Heat dissipation composite tab structure of lithium cobalt oxide battery

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a heat dissipation composite tab structure of a lithium cobalt oxide battery, which is mounted on a battery cell group, a plurality of battery cells are arranged in the battery cell group, each battery cell is provided with two pole columns, the heat dissipation composite tab structure comprises an insulating support, a heat conduction part and a liquid cooling heat dissipation part, the insulating support is arranged on the battery cell group, two conductive pole pieces are arranged on the insulating support, and the liquid cooling heat dissipation part is arranged on the heat conduction part. Each conductive pole piece is provided with a plurality of connecting pole lugs, all the connecting pole lugs on each conductive pole piece are electrically connected with the pole columns with the corresponding power connection attributes on the battery cell one by one, the heat conduction piece is attached to the conductive pole pieces and all the connecting pole lugs, and the liquid cooling heat dissipation piece is attached to the side, away from the insulating support, of the heat conduction piece. Heat conduction fins are arranged on the two sides of the liquid cooling heat dissipation piece and completely cover the heat conduction piece, and the edges of the heat conduction fins are connected with the insulation support in a clamped mode. The heat dissipation composite tab structure of the lithium cobalt oxide battery is compact in overall structure and good in heat dissipation effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium cobalt oxide batteries have high specific capacity and outstanding overall performance, but they have poor thermal stability and very high cost. They are mainly used in long-lasting devices in the consumer market, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, and portable medical devices.

[0003] Lithium cobalt oxide batteries are generally composed of several cells connected in parallel or series. The tabs of each cell are welded to a conductor to form a common tab. Each lithium cobalt oxide battery has two common tabs, which are actually the positive and negative terminals for external discharge. Because lithium cobalt oxide batteries release heat during charging and discharging, and because the tabs of each cell are welded to the conductor, the texture in this area is uneven. Furthermore, the tab cross-sectional area is small. When the entire cell is filled with current, the temperature in the tab area is significantly higher than the temperature of the cell body. Under these circumstances, the tab temperatures of each cell are different. When the lithium cobalt oxide battery discharges as a whole, this uneven current distribution among the cells can accelerate the degradation of some cells, ultimately leading to premature failure of the lithium cobalt oxide battery. Therefore, excessively high tab temperatures in each cell have a significant impact on the lifespan and efficiency of the entire lithium cobalt oxide battery.

[0004] To address this issue, the current mainstream approach is to incorporate a heat dissipation structure within the lithium cobalt oxide battery. This structure directly dissipates heat from all the cells, ensuring the normal operation of each cell. For example, patent CN202210197372.2, "Direct Cooling Battery Pack Thermal Management Device and Management System Based on Tab Heat Dissipation," utilizes tab heat dissipation to rapidly remove heat from individual cells, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency and reducing the internal temperature gradient. However, this patent requires numerous cooling pipes, resulting in a complex structure that occupies considerable internal space and reduces energy density per unit volume. Therefore, a compact, heat-dissipating composite tab structure is needed to connect the individual cells, ensuring proper energy delivery and heat dissipation within the entire battery. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome one of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a heat dissipation composite tab structure for lithium cobalt oxide batteries. The heat dissipation composite tab structure of this lithium cobalt oxide battery has a compact overall structure and good heat dissipation effect.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A heat-dissipating composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery is mounted on a cell assembly. The cell assembly contains several cells, each with two terminals. The structure includes an insulating support, a thermally conductive element, and a liquid-cooled heat sink. The insulating support is mounted on the cell assembly and has two conductive plates. Each conductive plate has several connecting tabs, and all connecting tabs on each conductive plate are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals on each cell. The thermally conductive element is attached to the conductive plates and all connecting tabs. The liquid-cooled heat sink is attached to the side of the thermally conductive element away from the insulating support. Thermally conductive fins are provided on both sides of the liquid-cooled heat sink, completely covering the thermally conductive element and with their edges engaged with the insulating support.

