Battery pack shell, battery pack and battery cluster

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and discloses a battery pack shell, a battery pack and a battery cluster, the battery pack shell comprises a cooling plate, a pair of side plates and a pair of supporting beams, a cooling loop is arranged in the cooling plate; the side plates are respectively arranged at two opposite ends of the cooling plate in the length direction and are fixedly connected with the cooling plate; the pair of supporting beams are arranged on the two opposite sides of the cooling plate in the width direction respectively and connected with the pair of side plates, and the pair of supporting beams and the pair of side plates jointly define a frame structure for placing the battery cell. According to the battery pack shell provided by the utility model, the cooling plate is used as a supporting bottom surface of the battery cell and is matched with the pair of supporting beams and the pair of side plates to form a frame structure for placing the battery cell, so that the battery cell can be effectively supported, an upper shell and a bottom protection plate of a traditional battery pack shell are omitted, and the structure of the battery pack shell is simplified; and the manufacturing cost of the battery pack shell is effectively reduced, and the overall weight is also reduced. And moreover, the cooling plate has better heat dissipation effect on the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to battery pack housing, battery pack, and battery cluster. Background Technology

[0002] Commercial and industrial energy storage refers to the use of energy storage technology in industrial and commercial sectors to improve the efficiency, stability, and economy of power systems. Among these, renewable energy storage has developed rapidly in recent years, but it has typical industrial characteristics and requires high economic efficiency.

[0003] New energy storage systems mainly include battery systems, control systems, power distribution systems, thermal management systems, and fire protection systems. Battery systems consist of battery clusters, which are formed by multiple battery packs connected in series or parallel. Each battery pack includes upper and lower casings, a cooling system, a battery management system, an electrical system, and battery modules. To form battery clusters, the upper and lower casings of the battery packs are generally enclosed and interconnected, resulting in a complex battery pack structure, heavy weight, and poor heat dissipation. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a battery pack housing, a battery pack, and a battery cluster to solve the problems that the battery pack housing, which makes up the battery cluster, has a complex structure, is heavy, and has poor heat dissipation.

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a battery pack housing, comprising:

[0006] Cooling plate with internal cooling circuit;

[0007] A pair of side plates are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the cooling plate along its length and are fixedly connected to the cooling plate;

[0008] A pair of support beams are respectively located on opposite sides of the width direction of the cooling plate and connected to the pair of side plates. The pair of support beams and the pair of side plates together form a frame structure for placing the battery cell.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The battery pack housing provided by this utility model has a cooling plate that can effectively dissipate heat from the battery cells while also serving as a supporting bottom surface for the battery cells. Together with a pair of support beams and a pair of side plates, it forms a frame structure for placing the battery cells, which can effectively support the battery cells. It eliminates the need for the upper shell and bottom protective plate of traditional battery pack housings, simplifies the structure of the battery pack housing, effectively reduces the manufacturing cost of the battery pack housing, and also reduces the overall weight.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, the side plate has a cavity inside, and a reinforcing beam is fixed inside the cavity. The reinforcing beam is bent multiple times and fills the cavity.

[0011] And / or, the support beam is L-shaped and fixedly installed at the lower corner of the side plate.

[0012] Beneficial effects: The reinforcing beam is fixed inside the cavity and fills the cavity to enhance the structural strength and rigidity of the side plate, thereby enhancing the structural strength and rigidity of the battery pack casing and effectively protecting the battery cells inside the battery pack casing. The support beam is L-shaped, which facilitates fixing at the lower corner of the side plate. Furthermore, the L-shaped support beam forms a limiting structure with the cooling plate, which can stably support the battery cells.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, a BMS fixing plate is provided on the outer side of one of the support beams;

[0014] And / or, at least one of the supporting beams has at least one hanging part on its outer side.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The BMS mounting plate is used to secure the main control board and slave control boards of the battery management system. The hanging part is used for transporting and stacking the entire battery pack, facilitating use.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, mica paper is attached to the opposite ends of the side plate along its length and to the inner side of the support beam.

[0017] Beneficial effects: By attaching mica paper to the opposite ends of the side plate along its length and to the inside of the support beam, insulation protection and thermal runaway protection of the battery cell can be achieved.

