Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The battery module comprises a battery box and a plurality of battery cells, the inner bottom surface of the battery box is fixedly connected with a plurality of prism pipes which are made of high-heat-conduction materials and face up and down, the upper ends of the prism pipes abut against the inner top surface of the battery box, and the lower ends of the prism pipes abut against the inner top surface of the battery box. A plurality of through holes communicated with the corresponding prism pipes are formed in the bottom surface and the top surface of the battery box; and the side surface of each battery cell is fixedly connected to the side surface of the corresponding prism pipe in an attached manner. The prism tube is arranged in the battery box, the side faces of the battery cells are fixedly connected to the side faces of the prism tube in an attached mode, the through holes communicated with the prism tube are formed in the bottom face and the top face of the battery box, and heat generated by each battery cell during charging and discharging can be transmitted to the prism tube through the side faces and then dissipated to the outside through the prism tube. And the heat of each battery cell can be effectively dissipated. Meanwhile, the upper end of the prism tube is propped against the inner top surface of the battery box, so that the structural strength of the battery box in the vertical direction can be greatly enhanced, and the pressure resistance of the battery box is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of batteries, specifically to a battery module, and also to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Battery modules, as energy storage units, are widely used in modern life, especially in the new energy vehicle industry. For example, Chinese patent document CN222735168U, entitled "A Waterproof Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Pack," discloses a common existing battery module structure. The main structure includes a casing assembly and a nickel-metal hydride battery placed inside the casing assembly. This nickel-metal hydride battery consists of multiple cells arranged sequentially in a row, a commonly used arrangement. However, this arrangement has poor heat dissipation, making it easy for the heat generated by the middle cells during charging and discharging to not be effectively dissipated, resulting in large differences in the overall battery temperature distribution. This negatively impacts battery consistency, charge / discharge characteristics, and lifespan. Furthermore, the casing assembly of this battery has poor structural strength in the vertical direction, making it prone to structural deformation or even short circuits under pressure, posing certain safety hazards. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a battery module with good heat dissipation and high structural strength.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the problem is:

[0005] A battery module includes a battery box and multiple battery cells. The bottom inner surface of the battery box is fixedly connected to multiple prismatic tubes made of high thermal conductivity material and oriented vertically. The upper ends of the prismatic tubes abut against the inner top surface of the battery box. The bottom and top surfaces of the battery box are provided with multiple through holes that communicate with the corresponding prismatic tubes. The side of each battery cell is fixedly attached to the side of the prismatic tube.

[0006] A further improved technical solution is provided, wherein the battery box includes a bottom box and a top cover, the prism tube is welded and fixed to the inner bottom surface of the bottom box, and the top cover is detachably and fixedly connected to the opening of the bottom box.

[0007] A further improved technical solution is that the distance between any two adjacent prism tubes is the same.

[0008] A further improved technical solution is that the shape of the through hole is the same as the shape and size of the prism tube cross-section.

[0009] A further improved technical solution is that the prism tube is a regular prism tube, and the width of the side of the prism tube is not less than the width of the side of the battery cell.

[0010] In a further improved technical solution, steel strips are also tightened around the multiple battery cells surrounding each prism tube.

[0011] A battery pack includes at least two battery modules as described in any of the above technical solutions. The battery pack is provided with a locking structure around its perimeter. The at least two battery modules are stacked vertically aligned and detachably locked and fixed by the locking structure.

[0012] A further improved technical solution is that the locking structure consists of multiple sets of lugs arranged around the battery box. Each set of lugs includes an upper lug and a lower lug that are close to the top and bottom surfaces of the battery box, respectively. Both the upper and lower lugs are provided with locking holes. The locking hole of the lower lug located on the upper battery module is aligned with the locking hole axis of the upper lug located on the lower battery module and is detachably and fixedly connected with screws and nuts passing through these two locking holes.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: A prismatic tube is installed inside the battery box, and the sides of the battery cells are all fixedly attached to the sides of the prismatic tube. Furthermore, through holes communicating with the prismatic tube are opened on the bottom and top surfaces of the battery box. During charging and discharging, the heat generated by each battery cell can be transferred to the prismatic tube through the sides, and then dissipated to the outside from the prismatic tube, ensuring effective heat dissipation for each battery cell. Simultaneously, the upper end of the prismatic tube abuts against the inner top surface of the battery box, which greatly enhances the structural strength of the battery box in the vertical direction and improves its compressive strength. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded structural diagram of the battery module of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery pack of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of point A. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following will provide a clear and complete description of the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of this invention in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of this invention. The various technical features of this invention can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.

[0018] Reference Figure 1A battery module includes a battery box 1, multiple battery cells 3, and at least one prismatic tube 2. The prismatic tube 2 is a hollow tubular structure formed by bending commonly used high thermal conductivity materials such as copper, iron, or aluminum plates. The lower end of the prismatic tube 2 is fixedly connected to the inner bottom surface of the battery box 1, while the upper end abuts against the inner top surface of the battery box 1, providing vertical support. The side of each battery cell 3 is fixedly attached to the side of the prismatic tube 2. In addition, the bottom and top surfaces of the battery box 1 are provided with multiple through holes 10, each communicating with a corresponding prismatic tube 2.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, there are five prism tubes 2 with a regular hexagonal structure, so each prism tube 2 has six sides, and each side is fitted with a battery cell 3. Therefore, the entire battery mold has thirty battery cells 3. Of course, the number of prism tubes 2 can be set as needed. If the battery box 1 is smaller, only one prism tube 2 can be set, and if the battery box 1 is larger, more can be set. The number of sides of the prism tube 2 can also be set as needed, and can be three, four, or other numbers of sides. In addition, the preferred number of battery cells 3 is to cover all the sides of all the prism tubes 2, which is the maximum number that can be installed. Of course, they can also be attached to only a few sides of some prism tubes 2, without covering all of them, depending on the desired effect.

