Thermal management device, battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of power batteries, and discloses a heat management device, a battery module and a battery pack, the heat management device is arranged on one side of a battery pack, and the heat management device comprises a heat exchange assembly and at least one phase change piece, the heat exchange assembly is arranged on one side of the battery pack and can be in heat exchange connection with at least part of the peripheral wall of each battery cell in the battery pack, and a heat exchange medium circularly flows in the heat exchange assembly and is used for heat exchange of the battery cells; the phase change pieces can be in heat exchange connection with at least part of the peripheral walls of the battery cells, so that each battery cell can be in heat exchange connection with at least one phase change piece, and the phase change pieces are used for absorbing and storing heat of the battery cells or releasing heat to the battery cells; the phase change piece is in heat exchange connection with the heat exchange assembly. According to the heat management device, the cooling temperature equalizing effect and the heat transfer rate of the battery cells in the heat exchange process can be improved, so that the temperature gradient is reduced, and the weight and the space occupancy rate of the heat management device are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of power batteries, in particular to a thermal management device, a battery module and a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid popularization of new energy vehicles, the problem of their long charging time has become increasingly prominent. How to complete charging in a short time is one of the important problems of current new energy vehicles. Therefore, the charging rates of existing battery cells and battery systems are constantly being improved and accelerated, enabling the battery system to pass a large charging current in a short time, which will cause the battery system to quickly generate a large amount of heat. The accumulation of a large amount of heat will have an adverse impact on the life and safety of the battery cells. Thus, the requirements for the thermal management of the battery system are gradually increasing.

[0003] Since the battery cell itself is a poor heat conductor, in order to quickly dissipate the heat generated by the battery cell, a liquid cooling system is often used in the prior art to cool down the battery cell. It requires the liquid cooling plate to contact the battery cell for cooling and heat dissipation. This makes the heat transfer distance at the position where the liquid cooling plate contacts the battery cell the shortest and the cooling rate the fastest, while the heat transfer distance at the position far from the liquid cooling plate is the longest and the cooling rate the slowest. A large temperature gradient is generated between the two positions, which will increase the risk of local lithium plating in the battery cell during rapid charging, and further affect the consistency of the battery cell and the cruising range of the whole vehicle.

[0004] On this basis, in the prior art, the liquid cooling plate is also in heat transfer contact with the two opposite side walls of the battery cell, so that the heat transfer distances of the two opposite side walls are relatively small and the temperature gradient is small. However, the number of the above-mentioned liquid cooling plates is adaptively increased according to the number of rows or columns of the battery cells, and each liquid cooling plate is respectively communicated with the total inlet pipe and the total outlet pipe through each communicating pipe to form the whole liquid cooling loop. This increases the complexity of the liquid cooling system. At the same time, liquid cooling plates are provided on both sides of each row or column of battery cells, occupying a large amount of space in the battery system, reducing the volume packing factor, and increasing the cost and weight of the battery system.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a thermal management device, a battery module and a battery pack to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] An object of the utility model is to provide a thermal management device, which can improve the temperature equalization effect and heat transfer rate of the battery cell during the heat exchange process, reduce the temperature gradient, and reduce the weight and space occupancy rate of the thermal management device.

[0007] To achieve this purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] The thermal management device is arranged on one side of the battery pack. The thermal management device includes:

[0009] A heat exchange component is provided on one side of the above battery pack and can be heat exchange connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of each battery cell in the above battery pack. A heat exchange medium circulates internally in the above heat exchange component for heat exchange with the above battery cells.

[0010] At least one phase change element can be heat exchange connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the above battery cell, so that each of the above battery cells can be heat exchange connected to at least one of the above phase change elements. The above phase change element is used to absorb and store the heat of the above battery cell or release heat to the above battery cell.

[0011] The above phase change element is heat exchange connected to the above heat exchange component.

[0012] Optionally, the above heat exchange component is a liquid cooling component, and the liquid cooling component includes:

[0013] At least one liquid cooling pipe is heat exchange connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the above battery cell and is heat exchange connected to the above phase change element. Two communication ports are provided on the above liquid cooling pipe, and the above heat exchange medium can flow in from one communication port and flow out from the other communication port.

[0014] An inlet pipe is connected to one of the communication ports of the above liquid cooling pipe. The inlet pipe can be connected to the outlet of an external thermal management unit to supply the heat exchange medium to the above liquid cooling pipe.

[0015] An outlet pipe is connected to the other communication port of the above liquid cooling pipe. The outlet pipe can be connected to the return port of the external thermal management unit to flow the heat exchanged heat exchange medium back to the above thermal management unit.

[0016] Optionally, the above liquid cooling pipe includes at least one accordion pipe and two header pipes. The above communication ports are provided on the header pipes. The two above header pipes are respectively connected to both ends of the above accordion pipe. The above accordion pipe covers at least part of the above phase change element and at least part of the corresponding outer peripheral wall of the above battery cell, so that the above accordion pipe exchanges heat with the above phase change element and the above battery cell respectively.

[0017] Optionally, the above thermal management device further includes a first heat conducting member. The first heat conducting member is thermally connected to the side wall of the above phase change element facing the outer peripheral wall of the above battery cell, and the first heat conducting member can be thermally connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the above battery cell; and / or,

[0018] The above thermal management device further includes a second heat conducting member. At least part of the second heat conducting member is thermally connected to the side wall of the above heat exchange component facing the outer peripheral wall of the above battery cell, and the second heat conducting member can be thermally connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the above battery cell.

