Battery module

Abstract

According to the battery module provided by the invention, the bottom of the battery cell is fixed with the box bottom, the top of the battery cell is fixed with the fixing frame, and the fixing frame is connected with the box wall and is supported on the box bottom by virtue of the box wall, so that the top of the battery cell is also fixed with the box body. According to the scheme, the top and the bottom of the battery cell can be reliably fixed, the overall safety of the battery module is improved, and the space between the battery cell and the accommodating groove is less occupied by the scheme, so that the space can be used for filling a liquid medium, and the battery module can be suitable for a direct contact type immersed battery cell heat management scheme.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, for cylindrical battery modules that use indirect contact cooling with a cold plate, the battery cells are fixed in the following manner: the bottom of the battery cell is connected to the battery cell holder by gluing, the side of the battery cell is connected to the cold plate by thermally conductive glue, and the remaining parts not connected to the cold plate are connected by foam glue, thereby achieving the fixation of the battery cell. However, when the thermal management method of the cylindrical battery module is direct contact immersion liquid cooling, the conventional fixing method is no longer applicable, because the battery cell and the casing are mainly fixed by foam glue. The space between the battery cell and the casing is filled with foam glue, resulting in no space for the liquid medium, and the foam glue cannot achieve an ideal fixing effect in the liquid medium. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application provides a battery module, which can achieve reliable fixation of the top and bottom of the battery cell and can be applied to a direct contact immersion battery cell thermal management solution.

[0004] The present application provides a battery module, comprising:

[0005] A box body, the box body comprising a box bottom and a box wall, the box bottom and the box wall jointly defining a receiving groove;

[0006] A fixing frame connected to the box wall and supported above the box bottom by the box wall;

[0007] The battery cell is arranged in the receiving groove, the bottom of the battery cell is connected to the bottom of the box, and the top of the battery cell is connected to the fixing frame.

[0008] Optionally, a first electrode is provided on the top of the battery cell, and the fixing frame is provided with a first electrode hole, and the first electrode hole is arranged opposite to the first electrode so that the first electrode is exposed from the first electrode hole.

[0009] Optionally, the fixing frame is provided with fixing positions around the first electrode hole, and the battery cell is fixedly connected to the fixing frame via the fixing positions.

[0010] Optionally, the fixing position is a gluing hole, and two gluing holes are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first electrode hole.

[0011] Optionally, a support surface is provided on the top surface of the box wall, and an edge of the fixing frame overlaps the support surface and is fixedly connected to the support surface.

[0012] Optionally, holes are provided on the edge of the fixing frame, and the fixing frame is fixedly connected to the supporting surface via adhesive in the holes.

[0013] Optionally, a second electrode hole is provided on the bottom of the box, and the second electrode hole is arranged opposite to the second electrode of the battery cell, so that the second electrode is exposed from the second electrode hole.

[0014] Optionally, a glue groove is provided around the second electrode hole, and the battery cell is fixedly connected to the bottom of the box through the adhesive in the glue groove.

[0015] Optionally, the bottom of the box is provided with a limiting groove matching the shape of the battery cell, and the battery cell is arranged in the limiting groove.

[0016] Optionally, an upper cover is further included, which is arranged on the top of the box body and is sealed with the box body.

[0017] Optionally, the receiving tank is filled with a liquid medium.

[0018] Advantages and beneficial effects of this application:

[0019] The battery module provided by this application has the bottom of the battery cell fixed to the bottom of the box, and the top of the battery cell fixed to the fixing frame. Since the fixing frame is connected to the box wall and supported on the box bottom by the box wall, the top of the battery cell is also fixed to the box body. Through this solution, the top and bottom of the battery cell can be reliably fixed, improving the overall safety of the battery module. In addition, this solution takes up less space between the battery cell and the receiving tank, allowing this space to be filled with liquid medium, making it suitable for direct contact immersion battery cell thermal management solutions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 An exploded view of a battery module provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the battery module shown;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery module shown.

[0024] Icon: box body 100, second electrode hole 101, glue groove 102, enclosure wall 103, sealing groove 104, battery cell 200, first electrode 201, second electrode 202, fixing frame 300, first electrode hole 301, hole position 302, glue hole 303, upper cover 400, liquid medium 500. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0026] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but rather merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientations or positional relationships in which the utility model product is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used solely to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] It should also be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] An immersion-type thermal management solution for battery cells involves direct contact between the battery cells in the battery module and a liquid medium. The cells are immersed in the liquid medium, which removes heat from the cells for cooling, or heats the cells through the liquid medium to achieve thermal management. Because the immersion liquid is in direct contact with the cells, thermal management performance is greatly improved, minimizing temperature differences between cells during charge and discharge, thereby extending the life of the battery module. Furthermore, if a single cell experiences thermal runaway, the immersion liquid can quickly remove the heat, reducing the risk of heat spread within the battery module.

[0031] To ensure effective thermal management, the battery cell should be in contact with the liquid medium over as large an area as possible. The battery cell fixing method used in related technologies cannot meet this requirement because the battery cell and the housing are mainly fixed by foam glue. The space between the battery cell and the housing is filled with foam glue, resulting in no space for the liquid medium. Moreover, the foam glue cannot achieve an ideal fixing effect in the liquid medium.

