Cooling structure and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to battery technical field provides a cooling structure and battery package, above cooling structure includes: first cooling plate and cooling box, first cooling plate is located at the one end of the battery package's electric core module, first cooling plate has first cooling cavity, and first cooling cavity is used for the cooling liquid to cool electric core module to be led into, cooling box is located at first cooling plate's side to electric core module, and is connected with first cooling plate, and cooling box has the open end and forms cooling groove in cooling box, and cooling groove is filled with immersion liquid, along the height direction of battery package, the one end of electric core module towards first cooling plate is inserted cooling groove to make the pole of electric core module and the bar sheet of battery package immerse in immersion liquid to immerse the cooling of pole and bar sheet. The utility model discloses the combination cooling mode of heat convection and conduction heat exchange, and the heat exchange cooling of bar sheet and pole with the larger heat production is targeted to the heat convection and conduction heat exchange, effectively inhibits the thermal runaway of electric core, and the safety of battery package is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a cooling structure and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] In the design and development of power battery packs for new energy vehicles, cell integration solutions are gradually becoming integrated with the vehicle. With increasing customer demand for faster charging, high-rate charging has become the mainstream trend. High-rate fast charging leads to rapid temperature increases in the cells, resulting in high heat generation in the battery cells and severe overheating of the terminals.

[0003] Currently, cooling of battery cells typically employs a cooling plate structure, with coolant flowing through the plate to exchange heat with the cell via convection. However, for the heat-generating terminals and electrodes, cooling through heat exchange within the battery cell is a slow and ineffective method to control thermal runaway. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a cooling structure and battery pack to solve the problem in the prior art where cooling plates cool the battery cells but the cooling of the terminals and posts is slow and cannot effectively control thermal runaway of the battery cells.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a cooling structure for use in a battery pack, comprising:

[0007] A first cooling plate is disposed at one end of the cell module of the battery pack. The first cooling plate has a first cooling cavity, in which coolant is introduced to cool the cell module.

[0008] A cooling box is disposed on the side of the first cooling plate facing the cell module and connected to the first cooling plate. The cooling box has an open end and a cooling groove is formed inside the cooling box, which is filled with immersion liquid. Along the height direction of the battery pack, the end of the cell module facing the first cooling plate is inserted into the cooling groove so that the terminals of the cell module and the contacts of the battery pack are immersed in the immersion liquid to perform immersion cooling on the terminals and the contacts.

[0009] According to the cooling structure provided by this utility model, along the height direction of the battery pack, the height of the cooling box is at least higher than the height of the electrode post, and at least higher than 2 / 3 of the height of the battery plate.

[0010] According to the cooling structure provided by this utility model, the distance between the inner wall of the cooling box and the outer wall of the battery cell module is in the range of a, where a satisfies: 15mm≤a≤25mm.

[0011] According to the present invention, the cooling box is a metal component.

[0012] According to the cooling structure provided by this utility model, the inner wall of the cooling box has an insulating and corrosion-resistant layer.

[0013] According to the cooling structure provided by this utility model, the cooling box is a plastic part.

[0014] According to the cooling structure provided by this utility model, it further includes: a heat-conducting layer;

[0015] The heat-conducting layer is sandwiched between the first cooling plate and the cooling box.

[0016] According to the cooling structure provided by this utility model, the thermally conductive layer includes at least one of a thermally conductive adhesive layer, a thermally conductive pad, or a thermally conductive structural adhesive layer.

[0017] According to the cooling structure provided by this utility model, it further includes: a second cooling plate;

[0018] The second cooling plate is disposed at the end of the cell module away from the first cooling plate. The second cooling plate has a second cooling cavity, in which coolant is introduced to cool the cell module in the battery pack.

[0019] Secondly, this utility model provides a battery pack, comprising:

[0020] A battery cell module has multiple battery cells, which are stacked together.

[0021] The battery cell module has multiple battery cells arranged at intervals and connected to multiple terminals of the battery cell module.

