Battery module and heat exchange device for battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery module and a heat exchange device for the battery module, and solves the problem that the existing battery module has potential safety hazards. The battery module comprises a heat exchange device and a single battery; a first through groove or a through hole is formed in the polar terminal of the single battery; the heat exchange device comprises a first hollow component assembly and an electric conduction and heat conduction layer. An inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly serves as a heat exchange medium circulation channel. The first hollow component assembly comprises a first sub hollow component and a second sub hollow component; the first sub hollow component is a conductive component and is clamped into the first through grooves or through holes of the polarity terminals of the different single batteries to realize electric connection of the single batteries; the second sub hollow component is an insulating component and is connected between two adjacent sections of first sub hollow components; the electric conduction and heat conduction layer is arranged between the outer pipe wall of the first sub hollow component and the first through groove or the through hole of the polar terminal, so that the bonding strength and the electric conduction and heat conduction performance between the first sub hollow component and the polar terminal are further improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to the battery field, concretely is a battery module and heat exchange device for battery module. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, a plurality of single batteries are connected by electricity to form a battery module (also called a battery pack).

[0003] However, due to the high concentration of single batteries in the battery module, 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 module, thereby reducing the service life of the battery module. In severe cases, the thermal balance of the battery module is destroyed, which further causes thermal runaway of the battery module and poses a safety hazard. SUMMARY

[0004] The utility model provides a kind of battery module and heat exchange device for battery module, mainly solve the problem that existing battery module exists safety hazard.

[0005] The utility model provides a kind of battery module, including heat exchange device and the m single battery of being arranged along the same direction;Wherein m is the integer greater than 1;The polarity terminal of each single battery is provided with first through slot or through hole;Heat exchange device includes first hollow component assembly and electrically-conductive and thermally-conductive layer;The inner chamber of first hollow component assembly is used as heat exchange medium flow passage;First hollow component assembly includes first sub hollow component and second sub hollow component;First sub hollow component is electrically-conductive component, is installed into the first through slot or through hole of the polarity terminal of each single battery, realizes the electrical connection of each single battery;Second sub hollow component is insulating component, is connected between two adjacent first sub hollow components;

[0006] Electrically-conductive and thermally-conductive layer is arranged between the outer pipe wall of first sub hollow component and the first through slot or through hole of polarity terminal.

[0007] The utility model sets up first hollow component assembly in the top of each single battery, on the one hand, the inner chamber of first hollow component assembly is used as heat exchange medium flow passage, and the heat exchange of the polarity terminal of each single battery is realized based on heat exchange medium, to further realize the heat exchange of each single battery and battery module;On the other hand, first hollow component assembly can also be used as electrical connector, realizes the electrical connection of each single battery in battery module, so that the structure of entire battery module is relatively simple.

[0008] In addition, the utility model further improves the bonding strength between first sub hollow component and polarity terminal and electrically-conductive and thermally-conductive performance by setting electrically-conductive and thermally-conductive layer.

[0009] Further, each first sub hollow member is clamped into the first through slot or through hole of the polar terminal of different polarity of the adjacent two single batteries, so that the series connection of the adjacent single batteries is realized.

[0010] Further, the conductive and heat-conductive layer is a tin layer or a tin alloy layer.

[0011] Further, the two ends of the first sub hollow member are fixed with hot melt connectors, and the hot melt connectors are connected with the second sub hollow member through a hot melt mode. Based on the hot melt connection mode, the sealing performance of the connection part of the first sub hollow member and the second sub hollow member can be ensured. In addition, when this connection mode is selected, the first through slot is preferably arranged on the polar terminal, and after the first hollow member assembly is connected, the first hollow member assembly is clamped into the first through slot of the polar terminal as a whole.

[0012] Further, the battery module further comprises a shell, the plurality of single batteries are arranged in the shell, and the liquid inlet end and the liquid outlet end of the first hollow member assembly extend out of the shell; when the single battery in the cavity of the shell bursts due to thermal runaway, the splashes are blocked by the shell and do not pose a threat to the personal safety of people around the battery module; in addition, the shell made of metal has good protection performance; when the shell is made of metal, the shell needs to be insulated from each single battery, and the utility model discloses an insulating plate arranged between the single battery and the shell to realize insulation.