[0032] This application provides a battery module that can be applied to an immersion-type battery cell thermal management solution, so that the battery cell is well fixed in a liquid medium. Figure 1-3 , Figure 1-3 An embodiment of the battery module provided by the present application is shown.

[0033] In one embodiment, the battery module provided herein may include a housing 100, a mounting bracket 300, and battery cells 200. The housing 100 may include a bottom and walls. The walls may surround the bottom, and the bottom and walls together define a receiving slot that provides a receiving space of a certain depth. The mounting bracket 300 may be connected to the walls and supported at a certain height by the walls. In other words, the mounting bracket 300 may be mounted on the receiving slot, with its edges connected to the walls, thereby being fixed at a certain height within the receiving slot with the support of the walls. The battery cells 200 may be disposed in the receiving slot. Specifically, the bottom of the battery cells 200 may be connected to the bottom, and the top of the battery cells 200 may be connected to the mounting bracket 300. In one embodiment, there may be multiple battery cells 200, and multiple battery cells 200 may be arranged in the receiving slot, for example, in a plurality of rows of battery cells 200, each row of battery cells 200 consisting of multiple battery cells 200 arranged in a straight line.

[0034] The battery module provided by this application has the bottom of the battery cell fixed to the bottom of the box, and the top of the battery cell fixed to the fixing frame. Since the fixing frame is connected to the box wall and supported on the box bottom by the box wall, the top of the battery cell is also fixed to the box body. Through this solution, the top and bottom of the battery cell can be reliably fixed, improving the overall safety of the battery module. In addition, this solution takes up less space between the battery cell and the receiving tank, allowing this space to be filled with liquid medium, making it suitable for direct contact immersion battery cell thermal management solutions.

[0035] It should be noted that the fixed connection or fixation of the two components described in this application means that the two components can form a fixed effect after being connected. As to whether this connection is detachable or non-detachable, this application does not limit it. That is, the two components are connected and fixed by a detachable method such as screws, which also belongs to the fixed connection or fixation of the two components described in this application.

[0036] The battery cell 200 includes a first electrode 201 and a second electrode 202, one of which is the positive electrode of the battery cell 200 and the other is the negative electrode of the battery cell 200. The first electrode 201 can be set at the top of the battery cell 200, and the second electrode 202 can be set at the bottom of the battery cell 200. Taking the cylindrical battery cell 200 as an example, the cylindrical battery cell 200 is provided with a protruding positive electrode on the top and a negative electrode on the bottom. A first electrode hole 301 can be provided on the fixing frame 300, and the first electrode hole 301 can be arranged opposite to the first electrode 201 of the battery cell 200 so that the first electrode 201 is exposed from the first electrode hole 301. Correspondingly, a second electrode hole 102 can be provided on the bottom of the box, and the second electrode hole 102 is arranged opposite to the second electrode 202 of the battery cell 200 so that the second electrode 202 is exposed from the second electrode hole 102. By providing the first electrode hole 301 and the second electrode hole 102 , the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cells 200 can be exposed without being blocked, thereby facilitating the series-parallel connection of the battery cells 200 .

[0037] In one embodiment, the fixing frame 300 may be a plate-shaped structure, which is fixedly connected to the box wall through an edge region and fixedly connected to the top of the battery cell 200 through other regions other than the edge region.

[0038] There are many ways to fix the fixing frame 300 to the box wall. In one example, the fixing frame 300 can overlap the top of the box wall, that is, the top of the box wall can be provided with a support surface, so that the edge of the fixing frame 300 can overlap the support surface. Figure 3 As shown, a hole 302 can be opened on the edge of the fixing frame 300, and glue can be applied to the hole 302, so that the fixing frame 300 can be fixed to the box wall through the adhesive in the hole 302. Here, the hole 302 can be as follows Figure 2The waist-shaped holes shown can of course be holes of other shapes, and this application is not limited thereto. In another example, the fixing bracket 300 may not be disposed on the top surface of the receiving slot. For example, a transverse groove may be provided in the box wall below the top surface of the receiving slot, and a latch block may be provided on the edge of the fixing bracket 300. The latch block is inserted into the transverse groove to connect the fixing bracket 300 to the box wall.

[0039] There are many ways to fix the fixing frame 300 to the top of the battery cell 200. In one embodiment, a fixing position can be set around the first electrode hole 301 of the fixing plate, and the battery cell 200 is connected to the fixing frame 300 through the fixing position. In one example, the fixing position can be a fixing hole, and the top surface of the battery cell 200 can be connected to the fixing plate through the fixing hole. For example, a fixing piece such as a screw can be passed through the fixing hole to connect to the top surface of the battery cell 200, or glue can be applied in the fixing hole to fix the fixing frame 300 and the battery cell 200 through the adhesive in the fixing hole. Figure 3 As shown, the fixing holes can be glue holes 303. Two glue holes 303 can be set on opposite sides of each first electrode hole 301. In this way, both sides of the top surface electrode of the battery cell 200 can be fixed to the fixing frame 300 through the adhesive in the glue holes 303, and the top of the battery cell 200 can be better fixed. Here, the glue holes 303 can be arc-shaped openings, and of course they can also be openings of other shapes, which are not limited in this application.

