Integrated battery cooling system, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides an integrated battery cooling system, a battery pack and a vehicle. The system comprises a battery module of a plurality of battery cell monomers, comprising a first cold plate and a second cold plate, the first cold plate and the second cold plate are arranged on the two opposite sides of the battery module in the first direction, the first cold plate is located at the top of the battery module, and the top of the battery module is the side where the pole columns of the multiple single battery cells are located; the beam body is arranged on at least one side of the battery module along a second direction, and the second direction is intersected with the first direction; a flow channel is formed in the beam body and communicates with the first cold plate and the second cold plate. Through the system provided by the utility model, the problems that the traditional battery cooling equipment needs to be configured with a complicated external pipeline, occupies the space of a battery cell, and is low in integration level, high in cost and heavy in weight are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery cooling technology, and in particular to an integrated battery cooling system, battery pack, and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy vehicle technology, users' demand for rapid battery replenishment is becoming increasingly urgent. A major way to improve replenishment speed is high-rate fast charging, with the highest rate currently reaching 5C in the industry. High-rate fast charging means extremely high charging current, which causes the Joule heat generated by current-carrying mechanical components within the battery cell and busbars within the battery pack to increase exponentially. In traditional cooling solutions, the liquid cooling plate is separated from the current-carrying components by the battery cell. The high thermal resistance of the battery cell itself leads to insufficient heat exchange efficiency, and the heat generated by the current-carrying components cannot be dissipated in time. This heat is then transferred to the cell winding, causing rapid temperature rise, resulting in over-temperature current, and increasing the risk of high-temperature thermal runaway.

[0003] Related research suggests increasing the number of liquid cooling plates to improve cooling efficiency, but these plates require complex external pipe connections, resulting in high manufacturing costs, heavy battery packs, and large space requirements that limit the energy density of the battery packs. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides an integrated battery cooling system, battery pack, and vehicle, thereby solving the issues of traditional battery cooling equipment requiring complex external pipes, occupying battery cell space, having low integration, high cost, and heavy weight.

[0005] The first aspect of this utility model provides an integrated battery cooling system, the technical solution of which is:

[0006] An integrated battery cooling system, comprising:

[0007] A battery module consists of multiple individual battery cells;

[0008] The cooling section includes a first cold plate and a second cold plate, which are disposed on opposite sides of the battery module along a first direction. The first cold plate is located on the top of the battery module, and the top of the battery module is the side where the poles of the plurality of individual battery cells are located.

[0009] A beam is disposed on at least one side of the battery module along a second direction, wherein the second direction intersects with the first direction; a flow channel is provided in the beam, and the flow channel is respectively connected to the first cold plate and the second cold plate.

[0010] As one of the preferred embodiments, the first cold plate includes:

[0011] The plate body extends and is arranged along the second direction;

[0012] A collector is disposed at at least one end of the plate along the second direction, and the collector is connected to both the plate and the flow channel.

[0013] As one preferred embodiment, the current collector includes:

[0014] The current collection body is connected to the plate.

[0015] A water nozzle is located on the side of the flow collection body near the flow channel. The water nozzle is partially inserted into the flow channel and communicates with the flow channel. The outer wall of the water nozzle is in contact with the inner wall of the flow channel.

[0016] As one of the preferred solutions, a sealing groove is provided at the part of the water nozzle that contacts the flow channel, and a sealing ring is installed in the sealing groove.

[0017] As one of the preferred embodiments, the flow collecting body is also provided with a claw on the side near the flow channel, and a slot is provided on the outer wall of the flow channel, and the claw engages with the slot.

[0018] As one of the preferred solutions, the second cold plate is provided with a flow channel, and a through hole is opened on the second cold plate, the through hole connecting the flow channel and the flow channel.

[0019] As one of the preferred embodiments, a boss is provided on the periphery of the through hole. The boss protrudes from the surface of the second cold plate in the direction toward the flow channel. A groove is formed between the boss and the inner wall of the flow channel, and a welding ring is provided in the groove.

[0020] As one of the preferred embodiments, the diversion channel includes a first diversion channel, a second diversion channel, and a third diversion channel connected in sequence, wherein the first diversion channel and the third diversion channel extend along the second direction, and the second diversion channel extends along the third direction;

[0021] The third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0022] As one of the preferred solutions, the second cold plate is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet being connected to the first diversion channel and the water outlet being connected to the third diversion channel.

[0023] As one preferred embodiment, the beam body includes a first beam body and a second beam body disposed on opposite sides of the battery module, and the flow channel includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel, a third flow channel and a fourth flow channel;

[0024] The first flow channel and the second flow channel are located within the first beam body, and the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are located within the second beam body.

[0025] As one of the preferred embodiments, the first diversion channel is connected to the first channel, the second diversion channel is connected to the third channel and the fourth channel respectively, and the third diversion channel is connected to the second channel.

[0026] As one of the preferred embodiments, the beam has a cavity, and a first reinforcing rib is provided in the cavity. The first reinforcing rib divides the cavity into at least two independent chambers, and each chamber is provided with a flow channel.

[0027] As one of the preferred embodiments, a second reinforcing rib is provided in the cavity, and the second reinforcing rib is connected to the inner wall of the cavity and the outer wall of the flow channel respectively.

[0028] As one of the preferred embodiments, the plate is a harmonica tube; and / or, the number of the first cold plates is at least two.

[0029] As one of the preferred embodiments, the plate is made of a flexible material; and / or, the plate has a bending portion near the collector.

[0030] The second aspect of this utility model provides a battery pack configured with an integrated battery cooling system as provided in the first aspect of this utility model.

