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 battery pack comprises a plurality of single batteries, the plurality of single batteries are arranged in the pressure-bearing shell along the x direction, the pressure-bearing shell is internally provided with an explosion venting channel, and the explosion venting channel covers the explosion venting part of each single battery; a top plate of the pressure-bearing shell is provided with first avoiding holes corresponding to the polar terminals of the single batteries, and the polar terminals of the single batteries are connected in series through an electric connection assembly after extending out of the first avoiding holes; a top plate area of the pressure-bearing shell corresponding to the first avoiding hole is fixedly sealed with the single battery shell; meanwhile, the top of the pressure-bearing shell is provided with a heat exchange device, and the heat exchange device 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.

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 in severe cases, it can even cause an explosion, posing a safety hazard. SUMMARY

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

[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 battery pack includes a plurality of single batteries, and the plurality of single batteries are arranged in the pressure-containing shell along the x direction. The pressure-containing shell is a closed pressure shell, and has a venting channel inside the pressure-containing shell, which covers the venting part of each single battery. The top plate of the pressure-containing shell has a first avoiding hole corresponding to the polarity terminal of each single battery. After the polarity terminal of each single battery extends out of the first avoiding hole, the single batteries are connected in series through an electrical connection assembly. The area of the top plate of the pressure-containing shell corresponding to the first avoiding hole is fixed and sealed with the shell of the single battery. The top of the pressure-containing shell is provided with a heat exchange device, which is insulated from the pressure-containing shell and each single battery. At the same time, the heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes. The insulating heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel directly contacts the polarity terminal of each single battery for heat exchange.

[0006] Further, the pressure-containing shell includes a cylinder with at least one open end at the top or bottom, a top plate sealing the open end at the top of the cylinder, and a bottom plate sealing the open end at the bottom of the cylinder.

[0007] Further, the top plate is provided with a protrusion extending along the x direction, and the venting channel is formed in the protrusion.

[0008] Further, an insulating sealing adhesive layer is provided above the top plate of the pressure-containing shell, and the main part of the heat exchange device is located in the insulating sealing adhesive layer. The adapter pipe connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange device extends out of the insulating sealing adhesive layer.

[0009] Further, the electric connection assembly comprises a first electric connection member and a second electric connection member; the polar terminals of adjacent single batteries with different polarities are electrically connected through the first electric connection member, and the two second electric connection members are respectively electrically connected with the single batteries at two ends of the battery pack, and the second electric connection members are respectively used as electric connection terminals of the battery pack.

[0010] Further, the heat exchange device is a hollow box body with one open end, the open end of the hollow box body is sealingly fixed with the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell, and the cavity formed by the hollow box body and the top plate is used as a heat exchange channel; the hollow box body is provided with a second avoiding hole corresponding to each single battery polar terminal, each single battery polar terminal extends out of the corresponding second avoiding hole, and the polar terminal and the second avoiding hole are sealingly connected.

[0011] Further, the hollow box body mainly comprises a sealing plate, two first side plates and two second side plates, and the two second side plates are integrally formed with the cylinder body, wherein the first side plate is parallel to the yz plane, and the second side plate is parallel to the xz plane.

[0012] Further, the heat exchange device comprises at least one heat exchange plate, the heat exchange plate has a first channel extending along the x direction and at least one group of second channels arranged along the x direction, the first channel of the heat exchange plate is used as a heat exchange channel, and each second channel penetrates through the first channel along the z direction; the polar terminal of each single battery is electrically connected with the electric connection assembly after penetrating through the second channel in the z direction, and part of the structure of the polar terminal of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and directly contacts the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0013] Further, the heat exchange device comprises a connecting pipe assembly, each single battery polar terminal is provided with a channel penetrating through the polar terminal, 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 each single battery polar terminal.

[0014] Further, both ends of the channel are provided with fixed parts fixed on the side wall of the polar terminal and used for connecting with the connecting pipe assembly; and the inner wall of the channel is provided with a heat-conducting rib plate for increasing the heat exchange area.

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

[0016] 1. The battery module is provided with an insulation heat exchange medium passing heat exchange channel, the heat exchange channel mainly exchanges heat for the polarity terminal of the single battery with more concentrated heat, so as to realize reliable temperature control of each single battery in the battery pack. The battery module 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, so that the insulation heat exchange medium has a shorter heat exchange path, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the insulation heat exchange medium, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the battery pack, improving the temperature control effect of the battery pack, reducing the probability of thermal runaway of the battery pack, and improving the safety of the battery pack in use.

[0017] Meanwhile, the utility model also adds a pressure bearing shell outside the battery pack, the pressure bearing shell has a pressure relief channel and certain pressure bearing capacity, when the single battery occurs thermal runaway, can gather the high temperature and high pressure thermal runaway flue gas and electrolyte generated by the single battery in the pressure bearing shell, avoid the harm to the surrounding devices after the leakage of high temperature and high pressure thermal runaway flue gas, further improve the safety of the battery pack in use.

[0018] Finally, the polarity terminal of each single battery passes through the pressure bearing shell, and the heat exchange device is installed outside the pressure bearing shell and the single battery is electrically connected, which is convenient for the formation of the heat exchange channel and the connection of the electrical connection assembly, and the single battery in the pressure bearing shell is not easy to affect the external electrical connection assembly and the heat exchange channel.

[0019] 2. In the battery module, the pressure bearing shell includes a cylinder structure with at least one open end at the top or bottom, a top plate sealing the open end of the top of the cylinder, and a bottom plate sealing the open end of the bottom of the cylinder. The pressure bearing shell of this structure has a cylinder height similar to the height of the single battery shell, so that the volume and manufacturing cost of the entire battery module are smaller.

[0020] 3. In the battery module, the heat exchange device is a hollow box with an open end. In the heat exchange channel formed by the hollow box, the insulation heat exchange medium not only directly exchanges heat with the polarity terminal of each single battery, but also directly exchanges heat with the top plate of the pressure bearing shell, further improving the heat exchange effect of the insulation heat exchange medium on the battery module.

[0021] 4. In the battery module, the heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate, and the heat exchange plate exchanges heat with the polarity terminal of all single batteries in the battery pack. This heat exchange device adopts an integrated structure, which has better overall sealing compared to the structure of setting sub-heat exchange devices on single batteries, and is also convenient for processing and manufacturing.