[0019] Optionally, when the above thermal management device includes the above first heat conducting member and the above second heat conducting member:

[0020] The first heat conducting member and the second heat conducting member are arranged at intervals. The first heat conducting member is arranged on the side wall of the phase change member facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell, and the first heat conducting member can conduct heat connection with at least part of the battery cell; at least part of the second heat conducting member is arranged on the side wall of the heat exchange assembly facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell, and the second heat conducting member can conduct heat connection with at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell; or,

[0021] The first heat conducting member and the second heat conducting member are connected to each other. The first heat conducting member is arranged on the side wall of the phase change member facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell, and the first heat conducting member can conduct heat connection with at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell; the second heat conducting member is arranged on the side wall of the heat exchange assembly facing the battery cell, and the second heat conducting member can conduct heat connection with the first heat conducting member.

[0022] Optionally, a heat conducting adhesive is further provided between the second heat conducting member and the heat exchange assembly for heat conduction connection between the battery cell and the heat exchange assembly.

[0023] Optionally, a plurality of the phase change members are arranged at intervals in a first direction. All the battery cells in the battery pack are arranged in the first direction and have an outer peripheral wall in the first direction; the side wall of the phase change member in the first direction can conduct heat exchange connection with at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell in the first direction;

[0024] The heat exchange assembly is arranged on one side of the battery pack in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the heat exchange assembly can respectively conduct heat exchange connection with at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell in the first direction and the side wall of the phase change member in the second direction.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module, which can improve the temperature equalization effect and heat transfer rate during heat exchange of the battery cells, so as to reduce the temperature gradient, and reduce the weight and space occupancy of the thermal management device, and improve the energy density of the battery module.

[0026] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0027] A battery module, comprising:

[0028] A housing, provided with a receiving cavity;

[0029] At least one battery pack, arranged in the receiving cavity, the battery pack including at least one battery cell;

[0030] The above-mentioned thermal management device, arranged in the receiving cavity and on one side of the battery pack, the thermal management device is used for heat exchange of the battery cells.

[0031] Optionally, at least two of the above battery packs are provided, and a heat insulation member is provided between two adjacent battery packs; and / or,

[0032] At least a part of the outer peripheral wall of each of the above battery cells is provided with a buffer member.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack, which can improve the temperature equalization effect and heat transfer rate of the battery cells during the heat exchange process, reduce the temperature gradient, and reduce the weight and space occupancy rate of the thermal management device, and improve the energy density of the battery pack.

[0034] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0035] A battery pack, the battery pack includes a box body and at least one of the above battery modules, and the battery module is disposed in the box body; or,

[0036] The battery pack includes a box body, at least one battery pack and the above thermal management device, the battery pack is disposed in the box body, the battery pack includes at least one battery cell, the thermal management device is disposed in the box body and on one side of the battery pack, and the thermal management device is used for heat exchange with each of the above battery cells.

[0037] The beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0038] The present invention provides a thermal management device, a battery module and a battery pack. By double heat exchange of the heat exchange component and the phase change component for the battery cells, the heat transfer rate of the battery cells is accelerated, so that whether it is a large amount of heat generated by the battery cells in a short time during charging or use or when the battery cells have a low temperature and require a large amount of heat, rapid heat transfer can be achieved through the heat exchange component and the phase change component, avoiding the temperature gradient problem caused by untimely heat transfer of the battery cells, reducing the temperature gradient of the battery cells, and improving the temperature consistency of the battery cells; moreover, the heat exchange component is integrally disposed on one side of the battery pack and is not dispersedly disposed on at least a part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cells, reducing the number of components of the heat exchange component and the space occupancy rate of the thermal management device, and improving the space utilization rate of the battery module or battery pack equipped with the thermal management device. Description of the Drawings

[0039] Figure 1 Is an axonometric view of the battery cell provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 Is an axonometric view of the battery pack provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 Is an exploded view of the battery pack provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 It is an exploded view of multiple battery packs provided in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0043] Figure 5 It is an exploded view when the phase change member and the heat conducting member are installed in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0044] Figure 6 It is an isometric view of the heat exchange assembly provided in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0045] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the harmonica tube provided in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0046] Figure 8 It is an isometric view of the heat conducting member provided in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0047] Figure 9 It is an isometric view of a partial structure of the battery pack provided in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0048] Figure 10 It is an isometric view when the phase change member and the heat conducting member are installed in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0049] Figure 11 It is an isometric view when the second heat conducting member is hidden when the phase change member and the heat conducting member are installed in the second embodiment of the present utility model Figure 1 ;

[0050] Figure 12 It is an isometric view when the second heat conducting member is hidden when the phase change member and the heat conducting member are installed in the second embodiment of the present utility model Figure 2 .

[0051] In the figure:

[0052] 10. Heat exchange assembly; 11. Liquid cooling tube; 111. Harmonica tube; 112. Header pipe; 113. Partition board; 114. Flow channel; 12. Inlet pipe; 13. Outlet pipe; 14. Connector;

[0053] 20. Phase change member; 30. First heat conducting member; 40. Second heat conducting member;

[0054] 100. Thermal management device; 200. Battery pack; 210. Battery cell; 211. First side wall; 212. Second side wall; 213. Third side wall; 214. Terminal post; 300. Box body; 400. Structural adhesive; 500. Heat insulation member; 600. Buffer member. Detailed implementation manners

[0055] The present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present utility model, rather than limiting the present utility model. Additionally, it should be noted that for the convenience of description, only the parts related to the present utility model rather than all the structures are shown in the drawings.