[0031] The third aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle equipped with a battery pack as provided in the second aspect of this utility model.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:

[0033] This utility model provides an integrated battery cooling system, comprising: a battery module including multiple individual battery cells; a cooling section including a first cold plate and a second cold plate, the first cold plate and the second cold plate being disposed on opposite sides of the battery module along a first direction, wherein the first cold plate is located at the top of the battery module, and the top of the battery module is the side where the terminals of the multiple individual battery cells are located; a beam disposed on at least one side of the battery module along a second direction, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction; and a flow channel provided in the beam, the flow channel being connected to the first cold plate and the second cold plate respectively.

[0034] By adopting the solution of this application, the flow channel is directly integrated into the distribution section, realizing the coolant connection between the first cold plate and the second cooling group, eliminating the external water pipe and its connecting parts, providing the space occupied by the original pipeline to the battery cell, reducing production costs and weight, improving integration efficiency and achieving cost reduction and weight reduction, and increasing the energy density of the battery pack.

[0035] The battery pack and vehicle described above have the same advantages over existing technologies as the integrated battery cooling system, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the description of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the integrated battery cooling system described in one embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the beam described in one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the beam in the first direction and the third direction in a plane according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0042] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the second cold plate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the inlet in the plane containing the first and second directions according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the water outlet in the plane containing the first and second directions according to an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] 1. First cold plate; 11. Inlet collector; 111. Inlet body; 1111. Inlet chamber; 112. Water nozzle; 1121. Water nozzle cavity; 113. Claw; 114. Sealing ring; 12. Plate body; 13. Bending part; 2. Second cold plate; 21. Upper plate; 22. Lower plate; 23. Boss; 24. Groove; 201. First diversion channel; 202. Second diversion channel; 203. Third diversion channel; 204. Water inlet Flow channel; 205, water outlet flow channel; 3, beam body; 31, first beam body; 32, second beam body; 301, flow channel; 3011, flow channel cavity; 301A, first flow channel; 301B, second flow channel; 301C, third flow channel; 301D, fourth flow channel; 311, first reinforcing rib; 312, second reinforcing rib; 313, slot; 4, battery module; 41, single battery cell; 5, busbar; 6, water inlet; 7, water outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] like Figures 1-8 As shown, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the integrated battery cooling system of this utility model is shown. Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the beam body of this utility model is shown; Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the beam of this invention in the plane containing the first direction Z and the third direction Y. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 6 An exploded view of the second cold plate of this utility model is shown; Figure 7 This shows a cross-sectional view of the inlet in the plane containing the first direction Z and the second direction X of this utility model; Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet in the plane containing the first direction Z and the second direction X of this invention.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this utility model provides an integrated battery cooling system, the system comprising: a battery module 4, including multiple battery cells 41; a cooling section, including a first cold plate 1 and a second cold plate 2, the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 being disposed on opposite sides of the battery module 4 along a first direction, wherein the first cold plate 1 is located at the top of the battery module 4, the top of the battery module 4 being the side where the terminals of the multiple battery cells 41 are located; a beam 3, disposed on at least one side of the battery module 4 along a second direction, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction; and a flow channel 301 provided in the beam 3, the flow channel 301 being connected to the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 respectively.

[0050] Specifically, the battery module 4 is the core energy storage unit of the battery system, and multiple individual battery cells 41 are connected in series and parallel to form the battery cell module. Each individual battery cell 41 is connected to a busbar 5 via positive and negative terminals, and the busbar 5 is welded to the terminals of multiple individual battery cells 41. The individual battery cells 41 and the battery module 4 can include different structural forms; for example, the individual battery cell 41 can include square cells, cylindrical cells, or other shapes. The battery module 4 can include rectangular, cylindrical, or other shapes formed by stacking and arranging the individual battery cells 41. The combination of multiple individual battery cells 41 with different numbers can be selected according to actual needs.

[0051] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, multiple battery cells 41 are stacked along the X direction to form a rectangular battery module 4, and the battery module 4 is placed vertically in the Z direction, with the terminal posts of the battery cells 41 located at the top. Therefore, the length direction of the battery module 4 can be considered as the X direction, which is also the front-to-back direction of the battery module 4; the height direction can be considered as the Z direction, which is also the up-down direction of the battery module 4; and the width direction can be considered as the Y direction, which is also the left-to-right direction of the battery module 4.

[0052] In this embodiment, the Z direction is also the first direction. The cooling section includes a first cold plate 1 and a second cold plate 2, which are disposed on opposite sides of the battery module 4 along the first direction. The cell terminals and busbar 5 are the main heat sources during high-rate fast charging and are areas requiring focused cooling. Therefore, the first cold plate 1 is located at the top of the battery module 4, in contact with the busbar 5, thereby enhancing heat dissipation at the terminals of multiple individual cells 41, locally improving cooling efficiency, and timely dissipating heat to reduce the temperature of the overcurrent components. The second cold plate 2 is located at the bottom of the battery module 4, in contact with the bottom wall surface of the battery module 4, to cover more of the cell surface area and improve heat conduction and heat exchange efficiency.

[0053] Specifically, a beam 3 is provided between the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2. The beam 3 is located on at least one side along the second direction, and the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 are connected by flow channels 301 within the beam 3 to form a cooling channel. In this embodiment, the beam 3 can be provided with a single flow channel or multiple flow channels. Each flow channel 301 can be wave-shaped, spiral-shaped, serpentine, or branch-shaped. For a branch-shaped flow channel 301, it can be understood as a multi-flow channel characteristic structure formed by a main flow channel and multiple branch flow channels connected together. Therefore, the coolant enters from the main flow channel, is directionally distributed by the branch flow channels, and then enters the first cold plate 1, which is connected to multiple branch flow channels.

