A box structure and an energy storage device

Abstract

This application discloses a box structure and an energy storage device. The box structure includes a base plate and side shells. The base plate includes a first plate and a second plate, which are stacked together sequentially along the thickness direction of the base plate, forming a cooling channel between them. The side shells are connected to the base plate and enclose it to form an installation space for installing battery modules. Compared to existing technologies, the base plate of this application uses a stacked first and second plate, which are relatively thin. By stacking them together, a thick side wall can be avoided, effectively reducing the volume and weight of traditional base plates, thereby reducing the weight and volume of the box and improving the space utilization of the box. The energy storage device using this box structure can effectively reduce the overall weight of the device, increase energy density, and enhance the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the energy storage device, enabling it to be used in more complex environments and ensuring higher power charging and discharging requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of new energy battery technology, and in particular to a box structure and energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] In energy storage systems, liquid cooling tanks serve as core heat dissipation components, requiring their base plates to possess efficient heat exchange capabilities and excellent physical properties. Currently, the base plates of medium-to-large or high-strength liquid cooling tanks are generally manufactured using aluminum alloy and other profile steel through extrusion molding. This process allows for the one-time molding of complex internal flow channels and provides good structural rigidity and strength, enabling it to withstand operational loads.

[0003] However, extruded steel profile base plates have significant drawbacks: they are heavy (due to high material density and the need for thicker walls in the process) and bulky (the extrusion process requires thick, non-functional support structures between the flow channels and edges to ensure process feasibility and strength). This makes them unsuitable for weight-sensitive applications (such as mobile and vehicle-mounted equipment) and a bottleneck for equipment miniaturization, compactness, and improved cabinet integration, thus limiting the improvement of system power density. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this application provides a box structure and energy storage device, which can significantly reduce the weight of the box and save volume.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A box structure includes a bottom plate and a side shell. The bottom plate includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate are stacked together in sequence along the thickness direction of the bottom plate, and a cooling channel is formed between the first plate and the second plate. The side shell is connected to the bottom plate and encloses the bottom plate to form an installation space for installing materials.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second plate is located on the side of the first plate away from the mounting space, and the second plate is at least partially recessed away from the first plate to form the cooling channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the side shell includes a first side plate and a second side plate, which are respectively connected to adjacent sides of the bottom plate. The first side plate includes a first main body and a bent portion, which are connected at an angle. The first main body, the second side plate, and the bottom plate enclose the mounting space. Along the thickness direction of the bottom plate, the bent portion, the first plate, and the second plate are stacked together in sequence.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second side plate includes a second main body and an abutment portion, wherein the first main body, the second main body, and the bottom plate enclose the mounting space; the abutment portion is connected to the side of the second main body facing the mounting space, and the bottom plate overlaps the abutment portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing structure includes a water nozzle, which is connected to the side shell and communicates with the cooling channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing structure includes a connector that connects the water nozzle and the side housing respectively, and the water nozzle is connected to the cooling channel through the connector.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connector includes a first part and a second part coaxially connected. The first plate has a through hole communicating with the cooling channel, and the side housing has a connecting hole opposite to the through hole. The first part is inserted into the connecting hole, and the second part is inserted into the through hole and communicates with the cooling channel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connector has a slot, and the water tap is inserted into the slot.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connector includes a welding portion and a first portion. The welding portion is disposed around the slot, abuts against the water tap, and is used for welding with the water tap. The first portion is located on the outer periphery of the connector and is used for welding with the side housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing structure includes a top cover connected to the side shell to seal the installation space, and a cooling channel is formed in the top cover.

[0016] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a third plate and a fourth plate, which are stacked together in sequence along the thickness direction of the top cover; the fourth plate is located on the side of the third plate away from the mounting space, and the fourth plate is at least partially recessed away from the third plate to form the cooling channel.

[0017] This application also adopts the following technical solution to provide an energy storage device, including the box structure and battery module in any of the above embodiments, wherein the battery module is disposed in the installation space.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application provides a box structure and energy storage device. The box structure includes a bottom plate and a side shell. The bottom plate includes a first plate and a second plate, which are stacked together sequentially along the thickness direction of the bottom plate, forming a cooling channel between the first plate and the second plate. The side shell is connected to the bottom plate and encloses the bottom plate to form an installation space for installing battery modules. Compared with the prior art, the bottom plate of this application uses a stacking method of the first plate and the second plate. The thickness of the first plate and the second plate is relatively thin. By stacking them together, a thick side wall can be avoided, effectively reducing the volume and weight of the traditional bottom plate, thereby reducing the weight and volume of the box and improving the space utilization of the box. The energy storage device using this box structure can effectively reduce the overall weight of the device, increase the energy density, and enhance the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the energy storage device, enabling the energy storage device to be used in more complex environments and ensuring higher power charging and discharging requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage device according to this application is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a box structure according to this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 An exploded view of the components of a box structure according to this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a box structure according to this application is shown;

