in the figure). The battery may include at least one battery cell module 100 as described above.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present application, based on the structure of the liquid cooling plate 300, the piping design of the original liquid cooling system is cancelled, and the quick-connect connector 330, the open terminal 320 and other components are fitted outside the battery cell module 100, that is, the key position where the seal may fail is transferred outside the battery cell module 100. Not only is the replacement of components easier, but the possibility of battery pack leakage is also reduced to an extremely low level, which increases the number of cells arranged in the battery pack, improves the volume utilization and energy density of the battery pack, saves the cost of piping in the battery pack, improves the aesthetics of the entire pack, reduces maintenance costs, and improves safety and reliability.

[0065] The various embodiments or implementation methods in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0066] It should be noted that the phrases "in specific implementation", "in some embodiments", "in this embodiment", "exemplarily" and the like mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures or characteristics, but not every embodiment may include the specific features, structures or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when describing specific features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments that are explicitly or not explicitly described.

[0067] In general, terms should be understood, at least in part, by the context in which they are used. For example, the term "one or more" as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or may be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense, depending, at least in part, on the context. Similarly, terms such as "a," "an," or "the" may also be understood to convey singular usage or to convey plural usage, depending, at least in part, on the context.

[0068] It should be easily understood that “on,” “above,” and “over” in the present disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest manner, so that “on” not only means “directly on something,” but also includes the meaning of “on something” with intervening features or layers therebetween, and “above” or “over” not only includes the meaning of “above” or “over,” but also may include the meaning of “above” or “over something” with no intervening features or layers therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0069] In addition, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "below," "beneath," "above," "above," etc., may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery cell module, characterized in that: include: Frame, liquid cooling plate, base plate and battery cell unit; The bottom end of the frame is connected to the liquid cooling plate, and the inner wall of the frame and the liquid cooling plate form a battery cell slot, the battery cell unit is located in the battery cell slot and the battery cell unit is in contact with the liquid cooling plate; The bottom plate is located on a side of the liquid cooling plate facing away from the battery cell unit, and the bottom plate is connected to the bottom end of the frame.

2. The battery cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid cooling plate has a flow channel for the cooling liquid to flow; One side of the liquid cooling plate also has a protrusion, and the protrusion is located outside the frame; The protruding portion is provided with two opening terminals which are in communication with the flow channel.

3. The battery cell module according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the open terminals is provided with a quick-connect connector; The quick-plug connector is sealed and matched with the open terminal.

4. The battery cell module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The quick-plug connector has a plug-in end that can be inserted into the open terminal, and a sealing ring is sleeved on the plug-in end; The plug-in end and the open terminal are sealed by the sealing ring.

5. The battery cell module according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of grooves arranged at intervals are provided on the outer side of the plug-in end, and the sealing ring is arranged in each of the grooves.

6. The battery cell module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The quick-connect connector also has a cantilever located outside the plug end; One end of the cantilever is provided with a barb; A protrusion matching with the barb is provided on the outer periphery of each open terminal.

7. The battery cell module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom plate is provided with reinforcing ribs on one surface facing the liquid cooling plate; The reinforcing ribs are used to improve the strength of the bottom plate.

8. The battery cell module according to claim 7, characterized in that: A sealing member is provided on the outer periphery of the liquid cooling plate; The sealing member is used to seal the liquid cooling plate.

9. The battery cell module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The open terminal and the liquid cooling plate are an integrated structure.

10. A battery, characterized in that: Comprising at least one battery cell module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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