[0008] Furthermore, the liquid cooling heat sink is a flat, flexible tube with one end closed. A partition is provided inside the liquid cooling heat sink, which divides the interior of the liquid cooling heat sink into an outlet channel and an inlet channel. The inlet channel is located below the outlet channel. The outlet channel and the inlet channel are connected at the closed end of the liquid cooling heat sink. The side of the heat-conducting component on the corresponding side is attached to the outer wall of the liquid cooling heat sink in the area where the inlet channel is located. Two heat-conducting fins are respectively disposed on both sides of the liquid cooling heat sink in the inlet channel.

[0009] Furthermore, several guide plates are provided inside the liquid inlet channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the sidewall of the liquid cooling heat sink located on one side of the liquid inlet channel is recessed inward to form a receiving area, and a portion of the heat-conducting component is disposed within the receiving area and is in thermal contact with the outer wall of the receiving area.

[0011] Furthermore, the conductive electrode sheet is fixedly mounted on the insulating bracket, and an elastic connection area is provided between each connecting tab and the corresponding conductive electrode sheet, with the connecting tab bending and protruding on one side of the heat-conducting element.

[0012] Furthermore, the connecting tab is provided with a connecting hole, which is adapted to the corresponding terminal of the battery cell, and the inner wall of the connecting hole is connected to the outer wall of the terminal by welding.

[0013] Furthermore, the insulating support is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the conductive electrode sheet, the receiving groove is provided with at least one positioning post, the conductive electrode sheet is provided with a positioning hole adapted to the positioning post, the opening of the receiving groove is provided with a step, the edge of the heat-conducting fin is engaged with the step, and the receiving groove is provided with a clearance hole to avoid the electrode post on the battery cell.

[0014] Furthermore, the insulating support has an isolation zone between the two conductive electrode sheets.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an insulating cover, which is fixed to the insulating bracket by screws, and the insulating cover presses the liquid cooling heat sink onto the heat-conducting component.

[0016] Furthermore, the thermally conductive component is thermally conductive silicone.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0018] This invention relates to a composite electrode structure design for a lithium cobalt oxide battery with an insulating support. This insulating support isolates the conductive electrode sheet from the battery cell's outer casing, effectively preventing short circuits and providing relative fixation between the battery cell and the conductive electrode sheet. Furthermore, the conductive electrode sheet, in addition to connecting multiple battery cell terminals, also serves as an extension of those terminals, enabling rapid heat dissipation. A heat-conducting element is designed between the conductive electrode sheet and the liquid cooling heat sink to achieve insulation and heat conduction. The liquid cooling heat sink is attached to the side of the heat-conducting element away from the insulating support. This structural design reduces the difficulty and number of cooling pipes, resulting in a more compact overall structure. The heat-conducting fins on both sides of the liquid cooling heat sink completely cover the heat-conducting element, and their edges are snapped into the insulating support. This design increases the contact area and, to some extent, directly absorbs heat from the insulating support, while ensuring close contact between the liquid cooling heat sink, the heat-conducting element, and the conductive electrode sheet, guaranteeing effective cooling.

[0019] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0025] Battery pack 10, battery cell 11, terminal post 12;

[0026] Insulating bracket 20, receiving groove 21, positioning post 22, step 23, isolation zone 24;

[0027] Thermal conductive component 30;

[0028] Liquid cooling heat sink 40, heat-conducting fins 41, partition 42, liquid outlet channel 43, liquid inlet channel 44, and accommodating area 45;

[0029] Conductive electrode sheet 50, connecting tab 51, elastic connection area 52, connecting hole 53, positioning hole 54;