[0054] In some embodiments, each flow channel 301 may be arranged vertically or obliquely within the beam 3.

[0055] In some embodiments, the shape, size, arrangement, number, and position of the flow channels 301 within the beam 3 may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the structure of the flow channels 301 within the beam 3 is the same; for the description of any one flow channel 301, the descriptions of the other flow channels 301 can be used in conjunction with this description.

[0056] In this embodiment, the beam 3 also serves as a support for the battery structure, contacting the battery module 4 and thus constraining the battery module 4.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second direction can be understood as the X or Y direction intersecting the Z direction. When the beam 3 is arranged along the X direction, the beam 3 is located on the front and / or rear side of the battery module 4. Alternatively, when the beam 3 is arranged along the Y direction, the beam 3 is located on the left and / or right side of the battery module 4. Thus, the beam 3 arranged along the second direction connects the top first cold plate 1 and the bottom second cold plate 2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the X direction is also the second direction. In this embodiment, multiple battery cells 41 are arranged along the X direction, and the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 also extend along the X direction, contacting and dissipating heat with each battery cell 41. Therefore, the second direction is preferably the X direction, and the beam 3 arranged along the X direction facilitates the connection between the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2, which extend along the arrangement direction of the battery cells 41.

[0059] As a further explanation of this embodiment, when the beam 3 is arranged along the X direction of the battery module 4, it can be arranged on the front side, rear side, or front and rear sides of the battery module 4. The first cold plate 1, the second cold plate 2 and the beam 3 are connected to form a cooling channel, and coolant can flow in the cooling channel.

[0060] In one example form:

[0061] For example, when the beam 3 is located on the front side of the battery module 4, the water inlet is located on the front side of the second cold plate 2, and the water outlet is located on the rear side of the first cold plate 1. Therefore, the coolant enters the second cold plate 2 from the water inlet, flows from the second cold plate 2 into the flow channel 301 in the front beam 3, enters the first cold plate 1 through the flow channel 301, and flows out through the water outlet after passing through the first cold plate 1.

[0062] For example, when the beam 3 is located on the rear side of the battery module 4, the water inlet is located on the rear side of the second cold plate 2, and the water outlet is located on the front side of the first cold plate 1. Therefore, the coolant enters the second cold plate 2 from the water inlet, flows from the second cold plate 2 to the flow channel 301 in the rear beam 3, enters the first cold plate 1 through the flow channel 301, and flows out through the water outlet after passing through the first cold plate 1.

[0063] For example, when the beams 3 are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the battery module 4, the water inlet is located on the front side of the second cold plate 2, and the water outlet is located on the rear side of the second cold plate 2. Therefore, the coolant enters the second cold plate 2 through the water inlet and flows from the second cold plate 2 into the flow channel 301 in the front beam 3, through the flow channel 301 into the first cold plate 1, and after flowing through the first cold plate 1 into the flow channel 301 in the rear beam 3, continuing through the rear flow channel 301 into the second cold plate 2, and flowing out from the water outlet 7 on the second cold plate 2. Similarly, with the water inlet located on the rear side of the second cold plate 2 and the water outlet located on the front side of the second cold plate 2, the coolant flows in opposite directions.

[0064] In another example, there are two first cold plates 1, including a left first cold plate 1 and a right first cold plate 1, which are arranged parallel to each other on the top of the battery module 4 along the Y direction and respectively contact the positive and negative busbars of the battery module 4.

[0065] For example, when the beam 3 is located on the front side of the battery module 4, both the inlet and outlet are located on the front side of the second cold plate 2, and the two first cold plates 1 are connected to form a U-shaped structure with the opening facing forward. Therefore, the coolant enters the second cold plate 2 from the inlet and flows from the second cold plate 2 into the flow channel 301 in the front beam 3. It then enters the right first cold plate 1 through the flow channel 301 and continues to flow through the right first cold plate 1 to the left first cold plate 1. It then flows back through the left first cold plate 1 to the flow channel 301 in the front beam 3, and continues to flow back through the front flow channel 301 to the second cold plate 2, and flows out through the outlet of the second cold plate 2.

[0066] For example, when the beam 3 is located on the rear side of the battery module 4, both the inlet and outlet are located on the rear side of the second cold plate 2, and the two first cold plates 1 are connected to form a U-shaped structure with the opening facing the rear. Therefore, the coolant enters the second cold plate 2 from the inlet and flows from the second cold plate 2 to the flow channel 301 in the rear beam 3, enters the right first cold plate 1 through the rear flow channel 301, and continues to flow to the left first cold plate 1 through the right first cold plate 1, flows back to the flow channel 301 in the rear beam 3 through the left first cold plate 1, continues to flow back to the second cold plate 2 through the rear flow channel 301, and flows out through the outlet of the second cold plate 2.

[0067] For example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the beams 3 are respectively set on the front and rear sides of the battery module 4, the inlet 6 and outlet 7 are both set on the front side of the second cold plate 2. The two first cold plates 1 are set independently and are not connected to each other. The beam 3 on the front side includes the first flow channel 301A and the second flow channel 301B. The beam 3 on the rear side includes the third flow channel 301C and the fourth flow channel 301D. The first cold plate 1 on the right side is connected to the second cold plate 2 through the first flow channel 301A and the third flow channel 301C. The first cold plate 1 on the left side is connected to the second cold plate 2 through the second flow channel 301B and the fourth flow channel 301D.