[0013] Further, an insulating sealant layer can also be laid between each single battery and the shell. Based on the insulating sealant layer, condensation can be prevented, and the occurrence of battery short circuit can be prevented; the sealing performance of each part of the heat exchange device can be further improved, and the insulation performance between the single batteries and between the single battery and the shell can be further improved.

[0014] The utility model discloses a second aspect provides a kind of heat exchange device for battery module, including pole adapter, first hollow member assembly and conductive and heat-conductive layer;

[0015] The pole adapter is used to connect with the pole of single battery, and the second through slot or through hole is arranged on the pole adapter;

[0016] The inner cavity of the first hollow member assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow passage;The first hollow member assembly includes a first sub hollow member and a second sub hollow member;The first sub hollow member is an electrically conductive member, which is clamped into the second through slot or through hole of the different single battery pole adapter, to realize the electrical connection of each single battery;The second sub hollow member is an insulating member, which is connected between the adjacent two first sub hollow members;

[0017] The conductive and heat-conductive layer is arranged between the outer pipe wall of the first sub hollow member and the second through slot or through hole of the pole adapter.

[0018] This invention does not require major adjustments to the existing battery module structure. The heat exchange device can be installed on the existing battery module on-site, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0019] Furthermore, each segment of the first hollow component is inserted into the second through groove or through hole of the two adjacent pole adapters. The two pole adapters are connected to poles of different polarities of adjacent single cells, which can realize the series connection between the two single cells.

[0020] Furthermore, the conductive and thermally conductive layer is a tin layer or a tin alloy layer.

[0021] Furthermore, hot-melt connectors are fixed to both ends of the first hollow component, and the hot-melt connectors are connected to the second hollow component by hot-melt connection.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] 1. Research has found that during battery charging and discharging, the temperature at the battery's polarity terminals is the highest. Managing the heat at these terminals can effectively dissipate heat and achieve effective temperature control. Based on this research, this invention utilizes a first hollow component assembly to directly exchange heat with the polarity terminals. When the battery module's temperature exceeds a set threshold, a lower-temperature heat exchange medium is introduced into the first hollow component assembly to cool the battery module. When the battery module's temperature falls below the set threshold, a higher-temperature heat exchange medium is introduced into the first hollow component assembly to raise the battery module's temperature. By controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, the battery module can always operate at its normal operating temperature, further improving the safety performance of this type of battery module.

[0024] In addition, the first hollow component of this utility model can also be used as an electrical connector to realize the electrical connection of each individual battery in the battery module, making the structure of the entire battery module relatively simple.

[0025] 2. This utility model does not require major adjustments to the existing battery module structure. The heat exchange device for the battery module provided by this utility model can be installed on the existing battery module on-site, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery module in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single cell in Example 1;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first hollow component assembly in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 1;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module in Example 1;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another battery module in Example 1;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module with a casing in Example 2;

[0034] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the battery module with a casing in Example 2;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module with an electrical connection plate in Example 2;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heat exchange device in Example 3;

[0037] Figure 12 This is an exploded structural diagram of the electrode adapter and the single cell in Example 3;

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heat exchange device and the existing battery module in Example 3. Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heat exchange device and the existing battery module in Example 3. Figure 2 .

[0040] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0041] 1. Heat exchange device; 11. First hollow component assembly; 111. First sub-hollow component; 112. Second sub-hollow component; 113. Hot-melt connector; 114. Heat dissipation teeth; 12. Conductive and thermally conductive layer; 2. Single cell; 21. Polar terminal; 211. First end face; 213. First side face; 214. First through groove; 3. Outer shell; 4. Partition plate; 5. Insulating plate; 6. Electrical connection plate; 7. Terminal adapter; 71. Second through groove; 72. Second side face; 74. Fourth end face; 75. Fifth end face. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0043] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship 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, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0045] This utility model is a battery module, including a heat exchange device and m individual batteries arranged in the same direction; where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0046] For ease of description, the direction of individual cell arrangement is defined as the x-direction, the height direction of individual cells is defined as the z-direction, and the direction perpendicular to the x and z directions is defined as the y-direction.