[0022] A cooling structure, which is the cooling structure described above, is connected to the battery cell module to cool the battery cell module.

[0023] The cooling structure and battery pack provided by this utility model, by setting a cooling box between the cell module and the first cooling plate, the cooling box is set as a cooling tank with an open end, and the cooling tank is filled with immersion liquid. The end of the cell module facing the first cooling plate is inserted into the cooling tank, so that the terminal post and the electrode are immersed in the immersion liquid. This allows the immersion liquid to directly cool the terminal post and the electrode. In addition, the first cooling plate can cool the cell module and the immersion liquid, so that the immersion liquid is cooled in time, which accelerates the cooling speed of the electrode and the electrode, and reduces the temperature of the electrode and the electrode in time. Through the combination of convective heat transfer and conduction heat transfer, the heat exchange and cooling of the electrode and the electrode with large heat generation is targeted, effectively suppressing the thermal runaway of the cell and improving the safety of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery pack provided by this utility model.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1. Cooling structure;

[0028] 11. First cooling plate; 12. Cooling box; 13. Second cooling plate; 121. Cooling tank;

[0029] 2. Battery cell module; 3. Battery cell assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the purpose of clarifying the embodiments of 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0035] The following is combined with Figure 1 The cooling structure and battery pack provided by the present invention will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0036] Firstly, such as Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a cooling structure 1, which is applied to a battery pack. The cooling structure 1 includes a first cooling plate 11 and a cooling box 12.

[0037] The first cooling plate 11 is disposed at one end of the cell module 2 of the battery pack. The first cooling plate 11 has a first cooling cavity, in which coolant is introduced to cool the cell module 2.

[0038] The cooling box 12 is located on the side of the first cooling plate 11 facing the cell module 2 and is connected to the first cooling plate 11. The cooling box 12 has an open end and a cooling groove 121 is formed inside the cooling box 12. The cooling groove 121 is filled with immersion liquid. Along the height direction of the battery pack, the end of the cell module 2 facing the first cooling plate 11 is inserted into the cooling groove 121 so that the terminal post of the cell module 2 and the battery pack plate 3 are immersed in the immersion liquid to perform immersion cooling on the terminal post and plate 3.

[0039] Understandably, the battery pack's heat exchanger 3 connects to the terminals of the battery cells. During charging, current flows through heat exchanger 3 to the terminals and then to the cell module 2. During discharging, current flows from the cell to the terminals and then to heat exchanger 3. Heat exchanger 3 is the direct carrier of current and heat transfer within the battery cells, and its heat generation is significantly affected by the current. Furthermore, with the application of fast charging technology, increased heat generation in heat exchanger 3 can impact the safety of the battery pack.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first cooling plate 11 has a first cooling chamber, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe, both of which are connected to the first cooling chamber. Coolant flows into the cooling chamber through the inlet pipe and out through the outlet pipe. The first cooling plate 11 forms a circulating cooling loop with external cooling equipment via the inlet and outlet pipes. After exchanging heat with the battery cell module 2 in the first cooling chamber, the coolant's temperature rises, and it flows back into the cooling equipment. Once the coolant's temperature decreases in the cooling equipment, it is returned to the first cooling chamber, thus achieving a cooling cycle. The heat from the battery cell module 2 is cooled through convection heat transfer via the first cooling plate 11.

[0041] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a cooling box 12 is provided between the first cooling plate 11 and the cell module 2. The cooling box 12 has an open end, which faces the cell module 2. A cooling tank 121 is formed inside the cooling box 12, and the cooling tank 121 is filled with immersion liquid. One end of the cell module 2 facing the first cooling plate 11 extends into the cooling tank 121 and is immersed in the immersion liquid. Since the terminals on the cell module 2 and the terminals connected to the terminals are both immersed in the immersion liquid, the immersion liquid can directly conduct heat exchange with the terminals, terminals, and the contact parts of the cell module 2. For the terminals and terminals that are generating severe heat, they can be directly cooled, which accelerates the cooling speed of the terminals and terminals and improves the cooling effect of the terminals and terminals.