[0018] Secondly, this utility model also provides a battery pack, comprising:

[0019] Battery cell;

[0020] The battery pack housing described above, wherein the battery cell is disposed on the battery pack housing.

[0021] Beneficial effects: Since the battery pack includes the battery pack housing, it has the same effects as the battery pack housing, which will not be elaborated here.

[0022] Thirdly, this utility model also provides a battery cluster, comprising: a plurality of the above-mentioned battery packs stacked one on top of the other.

[0023] Beneficial Effects: The battery cluster provided by this utility model features a cooling plate that effectively dissipates heat from the battery cells. Simultaneously, the cooling plate serves as a supporting base for the cells, forming a frame structure with a pair of support beams and side plates to effectively support them. This eliminates the need for the upper casing, bottom protective plate, and secondary / tertiary piping found in traditional battery packs, simplifying the battery pack structure, effectively reducing usage costs, and lightening the overall weight. Furthermore, the battery cluster is directly formed by stacking battery packs, simplifying the overall structure. Because the upper casing, bottom protective plate, and secondary / tertiary piping are omitted, both the upper and lower sides of the cells can be effectively cooled by the cooling plate, resulting in better heat dissipation. The reduced height of the battery cluster lowers its center of gravity, making the structure more stable, further reducing overall weight and usage costs, and increasing the energy density of the battery cluster.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, at least one connector is further included, which is connected to each of the plurality of battery packs in turn along the vertical direction of the battery cluster;

[0025] And / or, it also includes electrical connectors, through which multiple battery packs are connected in series and / or in parallel, and each electrical connector is also provided with a fuse corresponding to each battery pack.

[0026] Beneficial effects: Multiple battery packs can be fixedly connected using connectors, improving the structural strength and rigidity of the battery cluster. Electrical connectors allow for series and / or parallel connection of the battery packs. Each connector is equipped with a fuse for each battery pack, effectively protecting the battery cluster's circuitry from damage caused by current overload and short circuits, preventing equipment damage, and thus avoiding fires caused by current overload and short circuits.

[0027] In one alternative embodiment, a top cooling plate is also included, which is disposed on top of the uppermost battery pack;

[0028] And / or, a thermally conductive gel is coated between the top surface of the cell of the battery pack and the bottom surface of the cooling plate of the adjacent battery pack.

[0029] Beneficial effects: The top cooling plate protects the uppermost battery pack and, together with the cooling plate on the battery pack casing, forms a cooling structure to dissipate heat from each battery pack, effectively reducing the temperature difference between them and improving cell lifespan. The thermally conductive gel, combined with the cooling structure, enables double-sided cooling of the battery pack and facilitates later disassembly and maintenance.

[0030] In one alternative embodiment, a base is also included, on which the battery pack at the lowest end is disposed.

[0031] Beneficial effects: The base is used to support multiple battery packs, facilitating subsequent battery pack transfer operations.

[0032] In one optional embodiment, the top of the side plate is provided with a positioning pin, and the bottom of the cooling plate is provided with a corresponding positioning hole, and the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0033] Beneficial effects: By setting a positioning pin on the top of the side plate and a corresponding positioning hole on the bottom of the cooling plate, the positioning pin and the positioning hole can achieve positioning, which facilitates the stacking and alignment of adjacent battery packs and improves the assembly accuracy of the battery cluster. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack housing according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a battery pack housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cluster according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of adjacent battery packs in a battery cluster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 1. Cooling plate; 2. Side plate; 3. Support beam; 4. Reinforcing beam; 5. BMS mounting plate; 6. Hanging part; 7. Mica paper; 8. Connector; 9. Top cooling plate; 10. Thermal conductive gel; 11. Electrical connector; 12. Fuse; 13. Base; 14. Positioning pin; 15. Blind rivet; 16. Battery management system; 17. Communication harness; 18. Inlet / outlet water assembly; 100. Battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0042] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 4 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] According to embodiments of the present invention, on the one hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, a battery pack housing is provided, mainly including: a cooling plate 1, a pair of side plates 2, and a pair of support beams 3. The cooling plate 1 has a cooling circuit inside. The pair of side plates 2 are respectively located at opposite ends along the length of the cooling plate 1 and are fixedly connected to the cooling plate 1. The pair of support beams 3 are respectively located on opposite sides along the width of the cooling plate 1 and are connected to the pair of side plates 2. The pair of support beams 3 and the pair of side plates 2 together form a frame structure for placing the battery cells.

