Battery cell cooling structure and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery cooling, and discloses a battery cell cooling structure and a battery pack, and the battery cell cooling structure comprises a cooling plate and a circulation plate, the cooling plate is provided with a cooling flow channel and an inlet and an outlet which are communicated with the cooling flow channel, and one surface of the cooling plate is suitable for being attached to the battery cell; the circulation plate is connected with the other opposite face of the cooling plate and comprises a first bottom plate and a first cover plate stacked on the first bottom plate, a liquid inlet flow channel and a liquid outlet flow channel are arranged between the first cover plate and the first bottom plate at intervals, the liquid inlet flow channel is communicated with the inlet, and the liquid outlet flow channel is communicated with the outlet. The circulation plate composed of the first bottom plate and the first cover plate is adopted to replace a traditional cooling pipeline, cooling liquid is input and output through the liquid inlet flow channel and the liquid outlet flow channel between the first cover plate and the first bottom plate, the structure is simple, the thickness space needed by circulation of the cooling liquid can be remarkably reduced, and the space utilization rate of the battery pack is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cooling technology, specifically to a cell cooling structure and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Battery packs are increasingly trending towards lightweight design. When battery cells discharge at high energy density and high power, they generally generate a lot of heat. Therefore, cooling structures are needed to dissipate the heat from the battery cells quickly.

[0003] Currently, the cooling structure of battery cells generally adopts the form of cooling pipes and cooling plates. Cooling pipes are used to transport circulating coolant to the cooling plates to remove the heat from the battery cells and achieve heat dissipation.

[0004] The drawback of this structure is that the cooling pipes require a large amount of thickness and space, resulting in low space utilization of the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a cell cooling structure and a battery pack to solve the problem that the cooling structure uses cooling pipes to transport coolant, which requires a large thickness space and results in low space utilization of the battery pack.

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a battery cell cooling structure, comprising:

[0007] A cooling plate is provided with cooling channels and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cooling channels. One side of the cooling plate is adapted to be attached to the battery cell.

[0008] The flow plate, connected to the opposite side of the cooling plate, includes a first base plate and a first cover plate stacked on the first base plate. An inlet flow channel and an outlet flow channel are provided between the first cover plate and the first base plate. The inlet flow channel is connected to the inlet, and the outlet flow channel is connected to the outlet.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The cell cooling structure of this utility model uses a flow plate composed of a first base plate and a first cover plate to replace the traditional cooling pipes. The liquid inlet channel is connected to the inlet on the cooling plate, and the liquid outlet channel is connected to the outlet on the cooling plate. Coolant is input into the cooling channel through the liquid inlet channel between the first cover plate and the first base plate, and the liquid outlet channel recovers the coolant used in the liquid inlet channel. The cooling plate carries away the heat of the cell through the flowing coolant. The structure is simple, and the cross-section of the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel can be extended in the width direction, reducing their height dimension, which significantly reduces the thickness space required to install the flow plate, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the battery pack.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, the thickness T of the flow plate satisfies 4mm ≤ T ≤ 6mm.

[0011] Beneficial effects: The thickness T of the flow plate can be reduced to 4mm to 6mm, occupying less space.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, a connecting plate is further included, and there are multiple cooling plates, which are spaced apart on the connecting plate.

[0013] Beneficial effects: Multiple cooling plates can improve the heat dissipation of the battery cells. The connecting plate is used to install multiple cooling plates. The specific arrangement of the multiple cooling plates can be selected according to the needs of the battery cells. The non-cooling areas are hollowed out to reduce space occupation, while also saving materials and reducing the cost of use.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the cooling plate includes a second base plate and a second cover plate stacked on the second base plate, the second cover plate being connected to the first base plate, and the cooling channels being distributed in a meandering manner between the second base plate and the second cover plate.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The cooling plate consists of a second base plate and a second cover plate stacked on the second base plate. Its simple structure allows the cooling channels to extend in the width direction while reducing their height dimension, thus minimizing the space occupied by the cooling plate in the battery cell thickness and further improving the space utilization of the battery pack. The winding cooling channels, distributed between the second base plate and the second cover plate, expand the heat dissipation area of ​​the cooling channels and improve the uniformity of heat dissipation in the battery cell.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, a plurality of cooling plates are arranged in a row on the connecting plate, and the first base plate extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of cooling plates.