[0068] Therefore, the coolant enters the second cold plate 2 from the inlet 6, flows from the second cold plate 2 to the first flow channel 301A in the front beam 3, enters the first cold plate 1 on the right side through the first flow channel 301A, flows through the first cold plate 1 on the right side to the third flow channel 301C in the rear beam 3, flows back to the second cold plate 2 through the third flow channel 301C, flows through the second cold plate 2 to the fourth flow channel 301D in the rear beam 3, continues to flow through the fourth flow channel 301D to the first cold plate 1 on the left side, flows through the second cold plate 2 on the left side to the second flow channel 301B in the front beam 3, continues to flow back to the second cold plate 2 through the second flow channel 301B, and flows out through the outlet 7 of the second cold plate 2.

[0069] Among them, the front beam 3 can be referred to as the first beam 31 in the following text, and the rear beam 3 can be referred to as the second beam 32 in the following text.

[0070] It can be seen that the first cold plate 1 and the flow channel 301 can have a one-to-one quantitative relationship. The coolant enters from the inlet 6 of the second cold plate 2, flows along each individual flow channel 301, and is directly discharged through the outlet 7 of each first cold plate 1 connected to each flow channel 301.

[0071] It can be seen that the first cold plate 1 and the flow channel 301 can have a one-to-many relationship. One first cold plate 1 is connected to two flow channels 301 at the same time. The coolant enters from the inlet 6 of the second cold plate 2, flows in a U-shape in the two flow channels 301 and the first cold plate 1 connected to the two flow channels 301, and finally flows back to the second cold plate 2 and is discharged from the outlet 7 of the second cold plate 2.

[0072] It can be seen that the quantity, layout position, structural form and layout method of any one of the beam 3, flow channel 301, first cold plate 1 and second cold plate 2, as well as the quantity and position of water inlet 6 and water outlet 7, determine the flow path and distribution uniformity of the coolant. This embodiment will not elaborate on this further.

[0073] In summary, the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 are connected by the flow channel 301 within the beam 3 to form a cooling channel. The cooling medium circulates within the cooling channel, carrying away the heat generated by the battery module 4 during operation. The coolant in the second cold plate 2 at the bottom directly carries away the heat generated by the battery cell, suitable for dissipating large amounts of heat during high-power discharge. The coolant at the bottom flows through the flow channel 301 of the beam 3 to the first cold plate 1 at the top. The coolant in the first cold plate 1 rapidly dissipates heat from the high-heat-concentration areas of the busbar 5, while also considering cost, space utilization, weight, and ease of maintenance. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow channel 301 is directly integrated into the beam 3, enabling coolant communication between the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2. This eliminates the need for external water pipes and their connecting components, freeing up space previously occupied by pipes for the individual battery cell 41. This not only reduces production costs and weight but also improves integration efficiency and achieves cost and weight reduction, increasing the energy density of the battery pack.

[0074] Specifically, the height of beam 3 is flush with the height of the battery cell 41, that is, the frontal projection of beam 3 in the X direction coincides with the frontal projection of battery module 4. Therefore, beam 3 can be tightly attached to battery module 4. When it is connected to the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 of battery module 4 in the Z direction, the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 are just in close contact with the upper and lower walls of battery module 4, thereby effectively utilizing the space of battery module 4, improving integration, and making the structure of cooling channel more compact.

[0075] Specifically, the second cold plate 2 serves as a cooling structure for the bottom wall of the battery module 4. It can have a larger plate surface, with the bottom projection of the second cold plate 2 covering the bottom projection of the battery module 4 in the Z-direction. The first cold plate 1 serves as a cooling structure for the busbar 5 of the battery module 4. It can have a smaller plate surface, meaning that the bottom projection of the first cold plate 1 in the Z-direction is smaller than the bottom projection of the battery module 4. This allows for targeted and enhanced cooling of the location of the terminal post, while also forming an exhaust channel.

[0076] Preferably, there are at least two first cold plates 1. There is one second cold plate 2. The battery module 4 and the first cold plate 1 on its top are located directly above the second cold plate 2, and the entire battery module 4 is within the surface of the second cold plate 2 to dissipate heat from the entire bottom area of ​​the battery module 4. Multiple first cold plates 1 are arranged parallel to each other along the Y-direction to evenly dissipate heat from the top area of ​​the battery module 4. More preferably, two first cold plates 1 are provided, respectively located on the positive and negative busbars of the battery module 4.

[0077] In related technologies, existing cell terminal thermal management solutions, where the harmonica tubes are connected via current collector 11, occupy additional space and may even block the exhaust channels reserved for thermal runaway, leading to a decrease in overall package integration and thermal safety. Therefore, existing terminal cooling solutions struggle to balance structural, insulation, thermal performance, and space utilization aspects, and lack mature mass production examples.

[0078] In further technical solutions, such as Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first cold plate 1 includes: a plate body 12 extending along a second direction; and a current collector 11 disposed at at least one end of the plate body 12 along the second direction, the current collector 11 being connected to the plate body 12 and the flow channel 301 respectively. The plate body 12 in the first cold plate 1 has the same structure as a harmonica tube, made of a thin metal sheet, and has multiple sub-flow channels 301 inside for coolant flow. The first cold plate 1 extends parallel to the arrangement direction (X direction) of the battery module 4, and adheres to and covers the cell terminals of each individual cell 41 or the busbar 5 of the battery module 4, directly absorbing heat to enhance local cooling.

[0079] Because multiple plates 12, i.e. harmonica tubes, are spaced apart and independent of each other, and the top portion of the battery module 4 is exposed, a smoke exhaust channel is formed between each plate 12 and the battery module 4. The smoke exhaust channel is spacious enough to quickly exhaust the generated smoke, gas, or harmful substances in the event of overheating or thermal runaway of the individual battery cell 41.

