Battery module and energy storage system

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery module and an energy storage system, and relates to the technical field of battery module structures. The battery module comprises a battery cell module, a shell and a pouring sealant, the shell is used for packaging the battery cell module, the shell comprises an upper cover and a box body, the upper surface of the box body is provided with an opening and a slot arranged around the opening, the edge of the upper cover is inserted into the slot, and the pouring sealant is arranged in the slot. Therefore, the pouring sealant is filled in the gap between the edge of the upper cover and the slot, so that not only can the upper cover and the box body be stably connected together, but also the sealing effect of the shell can be realized, the use of screws, sealing rings and the like is saved, the cost is reduced, and the packaging effect of the battery cell module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of battery module structures, and in particular to a battery module and an energy storage system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the gradual increase in demand for industrial and commercial energy storage and the further promotion of national policies, industrial and commercial energy storage products have ushered in rapid development. At the same time, the requirements for batteries are getting higher and higher, such as the widely used liquid cooling PACK, which is a battery module using liquid cooling technology, such as electric vehicles and other battery systems that require high performance and high stability.

[0003] However, the sealing structure of the existing liquid cooling PACK shell is relatively complicated. Due to the large size of the liquid cooling PACK, more sealing connectors such as screws are required, which is costly, time-consuming and labor-intensive, and has low assembly efficiency. In addition, a sealing ring needs to be added between the upper cover and the box body to achieve sealing, which further increases costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The problem solved by the utility model is: how to save the packaging cost of the shell while ensuring the sealing performance of the battery module.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the utility model provides a battery module and an energy storage system.

[0006] In the first aspect, the utility model provides a battery module, including a battery cell module, a shell and a potting compound, wherein the shell is used to encapsulate the battery cell module, the shell includes an upper cover and a box body, the upper surface of the box body is provided with an opening and a slot arranged around the opening, the edge of the upper cover is inserted into the slot, and the potting compound is arranged in the slot.

[0007] Optionally, the upper cover includes side panels, a cover plate and an electrical connection panel, the side panels are provided on the four edges of the cover plate, the side panels are partially inserted into the slots, the electrical connection panel is connected to the side panels on one side of the cover plate, and the electrical connection panel is arranged on the portion of the side panel that is not inserted into the slot.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes a liquid cooling plate and a liquid cooling water pipe, the liquid cooling plate is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the box body, the water outlet and the water inlet of the liquid cooling plate are respectively connected to a liquid cooling water pipe, and the side plate on one side of the cover plate is provided with a through hole for the liquid cooling water pipe to pass through, and the through hole is located on the part of the side plate that is not inserted into the slot.

[0009] Optionally, the through hole and the electrical connection panel are located on the side panel on the same side.

[0010] Optionally, the potting glue is located in a gap formed by a bottom surface of the slot and two side surfaces of the slot and the side panels.

[0011] Optionally, the potting glue is located in a gap formed by a bottom surface of the slot and an outer side surface of the slot and the side panel.

[0012] Optionally, the shape of the upper cover and the shape of the box body are both adapted to the battery cell module to be a rectangle, and the electrical connection panel is arranged on the side panel of one of the short sides.

[0013] Optionally, the width of the slot on the side corresponding to the side plate connected to the electrical connection panel is greater than the width of the slot on the other side.

[0014] Optionally, a side of the upper cover facing the battery cell module is further provided with reinforcing ribs, the battery cell module includes four groups of battery cells, the reinforcing ribs are arranged in a cross-shaped structure, the reinforcing ribs divide the inner cavity of the shell into four accommodating areas, and the four groups of battery cells are respectively installed in the four accommodating areas.

[0015] Optionally, the electrical connection panel is provided with power terminals and communication terminals.

[0016] In a second aspect, the utility model also provides an energy storage system, comprising the battery module as described above, and also comprising a liquid cooling system and a battery management system, wherein the liquid cooling system is connected to the battery module, and the battery management system is respectively connected to the liquid cooling system and the battery module.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the battery module of the present utility model are as follows: by providing a shell and accommodating the packaged battery cell module, and by providing the shell as a structure of an upper cover and a box body, and by inserting the edge of the upper cover into the slot on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the box body, and sealing the potting glue in the slot, the potting glue is filled in the gap between the edge of the upper cover and the slot, which not only enables the upper cover and the box body to be firmly connected together, but also achieves the sealing effect of the shell, saves the use of screws and sealing rings, reduces costs, and thus improves the packaging effect of the battery cell module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 An exploded view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 A top view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The enlarged schematic diagram at A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 4A cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 It is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a battery module of another embodiment of the utility model.

