Current-carrying conductor and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model discloses a current-carrying conductor which comprises two conductor bodies, and each conductor body comprises a base body part which comprises a first end part area and a second end part area; the bent pipe part is arranged on the peripheral wall of the first end part area and comprises a first section extending in the first direction and a second section extending in the second direction, the first section and the second section are connected through a third bent section, the second direction is parallel to the base body part, and the first direction is perpendicular to the base body part; the bent pipe parts of the two conductor bodies are connected through a pipe part connecting piece, the two second sections are sleeved with the pipe part connecting piece, and a cooling liquid flowing channel is formed in the base body part, the bent pipe parts and the pipe part connecting piece. The current-carrying conductor is good in cooling effect, a cooling system is small in occupied space, the current-carrying conductor can be conveniently installed in a small space, and the current-carrying conductor is convenient to connect. The utility model further discloses a battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of new energy, and in particular to a current-carrying conductor and a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of the electric vehicle industry, in order to address people's range anxiety and demand for strong power, the charging and discharging power of vehicles is becoming increasingly greater. This places higher demands on the electrical connection system of the power battery system. Current-carrying conductors, such as copper busbars and aluminum busbars, are key components of the battery electrical connection system, and their current-carrying performance plays a crucial role in the efficiency and reliability of the power battery system. During high-power charging and discharging, the current-carrying conductors generate a large amount of heat. If this heat cannot be dissipated in time, it will cause the conductor temperature to rise, potentially leading to overheating of the battery system, affecting battery performance and lifespan. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the current-carrying conductors or to configure them with a liquid cooling system. However, due to weight and cost constraints, using a cooling system is more in line with practical needs.

[0003] Most liquid cooling systems for current-carrying conductors on the market are arranged on the surface of the current-carrying conductor, with heat exchange occurring through contact between the conductor surface and the cooling system. This results in complex cooling system designs or limitations on the current-carrying conductor design, failing to meet design requirements. Alternatively, designs utilize the internal space of the current-carrying conductor and modify its surface to create coolant channels; however, this leads to complex connections between components, difficult disassembly, and increased space occupied by the current-carrying conductor, posing challenges to its installation in power systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention discloses a current-carrying conductor, which includes two conductor bodies, each conductor body comprising:

[0005] The base portion includes a first end region and a second end region;

[0006] The bent tube portion, located on the peripheral wall of the first end region, includes a first segment extending in a first direction and a second segment extending in a second direction. The first segment and the second segment are connected by a third bent segment. The second direction is parallel to the base portion, and the first direction is perpendicular to the base portion.

[0007] The two conductor bodies are connected by a tube connector, which is sleeved on the outside of the two second sections. A coolant flow channel is formed in the base body, the bent tube, and the tube connector.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooling system can be constructed by utilizing the internal space of the current-carrying conductor to improve cooling efficiency, while simplifying the design of the cooling system, saving the space occupied by the cooling system, reducing the number of additional components of the cooling system, facilitating connection, and making it convenient for the installation and disassembly of the current-carrying conductor.

[0009] Optionally, the second direction is the direction from the first end region to the second end region, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0010] Optionally, the pipe connector is a U-shaped pipe with openings at both ends, and the openings at both ends are respectively fitted over the two second segments.

[0011] Optionally, the conductor body includes a flow tube located on the peripheral wall of the second end region, and one of the flow tubes of the two conductor bodies is an inlet tube and the other is an outlet tube.

[0012] Optionally, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are bent toward the first end region.

[0013] Optionally, the conductor body includes end connectors located at both ends of the base portion, and the end connectors are solid structures.

[0014] Optionally, the end connector includes a through-hole extending through the end connector for connecting the current-carrying conductor.

[0015] Optionally, the end connector is welded to the conductor body, and / or the bent tube portion is welded or glued to the conductor body.

[0016] Optionally, the second segment is made of silicone material, and / or a sealing material is provided between the second segment and the tube connector.

[0017] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a battery pack including the above-mentioned current-carrying conductor.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solutions, battery design can be simplified, battery performance retention can be improved, and battery life can be extended. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This diagram shows the overall structure of the two conductor bodies in a current-carrying conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a conductor body in a current-carrying conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This diagram shows a top view of a conductor body in a current-carrying conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the CC direction;

[0023] Figure 5 This diagram shows a side view of a conductor body in a current-carrying conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the DD direction;

[0025] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a conductor body structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the conductor body planar structure according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] 1. Current-carrying conductor; 10. Conductor body; 11. Base portion; 111. First end region; 112. Second end region; 12. Bent tube portion; 121. First section; 122. Second section; 123. Third bent section; 13. Tube connector; 14. Flow tube; 15. End connector; 151. Through hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this utility model will be presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this utility model are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the utility model in conjunction with the embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this utility model. To provide a deep understanding of this utility model, many specific details will be included in the following description. This utility model may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this utility model, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0029] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this embodiment, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The first aspect of this utility model discloses a current-carrying conductor 1, which includes two conductor bodies (such as...). Figure 1 The conductor body 10 and conductor body 10' shown represent two conductor bodies used together. Specifically, one conductor body is a positive conductor, and the other is a negative conductor, which are connected to other components in the power system to ensure the functioning of the power system. More specifically, the two conductor bodies are identical.