[0017] Beneficial effects: Multiple cooling plates are arranged in a row on the connecting plate, reducing the difficulty of installing the cooling plates. The first base plate extends along the arrangement direction of the multiple cooling plates to deliver coolant to each cooling plate individually, resulting in a shorter transportation path and reducing operating costs and space occupation.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, two connectors are further included, one of which connects the inlet channel to the inlet, and the other of which connects the outlet channel to the outlet.

[0019] Beneficial effects: By using two connectors to connect the inlet and outlet channels respectively, that is, to connect the cooling plate and the flow plate, the connection difficulty can be reduced and the airtightness between the cooling plate and the flow plate can be guaranteed.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the opposite ends of the connector are welded to the cooling plate and the flow plate, respectively.

[0021] Beneficial effects: The two ends of the connector are welded to the cooling plate and the flow plate respectively, resulting in a stable connection, high structural strength, and low connection cost.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, a pair of welding rings are spaced apart on the outer side of the connector, and the cooling plate and the flow plate are respectively welded to the welding rings.

[0023] Beneficial effects: The cooling plate and the flow plate are welded to the welding ring respectively. The welding ring can play a limiting role and ensure accurate welding position.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, the first cover plate is recessed and stamped to form the inlet channel and the outlet channel, and the first cover plate is welded to the first base plate.

[0025] Beneficial effects: The first cover plate is concave-stamped to form the inlet and outlet channels, which is easy to manufacture, convenient to install, occupies little space, has good high-temperature resistance, and requires no additional protective mechanism. The first cover plate is welded to the first base plate, ensuring a stable connection.

[0026] Secondly, this utility model also provides a battery pack, comprising:

[0027] Battery cell;

[0028] In the above-described cell cooling structure, the cooling plate is attached to the cell.

[0029] Beneficial effects: Because the battery pack includes a cell cooling structure, it has the same effect as the cell cooling structure, that is, a flow plate composed of a first base plate and a first cover plate replaces the traditional cooling pipes. The liquid inlet channel is connected to the inlet on the cooling plate, and the liquid outlet channel is connected to the outlet on the cooling plate. Coolant is input into the cooling channel through the liquid inlet channel between the first cover plate and the first base plate, and the liquid outlet channel recovers the coolant used in the liquid inlet channel. The cooling plate carries away the heat of the cell through the flowing coolant. The structure is simple, and the cross-section of the liquid inlet and liquid outlet channels can be extended in the width direction, reducing their height dimension, which significantly reduces the thickness space required to install the flow plate, thereby improving the space utilization of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cell cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flow plate of a battery cell cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow plate of a battery cell cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a front view of the connector of a battery cell cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a top view of the connector of a battery cell cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. Cooling plate; 101. Cooling channel; 2. Flow plate; 201. First base plate; 202. First cover plate; 203. Liquid inlet channel; 204. Liquid outlet channel; 3. Connecting plate; 4. Connector; 5. Welding ring. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0039] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 5 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] According to embodiments of the present invention, on the one hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, a battery cell cooling structure is provided, mainly including a cooling plate 1 and a flow plate 2. The cooling plate 1 is provided with a cooling channel 101 and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cooling channel 101. One side of the cooling plate 1 is adapted to be attached to the battery cell. The flow plate 2 is connected to the opposite side of the cooling plate 1 and includes a first base plate 201 and a first cover plate 202 stacked on the first base plate 201. An inlet channel 203 and an outlet channel 204 are provided between the first cover plate 202 and the first base plate 201, with the inlet channel 203 communicating with the inlet and the outlet channel 204 communicating with the outlet.

