Battery module

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery module, which mainly solves the problem that the existing battery pack has potential safety hazards. The battery module comprises a battery pack and a pressure-bearing shell, the pressure-bearing shell comprises a cylinder with two open ends and two end plates arranged at the open ends of the cylinder in a sealed mode. The battery pack comprises a plurality of single batteries, and the single batteries are arranged in the pressure-bearing shell in the x direction and are connected in series; a heat exchange device is arranged at the top of each single battery and is insulated from each single battery; the heat exchange device is provided with a heat exchange channel through which an insulated heat exchange medium passes; and the insulated heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel is in direct contact with the polar terminals of the single batteries for heat exchange. The battery pack adopts a direct heat exchange mode, and the insulating heat exchange medium directly acts on the polarity terminals, so that the insulating heat exchange medium has a shorter heat exchange path, the utilization efficiency of the insulating heat exchange medium is further improved, the temperature control effect of the battery pack is improved, and the probability of thermal runaway of the battery pack is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to the battery field, and specifically relates to a battery module. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, a plurality of single batteries are connected in series to form a battery pack, and the battery pack has the characteristics of high integration and high energy density. However, due to the high concentration of single batteries in the battery pack, a large amount of heat is generated during charging and discharging, and the heat gradually increases. If the generated heat is not released in time, the heat will accumulate, causing uneven temperature of the battery pack, thereby reducing the service life of the battery pack. In severe cases, the thermal balance of the single batteries in the battery pack is destroyed, leading to thermal runaway of the battery pack. After the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, it is easy to catch fire and even explode, causing safety hazards. SUMMARY

[0003] The utility model provides a kind of battery module, mainly solve the problem that existing battery pack exists safety hazard.

[0004] To solve the above problems, the technical scheme provided by the utility model is as follows:

[0005] A battery module includes a battery pack and a pressure-containing shell. The pressure-containing shell is a closed pressure shell, including a cylinder with two open ends and two end plates sealed at the open ends of the cylinder. The battery pack includes a plurality of single batteries arranged in the pressure-containing shell along the x-direction and connected in series by an electrical connection assembly. The pressure-containing shell is provided with a heat exchange device arranged at the top of each single battery. The heat exchange device is insulated from each single battery. The heat exchange device has an insulation heat exchange medium passing through the heat exchange channel. The insulation heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel directly contacts the polar terminals of each single battery for heat exchange.

[0006] Further, the heat exchange device includes a connecting pipe assembly. Each single battery has a through channel in the polar terminal. The connecting pipe assembly connects the channels in the polar terminals of adjacent single batteries to form a heat exchange channel. The connecting pipe assembly is insulated from each single battery polar terminal.

[0007] Further, both ends of the channel are provided with a fixed part connected to the sidewall of the polar terminal and connected to the connecting pipe assembly. The inner wall of the channel is provided with a heat-conducting rib plate for increasing the heat exchange area.

[0008] Further, the heat exchange device comprises a plurality of sub heat exchange devices, each of which is arranged at the top of each single battery, and each of the sub heat exchange devices comprises at least one heat exchange pipe, each of which has a first channel extending in the x direction and at least one second channel; the polar terminals of each single battery are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly in the z direction after penetrating through each sub heat exchange device, the first channels of the sub heat exchange devices of adjacent single batteries are communicated to form a heat exchange channel; and part of the structure of the polar terminals of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and directly contacts with the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0009] Further, the sub heat exchange device comprises two heat exchange pipes arranged in the y direction, each of which is provided with a first channel and a second channel; the first channel penetrates in the x direction; the second channel penetrates in the z direction and is communicated to the first channel; the two polar terminals of the single battery are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly after penetrating through the second channels of the two heat exchange pipes, respectively, and the two ports of the second channel are sealed between the polar terminals.

[0010] Further, the heat exchange device comprises at least one heat exchange plate, which has a first channel extending in the x direction and at least one group of second channels arranged in the x direction, the first channel in the heat exchange plate serving as a heat exchange channel, and each second channel penetrates in the z direction and is communicated to the first channel; the polar terminals of each single battery are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly in the z direction after penetrating through the second channels, respectively, and part of the structure of the polar terminals of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and directly contacts with the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0011] Further, the heat exchange device comprises two heat exchange plates arranged in the y direction; each of the heat exchange plates is provided with a first channel and a plurality of second channels arranged in the x direction; the first channel penetrates in the x direction; each second channel penetrates in the z direction and is communicated to the first channel; each heat exchange plate corresponds to the polar terminals of all single batteries located on the same side in the battery pack, and each polar terminal is electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly after penetrating through the second channel on the heat exchange plate, and the two ports of the second channel are sealed between the polar terminals.

[0012] Further, the electrical connection assembly comprises a first electrical connection member and a second electrical connection member, the polar terminals of adjacent single batteries with different polarities are electrically connected through the first electrical connection member; two second electrical connection members are electrically connected to the polar terminals of single batteries with different polarities at both ends of the battery pack, respectively; and two electrical connection terminals are fixedly arranged on the pressure-bearing shell, and the two second electrical connection members are electrically connected to the two electrical connection terminals one by one, respectively.

[0013] Further, the heat exchange device is connected to the external pipeline through an adapter pipe, and the adapter pipe is integrally fixed on the end plate.

[0014] Further, the end plate comprises a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate arranged in parallel, the first sealing plate is used for sealing the open end of the cylinder body, and the first sealing plate is provided with a blast releasing mechanism, and the second sealing plate is used for clamping the single battery in the x direction.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the technical scheme of the utility model are:

[0016] 1. In the battery module, an insulation heat exchange medium passes through a heat exchange channel arranged at the top of each single battery, and the heat exchange channel mainly exchanges heat with the polarity terminal of the single battery with relatively concentrated heat, so as to realize reliable temperature control of each single battery in the battery pack. The battery pack adopts a direct heat exchange mode, the insulation heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel directly contacts the polarity terminal of the single battery, the insulation heat exchange medium directly acts on the polarity terminal, the insulation heat exchange medium has a short heat exchange path, and therefore the utilization efficiency of the insulation heat exchange medium is improved, the heat exchange efficiency of the battery pack is improved, the temperature control effect of the battery pack is improved, the probability of thermal runaway of the battery pack is reduced, and the safety of the battery pack during use is improved.

[0017] Meanwhile, a pressure-bearing shell is additionally arranged outside the battery pack, the pressure-bearing shell has a certain pressure-bearing capacity, when the single battery is in thermal runaway, the high-temperature and high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas and electrolyte generated by the single battery can be collected in the pressure-bearing shell, the harm of the high-temperature and high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas and electrolyte to surrounding devices after leakage is avoided, and the safety of the battery pack during use is further improved.

[0018] 2. In the battery module, a channel penetrating through the polarity terminal is arranged on the polarity terminal of each single battery, and the channel of the polarity terminal of the adjacent single battery is communicated by the connecting pipe assembly to form the heat exchange channel. Both ports of the channel are provided with a fixing part, the fixing part realizes quick and reliable connection between the polarity terminal and the connecting pipe assembly; meanwhile, a heat conduction rib plate for increasing the heat exchange area is arranged on the inner wall of the channel, the heat conduction rib plate can increase the contact area of the insulation heat exchange medium and the polarity terminal, and therefore the heat exchange area is increased, and the heat exchange effect is further improved.