[0042] Furthermore, since the cooling tank 12 is connected to the first cooling plate 11, the first cooling plate 11 can not only cool the battery cell module 2, but also cool the immersion liquid in the cooling tank 121, reducing the temperature of the immersion liquid. This allows the immersion liquid to be cooled in time after its temperature rises, which is beneficial for heat exchange between the immersion liquid and the battery plate 3 and the electrode post.

[0043] The immersion solution can be a hydrocarbon, a fluorinated liquid, a silicone oil, or a mineral oil.

[0044] It is worth emphasizing that, because the cooling tank 12 has an open end, tilting or inverting the battery pack can cause the immersion liquid in the cooling tank 121 to spill. Therefore, during the movement, transportation, and installation of the battery pack, the height direction of the battery pack must be marked, and it must be indicated that the height direction of the battery pack must not be reversed.

[0045] The cooling structure 1 provided by this utility model provides a cooling box 12 between the cell module 2 and the first cooling plate 11. The cooling box 12 is configured as a cooling tank 121 with an open end, and the cooling tank 121 is filled with immersion liquid. The end of the cell module 2 facing the first cooling plate 11 is inserted into the cooling tank 121, so that the terminal post and the electrode 3 are immersed in the immersion liquid. This allows the immersion liquid to directly cool the terminal post and the electrode 3. In addition, the first cooling plate 11 can cool the cell module 2 and the immersion liquid, so that the immersion liquid is cooled in time, which accelerates the cooling speed of the electrode 3 and the terminal post and reduces the temperature of the electrode 3 and the terminal post in time. Through the combination of convective heat transfer and conduction heat transfer, the heat exchange cooling of the electrode 3 and the terminal post with large heat generation is targeted, which effectively suppresses the thermal runaway of the cell and improves the safety of the battery pack.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, along the height direction of the battery pack, the height of the cooling box 12 in this embodiment is at least higher than the height of the terminal post, and at least higher than 2 / 3 of the height of the plate 3.

[0047] Understandably, to ensure that the battery pack 3 and the terminal post are submerged in the immersion liquid, the height of the cooling tank 12 in this embodiment needs to be higher than the height of the terminal post of the battery cell module 2. Since the battery pack 3 is connected to the terminal post, and the area of ​​the battery pack 3 is larger than the area of ​​the terminal post, the height of the cooling tank 12 needs to be at least higher than 2 / 3 of the height of the battery pack 3. Thus, when the height of the cooling tank 12 is high, by controlling the liquid level of the immersion liquid in the cooling tank 12 to be higher than the terminal post and also higher than 2 / 3 of the height of the battery pack 3, the immersion height of the battery pack 3 and the terminal post in the immersion liquid can be ensured, thereby facilitating the effective cooling of the battery pack 3 and the terminal post.

[0048] In this embodiment, the distance between the inner wall of the cooling box 12 and the outer wall of the battery cell module 2 is in the range of a, where a satisfies: 15mm≤a≤25mm.

[0049] Understandably, the cooling tank 121 of the cooling box 12 accommodates the bottom of the battery cell module 2, and the area of ​​the cooling tank 121 needs to be larger than the area of ​​the battery cell module 2 so that immersion liquid can be injected between the inner wall of the cooling box 12 and the outer wall of the battery cell module 2. However, the area of ​​the cooling box 12 cannot be too large, as this would affect the liquid level and prevent the immersion liquid from fully submerging the electrode plate 3 and the terminal post. Therefore, the distance 'a' between the inner wall of the cooling box 12 and the outer wall of the battery cell module 2 needs to meet a certain range.

[0050] Specifically, the value of 'a' can be 15mm, 20mm, or 25mm.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling box 12 in this embodiment is a metal part.

