Cooling structure and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model provides a cooling structure and a battery pack. The cooling structure comprises an outer frame body and an inner frame body, wherein a liquid inlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe are respectively arranged at two ends of the outer frame body; the multiple inner frame bodies are constructed to be perpendicular to the outer frame body and arranged on the inner side of the outer frame body at equal intervals. A cooling flow channel is defined by the inner wall of the outer frame body and the outer walls of the multiple inner frame bodies, and a cooling medium enters the cooling flow channel through the liquid inlet pipe and flows out of the cooling flow channel through the liquid outlet pipe. The battery pack cooling device has the advantages of high cooling efficiency and uniform cooling effect, the overall electrical safety of the battery pack can be improved, and the possibility of thermal runaway of the battery cells is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooling technology for energy storage devices, and more particularly to a cooling structure. This utility model also relates to a battery pack incorporating the aforementioned cooling structure. Background Technology

[0002] New energy vehicles refer to automobiles that use new power systems and are driven entirely or primarily by new energy sources. These new energy sources are energy forms other than traditional gasoline and diesel, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease environmental pollution caused by vehicle operation. With the continuous development of related technologies, the popularity of new energy vehicles is increasing.

[0003] Compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, new energy vehicles have a clear advantage in energy conservation and environmental protection. However, the long charging time of new energy vehicles has become a major factor restricting their development and affecting user experience. To shorten charging time and increase charging power, the charging current needs to be further increased. High-current charging places higher demands on the cooling efficiency of the battery pack; if cooling is not timely, it will affect the lifespan and safety of the battery cells.

[0004] Currently, common battery packs typically employ a cold plate cooling system, where a liquid cooling plate is placed on top or bottom of the cell module. A cooling medium is continuously circulated through the liquid cooling plate, transferring the heat generated during charging and discharging of the cell module to the outside of the battery pack through heat exchange. However, the cell can only partially contact the cold plate, failing to achieve rapid and even cooling. Battery packs using cold plate cooling are increasingly unable to meet the cooling efficiency requirements of high-current fast-charging battery packs. Cells exposed to high temperatures for extended periods are more prone to thermal runaway, compromising their electrical safety. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a cooling structure that can uniformly and efficiently cool the battery cells, improve the overall electrical safety of the battery pack, and reduce the possibility of thermal runaway in the battery cells.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] The present invention provides a cooling structure, comprising an outer frame, with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively provided at both ends;

[0008] The inner frame is constructed as a plurality of units that are perpendicular to the outer frame and are equidistantly arranged inside the outer frame.

[0009] The inner wall of the outer frame and the outer walls of the plurality of inner frames form a cooling channel. The cooling medium enters the cooling channel through the inlet pipe and flows out of the cooling channel through the outlet pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, reinforcing ribs are provided between the top of the inner frame and the inner wall of the outer frame.

[0011] And / or, a reinforcing rib is provided between the bottom of the inner frame and the inner wall of the outer frame;

[0012] The reinforcing ribs are configured as a plurality of equidistant ribs arranged perpendicular to the length direction of the inner frame.

[0013] Furthermore, the length of the reinforcing rib is the same as the width of the inner frame.

[0014] Furthermore, a buffer rib is provided between one side of the inner frame and the inner sidewall of the outer frame.

[0015] And / or, a buffer rib is provided between two adjacent inner frame bodies;

[0016] The angle between the buffer rib and the inner sidewall of the outer frame is 45 degrees.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a pad extending from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe and formed at the bottom of the outer frame.

[0018] Furthermore, a rubber pad is provided on the inner side of the inner frame. Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0019] The cooling structure and battery pack described in this utility model, through the cooling channels formed by the outer frame and multiple inner frames arranged at equal intervals inside the outer frame, can comprehensively wrap the outside of the heat-generating parts of the battery. Compared with the existing structure that sets cold plates at the top and bottom ends of the battery module, it has higher cooling efficiency and more uniform heat dissipation effect, thereby improving the overall electrical safety of the battery pack and reducing the possibility of thermal runaway in the battery pack.

[0020] Furthermore, by incorporating multiple reinforcing ribs at the top and bottom ends of the inner frame and between them and the inner wall of the outer frame, the supporting structure between the inner and outer frames can withstand greater loads without deformation or misalignment. By setting the reinforcing ribs as sheet-like pieces with a length consistent with the width of the inner frame, they can effectively divert the cooling medium. The introduction of these ribs, in conjunction with the inner and outer frames, creates a more complex flow channel shape, resulting in higher cooling efficiency and more uniform heat dissipation, thereby further optimizing and enhancing the heat dissipation capacity of the cooling structure.