[0019] 3. In the battery module, the heat exchange device adopts a split structure, that is, the top of each single battery is respectively provided with a sub heat exchange device, and the sub heat exchange devices of the adjacent single batteries are communicated with each other to form the heat exchange channel; the structure of arranging the sub heat exchange device on the single battery facilitates installation of the heat exchange device and the single battery, and also facilitates sealing of the heat exchange device and the polarity terminal of the single battery.

[0020] 4. The battery module of the utility model, the sub heat exchange device includes two heat exchange pipe fittings arranged along the y direction, so that each single battery top is respectively provided with two heat exchange pipe fittings, each heat exchange pipe fitting is very convenient to install when being installed with the single battery, only the sub heat exchange device and the single battery one polarity terminal can be installed, at the same time, the sub heat exchange device and the single battery one polarity terminal can be sealed, and the sealing is very convenient and reliable.

[0021] 5. The battery module of the utility model, the battery pack top is provided with the heat exchange device that exchanges heat with the polarity terminal of all single batteries in the battery pack, the heat exchange device adopts the heat exchange plate of integral structure, relative to the structure that the sub heat exchange device is arranged on the single battery respectively, the overall sealing is better, and it is also convenient for processing and manufacturing.

[0022] 6. The battery module of the utility model, the pressure-containing shell adopts the cylinder with two open ends and the end plate arranged at the open end of the cylinder, in the pressure-containing shell of this structure, the cylinder is conveniently integrally formed by extrusion, so that the pressure resistance of the cylinder is better, and simultaneously, the end plate on both sides is convenient for installing the second electric connection piece of the battery pack and the adapter pipe of the heat exchange channel. When connecting, the adapter pipe is integrally formed on the end plate, and simultaneously, the two electric connection terminals of the battery pack are fixedly arranged on the pressure-containing shell. The adapter pipe and the electric connection terminal are fixedly arranged on the pressure-containing shell, further ensuring the pressure resistance of the pressure-containing shell.

[0023] 7. The battery module of the utility model, the end plate includes the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate, by adjusting the size of the second sealing plate in the x direction, so that the end plate clamps all single batteries in the x direction, prevents each single battery from swelling, and improves the stability of each single battery in the pressure-containing shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is the schematic view of the battery module in embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 2 It is the explosion view of the battery module in embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 3 It is the structural schematic view of the pressure-containing shell provided with the limiting boss in embodiment 1;

[0027] Figure 4 It is the structural schematic view of the end plate in embodiment 1;

[0028] Figure 5 It is the structural schematic view of the single battery and the electric connection assembly in embodiment 1;

[0029] Figure 6 It is the structural schematic view of the single battery polarity terminal provided with the channel in embodiment 1;

[0030] Figure 7 Structure diagram of heat exchange channel provided on the top of each monomer battery in Example 1;

[0031] Figure 8 Explosive diagram of connection of each monomer battery and sub connecting pipe in Example 1;

[0032] Figure 9 Sectional view of connection of each monomer battery and sub connecting pipe in Example 1;

[0033] Figure 10 Structure diagram of fixed part provided on the polarity terminal of monomer battery in Example 1 Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 11 Explosive diagram of connection of polarity terminal of each monomer battery and sub connecting pipe in Example 1;

[0035] Figure 12 Structure diagram of fixed part provided on the polarity terminal of monomer battery in Example 1 Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 13 Structure diagram of channel provided on the polarity terminal of monomer battery in Example 2 Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 14 Structure diagram of heat exchange device provided on the top of monomer battery in Example 2 Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 15 Structure diagram of channel provided on the polarity terminal of monomer battery in Example 2 Figure 2 ;

[0039] Figure 16 Structure diagram of heat exchange device provided on the top of monomer battery in Example 2 Figure 3 ;

[0040] Figure 17 Structure diagram of communication of heat exchange devices provided on the top of each monomer battery in Example 2;

[0041] Figure 18 Sectional view of heat exchange device provided on the top of monomer battery in Example 2 Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 19 Sectional view of heat exchange device provided on the top of monomer battery in Example 2 Figure 2 ;

[0043] Figure 20 Diagram of heat exchange device including two half pipes in Example 2;

[0044] Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchange device including two half-pipes in Example 2;

[0045] Figure 22 A schematic view of the heat exchange device including one half-pipe in Example 2;

[0046] Figure 23 A structural schematic view of the single battery provided with an explosion vent branch in Example 2;

[0047] Figure 24 A structural schematic view of the battery pack provided with a channel in Example 3 Figure 1 ;

[0048] Figure 25 A structural schematic view of the heat exchange plate in Example 3 Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 26 A structural schematic view of the battery pack provided with a channel in Example 3 Figure 2 ;

[0050] Figure 27 A structural schematic view of the heat exchange plate in Example 3 Figure 2 ;

[0051] Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchange device provided on the top of the battery pack in Example 3.

[0052] Fig. 1 is a structural schematic view of a battery pack; Fig. 2 is a structural schematic view of a pressure-bearing shell; Fig. 3 is a structural schematic view of an electrical connection assembly; Fig. 4 is a structural schematic view of an adapter pipe; Fig. 5 is a structural schematic view of an L-shaped connecting rib; Fig. 6 is a structural schematic view of a single battery; Fig. 7 is a structural schematic view of a sub-connection pipe; Fig. 8 is a structural schematic view of a heat exchange pipe fitting; Fig. 9 is a structural schematic view of a heat exchange plate; Fig. 10 is a structural schematic view of a first channel; Fig. 11 is a structural schematic view of a second channel; Fig. 12 is a structural schematic view of an O-shaped sealing ring; Fig. 13 is a structural schematic view of an explosion vent branch; Fig. 14 is a structural schematic view of an explosion vent; Fig. 15 is a structural schematic view of a connecting pipe segment; Fig. 16 is a structural schematic view of a polarity terminal; Fig. 17 is a structural schematic view of a channel; Fig. 18 is a structural schematic view of a fixing portion; Fig. 19 is a structural schematic view of a heat-conducting rib plate; Fig. 20 is a structural schematic view of a cylinder body; Fig. 21 is a structural schematic view of an end plate; Fig. 22 is a structural schematic view of a limiting protrusion; Fig. 23 is a structural schematic view of a first sealing plate; Fig. 24 is a structural schematic view of a second sealing plate; Fig. 25 is a structural schematic view of a first electrical connection fitting; Fig. 26 is a structural schematic view of a second electrical connection fitting; and Fig. 27 is a structural schematic view of an electrical connection terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In order to make the above objectives, characteristics and advantages of the present application more apparent, a detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present application will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all the other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor should belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0054] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be practiced according to other embodiments that are not specifically described in the following description and can be practiced according to the claims, which are not limited to the specific embodiments described in the following description.