[0044] Therefore, the battery pack housing provided by this utility model embodiment has a cooling plate 1 that can effectively dissipate heat from the battery cell while also serving as a supporting bottom surface for the battery cell. Together with a pair of support beams 3 and a pair of side plates 2, it forms a frame structure for placing the battery cell, which can effectively support the battery cell. It eliminates the upper shell and bottom protective plate of the traditional battery pack housing, simplifies the structure of the battery pack housing, effectively reduces the manufacturing cost of the battery pack housing, and also reduces the overall weight.

[0045] Specifically, the cooling circuit within the cooling plate 1 can be either an air cooling circuit or a liquid cooling circuit. The side plate 2 is formed by bending sheet metal. The length direction of the cooling plate 1 is as follows: Figure 1 As indicated by the middle arrow L, the width direction of cooling plate 1 is as follows: Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow W in the diagram.

[0046] Traditional battery packs require consideration of the assembly of upper and lower casings, which typically utilize aluminum profiles or rolled steel structures, resulting in complex manufacturing processes and high costs. In contrast, the battery pack casing of this embodiment uses the aforementioned structure, which can be formed into a frame structure through sheet metal bending, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

[0047] It should be noted that this embodiment of the invention does not limit the fixing connection method between the side plate 2 and the cooling plate 1, nor does it limit the fixing connection method between the support beam 3 and the side plate 2. It can be a snap-fit ​​fixing structure or a fastener-type fixing structure. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the cooling plate 1 can be fixed to a pair of side plates 2 respectively using pop rivets 15, facilitating installation and disassembly. A pair of support beams 3 are welded and fixed to a pair of side plates 2 respectively, ensuring a secure connection.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, there is a cavity inside the side plate 2, and a reinforcing beam 4 is fixedly arranged in the cavity. The reinforcing beam 4 is bent multiple times and fills the cavity. Specifically, the reinforcing beam 4 is bent into multiple U-shaped segments and is welded to the cavity. The reinforcing beam 4 is fixedly arranged in the cavity and fills the cavity to enhance the structural strength and stiffness of the side plate 2, and further enhance the structural strength and stiffness of the battery pack housing, so as to effectively protect the battery cells in the battery pack housing.

[0049] And / or, the support beam 3 is L-shaped and is fixedly arranged at the lower corner of the side plate 2. The support beam 3 is L-shaped. On the one hand, it is convenient to be fixed at the lower corner of the side plate 2. On the other hand, the L-shaped support beam 3 forms a limiting structure and can stably carry the battery cells with the cooling plate 1.

[0050] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a BMS fixing plate 5 is arranged on the outer side of one of the support beams 3. The BMS fixing plate 5 is used to fix the main control board and the slave control board of the battery management system 16 (Battery Management System, BMS).

[0051] And / or, at least one hanging part 6 is arranged on the outer side of at least one support beam 3. The hanging part 6 is used for transporting and stacking the entire battery pack 100, which is convenient for use. The hanging part 6 has strong supporting ability, can support the entire battery pack 100, and ensure the stability and safety of the battery pack 100. The hanging parts 6 are generally arranged in pairs. For example, as Figure 2 shown, two hanging parts 6 are arranged at intervals on the outer side of one of the support beams 3.

[0052] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present invention does not limit the connection method between the BMS fixing plate 5 and the support beam 3. It can be a snap-fit fixing structure, such as being snap-fitted through a buckle, or can be set as a fastener-type fixing structure, such as being fixed through a fastener.

[0053] Compared with the snap-fit fixing structure, the fastener-type fixing structure is more firm. In one embodiment, the BMS fixing plate 5 is welded to the inner side of the support beam 3.

