Battery pack

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery pack. The battery pack comprises a top cover; the lower box body is matched with the top cover to form an accommodating space; the battery cell stacking body is arranged in the accommodating space; wherein the lower box body comprises a bottom plate, and a liquid cooling flow channel is arranged in the bottom plate; the side beams are arranged around the edge of the bottom plate; the connecting pieces are located at the corners of the bottom plate and connected between every two adjacent side beams; and the liquid cooling flow channel interface is communicated with the liquid cooling flow channel, the liquid cooling flow channel interface penetrates through the connecting piece, and the orthographic projection of the connecting piece on the bottom plate covers the liquid cooling flow channel interface. The battery pack provided by the utility model is simple in structure, convenient to manufacture, high in space utilization rate and high in safety, and the liquid cooling runner interface is convenient to connect and maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more particularly to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] A battery pack is an integrated unit assembled from a top cover, a lower casing, and stacked battery cells, used to store and provide electrical energy. Battery packs typically use liquid cooling plates to balance the temperature of the stacked cells, preventing thermal runaway, fire, or explosion. Liquid cooling plates generally have liquid cooling channel interfaces for coolant inflow and outflow. Existing liquid cooling channel interfaces are usually located inside the lower casing, which not only results in low space utilization and inconvenient connection to external cooling systems, but also makes coolant leakage within the battery pack more likely. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a battery pack with higher space utilization. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery pack to solve the related problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] This application provides a battery pack, including: a top cover; a lower housing that cooperates with the top cover to form an accommodating space; and a cell stack disposed within the accommodating space; wherein the lower housing includes: a bottom plate with a liquid cooling channel inside; a plurality of side beams disposed around the edge of the bottom plate; a connector located at the corner of the bottom plate and connected between two adjacent side beams; and a liquid cooling channel interface communicating with the liquid cooling channel, the liquid cooling channel interface being disposed through the connector, and the orthographic projection of the connector on the bottom plate covering the liquid cooling channel interface.

[0005] Furthermore, the side beam includes a first side beam and a second side beam, the first side beam being parallel to a first direction, the second side beam being parallel to a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and at least one connecting member being provided between the first side beam and the second side beam.

[0006] Furthermore, the connector includes a platform, the platform including a through hole therethrough, and the liquid cooling channel interface is disposed through the through hole.

[0007] Furthermore, the orthographic projection of the top cover onto the base plate is the first projection, and the liquid cooling channel interface is spaced apart from the first projection.

[0008] Furthermore, the top surface of the platform has a sidewall at its corner edge, and the bottom of the sidewall has a drain hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the sidewall extends downward to form a retaining wall, the retaining wall being arranged around the corner edge of the base plate; and / or, the side of the retaining wall is provided with a notch, and the edge of the base plate is provided with a locking block that engages with the notch.

[0010] Furthermore, the top of the platform is provided with a connecting part around the liquid cooling channel interface; one side of the connecting part abuts against the first side beam, forming a first sealing surface; the other side of the connecting part abuts against the second side beam, forming a second sealing surface; the top of the connecting part abuts against the top cover, forming a third sealing surface.

[0011] Furthermore, at least a portion of the connection portion has a height greater than or equal to the height of the liquid cooling channel interface.

[0012] Furthermore, the base plate is connected to the bottom of the first side beam, the bottom of the connector, and the bottom of the second side beam by welding or rotary tapping screws, and the weld or tap head formed is arranged around the liquid cooling channel interface; the liquid cooling channel interface is connected to the through hole by welding or adhesive.

[0013] Furthermore, the lower housing also includes a bracket fixed to the bottom of the base plate, the orthographic projection of the bracket on the base plate covering the liquid cooling channel interface.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, the battery pack provided in this application includes: a top cover; a lower housing that cooperates with the top cover to form an accommodating space; and a cell stack that is disposed within the accommodating space. The lower housing includes: a bottom plate with a liquid cooling channel inside; multiple side beams that are arranged around the edge of the bottom plate; a connector located at the corner of the bottom plate and connected between two adjacent side beams; and a liquid cooling channel interface that communicates with the liquid cooling channel. The liquid cooling channel interface is disposed through the connector, and the orthographic projection of the connector on the bottom plate covers the liquid cooling channel interface. By connecting adjacent side beams with connectors, the structural stability of the lower housing can be improved. The connectors are located at the corners of the base plate, and their orthogonal projection on the base plate covers the liquid cooling channel interface. Since the liquid cooling channel interface passes through the connector, it allows the interface to be led to the outside of the lower housing, improving the internal space utilization of the battery pack and facilitating direct connection to an external cooling system. Furthermore, even if coolant leaks at the liquid cooling channel interface, the coolant will drain to the outside of the battery pack without affecting the internal structure, ensuring high safety. This battery pack features a simple structure, easy manufacturing, high space utilization, strong safety, and convenient liquid cooling channel interface connection for easy maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lower casing of the battery pack;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the lower middle box at point A;

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the partial exploded structure on the back of the lower middle box;

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the combination of the bottom plate and the side beams.