[0055] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the positions or relationships indicated by the terms "top, bottom" and the like in the description are based on the positions or relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific position, be constructed and operated in a specific position, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first, second, third, etc." are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0056] The present application provides a battery module, in order to reduce the probability of thermal runaway of each single battery in the battery module, a heat exchange device is arranged on the top of each single battery, the heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes, the heat exchange device mainly exchanges heat with the polarity terminal where heat is more concentrated in each single battery, and a direct heat exchange mode is adopted during heat exchange, that is, part of the structure of the polarity terminal is directly placed in the heat exchange device, so that the polarity terminal is directly in contact with the insulating heat exchange medium. Compared with the indirect heat exchange mode, the direct heat exchange mode has a shorter heat exchange path, and the insulating heat exchange medium directly acts on the polarity terminal of each single battery, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the insulating heat exchange medium and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the battery pack. In addition, in order to reduce the harm after the thermal runaway of the battery pack, a pressure-resistant pressure-bearing shell capable of resisting pressure is additionally arranged on the outside of each single battery, the pressure-bearing shell has a certain pressure-bearing capacity, and when the single battery is in thermal runaway, the high-temperature and high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas and electrolyte sprayed from the single battery can be collected in the pressure-bearing shell, thereby avoiding the harm caused by the leakage of high-temperature and high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas to the surrounding devices. Under the joint action of the above pressure-bearing shell and heat exchange channel, such a battery module has higher safety performance.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the battery module provided by the embodiment includes a battery pack 1 and a pressure-bearing shell 2; the pressure-bearing shell 2 is a closed pressure shell, specifically including a cylinder 21 with both ends open and two end plates 22 sealingly arranged at the open ends of the cylinder 21. The battery pack 1 includes a plurality of single batteries 11, the number of single batteries 11 can be adjusted according to actual needs, the plurality of single batteries 11 are arranged in the same direction in the pressure-bearing shell 2 and are connected in series through an electrical connection assembly 3, the pressure-bearing shell is insulated from each single battery, the insulation can be specifically an insulation layer arranged on the inner wall of the pressure-bearing shell, or an insulation layer added to the shell of each single battery, or an insulation pad added between the single battery and the pressure-bearing shell; at the same time, the pressure-bearing shell 2 is provided with a heat exchange device, the heat exchange device is arranged at the top of each single battery 11, and the heat exchange device is insulated from each single battery, and the insulation here specifically means that the heat exchange device is insulated from the polar terminal of each single battery 11 and the part of the shell of each single battery in contact. The heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which an insulation heat exchange medium passes, and the insulation heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel directly contacts the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 for heat exchange.

[0059] The insulation heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange channel to directly contact the polar terminal 111, so as to realize temperature control of the battery pack 1. When the temperature of the battery pack 1 is higher than a set threshold, the battery pack 1 is cooled by introducing insulation heat exchange medium with a lower temperature into the heat exchange channel; when the temperature of the battery pack 1 is lower than the set threshold, the battery pack 1 is heated by introducing insulation heat exchange medium with a higher temperature into the heat exchange channel; by controlling the temperature of the insulation heat exchange medium, the battery pack 1 can always operate at a normal working temperature.

[0060] For ease of description, the arrangement direction of the single battery 11 is defined as the x direction, the height direction of the single battery 11 is defined as the z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the x direction and the z direction is defined as the y direction.

[0061] The heat exchange device and the heat exchange channel in the embodiment are realized through the following structure:

[0062] As shown in Figure 6 The heat exchange device includes a connecting pipe assembly, the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is provided with a channel 112 penetrating the polar terminal 111 in the x direction, the connecting pipe assembly connects the channels 112 on the polar terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 to form a heat exchange channel, and the connecting pipe assembly is insulated from the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11.

[0063] The polar terminal 111 described herein can be a monomer battery 11 pole, and when the monomer battery 11 pole height does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter can also be connected to the monomer battery 11 pole, and the monomer battery 11 pole and the pole adapter are matched as a whole. The polar terminal 111 of the monomer battery 11. The polar terminal 111 of the embodiment is the pole of the monomer battery 11, which is higher in height than the conventional monomer battery 11 pole.

[0064] The shape of the polar terminal 111 of each monomer battery 11 is not limited in this embodiment, and the cross section can be square, circular or the like. At the same time, the cross section of the channel 112 is not limited, and the channel 112 with a relatively regular structure such as a circular or square cross section can be generally used. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the channel 112 of the embodiment is not too large, provided that it does not affect the conductivity of the polar terminal 111; the cross-sectional area of the channel 112 is also not too small, so that the heat exchange area is too small to affect the heat exchange effect. The cross-sectional area of the channel 112 can be increased as much as possible under the premise of not affecting the conductivity of the polar terminal 111, so as to increase the heat exchange area and improve the heat exchange effect.

[0065] In combination with Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , it can be seen that the connecting pipe assembly of the embodiment includes a plurality of sub-connecting pipes 12; the two ends of each sub-connecting pipe 12 are connected with the channels 112 of the polar terminals 111 of the adjacent monomer batteries 11 located on the same side, forming two heat exchange channels at the top of the battery pack 1. At the same time, the sub-connecting pipe 12 connects the channels 112 of the two polar terminals 111 of the outermost monomer battery 11 in the battery pack 1, realizes the series connection of the two heat exchange channels, forms a U-shaped heat exchange channel, and the free ends of the two polar terminals 111 of the other outermost monomer battery 11 (herein, the free end refers to the port of the channel 112 without connecting the sub-connecting pipe 12) can be directly used as two ports of the U-shaped heat exchange channel. The two ports of the U-shaped heat exchange channel are used as the liquid inlet and outlet ports, respectively.

[0066] In other embodiments, the two heat exchange channels can be connected in parallel, that is, the ports on one side of the two heat exchange channels are used as liquid inlet ports, and the ports on the other side of the two heat exchange channels are used as liquid outlet ports.

[0067] As Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in order to facilitate connection with external pipeline, the embodiment also connects an adapter pipe 4 at the free end of the polar terminal 111 channel 112 as the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end, and the connection with external pipeline is realized through the adapter pipe 4. When the adapter pipe 4 is installed, it is connected with the external pipeline through the pressure-bearing shell 2. In order to further ensure the pressure-bearing performance of the pressure-bearing shell 2, the adapter pipe 4 is integrally connected to the end plate 22, for example, the adapter pipe 4 can be welded to the end plate 22. At the same time, the non-connection part of the adapter pipe 4 has a certain flexibility, based on the deformation of the adapter pipe 4, the adapter pipe 4 can be connected with the end plate 22 and the polar terminal 111 respectively, and the sealing connection of the adapter pipe 4 with the channel of the corresponding polar terminal 111 is also facilitated.

[0068] As shown in the drawings, Figure 9 When the sub-connection pipe 12 is made of a hard material pipe segment, the channels 112 on the polar terminals 111 of the adjacent single batteries 11 must be coaxial in order to achieve effective connection. However, in some cases, due to the existence of machining errors, it is difficult to ensure the coaxiality of the channels 112 on the polar terminals 111 of the adjacent single batteries 11, therefore, the non-connection part of the sub-connection pipe 12 (here, the non-connection part refers to the part of the sub-connection pipe 12 that is not connected with the port of the channel 112, and can also be understood as the middle segment of the sub-connection pipe 12) is preferably flexible, based on the deformation of the sub-connection pipe 12, the above machining errors are overcome, and the sealing connection of the sub-connection pipe 12 with the port of the corresponding channel 112 is facilitated.