[0025] Description of reference numerals:

[0026] 1. Battery cell module; 2. Upper cover; 21. Side panel; 211. Through hole; 22. Cover plate; 23. Electrical connection panel; 24. Reinforcement ribs; 3. Box body; 31. Slot; 4. Potting glue; 5. Liquid cooling plate; 6. Liquid cooling water pipe; X1. Horizontal gap; Z1. Vertical gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" 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 directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0029] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "embodiment", "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplarily" and "one embodiment" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or embodiment are included in at least one embodiment or embodiment of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiment. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or embodiments in a suitable manner.

[0030] The terms "first", "second", etc. 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features.

[0031] The Z axis in the accompanying drawings represents the vertical direction, that is, the up and down position, and the positive direction of the Z axis represents the up, and the negative direction of the Z axis represents the down; the X axis in the accompanying drawings represents the horizontal direction, and is designated as the front and back position, and the positive direction of the X axis represents the front side, and the negative direction of the X axis represents the back side; the Y axis in the accompanying drawings represents the left and right position, and the positive direction of the Y axis represents the right side, and the negative direction of the Y axis represents the left side. It should also be noted that the aforementioned Z axis, Y axis, and X axis are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do 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 invention.

[0032] In the related art, the liquid-cooled PACK module specifically refers to a battery module that uses liquid cooling technology. The battery module usually includes a cell module and a shell that encapsulates the cell module. The shell usually includes an upper cover and a lower box. Since this type of battery module that uses liquid cooling technology has extremely high requirements for the sealing of the shell, at present, most of the industry practices are to set a sealing ring between the upper cover and the box, and then connect the upper cover and the box with screws. However, due to the large size of the liquid-cooled PACK module, the use of screw connection not only requires more holes to be machined on the upper cover and the box, increasing the cost of manufacturing the upper cover and the box, but also requires the use of more screws, which also increases the cost, is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and has low assembly efficiency. In addition, the sealing ring will further increase the cost.

[0033] In view of the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technologies, the utility model provides a battery module and a battery pack, which enables the upper cover and the box body to be sealed and connected by a potting glue 4, thereby achieving the dual effects of fixing and sealing. Detailed description will be given below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the utility model provides a battery module, including a battery cell module 1, a shell and a potting compound 4, the shell is used to encapsulate the battery cell module 1, the shell includes an upper cover 2 and a box body 3, the upper surface of the box body 3 is provided with an opening and a slot 31 arranged around the opening, the edge of the upper cover 2 is inserted in the slot 31, and the potting compound 4 is arranged in the slot 31.

[0035] In this embodiment, a shell is provided to accommodate the packaged battery cell module 1, and the shell is provided in the structural form of an upper cover 2 and a box body 3, and at the same time, the edge of the upper cover 2 is inserted into the slot 31 on the periphery of the upper surface of the box body 3, and the potting glue 4 is potted in the slot 31. In this way, the potting glue 4 is filled in the gap between the edge of the upper cover 2 and the slot 31, which not only enables the upper cover 2 and the box body 3 to be firmly connected together, but also achieves the sealing effect of the shell, saves the use of screws and sealing rings, reduces costs, and thus improves the packaging effect of the battery cell module 1.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, optionally, the upper cover 2 includes a side panel 21, a cover plate 22 and an electrical connection panel 23. The side panels 21 are provided on the four edges of the cover plate 22. The upper surface of the box body 3 is provided with an opening and a slot 31 arranged around the opening. The side panel 21 is partially inserted into the slot 31. The electrical connection panel 23 is connected to the side panel 21 on one side of the cover plate 22, and the electrical connection panel 23 is arranged on the portion of the side panel 21 that is not inserted into the slot 31.

[0037] Specifically, in the field of battery modules, the shells used to encapsulate the battery cell modules 1 are basically rectangular structures, so the upper cover 2 and the box body 3 are both matching rectangular structures. The upper cover 2 includes a side panel 21, a cover plate 22 and an electrical connection panel 23. The side panel 21 can be integrally formed with the cover plate 22. Specifically, the side panel 21 can be formed by bending the edges of the cover plate 22 outward, or the upper cover 2 is a shell structure open at the bottom surrounded by the side panel 21 and the cover plate 22, and the box body 3 is a shell structure with an opening on the upper surface, or the box body 3 is a shell structure open at the top, the opening of the slot 31 faces upward, and the slot 31 is an annular groove surrounding the opening of the box body 3.