[0052] Understandably, the cooling tank 12 can be made of metal, and the first cooling plate 11 is typically made of metal. The cooling tank 12 and the first cooling plate 11 can be connected by welding. Metal components have a faster heat transfer rate, and the first cooling plate 11 can cool the immersion liquid through the cooling tank 12, ensuring the cooling effect.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner wall of the cooling box 12 in this embodiment has an insulating and corrosion-resistant layer.

[0054] Understandably, when the cooling box 12 is made of metal, due to the conductivity of metal, in order to ensure the safety of the battery module 2 and at the same time, to prevent the immersion liquid from corroding the inner wall of the cooling box 12 and to ensure the integrity of the inner wall of the cooling box 12, an insulating and corrosion-resistant layer needs to be installed on the inner wall of the cooling box 12.

[0055] The insulating and corrosion-resistant layer can be applied to the inner wall of the cooling box 12 by bonding or welding to insulate the battery module 2 from the cooling box 12 and resist the corrosion of the immersion liquid, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the cooling box 12 in long-term use.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling box 12 in this embodiment is a plastic part.

[0057] Understandably, the insulation and corrosion resistance of the plastic parts enable the cooling box 12 to naturally insulate and isolate the battery cell module 2. Furthermore, the plastic parts have good corrosion resistance, are stable in shape and not easily deformed, and can reliably hold the immersion liquid.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling structure 1 in this embodiment also includes a heat-conducting layer.

[0059] The heat-conducting layer is sandwiched between the first cooling plate 11 and the cooling box 12.

[0060] Understandably, in the case where the cooling box 12 is made of plastic, in order to enhance the heat exchange performance between the first cooling plate 11 and the cooling box 12, this embodiment provides a heat-conducting layer between the first cooling plate 11 and the cooling box 12.

[0061] The heat-conducting layer is a flexible dielectric layer, which is pressed between the top surface of the first cooling plate 11 and the bottom surface of the cooling box 12. The heat-conducting layer can conduct heat between the first cooling plate 11 and the cooling box 12, and also fill the installation gap between the first cooling plate 11 and the cooling box 12. This allows the gap caused by the flatness changes of the cooling box 12 and the first cooling plate 11 after bearing the load to be compensated, ensuring the stability and reliability of the cooling box 12 and the first cooling plate 11 after installation.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the thermally conductive layer in this embodiment includes at least one of a thermally conductive adhesive layer, a thermally conductive pad, or a thermally conductive structural adhesive layer.

[0063] Understandably, the thermally conductive layer in this embodiment can be either a thermally conductive adhesive layer, which has low thermal resistance, high thermal conductivity, and can be coated into an extremely thin layer, maintaining elasticity after curing to alleviate thermal expansion stress; or a thermally conductive pad, which has a wide range of selectable thicknesses, can be directly applied without curing, simplifying the assembly process and facilitating maintenance and replacement; or a thermally conductive structural adhesive, which provides high-strength mechanical fixation while conducting heat, and exhibits excellent vibration and impact resistance.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling structure 1 in this embodiment also includes a second cooling plate 13.

[0065] The second cooling plate 13 is located at the end of the cell module 2 away from the first cooling plate 11. The second cooling plate 13 has a second cooling cavity, in which coolant is introduced to cool the cell module 2 in the battery pack.

[0066] Understandably, in order to enhance the cooling of the cell module 2, this embodiment also provides a second cooling plate 13 at the end of the cell module 2 away from the first cooling plate 11. The first cooling plate 11 and the second cooling plate 13 cool the cell module 2 from the bottom and top of the cell, respectively.

