Battery box body and immersed battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to a battery box body and an immersed battery pack. The shell is used for accommodating at least one battery pack, and a first immersion space is formed between the adjacent battery packs or between the battery pack and the side wall of the shell; the runner plate is connected to the bottom of the shell, and a liquid inlet space is formed in the runner plate; the supporting piece is located at the bottom of the first immersion space and connected with the runner plate, a liquid inlet channel is formed in the supporting piece, and the liquid inlet channel communicates with the liquid inlet space in the runner plate and the first immersion space; and the confluence piece is located on the upper portion of the first immersion space, a confluence channel is arranged in the confluence piece, and the confluence channel communicates with the first immersion space. The cooling medium sequentially flows into and fills the first immersion space through the liquid inlet space and the liquid inlet channel and then flows out through the confluence channel, and the flowing cooling medium dissipates heat of the battery pack, so that the temperature of each position of the battery pack is homogenized, the temperature uniformity of the battery pack is improved, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery pack is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery case and an immersed battery pack. Background Art

[0002] As an important energy source in new energy products, efficient and stable operation of batteries is the key to ensuring product performance. Among them, the suitable operating temperature range of lithium-ion batteries is usually 10℃-30℃, but the battery will release huge heat during operation. Excessive temperature will accelerate the occurrence of battery side reactions, accelerate battery aging, and seriously affect the battery life.

[0003] In the related technologies, direct cooling, air cooling or liquid cooling are mainly used to dissipate heat from the battery to ensure the normal operation of the battery. However, the above cooling methods all have problems such as poor battery temperature uniformity and low heat dissipation efficiency, and cannot quickly remove the heat from the battery, resulting in a high risk of thermal diffusion in the battery. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a battery case and an immersed battery pack to address the above technical problems so as to improve the temperature uniformity and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery case, comprising: a shell for accommodating at least one battery pack, a first immersion space being formed between adjacent battery packs or between the battery packs and the side walls of the shell; a flow channel plate connected to the bottom of the shell, and a liquid inlet space being formed inside the flow channel plate; a support member located at the bottom of the first immersion space and connected to the flow channel plate, a liquid inlet channel being provided in the support member, and the liquid inlet channel being connected to the liquid inlet space inside the flow channel plate and the first immersion space; and a confluence member located at the upper part of the first immersion space, a confluence channel being provided in the confluence member, and the confluence channel being connected to the first immersion space.

[0006] In the above-mentioned battery case, a liquid inlet space for accommodating a cooling medium is formed in the flow channel plate, a liquid inlet channel is formed by a support member, a confluence channel is formed by a confluence member, and the liquid inlet channel and the confluence channel are arranged at both ends of the first immersion space, so that the cooling medium can flow into and fill the first immersion space through the liquid inlet space and the liquid inlet channel in sequence, and then flow out through the confluence channel, so that the battery pack can be immersed in the cooling medium, so that the flowing cooling medium can dissipate heat and cool the battery pack, so that the temperature of each position of the battery pack is uniform, thereby improving the temperature uniformity of the battery pack and improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery pack.

[0007] In one embodiment, each battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in sequence, and a plurality of support members are configured, each of which is a hollow structure extending along the arrangement direction of the battery cells. The plurality of support members are arranged at intervals along the arrangement direction of the battery pack to support both sides of the battery pack, and a second immersion space is formed between the battery pack, the support members and the flow channel plate, and the liquid inlet channel is connected to the liquid inlet space and the second immersion space.

[0008] In one embodiment, a liquid outlet space isolated from the liquid inlet space is formed in the flow channel plate, the liquid outlet space is arranged below the liquid inlet space, and the confluence channel and the second immersion space are both connected to the liquid outlet space.

[0009] In one of the embodiments, the shell includes an outer shell and a baffle plate, the baffle plate is arranged between the confluence piece and the flow channel plate and the baffle plate can block the end of the support piece away from the liquid inlet space, a reflux space is formed between the baffle plate, the flow channel plate and the outer shell, the reflux space is connected to the liquid outlet space, and the confluence channel and the second immersion space are both connected to the reflux space.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, a liquid outlet groove is provided on one side of the barrier plate close to the flow channel plate. The liquid outlet groove is arranged between adjacent support members, and the liquid outlet groove is used to connect the second immersion space and the reflux space.

[0011] In one embodiment, the convergence piece includes a plurality of first convergence parts, the plurality of first convergence parts and the plurality of support parts correspond one to one and are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the first immersion space, and a first convergence channel is formed in each first convergence part, and the first convergence channel is connected to the first immersion space and the reflux space.

