Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to power battery technical field and provide battery module and battery package. The battery module includes module unit, and module unit includes the module casing with the accommodation cavity, and is located in the accommodation cavity along the first direction arrangement multiple electric core units, and each electric core unit includes along second direction the multiple cylinder electric core arranged in order, the axial direction of cylinder electric core is identical with third direction, and the both ends of module casing in third direction are equipped with multiple through -hole respectively, and the through -hole is equipped with between any two adjacent cylinder electric core. The battery module of the utility model, through setting up multiple through -hole in the both ends of module casing, make up the through -hole between two cylinder electric cores, make cooling liquid liquid even along the axial direction of cylinder electric core and pass between each cylinder electric core, can reduce the stable difference between each cylinder electric core, benefit to promote the consistency of electric core temperature to guarantee the use effect of battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to a battery module. This utility model also relates to a battery pack having the above-mentioned battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Cylindrical cells are widely used in battery modules due to their advantages such as high energy density and mature manufacturing processes. In existing technologies, in order to cool the individual cells in a battery module and ensure the normal operation of the battery module, an immersion cooling method is usually used. This method involves immersing each cylindrical cell in a circulating coolant, which carries away the heat generated by the cylindrical cells.

[0003] In existing technologies, the coolant inlet and outlet are typically located on opposite sides of the battery module. Inside the battery module, the coolant flows radially through each cylindrical cell. Because the coolant is heated by the cells during flow, the coolant temperature at the inlet and outlet differs, leading to temperature variations between the cells near the inlet and outlet. This results in decreased cell temperature uniformity and negatively impacts the battery module's performance. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a battery module to improve the temperature uniformity of the battery cells.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0006] A battery module includes a module unit, the module unit including a module housing having a receiving cavity, and a plurality of cell units arranged in the receiving cavity along a first direction, each of the cell units including a plurality of cylindrical cells arranged sequentially along a second direction;

[0007] The cylindrical cells in two adjacent rows of the cell unit are staggered in the first direction; and the axial direction of the cylindrical cells is consistent with the third direction.

[0008] The module housing has multiple through holes at both ends in the third direction, and the through holes are provided between any two adjacent cylindrical cells. The external coolant circulation pipeline is connected to the receiving cavity through the multiple through holes at both ends of the module housing.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one end of the module housing is provided with a partition, and the end of the module housing has an outwardly extending edge. The partition abuts against the edge and forms a channel communicating with the through hole with the module housing, and the channel is connected to the coolant circulation pipeline.

[0010] Furthermore, an outwardly extending support column is formed on the module housing, and the support column abuts against the partition plate; a support column is provided between any two adjacent cylindrical cells.

[0011] Furthermore, both ends of the module housing are provided with the partition plate, and both ends of the module housing are provided with the edge of the corresponding partition plate; the two partition plates and the module housing form two channels respectively disposed at both ends of the module housing, and the ports of the two channels are respectively facing opposite sides of the module unit in the second direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the module units are configured to be arranged in a plurality of ways along the third direction, and in two adjacent module units, the two partitions on opposite sides of the two module housings are the same plate.

[0013] Furthermore, a positioning portion extending outward is provided on the edge of one end of the module housing, and a positioning mating portion is provided on the edge of the other end of the module housing; the positioning portion of one module unit can be embedded in the positioning mating portion of an adjacent module unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the module housing includes a first part and a second part that are snapped together upwards on the third party.

[0015] Furthermore, the first part and the second part are respectively provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the two ends of each cylindrical battery cell in the axial direction can be respectively inserted into the mounting holes at the corresponding ends.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0017] The battery module of this utility model has multiple through holes at both ends of the module housing, with one through hole between two adjacent cylindrical cells. This allows the coolant to flow evenly along the axial direction of each cylindrical cell, reducing the stability difference between the cylindrical cells and improving the uniformity of cell temperature, thereby ensuring the performance of the battery module.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one end of the module housing is provided with a baffle plate, which, together with the frame on the module housing, forms a channel. This channel can simultaneously supply coolant to each through-hole on one end face, facilitating communication between the receiving cavity and the coolant circulation pipeline. Support pillars abut against the baffle plate on the module housing to prevent the baffle plate from being squeezed and collapsed, ensuring the flow effect of the channel. Both ends of the module housing are provided with channels formed by baffle plates, and the ports of the two channels face opposite sides of the module unit in a second direction, further facilitating the connection between the coolant circulation pipeline and the module unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the module units are configured as multiple units arranged along a third direction. The two partitions on opposite sides of two adjacent module housings are made of the same plate, allowing two module housings to abut against the same partition to form two channels. This reduces the number of partitions required and saves materials to some extent. Positioning parts and positioning mating parts are respectively provided on the two edges at both ends of the module housing. These parts restrict misalignment and rotation around a third direction between adjacent module units, thereby improving the fixation effect between them.