[0080] Specifically, the explosion-proof valve of the battery module 4 is located at the top. Therefore, when a single cell 41 in the battery module 4 experiences thermal runaway, the vented gas can be transmitted and discharged along the X-direction through the exhaust channel formed between the top of the battery module 4 and the multiple first cold plates 1. Thus, in this embodiment, the first cold plates 1 are independently configured, eliminating the space occupied by additional connecting pipes between the first cold plates 1 in the top region of the battery module 4, providing a more unobstructed thermal runaway exhaust channel, and improving battery safety.

[0081] In this embodiment, the plate 12 is connected to the flow channel 301 via the collector 11, and thus to the second cold plate 2. Therefore, depending on the location and number of flow channels 301, the collector 11 can be located at at least one end of the plate 12 along the X direction, thereby connecting with the flow channel 301 within at least one beam 3 arranged along the X direction.

[0082] For example, in conjunction with the above embodiment, the extension beginning of the plate 12 extending in the X direction is connected to a collector 11. When the beam 3 is set on the front / rear side, the plate 12 is connected to the flow channel 301 on the front / rear side through the collector 11 at the front / rear end. The extension end can serve as an outlet 7, or the plates 12 of multiple first cold plates 1 can be connected at the extension end to form a U-shaped structure.

[0083] For example, in conjunction with the above embodiment, the extension start end and extension end of the plate 12 extending along the X direction are each connected to a current collector 11. The two current collectors 11 on the same plate 12 are connected to the flow channels 301 located on the front and rear beams 3 of the battery module 4. When the beams 3 are respectively located on the front and rear sides, the plate 12 is connected to the front flow channel 301 through the front current collector 11, and at the same time connected to the rear flow channel 301 through the rear current collector 11.

[0084] Preferably, the plate 12 is made of plastic material such as PA12 or PPA, and reliable connection and sealing are achieved through secondary injection molding of the manifold 11. Preferably, the manifold 11 is made of plastic material such as PA66+GF30 or PPA, and is formed by injection molding, taking into account strength, coolant resistance and cost.

[0085] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the collector 11 includes: a collector body 111, which is connected to the plate 12; a water nozzle 112, which is disposed on the side of the collector body 111 near the flow channel 301, and the water nozzle 112 is partially inserted into the flow channel 301 and connected to the flow channel 301; wherein, the outer wall of the water nozzle 112 is in contact with the inner wall of the flow channel 301.

[0086] Specifically, the manifold body 111 has a hollow structure with an internal manifold cavity 1111; the water nozzle 112 has a hollow structure with an internal water nozzle cavity 1121; the manifold cavity 1111 and the water nozzle cavity 1121 are interconnected, wherein the manifold cavity 1111 is connected to the inner cavity of the plate 12, the water nozzle cavity 1121 is connected to the upper end of the flow channel cavity 3011 of the flow channel 301, and the lower end of the flow channel cavity 3011 is connected to the second cold plate 2. Therefore, the manifold body 111 and the water nozzle 112 are interconnected to form a plate structure with a T-shaped cross-section, and the internal manifold cavity 1111 and the water nozzle cavity 1121 are connected to form a T-shaped cavity, so the plate 12 is connected to the flow channel 301 through this T-shaped cavity.

[0087] In some embodiments, the width and height of the flow collector 111 and the plate 12 are the same, and the two are connected and communicate to form the surface of the strip-shaped first cold plate 1. The outer edge contour of the water nozzle 112 is the same as the inner edge contour of the flow channel 301, and the outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the flow channel 301. The water nozzle 112 extends downward along the Z direction and is embedded in the flow channel 301, and the two are in close contact.

[0088] Preferably, a sealing groove is formed at the part of the water nozzle 112 embedded in the flow channel 301, and a sealing ring 114 is installed in the sealing groove. Therefore, the outer wall of the water nozzle 112 is pressed against the outer wall of the flow channel 301 to form a radial seal. Due to the existence of the draft angle, the pressing state can restrict the overall downward movement of the collector 11 in the Z direction.

[0089] Optionally, the faucet 112 is provided with two sealing grooves, and two sealing rings 114 are installed thereon.

[0090] Furthermore, the flow collecting body 111 is provided with a claw 113 on the side near the flow channel 301, and a slot 313 is provided on the outer wall of the flow channel 301, with the claw 113 engaging with the slot 313. In this embodiment, the claw 113 is provided on the outer wall surface of the flow collecting body 111 and extends toward the flow channel 301.

[0091] For example, two claws 113 are disposed on the horizontal section of the aforementioned T-shaped plate structure and located on both sides of the vertical section. At the corresponding positions of the extension termination of the claws 113, two slots 313 are formed on the outer wall of the flow channel 301, such that the two slots 313 and the two claws 113 are engaged one-to-one. Therefore, while achieving the aforementioned radial sealing, the claws 113 and the slots 313 are precisely engaged, preventing the collector 11 from dislodging due to Z-axis vibration, thereby ensuring the reliability of the sealing structure under vibration conditions.

[0092] In some embodiments, the perimeter of the slot 313 is smaller than the perimeter of the flow channel 301, and the slot 313 can be a blind hole slot, which does not need to penetrate the wall of the flow channel 301.

[0093] In yet another embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, the second cold plate 2 has a flow channel, and a through hole is formed on the second cold plate 2, which connects the flow channel and the flow channel 301. In this embodiment, the second cold plate 2 includes an upper plate 21 and a lower plate 22 that are fitted together. The lower plate 22 is a stamped structure and is welded to the upper plate 21 to form a flow channel feature. This flow channel feature, together with the flow channel 301, the inner cavity of the collector 11, and the inner cavity of the plate body 12, forms a cooling channel. Specifically, the flow channel feature can be multiple flow channels, which are connected according to different design forms. By designing different forms of flow channels, the cooling medium can flow and be distributed in different directions, ensuring that the cooling medium can be distributed throughout the entire cooling system and making the heat transfer more uniform, thereby improving the overall cooling effect and cooling uniformity.