[0021] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Top cover; 2. Lower housing; 3. Base plate; 3-1. Liquid cooling channel interface; 3-2. Locking block; 4. Side beam; 4-1. First side beam; 4-2. Second side beam; 5. Connecting piece; 5-1. Platform; 5-2. Through hole; 5-3. Drain hole; 5-4. Baffle wall; 5-5. Notch; 5-6. First sealing surface; 5-7. Second sealing surface; 5-8. Third sealing surface; 5-9. Side wall; 5-10. Connecting part; 6. Bracket; 7. Weld. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0023] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in the embodiments of this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0024] The following describes specific embodiments in conjunction with the appendix. Figures 1 to 5 The technical solution of this application will be further described in detail.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, a battery pack is provided, including: a top cover 1; a lower housing 2, which cooperates with the top cover 1 to form an accommodating space; and a battery cell stack disposed within the accommodating space; wherein the lower housing 2 includes: a bottom plate 3, which has a liquid cooling channel inside; a plurality of side beams 4, which are disposed around the edge of the bottom plate 3; a connector 5, which is located at the corner of the bottom plate 3 and connects between two adjacent side beams 4; and a liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, which communicates with the liquid cooling channel, the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 being disposed through the connector 5, and the orthographic projection of the connector 5 on the bottom plate 3 covering the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1.

[0026] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of a battery pack. The battery pack includes a matching top cover 1 and a lower housing 2, and has at least one cell stack inside. Although not specifically shown in the figure, those skilled in the art will understand that the cell stack can be in the form of a prismatic cell stack, a pouch cell stack, or a cylindrical cell stack.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the lower housing 2. The lower housing 2 includes a base plate 3, inside which a liquid cooling channel is provided to balance the temperature of the battery cell stack and prevent thermal runaway. The liquid cooling channel is connected to a liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, which may be, for example, a water nozzle, etc., and is not specifically limited. The liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 is used for coolant to enter or leave the liquid cooling channel. The liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 can also be connected to an external cooling system of the battery pack to circulate the coolant. The number of liquid cooling channel interfaces 3-1 is, for example, at least two, including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, to achieve coolant circulation.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower housing 2 also includes multiple side beams 4 arranged around the edge of the base plate 3. The side beams 4 can abut against and connect with the top cover 1, serving as support and enclosure. Between two adjacent side beams 4, a connector 5 can be provided. The connector 5, for example, is a die-cast structure, which can serve as a fixation and seal, improving the structural stability of the lower housing 2.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector 5 is located at the corner of the base plate 3. By setting the orthographic projection of the connector 5 on the base plate 3 to cover the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, and the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 is set through the connector 5, the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 can be led to the outside of the lower housing 2 through the connector 5, which improves the space utilization inside the battery pack and facilitates the direct connection of the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 to the external cooling system. In addition, even if coolant leakage occurs at the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, the coolant will be discharged to the outside of the battery pack without affecting the internal structure, thus improving safety.

[0030] The battery pack has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, has high space utilization, strong safety, and the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 is easy to connect and maintain.

[0031] In some embodiments, the side beam 4 includes a first side beam 4-1 and a second side beam 4-2. The first side beam 4-1 is parallel to a first direction, and the second side beam 4-2 is parallel to a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. A connector 5 is provided between at least one first side beam 4-1 and the second side beam 4-2.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, direction D1 is the first direction and direction D2 is the second direction. On the two opposite sides of the base plate 3 along the second direction, there are first side beams 4-1 and second side beams 4-2 on the two opposite sides of the base plate 3 along the first direction. The first side beams 4-1 and the second side beams 4-2 surround the base plate 3 to form an accommodating space.