[0020] Furthermore, the module housing includes a first part and a second part that are snapped together in a third direction to facilitate the installation of each cylindrical battery cell in the receiving cavity, thereby facilitating the assembly of the module unit. The first part and the second part are respectively provided with multiple mounting holes, and the two ends of each cylindrical battery cell in the axial direction can be inserted into the corresponding mounting holes, thereby improving the fixing effect of the cylindrical battery cells in the module housing.

[0021] Another objective of this utility model is to provide a battery pack, which includes a battery pack shell and a battery module as described above disposed within the battery pack shell;

[0022] The battery module divides the inside of the battery pack casing into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, and the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber are connected to the coolant circulation pipeline;

[0023] The inlet chamber and the outlet chamber are respectively connected to the receiving cavity through the through holes at both ends of the module housing.

[0024] Furthermore, a positioning structure is provided between the battery pack shell and the battery module; the positioning structure includes a positioning strip on the inner wall of the battery pack shell and a bracket on the outer side of the module shell, the bracket having a positioning groove for the positioning strip to be inserted.

[0025] The battery pack and / or the battery module described in this utility model have the same technical effects as the prior art, and will not be described in detail here. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery module described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the module unit described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a front view of the module unit described in this embodiment of the utility model from a third-party perspective;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged view of the location shown in Figure A;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first part described in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second part as described in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the positioning part and the positioning mating part according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the battery pack described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the battery pack described in this embodiment of the present invention from a third-party perspective;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the battery pack in the first direction according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 1. Module unit; 2. Separator; 3. Battery pack casing; 4. Liquid inlet chamber; 5. Liquid outlet chamber; 6. Fixed end plate;

[0040] 101. Module housing; 101a. First part; 101b. Second part; 1011. Bracket; 1012. Positioning groove; 102. Cylindrical cell; 103. Through hole; 104. Edge; 104a. Positioning part; 104b. Positioning mating part; 105. Support column; 106. Mounting hole; 201. Channel; 301. Housing body; 3011. Positioning strip; 302. Cover; 303. Liquid inlet; 304. Liquid outlet;

[0041] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0042] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0043] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0045] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in light of the specific circumstances.

[0046] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] This embodiment relates to a battery module, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the overall structure includes a module unit 1, which includes a module housing 101 with a receiving cavity, and a plurality of battery cell units arranged in the receiving cavity along a first direction. Each battery cell unit includes a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 102 arranged sequentially along a second direction.

[0049] Among them, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the cylindrical cells 102 in two adjacent rows of cell units are staggered in the first direction; and the axial direction of the cylindrical cells 102 is consistent with the third direction. The module housing 101 is provided with multiple through holes 103 at both ends in the third direction, and a through hole 103 is provided between any two adjacent cylindrical cells 102. The external coolant circulation pipeline is connected to the receiving cavity through the multiple through holes 103 at both ends of the module housing 101.

[0050] As configured above, the coolant can enter the receiving cavity through the through hole 103 at one end of the module housing 101, flow along a third direction, i.e., the axial direction of the cylindrical cell 102, and flow out through the through hole 103 at the other end of the module housing 101. Figure 11 As shown. Due to the limited axial length of the cylindrical cell 102, the temperature difference of the coolant at both ends of the housing cavity is small. On the other hand, when the cylindrical cell 102 generates heat to heat the coolant, the coolant only has a certain temperature difference in the third direction, resulting in a small temperature difference between the front and rear ends of the cylindrical cell 102, and a small temperature difference between each cylindrical cell 102.

[0051] Furthermore, a through-hole 103 is configured such that one is provided between any two adjacent cylindrical cells 102, so that coolant flowing into any through-hole 103 can be supplied to two cylindrical cells 102 simultaneously. The relative position of the through-hole 103 and the cylindrical cells 102 is conducive to the uniform distribution of coolant flow, thereby ensuring the cooling effect on each cylindrical cell 102, improving the consistency of cell temperature, and thus ensuring the performance of the battery module.

[0052] Based on the above overview, specifically, in this embodiment, the first and second directions are perpendicular to each other, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. That is, multiple cylindrical cells 102 are arranged on the plane containing the first and second directions. In this embodiment, the multiple cylindrical cells 102 are arranged in a honeycomb pattern, meaning that the sidewalls of every three cylindrical cells 102 are close together to form a triangular structure. This arrangement of the cylindrical cells 102 allows for more cells to be accommodated within the limited space of the cavity, thus improving the space utilization of the cavity. Furthermore, to ensure smooth coolant flow, the through-hole 103 at one end of the module housing 101 and the through-hole 103 at the other end are arranged opposite each other in the third direction to further improve the smoothness of coolant flow.