[0056] In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected to", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0057] In the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through other features between them. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above the upper side", and "on the upper surface" of the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below the lower side", and "on the lower surface" of the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0058] In the description of this embodiment, the orientation or positional relationships such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplifying the operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0059] Embodiment 1

[0060] This embodiment provides a thermal management device 100, which is disposed on one side of the battery pack 200, used for quickly exchanging heat with the battery pack 200, improving the temperature uniformity and heat transfer rate of the battery cells 210, avoiding too large a temperature gradient of the battery cells 210 themselves, improving the temperature consistency of the battery cells 210, and reducing the space occupancy rate.

[0061] It should be noted that the first direction in this embodiment is Figure 1 the X direction in Figure 1in the Z direction or Figure 1 in the Y direction. The Z direction is also the height direction of the battery cell 210, and the Y direction is also the length direction of the battery cell 210. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other in pairs.

[0062] Moreover, in this embodiment, the battery cell 210 is a square shell battery or a soft-pack battery, and their outer shapes are both square structures. Please refer to Figure 1 , taking the square shell battery as an example. The outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210 includes two first side walls 211 arranged along the first direction, two second side walls 212 arranged along the Z direction, and two third side walls 213 arranged along the Y direction. The first side wall 211 is the side wall of the battery cell 210 along its own thickness direction, the second side wall 212 is the side wall of the battery cell 210 along its own length direction, and the third side wall 213 is the side wall of the battery cell 210 along its own height direction. The area of the first side wall 211 is larger than the areas of the second side wall 212 and the third side wall 213. Among them, the first side wall 211 and the second side wall 212 are the circumferential side walls of the battery cell 210 in this embodiment. A pole 214 is provided on the third side wall 213 for electrical connection of the battery cell 210.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , specifically, the thermal management device 100 includes a heat exchange component 10 and at least one phase change member 20. The heat exchange component 10 is arranged on one side of the battery pack 200 and can be heat exchange connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of each battery cell 210 in the battery pack 200. A heat exchange medium circulates in the heat exchange component 10 for heat exchange with the battery cell 210; the phase change member 20 can be heat exchange connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210 so that each battery cell 210 can be heat exchange connected to at least one phase change member 20. The phase change member 20 is used to absorb and store the heat of the battery cell 210 or release heat to the battery cell 210; and the phase change member 20 is heat exchange connected to the heat exchange component 10.

[0064] In the thermal management device 100 of this embodiment, the battery cell 210 is heat exchanged by both the heat exchange component 10 and the phase change member 20, which speeds up the heat transfer rate of the battery cell 210. Whether it is a large amount of heat generated by the battery cell 210 in a short time during charging or use, or when the battery cell 210 has a low temperature and requires a large amount of heat, it can be quickly heat transferred through the heat exchange component 10 and the phase change member 20, avoiding the temperature gradient problem caused by untimely heat transfer of the battery cell 210, reducing the temperature gradient of the battery cell 210, and improving the temperature consistency of the battery cell 210; moreover, the heat exchange component 10 is integrally arranged on one side of the battery pack 200 instead of being dispersedly arranged on the outer peripheral walls of each battery cell 210, reducing the number of components in the heat exchange component 10 and the space occupancy rate of the thermal management device 100, and improving the space utilization rate of the battery module or battery pack on which the thermal management device 100 is installed.

[0065] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 In this embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 210 are arranged in a stacked manner along the first direction, and a plurality of battery packs 200 are arranged in an array along the Y direction, so that each heat exchange component 10 can exchange heat with a plurality of battery packs 200 and a plurality of battery cells 210, reducing the number of heat exchange components 10 provided and reducing the space occupancy rate of the thermal management device 100.

[0066] In some embodiments, the heat exchange component 10 can be heat exchange connected to the first side wall 211, the second side wall 212, and / or the third side wall 213 of the battery cell 210; at the same time, the phase change member 20 can be heat exchange connected to the first side wall 211, the second side wall 212, and / or the third side wall 213 of the battery cell 210.

[0067] Optionally, in this embodiment, the heat exchange component 10 is at least heat exchange connected to at least one first side wall 211 of each battery cell 210, and the phase change member 20 is at least heat exchange connected to at least one first side wall 211 of each battery cell 210. This is because the area of the first side wall 211 is larger than the area of the second side wall 212 and also larger than the area of the third side wall 213, which can increase the heat exchange area between the heat exchange component 10 and the battery cell 210, and also increase the heat exchange area between the phase change member 20 and the battery cell 210, thereby improving the heat transfer rate between the heat exchange component 10 and the battery cell 210 and improving the heat transfer rate between the phase change member 20 and the battery cell 210.

[0068] Of course, in other embodiments, the heat exchange component 10 can also be heat exchange connected to at least one second side wall 212 and / or at least one third side wall 213 of each battery cell 210, and the phase change member 20 can also be heat exchange connected to at least one second side wall 212 and / or at least one third side wall 213 of each battery cell 210, which is not specifically limited herein. When the phase change member 20 is heat exchange connected to the second side wall 212 and / or the third side wall 213, the phase change member 20 in each battery pack can be set to one or two, which can satisfy the heat exchange connection to at least one second side wall 212 and / or at least one third side wall 213 of each battery cell 210 in one battery pack 200.