[0047] Each individual cell has a through slot or through hole on its polarity terminal.

[0048] The polarity terminal of the aforementioned single battery can be the single battery post. In order to avoid the single battery post height not meeting the set requirements, a post adapter can be connected to the single battery post, and the overall structure of the single battery post and the post adapter can be used as the polarity terminal of the single battery.

[0049] The heat exchange device includes a first hollow component assembly and a conductive and thermally conductive layer.

[0050] The inner cavity of the first hollow component serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel; at least a portion of the structure of the first hollow component is a conductive component, which is inserted into the grooves or through holes of each individual cell and connected to the polarity terminals of each individual cell; the other portion of the structure is an insulating component to prevent short circuits in the individual cells.

[0051] The first hollow component in this utility model has two functions. First, it can be used as a heat exchange device, with its inner cavity serving as a heat exchange medium flow channel. Based on the heat exchange medium, heat exchange is achieved between the polar terminals of each individual battery cell, thereby achieving effective heat exchange for each individual battery cell and the battery module. Second, it can be used as an electrical connector to achieve electrical connection between each individual battery cell in the battery module.

[0052] It should be noted that:

[0053] 1. Heat exchange here can be understood as: heat dissipation or heating; when the temperature of the battery module is higher than the set threshold, the battery module is cooled down by introducing a lower temperature heat exchange medium into the heat exchange device; when the temperature of the battery module is lower than the set threshold, the battery module is heated up by introducing a higher temperature heat exchange medium into the heat exchange device; by controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, it can be ensured that the battery module always operates at the normal operating temperature.

[0054] 2. Part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is a conductive component, which is connected to the polarity terminal of the individual battery to achieve electrical connection; the other part of the structure of the first hollow component assembly is an insulating component, which is connected between the two conductive components to avoid short circuits between individual batteries; in this utility model, for ease of description, the conductive component is defined as the first sub-hollow component, and the insulating component is defined as the second sub-hollow component; both the first sub-hollow component and the second sub-hollow component can be understood as hollow tubular structures, and in this utility model, the first sub-hollow component and the second sub-hollow component can be an integral part, that is, processed by an integral molding process; or they can be separate parts, that is, connected by a specific connection method.

[0055] 3. The above-mentioned electrical connections include series, parallel, or mixed connections; the structure of the corresponding first hollow component assembly varies slightly for different electrical connection methods, mainly in the number and length of conductive and insulating components; in this utility model, the series connection of a single battery is mainly used as an example for explanation.

[0056] The first hollow component assembly is directly connected to the polar terminal, exchanging heat with the polar terminal of the individual battery cell where heat is concentrated, thus improving the heat exchange effect of the battery. There are various connection methods between the first hollow component assembly and the polar terminal; the larger the contact area between them, the better the heat exchange effect. Based on this, this invention places a conductive and thermally conductive layer between the outer wall of the first hollow component and the through-slot or through-hole of the polar terminal to increase the contact area between them. This conductive and thermally conductive layer is typically made of a metal material with good electrical and thermal conductivity. By setting this conductive and thermally conductive layer, the bonding strength and thermal conductivity between the first hollow component and the polar terminal can be further improved.

[0057] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] This embodiment is a battery module, including a heat exchange device 1 and a plurality of individual batteries 2 arranged along the x-direction; wherein the heat exchange device 1 includes a first hollow component assembly 11 and a conductive and thermally conductive layer 12.

[0060] The structure of the battery module is as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the individual battery 2 is a prismatic battery, and there are 13 of them. In other embodiments, the number and shape of the individual battery 2 can be adjusted according to actual needs. Each individual battery 2 has two terminals 21 with opposite polarities on its top cover.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the polarity terminal 21 is the terminal of a single cell, and the height of this terminal is higher than that of a conventional single cell terminal.