[0022] 5. The utility model discloses a battery module, the polarity terminal of each single battery is equipped with the passageway of passing through the polarity terminal, and the connecting pipe assembly communicates the passageway on the polarity terminal of adjacent single battery, forms the heat exchange channel. Two ports of the passageway are equipped with fixed parts, and the fixed parts realize the quick and reliable connection between the polarity terminal and the connecting pipe assembly, and simultaneously, the inner wall of the passageway is equipped with the heat conduction rib plate for increasing the heat exchange area, the heat conduction rib plate can increase the contact area of the insulating heat exchange medium and the polarity terminal, and then increase the heat exchange area, and further improve the heat exchange effect.

[0023] 6. The utility model discloses a battery module, the top plate of pressure bearing shell is equipped with the insulating sealing adhesive layer, and the main part of heat exchange device is located in the insulating sealing adhesive layer, and the insulating sealing adhesive layer can avoid the short circuit problem caused by the condensation outside heat exchange device, and further improve the sealing property of the whole heat exchange device.

[0024] The other advantages, objects and features of the utility model will be embodied partly through the following description, and the person skilled in the art can also understand them through the research and practice of the utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical scheme in the embodiments of the utility model or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiment or the prior art description, and obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the utility model, and the person skilled in the art can also obtain other drawings according to these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0026] Figure 1 It is the schematic diagram of the battery module in embodiment 1;

[0027] Figure 2 It is the explosion drawing of the battery module in embodiment 1;

[0028] Figure 3 It is the explosion drawing of the battery module (omits the electric connection assembly) in embodiment 1;

[0029] Figure 4 It is the explosion drawing of the heat exchange device in embodiment 1;

[0030] Figure 5 It is the section of the battery module in embodiment 1 Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 6 It is the section of the battery module in embodiment 1 Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 7 It is the structure schematic diagram of the battery module in embodiment 2;

[0033] Figure 8 isometric view of the battery module of Example 2;

[0034] Figure 9 cross-sectional view of the battery module of Example 2;

[0035] Figure 10 schematic view of the structure of the heat exchange plate of Example 3 Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 11 schematic view of the structure of the heat exchange plate of Example 3 Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 12 schematic view of the structure of the heat exchange plate of Example 3 Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 13 schematic view of the structure of the heat exchange plate of Example 3 Figure 2 ;

[0039] Figure 14 schematic view of the structure of the battery module of Example 4;

[0040] Figure 15 schematic view of the structure of the battery module of Example 4;

[0041] Figure 16 schematic view of the structure of the battery module of Example 4;

[0042] Figure 17 schematic view of the structure of the battery module of Example 4;

[0043] Figure 18 schematic view of the structure of the battery module of Example 4; Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 19 schematic view of the structure of the battery module of Example 4; Figure 2 ;

[0045] Figure 20 schematic view of the structure of the battery module of Example 5.

[0046] Fig. 1: battery pack, 2: pressure shell, 3: electrical connection assembly, 4: adapter pipe, 5: sealing connector, 6: insulating sealing layer, 11: single battery cell, 12: sub-connection pipe, 13: heat exchange pipe fitting, 14: heat exchange plate, 15: first channel, 16: second channel, 17: hollow box body, 18: O-shaped sealing ring, 19: explosion venting part, 110: intermediate pipe section, 111: polarity terminal, 112: channel, 113: fixing part, 114: heat-conducting rib plate, 21: cylinder body, 22: bottom plate, 23: explosion venting channel, 24: explosion venting mechanism, 25: top plate, 221: first avoiding hole, 31: first electrical connector, 32: second electrical connector, 171: sealing plate, 173: first side plate, 172: second side plate, 174: second avoiding hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more apparent, specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail 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 of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work should belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0048] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present application. Accordingly, the present application is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described herein.

[0049] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the orientation or position relationship of the terms "top, bottom" and the like is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first, second, third" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] The utility model provides a kind of battery module, to reduce the harm of each single battery thermal runaway in the battery module, an overpressure shell that can withstand pressure is additionally provided outside each single battery, the overpressure shell has explosion venting passage and certain pressure-bearing capacity, when single battery thermal runaway occurs, high-temperature high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas and electrolyte that single battery sprays can be gathered in the overpressure shell, avoid the harm of high-temperature high-pressure thermal runaway flue gas leakage to surrounding device.

[0051] Embodiment 1

[0052] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, the utility model provides a kind of battery module, the battery module includes battery pack 1 and overpressure shell 2;Battery pack 1 includes multiple single batteries 11, multiple single batteries 11 are arranged in the overpressure shell along the same direction, the number of single battery 11 can be adjusted according to actual demand, the overpressure shell is insulated between each single battery, the insulation can specifically set insulating layer on the inner wall of overpressure shell, or, increase insulating layer on the shell of each single battery, or, increase insulating pad between single battery and overpressure shell;The overpressure shell 2 is closed pressure shell, and overpressure shell 2 has explosion venting passage 23 in it, and explosion venting passage 23 covers the explosion venting part 19 of each single battery, and the explosion venting part 19 can be specifically explosion venting membrane set on the shell of each single battery 11.

[0053] The top plate 25 of overpressure shell 2 is provided with first avoiding hole 221 that can make each single battery 11 polarity terminal 111 stretch out, after multiple single batteries 11 are arranged in the overpressure shell 2 along the same direction, each single battery 11 polarity terminal 111 stretches out corresponding first avoiding hole 221, and is realized series connection by electric connection assembly 3;Sealing connector 5 is additionally provided between the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 and first avoiding hole 221, to realize the fixed sealing of the region of top plate 25 corresponding to first avoiding hole 221 and the shell of single battery 11.

[0054] As Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the sealing connector 5 comprises a hollow member, the bottom of which is used for sealing connection with the first area of the single battery 11, and the top of which is sealingly connected with the second area of the top plate. The first area is the area around any polarity terminal 111 on the cover plate of the single battery 11. The area around the polarity terminal 111 is the area around the insulating sealing gasket on the polarity terminal 111. The insulating sealing gasket is a part for insulating the polarity terminal 111 from the cover plate of the single battery 11. The second area is the area of the top plate 25 corresponding to any one of the first relief holes 221. The area of the top plate 25 corresponding to the first relief hole 221 is the peripheral area of the top plate 25 corresponding to any one of the first relief holes 221, or the area of the top plate 25 corresponding to the first relief hole 221 is the hole wall of the first relief hole 221.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The pressure-containing 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 general shell of the battery pack 1, the pressure-containing shell 2 in the utility model is a closed pressure shell, which can withstand a certain pressure. When each single battery 11 is in thermal runaway, the pressure-containing shell 2 can ensure that the thermal runaway flue gas does not leak from the pressure-containing shell 2, thereby avoiding harm to devices near the battery module. Meanwhile, the pressure-containing shell 2 is provided with a venting channel 23 and a venting mechanism 24, the venting mechanism 24 is in communication with the venting channel 23, and the venting mechanism 24 can orderly discharge the thermal runaway flue gas discharged from each single battery 11 in a certain direction.