[0034] Among them, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, taking the conductor body 10 as an example, the conductor body 10 includes a base portion 11. Specifically, the base portion 11 includes a first end region 111 and a second end region 112, where the first end region 111 and the second end region 112 are portions of areas near both ends of the base portion 11, each having a peripheral wall. The shape of the base portion 11 can be selected according to the actual application scenario. In a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the base portion 11 can be a flat and straight prism with two relatively large upper and lower base surfaces. In a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the base portion 11 is further bent. Further reference. Figure 3-Figure 6 The substrate 11 has a hollow structure. Specifically, the substrate 11 is a copper or aluminum alloy conductor with high resistivity, serving as a current carrier within the battery pack. The substrate 11 can be manufactured from a conductive tube through simple processes (such as shaping and drilling), making it simple to produce and cost-effective.

[0035] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The conductor body 10 also includes a bent tube portion 12. The bent tube portion 12 is disposed on the peripheral wall of the first end region 111 and includes a first segment 121 extending in a first direction and a second segment 122 extending in a second direction. The first segment 121 and the second segment 122 are connected by a third bent segment 123. The second direction is parallel to the base portion 11, and the first direction is perpendicular to the base portion 11. That is, for example, when the base portion 11 is straight, the second direction can be considered as either the direction from the first end region 111 to the second end region 112, or the direction from the second end region 112 to the first end region 111, which is the extension direction of the base portion 11, i.e., the length direction of the base portion 11. Furthermore, the second direction is parallel to the extension direction of the first end region 111. The first direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the base portion 11 and extends in the thickness direction of the base portion 11. Specifically, the first segment 121 of the bent tube portion 12 extends outward from the peripheral wall of the first end region 111 toward the circumferential side of the base portion 11, while the presence of the third bent segment 123 causes the bent tube portion 12 to change its extension direction and instead extend through the second segment 122.

[0036] When the base portion 11 is a flat and straight prism, preferably, the second direction is the direction from the first end region 111 to the second end region 112, as shown in the example. Figure 1 As shown in the middle direction B. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, as shown in the first direction. Figure 1 As shown in direction A. The bent tube portion 12 extends toward the second end region 112. That is, the bent tube portion 12 is designed to bend toward the center of the base portion 11.

[0037] Specifically, two conductor bodies (such as Figure 1 The bent tube portion (such as the conductor body 10 and conductor body 10' shown) Figure 1 The bent pipe section 12 and the bent pipe section 12' shown are connected by a pipe connector 13, which is sleeved on the two second sections (such as...). Figure 1 Outside of the second section 122 and the second section 122' shown in the diagram. Coolant flow channels are formed within the base portion, the bent pipe portion, and the pipe connection, i.e., as shown... Figure 1 As shown, and with reference Figures 2-4 A coolant flow channel is formed between the base portion 11, the bent pipe portion 12, the base portion 11', the bent pipe portion 12', and the pipe connector 13 (to... Figure 3 (Taking path L in the example). By using the tube of current-carrying conductor 1 to form a coolant flow channel, the number of additional components in the cooling system is reduced, the design of the cooling system is simplified, and the design cost is reduced. At the same time, using the tube of current-carrying conductor 1 as a cooling channel reduces the heat conduction path between the cooling medium and the cooled component, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.

[0038] Furthermore, compared to the upright design, the bent tube section 12 provides the same length of coolant flow channel and significantly reduces the space occupied by the conductor body 10 in the first direction. When the current-carrying conductor 1 is installed in a power system such as a battery pack, it can be easily installed even in confined spaces. Especially in flat spaces, the installation of the current-carrying conductor 1 is less difficult. At the same time, the tube connector 13 only needs to be fitted onto the second section, facilitating installation and disassembly, reducing maintenance time and costs.

[0039] Furthermore, when the second direction is from the first end region 111 to the second end region 112, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, the bent tube portion 12 bends toward the center of the base portion 11. The bent tube portion 12 occupies the least space, which can provide installation space for other components of the power system to the greatest extent, improve the compactness between components, and is particularly advantageous for the installation of power systems with limited space, providing greater flexibility and compactness for power system design.