[0069] In addition, in order to make the connection of the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 and the sub-connection pipe 12 more reliable, a fixing part 113 can also be provided on the side wall of the above-mentioned polar terminal 111, which can adopt the following structure:

[0070] First, the fixing part 113 is an annular boss integrally formed on the side wall of the polar terminal 111 and protruding from the side wall of the polar terminal 111, and the channel 112 passes through the annular boss;

[0071] As shown in the drawings, Figure 10 The annular boss includes a first annular boss, and the outer wall circumferential dimension of the first annular boss is adapted to the inner wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connection pipe 12, that is, the outer wall circumferential dimension of the first annular boss is consistent with or slightly smaller than the inner wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connection pipe 12;

[0072] As shown in the drawings, Figure 11As shown, when connected, the sub-connection pipe 12 is sleeved on the outer wall of the first annular boss to realize the communication of the passages 112 between the single batteries 11. Specifically, the sub-connection pipe 12 can be sleeved on the first annular boss through interference fit. The fixing part 113 of this structure can increase the heat exchange area through which the insulating heat exchange medium passes, and also facilitates quick and reliable connection with the sub-connection pipe 12.

[0073] b. The annular boss comprises a second annular boss, and the inner wall circumferential dimension of the second annular boss is adapted to the outer wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connection pipe 12, i.e. the inner wall circumferential dimension of the second annular boss is consistent with or slightly smaller than the outer wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connection pipe 12;

[0074] When connected, the sub-connection pipe 12 is embedded into the inner wall of the second annular boss to realize the communication of the passages 112 between the single batteries 11. Specifically, the sub-connection pipe 12 can be inserted into the second annular boss through interference fit;

[0075] c. The annular boss comprises a first annular boss and a second annular boss, the outer wall circumferential dimension of the first annular boss is adapted to the inner wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connection pipe 12, and the inner wall circumferential dimension of the second annular boss is adapted to the outer wall circumferential dimension of the sub-connection pipe 12;

[0076] When connected, the sub-connection pipe 12 is clamped in the annular groove between the first annular boss and the second annular boss. At this time, the inner wall of the sub-connection pipe 12 is in contact with the outer wall of the first annular boss, and the outer wall of the sub-connection pipe 12 is in contact with the inner wall of the second annular boss. The fixing part 113 of this structure can fix the inner wall and the outer wall of the sub-connection pipe 12 at the same time, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the sub-connection pipe 12 and the polar terminal 111. Meanwhile, the fixing part 113 of this structure forms multiple sealed contact surfaces between the sub-connection pipe 12 and the fixing part 113, thereby further improving the sealing and reliability of the connection.

[0077] Second, as shown in Figure 12 The fixing part 113 is an annular groove arranged on the side wall of the polar terminal 111.

[0078] The shape of the annular groove is similar to that of the sub-connection pipe 12, and the groove width of the annular groove is consistent with or slightly smaller than the wall thickness of the sub-connection pipe 12. The groove width of the annular groove specifically refers to the radial dimension of the annular groove. When connected, the end of the sub-connection pipe 12 is embedded in the annular groove. Compared with the structure in which the fixing part 113 is an annular boss, the fixing part 113 of this structure can be machined on the existing polar terminal 111, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the polar terminal 111.

[0079] In addition, since the heat exchange channel flows with the insulating heat exchange medium, the sealing of the entire heat exchange channel is particularly important. In order to ensure the sealing of the heat exchange channel, the sub-connection pipe 12 and the fixed part 113 of the corresponding polarity terminal 111 are connected in an interference fit manner. In other embodiments, a sealing ring can be additionally arranged between the two to further improve the sealing performance of the connection part. When the sub-connection pipe 12 is made of metal, the connection and sealing of the polarity terminal 111 and the sub-connection pipe 12 can also be achieved by welding. However, attention should be paid to the insulation between the polarity terminal 111 and the sub-connection pipe 12.

[0080] As shown in Figure 10 In order to further optimize the heat exchange effect, the embodiment can further arrange a plurality of heat-conducting rib plates 114 in the channel 112. The plurality of heat-conducting rib plates 114 are uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the channel 112, and each heat-conducting rib plate 114 extends in the axial direction of the channel 112. The heat-conducting rib plate 114 can increase the contact area between the insulating heat exchange medium and the polarity terminal 111, that is, increase the heat exchange area, and thus can effectively improve the heat exchange effect. In other embodiments, according to the size of the channel 112, the number and arrangement of the heat-conducting rib plates 114 can be adjusted, provided that the flow of the insulating heat exchange medium is not affected.

[0081] It should be noted that:

[0082] 1. Since the polarity terminal 111 of the utility model directly contacts with the insulating heat exchange medium, the ideal insulating heat exchange medium should have good insulation, high specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity, good flame retardant performance, low cost, suitable working temperature, long service life, non-corrosive and other characteristics. In the utility model, the insulating heat exchange medium is the common insulating heat exchange medium in the prior art, which can be but is not limited to insulating oil and fluorinated liquid.

[0083] 2. Since the above-mentioned sub-connection pipe 12 directly contacts with the polarity terminal 111, the sub-connection pipe 12 and the two polarity terminals 111 connected thereto must be insulated. The insulation can be achieved in the following ways:

[0084] 2.1, selecting an insulating material for the sub-connection pipe 12;

[0085] 2.2, using a non-insulating material for the sub-connection pipe 12, which can be insulated, for example, by spraying insulating paint, wrapping insulating film, etc. The inner wall of the channel 112 connected to the sub-connection pipe 12 can also be insulated, for example, by spraying insulating paint, etc. An insulating sleeve can also be additionally arranged between the sub-connection pipe 12 and the channel 112. Of course, in order to be on the safe side, multiple insulation methods can be combined to achieve the insulation between the sub-connection pipe 12 and the polarity terminal 111 of the channel 112.

[0086] 2.3, if the pressure shell 2 is made of metal material, also need to achieve the insulation between the adapter pipe 4 and the polarity terminal 111, can be used similar to the insulation of the sub-connection pipe 12 to achieve the corresponding insulation treatment.

[0087] When assembling the battery pack 1, the connection pipe assembly is used to connect the channels 112 on the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11, and then the electrical connection assembly 3 is used to realize the electrical connection between each single battery 11. As shown in the figure, the electrical connection assembly 3 in this embodiment includes a first electrical connection piece 31 and a second electrical connection piece 32, the first electrical connection piece 31 is used to realize the series connection between each single battery 11 in the battery pack 1, and the second electrical connection piece 32 realizes the electrical connection between the battery pack 1 and the external equipment. Each single battery 11 in the battery pack 1 can be connected in series by the following method: Figure 5

[0088] First, the positive polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 are located on the same side, and the negative polarity terminals 111 are located on the other side;

[0089] The polarity terminals 111 of different polarity of adjacent single batteries 11 are electrically connected through the first electrical connection piece 31 arranged obliquely, and one of the polarity terminals of the first and last single batteries 11 is connected with a second electrical connection piece 32, and the two second electrical connection pieces 32 pass through the pressure shell 11 and are respectively used as the electrical connection terminals 33 (the two electrical connection terminals are respectively used as the total positive and total negative of the battery pack) of the battery pack 1;

[0090] Second, the polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 located on the same side are different in polarity, that is, the positive polarity terminal of one of the two adjacent single batteries 11 and the negative polarity terminal of the other single battery 11 are located on the same side of the battery pack 1. At this time, the polarity terminals of the two adjacent single batteries 11 located on the same side are opposite in polarity, and the polarity terminals of different polarity of adjacent single batteries 11 are electrically connected through the first electrical connection piece 31 arranged along the arrangement direction of the single batteries. One of the polarity terminals of the first and last single batteries is connected with a second electrical connection piece 32, and the two second electrical connection pieces 32 pass through the pressure shell 11 and are respectively used as the electrical connection terminals 33 (the two electrical connection terminals are respectively used as the total positive and total negative of the battery pack) of the battery pack 1;

[0091] The above-mentioned first electrical connection piece 31 is generally an electrical connection plate, which can be welded on the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 when electrically connected with the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11, or a screw can be used to fix the electrical connection plate on the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 to realize electrical connection.