[0053] As a form of implementation, such as Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, at least one end of the module housing 101 is provided with a partition 2, and the end of the module housing 101 has an outwardly extending edge 104. The partition 2 abuts against the edge 104 and together with the module housing 101 forms a channel 201 that connects to the through holes 103, and the channel 201 is connected to the coolant circulation pipeline. It can be understood that, since there are a large number of through holes 103 on the module housing 101, in order to facilitate the connection of the through holes 103 to the external coolant circulation pipeline, an edge 104 is provided on the module housing 101, so that the module housing 101 and the partition 2 form a channel 201. This channel 201 is connected to the coolant circulation pipeline, and coolant can be supplied to each of the through holes 103 on one end face simultaneously, so as to facilitate the connection between the receiving cavity and the coolant circulation pipeline. In specific implementation, the partition 2 and the edge 104 in this embodiment can be connected by conventional connection methods such as bonding or ultrasonic welding.

[0054] Since the partition 2 is only connected to the edge 104 of the module housing 101, to prevent the partition 2 from being squeezed and deformed, which could cause the channel 201 to be flattened and collapse, affecting the normal flow of coolant, an outwardly extending support column 105 is formed on the module housing 101 in this embodiment. The support column 105 abuts against the partition 2, providing support for the partition 2 and preventing the partition 2 from being squeezed and causing the channel 201 to collapse, thus ensuring the flow effect of the channel 201. At the same time, a support column 105 is provided between any two adjacent cylindrical cells 102, so that the support columns 105 are evenly distributed, further improving the support effect on the partition 2.

[0055] Preferably, in this embodiment, both ends of the module housing 101 are provided with partitions 2, and both ends of the module housing 101 are provided with edges 104 that abut against the corresponding partitions 2. The two partitions 2 and the module housing 101 form two channels 201 respectively disposed at both ends of the module housing 101, and the ports of the two channels 201 face opposite sides of the module unit 1. By providing channels 201 at both ends of the module housing 101 and having the ports facing opposite sides of the module unit 1, interference between the pipes used to connect the two channels 201 can be avoided, thereby further facilitating the connection between the coolant circulation pipe and the module unit 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, multiple module units 1 are arranged along a third direction, and in two adjacent module units 1, the two partitions 2 on opposite sides of the two module housings 101 are the same plate. That is, by having the opposite ends of the module housings 101 of two adjacent module units 1 abut against the same partition 2 to form two channels 201, the number of partitions 2 used can be reduced, which can save materials to a certain extent and thus reduce production costs.

[0057] To improve the fixing effect between two adjacent module units 1, such as Figure 5 ,Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, a positioning portion 104a extending outward is provided on the edge 104 at one end of the module housing 101, and a positioning mating portion 104b is provided on the edge 104 at the other end of the module housing 101. The positioning portion 104a of one module unit 1 can be embedded in the positioning mating portion 104b of an adjacent module unit 1. In a specific implementation, the positioning portion 104a of this embodiment is a flange structure on the outer side of the edge 104, while the positioning mating portion 104b is a groove structure recessed on the outer side of the other edge 104. The flange structure can be embedded in the groove structure, so that a stop structure is formed between two adjacent module units 1. At the same time, the flange structure can surround part of the partition 2, constraining the partition 2 in the first and second directions, preventing the partition 2 from falling off the edge 104. Thus, by setting the positioning portion 104a and the positioning mating portion 104b, the misalignment between two adjacent module units and the rotation around a third direction can be restricted, thereby improving the fixing effect between two adjacent module units 1.

[0058] As one embodiment, the module housing 101 of this embodiment includes a first part 101a and a second part 101b that are connected in a third-party upward snap-fit ​​manner. The first part 101a and the second part 101b can be snap-fitted to form the aforementioned receiving cavity. The separate arrangement of the first part 101a and the second part 101b facilitates the installation of each cylindrical cell 102 in the receiving cavity, thereby facilitating the assembly of the module unit 1.

[0059] Specifically, the first part 101a and the second part 101b of this embodiment are respectively provided with a plurality of mounting holes 106. The two ends of each cylindrical battery cell 102 in the axial direction can be inserted into the mounting holes 106 at the corresponding ends, so as to prevent each cylindrical battery cell 102 from moving in the receiving cavity and to keep the axial direction of the cylindrical battery cell 102 consistent with the third direction, thereby improving the fixing effect of the cylindrical battery cell 102 in the module housing 101.

[0060] In summary, the battery module of this embodiment, by providing multiple through holes 103 at both ends of the module housing 101, and providing a through hole 103 between two adjacent cylindrical cells 102, allows the coolant to flow uniformly along the axial direction of each cylindrical cell 102, thereby reducing the stability difference between each cylindrical cell 102, improving the uniformity of cell temperature, and thus ensuring the performance of the battery module.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] This embodiment relates to a battery pack, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the overall structure includes a battery pack housing 3 and a battery module as described in Embodiment 1 disposed within the battery pack housing 3.