[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Enlarged diagram of point A in the diagram;

[0024] Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a connector according to this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 7 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of a box structure according to this application is shown;

[0026] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Enlarged diagram of point B in the diagram;

[0027] Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 Enlarged diagram of point C in the diagram;

[0028] Reference numerals: 1. Base plate; 11. First plate; 12. Second plate; 121. Cooling channel; 111. Through hole; 100. Installation space;

[0029] 2. Side shell; 21. First side plate; 211. First main body; 212. Bending part; 2121. Connecting hole; 22. Second side plate; 221. Second main body; 222. Abutting part;

[0030] 3. Water nozzle; 4. Connector; 41. First part; 42. Second part; 43. Slot; 44. Welding part; 5. Top cover; 51. Third plate; 52. Fourth plate; 53. Cooling channel. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In this application, the terms "set up," "equipped with," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] The terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0034] See Figure 1 This application provides an energy storage device, including a housing structure and a battery module. The housing structure has an installation space 100 inside, and the battery module is disposed in the installation space 100. The housing structure usually has a liquid cooling function to achieve efficient heat dissipation.

[0035] See Figure 2 The housing structure includes a bottom plate 1 and a side shell 2. The bottom plate 1 includes a first plate 11 and a second plate 12. Along the thickness direction of the bottom plate 1, the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are stacked together in sequence, and a cooling channel 121 is formed between the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. The side shell 2 is connected to the bottom plate 1 and encloses the bottom plate 1 to form an installation space 100. The installation space 100 is used to install the battery module.

[0036] In practical applications, the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are stacked together along the thickness direction of the base plate 1. Cooling channels 121 can be formed at intervals between the middle sections of the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. The edges of the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are welded together to ensure the sealing of the cooling channels 121. The side shell 2 is a structure arranged along the periphery of the base plate 1. The side shell 2 and the base plate 1 enclose an installation space 100, which is used to install the battery module. The battery module contacts the base plate 1, allowing the cooling channels 121 within the base plate 1 to efficiently dissipate heat from the battery module. The coolant within the cooling channels 121 circulates, carrying away the heat generated by the battery module, ensuring that the battery module operates within its optimal operating temperature range and extending its service life.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the base plate 1 of this application adopts the method of stacking the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are relatively thin. By stacking them together, the formation of thick side walls can be avoided, which effectively reduces the volume and weight of the traditional base plate 1, thereby reducing the weight and volume of the box, improving the space utilization of the box, and increasing the energy density of the energy storage device.

[0038] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second plate 12 is located on the side of the first plate 11 away from the mounting space 100. The second plate 12 is at least partially recessed in a direction away from the first plate 11 to form a cooling channel 121.

[0039] In practical applications, the first plate 11, as the component directly in contact with the battery module, primarily serves a cooling function. The second plate 12 is recessed away from the first plate 11, creating a gap between them. This gap acts as a cooling channel 121, through which coolant flows. The coolant exchanges heat with the battery module via the first plate 11, thus removing heat from the battery module. Simultaneously, because the first plate 11 is in contact with the battery module, to maximize the heat exchange area, the side of the first plate 11 facing the battery module is typically kept flat to ensure maximum contact area and facilitate the connection between the battery module and the first plate 11. Therefore, recessing the second plate 12 outward to form the cooling channel 121 ensures the flatness of the outer surface of the first plate 11, improving the cooling area and connection stability.

[0040] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The side shell 2 includes a first side plate 21 and a second side plate 22. The first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22 are respectively connected to the adjacent two sides of the bottom plate 1. The first side plate 21 includes a first main body 211 and a bent part 212. The first main body 211 and the bent part 212 are connected at an included angle. The first main body 211, the second side plate 22 and the bottom plate 1 enclose and form an installation space 100. Along the thickness direction of the bottom plate 1, the bent part 212, the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are stacked together in sequence.

[0041] In practical applications, the second side plate 22 is usually set on the left and right sides of the base plate 1. The base plate 1 and the second side plate 22 can be welded by friction stir welding to improve the welding strength and sealing performance, ensuring the stability and safety of the installation space 100. The first side plate 21 is usually the front panel. The first side plate 21 and the base plate 1 are sealed by piercing welding. Specifically, the first side plate 21 includes a first main body 211 and a bent part 212. The first main body 211 is connected to the second side plate 22, while the bent part 212 is attached to and welded to the first plate 11. This arrangement improves the sealing strength of the base plate 1, and at the same time improves the connection stability between the side shell 2 and the base plate 1, thereby improving the structural strength of the enclosure.