[0094] The upper plate 21 has through holes, the positions of which correspond to the positions of the flow channel 301 and the branch flow channel, so as to realize the connection between the branch flow channel and the flow channel 301.

[0095] Furthermore, a boss 23 is provided on the periphery of the through hole. The boss 23 protrudes from the surface of the second cold plate 2 in the direction towards the flow channel 301. A groove 24 is formed between the boss 23 and the inner wall of the flow channel 301, and a welding ring is provided in the groove 24. The boss 23 is a rotating boss structure and is engaged with the periphery of the through hole. The upper edge of the boss 23 is higher than the upper plate 21, and the outer edge of the boss 23 forms a groove 24 with the inner wall of the flow channel 301. The groove 24 can accommodate the welding ring. By laser welding or local induction welding from Z to downward, the welding ring can be melted and filled into the gap between the inner wall of the flow channel and the upper plate 21, thereby achieving a seal between the flow channel 301 and the external environment.

[0096] Preferably, the number of through holes corresponds one-to-one with the number of flow channels 301, and a boss 23 is provided at each through hole on the upper plate 21. Preferably, the upper edge of the boss 23 is at least 2mm higher than the upper plate 21, and the outer edge is 2-5mm away from the inner wall of the flow channel 301, so as to better accommodate the welding ring and complete the filling after welding.

[0097] In this embodiment, the third direction is also the Y direction. As a preferred design of this embodiment, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the flow channel includes a first flow channel 201, a second flow channel 202, and a third flow channel 203 connected in sequence. The first flow channel 201 and the third flow channel 203 extend along a second direction, and the second flow channel 202 extends along a third direction; wherein the third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction respectively. The first flow channel 201, the second flow channel 202, and the third flow channel 203 connected in sequence combine within the second cold plate 2 to form a U-shaped flow channel feature.

[0098] When the first branch channel 201 is located to the right of the third branch channel 203, the coolant entering from the first branch channel 201 flows in a U-shaped path within the second cold plate 2. That is, the coolant flows from front to back in the first branch channel 201 along the X direction to the second branch channel 202, flows from right to left in the second branch channel 202 along the Y direction to the third branch channel 203, and flows back from back to front in the third branch channel 203 along the X direction, forming an overall counterclockwise U-shaped flow.

[0099] Similarly, when the coolant first enters the third branch channel 203, the coolant flows in a clockwise U-shape within the branch channel.

[0100] Similarly, when the first branch channel 201 can also be located to the left of the third branch channel 203, the coolant can be designed to flow in a clockwise or counterclockwise U-shape within the second cold plate 2 by adjusting the coolant inlet position.

[0101] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the first branch channel 201 is located to the right of the third branch channel 203, and the water inlet is connected to the first branch channel 201 and the water outlet 7 is connected to the third branch channel 203, the coolant flows in a counterclockwise U-shape.

[0102] As a further explanation of this embodiment, the flow channel characteristics of the lower layer plate 22 through the stamping process can be in the form of a single flow channel or multiple flow channels.

[0103] For example, the first diversion channel 201, the second diversion channel 202 and the third diversion channel 203 are all single channels 301 with sequential flow, forming a single U-shaped channel feature.

[0104] For example, the first diversion channel 201, the second diversion channel 202 and the third diversion channel 203 are all sequentially flowing dual channels 301, forming a double U-shaped channel feature.

[0105] For example, by analogy, the first branch channel 201, the second branch channel 202, and the third branch channel 203 are all multi-channel 301. The innermost first branch channel 201 is connected to the innermost third branch channel 203 through the innermost second branch channel 202. The next innermost first branch channel 201 is connected to the next innermost third branch channel 203 through the next innermost second branch channel 202, until the outermost first branch channel 201 is connected to the outermost third branch channel 203 through the outermost second branch channel 202, forming a radially multi-layered multi-U-shaped channel feature.

[0106] During the stamping process, flow guide protrusions can be designed so that the first flow channel 201, the second flow channel 202, and the third flow channel 203 of each layer are in a continuous U-shaped flow path within the second base plate, so as to guide the coolant to flow along the continuous U-shaped flow path.

[0107] For example, please refer again Figure 6 The first diversion channel 201 includes two first diversion sub-channels that extend in the X direction and are spaced apart and parallel to each other. The two first diversion sub-channels are separated by a first guide protrusion that extends in the X direction. The first guide protrusion has the same extension length as the first diversion sub-channel.

[0108] The third flow channel 203 includes two parallel third flow sub-channels extending along the X direction, separated by a third guide protrusion extending along the X direction. The third guide protrusion has the same extension length as the third flow sub-channel.

[0109] The second diversion channel 202 includes two second diversion sub-channels that extend in the Y direction and are spaced parallel to each other. The two second diversion sub-channels are separated by a second guide protrusion extending in the Y direction. The extension length of the second guide protrusion is the same as the interval between the first guide protrusion and the third guide protrusion, thereby diverting the coolant diverted by the first guide protrusion and the third guide protrusion again.

[0110] Therefore, the flow path of the coolant within the second cold plate 2 is as follows:

[0111] Coolant enters the first branch channel 201 from the inlet 6. Guided by the first guide protrusion, it flows from front to back along the X direction to the second branch channel 202 in two parallel first branch sub-channels. Due to the action of the second guide protrusion, the coolant in the inner first branch sub-channel is guided to the inner second branch sub-channel, and the coolant in the outer first branch sub-channel is guided to the outer second branch sub-channel, thus continuing to flow from right to left along the Y direction in the two parallel second branch sub-channels. Due to the action of the third guide protrusion, the coolant in the inner second branch sub-channel directly enters the inner third branch sub-channel, and the coolant in the outer second branch sub-channel directly enters the outer third branch sub-channel, thus continuing to flow from back to front along the X direction in the two parallel third branch sub-channels to the outlet 7.