[0021] Secondly, by installing a pad at the bottom of the outer frame, the overall structural strength of the cooling structure is increased, and the inlet and outlet pipes are supported, which helps to prevent deformation and damage to the inlet and outlet pipes. In addition, the pad installed at the bottom of the outer frame plays a role in positioning and limiting fixation during the overall installation of the outer frame into the enclosure, simplifying the installation process of the cooling structure.

[0022] In addition, this utility model also proposes a battery pack.

[0023] The battery pack proposed in this utility model includes a cooling structure, which adopts the cooling structure mentioned above;

[0024] The battery cell is installed inside the inner frame.

[0025] The outer shell covers the outside of the outer frame;

[0026] The first guide tube is connected at one end to the liquid inlet tube and extends through and to the outside of the outer shell;

[0027] The second guide tube is connected at one end to the liquid outlet tube and extends through and to the outside of the outer shell.

[0028] Furthermore, a limiting groove is formed on the inner side of the outer casing.

[0029] Furthermore, the ends of the first and second guide tubes extending to the outside of the housing are located on the same side of the housing.

[0030] Furthermore, the cooling structure is configured as two sets symmetrically distributed about the midpoint of the outer casing.

[0031] The battery pack of this invention, by placing the battery cells within an inner frame, not only effectively increases the contact area between the cells and the cooling structure compared to existing technologies, but also avoids direct contact between the cooling medium and the cells, allowing for integration into the vehicle's cooling system without the need for a separate cooling circuit. Simultaneously, the slot-embedded installation of the cells effectively prevents side spraying, significantly improving the electrical safety of the battery pack. The cooling structure employs an integrated welded design, eliminating the need for end plates, crossbeams, and aerogel structures, thereby improving the internal space utilization of the battery pack and reducing the overall production cost.

[0032] Furthermore, by providing a limiting groove on the inner side of the outer casing, the cooling structure can be quickly positioned in conjunction with the pad, thereby achieving the invention objective of simplifying the installation of the cooling structure.

[0033] Secondly, by extending the first and second guide pipes to the outside of the housing and placing them on the same side of the housing, the cooling system can be connected only on the same side of the battery pack, thereby reducing the space occupied by the battery pack in the vehicle and simplifying the battery pack installation process.

[0034] Furthermore, by setting the battery pack to have two sets of mutually symmetrical cooling structures, two modules consisting of cooling structures and battery cells can be accommodated within one battery pack casing. The two modules share a first and second guide pipe, reducing the space occupied by components and achieving the invention objective of increasing the energy density of the battery pack and improving the vehicle's driving range. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the A-direction structure;

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the middle BB section;

[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the middle CC section;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the battery pack in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1. Outer frame; 101. Liquid inlet pipe; 102. Liquid outlet pipe; 2. Inner frame; 201. Reinforcing rib; 202. Buffer rib; 3. Cooling channel; 4. Pad plate; 5. Battery cell; 6. Outer shell; 601. Limiting groove; 7. First guide pipe; 8. Second guide pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0044] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] Taking the cooling structure and battery pack described in this utility model as an example, the directional terms used in the embodiments, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back," are defined based on the vertical direction (also known as the height direction or the Z-direction of the battery pack), the horizontal direction (also known as the width direction or the Y-direction of the battery pack), and the front-back direction (also known as the length direction or the X-direction of the battery pack). "Inner" and "outer" are defined based on the outline of the corresponding components. For example, "inner" and "outer" are defined based on the outline of the battery pack, with the side of the battery pack outline closer to the middle of the battery pack being "inner," and the opposite being "outer."

[0047] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" 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 utility model in light of the specific circumstances.

[0048] The following will refer to the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] This embodiment relates to a cooling structure that uses an outer frame and multiple equidistant inner frames to form a cooling channel that can wrap around the surface of the battery cell. Compared with the cold plate cooling solution in the prior art, the contact area is larger, thereby achieving the invention objective of uniformly and efficiently cooling the battery, improving the overall electrical safety of the battery pack, and reducing the possibility of thermal runaway in the battery pack.