[0041] The battery cell cooling structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model uses a flow plate 2 composed of a first base plate 201 and a first cover plate 202 to replace the traditional cooling pipes. The liquid inlet channel 203 is connected to the inlet on the cooling plate 1, and the liquid outlet channel 204 is connected to the outlet on the cooling plate 1. Coolant is input into the cooling channel 101 from the liquid inlet channel 203 between the first cover plate 202 and the first base plate 201, and the liquid outlet channel 204 recovers the coolant used by the liquid inlet channel 203. The cooling plate 1 carries away the heat of the battery cell through the flowing coolant. The structure is simple. The cross-sections of the liquid inlet channel 203 and the liquid outlet channel 204 can be extended in the width direction, reducing their height dimension, which significantly reduces the thickness space required to install the flow plate 2, thereby improving the space utilization of the battery pack.

[0042] Specifically, the inlet channel 203 and the outlet channel 204 are also connected to a cooling system, which continuously supplies coolant to the inlet channel 203 and recovers the used coolant from the outlet channel 204. The coolant can be an existing conventional medium, such as cooling water. Figure 2 As shown, the inlet channel 203 and the outlet channel 204 extend along the length of the flow plate 2 and are arranged in parallel to each other, so as to shorten the flow length of the inlet channel 203 and the outlet channel 204 and not interfere with each other.

[0043] Traditional cooling pipes are mostly made of nylon, which takes up a large amount of thickness in the battery pack, requiring a significant amount of space to be reserved in the pack. Furthermore, cooling pipes have poor high-temperature resistance and low structural strength, necessitating additional protective structures. The cell cooling structure of this embodiment adopts a plate-like structure, extending the inlet channel 203 and outlet channel 204 towards the plate surface. Therefore, the overall thickness is thinner, reducing the thickness required in the battery pack. This allows for wider application in a wider range of battery packs, offering better compatibility and facilitating wider adoption. It also boasts higher structural strength and eliminates the need for additional protective structures.

[0044] It should be noted that the thickness of the first base plate 201 in this embodiment of the present invention may be the same as or different from the thickness of the first cover plate 202. In order to reduce the cost of use, in one embodiment, the thickness of the first base plate 201 is equal to the thickness of the first cover plate 202. In addition, the thicknesses of the liquid inlet channel 203 and the liquid outlet channel 204 are also the same.

[0045] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the thickness T of the flow plate 2 satisfies 4mm ≤ T ≤ 6mm, thus occupying a relatively small space. For example, the thickness T of the flow plate 2 can be 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, etc.

[0046] It should be noted that the thickness T of the flow plate 2 is the sum of the thickness of the first base plate 201, the thickness of the first cover plate 202, and the thickness of the flow channel. The thickness of the flow channel is the larger of the liquid inlet flow channel 203 and the liquid outlet flow channel 204 in terms of the thickness of the battery pack.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cell cooling structure also includes a connecting plate 3, and multiple cooling plates 1 are spaced apart on the connecting plate 3. The multiple cooling plates 1 improve the heat dissipation of the cell. The connecting plate 3 is used to install the multiple cooling plates 1. The specific arrangement of the multiple cooling plates 1 can be selected according to the needs of the cell. Hollowed-out areas are used in non-cooling areas to reduce space occupation, save materials, and lower operating costs.

[0048] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the cooling plate 1 includes a second base plate and a second cover plate stacked on the second base plate. The second cover plate is connected to the first base plate 201, and the cooling channels 101 are distributed in a meandering manner between the second base plate and the second cover plate. For example, the cooling channels 101 are distributed in an S-shape between the second base plate and the second cover plate. The cooling plate 1 consists of a second base plate and a second cover plate stacked on the second base plate, which has a simple structure. The cooling channels 101 can also extend in the width direction, reducing their height dimension, thereby reducing the thickness space occupied by the cooling plate 1 in the battery cell and further improving the space utilization of the battery pack. The meandering distribution of the cooling channels 101 between the second base plate and the second cover plate can expand the heat dissipation area of ​​the cooling channels 101 and improve the heat dissipation uniformity of the battery cell.

[0049] It should be noted that the materials of the cooling plate 1 and the flow plate 2 are not limited in this embodiment of the utility model. Any existing structure can be selected as needed. For example, the cooling plate 1 and the flow plate 2 are both made of rust-proof aluminum (AL3003), which has good high temperature resistance and high structural strength.