[0112] In some embodiments, two parallel first sub-channels are connected at the inlet end via an inlet channel 204, and the inlet 6 is connected to the inlet channel 204, so that the coolant is distributed into the two first sub-channels through the inlet channel 204. Two parallel third sub-channels are connected at the outlet end via an outlet channel 205, and the outlet 7 is connected to the outlet channel 205, so that the coolant is combined and discharged through the confluence of the outlet channel 205.

[0113] As a further preferred design of this embodiment, the beam 3 includes a first beam 31 and a second beam 32 disposed on opposite sides of the battery module 4. The flow channel 301 includes a first flow channel 301A, a second flow channel 301B, a third flow channel 301C, and a fourth flow channel 301D. The first flow channel 301A and the second flow channel 301B are disposed within the first beam 31, and the third flow channel 301C and the fourth flow channel 301D are disposed within the second beam 32. The first branch flow channel 201 communicates with the first flow channel 301A, the second branch flow channel 202 communicates with the third flow channel 301C and the fourth flow channel 301D respectively, and the third branch flow channel 203 communicates with the second flow channel 301B.

[0114] In this embodiment, the first cold plate 1 includes a right cold plate and a left cold plate arranged parallel to each other along the Y direction. The front first beam 31 is provided with two first flow channels 301A and a second flow channel 301B arranged parallel to each other along the Y direction. Similarly, the rear second beam 32 is provided with two third flow channels 301C and a fourth flow channel 301D arranged parallel to each other along the Y direction. The first flow channels 301A and the third flow channel 301C are connected through the right cold plate, and the second flow channels 301B and the fourth flow channel 301D are connected through the left cold plate.

[0115] Therefore, please participate again. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The arrows indicate the direction of coolant flow.

[0116] The flow path of the coolant within the first cold plate 1 is as follows:

[0117] The coolant enters the first branch channel 201 through the inlet 6. Part of the flow flows in the second cold plate 2 as described above. Under the action of water pressure, the other part of the flow flows into the right cold plate through the first channel 301A in the first beam 31. In the right cold plate, it flows to the third channel 301C in the second beam 32. It continues to flow downward along the third channel 301C to the second branch channel 202. Then, it flows upward along the fourth channel 301D in the second beam 32 to the left cold plate. In the left cold plate, it flows to the second channel 301B in the first beam 31. It flows downward along the second channel 301B to the third branch channel 203. After merging with the coolant in the second cold plate 2, it flows out from the outlet 7.

[0118] Therefore, the coolant flows clockwise in a U-shape in the first flow channel 301A, the right cold plate and the third flow channel 301C, and counterclockwise in a U-shape in the fourth flow channel 301D, the left cold plate and the second flow channel 301B.

[0119] Thus, for each row of battery cells 41 arranged along the X direction, the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 both exhibit U-shaped reflux characteristics, achieving simultaneous cooling of the bottom and top of the battery cell while ensuring that the average cooling temperature of different battery cells is close, thereby improving the temperature uniformity between different battery cells.

[0120] In a further technical solution, the beam 3 has a cavity, within which a first reinforcing rib 311 is provided. The first reinforcing rib 311 divides the cavity into at least two independent chambers, each chamber containing a flow channel 301. In this embodiment, the beam 3 can be a die-cast part, with the cavity structure formed by Z-direction drafting. The flow channels 301 then extend along the Z-direction, respectively connecting the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 on the upper and lower sides. The first reinforcing rib 311, located within the cavity, strengthens the structural strength between the beam 3 and the flow channel 301. Through the force transmission effect of the first reinforcing rib 311, the constraint force of the beam 3 on the battery module 4 is strengthened.

[0121] In some embodiments, a second reinforcing rib 312 is provided in the cavity, and the second reinforcing rib 312 is connected to the inner wall of the cavity and the outer wall of the flow channel 301 respectively, so as to strengthen the structural strength of the beam 3.

[0122] In some embodiments, the beam 3 can be formed by processes such as extrusion, forging, and machining.

[0123] Optionally, there may be more than one first reinforcing rib 311 and second reinforcing rib 312, and they may be diagonal rib structures, or in the form of waves, bends, or trapezoids, etc., depending on the actual expansion constraint requirements.

[0124] In some embodiments, the plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged in a parallel array or staggered arrangement. Optionally, the first reinforcing rib 311 and the second reinforcing rib 312 may be arranged to extend longitudinally, extend laterally, or be arranged at an angle.

[0125] Furthermore, each beam 3 contacts the battery module 4 through a buffer layer. In this embodiment, the buffer layer serves as a mechanical isolation layer. During operation, the battery module 4 will experience thermal expansion or displacement due to vibration. The buffer layer can effectively absorb and alleviate these physical stresses. When the battery module 4 expands overall in the X direction due to use, the beam 3 can continue to provide constraint force for the battery module 4. The buffer layer may include polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam, silicone or rubber materials, sponge materials, or fiber pads, etc.

[0126] Furthermore, the first cold plate 1 and / or the second cold plate 2 are in contact with the battery module 4 through a thermally conductive layer. The thermally conductive layer is made of a thermally conductive material, so that the heat of the battery module 4 can be carried away by the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2.