[0040] In other examples, the fixing position may not be a hole structure, for example, it may be a flat structure, and by applying glue on the top surface of the battery cell 200, the fixing position is directly fixed to the top surface of the battery cell 200 with a flat surface. In another example, the fixing position may also be provided with a snap structure, and the snap structure cooperates with the corresponding snap structure on the top surface of the battery cell 200 to achieve fixation between the fixing frame 300 and the battery cell 200.

[0041] There are various ways to secure the bottom of the battery cell 200 to the bottom of the box. In one embodiment, a glue groove 103 can be provided around the second electrode hole 102 in the bottom of the box. After the glue groove 103 is filled with adhesive, the bottom of the battery cell 200 can be securely connected to the bottom of the box via the adhesive, and the adhesive connection also achieves a seal between the bottom of the battery cell 200 and the bottom of the box. In other embodiments, through-holes can be provided in the bottom of the box, and screws or other fasteners can be inserted through the through-holes to secure the bottom of the battery cell 200 to the bottom of the box.

[0042] To prevent the battery cell 200 from shifting within the receiving slot, in one embodiment, a retaining groove matching the shape of the battery cell 200 is provided on the bottom of the box body 100, and the battery cell 200 is placed within the retaining groove. Specifically, a retaining wall 104 can be provided on the bottom of the box. The retaining wall 104 is a raised structure higher than the bottom of the box, which encloses a retaining groove matching the shape of the bottom of the battery cell 200. The bottom of the battery cell 200 is inserted into the retaining groove and is restrained by the retaining groove to prevent displacement.

[0043] In one embodiment, the battery module further includes an upper cover 400, which is disposed on top of the box body 100 and is sealed therewith. There are various ways to achieve a sealed connection, such as providing a sealing groove 105 on the top of the box wall, which can be filled with sealant or provided with a sealing ring. Once the upper cover 400 is placed on top of the box wall, a seal can be achieved.

[0044] It is understood that the receiving tank can be filled with a liquid medium, which can cool or heat the battery cell 200. In addition, the battery module can also be designed with a flow channel for the liquid medium to flow. When the battery module is in operation, a liquid pump and a heat exchanger arranged outside the battery module can be used to circulate the liquid medium within the battery module to achieve temperature regulation of the battery cell 200.

[0045] In one embodiment, the housing 100 may be made of plastic and may be injection molded. In one embodiment, the fixing frame 300 may be made of plastic, such as PC+ABS, and may be injection molded. In one embodiment, the adhesive described above may be a structural adhesive. In one embodiment, the battery cell 200 may be a cylindrical battery cell 200.

[0046] The battery module provided by this application has the bottom of the battery cell fixed to the bottom of the box, and the top of the battery cell fixed to the fixing frame. Since the fixing frame is connected to the box wall and supported on the box bottom by the box wall, the top of the battery cell is also fixed to the box body. Through this solution, the top and bottom of the battery cell can be reliably fixed, improving the overall safety of the battery module. In addition, this solution takes up less space between the battery cell and the receiving tank, allowing this space to be filled with liquid medium, making it suitable for direct contact immersion battery cell thermal management solutions.

[0047] As long as there are no conflicts or contradictions in the technical features provided in the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can combine the various technical features according to actual circumstances to form various embodiments. While this application is limited in length and does not describe the various embodiments in detail, it is understood that the various embodiments also fall within the scope of the embodiments disclosed in this application.

[0048] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: include: A box body, the box body comprising a box bottom and a box wall, the box bottom and the box wall jointly defining a receiving groove; A fixing frame connected to the box wall and supported above the box bottom by the box wall; The battery cell is arranged in the receiving groove, the bottom of the battery cell is connected to the bottom of the box, and the top of the battery cell is connected to the fixing frame.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A first electrode is provided on the top of the battery cell, and a first electrode hole is provided on the fixing frame. The first electrode hole is arranged opposite to the first electrode so that the first electrode is exposed from the first electrode hole.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixing frame is provided with fixing positions around the first electrode hole, and the battery cell is fixedly connected to the fixing frame via the fixing positions.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing position is a glue hole, and two glue holes are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first electrode hole.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The top surface of the box wall is provided with a supporting surface, and the edge of the fixing frame overlaps the supporting surface and is fixedly connected to the supporting surface.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: Holes are provided on the edge of the fixing frame, and the fixing frame is fixedly connected to the supporting surface via adhesive in the holes.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box bottom is provided with a second electrode hole, and the second electrode hole is arranged opposite to the second electrode of the battery cell so that the second electrode is exposed from the second electrode hole.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: A glue groove is provided around the second electrode hole, and the battery cell is fixedly connected to the box bottom through the adhesive in the glue groove.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The box bottom is provided with a limiting groove matching the shape of the battery core, and the battery core is arranged in the limiting groove.

10. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: It also includes an upper cover, which is arranged on the top of the box body and is sealed with the box body.

11. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The receiving tank is filled with a liquid medium.

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