[0040] In a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the pipe connector 13 is a U-shaped pipe with openings at both ends, and these openings are respectively fitted over the two second sections. That is to say, as... Figure 1 As shown, the main body direction of the pipe connector 13 is the same as the extension direction of the second section 122, and the U-shaped pipe is arranged laterally on the base 11. This arrangement can further reduce the space occupied by the cooling system, and the pipe connector 13 is easy to manufacture; simply bending the pipe will produce a U-shaped fitting. Assembly of this pipe connector 13 is also convenient; installation can be completed simply by fitting the two openings onto the second section. Disassembly will not affect the main body of the current-carrying conductor, facilitating maintenance and replacement.

[0041] Specifically, the second segment 122 is made of silicone, and when it is fitted inside the tube connector 13, the material of the second segment 122 provides a seal. Alternatively, the second segment 122 can be made of other materials, with a sealing material, such as a sealing ring, between it and the tube connector 13.

[0042] In a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, and with reference Figures 2-6 The conductor body 10 also includes a flow pipe 14, which is located on the peripheral wall of the second end region 112. Specifically, of the two flow pipes in the conductor body, one is an inlet pipe and the other is an outlet pipe, thereby forming a coolant loop channel. The specific form of the flow pipe 14 is not limited; it can be a pipe standing upright above the base portion 11, or it can be a design similar to or the same as the bent pipe portion 12, i.e., as... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, on a conductor body 10, a flow tube 14 is bent toward a first end region 111. The flow tube 14 and the bent tube portion 12 are located in the second end region 112 and the first end region 111, respectively, and are arranged opposite to each other. Preferably, the inlet tube and the outlet tube are bent toward the first end region 111. More preferably, the flow tube 14 and the bent tube portion 12 are the same and are arranged opposite to each other, minimizing the space occupied by the current-carrying conductor 1.

[0043] In a specific embodiment of this utility model, the conductor body 10 includes end connectors 15, which are located at both ends of the base portion 11 and are respectively connected to the first end region 111 and the second end region 112. The end connectors 15 are solid structures, preventing coolant from entering them. Specifically, the end connectors 15 are copper or aluminum alloy conductors of the first resistivity, serving as current carriers within the battery pack.

[0044] In a specific embodiment of this utility model, the end connector 15 includes a through hole 151 extending through the end connector 15, the through hole 151 being used for connecting the current-carrying conductor 1. Preferably, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, when the second direction is from the first end region 111 to the second end region 112, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, since the bent tube portion 12 bends toward the center of the base portion 11, that is, toward the inside of the current-carrying conductor 1, rather than toward the outside of the current-carrying conductor 1, the convenience of connecting the end connector 15 to other components is improved, and the operation is smoother.

[0045] In a specific embodiment of this utility model, the end connector 15 is welded to the conductor body 10. In a specific embodiment of this utility model, the bent tube portion 12 is welded to or glued to the conductor body 10.

[0046] The second aspect of this utility model discloses a battery pack, specifically a lithium battery pack, which includes the aforementioned current-carrying conductor, achieving a compact structure, high space utilization, high cooling efficiency, long battery pack life, and stable performance.

[0047] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art can make various changes in form and detail, including some simple deductions or substitutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A current-carrying conductor, characterized in that, The current-carrying conductor includes two conductor bodies, each conductor body comprising: The base portion includes a first end region and a second end region; The bent tube portion, located on the peripheral wall of the first end region, includes a first segment extending along a first direction and a second segment extending along a second direction, the first segment and the second segment being connected by a third bent segment, the second direction being parallel to the base portion and the first direction being perpendicular to the base portion; The two conductor bodies are connected by a tube connector, which is sleeved on the outside of the two second sections. A coolant flow channel is formed in the base body, the bent tube, and the tube connector.

2. A current-carrying conductor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe connector is a U-shaped pipe with openings at both ends, and the openings at both ends are respectively fitted onto the two second sections.

3. A current-carrying conductor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second direction is the direction from the first end region to the second end region, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

4. A current-carrying conductor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conductor body includes a flow tube located on the peripheral wall of the second end region, and one of the two flow tubes of the conductor body is an inlet tube and the other is an outlet tube.

5. A current-carrying conductor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are bent toward the first end region.

6. A current-carrying conductor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conductor body includes end connectors, which are located at both ends of the base portion and are solid structures.

7. A current-carrying conductor as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The end connector includes a through-hole extending through the end connector for connecting the current-carrying conductor.

8. A current-carrying conductor as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The end connector is welded to the conductor body, and / or the bent tube is welded to or glued to the conductor body.

9. A current-carrying conductor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second segment is made of silicone material, and / or a sealing material is provided between the second segment and the tube connector.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes a current-carrying conductor as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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