[0012] In one embodiment, the convergence piece also includes a second convergence part, which is connected to all the first convergence parts, and a second convergence channel is formed in the second convergence part. All the first convergence channels are connected to the second convergence channel, and the second convergence channel is connected to the first immersion space and the return space.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second confluence portion is located at an end of the first confluence portion close to the blocking plate, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first confluence channel gradually increases in a direction toward the second confluence portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the following is included:

[0015] The support member is provided with a first liquid outlet in a direction toward the manifold, and the first liquid outlet is used to connect the liquid inlet channel and the first immersion space;

[0016] The support member includes a spoiler, which is arranged in the liquid inlet channel and is used to divert the cooling medium into the first immersion space and the second immersion space;

[0017] The support member is provided with a second liquid outlet in a direction toward the second immersion space, and the second liquid outlets of two adjacent support members are arranged facing each other;

[0018] The confluence piece is provided with a first confluence port in a direction toward the support piece, and the first confluence port is used to connect the first immersion space and the confluence channel.

[0019] On the other hand, the present application provides an immersion battery pack, which includes a battery box as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an immersed battery pack in one embodiment of the present application.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an immersed battery pack in one embodiment of the present application.

[0022] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view at a first angle of an immersed battery pack in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view at a second angle of an immersed battery pack in one embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a battery box in an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a support member in an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a support member and a spoiler in an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a current collector in an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the current busbar in FIG. 8 .

[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a flow channel plate and a support member in an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel plate and the support member in FIG. 10 .

[0031] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a flow channel plate and a baffle plate in an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 100, immersion battery pack; 10, battery box; 11, shell; 111, outer shell; 112, cover plate; 113, reinforcement plate; 114, barrier plate; 1141, liquid outlet groove; 12, flow channel plate; 121, liquid inlet space; 122, liquid outlet space; 123, liquid inlet; 124, liquid outlet; 125, liquid inlet part; 126, liquid outlet; 127, placement plane; 13, support member; 131, liquid inlet channel ; 132, first liquid outlet; 133, second liquid outlet; 134, spoiler; 14, confluence piece; 141, confluence channel; 142, first confluence part; 1421, first confluence channel; 1422, first confluence port; 143, second confluence part; 1431, second confluence channel; 1432, second confluence port; 15, first immersion space; 16, second immersion space; 17, reflux space; 20, battery pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply 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 the present application.

[0036] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if there is a description that a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, etc., or similar descriptions appear, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0039] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0040] Refer to FIG. 1 , which shows an exploded view of an immersion battery pack in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the immersion battery pack 100 includes a battery case 10 and at least one battery pack 20 installed in the battery case 10, each battery pack 20 includes at least one battery cell not shown in the figure, and a battery pack 100 with a certain energy density is obtained by electrically connecting the battery cells. The battery case 10 is used to accommodate the battery pack 20, and the battery case 10 can pass and accommodate a cooling medium, so that the cooling medium can dissipate heat from the battery pack 20, so as to adjust the temperature of the battery pack 20 and improve the temperature uniformity and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery pack 20.

[0041] Preferably, the submerged battery pack 100 is a CTP battery pack, that is, a plurality of battery cells are directly arranged in the battery case 10, for example, a plurality of battery cells are arranged in the battery case 10 in the form of a battery pack by stacking each other, rather than stacking a plurality of battery cells into a battery pack, and then arranging end plates, side plates, straps, etc. on the periphery of the battery pack to form a traditional battery module, and then arranging the battery module in the battery case 10. In other words, the battery pack 20 in the present application is directly formed by arranging a plurality of battery cells in sequence, and there are no metal end plates, straps, fixing screws and other components in the traditional battery module, which improves the volume utilization of the battery case 10, and thus improves the energy density of the submerged battery pack 100. Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of battery cells not shown are closely arranged in sequence along the first direction S1 to form a battery pack 20.

[0042] The battery case 10 in the present application is described in detail below.

[0043] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , the battery case 10 includes a shell 11 , a flow channel plate 12 , a support member 13 and a current collector 14 .

[0044] The housing 11 is used to accommodate at least one battery pack 20, and a first immersion space 15 is formed between adjacent battery packs 20 or between the battery pack 20 and the side wall of the housing 11; the flow channel plate 12 is connected to the bottom of the housing 11. The battery box 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application forms a receiving space through the housing 11, or forms a receiving space through the housing 11 and the flow channel plate 12, and the receiving space is used to accommodate the battery pack 20, the support member 13 and the busbar 14.