[0050] Furthermore, both the cooling plate 1 and the flow plate 2 are double-layer plate structures consisting of a bottom plate and a cover plate, and are formed by stamping and brazing respectively.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple cooling plates 1 are arranged in a row on the connecting plate 3 to reduce the installation difficulty of the cooling plates 1. The first base plate 201 extends along the arrangement direction of the multiple cooling plates 1 and is connected to the second cover plate of each cooling plate 1 so as to deliver coolant to each cooling plate 1 one by one. The transportation path is short, which helps to reduce the use cost and space occupation.

[0052] Specifically, each cooling plate 1 is provided with an independent cooling channel 101 and an inlet and outlet communicating with the cooling channel 101. The connection position between the cooling plate 1 and the connecting plate 3 can be selected and set as needed, such as... Figure 1As shown, the length direction of cooling plate 1 is perpendicular to the length direction of connecting plate 3, and the middle position of cooling plate 1 is fixedly connected to connecting plate 3. The length direction of flow plate 2 is consistent with the length direction of connecting plate 3. In the thickness direction of the cell, the projection of flow plate 2 is located on connecting plate 3 to reduce the space occupied by flow plate 2. At this time, an inlet and an outlet are set at the middle position of cooling plate 1, and flow plate 2 is fixedly connected to the middle position of cooling plate 1.

[0053] In addition, the length of each cooling plate 1 can be set to be the same or different as needed, and the spacing between them can also be set to be the same or different.

[0054] In other embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the cooling plate 1 can also be selected to be located at opposite ends of the cooling plate 1 as needed.

[0055] In other embodiments, the cooling plate 1 may also be provided with multiple inlets and / or multiple outlets. For example, two inlets may be provided, with the two inlets located at opposite ends of the cooling plate 1, and the outlets located in the middle area of ​​the cooling plate 1. Alternatively, two outlets may be provided, with the two outlets located at opposite ends of the cooling plate 1, and the inlets located in the middle area of ​​the cooling plate 1.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cell cooling structure also includes two connectors 4. The liquid inlet channel 203 is connected to the inlet through one connector 4, and the liquid outlet channel 204 is connected to the outlet through the other connector 4. Specifically, each end of the connector 4 has a connected interface. The two interfaces of one connector 4 are connected to the liquid inlet channel 203 and the inlet, respectively, and the two interfaces of the other connector 4 are connected to the liquid outlet channel 204 and the outlet, respectively.

[0057] Since both the flow plate 2 and the cooling plate 1 are plate-shaped structures, direct welding is difficult and the welding quality is poor. This embodiment of the invention utilizes two connectors 4 to connect the inlet channel 203 and the inlet, and the outlet channel 204 and the outlet, respectively. This allows the cooling plate 1 and the flow plate 2 to be welded to the connectors 4, reducing welding difficulty and ensuring airtightness between the cooling plate 1 and the flow plate 2.

[0058] In one embodiment, the two opposite ends of the connector 4 are welded to the cooling plate 1 and the flow plate 2 respectively, resulting in a stable connection, high structural strength, and low connection cost.

[0059] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, a pair of welding rings 5 ​​are spaced apart on the outer side of the connector 4. The cooling plate 1 and the flow plate 2 are welded to the welding rings 5 ​​respectively. The cooling plate 1 and the flow plate 2 are welded to the welding rings 5 ​​respectively, and the welding rings 5 ​​can play a limiting role to ensure accurate welding position.

[0060] It should be noted that the material of the connector 4 is not limited in this embodiment of the invention, and any existing material can be selected as needed. In order to reduce costs, in one embodiment, the connector 4 can also be made of rust-resistant aluminum (AL3003), which has a lower cost.

[0061] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the structure of the inlet channel 203 and the outlet channel 204, and any existing structure can be selected as needed.

[0062] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first cover plate 202 is concavely stamped to form the inlet channel 203 and the outlet channel 204. This design is easy to manufacture, convenient to install, occupies little space, has good high-temperature resistance, and requires no additional protective mechanism. The first cover plate 202 is welded to the first base plate 201, ensuring a stable connection. The cross-sections of the inlet channel 203 and the outlet channel 204 can be selected from conventional shapes such as trapezoids or arcs.