[0069] In some alternative embodiments, the heat exchange component 10 can be heat exchange connected to one of the first side walls 211 of each battery cell 210, and the phase change component 20 can be heat exchange connected to one of the first side walls 211 of each battery cell 210. This reduces the number of components in the phase change component 20 and the heat exchange component 10, thereby further reducing the space occupancy rate of the thermal management device 100. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the heat exchange component 10 can also be heat exchange connected to the two first side walls 211 of each battery cell 210, and the phase change component 20 can also be heat exchange connected to the two first side walls 211 of each battery cell 210. Such an arrangement can increase the heat exchange area between the thermal management and the battery cell 210, thereby further increasing the heat transfer rate. However, there will be a certain increase in the space occupancy rate, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , specifically, in this embodiment, in each battery pack 200, the battery cells 210 are stacked in the first direction. Among them, every two battery cells 210 form a group, and a phase change component 20 is provided between the first side walls 211 of the two battery cells 210 in each group that face each other. In this way, each battery cell 210 can have one first side wall 211 heat exchange connected to a phase change component 20, which ensures the heat exchange connection between the first side wall 211 with a large area and the phase change component 20, increasing the heat exchange area and heat exchange efficiency between the two; and such an arrangement also reduces the number of phase change components 20, reducing the cost and the space occupancy rate of the thermal management device 100.

[0071] Optionally, the side area of the phase change component 20 facing the first side wall 211 is not less than the area of the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210, that is, the phase change component 20 completely wraps the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210 to achieve comprehensive heat exchange with the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210.

[0072] Specifically, in this embodiment, in each battery pack 200, the battery cells 210 are stacked in the first direction. Among them, every two battery cells 210 form a group, and a heat exchange component 10 is heat exchange connected between the first side walls 211 of the two battery cells 210 in each group that face each other. This not only ensures the heat exchange connection between the first side wall 211 with a large area and the heat exchange component 10, increasing the heat exchange area and heat exchange efficiency between the two; but also reduces the contact positions between the heat exchange component 10 and the battery pack 200, thereby reducing the number of components in the heat exchange component 10, reducing the cost and the space occupancy rate of the thermal management device 100.

[0073] In some embodiments, a plurality of phase change members 20 are arranged at intervals along a first direction. All the battery cells 210 in the battery pack 200 are arranged along the first direction and have an outer peripheral wall along the first direction, that is, a first side wall 211. The side wall of the phase change member 20 along the first direction can be heat exchange connected to at least a part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210 along the first direction. The heat exchange assembly 10 is arranged on one side of the battery pack 200 along a second direction. The heat exchange assembly 10 can be heat exchange connected to at least a part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210 along the first direction and the side wall of the phase change member 20 along the second direction respectively. Such an arrangement can not only realize the heat exchange connection between the heat exchange assembly 10 and the outer peripheral wall (i.e., the first side wall 211) of the battery cell 210 along the first direction, but also does not require most of the structure of the heat exchange assembly 10 to be directly arranged on the side of the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210, reducing the space occupancy rate of the heat exchange assembly 10.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 , specifically, the thermal management device 100 further includes a first heat conducting member 30. The first heat conducting member 30 is thermally connected to the side wall of the phase change member 20 facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210, which is the first side wall 211 in this embodiment, and the first heat conducting member 30 can be thermally connected to at least a part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210; and / or, the thermal management device 100 further includes a second heat conducting member 40. At least a part of the second heat conducting member 40 is thermally connected to the side wall of the heat exchange assembly 10 facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210, which is the first side wall 211 and the third side wall 213 in this embodiment, and the second heat conducting member 40 can be thermally connected to at least a part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210, so as to realize the heat exchange connection between the battery cell 210 and the phase change member 20 and the heat exchange connection between the battery cell 210 and the heat exchange assembly 10. Of course, in other embodiments, the heat exchange connection between the heat exchange assembly 10 and the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210 can also be realized by correspondingly arranging heat dissipation fins on the corrugated tube 111, and the heat dissipation fins are connected to the first side wall 211, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0075] Specifically, the phase change member 20 is arranged on any side of the circumferential side wall of the battery cell 210, which is the first side wall 211 in this embodiment. The first heat conducting member 30 is arranged between any side of the circumferential side wall of the battery cell 210 and the phase change member 20, that is, the first heat conducting member 30 is arranged between the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210 and the phase change member 20. Such an arrangement exchanges heat through the surface with the largest surface area of the battery cell 210, that is, the first side wall 211, improving the heat exchange rate and heat exchange effect on the battery cell 210.

[0076] Specifically, the heat exchange assembly 10 is disposed on one side of the battery pack 200 along the second direction. A part of the second heat conducting member 40 is disposed on either side of the battery cell 210 along the first direction, that is, on the first side wall 211, and another part is disposed between one side of the battery cell 210 along the second direction and the heat exchange assembly 10, that is, on the third side wall 213, so that the second heat conducting member 40 can transfer the heat of the battery cell 210 to the heat exchange assembly 10 through the surface with the largest surface area, that is, the first side wall 211 and the third side wall 213 together, and exchange heat with the heat exchange assembly 10, improving the heat exchange rate and heat exchange effect on the battery cell 210.