[0062] In this embodiment, a first through groove 214 is formed on the polar terminal 21 as a fixing part of the first hollow component assembly 11.

[0063] from Figure 3 As can be seen from the diagram, in this embodiment, the polar terminal 21 is a cylindrical body, including a first end face 211, a second end face, and a first side face 213 (the first end face 211 and the second end face are parallel to each other); a first through groove 214 is formed on the first end face 211, that is, the opening of the first through groove 214 is located on the first end face 211; in some other embodiments, the first through groove 214 may also be formed on the first side face 213, that is, the opening of the first through groove 214 is located on the first side face 213. The second end face is used for electrical connection with the electrode assembly inside the battery casing.

[0064] The first through groove 214 has a C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section. The opening width of the C-shaped first through groove 214 is smaller than the widest part of the first through groove 214. This design is conducive to the first hollow component assembly 11 being interference-fitted into the first through groove 214. The arc formed by the two ends of the C-shaped first through groove 214 has natural tension, which is conducive to the first hollow component assembly 11 being tightly fitted into the first through groove 214. The first through groove 214 has a U-shaped cross-section. The cross-section at the opening of the first through groove 214 is rectangular, and the cross-section near the bottom of the groove is a semi-circular shape. The size of the opening is slightly smaller than the widest part of the first through groove 214 and also slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first hollow component assembly 11. This design is also conducive to the first hollow component assembly 11 being interference-fitted into the first through groove 214, and at the same time, it is conducive to the first hollow component assembly 11 being fixed into the first through groove 214. The interference fit is mainly in the bottom area of ​​the groove with a semi-circular cross-section.

[0065] The first hollow component assembly 11 is fixed in the first through groove 214 of the polarity terminal 21 of each individual battery 2. On the one hand, it is used as a heat exchange device 1, and its inner cavity serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel. Based on the heat exchange medium, heat exchange is realized at the polarity terminal 21 of each individual battery 2, thereby realizing heat exchange of each individual battery 2 and the battery module. On the other hand, it is used as an electrical connector to realize the electrical connection of each individual battery 2 in the battery module. In this embodiment, series connection is taken as an example.

[0066] from Figure 4 As can be seen from the above, the first hollow component assembly 11 in this embodiment is a spliced ​​pipe section, which is spliced ​​together by multiple first sub-hollow components 111 and multiple second sub-hollow components 112; the inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly 11 in this embodiment also serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel, so the sealing of the splicing part is particularly important.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first hollow sub-component 111 is used as a conductive component and is usually made of metal, such as aluminum or copper; the second hollow sub-component 112 is used as an insulating component and is usually made of plastic or rubber with good thermal conductivity; each segment of the first hollow sub-component 111 is connected to the polar terminals 21 of different polarities of two adjacent single cells 2, and each segment of the second hollow sub-component 112 is connected between adjacent first hollow sub-components 111.

[0068] To ensure the sealing of the connection between the first hollow component 111 and the second hollow component 112, this embodiment pre-installs heat-fusion connectors 113 at both ends of the first hollow component 111. The heat-fusion connector 113 is a sleeve structure, which is fixed to both ends of the first hollow component 111 by injection molding. The diameter of the sleeve should ensure that it can be fitted with the second hollow component 112, and its material should be able to be connected with the second hollow component 112 by heat fusion.

[0069] Specifically, the connection between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second sub-hollow component 112 can be completed through the following process:

[0070] First, hot-melt connectors 113 are fitted onto both ends of the first hollow component 111 using an injection molding process;

[0071] Next, the hot-melt connector 113 is sleeved with the second hollow component 112, and the two are fixed and sealed by hot-melt method.

[0072] In some other embodiments, the connection between the first hollow component 111 and the second hollow component 112 can also be achieved by a threaded connection. In order to improve the sealing performance, a sealing ring can be added to the threaded connection.