[0057] As shown in the figure, Figure 2 The shape and size of the pressure-containing shell 2 can be designed according to the application scenario of the battery module to facilitate placement. In the embodiment, the pressure-containing shell 2 is a rectangular shell, which specifically comprises a cylinder, a top plate and a bottom plate. The top or bottom of the cylinder is open at least at one end, the top plate is sealingly fixed to the open end of the top of the cylinder 21, and the bottom plate 22 is sealingly fixed to the open end of the bottom of the cylinder 21. The sealing fixation can be welding or threaded connection, etc.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bottom plate 22 and the cylinder 21 are an integral structure, or the top plate 25 and the cylinder 21 are an integral structure. The pressure-containing shell 2 with such a structure has better pressure resistance and sealing performance.

[0059] In the embodiment, the top plate 25 and the cylinder 21 are an integral structure, and the bottom plate 22 and the cylinder 21 are a separate structure, which is used to illustrate the installation process of each single battery 11.

[0060] When each single battery 11 is installed, each single battery is placed into the cylinder 21 from the open end of the bottom of the cylinder 21, so that the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 passes through the first avoiding hole 221 of the top plate 25, and then the bottom plate 22 is fixedly connected with the cylinder 21.

[0061] Of course, the pressure-bearing shell 2 described above can also adopt a structure that the cylinder is open at both left and right ends and the end plate is sealed and open at both sides of the cylinder. In the pressure-bearing shell 2 of this structure, each single battery 11 needs to be installed from the side end of the cylinder. After each single battery 11 is pushed into the cylinder 21 from the open end of the cylinder 21, each single battery 11 is then lifted in the z direction, so that the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 passes through the first avoiding hole 221 of the top plate 25, and then a support member extending in the x direction is inserted between the bottom plate of the cylinder 21 and each single battery 11, which lifts and supports each single battery 11 in the z direction. As can be known from the installation process, after each single battery 11 is placed in the cylinder 21 from the open end of the side of the cylinder 21, the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is then extended from the first avoiding hole 221 on the top plate 25. In order to achieve the installation of each single battery 11, the height of the cylinder needs to be greater than the height between the top end of the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 and the bottom of the shell of the single battery 11.

[0062] In the embodiment, each single battery 11 is installed from the top or bottom of the cylinder 21. This installation method makes the height of the cylinder 21 only slightly greater than the height of the shell of each single battery 11, that is, the height of the cylinder 21 only needs to consider the size of the shell of each single battery 21, without considering the size of the polar terminal of each single battery 11. Compared with the structure that the cylinder 21 is open at the side end, the structure that the cylinder 21 is open at the top or bottom in the embodiment has a relatively small height of the entire cylinder 21, thereby reducing the height of the entire battery module in the z direction, and the volume and manufacturing cost of the battery module are also reduced accordingly. At the same time, the pressure-bearing shell 2 structure that is installed from the top or bottom does not need to be provided with a support member in the cylinder 21, and the manufacturing cost of the entire battery module is further reduced.

[0063] The pressure-bearing shell 2 described above installed from the top or bottom has a venting channel 23 covering the venting part 19 of each single battery. Specifically, the venting channel 23 can be arranged at the top of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing shell 2, or at the bottom of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing shell 2.

[0064] When the explosion relief channel 23 is provided at the top of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing shell 2, a protrusion extending in the x-direction can be provided on the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2, and the explosion relief channel 23 is formed in the protrusion. Alternatively, the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2 is a flat plate structure. When the explosion relief channel 23 is formed between the top of the single cell 11 and the top plate, a certain amount of space needs to be left between the top of the single cell 11 and the top plate. During actual installation, the polarity terminal 111 of each single cell 11 needs to be increased in height to meet the requirements of the polarity terminal 111 being in contact with the heat exchange channel and being electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3. When the polarity terminal 111 of the single cell 11 is increased in height, the height of the sealing connector 5 and the cylinder 21 is also further increased accordingly, thereby increasing the height of the entire battery module in the z-direction, and the volume and production cost of the entire battery module are also further increased.

[0065] When the explosion relief passage 23 is provided at the bottom of the inner cavity of the pressure-bearing shell 2, a protrusion extending in the x-direction can also be provided on the bottom plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2, with the explosion relief passage 23 formed within the protrusion. Alternatively, a support member extending in the x-direction can be inserted between the bottom plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2 and each cell 11. After the support member elevates and supports each cell 11 in the z-direction, the passage between the support member and the bottom of each cell serves as the explosion relief passage. However, this type of explosion relief passage also increases the overall height of the pressure-bearing shell 2 in the z-direction.

[0066] Therefore, it is a relatively better way to set a protrusion on the top plate of the pressure-bearing shell 2 and form an explosion-relief channel 23 inside the protrusion. The explosion-relief channel of this structure will not increase the overall height of the pressure-bearing shell 2, and no support parts need to be set inside the cylinder 21. The production cost of the entire battery module is also relatively small.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the pressure-bearing shell 2 is provided with an explosion relief mechanism 24, and the thermal runaway flue gas in the explosion relief channel 23 is directedly discharged from the pressure-bearing shell 2 through the explosion relief mechanism 24. The explosion relief mechanism 24 specifically includes an explosion relief pipe and a pressure relief portion. The explosion relief pipe is connected to the explosion relief port on the pressure-bearing shell 2, and the pressure relief portion is provided on the explosion relief pipe or on the explosion relief port. The pressure relief portion can specifically be an explosion relief membrane or an explosion relief valve. The explosion relief mechanism 24 can ensure that when a single battery 11 in the pressure-bearing shell 2 experiences thermal runaway, the thermal runaway flue gas inside it can be directed and orderly discharged from the pressure-bearing shell 2.

[0068] To improve the heat exchange efficiency of the battery module, a heat exchange device is installed on the top of the pressure-bearing shell 2. The heat exchange device is insulated from the pressure-bearing shell and each single battery cell. The heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which an insulating heat exchange medium passes. The insulating heat exchange medium in this heat exchange channel directly contacts the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery cell 11 for heat exchange. This heat exchange device uses a direct heat exchange method, allowing the polarity terminals 111 to directly contact the insulating heat exchange medium. Compared to the effect of the insulating heat exchange medium indirectly exchanging heat with the polarity terminals 111 through heat exchange components, this heat exchange device firstly has a shorter heat exchange path, which can improve the utilization efficiency of the insulating heat exchange medium; secondly, it has a larger heat exchange area, which improves heat exchange efficiency, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency of this type of battery module.