[0077] In some alternative embodiments, when the thermal management device 100 includes the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40: the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are spaced apart, that is, the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are of a split structure. The first heat conducting member 30 is disposed on the side wall of the phase change member 20 facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210, that is, the first side wall 211, and the first heat conducting member 30 can be thermally connected to at least part of the battery cell 210; at least part of the second heat conducting member 40 is disposed on the side wall of the heat exchange assembly 10 facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210. Specifically, a part of the second heat conducting member 40 is disposed on the third side wall 213, and another part is disposed on the first side wall 211, and the second heat conducting member 40 can be thermally connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210. Such an arrangement can achieve the heat conduction function between the battery cell 210 and the phase change member 20 by the first heat conducting member 30, and the heat conduction function between the battery cell 210 and the heat exchange assembly 10 by the second heat conducting member 40.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, which are the solutions in this embodiment, when the thermal management device 100 includes the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40: The first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are connected to each other. At this time, the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 can be a split structure or an integrally formed structure. The first heat conducting member 30 is disposed on the side wall of the phase change member 20 facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210, that is, the first side wall 211, and the first heat conducting member 30 can conduct heat connection with at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210; The second heat conducting member 40 is disposed on the side wall of the heat exchange assembly 10 facing the battery cell 210, that is, the third side wall 213, and the second heat conducting member 40 can conduct heat connection with the first heat conducting member 30. Such a setting can not only achieve the heat conduction effect between the first heat conducting member 30 for the battery cell 210 and the phase change member 20, and the heat conduction effect between the second heat conducting member 40 for the battery cell 210 and the heat exchange assembly 10. Moreover, the volume of the second heat conducting member 40 can be reduced, so that the second heat conducting member 40 does not need to be connected to the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210 anymore, and the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210 can be conductively connected to the heat exchange assembly 10 through the first heat conducting member 30, reducing the volume and quantity of components, and also reducing the space occupancy rate of the second heat conducting member 40 on the side wall of the battery cell 210, improving the space utilization rate.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first heat conducting member 30 and the first side wall 211 of the battery cell 210 are adhesively connected through an adhesive such as double-sided tape to achieve the stability of the connection between the first heat conducting member 30 and the battery cell 210, and the phase change member 20, the first heat conducting member 30 and the battery cell 210 are completely fitted through the extrusion pressure of the battery cell 210 in a group, further improving the heat exchange effect between the first heat conducting member 30 and the battery cell 210, and at the same time improving the heat exchange effect between the first heat conducting member 30 and the phase change member 20.

[0080] In some embodiments, a thermal conductive adhesive is further provided between the second heat conducting member 40 and the heat exchange assembly 10 for the conductive connection between the battery cell 210 and the heat exchange assembly 10, that is, the connection between the battery cell 210 and the heat exchange assembly 10 in the height direction is only achieved through the pressure of the heat exchange assembly 10. The setting of the thermal conductive adhesive further ensures the effectiveness of the contact surface between the second heat conducting member 40 and the heat exchange assembly 10, and thus ensures the heat exchange effect between the second heat conducting member 40 and the heat exchange assembly 10.

[0081] Optionally, both the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are made of high thermal conductivity materials such as ultra-thin heat pipes, graphene films, gold films, silver films, copper films, etc., and the heat conduction effects of the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 can be achieved.

[0082] Exemplarily, both the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are selected as ultra-thin vapor chambers, with a thickness less than 1 mm, which have an ultra-high heat conduction coefficient, can quickly transfer heat, and reduce the temperature difference at different positions. Moreover, at least one phase change medium capable of undergoing a liquid-gas phase reaction at a preset temperature / preset temperature range is filled in the ultra-thin vapor chamber to achieve its excellent heat conduction effect.

[0083] Taking the heat generation of the battery cell 210 as the heat source that needs to be dissipated and cooled as an example, the heat transfer medium circulation in the heat exchange assembly 10 serves as the cold source. The first heat conducting member 30 connected to the second heat conducting member 40 contacts the heat source. When the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are separately arranged, or when they are integrally arranged but the phase change media inside the two heat conducting members are separately arranged, the liquid phase change medium in each heat conducting member absorbs heat and evaporates into a gas phase change medium. The gas phase change medium flows upward and approaches the cold source to release heat and turns into a liquid phase change medium. The liquid phase change medium reflows under capillary action, and so on in a cycle, then the heat conduction of the battery cell 210 can be achieved. Similarly, if the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are integrally arranged and there is only one phase change medium inside and it is located in one chamber, the liquid phase change medium absorbs heat at the battery cell 210, evaporates into a gas phase change medium. The gas phase change medium flows upward to the position near the cold source in the second heat conducting member 40 to release heat and turns into a liquid phase change medium. The liquid phase change medium reflows under capillary action to the surface of the battery cell 210, and so on in a cycle, then the heat conduction of the battery cell 210 can be achieved.