[0038] In this embodiment, by setting the upper cover 2 to a structure of a cover plate 22 and a side plate 21, the side plate 21 can be used as the edge of the upper cover 2 to be inserted into the slot 31 on the periphery of the upper surface of the box body 3. The structure is more regular and convenient for production and manufacturing. At the same time, the potting glue 4 is potted in the gap between the side plate 21 and the slot, which not only enables the upper cover 2 and the box body 3 to be firmly connected together, but also reduces the cost, thereby improving the packaging effect of the battery module 1. In addition, some electronic components are installed on the electrical connection panel 23 for electrically connecting the battery module 1 to an external device, by partially inserting the side panel 21 into the slot 31 and setting the electrical connection panel 23 on the portion of the side panel 21 that is not inserted into the slot 31. In other words, the electrical connection panel 23 is located at the position of the side panel 21 above the slot 31 that is not inserted into the slot 31. In this way, the slot 31 will not interfere with the connection between the electrical connection panel 23 and the external device, and the potting glue 4 in the slot 31 can be prevented from adhering to the electrical connection panel 23, thereby avoiding affecting the connection between the electrical connection panel 23 and the external device and the heat dissipation of the electronic components.

[0039] It should be noted that the electronic components installed on the electrical connection panel 23 may be power terminals and communication terminals, etc. The power terminals are mainly used for power transmission between the battery module 1 and external devices. They undertake the important task of transferring the electric energy stored in the battery module 1 to external loads (such as motors, lighting equipment, etc.). The communication terminals are mainly used for information exchange between the battery module 1 and the battery management system (BMS). They are responsible for transmitting the status information of the battery module 1 (such as voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to the BMS so that the BMS can monitor and manage the battery module 1 in real time.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, optionally, it also includes a liquid cooling plate 5 and a liquid cooling water pipe 6. The liquid cooling plate 5 is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the box body 3. The water outlet and the water inlet of the liquid cooling plate 5 are respectively connected to a liquid cooling water pipe 6. A through hole 211 for the liquid cooling water pipe 6 to pass through is provided on the side plate 21 on one side of the cover plate 22. The through hole 211 is located on the portion of the side plate 21 that is not inserted into the slot 31.

[0041] In this embodiment, the through hole 211 can be integrally formed with the side panel 21, or can be opened on the surface of the side panel 21 after the side panel 21 is formed. By making the through hole 211 located on the portion of the side panel 21 that is not inserted into the slot 31, that is, the through hole 211 is completely located above the slot 31, it is possible to avoid interference between the slot 31 and the liquid cooling water pipe 6, and it is possible to avoid adhesion of the potting glue 4 to the through hole and the liquid cooling water pipe 6 when filling the slot 31, thereby not affecting the heat exchange of the liquid cooling water pipe 6. By setting the liquid cooling plate 5 and the liquid cooling water pipe 6, the battery cell module 1 can be cooled.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, optionally, the through hole 211 and the electrical connection panel 23 are located on the side plate 21 on the same side.

[0043] In this embodiment, since the through hole is for the liquid cooling water pipe 6 to pass through, by also arranging the through hole 211 on the side panel 21 connected to the electrical connection panel 23, the liquid cooling water pipe 6 and some electronic components on the electrical connection panel 23 can be on the same side. By arranging the liquid cooling water pipe 6 and the electronic components on the same side panel 21, the structural layout of the entire battery module can be more regular, and it is more convenient to integrate and connect with external equipment, making the whole more compact and improving the energy density.

[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, optionally, the potting glue 4 is located in the bottom surface of the slot 31 and the gap formed by the two side surfaces of the slot 31 and the side plate 21 .

[0045] In this embodiment, the gaps formed between the bottom surface of the slot 31 and the two side surfaces of the slot 31 and the side panel 21 include a vertical gap Z1 formed between the bottom surface of the slot 31 and the bottom end of the side panel 21 and two horizontal gaps X1 formed between the two opposite side surfaces of the slot 31 and the side panel 21. Figure 6 As shown, the two opposite sides of the slot 31 and the side panel 21 can form two horizontal gaps X1 or one horizontal gap X1 with the side panel 21. For example, the side panel 21 is inserted into the slot 31 so that the inner side of the side panel 21 fits with the inner surface of the slot 3, thus forming a horizontal gap X1. The specific operation process of the glue pouring method of this embodiment is as follows: first, glue is poured into the slot 31, and then the side panel 21 is inserted into the slot 31 from top to bottom. In this way, the bottom surface of the slot 31 and the gap formed by the two side surfaces of the slot 31 and the side panel 21 can be filled with the potting glue 4. It should be noted that when pouring glue into the slot 31, avoid filling it up to prevent the potting glue 4 from overflowing the slot 31 when the side panel 21 is inserted into the slot 31.