[0042] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second side plate 22 includes a second main body 221 and an abutment 222. The first main body 211, the second main body 221 and the bottom plate 1 enclose and form an installation space 100. The abutment 222 is connected to the side of the second main body 221 facing the installation space 100, and the bottom plate 1 overlaps the abutment 222.

[0043] In practical applications, to facilitate welding of the base plate 1, the second side plate 22 includes a second main body 221 and an abutment part 222. The abutment part 222 is connected to the side of the second main body 221 facing the installation space 100 and protrudes from the second main body 221. The base plate 1 overlaps on the abutment part 222, which facilitates friction stir welding, ensures a firm weld and good sealing, further improves the stability and safety of the overall structure, effectively prevents coolant leakage, and ensures the efficient operation of the battery module.

[0044] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 The housing structure includes a water nozzle 3, which is connected to the side shell 2 and communicates with the cooling channel 121.

[0045] In practical applications, the water nozzle 3 is mainly used to connect to an external liquid supply device. The liquid supply device injects coolant into the cooling channel 121 through the water nozzle 3, ensuring the circulation of coolant, carrying away the heat from the battery module, and maintaining stable system operation. Since the base plate 1 adopts a stacked first plate 11 and second plate 12, in order to avoid deformation or damage to the base plate 1 when welding the water nozzle 3, this application welds the water nozzle 3 to the bent portion 212 of the first side plate 21, while connecting the water nozzle 3 and the cooling channel 121. This design ensures the stability of the water nozzle 3, avoids damage to the structure of the base plate 1, ensures smooth flow of coolant, effectively improves heat dissipation efficiency, and ensures the stable performance of the battery module in high-temperature environments.

[0046] See again Figure 5 The housing structure includes a connector 4, which connects the water nozzle 3 and the side shell 2 respectively. The water nozzle 3 is connected to the cooling channel 121 through the connector 4.

[0047] In practical applications, connector 4 mainly serves to connect water nozzle 3 and bending part 212. Since water nozzle 3 usually adopts a common model on the market, it is often difficult to directly match the existing water nozzle 3 model to achieve the connection between water nozzle 3 and bending part 212 and smooth communication with cooling channel 121. Setting connector 4 can effectively solve the compatibility problem of water nozzle 3, ensure a firm connection and good sealing, avoid coolant leakage, and improve the reliability and stability of the overall heat dissipation system.

[0048] See again Figure 5 The connector 4 includes a first part 41 and a second part 42 that are coaxially connected. The first plate 11 has a through hole 111 that communicates with the cooling channel 121. The side shell 2 has a connecting hole 2121 that is opposite to the through hole 111. The first part 41 is inserted into the connecting hole 2121, and the second part 42 is inserted into the through hole 111 and communicates with the cooling channel 121.

[0049] In practical applications, the diameter of the connecting hole 2121 can be set slightly larger than the diameter of the through hole 111. This facilitates the smooth insertion and fixation of the connector 4, while ensuring a tight fit between the second part 42 of the connector 4 and the through hole 111, preventing coolant leakage, enhancing connection stability, and further improving the overall efficiency of the heat dissipation system. Simultaneously, the first part 41, inserted into the connecting hole 2121, ensures a seal on the through hole 111, preventing coolant leakage from the connection point and further optimizing heat dissipation. This design improves the sealing of the cooling system, facilitates the installation and maintenance of the connector 4, ensures the stability and reliability of the connector 4 during long-term use, facilitates replacement, effectively extends the equipment's lifespan, and guarantees the efficient operation of the battery module under various operating conditions.

[0050] See again Figure 5The connector 4 has a slot 43, and the water nozzle 3 is inserted into the slot 43.

[0051] In practical applications, the slot 43 design facilitates the installation of the water nozzle 3, and the tight fit between the slot 43 and the water nozzle 3 effectively prevents coolant leakage. It also facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the water nozzle 3, reducing maintenance difficulty, improving system reliability, and ensuring long-term stable operation. The slot 43 has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and is suitable for various water nozzle 3 models, demonstrating strong versatility.

[0052] See again Figure 5 and Figure 6 The connector 4 also includes a welding part 44, which surrounds the slot 43, abuts against the water nozzle 3, and is used for welding with the water nozzle 3; the first part 41 is located on the outer periphery of the connector 4 and is used for welding with the side housing 2.