[0092] ​The second electric connecting piece 32 is two, and is electrically connected with the polarity terminal 111 of the single battery 11 at both ends of the battery pack 1. Then, the two second electric connecting pieces 32 pass through the pressure bearing shell 2, and are used as the electric connecting terminal 33 of the whole battery pack 1. The pressure bearing shell 2 is provided with a through hole through which the second electric connecting piece 32 passes. After the second electric connecting piece 32 passes through the pressure bearing shell 2, the second electric connecting piece 32 is used as the electric connecting terminal 33 of the whole battery pack 1 and the external equipment.

[0093] When the second electric connecting piece 32 passes through the pressure bearing shell 2 and is used as the external electric connecting terminal 33, the second electric connecting piece 32 needs to be insulated from the pressure bearing shell 2. Specifically, the non-electric connecting part of the second electric connecting piece 32 can be insulated by, for example, spraying insulating paint, wrapping insulating film, etc. The inner wall of the through hole of the pressure bearing shell 2 can also be insulated by, for example, spraying insulating paint, etc. An insulating sleeve can also be additionally arranged between the pressure bearing shell 2 and the second electric connecting piece 32. Of course, in order to be safe, multiple insulation methods can be combined to realize the insulation between the second electric connecting piece 32 and the pressure bearing shell 2.

[0094] As shown in Figure 2 The pressure bearing shell 2 in the embodiment is a closed pressure shell, which mainly integrates and installs the battery pack 1 and also protects the safety of the battery pack 1. Unlike the shell of the general battery pack 1, the pressure bearing shell 2 in the utility model is a closed pressure shell, which can withstand a certain pressure. When the thermal runaway of the single battery 11 occurs, the pressure bearing shell 2 can ensure that the thermal runaway smoke gas does not leak from the pressure bearing shell 2, thereby avoiding the harm to the devices near the battery module.

[0095] The shape and size of the pressure bearing shell 2 can be designed according to the application scene of the battery module, and the pressure bearing shell 2 in the embodiment is a rectangular shell, which includes a barrel 21 with two open ends and an end plate 22 covering the open end of the barrel 21. The front and rear parts of the barrel 21 are both open, and one end plate 22 is sealed and fixed (welded) to the open end of the front part of the barrel 21, and the other end plate 22 is sealed and fixed (welded) to the open end of the rear part of the barrel 21. The pressure bearing shell 2 has good pressure bearing performance, the barrel 21 is integrally formed by extrusion process, so that the pressure bearing performance of the barrel 21 is good, and the end plates 22 on both sides are convenient for installing the adapter pipe 4 and the second electric connecting piece 32 of the battery pack 1.

[0096] As shown in Figure 3As shown, the top plate of the barrel 21 is provided with a limiting boss 211 for limiting the height of each single battery 11. The limiting boss 211 limits each single battery 11 in the z direction, so that each single battery 11 is stably and reliably installed in the pressure-bearing shell 2, improving the stability of each single battery 11 in the pressure-bearing shell 2, avoiding shaking and friction between the battery pack 1 and the pressure-bearing shell 2 during transportation or in a moving environment, and reducing the probability of thermal runaway of the battery pack 1.

[0097] As shown in Figure 4 The end plate 22 is mainly used to seal the open end of the barrel 21, and is provided with an explosion venting mechanism 23. The thermal runaway smoke in the pressure-bearing shell 2 is discharged out of the pressure-bearing shell 2 through the explosion venting mechanism 23. The end plate 22 in this embodiment includes a first sealing plate 221 and a second sealing plate 222. By adjusting the size of the second sealing plate 222 in the x direction, the end plate 22 can clamp all single batteries 11 in the x direction, preventing each single battery 11 from swelling and improving the stability of each single battery 11 in the pressure-bearing shell 2.

[0098] In other embodiments, the end plate 22 can also be realized by a sealing plate. The pressure-bearing performance of the end plate 22 of this structure is relatively weak compared to the above-mentioned structure.

[0099] In addition, the pressure-bearing shell has a certain pressure-bearing capacity. To ensure the pressure-bearing performance of the entire pressure-bearing shell, two electrical connection terminals 33 are additionally fixed on the pressure-bearing shell as the total positive and total negative of the battery pack. The two second electrical connections 32 are respectively and correspondingly electrically connected to the two electrical connection terminals 33. When the electrical connection terminals 33 are arranged on the end plate 22 of the pressure-bearing shell, the second electrical connections 32 need to have a certain flexibility to be able to be bent in the pressure-bearing shell. During assembly, the second electrical connections 32 are first electrically connected to the single battery polarity terminals, and then the end plate 22 is placed near the open end of the barrel, and the second electrical connections 32 are correspondingly electrically connected to the two electrical connection terminals 33. Since the second electrical connections 32 are flexible and can be bent in the pressure-bearing shell, the sealing connection between the end plate 22 and the barrel 21 can be finally performed after the second electrical connections 32 are connected to the electrical connection terminals 33.

[0100] Finally, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the end plate 22 is provided with a venting mechanism 23, and the thermal runaway smoke in the pressure-containing shell 2 is discharged from the pressure-containing shell 2 through the venting mechanism 23. The venting mechanism 23 specifically includes a venting pipe and a venting membrane, the venting pipe is connected with the venting port on the end plate 22, and the venting membrane is arranged on the venting pipe or the venting port. The venting mechanism 23 can ensure that when the single battery 11 in the pressure-containing shell 2 is in thermal runaway, the thermal runaway smoke in the single battery 11 can be orderly discharged from the pressure-containing shell 2.

[0101] When the battery module with the above structure is assembled, first, a plurality of single batteries 11 are arranged in the same direction, and the connecting pipe assembly connects the channels 112 on the polar terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 to form a heat exchange channel; then, the electrical connection between the single batteries 11 is realized through the electrical connection assembly 3; secondly, the entire battery pack is pushed into the inner cavity of the cylinder body 21 from the side of the cylinder body 21, and the connection between the adapter pipe 4, the second electrical connection 32 and the end plates on both sides is performed; after the adapter pipe 4, the second electrical connection 32 and the end plate 22 are insulated and sealed, finally, the end plate 22 and the cylinder body 21 are sealed.

[0102] Embodiment 2

[0103] The battery module in this embodiment is similar to the battery module in Embodiment 1, and the structure of the heat exchange device in this embodiment is different from that in Embodiment 1. The heat exchange device in this embodiment is realized through the following structure:

[0104] As shown in Figure 13 and Figure 15 The heat exchange device in this embodiment includes a plurality of sub-heat exchange devices, and each single battery 11 is provided with a sub-heat exchange device at the top, and the sub-heat exchange devices of adjacent single batteries are connected to form a heat exchange channel. The polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is electrically connected with the electrical connection assembly 3 after penetrating the sub-heat exchange device at the top in the z direction, and at least part of the structure of the polar terminal 111 is located in the sub-heat exchange device and directly contacts with the insulating heat exchange medium. The insulation between the sub-heat exchange device and the adjacent single battery 11 is realized, and the insulation specifically refers to the insulation between the sub-heat exchange device and the part of the polar terminal of each single battery 11 and the part of the shell of each single battery 11.