[0069] An insulating heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange channel, directly contacting the polarity terminals 111, to achieve temperature control of the battery pack 1. When the temperature of the battery pack 1 exceeds a set threshold, a lower-temperature insulating heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange channel to cool the battery pack 1. When the temperature of the battery pack 1 falls below the set threshold, a higher-temperature insulating heat exchange medium is introduced into the heat exchange channel to raise the temperature of the battery pack 1. By controlling the temperature of the insulating heat exchange medium, the battery pack 1 is ensured to always operate at its normal operating temperature.

[0070] The heat exchange device and heat exchange channel in this embodiment are realized by the following structure:

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchange device includes multiple sub-heat exchange devices, each of which corresponds to each single cell 11; each sub-heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange pipe 13, and each heat exchange pipe 13 has a first channel extending along the x-direction and at least one second channel; after the polarity terminal 111 of each single cell 11 passes through the first avoidance hole 221 on the top plate 25, it then passes through each heat exchange pipe 13 in the z-direction respectively and is electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly, connecting the first channels of the heat exchange pipes of adjacent single cells to form a heat exchange channel, and part of the structure of the polarity terminal of each single cell is located in the heat exchange channel, in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium, and each heat exchange pipe is insulated from the adjacent single cells 11.

[0072] The sub-heat exchange device in this embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] a. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, 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 polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 correspondingly penetrate 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 polarity terminals 111;

[0074] b、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 polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 correspondingly penetrate 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 polarity terminals 111;

[0075] c、as shown, Figure 6 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 top plate 25, 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 polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 correspondingly penetrate 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 polarity terminal 111;

[0076] d、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 top plate 25, 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 polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 correspondingly penetrate 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 polarity terminal 111.

[0077] When the battery pack 1 is installed, the heat exchange pipes 13 on the polarity terminals 111 of the adjacent single batteries 11 are communicated with each other 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 flat top plate 25. In view of the structural regularity, the heat exchange pipe 13 in the embodiment is a rectangular pipe or a rectangular half pipe. In other embodiments, a round pipe or a pipe with other structures can also be used.

[0078] The first channel 15 is a channel arranged along the length direction of the heat exchange pipe 13. The inner cavity of the first channel 15 is used as a flow cavity of the insulating heat exchange medium, and the two ends of the first channel 15 are respectively used as the inlet end and the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe 13.

[0079] The second channel 16 is used for the partial structure of the polarity terminal 111 to pass through. 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 extend out of the second channel 16.

[0080] The port shape of the second channel 16 in the embodiment is matched with the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111. The port shape 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.

[0081] 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, and the two heat exchange channels can be connected in parallel or in series. The heat exchange of the battery pack 1 is realized based on the two heat exchange channels.

[0082] When the connection is specifically made, a connection pipe section can be connected to the inlet end or the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe 13. Taking the connection to the inlet end as an example, the connection pipe section of one of the heat exchange pipes 13 can be inserted into the outlet end of the other heat exchange pipe 13, so that the two adjacent heat exchange pipes 13 are communicated, and the connection position of the connection pipe section and the other heat exchange pipe 13 needs to be sealed. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the connection pipe section can also be arranged at the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of each heat exchange pipe 13. The connection pipe section of one of the two adjacent heat exchange pipes 13 and the connection pipe section of the other heat exchange pipe 13 are connected through the intermediate pipe section 110.

[0083] AsFigure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealing of the heat exchange pipe 13 is particularly important because the heat exchange pipe 13 is in contact with the insulating heat exchange medium. In order to ensure the sealing of the heat exchange pipe 13, two annular grooves extending along the circumferential direction of the polar terminal 111 are formed on the polar terminal 111, the two annular grooves are arranged along the z direction, and the O-shaped sealing ring 18 is embedded in the two annular grooves. The two O-shaped sealing rings 18 are pressed against the two ports of the second channel 16, thereby achieving sealing and improving the stability of the heat exchange pipe 13.

[0084] In other embodiments, when the heat exchange pipe 13 is made of metal, the sealing between the polar terminal 111 and the top port of the second channel 16 can be achieved by welding (the top port mentioned here refers to 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).

[0085] In order to facilitate connection with external pipelines, the heat exchange channel is connected to the adapter pipe 4 at the free end of the inlet and outlet ends, and the adapter pipe 4 is connected to the external pipeline.

[0086] It should be noted that:

[0087] Since the polar terminal of the utility model directly contacts 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;

[0088] After the heat exchange pipe 13 contacts the top plate 25 or the polar terminal 111 of the single battery 11, a short circuit may occur, and at this time, insulation between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the top plate 25 or the polar terminal 111 needs to be achieved. The following methods can be used to achieve the insulation:

[0089] 1.1, selecting an insulating heat exchange pipe 13;

[0090] 1.2, selecting an insulating intermediate pipe section 110;

[0091] 1.3, using a non-insulating heat exchange pipe 13, which can be insulated by, for example, spraying insulating paint or wrapping insulating film, to overcome the problem. An insulating gasket can also be added between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the polar terminal 111 or the top plate 25 to overcome the problem. Of course, to be on the safe side, multiple insulation methods can be combined to overcome the problem.

[0092] In order to further improve the stability of the heat exchange pipe 13 on the single battery 11, the embodiment can add an L-shaped connecting rib between the heat exchange pipe 13 and the cylinder 21, the L-shaped connecting rib transverse plate is fixedly connected with the heat exchange pipe 13, and the L-shaped connecting rib vertical plate is fixedly connected with the cylinder 21. The specific connection mode can be selected according to the material of the heat exchange pipe 13. For example, the heat exchange pipe 13 of the embodiment adopts an insulating material, so the L-shaped connecting rib and the heat exchange pipe 13 and the cylinder 21 can be fixedly connected by screws; when the heat exchange pipe 13 is made of metal material, the L-shaped connecting rib and the heat exchange pipe 13 and the cylinder 21 can be fixedly connected by welding.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 When assembling the battery pack 1, the connecting 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. The electrical connection assembly 3 in the 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 is used to realize the electrical connection between the battery pack 1 and external equipment. Each single battery 11 in the battery pack 1 can be connected in series by the following method:

[0094] First, the positive polarity terminals of each single battery 11 are located on the same side of the single battery 11, and the negative polarity terminals of each single battery 11 are located on the other side of the single battery 11. That is, the polarity of the same side polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 is the same, and the polarity terminals 111 of different polarity of adjacent single batteries 11 are electrically connected through the first electrical connection piece 31 arranged obliquely to the x direction. Two second electrical connection pieces 32 are electrically connected with the single batteries 11 at both ends of the battery pack 1, and the two second electrical connection pieces 32 are respectively used as the electrical connection terminals of the battery pack 1.