[0030] Insulating cover 60. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The diagram illustrates a heat-dissipating composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery, mounted on a cell assembly 10. The cell assembly 10 contains several cells 11, each cell 11 having two terminals 12. The assembly includes an insulating support 20, a heat-conducting component 30, and a liquid-cooled heat sink 40. The insulating support 20 is mounted on the cell assembly 10 and has two conductive electrode plates 50. Each conductive electrode plate 50 has several connecting tabs 51. All of the connecting tabs 51 are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals 12 on all of the battery cells 11. The heat-conducting element 30 is attached to the conductive electrode sheet 50 and all of the connecting tabs 51. The liquid cooling heat sink 40 is attached to the side of the heat-conducting element 30 away from the insulating support 20. The liquid cooling heat sink 40 has heat-conducting fins 41 on both sides. The heat-conducting fins 41 completely cover the heat-conducting element 30 and their edges are snapped into the insulating support 20.

[0033] Specifically, in this application, the battery cell assembly 10 can be designed as a flat unit or as a vertical unit, depending on the actual usage requirements. This application prioritizes, but is not limited to, a vertical design, which is suitable for the needs of small-volume, high-energy-density applications such as drones, digital cameras, and small medical devices. Of course, it can also be designed as a flat unit to suit space-constrained applications such as laptops and tablets. The insulating bracket 20 primarily serves to relatively fix the conductive electrode plate 50 and the battery cell 11, ensuring their fixed positions. This facilitates a tight fit between the heat-conducting component 30, the electrode post 12, and the conductive electrode plate 50, ensuring effective heat dissipation. It should be noted that in practical applications, the battery cell 11 will undergo slight expansion and deformation due to heat release during use, which will actually cause displacement of the electrode post 12. Therefore, the insulating bracket 20 is essential.

[0034] Furthermore, the thermally conductive component 30 is made of thermally conductive silicone in this application, while the liquid cooling heat sink 40 can be a conventional flat heat dissipation copper pipe, etc. This structure is actually a conventional design and will not be described in detail here. The insulating support 20 is made of an insulating and thermally conductive material, such as thermally conductive plastic, in this application. To increase the heat dissipation effect, the thermally conductive fins 41 are flexible metal sheets, preferably copper foil structures, which completely enclose the thermally conductive component 30. It should be noted that in this application, the two conductive electrode plates 50 are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 11. Of course, the connection can also be made according to actual needs, such as whether the battery cell assembly 10 is connected in series or in parallel, which will not be described in detail here.

[0035] The heat dissipation composite tab structure of this lithium cobalt oxide battery features an insulating support 20. This support isolates the conductive electrode sheet 50 from the outer casing of the cell 11, effectively preventing short circuits and providing relative fixation between the cell 11 and the conductive electrode sheet 50. Furthermore, the conductive electrode sheet 50, besides connecting the terminals 12 of multiple cells 11, also extends the terminals 12, enabling rapid heat dissipation. A heat-conducting element 30 is designed between the conductive electrode sheet 50 and the liquid-cooled heat sink 40 to achieve insulation and heat conduction. The liquid-cooled heat sink 40 is attached to the side of the heat-conducting element 30 away from the insulating support 20. This structural arrangement reduces the difficulty and number of cooling pipes, resulting in a more compact overall structure. The design of the heat-conducting fins 41 on both sides of the liquid-cooled heat sink 40 completely covering the heat-conducting component 30 and having their edges snapped into the insulating bracket 20 not only increases the contact area but also directly absorbs the heat from the insulating bracket 20 to a certain extent. At the same time, it ensures that the liquid-cooled heat sink 40, the heat-conducting component 30, and the conductive electrode 50 always maintain close contact, thus ensuring the cooling effect.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment of this application, to better install the conductive electrode sheet 50, the insulating support 20 is provided with a receiving groove 21 for accommodating the conductive electrode sheet 50. The receiving groove 21 is provided with at least one positioning post 22, and the conductive electrode sheet 50 is provided with a positioning hole 54 adapted to the positioning post 22. A step 23 is provided on the opening of the receiving groove 21, and the edge of the heat-conducting fin 41 is fitted onto the step 23. The receiving groove 21 is provided with a clearance hole to avoid the electrode post 12 on the battery cell 11. As explained in the above embodiment, the entire battery pack 10 in this application has a block structure, not a flat shape, and the battery cell 11 is placed vertically. Therefore, the clearance hole is located at the bottom of the receiving groove 21, meaning the insulating support 20 is installed on the top of the battery cell 11. In fact, in this application, the conductive electrode sheet 50 can be secured within the receiving groove 21 by the cooperation of the positioning post 22 and the positioning hole 54, thus reducing the difficulty of subsequent assembly. Among them, the heat-conducting fins 41 can cooperate with the receiving groove 21 to cover both the conductive electrode sheet 50 and the heat-conducting component 30, which improves the protection and increases the contact area, thereby improving the overall heat dissipation effect.