[0033] A connector 5 is provided between at least one first side beam 4-1 and a second side beam 4-2 to meet the requirement of external liquid cooling channel interface 3-1. The number of connectors 5 is at least one, and each connector 5 corresponds to at least one liquid cooling channel interface 3-1. For example... Figure 2As shown, a connector 5 is provided at both ends of one of the second side beams 4-2, and each connector 5 is provided with a liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, which serves as the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet respectively; or, a connector 5 is provided at only one end of one of the second side beams 4-2, and two liquid cooling channel interfaces 3-1 are provided on the connector 5, which serve as the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet respectively; or, a connector 5 is provided at each of the four corners of the base plate 3, and each connector 5 is provided with a liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, two of which serve as liquid inlets and the other two as liquid outlets, etc., and the specifics are not limited.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the second side beam 4-2 at the front end includes two end beams spaced apart along the first direction. The front end beam is used to connect and seal with the top cover 1, while the rear end beam is used to strengthen the structure. The height of the front end beam can be less than that of the rear end beam to meet the layout requirements of the BMS (Battery Management System) and high and low voltage wiring harnesses. Based on this, the top cover 1 can be designed with a V-shaped section to match the second side beam 4-2 and the first side beam 4-1, which have different heights.

[0035] In some embodiments, the connector 5 includes a platform 5-1, the platform 5-1 includes a through hole 5-2 therethrough, and the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 is disposed through the through hole 5-2.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the middle connector 5 shows that the connector 5 is a block structure, including a platform 5-1 in the middle. The platform 5-1 has a through hole 5-2, so that the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 can pass through the through hole 5-2 and enter the connector 5, allowing the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 to be led from the inside of the lower housing 2 to the outside, thereby improving the space utilization rate inside the battery pack.

[0037] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the top cover 1 onto the base plate 3 is the first projection, and the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 is spaced apart from the first projection.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 is set at an interval from the first projection, that is, the top cover 1 does not block the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1. This makes it easier for the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 to be connected to the outside and also easier to maintain.

[0039] In some embodiments, the top surface of the platform 5-1 has a corner edge with a sidewall 5-9, and the bottom of the sidewall 5-9 has a drain hole 5-3.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the top corner edge of the platform 5-1 is provided with a side wall 5-9, which can protect the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 and prevent accidental contact. The bottom of the side wall 5-9 is provided with a drain hole 5-3. When coolant leakage occurs at the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, the coolant can be drained to the outside of the connector 5 through the drain hole 5-3 to avoid affecting the operation of the internal structure of the battery pack.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sidewall 5-9 extends downward to form a retaining wall 5-4, the retaining wall 5-4 being disposed around the corner edge of the base plate 3; and / or, the side of the retaining wall 5-4 is provided with a notch 5-5, and the edge of the base plate 3 is provided with a locking block 3-2 that engages with the notch 5-5.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, this is a structural schematic diagram of the back of the connector 5. After the side wall 5-9 extends in the opposite direction, a retaining wall 5-4 is formed at the bottom edge of the connector 5. The retaining wall 5-4 can wrap around the corner edge of the base plate 3, and play a role in limiting and protecting the base plate 3.

[0043] The retaining wall 5-4 has notches 5-5 on its side. The number of notches 5-5 is not limited, for example, one or more. Figure 4 As shown, a notch 5-5 is provided on the side of the retaining wall 5-4 parallel to the second direction, and a locking block 3-2 is provided on the edge of the base plate 3 parallel to the second direction. The locking block 3-2 cooperates with the notch 5-5 to play a limiting role.

[0044] In some embodiments, the top of the platform 5-1 is provided with a connecting portion 5-10 around the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1; one side of the connecting portion 5-10 abuts against the first side beam 4-1, forming a first sealing surface 5-6; the other side of the connecting portion 5-10 abuts against the second side beam 4-2, forming a second sealing surface 5-7; the top of the connecting portion 5-10 abuts against the top cover 1, forming a third sealing surface 5-8.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the top of platform 5-1 is provided with a connecting part 5-10 for cooperating with the side beam 4 and the top cover 1. The connecting part 5-10 is arranged around the liquid cooling flow channel interface 3-1, serving a protective function. One side of the connecting part 5-10 abuts against the first side beam 4-1 and is connected by screws, forming a first sealing surface 5-6 between the connecting part 5-10 and the first side beam 4-1. The other side of the connecting part 5-10 abuts against the second side beam 4-2, for example, against the two end beams mentioned above, forming a second sealing surface 5-7 between the connecting part 5-10 and the second side beam. The top of the connecting part 5-10 abuts against the top cover 1 and is connected by screws, forming a third sealing surface 5-8 between the connecting part 5-10 and the top cover 1. The third sealing surface 5-8 connects the first sealing surface 5-6 and the second sealing surface 5-7, facilitating continuous cooperation with the bottom of the top cover 1 to achieve a seal. Figure 3As shown, the third sealing surface 5-8 can be set at an angle to match the V-shaped parting surface of the aforementioned top cover 1.