[0095] Second, the polarity of the same side polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 is different, that is, the positive polarity terminal of one single battery 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 of the same side polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 is opposite, and the same side polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11 are electrically connected through the first electrical connection piece 31 arranged parallel to the x direction. Two second electrical connection pieces 32 are electrically connected with the single batteries 11 at both ends of the battery pack 1, and the two second electrical connection pieces 32 are respectively used as the electrical connection terminals of the battery pack 1.

[0096] The above-mentioned first electrical connector 31 and second electrical connector 32 are generally implemented as electrical connection plates. When the electrical connection plates are electrically connected to the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11, the electrical connection plates can be welded to the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11, or the electrical connection plates can be fixed to the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11 with screws to achieve electrical connection.

[0097] Example 2

[0098] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the battery module in this embodiment is similar in structure to the battery module in Example 1. In this embodiment, the structure of the heat exchange device is different from that in Example 1. The heat exchange device in this embodiment is implemented by the following structure:

[0099] In this embodiment, the heat exchange device includes a hollow box 17 with one end open. In order to ensure the regularity of the battery module structure, a component with a shape and size that matches the top plate 25 is usually used as the heat exchange device. In this embodiment, the top plate 25 is a rectangular plate, so the hollow box 17 is a cubic box. A second avoidance hole 174 corresponding to the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is opened on the hollow box 17 opposite to the open end of the cubic box. When fixing a heat exchange device of this structure to the top plate 25, it is buckled on the top plate 25, and the open end is fixed and sealed to the top plate 25. In the z direction, the polarity terminal 111 passes through the heat exchange device, that is, part of the structure of the polarity terminal 111 is located inside the heat exchange device and is in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium, and the polarity terminal 111 is sealed from the corresponding second avoidance hole 174. The other part of the structure of the polarity terminal 111 is located outside the heat exchange device and is connected to the electrical connection component 3. The cavity formed by the hollow box 12 and the top plate 25 serves as a heat exchange channel.

[0100] In this embodiment, in the heat exchange channel formed by the hollow box 17, the insulating heat exchange medium not only directly exchanges heat with the polarity terminals 111 of each single battery 11, but also directly contacts the top plate 25. The insulating heat exchange medium can also directly act on the top plate 25, further improving the heat exchange effect of the insulating heat exchange medium on each single battery, and having a better heat exchange effect on the battery module.

[0101] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, this embodiment uses a hollow box 17 with one end open and made of insulating material, and the hollow box 17 is buckled on the top plate 25. In order to ensure that the electrical connection part of the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoidance hole 174 on the hollow box 17, the orthographic projection area of ​​the second avoidance hole 174 in the xy plane needs to be slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the electrical connection part of the corresponding polarity terminal 111 in the xy plane, and in the z direction, it is necessary to ensure that the electrical connection part of the corresponding polarity terminal 111 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoidance hole 174.

[0102] Generally, the shape of the second avoiding hole 174 is matched with the cross-sectional shape of the electric connection part of the polarity terminal 111. If the second avoiding hole 174 is a round hole and the cross-section of the electric connection part of the polarity terminal 111 is circular, the caliber of the second avoiding hole 174 needs to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the electric connection part of the polarity terminal 111. If the second avoiding hole 174 is a square hole and the cross-section of the electric connection part of the polarity terminal 111 is square, the area of the second avoiding hole 174 needs to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of the electric connection part of the polarity terminal 111. Of course, the shape of the second avoiding hole 174 can also be unmatched with the cross-sectional shape of the electric connection part of the polarity terminal 111, as long as the electric connection part of the polarity terminal 111 can smoothly pass through the corresponding second avoiding hole 174 and the sealing between them can be realized.

[0103] When the insulation heat exchange medium is a liquid insulation heat exchange medium, the sealing property of the hollow box body 17 is particularly important. In order to ensure the sealing property of the hollow box body 17, the hollow box body 17 is preferably made of an insulating material. When the hollow box body 17 is made of a non-insulating material, an insulating sealing ring can be additionally arranged between the polarity terminal 111 and the hollow box body 17 to overcome the problem. Figure 9 As can be seen, in the embodiment, a step structure is arranged on each polarity terminal 111 along the circumferential direction thereof, and a sealing glue layer is laid on the step face. When the electric connection part of the polarity terminal 111 extends out of the corresponding second avoiding hole 174 of the hollow box body 17, the area around the second avoiding hole 174 of the hollow box body 17 is crimped on the sealing glue layer, and at the same time, the sealing glue layer penetrates into the gap between the second avoiding hole 174 and the polarity terminal 111, thereby realizing the sealing between the polarity terminal 111 and the second avoiding hole 174. In other embodiments, an O-shaped sealing ring can also be sleeved between the polarity terminal 111 and the second avoiding hole 174 to realize the sealing therebetween.

[0104] The heat exchange device in the embodiment is easy to contact the top plate 25 of the pressure-bearing shell 2 and the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery. If the heat exchange device is conductive, there is a short circuit problem. Therefore, the heat exchange device in the embodiment preferably adopts an insulating material. When a non-insulating material is adopted, an insulating sealing ring can be additionally arranged between the polarity terminal 111 and the heat exchange device to overcome the problem. The heat exchange device can also be insulated, for example, by spraying insulating paint or wrapping an insulating film. In order to be safe, multiple insulation methods can be combined to overcome the problem.

[0105] In other embodiments, a hollow box body 17 with one end open can be selected from a metal material. In order to ensure the insulation between the polarity terminal 111 and the second avoiding hole 174, an O-shaped sealing ring can be additionally arranged therebetween to realize the insulation and the sealing therebetween. The open end of the hollow box body 17 and the top plate 25 can be fixed and sealed by welding.

[0106] As Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, to further improve the sealing performance of the heat exchange device, the hollow box body 17 can adopt the following structure: the hollow box body 17 includes a sealing plate 171, two first side plates 173, and two second side plates 172, wherein the first side plates are parallel to the yz plane, and the second side plates are parallel to the xz plane. When the cylinder body 21 is manufactured, the two second side plates 172 are integrally formed with the cylinder body 21. When the heat exchange device is constructed, only the sealing plate 171 and the first side plate 173 of the hollow box body 17 need to be fixed. In this structure, only the sealing plate 171 needs to be insulated.