[0045] It should be noted that when the battery case 10 forms a storage space through the shell 11, the inner surface of the shell 11 includes side walls, top walls and bottom walls, the top walls and bottom walls are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the battery pack, and the side walls are arranged on the side of the battery pack; when the battery case 10 forms a storage space through the shell 11 and the flow channel plate 12, the inner surface of the shell 11 includes side walls and top walls, the top wall and the flow channel plate 12 are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the battery pack, and the side walls are arranged on the side of the battery pack. In an optional embodiment, the shell 11 is arranged around the flow channel plate 12 along the circumference of the flow channel plate 12, so that the shell 11 and the flow channel plate 12 form a storage space together. Feasibly, the shell 11 includes an outer shell 111 and a cover plate 112, the cover plate 112 is covered on the top of the outer shell 111, and the flow channel plate 12 is connected to the bottom of the outer shell 111, and is enclosed together with the outer shell 111 and the cover plate 112 to form a storage space. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the outer shell 111 serves as a side wall of the housing 11 .

[0046] A liquid inlet space 121 is formed in the flow channel plate 12, and the liquid inlet space 121 is used to accommodate a cooling medium, and the cooling medium is used to cool the battery pack 20. In the embodiment of the present application, the flow channel plate 12 is connected to the bottom of the shell 11 as the bottom plate of the battery box 10, and the battery pack 20 is supported by the flow channel plate 12, which can reduce the components of the battery box 10, thereby helping to reduce the weight of the battery box 10.

[0047] In another optional embodiment, the housing 11 includes an outer housing 111, a cover plate 112 and a bottom plate. The outer housing 111 and the bottom plate may be integrally arranged, and the flow channel plate 12 is arranged inside the housing 11 and above the bottom plate, so that the flow channel plate 12 is supported and protected by the bottom plate. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the outer housing 111 serves as the side wall of the housing 11.

[0048] In conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 , the support member 13 is located at the bottom of the first immersion space 15 and connected to the flow channel plate 12. The support member 13 is used to support and fix the battery pack 20, so that the battery pack 20 can be kept stable in the battery box 10. On the other hand, the support member 13 is a hollow structure extending along the arrangement direction of the battery cells, that is, the first direction S1. A liquid inlet channel 131 is formed inside the support member 13. The liquid inlet channel 131 is connected to the liquid inlet space 121 and the first immersion space 15, so that the cooling medium in the liquid inlet space 121 can flow to fill the first immersion space 15, thereby dissipating heat and cooling the battery pack 20. Further, the provision of the hollow structure helps to reduce the weight of the support member 13, thereby reducing the overall weight of the battery box 10.

[0049] In a feasible embodiment, in combination with Figures 10 and 11, a liquid inlet portion 125 and a placement plane 127 are formed on the flow channel plate 12, the liquid inlet portion 125 and the support member 13 are both located above the placement plane 127, the liquid inlet portion 125 protrudes from the placement plane 127, the bottom surface of the support member 13 is connected to the placement plane 127 and one end of the support member 13 abuts against the liquid inlet portion 125, an outlet is provided on the abutting surface where the liquid inlet portion 125 and the support member 13 abut, the support member 13 with a hollow structure abuts against one end opening of the liquid inlet portion 125 to serve as the inlet of the liquid inlet channel 131 of the support member 13, the shape and size of the outlet of the liquid inlet portion 125 match the shape and size of the inlet of the liquid inlet channel 131 of the support member 13 to achieve the connection between the liquid inlet space 121 and the liquid inlet channel 131.

[0050] In another embodiment not shown in the figure, a liquid inlet portion 125 is formed on the upper portion of the flow channel plate 12, and a liquid inlet space 121 is formed in the liquid inlet portion 125. The top surface of the liquid inlet portion 125 is configured as a placement plane 127 of the support member 13, the bottom surface of the support member 13 is connected to the top surface of the liquid inlet portion 125, and both ends of the support member 13 are closed ends. A first through hole is provided on the bottom surface of the support member 13, and the first through hole serves as the entrance of the liquid inlet channel 131. A second through hole is provided on the top surface of the liquid inlet portion 125 facing the support member 13, and the second through hole serves as the outlet of the liquid inlet portion 125 to achieve the connection between the liquid inlet space 121 and the liquid inlet channel 131. It is feasible that the support member 13 and the flow channel plate 12 are integrally formed, which is conducive to improving the connection strength between the support member 13 and the flow channel plate 12, improving the service life of the battery box 10, and helping to ensure the connectivity of the liquid inlet channel 131 and the liquid inlet space 121, and ensuring the heat dissipation effect of the cooling medium. In other embodiments, the support member 13 and the flow channel plate 12 may be provided separately and then fixed by welding, bonding, or the like.