[0084] In some embodiments, the phase change member 20 is a solid phase change structure, which includes a supporting substrate and a phase change material filled in the supporting substrate; exemplarily, the supporting substrate is selected as a graphene material, and the phase change material is selected as an inorganic phase change material in the form of particles at room temperature, paraffin, etc. The graphene material has micro-nano cavities, and the phase change material is filled in the micro-nano cavities. By regulating the composition and dosage of the phase change material, etc., the heat enthalpy value of the phase change member 20 can reach up to 200 J / g at most, the heat absorption performance is improved by 140% compared with traditional phase change materials, and it has excellent heat conduction performance, can achieve rapid heat response, and has both heat conduction and heat storage functions to improve the temperature uniformity of the battery cell 210.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6, in this embodiment, the heat exchange component 10 is a liquid cooling component. The liquid cooling component includes at least one liquid cooling tube 11, a liquid inlet tube 12, and a liquid outlet tube 13. The liquid cooling tube 11 is heat exchange connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210 and is also heat exchange connected to the phase change member 20. The liquid cooling tube 11 is provided with two communication ports, and the heat exchange medium can flow in from one communication port and flow out from the other communication port. The liquid inlet tube 12 is connected to one of the communication ports of the liquid cooling tube 11, and the liquid inlet tube 12 can be connected to the liquid outlet of an external thermal management unit to supply the heat exchange medium to the liquid cooling tube 11. The liquid outlet tube 13 is connected to the other communication port of the liquid cooling tube 11, and the liquid outlet tube 13 can be connected to the liquid return port of the external thermal management unit to return the heat exchanged heat exchange medium to the thermal management unit, so that the heat exchange medium circulates in the liquid cooling tube 11, that is, the heat exchange medium cooled by the thermal management unit exchanges heat with the battery cell 210 through the liquid cooling tube 11 and then flows back to the thermal management unit to be reheated, so as to continuously exchange heat with the battery cell 210.

[0086] Specifically, the liquid cooling tube 11 includes at least one corrugated tube 111 and two header pipes 112. Communication ports are formed on the header pipes 112. The two header pipes 112 are respectively connected to both ends of the corrugated tube 111. The corrugated tube 111 covers at least part of the phase change member 20 and at least part of the corresponding outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210 for heat exchange between the corrugated tube 111 and the phase change member 20 and the battery cell 210 respectively. By heat exchange connection between the corrugated tube 111 and the corresponding outer peripheral wall of the battery cell 210, structures such as liquid cooling plates are reduced, the weight of the heat exchange component 10 is greatly reduced, and the battery cell 210 can be fully heat exchanged with the heat exchange medium in the liquid cooling tube 11.

[0087] It can be understood that the number of liquid cooling tubes 11 and the number of corrugated tubes 111 are both set according to the arrangement of the battery cells 210 to ensure that each battery cell 210 and phase change member 20 can be correspondingly connected to a corrugated tube 111.

[0088] Exemplarily, the corrugated tubes 111 in this embodiment are correspondingly arranged with the phase change members 20, that is, a corrugated tube 111 is provided at the top in the middle of every two rows of battery cells 210, so that a corrugated tube 111 can simultaneously contact and exchange heat with two rows of battery cells 210, reducing the number of corrugated tubes 111 provided, reducing costs, and improving space utilization.

[0089] Moreover, since each battery cell 210 has a terminal 214, and in a square shell battery, the terminal 214 is disposed on the side wall of the square shell battery along the Z direction, i.e., the third side wall 213. When the corrugated tube 111 contacts at least a part of the top wall of the battery cell 210, it may contact the terminal 214, making it impossible to separate the water and electricity. Therefore, optionally, the corrugated tube 111 is spaced apart from the terminal 214, that is, the corrugated tube 111 is arranged to avoid the terminal 214, so as to ensure water and electricity separation and improve the safety of using the thermal management device 100.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 7 , in some embodiments, a plurality of partitions 113 are provided in the corrugated tube 111, so that at least one flow channel 114 is provided in the corrugated tube 111, that is, the corrugated tube 111 not only has one flow channel 114, but also can be provided with a plurality of flow channels 114 by appropriately arranging the partitions 113, so as to improve the structural strength of the corrugated tube 111 and the flow rate of the heat exchange medium.

[0091] In some embodiments, the flow channel 114 of the corrugated tube 111 is in the form of a parallel mouth-shaped structure, which is beneficial to reducing the flow resistance of the heat exchange medium in the liquid cooling tube 11 and increasing the flow rate of the heat exchange medium.

[0092] In some embodiments, the connection between the liquid inlet pipe 12 and the communication port, and the connection between the liquid outlet pipe 13 and the communication port are both realized through the joint 14.

[0093] Optionally, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium of different liquid cooling tubes 11 can be distributed according to the inner diameter of the joint 14, so as to meet the different heat dissipation requirements of different regions of the battery pack 200.

[0094] In some embodiments, both the liquid inlet pipe 12 and the liquid outlet pipe 13 are formed by welding multiple sections of pipelines. Such an arrangement enables the heat exchange assembly 10 to adaptively increase the liquid cooling tubes 11 and the corresponding pipelines of the liquid inlet pipe 12 and the liquid outlet pipe 13 as the number of battery cells 210 increases, facilitating the rapid construction of the heat exchange assembly 10, saving the development cost and cycle, and improving the adaptability of the heat exchange assembly 10.

[0095] This embodiment also provides a battery module, which includes a housing, at least one battery pack 200, and the thermal management device 100 provided in any of the above solutions. The housing is provided with a receiving cavity; the battery pack 200 is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the battery pack 200 includes at least one battery cell 210; the thermal management device 100 is disposed in the receiving cavity and on one side of the battery pack 200, and the thermal management device 100 is used for heat exchange with each battery cell 210. By providing the thermal management device 100, rapid heat exchange with each battery cell 210 can be achieved, with a high heat transfer rate, a small temperature gradient of the battery cell 210, and a small occupied space, so that the volume of the battery pack 200 is increased, and the energy density of the battery module is improved. Moreover, the thermal management device 100 is installed on the top of the battery pack 200. When a thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 210, the heat transfer medium in the heat exchange assembly 10 can also delay the spread of heat from the battery cell 210, improving the safety of the battery module.