[0063] In some other embodiments, an inlet channel 203 and an outlet channel 204 may be formed by stamping at the bottom of the first base plate 201 as needed.

[0064] Similarly, the second cover plate can be formed by concave stamping to create the cooling channel 101, and the second cover plate can be welded to the second base plate. Alternatively, the cooling channel 101 can be formed by stamping at the bottom of the second base plate.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides a battery pack, which mainly includes: a battery cell and a battery cell cooling structure, wherein a cooling plate 1 is attached to the battery cell.

[0066] Because the battery pack includes a cell cooling structure, it has the same effect as the cell cooling structure, that is, the flow plate 2 composed of the first base plate 201 and the first cover plate 202 replaces the traditional cooling pipes. The liquid inlet channel 203 is connected to the inlet on the cooling plate 1, and the liquid outlet channel 204 is connected to the outlet on the cooling plate 1. Coolant is input into the cooling channel 101 from the liquid inlet channel 203 between the first cover plate 202 and the first base plate 201, and the liquid outlet channel 204 recovers the coolant used by the liquid inlet channel 203. The cooling plate 1 carries away the heat of the cell through the flowing coolant. The structure is simple. The cross-section of the liquid inlet channel 203 and the liquid outlet channel 204 can be extended in the width direction, reducing its height dimension, which significantly reduces the thickness space required to install the flow plate 2, thereby improving the space utilization of the battery pack.

[0067] Specifically, the cooling plate 1 can be glued to one side of the battery cell using adhesive. The flow plate 2 is connected to the opposite side of the cooling plate 1, without affecting the cooling plate 1's absorption of heat from the battery cell.

[0068] In one embodiment, the battery pack includes multiple battery cells. These cells can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel connections to form the battery pack. This embodiment of the invention does not impose many limitations on this. A cooling plate 1 is attached to one side of each battery cell to dissipate heat from each cell.

[0069] To achieve the basic functions of the battery pack, the battery pack in this embodiment may also include other necessary modules or components, such as a control system and a housing. It should be noted that any suitable existing structure can be selected from the other necessary modules or components included in the battery pack. To clearly and concisely illustrate the technical solution provided in this embodiment, the above-mentioned parts will not be repeated here, and the accompanying drawings have also been simplified accordingly. However, it should be understood that the scope of this utility model is not limited thereto.

[0070] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cell cooling structure, characterized in that, include: A cooling plate is provided with cooling channels and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the cooling channels. One side of the cooling plate is adapted to be attached to the battery cell. The flow plate, connected to the opposite side of the cooling plate, includes a first base plate and a first cover plate stacked on the first base plate. An inlet flow channel and an outlet flow channel are provided between the first cover plate and the first base plate. The inlet flow channel is connected to the inlet, and the outlet flow channel is connected to the outlet.

2. The cell cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness T of the flow plate satisfies 4mm≤T≤6mm.

3. The cell cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting plate, and there are multiple cooling plates, which are spaced apart on the connecting plate.

4. The cell cooling structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cooling plate includes a second base plate and a second cover plate stacked on the second base plate. The second cover plate is connected to the first base plate, and the cooling channels are distributed in a meandering manner between the second base plate and the second cover plate.

5. The cell cooling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Multiple cooling plates are arranged in a row on the connecting plate, and the first base plate extends along the arrangement direction of the multiple cooling plates.

6. The cell cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes two connectors, one of which connects the inlet channel to the inlet, and the other of which connects the outlet channel to the outlet.

7. The cell cooling structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The two opposite ends of the connector are welded to the cooling plate and the flow plate, respectively.

8. The cell cooling structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, A pair of welding rings are spaced apart on the outer side of the connector, and the cooling plate and the flow plate are respectively welded to the welding rings.

9. The cell cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first cover plate is recessed and stamped to form the liquid inlet channel and the liquid outlet channel, and the first cover plate is welded to the first base plate.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Battery cell; The cell cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cooling plate is attached to the cell.

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