[0054] In one embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, mica papers 7 are pasted on the opposite ends in the length direction of the side plate 2 and the inner sides of the support beams 3. The mica papers 7 can be adhesively pasted on the opposite ends in the length direction of the side plate 2 and the inner sides of the support beams 3 through a fixing glue. This position is where the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cells are located. The mica papers 7 have excellent electrical insulation, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. By pasting the mica papers 7 on the opposite ends in the length direction of the side plate 2 and the inner sides of the support beams 3, insulation protection and thermal runaway protection of the battery cells can be achieved.

[0055] It should be noted that the length direction of the side plate 2 is also the width direction of the cooling plate 1.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides a battery pack 100, which mainly includes: a battery cell and a battery pack housing, wherein the battery cell is disposed on the battery pack housing.

[0057] Since the battery pack 100 includes a battery pack housing and has the same effect as the battery pack housing, it will not be described in detail here.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, such as Figure 3 As shown, a battery cluster is also provided, including: a plurality of battery packs 100 stacked vertically.

[0059] The battery cluster provided in this embodiment of the utility model has a cooling plate 1 in the battery pack 100 that can effectively dissipate heat from the battery cells and also serve as a supporting base for the battery cells. Together with a pair of support beams 3 and a pair of side plates 2, it forms a frame structure for placing the battery cells, effectively supporting them. This eliminates the need for the upper shell, bottom protective plate, and secondary / tertiary piping found in traditional battery packs, simplifying the battery pack structure, effectively reducing usage costs, and lightening the overall weight. Furthermore, the battery cluster is directly formed by stacking the battery pack 100 vertically, simplifying the overall structure. Because the upper shell, bottom protective plate, and secondary / tertiary piping are omitted, both the upper and lower sides of the battery cells can be effectively cooled by the cooling plate 1, resulting in better heat dissipation. This also reduces the height of the battery cluster, lowering its center of gravity, making the structure more stable, reducing the overall weight and usage costs, and increasing the energy density of the battery cluster.

[0060] Specifically, the up and down directions are as follows: Figure 3 As indicated by arrow H in the diagram. The number of battery packs 100 stacked can be selected and set according to actual needs.

[0061] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery cluster also includes at least one connector 8. The connector 8 can be made of steel pipe. The connector 8 is connected to each of the multiple battery packs 100 in the vertical direction of the battery cluster. The connector 8 can fix the multiple battery packs 100 together to improve the structural strength and rigidity of the battery cluster.

[0062] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the number of connectors 8; one, two, or more can be selected as needed. For example, four connectors 8 can be selected and arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the multiple battery packs 100, resulting in a stable structure.

[0063] Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the connection method between the connector 8 and the multiple battery packs 100. It can be a snap-fit ​​fixing structure, such as snap-fit, or it can be a fastener fixing structure, such as fastening with fasteners. The fasteners can be conventional fasteners such as screws and nuts.

[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery cluster also includes an electrical connector 11. The electrical connector 11 can be made of copper busbar, which has excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Multiple battery packs 100 are connected in series and / or in parallel through the electrical connector 11, and the electrical connector 11 is also provided with a fuse 12 for each battery pack 100.

[0065] The battery packs 100 can be connected in series and / or in parallel through the electrical connector 11. The electrical connector 11 is equipped with a fuse 12 for each battery pack 100, which can effectively protect the circuit of the battery pack from damage caused by current overload and short circuit, prevent equipment damage, and thus avoid fire caused by current overload and short circuit.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery cluster also includes a top cooling plate 9, which is located on top of the uppermost battery pack 100. The top cooling plate 9 serves two purposes: firstly, to protect the uppermost battery pack 100, and secondly, to form a cooling structure with the cooling plate 1 on the battery pack housing, thereby dissipating heat from each battery pack 100, effectively reducing the temperature difference between the various battery packs 100, and improving cell lifespan.

[0067] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, both the top cooling plate 9 and the cooling plate 1 on the battery pack housing are equipped with liquid cooling circuits. The liquid cooling circuits of the top cooling plate 9 and the cooling plate 1 on the battery pack housing are respectively connected to the inlet / outlet water assembly 18. The inlet / outlet water assembly 18 includes an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. The inlet assembly is used to supply cold water to the liquid cooling circuits of the top cooling plate 9 and the cooling plate 1, and the outlet assembly is used to recycle the used cold water, so as to form a heat dissipation cycle in the liquid cooling circuits of the top cooling plate 9 and the cooling plate 1, thereby dissipating heat from each battery pack 100.