[0105] In this embodiment, a sub-heat exchange device is arranged at the top of each single battery 11, and the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is electrically connected with the electrical connection assembly 3 after penetrating the sub-heat exchange device at the top in the z direction, and at least part of the structure of the polar terminal 111 is located in the sub-heat exchange device and directly contacts with the insulating heat exchange medium. Based on the battery pack 1 constructed by such single batteries 11, the sub-heat exchange devices of each single battery 11 can be connected, and a heat exchange channel is formed at the top of the battery module to heat the battery module.

[0106] The sub heat exchange device in the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] a, as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the sub heat exchange device includes two heat exchange pipe fittings 13 arranged along the y direction, each heat exchange pipe fitting 13 is provided with a first channel 15 and a second channel 16; the first channel 15 penetrates along the x direction; the second channel 16 penetrates along the z direction and is communicated with the first channel 15; the two polar terminals 111 of each single battery 11 correspondingly pass through the second channels 16 on the two heat exchange pipe fittings 13 and are electrically connected with the electrical connection assembly 3, and the two ports of the second channel 16 are sealed with the polar terminals 111;

[0108] b, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the sub heat exchange device includes one heat exchange pipe fitting 13, each heat exchange pipe fitting 13 is provided with a first channel 15 and two second channels 16 arranged along the y direction; the first channel 15 penetrates along the x direction; the second channel 16 penetrates along the z direction and is communicated with the first channel 15; the two polar terminals 111 of each single battery 11 correspondingly pass through the two second channels 16 on the heat exchange pipe fitting 13 and are electrically connected with the electrical connection assembly 3, and the two ports of the second channel 16 are sealed with the polar terminals 111;

[0109] c, as shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21 , the sub heat exchange device includes two heat exchange pipe fittings 13 arranged along the y direction, the heat exchange pipe fitting 13 is a half pipe, which can be understood as being divided into two halves along the axial direction of the whole pipe, each half is a half pipe, the half pipe is buckled and sealed and fixed on the upper cover plate of the single battery 11, each heat exchange pipe fitting 13 is provided with a first channel 15 and a second channel 16; the first channel 15 penetrates along the x direction; the second channel 16 penetrates along the z direction and is communicated with the first channel 15; the two polar terminals 111 of each single battery 11 correspondingly pass through the second channels 16 on the two heat exchange pipe fittings 13 and are electrically connected with the electrical connection assembly 3, and one port of the second channel 16 is sealed with the polar terminal 111;

[0110] d, as shown in Figure 22 , the sub heat exchange device includes one heat exchange pipe fitting 13, the heat exchange pipe fitting 13 is a half pipe, the half pipe is buckled and sealed and fixed on the upper cover plate of the single battery 11, each heat exchange pipe fitting 13 is provided with a first channel 15 and two second channels 16 arranged along the y direction; the first channel 15 penetrates along the x direction; the second channel 16 penetrates along the z direction and is communicated with the first channel 15; the two polar terminals 111 of each single battery 11 correspondingly pass through the two second channels 16 on the heat exchange pipe fitting 13 and are electrically connected with the electrical connection assembly 3, and one port of the second channel 16 is sealed with the polar terminal 111.

[0111] When the battery pack 1 is installed, the heat exchange pipes 13 of adjacent single batteries 11 are communicated with each other, the cavities of the communicated sub heat exchange devices are used as heat exchange channels, and heat exchange between the single batteries 11 is realized. The cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange pipe 13 is not specifically limited, and the heat exchange pipe 13 in the embodiment is arranged on the top of the single battery 11 in a planar shape. Considering the structural regularity, the heat exchange pipe 13 in the embodiment is a rectangular pipe or a rectangular half pipe. In other embodiments, a circular pipe or a pipe with other structures can also be used.

[0112] As shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19 , the first channel 15 is a channel 112 arranged along the length direction of the heat exchange pipe 13, and the two end ports of the first channel 15 are used as the inlet end and the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe 13. Sealing plates can also be fixed at the two end ports of the first channel 15, and openings are arranged on the sealing plates as the inlet end and the outlet end of the heat exchange plate 14.

[0113] The second channel 16 is used for the partial structure of the polarity terminal 111 to pass through, and in the embodiment, the second channel 16 is perpendicular to the first channel 15. In addition, in the z direction (the height direction of the single battery 11), the size of the second channel 16 is smaller than the size of the corresponding polarity terminal 111, so that the top of the polarity terminal 111 as the electrical connection part can protrude out of the second channel 16.

[0114] The port shape of the second channel 16 in the embodiment is matched with the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111, the shape of the port of the second channel 16 is circular, the cross section of the polarity terminal 111 is also circular, and the diameter of the two ports of the second channel 16 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the polarity terminal 111; in other embodiments, the shape of the two ports of the second channel 16 can be different from the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111, as long as the polarity terminal 111 can be inserted into the second channel 16 and can be sealed.

[0115] When the battery module is constructed, the heat exchange pipes 13 of the single batteries 11 on the same side can be communicated, two heat exchange channels are formed on the top of the battery pack 1, the two heat exchange channels can be connected in parallel or in series, and the heat exchange of the battery pack 1 is realized based on the two heat exchange channels.

[0116] As shown in Figure 17As shown, when connected, a connecting pipe section 131 can be connected to the inlet end or outlet end of the heat exchange pipe 13. Taking the inlet end as an example, the connecting pipe section 131 of one heat exchange pipe 13 can be inserted into the outlet end of another heat exchange pipe 13 to realize the communication of the two adjacent heat exchange pipes 13, and the connecting position of the connecting pipe section 131 and the other heat exchange pipe 13 needs to be sealed. In addition, the inlet and outlet of each heat exchange pipe 13 can be provided with a connecting pipe section 131, and the connecting pipe section 131 of one heat exchange pipe 13 and the connecting pipe section 131 of the other heat exchange pipe 13 are sealed and inserted into each other.

[0117] In addition, since the heat exchange pipe 13 flows with insulating heat exchange medium, the sealing performance of the heat exchange pipe 13 is particularly important. In order to ensure the sealing performance of the heat exchange pipe 13, as shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, two annular grooves extending along the circumferential direction of the polar terminal 111 are formed on each polar terminal 111, and the two annular grooves are arranged along the z direction. An O-shaped sealing ring 17 is embedded in each annular groove, and the outer circle of each O-shaped sealing ring 17 is pressed against the two ports of the second channel 16, thereby achieving sealing and improving the stability of the heat exchange pipe 13.

[0118] In other embodiments, when the heat exchange pipe 13 is made of metal, the polar terminal 111 and the top port of the second channel 16 can be sealed by welding (the top port mentioned here is the port close to the electrical connection part of the polar terminal 111, and the welding method can further improve the stability of the heat exchange pipe 13 on the polar terminal 111). An insulating pad is arranged between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the top of the single battery 11 to insulate the heat exchange pipe 13 from the top of the single battery 11.

