Battery module structure and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery module structure and a battery pack, the battery module structure comprises a first end plate and a second end plate which are arranged at an interval along the length direction of the battery module structure, and a battery module clamped between the first end plate and the second end plate, the first end plate is provided with a liquid inlet flow channel, the second end plate is provided with a liquid outlet flow channel, and the liquid outlet flow channel is communicated with the liquid inlet flow channel. The battery module is provided with a mounting cavity for mounting a plurality of battery cell groups, and a circulating channel for communicating the liquid inlet runner, the mounting cavity and the liquid outlet runner is formed in the battery module. According to the battery module structure disclosed by the utility model, the integration of the circulation channel and the battery module is realized, and the problem that a relay, a BMS (Battery Management System) and other electric devices, a sealing gasket and oil are incompatible can be solved while the cooling of the battery core is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a battery module structure. Meanwhile, the utility model also relates to a battery pack provided with the battery module structure. Background Art

[0002] As energy crisis and environmental problems become increasingly serious, electric vehicles, as a new energy vehicle, have become an inevitable trend in the development of the automotive industry in the future. Batteries, as the power source of electric vehicles, determine the performance of the vehicle. Currently, cylindrical lithium batteries have become the mainstream batteries used in electric vehicles due to their high specific power, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate.

[0003] However, the biggest disadvantage of cylindrical lithium batteries is that their performance is greatly affected by temperature. They need to work within a certain temperature range. Too low or too high a temperature will cause irreversible damage to the battery, weakening the battery performance. In severe cases, it will cause an internal short circuit or even thermal runaway, thus causing a serious accident. Therefore, ensuring that the battery works within the appropriate temperature range is a necessary condition to ensure the performance of the car.

[0004] At present, cylindrical lithium batteries are mostly cooled by two methods: serpentine liquid cooling and immersion oil cooling. The former has limited thermal conductivity and can no longer meet high-power performance requirements. The latter uses direct contact between the cooling oil and the battery cell, but this method has the problem of large oil usage and incompatibility between relays, BMS and other components and oil. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the utility model aims to propose a battery module structure, which can solve the problem of incompatibility between electrical components such as relays and BMS and coolant while meeting the cooling requirements of the battery cells.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] A battery module structure comprises a first end plate and a second end plate arranged at intervals along the length direction of the battery module structure, and a battery module sandwiched between the first end plate and the second end plate; a liquid inlet channel is provided on the first end plate, a liquid outlet channel is provided on the second end plate, the battery module has an installation cavity for installing a plurality of battery cell groups, and a flow channel connecting the liquid inlet channel, the installation cavity and the liquid outlet channel is provided on the battery module.

[0008] Furthermore, the battery module includes a battery rack, the first end plate and the second end plate are sealed at two end openings of the battery rack along the length direction of the battery module structure, and the flow channel and the installation cavity are both arranged on the battery rack.

[0009] Furthermore, the liquid inlet channel includes a plurality of liquid inlet channel areas which are arranged on the first end plate in sequence and at intervals along the height direction of the battery module structure; the circulation channel includes internal flow channel areas which correspond one by one to each of the liquid inlet channel areas, and each of the internal flow channel areas corresponds to a preset number of the battery cell groups.

[0010] Furthermore, each of the battery cell groups is sequentially arranged at intervals along the height direction of the battery module structure, and each of the battery cell groups includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells sequentially arranged along the width direction of the battery module structure;

[0011] Flow gaps are formed between the topmost battery cell group and the top of the battery rack, between the bottommost battery cell group and the bottom of the battery rack, and between two adjacent battery cell groups, each internal flow channel area is connected to at least two corresponding flow gaps, and each liquid inlet flow channel area is connected to the liquid outlet flow channel through the corresponding internal flow channel area and the corresponding flow gaps.