[0051] The conduit 14 is arranged on a side of the shell 11 away from the support member 13, that is, located at the upper part of the first immersion space 15. A conduit channel 141 is formed in the conduit 14, and the conduit channel 141 is connected to the first immersion space 15. The conduit channel 141 can converge the cooling medium in the first immersion space 15, and then flow out of the first immersion space 15, completing the circulation of the cooling medium, thereby dissipating the heat of the battery pack 20 through the flowing cooling medium.

[0052] Typically, electrical components are provided above the battery pack 20 to electrically connect the battery cells and output the energy of the battery cells to an external load. Preferably, the end face of the current collector 14 facing away from the flow channel plate 12 is flush with the end face of the battery cell housing facing away from the flow channel plate 12, that is, the end face of the current collector 14 facing away from the flow channel plate 12 should be lower than the pole protruding from the battery cell housing, thereby preventing the cooling medium from flowing to the top of the battery pack 20 and contacting the electrical components, achieving isolation between the cooling medium and the electrical components, ensuring the effective operation of the electrical components, and avoiding electrical risks of the battery pack 100.

[0053] Specifically in this embodiment, the cooling medium flows from bottom to top to fill the first immersion space 15, so that the cooling medium immerses the side space of the battery pack 20, and avoids the cooling medium from flowing too fast under the action of gravity, so that the cooling medium can fully exchange heat with the battery pack 20 to ensure the cooling effect of the cooling medium on the battery pack 20. It should be noted that the side space of the battery pack 20 in this application refers to the side space below the pole of the battery pack 20, and does not include the pole and the side space above the pole.

[0054] A liquid inlet space 121 for accommodating a cooling medium is formed in the flow channel plate 12, the battery pack 20 is supported by the support member 13 and a liquid inlet channel 131 is formed, and the support member 13 and the confluence member 14 are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the first immersion space 15, so that the cooling medium can flow through the liquid inlet space 121 and the liquid inlet channel 131 in sequence to fill the first immersion space 15, and then flow out through the confluence channel 141, the cooling medium filled in the first immersion space 15 can immerse the side space of the battery pack 20, and the flowing cooling medium can dissipate heat and cool the battery pack 20, so that the temperature of each position of the battery pack 20 is uniform, thereby improving the temperature uniformity of the battery pack 20 and improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery pack 20.

[0055] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9 , a plurality of support members 13 are provided, and the support members 13 are arranged on the flow channel plate 12 at intervals along the arrangement direction of the battery pack 20 and are arranged on both sides of the battery pack 20, so that both sides of the battery pack 20 can be supported by the support members 13, improving the stability of the battery pack 20, and this arrangement can make the cooling medium stably flow into the first immersion space 15. For ease of description, the arrangement direction of the battery pack 20 is defined as the second direction S2, and the second direction S2 and the first direction S1 are perpendicular to each other.

[0056] Further, in combination with Figures 1 to 4, multiple battery packs 20 are arranged at intervals along the second direction S2, and accordingly, the support members 13 are arranged at intervals on both sides of each battery pack 20, so that the liquid inlet space 121 can be stably connected to the first immersion space 15 between the battery packs 20 and between the battery packs 20 and the side walls of the shell 11.

[0057] Specifically in this embodiment, since the battery pack 20 in this application is a square structure, the support member 13 is correspondingly configured with a step structure matching the square structure. The square battery pack 20 is placed on the step structure of the support member 13, so that the side and bottom surfaces of the battery pack 20 can be supported by the support member 13 to reduce the shaking and movement of the battery pack 20 during the placement process, thereby ensuring that the battery pack 20 can be stably placed in the battery box 10.

[0058] In order to reduce the occupied space and weight of the support member 13 and improve the space utilization rate of the accommodating space, the support member 13 between adjacent battery packs 20 is provided with a step structure on both sides, so that the support member 13 can be used to support two adjacent battery packs 20 at the same time, each battery pack 20 requires two support members 13 for support, and two adjacent battery packs 20 only require three support members 13 for support. Compared with the support member 13 having a step structure only on one side, each battery pack 20 requires two support members 13 for support, and adjacent battery packs 20 require four support members 13 for support. Therefore, the step structure provided on both sides of the support member 13 helps to reduce the overall number of support members 13, thereby reducing the overall weight of the support member 13. The support member 13 between the battery pack 20 and the housing 11 is provided with a step structure only on one side facing the battery pack 20, and the other side is attached to the housing 11. It should be noted that the shape of the support member 13 in the present application is not limited and can be adaptively adjusted according to the shape of the battery pack 20. For example, in other embodiments, the support member 13 can be a hollow rectangular structure, which is arranged between adjacent battery packs 20, and part of the bottom surface of the battery pack 20 is attached to the surface of the support member 13, so that the support member 13 can support the battery pack 20.