[0020] Since each cell 3 is attached to one side of one of the prismatic tubes 2, the heat generated by each cell during charging and discharging can be quickly transferred to the side of the prismatic tube 2, and then dissipated to the outside through the hollow part of the prismatic tube 2. This results in better uniform heat dissipation of the battery module as a whole, ensuring better battery consistency, good charging and discharging characteristics, and lifespan. In addition to its excellent heat dissipation function, the prismatic tube 2 also supports the top and bottom surfaces of the battery box 1, making the battery box 1 stronger in the vertical direction and more pressure-resistant.

[0021] In one embodiment, the distance between any two adjacent prism tubes 2 is the same, allowing the prism tubes 2 to be arranged regularly within the battery box 1, thereby ensuring a regular arrangement of the battery cells 3 and facilitating uniform heat dissipation. Furthermore, the shape and size of the through-holes 10 on the battery box 1 are identical to the cross-sectional shape of the prism tubes 2, providing the maximum outlet for heat dissipation within the prism tubes 2. If an external fan is installed to blow air towards the through-holes 10, maximum airflow can also be achieved, further improving heat dissipation.

[0022] In one embodiment, the prism tube 2 is preferably a regular prism tube 2, that is, the cross-section of the prism tube 2 is a regular polygon, and the width of the side of the prism tube 2 is not less than the width of the side of the battery cell 3, ensuring that the side of the battery cell 3 can completely fit against any side of the prism tube 2 during installation. The battery cell 3 and the prism tube 2 can be detachably snapped together using a snap-fit ​​structure, or the battery cells 3 can be tightened by wrapping a steel strip around the prism tube 2.

[0023] In one embodiment, the battery box 1 includes a bottom box 11 and a top cover 12. The prism tube 2 is welded and fixed to the inner bottom surface of the bottom box 11, and the top cover is detachably fixed to the opening of the bottom box 11 to facilitate the installation, removal and replacement of the battery cell 3.

[0024] A battery pack employs at least two battery modules as described above, with a locking structure provided around each battery compartment 1. These battery modules are stacked together in a vertically aligned manner and are detachably locked in place by the locking structures. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, three battery modules are stacked together and then locked in place to form a battery pack. The number of battery modules can be two or three, or more, depending on the implementation requirements.

[0025] like Figure 3 The locking structure on the battery box 1 consists of multiple sets of lugs 100 arranged around the battery box 1. Each set of lugs 100 includes an upper lug 100 and a lower lug 100, respectively close to the top and bottom surfaces of the battery box 1, and both the upper and lower lugs 100 have locking holes. After stacking, the locking holes of the lower lug 100 of the upper battery module are aligned with the locking holes of the upper lug 100 of the lower battery module. Screws are then passed through these two adjacent locking holes and secured with nuts. The screws and nuts are not shown in the figure; furthermore, this is a mature existing technology and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0026] Because the prism tubes 2 inside the battery box 1 provide support, the battery modules can be stacked together without easily deforming. After stacking, the prism tubes 2 of each battery module are connected. To accelerate heat dissipation, only a fan or liquid cooling device needs to be installed on one side to allow airflow or coolant to pass through the prism tubes 2, which can carry away the heat inside each prism tube 2, making it very convenient to use.

[0027] In this utility model, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "join," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "join" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit 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 this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0030] It should be noted that the above is only a further description of the present utility model in conjunction with the embodiments, and does not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications to the present technology are only to achieve the purpose of the present invention by essentially the same means, and should all fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising a battery box and multiple battery cells, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the battery box is fixedly connected to multiple prismatic tubes made of high thermal conductivity material and oriented vertically. The upper end of the prismatic tubes abuts against the inner top surface of the battery box. The bottom and top surfaces of the battery box are provided with multiple through holes that communicate with the corresponding prismatic tubes. The side of each battery cell is fixedly attached to the side of the prismatic tube.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery box includes a bottom box and a top cover. The prism tube is welded and fixed to the inner bottom surface of the bottom box, and the top cover is detachably and fixedly connected to the opening of the bottom box.

3. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between any two adjacent prism tubes is the same.

4. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of the through hole is the same as the shape and size of the prism tube cross-section.

5. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The prism tube is a regular prism tube, and the width of the side of the prism tube is not less than the width of the side of the battery cell.

6. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each prism tube is surrounded by multiple battery cells, which are also bound together by steel strips.

7. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack includes at least two battery modules as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and the battery pack is provided with a locking structure around its perimeter. The at least two battery modules are stacked vertically aligned and are detachably locked and fixed by the locking structure.

8. A battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The locking structure consists of multiple sets of lugs arranged around the battery box. Each set of lugs includes an upper lug and a lower lug that are close to the top and bottom surfaces of the battery box, respectively. Both the upper and lower lugs have locking holes. The locking hole of the lower lug located on the upper battery module is aligned with the locking hole of the upper lug located on the lower battery module and is detachably and fixedly connected with screws and nuts passing through these two locking holes.

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