[0073] CombinationFigure 1 and Figure 4 As can be seen, in this embodiment, after the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second sub-hollow component 112 complete the series connection of each individual cell 2, two heat exchange channels are formed on the top of each individual cell 2. The two heat exchange channels are connected in series through an insulated external pipe (the insulated external pipe can also be understood as a section of the second sub-hollow component 112). In some other embodiments, the two heat exchange channels can be connected in parallel.

[0074] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in order to further improve the heat dissipation performance of the first hollow component assembly 11, this embodiment may also provide heat dissipation teeth 114 in the first sub-hollow component 111 and / or the second sub-hollow component 112. Multiple heat dissipation teeth 114 are arranged circumferentially along the first sub-hollow component 111 and / or the second sub-hollow component 112, and each heat dissipation tooth 114 extends axially along the first sub-hollow component 111 and / or the second sub-hollow component 112.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in order to optimize the conductivity of the first hollow component 111, a conductive and thermally conductive layer 12 is disposed between the first hollow component 111 and the first through groove 214 in this embodiment. The conductive and thermally conductive layer 12 is usually made of a metal material with good conductivity and thermal conductivity, such as solder material (using tin alloy as solder). The solder material can be melted and poured between the first hollow component 111 and the first through groove 214. After cooling, a solder layer is formed between the first hollow component 111 and the first through groove 214.

[0076] The conductive and thermally conductive layer 12 may be located only between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the bottom of the first through groove 214, such as Figure 6 As shown in the right pole of the middle; the conductive and heat-conducting layer 12 can also be located between the first sub-hollow component 111, the bottom of the first through groove 214, and the opening of the first through groove 214, such as Figure 6 The middle left pole and Figure 7 As shown.

[0077] When the gap between the first hollow component 111 and the bottom of the first through-slot 214 is too small, molten solder cannot easily flow into the gap. To overcome this problem, a solder sheet can be pre-wrapped on the first hollow component 111, then inserted into the first through-slot 214 and heated. The molten solder sheet melts and welds the first hollow component 111 and the bottom of the first through-slot 214 together. These two methods can also be used in combination: first, a solder sheet is wrapped on the first hollow component 111, then inserted into the first through-slot 214. Then, molten solder material is poured between the first hollow component 111 and the first through-slot 214, heated again, the solder sheet melts, and after cooling, the first hollow component 111 and the first through-slot 214 are welded together.

[0078] By setting the conductive and thermally conductive layer 12, the bonding strength and thermal conductivity between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the polar terminal 21 can be further improved.

[0079] In some other embodiments, a through hole can be made on the side wall of the polar terminal 21, and the first sub-hollow component 111 can be inserted into the through hole to achieve the connection between the two.

[0080] Example 2

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, unlike Embodiment 1, the battery module in this embodiment may also include a housing 3, a single battery cell 2 and a heat exchange device 1, all of which are inside the housing 3. It should be noted that the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the first hollow component assembly 11 in the heat exchange device 1 need to extend out of the housing 3.

[0082] This embodiment does not specifically limit the structure of the outer shell 3, but at least the following two structures can be adopted:

[0083] The first structure includes a cylindrical body with open ends (i.e., the port parallel to the yz plane is the open end) and end plates fixed to the two open ends of the cylindrical body (i.e., the end plates are parallel to the yz plane).

[0084] The second type of structure includes a cylindrical body with open ends at the top and bottom (i.e., the port parallel to the xy plane is the open end) and a top plate and a bottom plate fixed to the open ends at the top and bottom of the cylindrical body respectively (i.e., the top plate and the bottom plate are both parallel to the xy plane, and the top plate or the bottom plate can be an integral structure with the cylindrical body).

[0085] In this embodiment, the outer shell 3 mainly has the following two functions:

[0086] Firstly, improve the safety performance of the entire battery module;

[0087] 1. When the individual battery 2 located inside the outer casing 3 explodes due to thermal runaway, the flying debris will not pose a threat to the personal safety of people around the battery module due to the obstruction of the outer casing 3;

[0088] 2. The outer casing 3 also provides a certain degree of protection for each individual battery cell 2, which can prevent damage caused by direct exposure of each individual battery cell 2.