[0059] In some embodiments, since a plurality of support members 13 are arranged at intervals on the flow channel plate 12, and there is a gap between the end surfaces of adjacent support members 13 facing each other, at this time, only the bottom of a portion of the battery pack 20 is placed on the support member 13, so that a second immersion space 16 is formed between the bottom of the battery pack 20, the support member 13, and the placement plane 127 of the flow channel plate 12. The liquid inlet channel 131 is connected to the liquid inlet space 121 and the second immersion space 16, so that the cooling medium can flow from the liquid inlet space 121 into the second immersion space 16 and fill the second immersion space 16, thereby dissipating heat and cooling the bottom of the battery pack 20.

[0060] In other feasible embodiments, the support member 13 is disposed between adjacent battery groups 20 , the bottom of the battery group 20 is in contact with the placement plane 127 , and part of the side surface of the battery group 20 is in contact with the support member 13 , and only the first immersion space 15 exists between adjacent battery groups 20 .

[0061] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 5 and 6, the support member 13 is provided with a first liquid outlet 132 in the direction toward the manifold 14 to connect the liquid inlet channel 131 and the first immersion space 15, so that the cooling medium in the liquid inlet channel 131 can enter the first immersion space 15 through the first liquid outlet 132 and fill the first immersion space 15 upward to immerse and cool the side of the battery pack 20.

[0062] Further, in combination with Figure 4, a second liquid outlet 133 is also provided on the support member 13 in the direction toward the second immersion space 16, and the second liquid outlets 133 of two adjacent support members 13 are arranged opposite to each other, so that the cooling medium in the liquid inlet channel 131 can flow in through the second liquid outlet 133 to fill the second immersion space 16, thereby cooling the bottom of the battery pack 20.

[0063] Preferably, in combination with Figures 3 and 5, the extension length of the support member 13 along the first direction S1 is consistent with the length of the arrangement of multiple battery cells, which helps to stably support the battery cells 21 and allows the cooling medium to be completely immersed in the bottom and sides of the battery pack 20 to achieve sufficient cooling of the battery pack 20.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7 , the support member 13 further includes a spoiler 134, which is disposed in the liquid inlet channel 131. The spoiler 134 is used to disrupt the flow of the cooling medium, thereby helping to change the flow rate and flow direction of the cooling medium in the liquid inlet channel 131, so that the cooling medium flows out through the first liquid outlet 132 and the second liquid outlet 133 to the first immersion space 15 and the second immersion space 16. In this embodiment, a plurality of spoilers 134 are arranged in the liquid inlet channel 131 at intervals along the first direction S1.

[0065] It should be noted that the spoiler 134 is a preferred embodiment in the present application. In other embodiments, the spoiler 134 is not required to be provided in the support member 13, and the cooling medium can also flow out into the first immersion space 15 and the second immersion space 16 through the first liquid outlet 132 and the second liquid outlet 133 respectively.

[0066] In some embodiments, in conjunction with FIG. 2 , FIG. 5 and FIG. 12 , a liquid outlet space 122 is further formed in the flow channel plate 12, the liquid outlet space 122 is located below the liquid inlet space 121 and the liquid outlet space 122 and the liquid inlet space 121 are isolated from each other, and the liquid outlet space 122 is connected to the confluence channel 114, so that the cooling medium flowing out of the first immersion space 15 can flow into the liquid outlet space 122. The liquid outlet space 122 is also connected to the second immersion space 16, so that the cooling medium flowing out of the second immersion space 16 can flow into the liquid outlet space 122.

[0067] Further, in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 10 , the flow channel plate 12 further includes a liquid inlet 123 and a liquid outlet 124. The liquid outlet 124 and the liquid inlet 123 are arranged on the same side of the flow channel plate 12. The liquid inlet 123 is connected to the liquid inlet space 121, and the liquid inlet 123 is used to input the cooling medium. The liquid outlet 124 is connected to the liquid outlet space 122, and the liquid outlet 124 is used to output the cooling medium. By arranging the liquid inlet 123 and the liquid outlet 124 on the same side of the flow channel plate 12, it helps to reduce the occupation of the side space of the battery box 10, making the overall layout of the battery pack 100 more compact.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery case 10 also includes a baffle plate 114, which is located in the outer shell 111 and is configured between the manifold 14 and the flow channel plate 12. A reflux space 17 is formed between the baffle plate 114, the flow channel plate 12 and the outer shell 111. The reflux space 17 is connected to the liquid outlet space 122, and the confluence channel 141 and the second immersion space 16 are both connected to the reflux space 17, so that the cooling medium in the confluence channel 141 can flow into the liquid outlet space 122 through the reflux space 17 and the cooling medium in the second immersion space 16 can flow into the liquid outlet space 122 through the reflux space 17.