[0096] Optionally, a structural adhesive 400 is provided between the battery pack 200 and the receiving cavity to fix the battery pack 200 to the housing, reducing the number of structural components such as bolts and panels, and improving the space utilization rate and energy density of the battery module.

[0097] In some embodiments, there are at least two battery packs 200, and a heat insulation member 500 is provided between two adjacent battery packs 200. Such a setting insulates and flame-retards between the battery packs 200, so that when a thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell 210, the heat spread to other battery packs 200 can be slowed down, improving the safety of the battery module.

[0098] In some embodiments, at least a part of the outer peripheral wall of each battery cell 210 is provided with a buffer member 600; exemplarily, along the thickness direction of the battery cell 210, a buffer member 600 is provided on the side where the phase change member 20 is not provided on the battery cell 210, that is, in each battery pack 200, two battery cells 210 are taken as a group, and a buffer member 600 is provided between each group of battery cells 210, so as to provide a buffer space for the battery pack 200 in its thickness direction, leaving a space for the expansion of the battery cell 210 after a long operation cycle.

[0099] Please refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 9, this embodiment also provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes a box body 300 and at least one battery module of any of the above solutions, and the battery module is arranged in the box body 300; alternatively, the battery pack includes a box body 300, at least one battery pack 200, and a thermal management device 100 provided by any of the above solutions; the battery pack 200 is arranged in the box body 300, and the battery pack 200 includes at least one battery cell 210; the thermal management device 100 is arranged in the box body 300 and on one side of the battery pack 200, and the thermal management device 100 is used for heat exchange with each battery cell 210.

[0100] For the battery pack of this embodiment, by arranging the thermal management device 100 provided by any of the above solutions, the cooling temperature uniformity effect on each battery cell 210 can be improved, the temperature gradient of the battery cell 210 can be reduced, and the weight and space occupation ratio of the thermal management device 100 are greatly reduced, thereby improving the energy density of the battery of the battery pack; moreover, the thermal management device 100 is installed on the top of the battery pack 200. When a thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 210, the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange assembly 10 can also delay the spread of the heat of the battery cell 210, improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0101] Embodiment Two

[0102] This embodiment provides a thermal management device 100 and a battery pack. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment One lies in that the first direction, the second direction, the shape of the battery cell 210, the shape of the first heat conducting member 30, the shape of the second heat conducting member 40, and the shape of the phase change member 20 are different.

[0103] The first direction in this embodiment is Figure 10 the X direction or the Y direction in

[0104] Please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , specifically, the shape of the battery cell 210 is cylindrical, that is, a cylindrical battery. The phase change member 20 is arranged on at least part of the circumferential side wall of the battery cell 210. The first heat conducting member 30 is arranged between at least part of the phase change member 20 and the circumferential side wall of the battery cell 210. The second heat conducting member 40 is arranged on any side wall of the battery cell 210 along the second direction, that is, the side wall of the battery cell 210 facing the heat exchange assembly 10. The first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are connected. Through the arrangement of the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40, heat exchange can be carried out between the battery cell 210 and the phase change member 20, and heat exchange can also be carried out between the battery cell 210 and the heat exchange assembly 10.

[0105] Of course, in other embodiments, the shape of the battery cell 210 is cylindrical, i.e., a cylindrical battery. The phase change member 20 is disposed on at least a part of the circumferential sidewall of the battery cell 210. The first heat conducting member 30 is disposed between the phase change member 20 and at least a part of the circumferential sidewall of the battery cell 210. A part of the second heat conducting member 40 is disposed on either sidewall of the battery cell 210 along the second direction, i.e., the sidewall of the battery cell 210 facing the heat exchange assembly 10, and another part of the second heat conducting member 40 is disposed on at least a part of the circumferential sidewall of the battery cell 210. The first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40 are spaced apart. By arranging the first heat conducting member 30 and the second heat conducting member 40, heat exchange can be achieved between the battery cell 210 and the phase change member 20, and heat exchange can also be achieved between the battery cell 210 and the heat exchange assembly 10.

[0106] Specifically, when the battery pack 200 includes a plurality of battery cells 210 arranged only along the X direction or only along the Y direction, the setting position of the phase change member 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment, i.e., the phase change member 20 is disposed between the outer peripheral walls of two adjacent battery cells 210.

[0107] When the battery pack 200 includes a plurality of battery cells 210 arranged along the X direction and the Y direction to form an array structure, the phase change member 20 is disposed in the gap formed by enclosing at least three battery cells 210 or between the outer peripheral walls of two adjacent battery cells 210; it can be adaptively set according to actual requirements.

[0108] Please refer to Figures 10 to 12 , for example, every four battery cells 210 form a group, and the four battery cells 210 are arranged in two rows and two columns. A phase change member 20 is provided between the four battery cells 210, which can not only achieve the dual cooling and temperature equalization effects on the battery cells 210, but also reduce the number of structures, reduce the weight, and improve the heat exchange effect of the battery cells 210 in the battery pack.