[0119] In order to facilitate connection with external pipelines, an adapter pipe 4 is connected to the free end of the channel 112 of the polar terminal 111 serving as the inlet and outlet. The adapter pipe 4 is connected to the external pipeline through the pressure-bearing shell 2. In order to further ensure the pressure-bearing performance of the pressure-bearing shell 2, the adapter pipe 4 is integrally formed on the pressure-bearing shell 2, for example, the adapter pipe 4 can be welded on the pressure-bearing shell 2. At the same time, the non-connected part of the adapter pipe 4 is preferably flexible. Based on the deformation of the adapter pipe 4, the adapter pipe 4 can be connected to the pressure-bearing shell 2 and the polar terminal 111, and the adapter pipe 4 can be sealed and connected to the port of the corresponding channel 112.

[0120] It should be noted that:

[0121] The heat exchange pipe 13 may cause short circuit after contacting with the top or the polarity terminal 111 of the single battery 11. In this case, insulation between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the top or the polarity terminal 111 of the single battery 11 needs to be realized. The insulation can be realized in the following ways:

[0122] 2.1. Selecting the heat exchange pipe 13 made of insulating material;

[0123] 2.2. Selecting the connecting pipe section 131 made of insulating material;

[0124] 2.3. Selecting the heat exchange pipe 13 made of non-insulating material. The heat exchange pipe 13 can be insulated by, for example, spraying insulating paint or wrapping insulating film. An insulating sealing gasket can also be added between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the polarity terminal 111 or the top of the single battery 11. Of course, in order to be safe, multiple insulation methods can be combined to overcome this problem.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 18 In order to further improve the stability of the heat exchange pipe 13 on the single battery 11, the L-shaped connecting rib 5 can be added between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the cylinder 21 of the single battery 11 in the embodiment. The horizontal plate of the L-shaped connecting rib 5 is fixedly connected with the heat exchange pipe 13, and the vertical plate of the L-shaped connecting rib 5 is fixedly connected with the cylinder 21 of the single battery 11. The specific connection method can be selected according to the material of the heat exchange pipe 13. For example, the heat exchange pipe 13 in the embodiment is made of insulating material, so the L-shaped connecting rib 5 can be fixedly connected with the heat exchange pipe 13 and the cylinder 21 of the single battery 11 by screws. When the heat exchange pipe 13 is made of metal material, the L-shaped connecting rib 5 can be fixedly connected with the heat exchange pipe 13 and the cylinder 21 of the single battery 11 by welding.

[0126] In addition, if two second channels 16 are provided on the heat exchange pipe 13 and heat exchange is performed with two polarity terminals 111 of the same single battery 11, the projection of the heat exchange pipe 13 will basically cover the upper cover plate of the single battery 11 after the heat exchange pipe 13 is arranged on the top of the single battery 11. If the explosion vent 19 (the explosion vent 19 can also be referred to as an explosion vent, an explosion-proof part, an explosion-proof opening, etc.) is arranged on the upper cover plate of the single battery 11 and the gap between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the upper cover plate is too small or even does not exist, the thermal runaway smoke may not be able to be timely discharged under the shielding of the heat exchange pipe 13, which has certain safety hazards. In the embodiment, the following two schemes can be used to solve such problems:

[0127] Scheme one: adjusting the position of the explosion vent 19 to avoid the heat exchange pipe 13, for example, the explosion vent 19 can be arranged on the lower cover plate.

[0128] Scheme two: as shown in FIG. 1, Figure 23As shown, another avoiding channel 112 is opened in the heat exchange pipe 13, which is perpendicular to the first channel 15; the avoiding channel 112 corresponds to the upper cover plate explosion venting part 19; the explosion venting branch pipe 18 is arranged on the upper cover plate, one end of the explosion venting branch pipe 18 is sealingly connected with the upper cover plate area around the explosion venting part 19, and the other end penetrates through the avoiding channel 112 and extends out;

[0129] Similarly, if the liquid injection port is located below the heat exchange pipe 13, it is not convenient to inject liquid, therefore, the liquid injection port should also be arranged away from the heat exchange pipe 13, which can be arranged at the edge of the upper cover plate.

[0130] Embodiment 3

[0131] The battery module in this embodiment is similar to the battery module in Embodiment 1, and the structure of the heat exchange device in this embodiment is different from that in Embodiment 1. The heat exchange device in this embodiment is realized by the following structure:

[0132] As shown in Figure 24 and Figure 26 , the battery pack 1 is provided with a heat exchange device at the top, the heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate, the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 penetrates through the heat exchange plate in the z direction and is electrically connected with the electrical connection assembly 3, part of the structure of the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is located in the heat exchange plate and directly contacts with the insulating heat exchange medium, and the side wall of the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is sealingly connected with the heat exchange plate, the heat exchange device is insulated from the adjacent single battery 11, and the insulation here specifically refers to that the heat exchange device is insulated from the part of the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 and the part of the shell of each single battery which contacts with the heat exchange device.

[0133] The specific structure of the heat exchange device will be described in detail below in combination with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0134] a、As shown in Figure 24 and Figure 25 , the heat exchange device includes two heat exchange plates 14 arranged along the y direction, each heat exchange plate 14 corresponds to the polarity terminal 111 of all single batteries 11 located on the same side in the battery pack 1;

[0135] Each heat exchange plate 14 is provided with a first channel 15 and a group of second channels 16 arranged along the x-direction. The number of second channels 16 is the same as the number of single cells 11. The first channels 15 extend along the x-direction and serve as heat exchange channels. The second channels 16 extend along the z-direction and are connected to the first channels 15. The polarity terminals 111 of all single cells 11 on one side pass through the second channels 16 on one heat exchange plate 14 to achieve electrical connection with the electrical connection assembly 3. The polarity terminals 111 of all single cells 11 on the other side pass through the second channels 16 on the other heat exchange plate 14 to achieve electrical connection with the electrical connection assembly 3. At the same time, the two ends of each second channel 16 are sealed from the polarity terminals 111.

[0136] The two heat exchange plates 14 are respectively mounted on the polarity terminals 111 on different sides of the battery pack 1, and the two heat exchange plates 14 can be connected in series. In some other embodiments, the two heat exchange plates 14 can also be connected in parallel.

[0137] b. Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the heat exchange device includes a heat exchange plate 14, which is provided with a first channel 15 and two groups of second channels 16 arranged along the x-direction. The first channel 15 runs through in the x-direction and serves as a heat exchange channel. The number of the second channels 16 is twice the number of the single cells 11. Each second channel 16 is along the z-direction and is connected to the first channel 15. The polarity terminals 111 of all the single cells 11 in the battery pack 1 pass through the second channels 16 on the heat exchange plate 14 respectively and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3. At the same time, the two ports of the second channel 16 are sealed from the polarity terminals 111.

[0138] The present invention does not impose any specific restrictions on the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange plate 14. Since the heat exchange plate 14 in this embodiment is placed on top of the planar battery pack 1, and for structural regularity, as can be seen from the figure, the heat exchange plate 14 in this embodiment is a rectangular plate. In other embodiments, tubes of other structural forms may also be used.

[0139] The first channel 15 is the channel 112 extending along the length of the heat exchange plate 14. In the present invention, after the heat exchange plate 14 is secured to the top of the battery pack 1, the length of the heat exchange plate 14 coincides with the arrangement direction of the cells 11 (i.e., the x-direction). Therefore, the first channel 15 can be considered to extend along the x-direction, with the two end ports of the first channel 15 serving as the liquid inlet and outlet of the heat exchange plate 14.