[0037] In the above embodiments, for better isolation, the insulating support 20 is provided with an isolation zone 24 between the two conductive electrode sheets 50. Simultaneously, to accommodate the venting of the battery cell 11, an integrated venting valve structure can be provided on the isolation zone 24.

[0038] See Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment of this application, to achieve better cooling while reducing the space occupied, the liquid cooling heat sink 40 is a flat, flexible tube closed at one end. A partition 42 is provided inside the liquid cooling heat sink 40, dividing the interior into an outlet channel 43 and an inlet channel 44. The inlet channel 44 is located below the outlet channel 43, and the outlet channel 43 and the inlet channel 44 are connected at the closed end of the liquid cooling heat sink 40. The side of the heat-conducting element 30 on the corresponding side is attached to the outer wall of the liquid cooling heat sink 40 in the area where the inlet channel 44 is located. Two heat-conducting fins 41 are respectively disposed on both sides of the liquid cooling heat sink 40 in the inlet channel 44. The inlet channel 44 is located at the lower layer and directly contacts the heat-conducting element 30. This structural design allows the heat transferred by the heat-conducting element 30 to be absorbed more quickly, improving the heat absorption effect. Furthermore, the partition 42 is made of heat-insulating material, thus reducing heat exchange between the liquid outlet channel 43 and the liquid inlet channel 44. In addition, the flat design of the liquid cooling heat sink 40 reduces the overall height of the structure, providing a design basis for the subsequent flattening design of the battery cell assembly 10. The outward ends of the liquid outlet channel 43 and the liquid inlet channel 44 are respectively connected to an external liquid cooling system. The external liquid cooling equipment simultaneously cools the liquid cooling heat sinks 40 on multiple battery cell assemblies 10. This technology is actually prior art and will not be detailed here. To facilitate connection with the external liquid cooling system, connection interfaces are provided on the outward ends of the liquid outlet channel 43 and the liquid inlet channel 44, which are connected to the liquid inlet and outlet interfaces of the external liquid cooling system.

[0039] In addition, to reduce the flow velocity of the coolant in the inlet channel 44 and increase the heat exchange time, several guide plates are provided inside the inlet channel 44. Of course, in some embodiments, the guide plates can also support the inlet channel 44 to prevent deformation and denting. Of course, in some embodiments, multiple outlet channels 43 and inlet channels 44 can be designed to ensure that the outlet channels 43 and inlet channels 44 will not be affected by bending or deformation, thus ensuring the flow of coolant.

[0040] Of course, in some improved embodiments, in order to avoid the liquid cooling heat sink 40 from becoming loose relative to the heat conduction component 30 and to ensure close contact between the two, the side wall of the liquid cooling heat sink 40 located on one side of the liquid inlet channel 44 is recessed inward to form a receiving area 45, and a portion of the heat conduction component 30 is disposed in the receiving area 45 and is in thermal contact with the outer wall of the receiving area 45.