[0068] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a thermally conductive gel 10 is coated between the top surface of the battery cell of the battery pack 100 and the bottom surface of the cooling plate 1 of the adjacent battery pack 100. The thermally conductive gel 10 is highly efficient at conducting heat and is typically composed of a gel matrix and thermally conductive fillers. The thermally conductive gel 10 improves the thermal conductivity of the battery pack 100 and assists in heat dissipation. The thermally conductive gel 10, in conjunction with the cooling structure, enables double-sided cooling of the battery pack 100, while also facilitating subsequent disassembly and maintenance.

[0069] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery cluster also includes a base 13, on which the lowest battery pack 100 is mounted. The base 13 is used to support multiple battery packs 100, facilitating subsequent transfer of the battery packs 100.

[0070] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the top of the side plate 2 is provided with a positioning pin 14, and the bottom of the cooling plate 1 is provided with a corresponding positioning hole. The positioning pin 14 is inserted into the positioning hole. By providing a positioning pin 14 on the top of the side plate 2 and a corresponding positioning hole on the bottom of the cooling plate 1, the positioning pin 14 cooperates with the positioning hole to achieve positioning, which facilitates the stacking and alignment of adjacent battery packs 100, and improves the assembly accuracy of the battery cluster.

[0071] In other embodiments, the positioning pin 14 at the top of the side plate 2 can also be used in conjunction with bolts, nuts, etc., to ensure that multiple stacked battery packs 100 will not loosen or move due to external forces, which helps to improve the structural stability of the battery cluster.

[0072] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery cluster also includes a battery management system 16 and a communication harness 17. The battery management system 16 communicates with each battery pack 100 through the communication harness 17 in order to monitor and manage each battery pack 100.

[0073] To achieve the basic functions of the battery cluster, the battery cluster in this embodiment may also include other necessary modules or components, such as connecting frames and wires. It should be noted that any suitable existing structure can be selected from the other necessary modules or components included in the battery cluster. To clearly and concisely illustrate the technical solution provided in this embodiment, the above-mentioned parts will not be repeated here, and the accompanying drawings have also been simplified accordingly. However, it should be understood that the scope of the embodiments of this utility model is not limited thereto.

[0074] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack housing, characterized in that, include: Cooling plate with internal cooling circuit; A pair of side plates are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the cooling plate along its length and are fixedly connected to the cooling plate; A pair of support beams are respectively located on opposite sides of the width direction of the cooling plate and connected to the pair of side plates. The pair of support beams and the pair of side plates together form a frame structure for placing the battery cell.

2. The battery pack housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate has a cavity inside, and a reinforcing beam is fixed inside the cavity. The reinforcing beam is bent multiple times and fills the cavity. And / or, the support beam is L-shaped and fixedly installed at the lower corner of the side plate.

3. The battery pack housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the supporting beams is provided with a BMS fixing plate on its outer side; And / or, at least one of the supporting beams has at least one hanging part on its outer side.

4. The battery pack housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Mica paper is attached to the opposite ends of the side plate along its length and to the inner side of the support beam.

5. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Battery cell; The battery pack housing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the battery cell is disposed on the battery pack housing.

6. A battery cluster, characterized in that, include: Multiple battery packs as described in claim 5, stacked vertically.

7. The battery cluster according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes at least one connector (8) which is connected to each of the battery packs in turn along the vertical direction of the battery cluster; And / or, it also includes electrical connectors, through which multiple battery packs are connected in series and / or in parallel, and each electrical connector is also provided with a fuse corresponding to each battery pack.

8. The battery cluster according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a top cooling plate, which is located on top of the uppermost battery pack; And / or, a thermally conductive gel is coated between the top surface of the cell of the battery pack and the bottom surface of the cooling plate of the adjacent battery pack.

9. The battery cluster according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a base, on which the battery pack at the bottom is mounted.

10. The battery cluster according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The top of the side plate is provided with a positioning pin, and the bottom of the cooling plate is provided with a corresponding positioning hole, and the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole.

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