[0012] Furthermore, a liquid inlet pipe connected to each of the liquid inlet flow channel areas is provided on the first end plate, and / or a liquid outlet pipe connected to the liquid outlet flow channel is provided on the second end plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the first end plate is L-shaped and includes a first cover plate covering the end of the battery module, and a first flow channel plate arranged on the first cover plate, and the liquid inlet pipe and each of the liquid inlet flow channel areas are arranged on the first flow channel plate; the second end plate is L-shaped and includes a second cover plate covering the end of the battery module, and a second flow channel plate arranged on the second cover plate, and the liquid outlet pipe and the liquid outlet flow channel are both arranged on the second flow channel plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the liquid inlet pipe is located in the middle of the first flow channel plate along the height direction of the battery module structure; and each of the liquid inlet flow channel areas has a gradually larger cross-sectional profile from one end connected to the liquid inlet pipe to one end of the corresponding internal flow channel area.

[0015] Furthermore, the battery rack includes a first bracket and a second bracket that are interlocked, each of the battery cells is arranged in an area enclosed between the first bracket and the second bracket, and the flow channel is formed on the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0016] Furthermore, the battery modules are multiple and sandwiched between the first end plate and the second end plate. The multiple battery modules are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the battery module structure, and the flow channels on each battery module are connected in sequence.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following advantages:

[0018] The battery module structure described in the utility model is provided with a circulation channel connecting the liquid inlet channel, the installation cavity and the liquid outlet channel on the battery module, thereby realizing the integration of the circulation channel and the battery module, which is beneficial to directly cooling each battery cell group by coolant, and has a good cooling effect. At the same time, the circulation channel is designed to avoid contact between the coolant and electrical components such as relays and BMS in the battery pack, thereby solving the problem of incompatibility between electrical components such as relays and BMS and the coolant, and can reduce the amount of oil used in the whole package, which is beneficial to reducing the weight of the whole package and improving the energy density of the whole package.

[0019] Secondly, multiple inlet flow channel areas are arranged at intervals to improve the regularity of oil flow. At the same time, each inlet flow channel area corresponds to the internal flow channel area one by one to form a parallel design of each flow channel, which is conducive to improving the problem of large temperature difference between the head and tail of each flow channel series. A flow gap is formed between two adjacent battery cell groups, thereby limiting the flow direction of the oil, promoting the flow of the oil along the flow gap, and making the temperature of each part of the battery cell group consistent.

[0020] Furthermore, the first end plate is provided with a liquid inlet pipe connected to each liquid inlet flow channel area, and at the same time, the second end plate is provided with a liquid outlet pipe connected to each liquid outlet flow channel. The corresponding arrangement of the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe is conducive to ensuring the temperature in each flow channel is consistent. By setting the first end plate and the second end plate to be L-shaped, the liquid inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are respectively arranged on the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate, thereby facilitating the arrangement and allowing the oil to flow in easily.

[0021] In addition, the liquid inlet pipe is arranged in the middle of the first flow channel plate along the height direction of the battery module structure, thereby facilitating the uniform flow of oil into each liquid inlet flow channel area. Arranging the flow channels of each liquid inlet flow channel area to be gradually larger can reduce the resistance in the flow channel, making it easier for the oil to flow, thereby improving the uniformity of the flow into each internal flow channel area. The first bracket and the second bracket are interlocked and arranged to facilitate the manufacture of the battery rack and the preparation of the battery module. The circulation channel is formed on the first bracket and the second bracket, which is conducive to improving the integration of the flow channel and the battery rack. The circulation channels on each battery module are connected in sequence, which is conducive to improving the regularity of the flow of the oil and reducing the amount of oil used.

[0022] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack, in which the battery module structure as described above is provided.

[0023] The battery pack of the present invention and the above-mentioned battery module structure have the same beneficial effects as the conventional technology, and will not be described in detail here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery module structure described in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the part indicated by AA;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first end plate according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Bottom view of

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the part indicated by section BB;

[0031] Figure 7 An exploded schematic diagram of a battery module structure according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A front view of

[0033] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the part indicated by CC in the middle;

[0034] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery module according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0035] Description of reference numerals:

[0036] 1. first end plate; 11. first cover plate; 12. first flow channel plate; 121. liquid inlet pipe; 122. liquid inlet flow channel; 1221. liquid inlet flow channel area; 13. circulation channel; 131. internal flow channel area;

[0037] 2. second end plate; 21. second cover plate; 22. second flow channel plate; 221. liquid outlet pipe; 222. liquid outlet flow channel; 2221. liquid outlet flow channel area;

[0038] 3. Battery module; 31. Battery rack; 311. First bracket; 312. Second bracket; 32. Mounting cavity; 321. Cell group; 3211. Cylindrical cell; 322. Flow gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that if there are terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer" and the like indicating orientation or positional relationship, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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 limiting the present invention. In addition, if there are terms such as "first" and "second", they are also used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] Taking the battery pack in which the battery module structure described in the present invention is located as an example, the directional words used in the embodiments, such as "up, down, left, right, front, and back", are based on Figure 7 The up-down direction (also called height direction, or whole package Z direction), left-right direction (also called width direction, or whole package Y direction) and front-back direction (also called length direction, or whole package X direction) in the shown state are defined as references.