[0069] It is feasible to configure the baffle plate 114 at one end of the battery pack 20, and the baffle plate 114 can also play a role in enhancing the strength of the battery box 10. Preferably, the baffle plate 114 is configured on the side of the flow channel plate 12 away from the liquid inlet 123 and the liquid outlet 124, so as to help the cooling medium to fully flow in the first immersion space 15 and the second immersion space 16 along the first direction S1, so as to ensure the cooling effect of the cooling medium on the battery pack 20.

[0070] Further, in conjunction with FIG12 , a liquid outlet groove 1141 is provided on one side of the baffle plate 114 close to the flow channel plate 12, and the liquid outlet groove 1141 is disposed between adjacent support members 13 to connect the second immersion space 16 and the return space 17, so that the cooling medium in the second immersion space 16 can flow into the return space 17 through the liquid outlet groove 1141. Specifically, the shape and size of the liquid outlet groove 1141 match the shape and size of the second immersion space 16 to achieve the circulation of the cooling medium in the second immersion space 16.

[0071] By setting the liquid outlet space 122 and the reflux space 17, a complete flow circulation of the cooling medium is formed inside the battery box 10. The installation and use of the immersed battery pack 100 can be realized without making major changes to the existing installation environment, thereby improving the applicability of the battery pack 100.

[0072] Further, specifically in this embodiment, the flow channel plate 12 includes a liquid inlet portion 125 and a liquid outlet portion 126 which are isolated from each other, a liquid inlet port 123 and a liquid inlet space 121 are formed in the liquid inlet portion 125, a liquid outlet space 122 and a liquid outlet port 124 are formed in the liquid outlet portion 126, and the liquid inlet portion 125 and part of the liquid outlet portion 126 are stacked, that is, the liquid inlet portion 125 is arranged above the liquid outlet portion 126 and the liquid inlet space 121 and the liquid outlet space 122 are isolated from each other.

[0073] Feasibly, in combination with Figures 10 and 11, the flow channel plate 12 also includes a placement plane 127, the liquid inlet portion 125 and the support member 13 are arranged above the placement plane 127, and the liquid outlet portion 126 is arranged below the placement plane 127. The placement plane 127 can isolate the liquid inlet space 121 and the liquid outlet space 122 from each other, and can serve as a bearing plane for the support member 13 and the battery pack 20.

[0074] The support member 13 is a hollow structure with openings at both ends. The two ends of the support member 13 along the first direction S1 are respectively abutted against the liquid inlet portion 125 and the blocking plate 114, and the outlet of the liquid inlet portion 125 is connected to the inlet of the support member 13, so that the liquid inlet space 121 can be connected to the liquid inlet channel 131, so that the cooling medium can flow from the liquid inlet port 123 through the liquid inlet space 121 into the liquid inlet channel 131.

[0075] The blocking plate 114 can close the end of the liquid inlet channel 131 away from the liquid inlet space 121, so that the cooling medium in the liquid inlet channel 131 can only flow out through the first liquid outlet 132 and the second liquid outlet 133 to the first immersion space 15 and the second immersion space 16, thereby cooling the side and bottom of the battery pack 20. In other feasible embodiments, the support member 13 is a hollow structure with one end open, in which case the open end of the support member 13 abuts against the liquid inlet portion 125, and the closed end abuts against the blocking plate 114, so that the liquid inlet channel 131 is connected to the liquid inlet space 131 and the cooling medium can only flow out through the first liquid outlet 132 and the second liquid outlet 133.

[0076] Optionally, referring to FIG. 1 , the shell 11 further includes a reinforcing plate 113 located inside the outer shell 111 , and the reinforcing plate 113 is connected to the outer shell 111 and the flow channel plate 12 to strengthen the strength of the battery box 10 , and to separate the accommodation space formed by the shell 11 and the flow channel plate 12 into a first part for accommodating the battery pack and for the flow of the cooling medium and a second part for accommodating electrical components such as copper busbars, high and low voltage connectors, and control boards.

[0077] Specifically, the reinforcing plate 113 and the blocking plate 114 are arranged at opposite ends of the battery pack 20, and the reinforcing plate 113 can block the converging channel 141 and the end of the first immersion space 15 away from the reflux space 17, so that the cooling medium can only flow in the first part, thereby further isolating the cooling medium and the electrical components, greatly reducing the possibility of electrical safety risks. It is feasible that the reinforcing plate 113 is configured as a hollow structure, which reduces the weight of the reinforcing plate 113 while ensuring strength and sealing, which helps to reduce the weight of the battery box 10.