[0089] Secondly, it facilitates the storage and transportation of the entire battery module;

[0090] Multiple individual batteries 2 are placed inside a relatively well-structured outer casing 3, making the battery module easy to store and transport.

[0091] To improve the protective performance of the outer shell 3, the outer shell 3 in this embodiment is made of metal, typically aluminum or iron. Iron is preferred for cost considerations.

[0092] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, a separator 4 can also be provided between two adjacent single cells 2. The separator 4 is made of insulating material. For each single cell 2 near the middle, the side walls (large surface of the single cell 2) on both sides are in contact with the separator 4. For the two single cells 2 near the outermost edge, one side wall is in contact with the separator 4, and the other side wall is in contact with the outer casing 3.

[0093] In this embodiment, the partition 4 has at least the following advantages:

[0094] Firstly, it can achieve insulation between the two individual battery cells 2, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0095] Secondly, improve the installation stability of each individual battery cell 2 within the casing;

[0096] Thirdly, the separator 4 has a certain degree of elasticity. When the single cell 2 swells and deforms, the separator 4 is squeezed by the single cell 2 and undergoes elastic deformation. After the separator 4 undergoes elastic deformation, it can provide expansion space for the expansion of the single cell 2, so that the expansion and deformation of the single cell 2 will not squeeze the outer shell 3, avoiding the deformation and leakage problems caused by the squeezing of the outer shell 3, thereby improving the performance and safety of the battery module.

[0097] Fourthly, the heat generated during the charging and discharging of each individual battery cell 2 can be transferred to the outside through the separator 4, reducing the risk of thermal runaway.

[0098] from Figure 9 It can also be seen that, in this embodiment, an insulating plate 5 is provided between the battery module and the outer casing 3 for insulation between the outer casing 3 and the battery module. In this embodiment, five insulating plates 5 are provided, respectively between the four side walls of the battery module and the four side walls of the outer casing 3, and between the bottom of the battery module and the bottom plate of the outer casing 3. In some other embodiments, an insulating plate 5 may also be provided between the top of the battery module and the outer casing 3.

[0099] In this embodiment, an insulating sealant layer can also be laid between each individual battery cell 2 and the outer casing 3. The insulating sealant layer is mainly laid in the space between the top of each individual battery cell 2 and the outer casing 3, and the first hollow component assembly 11 inside the outer casing 3 is located within the insulating sealant layer. When there is a gap between each individual battery cell 2, the insulating sealant liquid can also penetrate into the gap to form an insulating sealant layer. When there is a gap between the four side walls and the bottom of each individual battery cell 2 and the outer casing 3, the insulating sealant liquid can also penetrate into the gap to form an insulating sealant layer.

[0100] In this embodiment, the insulating sealant layer has at least the following advantages:

[0101] I. Further improve the sealing performance of each part of the first hollow component assembly 11;

[0102] Specifically, the insulating sealant liquid constituting the insulating sealant layer penetrates into the gap between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second sub-hollow component 112, further sealing the gap radially (the insulating sealant liquid cannot flow into the heat exchange medium flow cavity through the gap).

[0103] II. Preventing condensation;

[0104] During prolonged use, condensation may occur on the surface of the first hollow component 11 due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside. When the condensation accumulates to a certain amount, it may cause a short circuit. By laying an insulating sealant layer to completely enclose the first hollow component 11, the battery short circuit can be prevented when condensation occurs on the surface of the first hollow component 11 under the protection of the insulating sealant layer.

[0105] III. Further improve the insulation performance between each individual battery cell 2 and the outer casing 3;

[0106] The insulating sealant penetrates into the gaps between the battery module and the insulating plate 5, and between the insulating plate 5 and the outer shell 3, which can further improve the insulation performance between each individual battery cell 2 and the outer shell 3.

[0107] IV. Further improve the insulation performance between individual cells 2;

[0108] The insulating sealant penetrates into the gaps between the battery modules, which can further improve the insulation performance between the individual cells 2.