[0042] In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, the terms "installation", "connection", "connection" and "connector" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in combination with specific circumstances.

[0043] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments.

[0044] Embodiment 1

[0045] The present embodiment relates to a battery module structure, which can solve the problem of incompatibility between electrical components such as relays and BMS and coolant while meeting the need for cooling the battery cells.

[0046] In terms of overall structure, Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery module structure of this embodiment includes a first end plate 1 and a second end plate 2 arranged at intervals along the length direction of the battery module structure, and a battery module 3 sandwiched between the first end plate 1 and the second end plate 2.

[0047] At the same time, a liquid inlet channel 122 is provided on the first end plate 1, a liquid outlet channel 222 is provided on the second end plate 2, the battery module 3 has an installation cavity 32 for installing multiple battery cell groups 321, and the battery module 3 is provided with a circulation channel 13 connecting the liquid inlet channel 122, the installation cavity 32 and the liquid outlet channel 222.

[0048] Here, a circulation channel 13 is provided on the battery module 3, which is connected to the liquid inlet channel 122, the installation cavity 32 for installing multiple battery cell groups 321 and the liquid outlet channel 222, so that the circulation channel 13 and the battery module 3 are integrated, which is beneficial to directly cooling each battery cell group 321 by coolant, and the cooling effect is good. At the same time, the design of the circulation channel 13 can avoid the contact between the coolant and the electrical components such as relays and BMS in the battery pack, thereby solving the problem of incompatibility between electrical components such as relays and BMS and the coolant, and can reduce the amount of oil used in the whole package, which is beneficial to reducing the weight of the whole package and improving the energy density of the whole package.

[0049] Based on the above overall introduction, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery module 3 includes a battery rack 31 , a first end plate 1 and a second end plate 2 are sealed at both end openings of the battery rack 31 along the length direction of the battery module structure, and the flow channel 13 and the installation cavity 32 are both provided on the battery rack 31 .

[0050] In addition, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, Figure 3 and Fig. 9 As shown, the liquid inlet channel 122 includes a plurality of liquid inlet channel areas 1221 which are arranged on the first end plate 1 in sequence and at intervals along the height direction of the battery module structure. The circulation channel 13 includes internal flow channel areas 131 corresponding to each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221 one by one, and each internal flow channel area 131 corresponds to a preset number of battery cell groups 321.

[0051] By setting multiple liquid inlet flow channel areas 1221 at intervals, the regularity of oil flow is improved. At the same time, each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221 corresponds to the internal flow channel area 131 one by one to form a parallel design of each flow channel, which is conducive to improving the problem of large temperature difference between the head and tail of each flow channel. Here, the number of liquid inlet flow channel areas 1221 can be set to three areas: top, middle, and bottom. In specific implementation, it can also be designed to be four or even more according to actual needs.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the battery cell groups 321 are sequentially arranged at intervals along the height direction of the battery module structure, and each battery cell group 321 includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 3211 sequentially arranged along the width direction of the battery module structure.

[0053] At the same time, flow gaps 322 are formed between the topmost battery cell group 321 and the top of the battery rack 31, between the bottommost battery cell group 321 and the bottom of the battery rack 31, and between two adjacent battery cell groups 321, each internal flow channel area 131 is connected to at least two corresponding flow gaps 322, and each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221 is connected to the liquid outlet flow channel 222 through the corresponding internal flow channel area 131 and the corresponding flow gaps 322.

[0054] Here, a flow gap 322 is formed between two adjacent battery cell groups 321 , thereby limiting the flow direction of the oil and promoting the oil to flow along the flow gap 322 , so that the temperature of each part of the battery cell group 321 reaches a uniform level.