[0078] Preferably, the liquid inlet 123 and the liquid outlet 124 are arranged on the outside of the outer shell 111, so that the cooling medium can only flow in and out through the liquid inlet space 121 and the liquid outlet space 122 of the flow channel plate 12, further reducing the possibility of contact between the cooling medium and the electrical components in the second part.

[0079] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 5 and 8, the conduit 14 includes a plurality of first conduits 142, the first conduit 142 is a hollow structure extending along the first direction S1, the first conduit 142 forms a first conduit channel 1421, the first conduit 142 and the support member 13 are arranged one by one between adjacent battery packs 20 and between the battery packs 20 and the side walls of the shell 11, that is, the first conduit 142 and the support member 13 are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the first immersion space 15, thereby realizing the circulation of the cooling medium in the first immersion space 15.

[0080] Specifically, the first confluence portion 142 is provided with a first confluence port 1422 in the direction toward the support member 13 to connect the first immersion space 15 and the first confluence channel 1421, so that the cooling medium flowing out of the first liquid outlet 132 can flow and fill the first immersion space 15, thereby cooling the side of the battery pack 20, and then flow into the first confluence channel 1421 through the first confluence port 1422, and then be discharged into the liquid outlet space 122.

[0081] Furthermore, the confluence piece 14 also includes a second confluence portion 143, which extends along the second direction S2, and is connected to all the first confluence portions 142. A second confluence channel is formed in the second confluence portion 143, and the second confluence channel is connected to the liquid outlet space 122, so that the cooling medium in all the first confluence channels 1421 can be gathered into the second confluence channel.

[0082] Furthermore, the second confluence portion 143 is provided with a second confluence port 1431 arranged toward the flow channel plate 12 to connect the second confluence channel and the liquid outlet space 122, so that the second confluence channel is connected to the reflux space 17, so that the cooling medium can be directly discharged into the liquid outlet space 122 of the flow channel plate 12 through the second confluence port 1431. In this way, the cooling medium has a complete flow path, so that the cooling medium can be discharged stably, and it helps to ensure that the cooling medium flows fully, so as to avoid the existence of dead corners in the flow of the cooling medium, ensure that the cooling medium has good circulation, and further ensure that the cooling medium has a stable cooling effect on the battery pack 20.

[0083] Preferably, in combination with Figure 9, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first confluence channel 1421 gradually increases in the direction toward the second confluence portion 143, so that under the action of gravity, the cooling medium at one end of the first confluence channel 1421 away from the second confluence portion 143 can flow stably along the first confluence channel 1421 into the second confluence channel, thereby improving the confluence effect of the first confluence portion 142.

[0084] It is feasible that the two ends of the confluence member 14 are respectively connected to the reinforcing plate 113 and the outer shell 111, and both ends of the first confluence portion 142 are open, so that the reinforcing plate 113 can block the end of the first confluence channel 1421 away from the return space 17, thereby preventing the cooling medium from leaking into the second space and causing electrical hazards, and allowing the cooling medium in the first confluence channel 1421 to stably flow into the second confluence channel and be discharged from the second confluence port 1431 to the liquid outlet space 122. In other embodiments, the end of the first confluence portion 142 away from the return space 17 can be set as a closed end.

[0085] In other embodiments, no reinforcement plate is provided in the shell 11, and the electrical components are arranged outside the outer shell 111. At this time, both ends of the busbar 14 are connected to the outer shell 111, and the outer shell 111 blocks the first busbar channel 1421 and the end of the first immersion space 15 away from the return space 17.

[0086] Furthermore, the busbar 14 connected to the shell 11 can provide planar support for the shell 11. In coordination with the support member 13, the arrangement of the busbar 14 and the support member 13 can ensure the assembly tolerance of the battery pack 20, prevent unnecessary displacement of the battery pack 20 during transportation or other vibration conditions, and ensure that the battery pack 20 has good installation stability.

[0087] Preferably, in order to ensure the airtightness of the cooling medium flow space, the flow channel plate 12, the support member 13, the outer shell 111, the reinforcing plate 113, the baffle plate 114 and the manifold 14 are connected by welding, and sealant is applied at the connection for secondary sealing to avoid leakage of the cooling medium and ensure the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack 20.