[0046] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, optionally, the potting glue 4 is located in a gap formed by the bottom surface of the slot 31 and the outer side surface of the slot 31 and the side plate 21 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the gap formed by the bottom surface of the slot 31 and the outer side surface of the slot 31 and the side panel 21 includes a vertical gap Z1 formed by the bottom surface of the slot 31 and the bottom end of the side panel 21 and a horizontal gap X1 formed by the outer side surface of the slot 31 (i.e., a side surface of the slot 31 close to the outside of the box and facing the inside of the box) and the side panel 21. The specific operation process of the glue injection method is as follows: first, the side panel 21 is inserted into the slot 31, and the inner side surface of the side panel 21 is fitted with the inner surface of the slot 3, and then glue is injected into the gap between the outer side surface of the side panel 21 and the outer surface (outer side surface) of the slot 3, so that the potting glue 4 is filled in the gap formed by the bottom surface of the slot 31 and the outer side surface of the slot 31 and the side panel 21.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the shape of the upper cover 2 and the shape of the box body 3 are both adapted to the battery module 1 to be rectangular, and the electrical connection panel 23 is arranged on the side plate 21 of one of the short sides.

[0049] Specifically, the side panel 21 includes two long side panels and two short side panels, the slot 31 includes two long side slots and two short side slots, the two long side panels are respectively inserted into the two long side slots, and the two short side panels are respectively inserted into the two short side slots, and the electrical connection panel 23 is set on one of the short side panels.

[0050] In the present embodiment, since the shell formed by the upper cover 2 and the box body 3 is used to accommodate and encapsulate the battery module 1, the battery module 1 is usually connected in series and in parallel to form a rectangular structure, and the upper cover 2 and the box body 3 are adapted to the shape of the battery module 1 and are all rectangular structures, then the upper cover 2 and the box body 3 must have two long sides and two short sides. In other words, the side panel 21 includes two long side panels and two short side panels, and the two long side panels and the two short side panels are respectively inserted into the two long side slots and the two short side slots, and the electrical connection panel 23 can be connected to one of the short side panels, or it can be connected to one of the short side panels. On a long side panel, since some electronic components need to be installed on the electrical connection panel 23, the short side panel can be more convenient for integrated connection, and is easier to correspond to, for example, the output end and the input end of the battery module 1. That is, the output end and the input end of the battery module 1 are generally arranged on the short side of its rectangular structure, which makes it more convenient for the overall integrated connection and installation. In addition, setting the electrical connection panel 23 on the long side panel may increase the overall size or complexity of the equipment, while the short side panel provides a more compact solution, making the overall structure more compact and easier to improve the overall energy density.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the width of the slot 31 on one side corresponding to the side plate 21 connected to the electrical connection panel 23 is greater than the width of the other side slots 31 .

[0052] The electrical connection panel 23 is used to connect with external equipment and is easily affected by external forces. Therefore, the thickness of the short side panel on one side of the electrical connection panel 23 can be designed to be larger to ensure the strength of this side; the width of the short side slot on this side is set to be larger, which is convenient for plugging in on the one hand, and is conducive to filling more potting glue 4 and increasing the contact area between the potting glue 4 and the side panel 21 on the other hand, so as to enhance the sealing connection effect on this side and avoid failure of the sealing connection when this side is subjected to force.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, optionally, a side of the upper cover 2 facing the battery cell module 1 is further provided with a reinforcing rib 24, the battery cell module 1 includes four groups of battery cells, the reinforcing rib 24 is set to a cross structure, the reinforcing rib 24 divides the inner cavity of the shell into four accommodating areas, and the four groups of battery cells are respectively installed in the four accommodating areas.