[0055] It is worth mentioning that the topmost battery cell group 321, i.e., the top along the height direction of the battery module structure, and the bottommost battery cell group 321, i.e., the bottom along the height direction of the battery module structure, respectively form a flow gap 322 with the battery rack 31, and a flow gap 322 is also formed between two adjacent battery cell groups 321. The number of battery cell groups 321 can be set and adjusted accordingly according to actual needs, and can be set to three or more.

[0056] In a specific implementation, after the oil enters the internal flow channel area 131 through the liquid inlet flow channel area 1221, it flows through the flow gap 322 formed between two adjacent battery cell groups 321, and then flows into the liquid outlet flow channel 222 to complete the heat exchange between the oil and the battery cell group 321, and the liquid outlet flow channel 222 is provided with a liquid outlet flow channel area 2221 corresponding to each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, Figure 1 As shown, the first end plate 1 is provided with a liquid inlet pipe 121 connected to each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221, and the second end plate 2 is provided with a liquid outlet pipe 221 connected to the liquid outlet flow channel 222. Here, after the oil enters the liquid inlet pipe 121, it is divided into each internal flow channel area 131, and then flows out of each internal flow channel area 131 and converges into the liquid outlet pipe 221, thereby facilitating the temperature in each flow channel to be consistent.

[0058] In this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the first end plate 1 is L-shaped and includes a first cover plate 11 for sealing the end of the battery module 3, and a first flow channel plate 12 arranged on the first cover plate 11, and the liquid inlet pipe 121 and each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221 are all arranged on the first flow channel plate 12.

[0059] Meanwhile, the second end plate 2 is L-shaped and includes a second cover plate 21 for sealing the end of the battery module 3 and a second flow channel plate 22 disposed on the second cover plate 21 , and the liquid outlet pipe 221 and the liquid outlet flow channel 222 are both disposed on the second flow channel plate 22 .

[0060] Here, by setting the first end plate 1 and the second end plate 2 to be L-shaped, the liquid inlet pipe 121 and the liquid outlet pipe 221 are respectively arranged on the first flow channel plate 12 and the second flow channel plate 22, thereby facilitating the layout and allowing the oil to flow in easily.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the liquid inlet pipe 121 is located in the middle of the first flow channel plate 12 along the height direction of the battery module structure, and each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221 is arranged with a gradually larger cross-sectional profile from one end connected to the liquid inlet pipe 121 to one end of the corresponding internal flow channel area 131.

[0062] Here, the liquid inlet pipe 121 is arranged in the middle of the first flow channel plate 12 along the height direction of the battery module structure, which is conducive to the uniform flow of oil into each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221. The flow channels of each liquid inlet flow channel area 1221 are gradually arranged to reduce the resistance in the flow channel, making it easier for the oil to flow, thereby improving the uniformity of the oil flowing into each internal flow channel area 131.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, Fig.10 As shown, the battery rack 31 includes a first bracket 311 and a second bracket 312 that are interlocked, each battery cell group 321 is arranged in the area enclosed between the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312, and the flow channel 13 is formed on the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312. The first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 are interlocked, which is conducive to the manufacture of the battery rack 31 and the preparation of the battery module 3. The flow channel 13 is formed on the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312, which is conducive to the integration of the flow channel and the battery rack 31.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, as a preferred implementation form, the battery module 3 is a plurality of battery modules 3 sandwiched between the first end plate 1 and the second end plate 2, and the plurality of battery modules 3 are sequentially arranged along the length direction of the battery module structure, and the flow channels 13 on each battery module 3 are sequentially connected. This is conducive to improving the regularity of the oil flow and reducing the amount of oil used.

[0065] It is worth mentioning that the battery module 3 can be set to three, and the number of battery modules 3 can also be designed and adjusted accordingly according to actual needs. The battery module structure of this embodiment is not only suitable for three battery modules 3, but also for four, five, or even more.