[0088] Preferably, the first immersion space 15 and the second immersion space 16 are both enclosed spaces, which helps to avoid leakage of the cooling medium during use or transportation, and helps to ensure the stability and uniformity of the cooling medium flow, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack during use and good temperature uniformity.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present application, the cooling medium flows into the liquid inlet space 121 of the flow channel plate 12 from the liquid inlet 123, and then enters the liquid inlet channel 131 of the support member 13. The cooling medium is diverted under the action of the spoiler 134 inside the liquid inlet channel 131. A part of the cooling medium flows into the first immersion space 15 through the first liquid outlet 132, and then flows into the confluence channel 141 of the confluence member 14 through the first confluence 1422, and then flows out to the reflux space 17 through the second confluence 1431, and then flows into the liquid outlet space 122 of the flow channel plate 12, and flows out through the liquid outlet 124; another part of the cooling medium flows into the second immersion space 16 through the second liquid outlet 133, and then flows out to the reflux space 17 through the liquid outlet groove 1141, and then flows into the liquid outlet space 122 of the flow channel plate 12, and flows out through the liquid outlet 124, forming a flow circulation of the cooling medium.

[0090] The immersion battery pack 100 in the present application adopts a combination of a CTP battery case 10 and immersion cooling, so that the cooling medium can immerse the bottom space and side space of the battery pack 20 in the accommodating space when flowing, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency and temperature uniformity of the battery pack 20 while increasing the energy density of the battery pack 100.

[0091] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0092] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A battery box, characterized in that: The battery box comprises: A housing for accommodating at least one battery pack, wherein a first immersion space is formed between adjacent battery packs or between the battery pack and a side wall of the housing; A flow channel plate is connected to the bottom of the shell, and a liquid inlet space is formed inside the flow channel plate; a support member, located at the bottom of the first immersion space and connected to the flow channel plate, wherein a liquid inlet channel is provided in the support member, and the liquid inlet channel communicates with the liquid inlet space inside the flow channel plate and the first immersion space; and The confluence piece is located at the upper part of the first immersion space. A confluence channel is arranged in the confluence piece. The confluence channel is connected to the first immersion space.

2. The battery box according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in sequence, and a plurality of support members are configured, each of which is a hollow structure extending along the arrangement direction of the battery cells. The plurality of support members are arranged at intervals along the arrangement direction of the battery pack to support both sides of the battery pack. A second immersion space is formed between the battery pack, the support members and the flow channel plate, and the liquid inlet channel is connected to the liquid inlet space and the second immersion space.

3. The battery box according to claim 2, characterized in that: A liquid outlet space isolated from the liquid inlet space is also formed in the flow channel plate. The liquid outlet space is arranged below the liquid inlet space. The confluence channel and the second immersion space are both connected to the liquid outlet space.

4. The battery box according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shell includes an outer shell and a baffle plate, wherein the baffle plate is arranged between the confluence member and the flow channel plate and can block one end of the support member away from the liquid inlet space, and a reflux space is formed between the baffle plate, the flow channel plate and the outer shell, and the reflux space is connected to the liquid outlet space, and the confluence channel and the second immersion space are both connected to the reflux space.

5. The battery box according to claim 4, characterized in that: A liquid outlet groove is provided on one side of the baffle plate close to the flow channel plate. The liquid outlet groove is arranged between adjacent support members. The liquid outlet groove is used to connect the second immersion space and the reflux space.

6. The battery case according to claim 4, characterized in that: The confluence piece includes a plurality of first confluence parts, which correspond to the plurality of support parts one by one and are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the first immersion space. A first confluence channel is formed in each of the first confluence parts, and the first confluence channel is connected to the first immersion space and the reflux space.

7. The battery case according to claim 6, characterized in that: The confluence piece also includes a second confluence portion, which is connected to all the first confluence portions, a second confluence channel is formed in the second confluence portion, all the first confluence channels are connected to the second confluence channel, and the second confluence channel is connected to the first immersion space and the return space.

8. The battery case according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second confluence portion is located at one end of the first confluence portion close to the blocking plate, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the first confluence channel gradually increases in a direction toward the second confluence portion.

9. The battery box according to claim 2, characterized in that: Include at least one of the following: The support member is provided with a first liquid outlet in a direction toward the flow collector, and the first liquid outlet is used to connect the liquid inlet channel and the first immersion space; The support member includes a spoiler, the spoiler is arranged in the liquid inlet channel, and the spoiler is used to divert the cooling medium into the first immersion space and the second immersion space; The support member is provided with a second liquid outlet in a direction toward the second immersion space, and the second liquid outlets of two adjacent support members are arranged facing each other; The confluence piece is provided with a first confluence port in a direction toward the support piece, and the first confluence port is used to connect the first immersion space and the confluence channel.

10. An immersion battery pack, characterized in that: The submerged battery pack comprises a battery case as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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