[0067] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second cooling plate 13 has a second cooling cavity, as well as an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, both of which are connected to the second cooling cavity. Coolant flows into the cooling cavity through the inlet pipe and out through the outlet pipe. The second cooling plate 13 forms a circulating cooling loop with external cooling equipment via the inlet and outlet pipes. After exchanging heat with the battery module 2 in the second cooling cavity, the coolant's temperature rises, and it flows back into the cooling equipment. Once the coolant's temperature decreases in the cooling equipment, it is returned to the second cooling cavity, thus achieving a cooling cycle. The heat from the battery module 2 is cooled through convection heat transfer via the second cooling plate 13. The first cooling plate 11 and the second cooling plate 13 simultaneously cool the battery module 2, increasing the area of ​​convection heat transfer and facilitating rapid cooling of the battery module 2.

[0068] Secondly, such as Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a battery pack, including: a cell module 2, a battery pack 3, and a cooling structure 1.

[0069] The battery module 2 has multiple battery cells, which are stacked together.

[0070] Multiple electrode plates 3 are provided, and the multiple electrode plates 3 are arranged at intervals and connected to multiple terminals of the battery cell module 2.

[0071] Cooling structure 1 is as described above. Cooling structure 1 is connected to battery cell module 2 to cool battery cell module 2.

[0072] Specifically, since the battery pack includes a cooling structure 1, and the specific structure of the cooling structure 1 is as described in the above embodiments, the battery pack shown in this embodiment includes all the technical solutions of the above embodiments. Therefore, it has at least all the beneficial effects achieved by all the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0073] Understandably, the battery pack 3 is an important component of the busbar. The battery pack 3 is connected to the terminal of the battery cell by welding, and multiple battery packs 3 are spaced apart corresponding to the stacked battery cells. Multiple battery packs 3 are connected to form a busbar, which connects multiple battery cells in parallel or series. In this embodiment, multiple battery cells are stacked to form a battery cell module 2, and thermal insulation material is placed between the battery cells.

[0074] The battery pack also includes a housing with a cavity that houses both the cell module 2 and the cooling structure 1. In this embodiment, the cooling structure 1 provides both convective and direct conductive heat transfer to the cell module 2, directly cooling the heat-generating plates 3 and terminals, effectively suppressing the risk of thermal runaway in the cells.

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cooling structure applied to a battery pack, characterized in that, include: A first cooling plate is disposed at one end of the cell module of the battery pack. The first cooling plate has a first cooling cavity, in which coolant is introduced to cool the cell module. A cooling box is located on the side of the first cooling plate facing the battery cell module and is connected to the first cooling plate. The cooling box has an open end and a cooling tank is formed inside the cooling box, which is filled with an immersion liquid. Along the height direction of the battery pack, the cooling groove is inserted into one end of the cell module facing the first cooling plate, so that the terminal post of the cell module and the battery pack's electrode are immersed in the immersion liquid to perform immersion cooling on the terminal post and the electrode.

2. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the height direction of the battery pack, the height of the cooling box is at least higher than the height of the terminal post, and at least two-thirds higher than the height of the battery plate.

3. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the inner wall of the cooling box and the outer wall of the battery cell module is in the range of a, where a satisfies: 15mm≤a≤25mm.

4. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling box is made of metal.

5. The cooling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner wall of the cooling box has an insulating and corrosion-resistant layer.

6. The cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling box is made of plastic.

7. The cooling structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: Thermal conductive layer; The heat-conducting layer is sandwiched between the first cooling plate and the cooling box.

8. The cooling structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thermally conductive layer includes at least one of a thermally conductive adhesive layer, a thermally conductive pad, or a thermally conductive structural adhesive layer.

9. The cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Second cooling plate; The second cooling plate is disposed at the end of the cell module opposite to the first cooling plate. The second cooling plate has a second cooling cavity, in which coolant is introduced to cool the cell module in the battery pack.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: A battery cell module has multiple battery cells, which are stacked together. The battery cell module has multiple battery cells arranged at intervals and connected to multiple terminals of the battery cell module. A cooling structure, wherein the cooling structure is as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the cooling structure being connected to the battery cell module to cool the battery cell module.

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