[0107] Embodiment 3

[0108] As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 12 , the battery module in this embodiment is similar in structure to the battery module in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the structure of the heat exchange device is different from that in Embodiment 1. The heat exchange device in this embodiment is implemented through the following structure:

[0109] The heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate 14, which has a first channel 15 extending in the x direction and at least one group of second channels 16 arranged in the x direction. The first channel 15 in the heat exchange plate 14 serves as a heat exchange channel, and each second channel 16 penetrates in the z direction and is connected to the first channel 15. The polar terminals 111 of each single battery 11 are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly after penetrating through the second channel 16 in the z direction. Part of the structure of the polar terminal of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and directly contacts the insulating heat exchange medium. The side wall of the polar terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is sealed with the heat exchange plate 14.

[0110] The specific structure of the heat exchange device will be described in detail below in combination with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0111] a、As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the heat exchange device includes two heat exchange plates 14 arranged in the y direction. Each heat exchange plate 14 corresponds to the polar terminals 111 of all single batteries 11 located on the same side in the battery pack 1.

[0112] Each heat exchange plate 14 is provided with a first channel 15 and a group of second channels 16 arranged in the x direction. The number of second channels 16 is consistent with the number of single batteries 11. The first channel 15 penetrates in the x direction. The second channel 16 penetrates in the z direction and is connected to the first channel 15. The polar terminals 111 of all single batteries 11 located on one side penetrate through the second channels 16 on one heat exchange plate 14 and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3. The polar terminals 111 of all single batteries 11 located on the other side penetrate through the second channels 16 on the other heat exchange plate 14 and are electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 3. At the same time, the two ports of each second channel 16 are sealed with the polar terminals 111.

[0113] Two heat exchange plates 14 are respectively sleeved on the polarity terminals 111 at different sides in the battery pack 1, and the two heat exchange plates 14 can be connected in series, and in some other embodiments, the two heat exchange plates 14 can also be connected in parallel.

[0114] b、As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the heat exchange device comprises a heat exchange plate 14, the heat exchange plate 14 is provided with a first channel 15 and two groups of second channels 16 arranged along the x direction; the first channel 15 penetrates along the x direction; the number of the second channels 16 is twice the number of the single batteries 11, each second channel 16 is connected to the first channel 15 along the z direction, and the polarity terminals 111 of all the single batteries 11 in the battery pack 1 are respectively connected to the electric connection assembly 3 after penetrating through the second channels 16 on the heat exchange plate 14, and meanwhile, the two ports of the second channel 16 are sealed with the polarity terminals 111.

[0115] The cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange plate 14 is not limited in the utility model, since the heat exchange plate 14 in the embodiment is placed in the flat top plate structure, considering the structural regularity, it can be seen from the figure that the heat exchange plate 14 in the embodiment is a rectangular plate. In some other embodiments, heat exchange plates of other structural forms can also be used.

[0116] The first channel 15 described above is a channel opened in the length direction of the heat exchange plate 14, in the utility model, after the heat exchange plate 14 is fixed on the top plate, the length direction of the heat exchange plate 14 is consistent with the length of the cylinder 21, therefore, it can be considered that the first channel 15 extends along the x direction, and the two end ports of the first channel 15 serve as the liquid inlet and outlet of the heat exchange plate 14.

[0117] The second channel 16 described above is a channel 112 penetrating through the heat exchange plate 14 and connected to the first channel 15, in the utility model, after the heat exchange plate 14 is arranged on the top plate 25, the extension direction of the second channel 16 is consistent with the height direction of the single battery 11.

[0118] In addition, each group of second channels 16 needs to correspond to the polarity terminals 111 of the multiple single batteries 11 located on the same side one by one; 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 as to ensure that the top of the polarity terminal 111 as the electric connection part extends out of the second channel 16.

[0119] The port shape of the second channel 16 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal 111. The port of the second channel 16 is circular in shape, 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 sealing can be achieved.

[0120] After the heat exchange device is installed on the top plate, the two ports of the heat exchange device serve as the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end, respectively. In order to facilitate connection with external pipelines, the embodiment further connects an adapter pipe 4 to the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end, and the adapter pipe 4 is connected with external pipelines.

[0121] Since the heat exchange plate 14 flows with insulating heat exchange medium, the sealing performance of the heat exchange plate 14 is particularly important. In order to ensure the sealing performance of the heat exchange plate 14, the embodiment forms two annular grooves extending in the circumferential direction on each polarity terminal 111, and the two annular grooves are arranged in the z direction and embedded with O-shaped sealing rings. The two O-shaped sealing rings are pressed against the two ports of the second channel 16, thereby achieving sealing and improving the stability of the heat exchange plate 14.

[0122] It should be noted that the heat exchange plate 14 is in contact with the polarity terminals 111 of the plurality of single batteries 11 and the top plate 25 of the pressure-bearing shell 2 for polarity heat exchange. In order to avoid short circuit problems, the following methods can be used to achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the pressure-bearing shell 2 and the polarity terminal 111.

[0123] 3.1. Selecting a heat exchange plate 14 made of insulating material 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.

[0124] 3.2. Using a heat exchange plate 14 made of non-insulating material, an insulating member ring is added 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. To be on the safe side, multiple insulation methods can be combined to overcome this problem.

[0125] The embodiment uses a heat exchange plate 14 made of insulating material to achieve insulation between the heat exchange plate 14 and the top of the battery pack 1 and the polarity terminal 111.

[0126] In order to further improve the stability of the heat exchange plate 14 on the pressure shell 2, the embodiment can additionally provide an L-shaped connecting rib between the heat exchange plate 14 and the cylinder body 21 of the pressure shell 2, the transverse 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 body 21. The specific connection mode can be selected according to the material of the heat exchange plate 14. For example, the heat exchange plate 14 in the embodiment is made of insulating material, so the L-shaped connecting rib can be fixedly connected with the heat exchange plate 14 and the cylinder body 21 by screws; when the heat exchange plate 14 is made of metal material, the L-shaped connecting rib can be fixedly connected with the heat exchange plate 14 and the cylinder body 21 by welding.

[0127] Embodiment 4

[0128] The battery module in the embodiment has a structure similar to that in the battery module in Embodiment 1, but the heat exchange device in the embodiment has a structure different from that in Embodiment 1. The heat exchange device in the embodiment is implemented by the following structure:

[0129] As shown in Figures 14 to 17 , the heat exchange device comprises a connecting pipe assembly, the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 is provided with a channel 112 penetrating the polarity terminal 111 in the x direction, the connecting pipe assembly connects the channels 112 on the polarity terminals 111 of adjacent single batteries 11, forming a heat exchange channel, and the connecting pipe assembly is insulated from the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11.