[0051] In terms of overall structure, refer to Figure 1 The cooling structure of this embodiment includes an outer frame 1 and an inner frame 2. The outer frame 1 is an aluminum alloy frame with a rectangular cross-section. An inlet pipe 101 and an outlet pipe 102 are respectively provided at both ends of the outer frame 1. There are multiple inner frames 2. Each inner frame 2 can be an aluminum alloy frame with a rectangular cross-section. The actual size and shape of the inner frame 2 are determined based on the cross-sectional shape of the battery. Multiple inner frames 2 are arranged at certain intervals inside the outer frame 1. Necessary connecting parts are provided between the inner frames 2 and the outer frame 1 to fix their relative positions. The cavity enclosed by the inner wall of the outer frame 1, the outer walls of the multiple inner frames 2, and the sealing plates located at the front and rear ends between the outer frame 1 and the inner frames 2 constitutes the cooling channel 3. The cooling channel 3 communicates with the outside world through the inlet pipe 101 and the outlet pipe 102. The cooling medium enters the cooling channel 3 from the outside through the inlet pipe 101 and then flows out of the cooling channel 3 through the outlet pipe 102.

[0052] As described above, the cooling channels 3 formed by the outer frame 1 and multiple inner frames 2 arranged at equal intervals inside the outer frame 1 can fully wrap around the outside of the battery's heat-generating parts. Compared with the existing technology that sets cold plates at the top and bottom of the battery module, it has higher cooling efficiency and more uniform heat dissipation effect, thereby improving the overall electrical safety of the battery pack and reducing the possibility of thermal runaway in the battery pack.

[0053] Based on the above design concept, specifically, in this embodiment, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 A reinforcing rib 201 can be provided between the top of the inner frame 2 and the inner wall of the outer frame 1; a reinforcing rib 201 can also be provided between the bottom of the inner frame 2 and the inner wall of the outer frame 1. Multiple reinforcing ribs 201 are provided. These multiple reinforcing ribs 201 are arranged equidistantly along the length of the inner frame 2 and perpendicular to the length of the inner frame 2. The reinforcing rib 201 can be an aluminum alloy plate with a length consistent with the width of the inner frame 2.

[0054] By providing multiple reinforcing ribs 201 between the upper and lower ends of the inner frame 2 and the inner wall of the outer frame 1, the supporting structure between the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 1 can withstand greater loads without deformation or misalignment. By setting the reinforcing ribs 201 as sheets with a length consistent with the width of the inner frame 2, the reinforcing ribs 201 can divert the cooling medium. The introduction of the reinforcing ribs 201, in conjunction with the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 1, forms a flow channel cavity with a more complex shape, higher cooling efficiency, and more uniform heat dissipation, thereby further optimizing and improving the heat dissipation capacity of the cooling structure.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 To improve the strength of the cooling structure and the electrical safety of the battery pack, in this embodiment, a buffer rib 202 can be provided between one side of the inner frame 2 and the inner wall of the outer frame 1; a buffer rib 202 can also be provided between two adjacent inner frames 2. The buffer rib 202 is a sheet-like structure made of aluminum alloy. The angle between the buffer rib 202 and the inner wall of the outer frame 1 is 45 degrees. Two adjacent buffer ribs 202 are symmetrical about the numerical plane.

[0056] By incorporating buffer ribs 202 on the side walls of the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 1, or between two adjacent inner frames 2, the ability of the connection structure between the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 1 to resist radial loads can be improved, making the battery pack less prone to deformation and misalignment when subjected to lateral pressure. Furthermore, by setting the buffer ribs 202 at a 45-degree angle to the inner side wall of the outer frame 1, not only can the cooling medium be diverted to improve cooling efficiency, but the pressure generated by battery expansion can also be effectively absorbed, thereby enhancing the electrical safety of the battery pack.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 To facilitate installation and improve the strength of the cooling structure, in this embodiment, the cooling structure also includes a pad 4. The pad 4 is disposed at the bottom of the outer frame 1, extending from the bottom of the inlet pipe 101 to the bottom of the outlet pipe 102. A rubber pad is also provided at the inner end of the inner frame 2. The rubber pad increases contact friction, improving the stability of the battery unit installation.

[0058] By installing a pad 4 at the bottom of the outer frame 1, the overall structural strength of the cooling structure is increased, and the inlet pipe 101 and outlet pipe 102 are supported, which helps to prevent deformation and damage to the inlet pipe 101 and outlet pipe 102. In addition, the pad 4 installed at the bottom of the outer frame 1 plays a role in positioning and limiting fixation during the overall installation of the outer frame 1 into the box, simplifying the installation process of the cooling structure.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 This embodiment relates to a battery pack, including a cooling structure, battery cells 5, a casing 6, a first guide pipe 7, and a second guide pipe 8. The cooling structure is consistent with that described in Embodiment 1. The number of battery cells 5 is the same as the number of inner frame bodies 2. The battery cells 5 are inserted into the inner side of the inner frame body 2. The casing 6 covers the outer side of the cooling structure. One end of the first guide pipe 7 is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 101, and the other end extends to the outer side of the casing 6. One end of the second guide pipe 8 is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 102, and the other end extends to the outer side of the casing 6. The cooling structure can transfer the heat generated during the charging and discharging process of the battery cells 5 to the outside of the battery pack. The battery cells 5 play a role in storing and releasing electrical energy, and the casing 6 protects the cooling structure and the battery cells 5.