[0063] Among them, such as Figure 10 As shown, the battery module divides the inside of the battery pack housing 3 into an inlet chamber 4 and an outlet chamber 5, which are connected to the coolant circulation pipeline. The inlet chamber 4 and the outlet chamber 5 are connected to the receiving cavity through through holes 103 at both ends of the module housing 101.

[0064] The battery pack of this embodiment, by setting the battery module described above, can reduce the temperature difference between the cylindrical cells 102, which helps to improve the consistency of cell temperature and thus ensures the stability of the battery pack's energy output.

[0065] Based on the above overview, specifically, the battery pack of this embodiment, through the arrangement of the inlet chamber 4 and the outlet chamber 5, facilitates the connection of the coolant circulation pipeline to each module unit 1 when multiple module units 1 are included. In this embodiment, the inlet chamber 4 and the outlet chamber 5 are respectively located on opposite sides of the module unit 1 and are connected to the channels 201 at both ends of the module unit 1. The battery pack housing 3 of this embodiment includes a housing body 301 with an open end and a cover 302 provided at the open end. The battery module can be inserted into the housing body 301 through the open end to complete the installation of the battery module. The housing body 301 is provided with an inlet port 303 and an outlet port 304 respectively communicating with the inlet and outlet chambers 5.

[0066] As a form of implementation, such as Figure 11 As shown, a positioning structure is provided between the battery pack outer shell 3 and the battery module in this embodiment. The positioning structure includes a positioning strip 3011 on the inner wall of the battery pack outer shell 3 and a bracket 1011 on the outer side of the module housing 101. The bracket 1011 has a positioning groove 1012 for the positioning strip 3011 to be inserted. Through the cooperation of the positioning strip 3011 and the bracket 1011, the battery module can be stably fixed in the battery pack outer shell 3, preventing the battery module from moving along the first direction and the second direction. In a specific implementation, the battery module in this embodiment has fixed end plates 6 at both ends in the third direction. The fixed end plates 6 can fill the space at both ends of the battery module, preventing the bottom of the cover 302 and the outer shell body 301 from directly abutting against the two partitions 2 at both ends of the battery module, thus protecting the partitions 2 and preventing damage to them. At the same time, the bottom sealing strips of the cover 302 and the outer shell 301 can seal the gap between the fixed end plate 6 and the battery pack outer shell 3, preventing the inlet chamber 4 and the outlet chamber 5 from being connected through the fixed end plate 6 and affecting the flow of coolant.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: The module unit includes a module housing having a receiving cavity, and a plurality of battery cell units arranged in the receiving cavity along a first direction, each of the battery cell units including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged sequentially along a second direction. The cylindrical cells in two adjacent rows of the cell unit are staggered in the first direction; and the axial direction of the cylindrical cells is consistent with the third direction. The module housing has multiple through holes at both ends in the third direction, and the through holes are provided between any two adjacent cylindrical cells. The external coolant circulation pipeline is connected to the receiving cavity through the multiple through holes at both ends of the module housing.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one end of the module housing is provided with a partition, and the end of the module housing has an outwardly extending edge. The partition abuts against the edge and forms a channel with the module housing that communicates with the through hole, and the channel is connected to the coolant circulation pipeline.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The module housing has outwardly extending support columns that abut against the partition plate; a support column is provided between any two adjacent cylindrical cells.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The module housing has partitions at both ends, and the edges of the module housing abut against the corresponding partitions at both ends. The two partitions and the module housing form two channels located at both ends of the module housing, and the ports of the two channels face opposite sides of the module unit in the second direction.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The module units are configured as a plurality of units arranged along the third direction, and in two adjacent module units, the two partitions on opposite sides of the two module housings are the same plate.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The module housing has an outwardly extending positioning part on one edge and a positioning mating part on the other edge. The positioning part of one of the module units can be embedded in the positioning mating part of an adjacent module unit.

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The module housing includes a first part and a second part that are snapped together upwards on the third side.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first part and the second part are respectively provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the two ends of each cylindrical battery cell in the axial direction can be respectively inserted into the mounting holes at the corresponding ends.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack includes a battery pack housing and a battery module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 disposed within the battery pack housing; The battery module divides the inside of the battery pack casing into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, which are connected to the coolant circulation pipeline. The inlet chamber and the outlet chamber are respectively connected to the receiving cavity through the through holes at both ends of the module housing.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that: A positioning structure is provided between the battery pack outer shell and the battery module; The positioning structure includes a positioning strip on the inner wall of the battery pack housing and a bracket on the outer side of the module housing, the bracket having a positioning groove for the positioning strip to be inserted.

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