[0054] In this embodiment, the reinforcing ribs 24 of the cross-shaped structure can be integrally formed on the side of the upper cover 2 facing the battery module 1. The battery module 1 is provided with four groups of battery cells. The inner cavity of the shell of the reinforcing ribs 24 of the cross-shaped structure is separated to form four accommodating areas, so that the four groups of battery cells can be installed in the four accommodating areas respectively. In this way, not only the structural strength of the entire shell can be improved, but also the four groups of battery cells can be separated, and stable support and fixation can be provided for the four groups of battery cells respectively, reducing the shaking or displacement that may occur during the movement or use of the battery cells, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the battery cells. The separated accommodating areas can prevent direct contact between the battery cells, reducing safety risks such as short circuits and fires. In the event of an abnormal situation, such as overheating or failure of a battery cell, its scope of influence can be limited to a single accommodating area, reducing the impact on the entire battery system.

[0055] It should be noted that there are many battery cell stacking schemes, including single-string battery stacking, parallel battery stacking, and series-parallel battery stacking. Single-string battery stacking is to connect multiple battery cells in a way that the positive and negative poles are connected to form a series battery module. The total voltage and capacity of the battery can be increased by increasing the number of battery cells. Parallel battery stacking is to connect multiple battery cells in a way that the positive and negative poles are connected respectively to form a parallel battery module. The total capacity of the battery can be increased by increasing the number of battery cells, but the total voltage cannot be increased. Series-parallel battery stacking is to connect multiple battery cells in series and parallel at the same time in a certain way to form a battery module. And after the battery cells are stacked, they usually need to be bundled to fix the position and shape of the battery cells to ensure the stability and safety of the battery cells.

[0056] An energy storage system provided by an embodiment of the utility model includes the battery module as described above, and also includes a liquid cooling system and a battery management system, wherein the liquid cooling system is connected to the battery module, and the battery management system is respectively connected to the liquid cooling system and the battery module.

[0057] The beneficial effects of the energy storage system of this embodiment relative to the prior art are the same as those of the above-mentioned battery module, which will not be described in detail here.

[0058] Although the utility model is disclosed as above, the protection scope of the utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model, and these changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: The invention comprises a battery cell module (1), a shell and a potting compound (4), wherein the shell is used to encapsulate the battery cell module (1), the shell comprises an upper cover (2) and a box body (3), the upper surface of the box body (3) is provided with an opening and a slot (31) arranged around the opening, the edge of the upper cover (2) is inserted into the slot (31), and the potting compound (4) is arranged in the slot (31).

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper cover (2) comprises a side plate (21), a cover plate (22) and an electrical connection panel (23); the side plates (21) are provided on the four edges of the cover plate (22); a portion of the side plates (21) is inserted into the slot (31); the electrical connection panel (23) is connected to the side plate (21) on one side of the cover plate (22); and the electrical connection panel (23) is provided on a portion of the side plate (21) that is not inserted into the slot (31).

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a liquid cooling plate (5) and a liquid cooling water pipe (6), wherein the liquid cooling plate (5) is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the box body (3), and the water outlet and water inlet of the liquid cooling plate (5) are respectively connected to one of the liquid cooling water pipes (6), and a through hole (211) for the liquid cooling water pipe (6) to pass through is provided on the side plate (21) on one side of the cover plate (22), and the through hole (211) is located on the portion of the side plate (21) that is not inserted into the slot (31).

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The through hole (211) and the electrical connection panel (23) are located on the side plate (21) on the same side.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The potting glue (4) is located in the bottom surface of the slot (31) and in the gap formed by the two side surfaces of the slot (31) and the side plate (21).

6. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The potting glue (4) is located in a gap formed by the bottom surface of the slot (31), the outer side surface of the slot (31) and the side plate (21).

7. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shape of the upper cover (2) and the shape of the box body (3) are both adapted to the battery core module (1) to be rectangular, and the electrical connection panel (23) is arranged on the side plate (21) of one of the short sides.

8. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The width of the slot (31) on one side corresponding to the side plate (21) connected to the electrical connection panel (23) is greater than the width of the slot (31) on the other side.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A side of the upper cover (2) facing the battery cell module (1) is also provided with a reinforcing rib (24); the battery cell module (1) includes four groups of battery cells; the reinforcing rib (24) is arranged in a cross-shaped structure; the reinforcing rib (24) divides the inner cavity of the shell into four accommodating areas; the four groups of battery cells are respectively installed in the four accommodating areas.

10. An energy storage system, characterized in that: It comprises a battery module as described in any one of claims 1-9, and also comprises a liquid cooling system and a battery management system, the liquid cooling system is connected to the battery module, and the battery management system is respectively connected to the liquid cooling system and the battery module.

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