[0041] See Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment of this application, to accommodate the installation of the entire battery cell 11 and the mounting of the conductive electrode 50 on the electrode post 12 onto the insulating bracket 20, an elastic connection area 52 is provided between each connecting tab 51 and the corresponding conductive electrode 50. The connecting tab 51 is bent and protrudes to one side of the heat-conducting element 30. The actual function of the elastic connection area 52 is to accommodate the connection space requirements between the connecting tab 51 and the electrode post 12. At the same time, the elastic connection area 52 prevents the connecting tab 51 from being directly pressed against the receiving groove 21, allowing for a certain space between them, which is conducive to internal air circulation and improves heat dissipation.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the connecting tab 51 is provided with a connecting hole 53, which is adapted to the corresponding pole post 12 of the battery cell 11. The inner wall of the connecting hole 53 and the outer wall of the pole post 12 are connected by welding. This structural design can ensure a stable connection between the battery cell 11 and the connecting tab 51, while having sufficient operating space for welding to avoid poor welding.

[0043] See Figure 4 In one embodiment of this application, the application further includes an insulating cover 60, which is fixed to the insulating bracket 20 by screws. The insulating cover 60 presses the liquid cooling heat sink 40 against the heat conducting element 30. The insulating cover 60 primarily serves to protect the liquid cooling heat sink 40; however, in some embodiments, it can also be used as a cover for the entire battery cell assembly 10.

[0044] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A heat-dissipating composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery, mounted on a cell assembly, wherein the cell assembly contains a plurality of cells, each cell having two terminals, characterized in that... The device includes an insulating support, a thermally conductive component, and a liquid-cooled heat sink. The insulating support is disposed on the battery cell assembly. Two conductive electrode plates are disposed on the insulating support. Each conductive electrode plate is provided with several connecting tabs. All the connecting tabs on each conductive electrode plate are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals on each of the battery cells. The thermally conductive component is attached to the conductive electrode plates and all the connecting tabs. The liquid-cooled heat sink is attached to the side of the thermally conductive component away from the insulating support. Thermally conductive fins are provided on both sides of the liquid-cooled heat sink. The thermally conductive fins completely cover the thermally conductive component and their edges are engaged with the insulating support.

2. The heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid cooling heat sink is a flat, flexible tube with one end closed. A partition is provided inside the liquid cooling heat sink, which divides the interior of the liquid cooling heat sink into an outlet channel and an inlet channel. The inlet channel is located below the outlet channel. The outlet channel and the inlet channel are connected at the closed end of the liquid cooling heat sink. The side of the heat-conducting component on the corresponding side is attached to the outer wall of the liquid cooling heat sink in the area where the inlet channel is located. Two heat-conducting fins are respectively arranged on both sides of the liquid cooling heat sink in the inlet channel.

3. The heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 2, characterized in that: Several guide plates are installed inside the liquid inlet channel.

4. The heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid cooling heat sink has its sidewall recessed inward on one side of the liquid inlet channel to form a receiving area, and a portion of the heat-conducting component is disposed within the receiving area and is in thermal contact with the outer wall of the receiving area.

5. The heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive electrode sheet is fixedly mounted on the insulating bracket. Each connecting tab has an elastic connection area between it and the corresponding conductive electrode sheet. The connecting tab is bent and protrudes to one side of the heat-conducting element.

6. A heat-dissipating composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The connecting tab is provided with a connecting hole, which is adapted to the corresponding terminal of the battery cell. The inner wall of the connecting hole and the outer wall of the terminal are connected by welding.

7. The heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating support is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the conductive electrode sheet. The receiving groove is provided with at least one positioning post. The conductive electrode sheet is provided with a positioning hole adapted to the positioning post. The opening of the receiving groove is provided with a step. The edge of the heat-conducting fin is engaged with the step. The receiving groove is provided with a clearance hole to avoid the electrode post on the battery cell.

8. The heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating support has an isolation zone between the two conductive electrode plates.

9. The heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an insulating cover, which is fixed to the insulating bracket by screws, and the insulating cover presses the liquid cooling heat sink onto the heat-conducting component.

10. The heat dissipation composite tab structure for a lithium cobalt oxide battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermally conductive component is thermally conductive silicone.

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