[0140] The second channel 16 is a channel 112 that passes through the side wall of the heat exchange plate 14 and is connected to the first channel 15. In the present invention, after the heat exchange plate 14 is fixed to the top of the battery pack 1, the extension direction of the second channel 16 is consistent with the height direction of the single battery 11.

[0141] In addition, each group of second channels 16 needs to correspond one-to-one with the polarity terminals 111 located on the same side of multiple single battery cells 11; in addition, in the z direction (the height direction of the single battery cell 11), the size of the second channel 16 is smaller than the size of the corresponding polarity terminal 111, ensuring that the top of the polarity terminal 111 extends out of the second channel 16 as an electrical connection portion.

[0142] In this embodiment, the port shape of the second channel 16 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111. The port shape of the second channel 16 is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111 is also circular, and the diameter of the two ports of the second channel 16 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the polarity terminal 111. In other embodiments, the shape of the two ports of the second channel 16 and the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111 can be different, as long as it is ensured that the polarity terminal 111 can be inserted into the second channel 16 and can be sealed.

[0143] After the heat exchanger is installed on top of the battery pack 1, its two ports serve as the liquid inlet and outlet, respectively. To facilitate connection to external piping, this embodiment also connects to a transfer tube 4, which passes through the pressure-bearing shell 2 during installation and connects to the external piping. To further ensure the pressure-bearing performance of the pressure-bearing shell 2, the transfer tube 4 is integrally formed on the end plate 22 and welded to the transfer tube 4.

[0144] In addition, since the insulating heat exchange medium flows in the heat exchange plate 14, the sealing of the heat exchange plate 14 is particularly important. In order to ensure the sealing of the heat exchange plate 14, Figure 28 As shown, in this embodiment, two annular grooves extending along the circumference of each polarity terminal 111 are provided. The two annular grooves are arranged along the z direction, and O-rings 17 are embedded in the two annular grooves. The two O-rings 17 are respectively pressed against the two ports of the second channel 16 to achieve sealing while also improving the stability of the heat exchange plate 14.

[0145] It should be noted that the heat exchange plate 14 contacts the polarity terminals 111 of the plurality of single cells 11 for heat exchange. To avoid short circuit problems, the following methods can be used to achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the polarity terminals 111:

[0146] 3.1. Using an insulating material for the heat exchange plate 14 can achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the polarity terminal 111, and also achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the top of the battery pack 1;

[0147] 3.2, the heat exchange plate 14 is made of non-insulating material, and an insulating member ring is additionally arranged between the polarity terminal 111 and the heat exchange plate 14; the side wall of the heat exchange plate 14 is insulated, for example, by spraying insulating paint, wrapping insulating film, etc.; for safety, multiple insulation methods can be combined to overcome the problem.

[0148] In this embodiment, the heat exchange plate 14 is made of insulating material, so as to realize insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the top of the battery pack 1 and the polarity terminal 111.

[0149] In order to further improve the stability of the heat exchange plate 14 on the battery pack 1, an L-shaped connecting rib can be additionally arranged between the heat exchange plate 14 and the cylinder 21 of at least one single battery 11 constituting the battery pack 1, the horizontal plate of the L-shaped connecting rib is fixedly connected with the heat exchange plate 14, and the vertical plate of the L-shaped connecting rib is fixedly connected with the cylinder 21 of the single battery 11. The specific connection method can be selected according to the material of the heat exchange plate 14. For example, the heat exchange plate 14 in this embodiment is made of insulating material, so the L-shaped connecting rib and the heat exchange plate 14 and the cylinder 21 of the single battery 11 can be fixedly connected by screws; when the heat exchange plate 14 is made of metal material, the L-shaped connecting rib and the heat exchange plate 14 and the cylinder 21 of the single battery 11 can be fixedly connected by welding.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The battery pack and the pressure shell are included; The pressure shell is a closed pressure shell, including a cylinder with two open ends and two end plates sealingly arranged at the open ends of the cylinder; The battery pack includes a plurality of single batteries arranged in the x direction in the pressure shell and connected in series by an electrical connection assembly; The heat exchange device is arranged on the top of each single battery, and the heat exchange device and each single battery are insulated; the heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes, and the insulating heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel directly contacts the polar terminals of each single battery for heat exchange.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange device includes a connecting pipe assembly, each single battery has a channel through the polar terminal, and the connecting pipe assembly connects the channels on the polar terminals of adjacent single batteries to form a heat exchange channel, and the connecting pipe assembly is insulated from the polar terminals of each single battery.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, Both ports of the channel are provided with a fixed part connected to the sidewall of the polar terminal and connected to the connecting pipe assembly; the inner wall of the channel is provided with a heat conduction rib plate for increasing the heat exchange area.

4. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange device includes a plurality of sub heat exchange devices, each sub heat exchange device is arranged on the top of each single battery, and the sub heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange pipe, each heat exchange pipe has a first channel extending in the x direction and at least one second channel; The polar terminals of each single battery correspond to the electrical connection assembly after penetrating the sub heat exchange devices in the z direction, the first channels of the sub heat exchange devices of adjacent single batteries are connected to form a heat exchange channel, and part of the structure of the polar terminals of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and directly contacts the insulating heat exchange medium.

5. The battery module of claim 4, wherein, The sub heat exchange device includes two heat exchange pipes arranged in the y direction, each heat exchange pipe has a first channel and a second channel; the first channel penetrates in the x direction; the second channel penetrates in the z direction and is connected to the first channel; The two polar terminals of the single battery are connected to the electrical connection assembly after penetrating the second channels of the two heat exchange pipes, and the two ports of the second channel are sealed from the polar terminals.

6. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate, the heat exchange plate has a first channel extending in the x direction and at least one group of second channels arranged in the x direction, the first channel in the heat exchange plate serves as a heat exchange channel, and each second channel penetrates in the z direction and is connected to the first channel; The polar terminals of each single battery penetrate the second channels in the z direction and are connected to the electrical connection assembly, and part of the structure of the polar terminals of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and directly contacts the insulating heat exchange medium.

7. The battery module of claim 6, wherein, The heat exchange device includes two heat exchange plates arranged in the y direction; each heat exchange plate has a first channel and a plurality of second channels arranged in the x direction; the first channel penetrates in the x direction; each second channel penetrates in the z direction and is connected to the first channel; Each heat exchange plate corresponds to the polar terminals of all single batteries on the same side in the battery pack, each polar terminal penetrates the second channel on the heat exchange plate and is connected to the electrical connection assembly, and the two ports of the second channel are sealed from the polar terminals.

8. The battery module of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The electric connection assembly comprises a first electric connection member and a second electric connection member, the polar terminals of different polarities of adjacent single batteries are electrically connected through the first electric connection member; two second electric connection members are respectively electrically connected with the polar terminals of different polarities of the single batteries at two ends of the battery pack; two electric connection terminals are fixedly arranged on the pressure-bearing shell, and the two second electric connection members are respectively and correspondingly electrically connected with the two electric connection terminals.

9. The battery module of claim 8, wherein, The heat exchange device is connected with external pipelines through an adapter pipe which is integrally fixed on the end plate.

10. The battery module of claim 8, wherein, The end plate comprises a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate arranged in parallel, the first sealing plate is used for sealing the open end of the cylinder body, and an explosion relief mechanism is arranged on the first sealing plate, and the second sealing plate is used for clamping the single battery in the x direction.

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