[0053] In practical applications, connector 4 can also be connected by welding. Specifically, connector 4 has a slot 43. When the water nozzle 3 is inserted into the slot 43, the welding part 44 abuts tightly against the water nozzle 3, and then the water nozzle 3 and the welding part 44 are welded together to ensure the connection stability between the water nozzle 3 and connector 4. At the same time, the first part 41 of connector 4 is located on the outermost side, and the second part 42 is the connecting part located inside the first part 41. The diameter of the second part 42 is slightly smaller than that of the first part 41. Therefore, when the second part 42 is inserted into the connecting hole 2121, the first part 41 and the bent part 212 abut against each other, and then the first part 41 and the bent part 212 are welded together to complete the sealing and fixing of the connecting hole 2121, thereby ensuring that the coolant will not leak from the connecting hole 2121. This design not only improves the sealing performance of connector 4, but also simplifies the installation process, reduces maintenance costs, ensures the long-term stable operation of the heat dissipation system under high temperature and high pressure environments, and effectively improves the overall performance and service life of the equipment.

[0054] See Figure 7 and Figure 9 The housing structure includes a top cover 5, which is connected to the side shell 2 to seal the installation space 100. A cooling channel 53 is formed in the top cover 5.

[0055] In practical applications, the top cover 5 is a key component for sealing the installation space 100. It is tightly connected to the side shell 2 to ensure a stable internal environment. Cooling channels 53 are formed inside the top cover 5. The top cover 5 and the bottom plate 1 simultaneously cool the upper and lower sides of the battery module, improving the cooling efficiency of the energy storage device and effectively preventing heat accumulation.

[0056] It should be noted that the top cover 5 can be connected to the side shell 2 by means of sealing or other methods, and this application does not limit this.

[0057] See again Figure 9The top cover 5 includes a third plate 51 and a fourth plate 52. The third plate 51 and the fourth plate 52 are stacked together in sequence along the thickness direction of the top cover 5. The fourth plate 52 is located on the side of the third plate 51 away from the mounting space 100. The fourth plate 52 is at least partially recessed in the direction away from the third plate 51 to form a cooling channel 53.

[0058] In practical applications, the top cover 5 also adopts a similar structure to the bottom plate 1. Specifically, the top cover 5 includes a third plate 51 and a fourth plate 52. The third plate 51 faces the installation space 100, and the fourth plate 52 is partially recessed to form a cooling channel 53, enhancing the heat dissipation effect. The two plates are tightly stacked, further reducing the weight and volume of the cabinet structure, improving the compactness and stability of the overall structure, ensuring efficient heat dissipation even in high-temperature environments, and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0059] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0061] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A box structure, characterized in that, include: The base plate includes a first plate and a second plate. Along the thickness direction of the base plate, the first plate and the second plate are stacked together in sequence, and a cooling channel is formed between the first plate and the second plate. The side shell is connected to the base plate and together with the base plate forms an installation space for installing materials.

2. The box structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second plate is located on the side of the first plate away from the mounting space, and the second plate is at least partially recessed away from the first plate to form the cooling channel.

3. The box structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side shell includes a first side plate and a second side plate, which are respectively connected to adjacent sides of the bottom plate. The first side plate includes a first main body and a bent part, which are connected at an angle. The first main body, the second side plate and the bottom plate enclose the installation space. Along the thickness direction of the base plate, the bent portion, the first plate, and the second plate are stacked together in sequence.

4. The box structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second side plate includes a second main body and an abutment portion. The first main body, the second main body, and the bottom plate enclose the mounting space. The abutment portion is connected to the side of the second main body facing the mounting space, and the bottom plate overlaps the abutment portion.

5. The box structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing structure includes a water nozzle, which is connected to the side shell and communicates with the cooling channel.

6. The box structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The housing structure includes a connector that connects the water nozzle and the side housing respectively, and the water nozzle is connected to the cooling channel through the connector.

7. The box structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector includes a first part and a second part that are coaxially connected. The first plate has a through hole that communicates with the cooling channel. The side housing has a connecting hole that is opposite to the through hole. The first part is inserted into the connecting hole, and the second part is inserted into the through hole and communicates with the cooling channel.

8. The box structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector has a slot, and the water tap is inserted into the slot.

9. The box structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector includes a welding part and a first part. The welding part is arranged around the slot, abuts against the water tap, and is used for welding with the water tap. The first part is located on the outer periphery of the connector and is used for welding with the side housing.

10. The box structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The housing structure includes a top cover, which is connected to the side shell to seal the installation space, and a cooling channel is formed in the top cover.

11. The box structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The top cover includes a third plate and a fourth plate, which are stacked together in sequence along the thickness direction of the top cover; the fourth plate is located on the side of the third plate away from the mounting space, and the fourth plate is at least partially recessed away from the third plate to form the cooling channel.

12. An energy storage device, characterized in that, It includes the housing structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 and the battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed within the installation space.

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