[0130] The polarity terminal 111 described herein can be a single battery 11 pole, and when the height of the single battery 11 pole does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter can be connected to the single battery 11 pole, and the whole structure composed of the single battery 11 pole and the pole adapter is taken as the single battery 11 polarity terminal 111. The polarity terminal 111 in the embodiment is a single battery 11 pole, which has a higher height than a conventional single battery 11 pole.

[0131] The shape of the polarity terminal 111 of each single battery 11 in the embodiment is not limited, and its cross section can be square or circular, etc. At the same time, the cross section of the channel 112 is also not limited, and a 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 in the embodiment should not be too large, provided that the conductivity of the polarity terminal 111 is not affected; the cross-sectional area of the channel 112 should also not be too small, so as not to affect the heat exchange effect due to too small heat exchange area. On the premise of not affecting the conductivity of the polarity terminal 111, the cross-sectional area of the channel 112 can be increased as much as possible to increase the heat exchange area and improve the heat exchange effect.

[0132] From Figure 14 and Figure 16As can be seen, the connecting pipe assembly of the embodiment comprises 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 single batteries 11 on the same side, forming two heat exchange channels at the top of the battery pack 1, and the channels 112 of the two polar terminals 111 of an outermost single battery 11 in the battery pack 1 are connected by the sub connecting pipe 12, realizing the series connection of the two heat exchange channels, forming a U-shaped heat exchange channel, and the free ends of the channels 112 of the two polar terminals 111 of the other outermost single battery 11 (the free end here refers to the end of the channel 112 without the connection of the sub connecting pipe 12) can be directly used as the two ports of the U-shaped heat exchange channel, and the two ports of the U-shaped heat exchange channel are respectively used as the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end.

[0133] 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 the liquid inlet end, and the ports on the other side of the two heat exchange channels are used as the liquid outlet end.

[0134] In order to facilitate the connection with the external pipeline, the embodiment also connects an adapter pipe 4 to the free ends of the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end, and realizes the connection with the external pipeline through the adapter pipe 4.

[0135] In assembly, the two ends of the sub connecting pipe 12 are respectively inserted into the two ports of the channels 112 of the polar terminals 111 of the adjacent single batteries 11. When the sub connecting pipe 12 adopts a pipe segment made of hard material, it is required that the channels 112 on the polar terminals 111 of the adjacent single batteries 11 must be coaxial to realize effective connection. However, in some cases, due to the existence of machining errors, it is difficult to guarantee the coaxiality of the channels 112 on the polar terminals 111 of the adjacent single batteries 11, therefore, the non-connection part (the part of the sub connecting pipe 12 which is not connected with the port of the channel 112, which can also be understood as the middle segment of the sub connecting pipe 12) of the sub connecting pipe 12 of the embodiment is preferably flexible, based on the deformation of the sub connecting pipe 12, to overcome the above machining errors, and facilitate the sealed connection of the sub connecting pipe 12 with the port of the corresponding channel 112.

[0136] As shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19 In order to make the connection of the polar terminals 111 of each single battery 11 and the sub connecting 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:

[0137] 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;

[0138] a, as Figure 18As shown, 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;

[0139] 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 at the same time, it is convenient for quick and reliable connection with the sub-connection pipe 12.

[0140] b. The annular boss includes 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, that is, 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;

[0141] 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;

[0142] c. The annular boss includes 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;

[0143] 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 surface and the outer wall surface of the sub-connection pipe 12 at the same time, improve the stability of the connection between the sub-connection pipe 12 and the polar terminal 111, and at the same time, the fixing part 113 of this structure forms multiple sealing contact surfaces between the sub-connection pipe 12 and the fixing part 113, further improving the sealing and reliability of the connection.

[0144] Second, as shown in Figure 19 The fixing part 113 is an annular groove arranged on the side wall of the polar terminal 111;

[0145] The shape of this annular groove is similar to that of the sub-connecting tube 12, and its width is consistent with, or slightly smaller than, the wall thickness of the sub-connecting tube 12. The width of the annular groove specifically refers to its radial dimension. During connection, the end of the sub-connecting tube 12 is inserted into this annular groove. Compared to designs where the fixing portion 113 is an annular boss, this fixing portion 113 can be machined onto existing polarity terminals 111, reducing the manufacturing cost of the polarity terminals 111.

[0146] Furthermore, because an insulating heat exchange medium flows within the heat exchange channel, the sealing of the entire heat exchange channel is particularly important. To ensure this, in this embodiment, the sub-connecting tube 12 is sealed with the fixing portion 113 of the corresponding polarity terminal 111 using an interference fit. In other embodiments, a sealing ring may be added between the two to further enhance the sealing performance of the connection. When using a metal sub-connecting tube 12, the connection and sealing between the polarity terminal 111 and the sub-connecting tube 12 can also be achieved through welding. However, in this case, attention must be paid to the insulation between the polarity terminal 111 and the sub-connecting tube 12.

[0147] In order to further optimize the heat transfer effect, such as Figure 18 As shown, this embodiment may also include multiple thermally conductive ribs 114 within channel 112. These ribs 114 are evenly distributed along the circumference of channel 112, with each rib 114 extending axially along channel 112. The thermally conductive ribs 114 can increase the contact area between the insulating heat exchange medium and the polarity terminals 111, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and effectively improving the heat exchange effect. In other embodiments, the number and arrangement of the thermally conductive ribs 114 can be adjusted based on the size of channel 112, so as not to affect the flow of the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0148] It should be noted that:

[0149] 1. Because the polarity terminals 111 of the present invention are in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium, the ideal insulating heat exchange medium should possess excellent insulation, high specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity, good flame retardancy, low cost, suitable operating temperature, long life, and be non-corrosive. In the present invention, the insulating heat exchange medium is a common insulating heat exchange medium in the prior art, including, but not limited to, insulating oil and fluorinated liquid.

[0150] 2. Since the connecting tube assembly is in direct contact with the polarity terminals 111, the connecting tube 12 and the two polarity terminals 111 to which it is connected must be insulated. Insulation can usually be achieved by the following methods:

[0151] 2.1. Select the sub-connecting pipe 12 made of insulating material;

[0152] 2.2. If the sub-connecting tube 12 is made of non-insulating material, the wall of the sub-connecting tube 12 can be insulated, for example, by spraying insulating paint or wrapping it with an insulating film. The inner wall where the channel 112 is connected to the sub-connecting tube 12 can also be insulated, for example, by spraying insulating paint. An insulating sleeve can also be added between the sub-connecting tube 12 and the channel 112. Of course, for the sake of safety, the above methods can be combined to adopt multiple insulation methods to achieve insulation between the sub-connecting tube 12 of the channel 112 and the polarity terminal 111.