[0066] In the specific implementation of the battery module structure of this embodiment, the oil enters the liquid inlet pipe 121 and is distributed to flow into the top, middle and bottom of the liquid inlet channel area 1221, and then flows into the internal channel area 131 corresponding to each liquid inlet channel area 1221. The internal channel area 131 at the top is provided with three battery cell groups 321, the internal channel area 131 in the middle is provided with four battery cell groups 321, and the internal channel area 131 at the bottom is provided with four battery cell groups 321. The oil flows through the three flow gaps 322 at the top, the four flow gaps 322 in the middle, and the five flow gaps 322 at the bottom. After completing sufficient heat exchange with the battery cell groups 321, the oil flows into the liquid outlet channel area 2221 corresponding to each internal channel area 131, and finally converges to the liquid outlet pipe 221 to flow out. It is worth mentioning that the top, middle and bottom here are all the top, middle and bottom along the height direction of the battery module structure.

[0067] Embodiment 2

[0068] The present embodiment relates to a battery pack, in which the battery module structure in the first embodiment is provided.

[0069] The battery pack of this embodiment, by setting up the battery module structure in the first embodiment and setting up oil flow channels inside the module, realizes the integration of the flow channels and the module bracket, greatly reduces the amount of oil used in the whole pack, reduces the weight of the whole pack, improves the energy density, and can also solve the incompatibility problem between electrical components such as relays and BMS and sealing gaskets and oil. In addition, the flow channels in the module are separated and zoned, and the flow channels are designed in parallel to realize the regular flow of oil in the module and improve the temperature consistency of each area in the module.

[0070] 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 battery module structure, characterized in that: It includes a first end plate and a second end plate arranged at intervals along the length direction of the battery module structure, and a battery module sandwiched between the first end plate and the second end plate; The first end plate is provided with a liquid inlet channel, the second end plate is provided with a liquid outlet channel, the battery module has an installation cavity for installing multiple battery cell groups, and the battery module is provided with a flow channel connecting the liquid inlet channel, the installation cavity and the liquid outlet channel.

2. The battery module structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery module includes a battery rack, the first end plate and the second end plate are sealed at two open ends of the battery rack along the length direction of the battery module structure, and the flow channel and the installation cavity are both arranged on the battery rack.

3. The battery module structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid inlet flow channel comprises a plurality of liquid inlet flow channel areas which are sequentially spaced apart and arranged on the first end plate along the height direction of the battery module structure; The circulation channel includes internal flow channel areas corresponding to each of the liquid inlet flow channel areas one by one, and each of the internal flow channel areas corresponds to a preset number of the battery cell groups.

4. The battery module structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the battery cell groups is sequentially arranged at intervals along the height direction of the battery module structure, and each of the battery cell groups includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells sequentially arranged along the width direction of the battery module structure; Flow gaps are formed between the topmost battery cell group and the top of the battery rack, between the bottommost battery cell group and the bottom of the battery rack, and between two adjacent battery cell groups, each internal flow channel area is connected to at least two corresponding flow gaps, and each liquid inlet flow channel area is connected to the liquid outlet flow channel through the corresponding internal flow channel area and the corresponding flow gaps.

5. The battery module structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first end plate is provided with a liquid inlet pipe connected to each of the liquid inlet flow channel areas, and / or the second end plate is provided with a liquid outlet pipe connected to the liquid outlet flow channel.

6. The battery module structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first end plate is L-shaped and includes a first cover plate for sealing the end of the battery module, and a first flow channel plate provided on the first cover plate, and the liquid inlet pipe and each of the liquid inlet flow channel areas are provided on the first flow channel plate; The second end plate is L-shaped and includes a second cover plate for sealing the end of the battery module and a second flow channel plate disposed on the second cover plate. The liquid outlet pipe and the liquid outlet flow channel are both disposed on the second flow channel plate.

7. The battery module structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid inlet pipe is located in the middle of the first flow channel plate along the height direction of the battery module structure; The cross-sectional profile of each of the liquid inlet flow channel areas is gradually increased from one end connected to the liquid inlet pipe to one end of the corresponding internal flow channel area.

8. The battery module structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The battery rack includes a first bracket and a second bracket that are interlocked with each other, each of the battery cells is arranged in an area enclosed between the first bracket and the second bracket, and the flow channel is formed on the first bracket and the second bracket.

9. The battery module structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The battery modules are multiple and sandwiched between the first end plate and the second end plate. The multiple battery modules are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the battery module structure, and the flow channels on each battery module are connected in sequence.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack is provided with the battery module structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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