[0109] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, an electrical connection plate 6 can also be connected to the first end face 211 of the polarity terminal 21 to realize the series connection of adjacent single cells 2. When there is a problem with the electrical connection between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the polarity terminal 21 in Embodiment 1, the electrical connection can also be realized based on the electrical connection plate 6, further improving the reliability of the battery module.

[0110] Example 3

[0111] This embodiment is a heat exchange device 1. Unlike the heat exchange device 1 in Embodiment 1, the heat exchange device 1 in this embodiment also includes an electrode adapter 7.

[0112] The specific structure is as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the heat exchange device 1 in this embodiment includes an electrode adapter 7, a conductive and thermally conductive layer 12, and a first hollow component assembly 11.

[0113] The terminal adapter 7 is used to connect with the terminal of the single cell 2. The overall structure that connects the terminal of the single cell 2 and the terminal adapter 7 serves as the polarity terminal 21 of the single cell 2.

[0114] like Figure 12 As shown, the structure of the pole adapter 7 in this embodiment is similar to that of the pole in embodiment 1. Both are pillars, including a fourth end face 74, a fifth end face 75, and a second side face 72 (the fourth end face 74 and the fifth end face 75 are parallel to each other).

[0115] In this embodiment, a blind hole is formed on the terminal adapter 7 along the height direction, and the bottom of the blind hole is welded to the terminal of the single cell 2. In some other embodiments, a connecting plate can also be provided on the terminal adapter 7, and the connecting plate can be welded to the terminal of the single cell 2. Specifically, the connecting plate can be an annular plate provided on the second side 72 of the terminal.

[0116] A second through groove 71 is provided on the pole adapter 7 as a fixing part of the first hollow component assembly 11.

[0117] from Figure 12 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the second through groove 71 is also formed on the fourth end face 74, that is, the opening of the second through groove 71 is located on the fourth end face 74; in some other embodiments, the second through groove 71 can also be formed on the second side face 72, that is, the opening of the second through groove 71 is located on the second side face 72. The fifth end face 75 is used to connect with the terminal of the single cell 2.

[0118] The cross-sectional structure of the second through channel 71 is the same as that in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0119] The first hollow component assembly 11 is fixed in the second through groove 71 of each terminal adapter 7. On the one hand, it is used as a heat exchange device 1, and its inner cavity serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel. Based on the heat exchange medium, heat exchange is realized in each individual battery 2 terminal adapter 7, thereby realizing heat exchange in each individual battery 2 and the battery module. On the other hand, it is used as an electrical connector to realize the electrical connection of each individual battery 2 in the battery module. In this embodiment, series connection is taken as an example.

[0120] fromFigure 11 As can be seen from the above, the first hollow component assembly 11 in this embodiment is a spliced ​​pipe section, and its structure is the same as that in Embodiment 1, so it will not be described again here.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, in order to optimize the conductivity of the first sub-hollow component 111, a conductive and thermally conductive layer 12 is disposed between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second through groove 71 in this embodiment. The conductive and thermally conductive layer 12 is usually made of a metal material with good conductivity and thermal conductivity, such as solder material. The solder material can be melted and poured between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second through groove 71. After cooling, a solder layer is formed between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second through groove 71.

[0122] Similar to Embodiment 1, the conductive and thermally conductive layer 12 may be located only between the first sub-hollow member 111 and the bottom of the second through groove 71; the conductive and thermally conductive layer 12 may also be located between the first sub-hollow member 111, the bottom of the second through groove 71, and the opening of the second through groove 71.

[0123] When the gap between the first hollow component 111 and the bottom of the second through-slot 71 is too small, molten solder cannot easily flow into the gap. To overcome this problem, a solder sheet can be pre-wrapped on the first hollow component 111, then inserted into the second through-slot 71, and heated. The molten solder sheet melts and welds the first hollow component 111 and the second through-slot 71 together. These two methods can also be used in combination: a solder sheet is wrapped on the first hollow component 111, then inserted into the second through-slot 71. Solder material is then melted and poured between the first hollow component 111 and the second through-slot 71, heated again, and the solder sheet melts. After cooling, the first hollow component 111 and the second through-slot 71 are successfully welded together.