[0153] 2.3. If the transfer tube 4 is made of metal, insulation between the transfer tube 4 and the polarity terminal 111 is also required. Specifically, the insulation treatment can be achieved in a similar manner to the insulation with the sub-connecting tube 12.

[0154] Example 5

[0155] like Figure 20 As shown, the battery module of this embodiment, in addition to the embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, has an insulating sealant layer 6 laid on top of the top plate 25. The main body of the heat exchanger is located within the insulating sealant layer 6, with the insulating sealant layer 6 exposed at both the liquid inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchanger. The insulating sealant layer 6 also fills the space between the polarity terminals 111 and the sealing connector 5.

[0156] In this embodiment, the electrical connection portions of all polarity terminals 111 extend out of the insulating sealant layer 6 to facilitate connection with the electrical connector assembly.

[0157] Laying the insulating sealant layer 6 on top of the battery module has at least the following advantages:

[0158] 1. Further improve the sealing performance of the heat exchange channel;

[0159] Specifically, the insulating sealant constituting the insulating sealant layer 6 penetrates into the tiny gap between the heat exchange device and the polarity terminal (the insulating sealant cannot enter the inner cavity of the heat exchange channel through the tiny gap), further sealing the gap in the radial direction;

[0160] 2. Secondary sealing of the first avoidance hole 221;

[0161] Even if there is a small gap between the sealing connector 5 and the housing of the single battery 11 and the pressure-bearing housing 2 (the gap does not allow the insulating sealant to pass through), the insulating sealant can be filled in the space between the polarity terminal 111 and the sealing connector 5 to seal such a small gap, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the first avoidance hole 221.

[0162] 3. Anti-condensation;

[0163] During long time use, condensation will be generated on the surface of the heat exchange device due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the heat exchange device. When the condensation accumulates to a certain amount, it may cause short circuit problem. The sub connecting pipe 12 or the heat exchange device is wrapped by the insulating sealant layer 6. When condensation is generated on the surface of the sub connecting pipe 12 or the heat exchange device, the insulating sealant layer 6 can prevent the battery from short circuiting.

[0164] Four, improve the stability of the heat exchange device;

[0165] Since the heat exchange device is completely wrapped by the insulating sealant layer 6, the stability of the heat exchange device on the battery module can be further improved.

[0166] In other embodiments, the electric connection assembly 3 can be connected with the polarity terminal 111, and then the insulating sealant layer 6 is laid on the top of the battery module, that is, the insulating sealant layer 6 completely covers the polarity terminal 111 of the single battery 11 and the connection part of the electric connection assembly 3 and the polarity terminal 111. In the entire battery module, when the cylinder 21 is insulated, only the electric connection terminal of the electric connection assembly (used to realize the series connection of the battery module) is exposed and electrified, and the rest is insulated, so that such battery module has higher safety performance.

[0167] In order to prevent overflow during the glue injection process, the local structure of the cylinder 21 is used as a glue blocking plate in this embodiment. In the z direction, the height of the side plate of the cylinder 21 is higher than the height of the top plate 25. The part of the cylinder 21 higher than the top plate 25 is used as a glue blocking plate.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The battery pack and the pressure-containing shell are included; The battery pack includes a plurality of single batteries arranged in the x direction in the pressure-containing shell; The pressure-containing shell is a closed pressure shell, and the pressure-containing shell has a blast venting channel covering the blast venting part of each single battery; A first avoiding hole is formed on the top plate of the pressure-containing shell corresponding to the polarity terminal of each single battery, and the polarity terminal of each single battery extends out of the first avoiding hole and is connected in series through the electrical connection assembly; the region of the top plate of the pressure-containing shell corresponding to the first avoiding hole is fixed and sealed with the shell of the single battery; The top of the pressure-containing shell is provided with a heat exchange device, which is insulated from the pressure-containing shell and each single battery; meanwhile, the heat exchange device has a heat exchange channel through which the insulating heat exchange medium is in direct contact with the polarity terminal of each single battery for heat exchange.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The pressure-containing shell includes a cylinder with at least one open end at the top or bottom, a top plate sealing the open end at the top of the cylinder, and a bottom plate sealing the open end at the bottom of the cylinder.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, A protrusion extending in the x direction is provided on the top plate, and the blast venting channel is formed in the protrusion.

4. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, An insulating sealing rubber layer is provided above the top plate of the pressure-containing shell, and the main part of the heat exchange device is located in the insulating sealing rubber layer. The adapter pipe connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange device extends out of the insulating sealing rubber layer.

5. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The electrical connection assembly includes a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection; the polarity terminals of adjacent single batteries with different polarities are electrically connected through the first electrical connection, and two second electrical connections are respectively electrically connected to the single batteries at both ends of the battery pack, and the second electrical connections are respectively used as the electrical connection terminals of the battery pack.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The heat exchange device is a hollow box with an open end, and the open end of the hollow box is sealingly fixed to the top plate of the pressure-containing shell, and the cavity formed by the hollow box and the top plate is used as the heat exchange channel; The hollow box has a second avoiding hole corresponding to the polarity terminal of each single battery, and the polarity terminal of each single battery extends out of the corresponding second avoiding hole and is sealingly connected to the second avoiding hole.

7. The battery module of claim 6, wherein, The hollow box mainly includes a sealing plate, two first side plates, and two second side plates, and the two second side plates are integrally formed with the cylinder, wherein the first side plates are parallel to the yz plane, and the second side plates are parallel to the xz plane.

8. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The heat exchange device includes at least one heat exchange plate, and 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 of the heat exchange plate is used as the heat exchange channel, and each second channel penetrates in the z direction and is connected to the first channel; The polarity terminal of each single battery penetrates through the second channel in the z direction and is electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly, and part of the structure of the polarity terminal of each single battery is located in the heat exchange channel and is in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium.

9. The battery module of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The heat exchange device includes a connection pipe assembly, each single battery has a channel penetrating through the polarity terminal, and the connection pipe assembly connects the channels on the polarity terminals of adjacent single batteries to form the heat exchange channel, and the connection pipe assembly is insulated from the polarity terminals of each single battery.

10. The battery module of claim 9, wherein, Both ends of the channel are provided with a fixed part fixed to the side wall of the polarity terminal for connecting with the connection pipe assembly; the inner wall of the channel is provided with a heat conduction rib plate for increasing the heat exchange area.

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