[0109] Please refer to Figure 12 , optionally, the first heat conducting member 30 can also cover the entire outer periphery of the battery cell 210. At the same time, the phase change member 20 is provided between each battery cell 210 to achieve a more comprehensive heat exchange and temperature equalization effect on the battery cell 210.

[0110] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation manners of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various obvious changes, re-adjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all the implementation manners here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management device, characterized in that: Arranged on one side of a battery pack (200), the thermal management device (100) comprises: A heat exchange component (10) is arranged on one side of the battery pack (200) and is capable of heat exchange connection with at least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of each battery cell (210) in the battery pack (200), and a heat exchange medium circulates in the heat exchange component (10) to perform heat exchange on the battery cell (210); at least one phase change element (20) capable of heat exchange connection with at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210), so that each battery core (210) can be heat exchange connected with at least one phase change element (20), and the phase change element (20) is used to absorb and store heat from the battery core (210) or release heat from the battery core (210); The phase change element (20) is connected to the heat exchange component (10) for heat exchange.

2. The thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange component (10) is a liquid cooling component, and the liquid cooling component comprises: At least one liquid cooling tube (11) is heat-exchange connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210) and is heat-exchange connected to the phase change element (20); the liquid cooling tube (11) is provided with two connecting ports, and the heat exchange medium can flow in from one connecting port and flow out from the other connecting port; A liquid inlet pipe (12) connected to one of the connecting ports of the liquid cooling pipe (11), the liquid inlet pipe (12) being connectable to a liquid outlet of an external thermal management unit so as to supply heat exchange medium to the liquid cooling pipe (11); The liquid outlet pipe (13) is connected to another connecting port of the liquid cooling pipe (11), and the liquid outlet pipe (13) can be connected to the liquid return port of the external thermal management unit to return the heat exchange medium after heat exchange to the thermal management unit.

3. The thermal management device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid cooling tube (11) comprises at least one harmonica tube (111) and two collecting tubes (112); the collecting tube (112) is provided with the connecting port; the two collecting tubes (112) are respectively connected to two ends of the harmonica tube (111); the harmonica tube (111) covers at least a portion of the phase change element (20) and at least a portion of a corresponding outer peripheral wall of the battery cell (210), so that the harmonica tube (111) can exchange heat with the phase change element (20) and the battery cell (210) respectively.

4. The thermal management device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermal management device (100) further comprises a first heat conducting member (30), wherein the first heat conducting member (30) is heat-conductively connected to a side wall of the phase change member (20) facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210), and the first heat conducting member (30) can be heat-conductively connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210); and / or, The thermal management device (100) further comprises a second heat conducting member (40), at least a portion of the second heat conducting member (40) being heat-conductively connected to a side wall of the heat exchange assembly (10) facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210), and the second heat conducting member (40) can be heat-conductively connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210).

5. The thermal management device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the heat management device (100) comprises the first heat conducting member (30) and the second heat conducting member (40): The first heat-conducting member (30) and the second heat-conducting member (40) are arranged at intervals, the first heat-conducting member (30) is arranged on the side wall of the phase change member (20) facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210), and the first heat-conducting member (30) can be thermally connected to at least part of the battery core (210); at least part of the second heat-conducting member (40) is arranged on the side wall of the heat exchange component (10) facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210), and the second heat-conducting member (40) can be thermally connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210); or, The first heat-conducting member (30) and the second heat-conducting member (40) are connected to each other; the first heat-conducting member (30) is arranged on the side wall of the phase change member (20) facing the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210), and the first heat-conducting member (30) can be thermally connected to at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery core (210); the second heat-conducting member (40) is arranged on the side wall of the heat exchange component (10) facing the battery core (210), and the second heat-conducting member (40) can be thermally connected to the first heat-conducting member (30).

6. The thermal management device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A heat-conducting glue is also provided between the second heat-conducting member (40) and the heat-exchange assembly (10) for heat-conducting connection between the battery core (210) and the heat-exchange assembly (10).

7. The thermal management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A plurality of the phase change elements (20) are arranged at intervals along a first direction; all the battery cells (210) in the battery pack (200) are arranged along the first direction and have an outer peripheral wall along the first direction; the side wall of the phase change element (20) along the first direction can be heat exchangeably connected with at least part of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell (210) along the first direction; The heat exchange component (10) is arranged on one side of the battery pack (200) along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; the heat exchange component (10) can be respectively connected to at least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the battery cell (210) along the first direction and the side wall of the phase change element (20) along the second direction for heat exchange.

8. A battery module, characterized in that: include: A housing having a receiving cavity; At least one battery pack (200) is disposed in the accommodating cavity, the battery pack (200) comprising at least one battery cell (210); The thermal management device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is arranged in the accommodating cavity and located on one side of the battery pack (200), and the thermal management device (100) is used to exchange heat for each of the battery cells (210).

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The battery packs (200) are provided with at least two, and a heat insulating member (500) is provided between two adjacent battery packs (200); and / or, At least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of each battery cell (210) is provided with a buffer (600).

10. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack comprises a box (300) and at least one battery module according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the battery module is arranged in the box (300); or, The battery pack comprises a housing (300), at least one battery pack (200), and a thermal management device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery pack (200) is arranged in the housing (300), the battery pack (200) comprises at least one battery cell (210), the thermal management device (100) is arranged in the housing (300) and is located on one side of the battery pack (200), and the thermal management device (100) is used to perform heat exchange on each of the battery cells (210).

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