[0061] By placing the battery cell 5 within the inner frame 2, compared to existing technologies, this not only effectively increases the contact area between the battery cell 5 and the cooling structure but also prevents the cooling medium from directly contacting the battery cell 5. It can be directly connected to the vehicle's cooling system without requiring a separate cooling circuit. Simultaneously, the slot-embedded installation of the battery cell 5 effectively prevents side spraying, significantly improving the electrical safety of the battery pack. The cooling structure adopts an integrated welded structure, eliminating the need for end plates, crossbeams, and aerogel structures, thus improving the internal space utilization of the battery pack and reducing the overall production cost.

[0062] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In order to simplify the installation of the cooling structure, in this embodiment, a limiting groove 601 is provided on the inner side of the outer casing 6. The limiting groove 601 can be a long strip-shaped groove with the same shape as the pad 4.

[0063] By providing a limiting groove 601 on the inner side of the outer casing 6, the cooling structure can be quickly positioned in conjunction with the pad 4, thereby achieving the invention objective of simplifying the installation of the cooling structure.

[0064] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 Based on the purpose of reducing the space occupied by the battery pack in the vehicle and simplifying the battery pack installation process, in this embodiment, the first guide pipe 7 and the second guide pipe 8 extend to the outside of the outer shell 6 at one end, which is located on the same side of the outer shell 6.

[0065] By extending the first guide pipe 7 and the second guide pipe 8 to the outside of the housing 6 and placing one end on the same side of the housing 6, the cooling system can be connected only on the same side of the battery pack, thereby reducing the space occupied by the battery pack in the vehicle and simplifying the battery pack installation process.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6To improve the energy density of the battery pack and extend the vehicle's driving range, in this embodiment, the cooling structure is configured as two sets symmetrically distributed about the midpoint of the outer casing 6. Each cooling structure contains a battery cell 5. The first guide pipe 7 and the second guide pipe 8 each have two branch pipes near the end of the cooling structure. Each branch pipe is connected to either the inlet or outlet pipe of one of the cooling structures.

[0067] By configuring the battery pack with two sets of mutually symmetrical cooling structures, two modules consisting of cooling structures and battery cells 5 can be accommodated within the outer casing 6 of one battery pack. The two modules share a first guide pipe 7 and a second guide pipe 8, which reduces the space occupied by components and achieves the invention objective of increasing the energy density of the battery pack and improving the driving range of the vehicle.

[0068] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cooling structure, characterized in that: It includes an outer frame, with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe at each end; The inner frame is constructed as a plurality of units that are perpendicular to the outer frame and are equidistantly arranged inside the outer frame. The inner wall of the outer frame and the outer walls of the multiple inner frames form a cooling channel. The cooling medium enters the cooling channel through the inlet pipe and flows out of the cooling channel through the outlet pipe.

2. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reinforcing rib is provided between the top of the inner frame and the inner wall of the outer frame. And / or, a reinforcing rib is provided between the bottom of the inner frame and the inner wall of the outer frame; The reinforcing ribs are configured as a plurality of equidistant ribs arranged perpendicular to the length direction of the inner frame.

3. The cooling structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length of the reinforcing rib is the same as the width of the inner frame.

4. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A buffer rib is provided between one side of the inner frame and the inner sidewall of the outer frame. And / or, a buffer rib is provided between two adjacent inner frame bodies; The angle between the buffer rib and the inner sidewall of the outer frame is 45 degrees.

5. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pad that extends from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe and forms at the bottom of the outer frame.

6. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rubber pad is provided on the inner side of the inner frame.

7. A battery pack, characterized in that: Includes a cooling structure, employing the cooling structure described in any one of claims 1 to 6; The battery cell is installed inside the inner frame. The outer shell covers the outside of the outer frame; The first guide tube has one end connected to the liquid inlet tube and extends through and to the outside of the outer shell; The second guide tube is connected at one end to the liquid outlet tube and extends through and to the outside of the outer shell.

8. A battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: A limiting groove is provided on the inner side of the outer casing.

9. A battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first and second guide tubes extend to the outside of the housing at one end, which is located on the same side of the housing.

10. A battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cooling structure is configured as two sets symmetrically distributed about the midpoint of the outer casing.

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