[0127] Preferably, the plate 12 is made of a flexible material; and / or, a bending portion 13 is provided on the plate 12 near the current collector 11. This flexible design improves process adaptability and overall lifespan durability. The serpentine bending portion 13 at the connection between the plate 12 and the current collector 11 absorbs assembly tolerances between the plate 12 and the front and rear beams 3. Therefore, by using a flexible plastic material, the plate 12 can adapt to assembly requirements when deformed by the expansion force of the battery cells during assembly, and then adapt through the stretching or compressive deformation of the bending portion 13, thus avoiding excessive assembly stress on the current collector 11.

[0128] In summary, by directly integrating the flow channel 301 into the distribution section, the coolant connection between the first cold plate 1 and the second cold plate 2 is achieved, eliminating the need for external water pipes and their connecting components. This frees up space previously occupied by piping for the battery cell, reducing production costs and weight, improving integration efficiency, and achieving cost and weight reduction, while increasing the energy density of the battery pack. Furthermore, the absence of a current collector 11 between the two first cold plates 1 on the two terminals of the battery cell 41 provides a more unobstructed thermal runaway venting channel, enhancing battery thermal safety.

[0129] The second aspect of this utility model provides a battery pack configured with an integrated battery cooling system as provided in the first aspect of this utility model.

[0130] The third aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle equipped with a battery pack as provided in the second aspect of this utility model.

[0131] The specific implementation methods of the battery pack and vehicle in the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in the integrated battery cooling system section, so they will not be repeated here.

[0132] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0133] It should also be noted that, in this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing the present invention and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Moreover, the term "comprising" or any other variations thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device.

[0134] The above provides a detailed description of an integrated battery cooling system, battery pack, and vehicle provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand this application, and the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations in the specific implementation methods and application scope may occur based on this application. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here, but obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An integrated battery cooling system, characterized in that, The system includes: The battery module (4) includes multiple individual battery cells (41). The cooling section includes a first cold plate (1) and a second cold plate (2), the first cold plate (1) and the second cold plate (2) are disposed on opposite sides of the battery module (4) along a first direction, wherein the first cold plate (1) is located on the top of the battery module (4), and the top of the battery module (4) is the side where the poles of the plurality of battery cells (41) are located. A beam (3) is disposed on at least one side of the battery module (4) along a second direction, wherein the second direction intersects with the first direction; a flow channel (301) is provided inside the beam (3), and the flow channel (301) is connected to the first cold plate (1) and the second cold plate (2) respectively.

2. The integrated battery cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cold plate (1) includes: The plate (12) is extended and arranged along the second direction; A collector (11) is disposed at at least one end of the plate (12) along the second direction, and the collector (11) is connected to the plate (12) and the flow channel (301) respectively.

3. The integrated battery cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The collector (11) includes: The current collection body (111) is connected to the plate (12); A water nozzle (112) is located on the side of the collection body (111) near the flow channel (301). The water nozzle (112) is partially inserted into the flow channel (301) and communicates with the flow channel (301). The outer wall of the water nozzle (112) is in contact with the inner wall of the flow channel (301).

4. The integrated battery cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A sealing groove is provided at the part of the water nozzle (112) that contacts the flow channel (301), and a sealing ring (114) is installed in the sealing groove.

5. An integrated battery cooling system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The flow collection body (111) is also provided with a claw (113) on the side near the flow channel (301), and a slot (313) is provided on the outer wall of the flow channel (301), and the claw (113) engages with the slot (313).

6. An integrated battery cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second cold plate (2) is provided with a flow channel, and a through hole is provided on the second cold plate (2), the through hole connecting the flow channel and the flow channel (301).

7. An integrated battery cooling system according to claim 6, characterized in that, A boss (23) is provided on the periphery of the through hole. The boss (23) protrudes from the surface of the second cold plate (2) in the direction toward the flow channel (301). A groove (24) is formed between the boss (23) and the inner wall of the flow channel (301). A welding ring is provided in the groove (24).

8. An integrated battery cooling system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The diversion channel includes a first diversion channel (201), a second diversion channel (202), and a third diversion channel (203) connected in sequence. The first diversion channel (201) and the third diversion channel (203) extend along the second direction (X), and the second diversion channel (202) extends along the third direction (Y). The third direction (Y) intersects with the first direction (Z) and the second direction (X) respectively.

9. An integrated battery cooling system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second cold plate (2) is provided with a water inlet (6) and a water outlet (7). The water inlet (6) is connected to the first diversion channel (201), and the water outlet (7) is connected to the third diversion channel (203).

10. An integrated battery cooling system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The beam (3) includes a first beam (31) and a second beam (32) disposed on opposite sides of the battery module (4), and the flow channel (301) includes a first flow channel (301A), a second flow channel (301B), a third flow channel (301C) and a fourth flow channel (301D). The first flow channel (301A) and the second flow channel (301B) are located within the first beam (31), and the third flow channel (301C) and the fourth flow channel (301D) are located within the second beam (32).

11. An integrated battery cooling system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first branch channel (201) is connected to the first channel (301A), the second branch channel (202) is connected to the third channel (301C) and the fourth channel (301D) respectively, and the third branch channel (203) is connected to the second channel (301B).

12. An integrated battery cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The beam (3) has a cavity, and a first reinforcing rib (311) is provided in the cavity. The first reinforcing rib (311) divides the cavity into at least two independent chambers, and each chamber is provided with a flow channel (301).

13. An integrated battery cooling system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with a second reinforcing rib (312), which is connected to the inner wall of the cavity and the outer wall of the flow channel (301).

14. An integrated battery cooling system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The plate (12) is a harmonica tube; and / or, the number of the first cold plates (1) is at least two.

15. An integrated battery cooling system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The plate (12) is made of a flexible material; and / or, the plate (12) has a bend (13) near the collector (11).

16. A battery pack, characterized in that, It is equipped with an integrated battery cooling system as described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that, The battery pack as described in claim 16 is provided.

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