[0046] In some embodiments, the height of at least a portion of the connecting portion 5-10 is greater than or equal to the height of the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the height of the part of the connecting part 5-10 near the first side beam 4-1 and the second side beam 4-2 is higher than the height of the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, so that it can cover the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 and play a protective role.

[0048] In some embodiments, the bottom plate 3 is connected to the bottom of the first side beam 4-1, the bottom of the connector 5, and the bottom of the second side beam 4-2 by welding or rotary tapping screws, and the weld 7 or tap head is provided around the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1; the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 and the through hole 5-2 are connected by welding or adhesive.

[0049] like Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the base plate 3 and the connector 5. The base plate 3 is connected to the bottom of the first side beam 4-1, the bottom of the connector 5 and the bottom of the second side beam 4-2 by welding. The weld 7 formed is set around the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 to ensure that the base plate 3 is fixedly connected to the side beam 4 and the connector 5, and to ensure that the connection at the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 is stable and to avoid coolant leakage.

[0050] The base plate 3 can also be fixedly connected to the first side beam 4-1, the connector 5, and the second side beam 4-2 using a flow drill screw (FDS) connection. Flow drill screw connection is a cold forming process that uses the high-speed rotation of a motor to conduct heat through friction to the sheet metal to be joined, resulting in plastic deformation, followed by self-tapping and screwing. This process features high connection strength. Similarly, the formed tap heads can be positioned around the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 to ensure a stable connection at the interface. Furthermore, adhesive can be used to seal the connection between the base plate 3, the side beam 4, and the connector 5.

[0051] The liquid cooling channel interface 3-1 and the through hole 5-2 can be fixed by welding or adhesive bonding to ensure structural stability.

[0052] In some embodiments, the lower housing 2 further includes a bracket 6, which is fixed to the bottom of the base plate 3, and the orthographic projection of the bracket 6 on the base plate 3 covers the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the bracket 6 can be a plate-like structure, fixed to the bottom of the base plate 3, and provides support for the base plate 3. The orthographic projection of the bracket 6 on the base plate 3 covers the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1, which can protect the liquid cooling channel interface 3-1.

[0054] This battery pack can be used in electrical devices, including vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers.

[0055] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of this application (including the claims) is limited to these examples; within the framework of this application, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the embodiments of this application as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.

[0056] Furthermore, given that details have been set forth to describe exemplary embodiments of this application, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of this application may be practiced without these details or with variations thereof. Therefore, these descriptions should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0057] Although this application has been described in conjunction with embodiments thereof, many substitutions, modifications and variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.

[0058] The embodiments of this application are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Top cover; The lower housing, together with the top cover, forms an accommodating space; A cell stack is disposed within the receiving space; The lower housing includes: The base plate has internal liquid cooling channels; Multiple side beams are arranged around the edge of the base plate; A connector, located at the corner of the base plate, connects two adjacent side beams; and A liquid cooling channel interface is connected to the liquid cooling channel. The liquid cooling channel interface is disposed through the connector, and the orthographic projection of the connector on the base plate covers the liquid cooling channel interface.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side beam includes a first side beam and a second side beam. The first side beam is parallel to a first direction, and the second side beam is parallel to a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. At least one connecting member is provided between the first side beam and the second side beam.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector includes a platform, the platform including a through hole therethrough, and the liquid cooling channel interface is disposed through the through hole.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the top cover onto the base plate is the first projection, and the liquid cooling channel interface is spaced apart from the first projection.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The platform has a sidewall at the corner edge of its top surface, and a drain hole at the bottom of the sidewall.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sidewall extends downward to form a retaining wall, which is arranged around the corner edge of the base plate; and / or, the side of the retaining wall is provided with a notch, and the edge of the base plate is provided with a locking block that cooperates with the notch.

7. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the platform is provided with a connecting part around the liquid cooling channel interface; one side of the connecting part abuts against the first side beam, forming a first sealing surface; the other side of the connecting part abuts against the second side beam, forming a second sealing surface; the top of the connecting part abuts against the top cover, forming a third sealing surface.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least a portion of the connection portion has a height greater than or equal to the height of the liquid cooling channel interface.

9. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base plate is connected to the bottom of the first side beam, the bottom of the connector, and the bottom of the second side beam by welding or rotary tapping screws, and the weld or tap head formed is arranged around the liquid cooling channel interface; the liquid cooling channel interface is connected to the through hole by welding or adhesive.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower housing also includes a bracket, which is fixed to the bottom of the base plate, and the orthographic projection of the bracket on the base plate covers the liquid cooling channel interface.

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