[0124] By setting the conductive and thermally conductive layer 12, the bonding strength and thermal conductivity between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the pole adapter 7 can be further improved.

[0125] In some other embodiments, a through hole can be made on the side wall of the pole adapter 7, and the first sub-hollow component 111 can be inserted into the through hole to achieve the connection between the two.

[0126] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The heat exchange device 1 of this embodiment can be fixed to the top of an existing battery module through the following process:

[0127] First, the bottom of the blind hole of each terminal adapter 7 is welded to the corresponding terminal of the single cell 2; and the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second sub-hollow component 112 are connected according to the method in Embodiment 1 to form the first hollow component assembly 11.

[0128] Next, the first hollow component assembly 11 is inserted into the second through groove 71 of the pole adapter 7, and a conductive and heat-conducting layer 12 is provided between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second through groove 71.

[0129] When using the electrode adapter 7 with a connecting plate, the heat exchange device 1 can be fixed to the top of the existing battery module through the following process:

[0130] First, the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second sub-hollow component 112 are connected according to the method in Embodiment 1 to form the first hollow component assembly 11; the first hollow component assembly 11 is inserted into the second through groove 71 of the pole post adapter 7, and a conductive and heat-conducting layer 12 is provided between the first sub-hollow component 111 and the second through groove 71.

[0131] Next, the connecting plates of each terminal adapter 7 and the corresponding terminal 2 of the single cell are welded together.

[0132] As can be seen from the above process, this embodiment does not require major adjustments to the existing battery module structure. The heat exchange device 1 can be installed on the existing battery module on-site, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: It includes a heat exchange device and m individual cells arranged in the same direction; where m is an integer greater than 1. A first through groove or through hole is made on the polarity terminal of each individual cell; The heat exchange device includes a first hollow component assembly and a conductive and thermally conductive layer; The inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel; the first hollow component assembly includes a first sub-hollow component and a second sub-hollow component; the first sub-hollow component is a conductive component, installed into the first through slot or through hole of the polarity terminal of each individual cell to realize the electrical connection of each individual cell; the second sub-hollow component is an insulating component, connected between two adjacent first sub-hollow components; The conductive and thermally conductive layer is disposed between the outer tube wall of the first hollow component and the first through groove or through hole of the polar terminal.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each segment of the first hollow component is inserted into the first through slot or through hole of the polarity terminals of two adjacent single cells with different polarities.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive and thermally conductive layer is a metallic tin layer or a tin alloy layer.

4. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first hollow component has hot-melt connectors fixed at both ends, and the hot-melt connectors are connected to the second hollow component by hot-melt.

5. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes an outer casing and an insulating plate. The outer casing is made of metal. The insulating plate is placed between the m individual cells and the outer casing. The liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the first hollow component extend out of the outer shell.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: An insulating sealant layer is laid between each individual battery cell and the outer casing.

7. A heat exchange device for a battery module, characterized in that: Includes pole adapter, first hollow component assembly and conductive and thermally conductive layer; The terminal adapter is used to connect to the terminal of a single battery cell, and a second through slot or through hole is provided on the terminal adapter; The inner cavity of the first hollow component assembly serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel; the first hollow component assembly includes a first sub-hollow component and a second sub-hollow component; the first sub-hollow component is a conductive component, which is inserted into the second through groove or through hole of the electrode adapter of different individual cells to realize the electrical connection of each individual cell; the second sub-hollow component is an insulating component, which is connected between two adjacent sections of the first sub-hollow component. The conductive and thermally conductive layer is disposed between the outer wall of the first hollow component and the second through groove or through hole of the pole adapter.

8. The heat exchange device for a battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each segment of the first hollow component is inserted into the second through slot or through hole of the two adjacent pole transition components.

9. The heat exchange device for a battery module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The conductive and thermally conductive layer is a metallic tin layer or a tin alloy layer.

10. The heat exchange device for a battery module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first hollow component has hot-melt connectors fixed at both ends, and the hot-melt connectors are connected to the second hollow component by hot-melt.

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