Battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to battery technology field provides a kind of battery pack and vehicle, above-mentioned battery pack includes: upper layer battery module, lower layer battery module, cooling plate and shell;Lower along the height direction of battery pack, lower layer battery module is located the downside of upper layer battery module;Cooling plate is clamped between upper layer battery module and lower layer battery module, and the side of cooling plate towards upper layer battery module is equipped with phase-change material layer;Shell forms accommodating cavity, and upper layer battery module, lower layer battery module and cooling plate are equipped in accommodating cavity, and lower layer battery module is connected with shell.The utility model provides battery pack, can balance the heat absorbed by upper layer battery module and lower layer battery module, improves the temperature distribution uniformity of battery pack, reduces the temperature difference of battery pack, prolongs the life of battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the design of new energy vehicle battery packs, in order to produce products with high space utilization and low cost, double-layer battery modules can share a single cooling plate. Because the upper and lower battery modules share a single cooling plate, the contact surface between the upper battery module and the casing is smaller, resulting in poorer heat exchange capacity compared to the lower module. When the cooling plate is heated or cooled, the temperature rise of the upper and lower battery modules differs, leading to a greater temperature difference throughout the battery pack, which can negatively impact battery pack lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle to solve the problem in the prior art where the temperature rise of the upper and lower modules is different when using a dual-layer battery module sharing a single cooling plate, thus affecting the battery pack's lifespan.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows: In a first aspect, this utility model provides a battery pack, comprising: Upper battery module; The lower battery module is located below the upper battery module along the height direction of the battery pack. A cooling plate is sandwiched between the upper battery module and the lower battery module, and a phase change material layer is provided on the side of the cooling plate facing the upper battery module; The housing forms a receiving cavity, in which the upper battery module, the lower battery module, and the cooling plate are disposed, and the lower battery module is connected to the housing.

[0005] According to the present invention, a battery pack includes a cooling plate comprising: substrate; A flow channel is formed on the side of the substrate facing the upper battery module and is a continuous channel on the substrate. The channel is filled with coolant, and a groove is formed between adjacent channels. The phase change material layer is embedded in the groove.

[0006] According to the present invention, the flow channel extends along the length direction of the battery pack, bends once in the width direction of the battery pack, bends once again in the length direction of the battery pack to form a U-shaped turning part, and continues to extend in the length direction of the battery pack. The groove is formed between two channels that extend along the length of the battery pack.

[0007] According to the present invention, the phase change material layer is a hydrogel layer.

[0008] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided with an encapsulation film on the outer surface of the phase change material layer, and the phase change material layer is encapsulated in the encapsulation film.

[0009] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided, wherein the substrate includes a first region and a second region, the temperature change of the first region is greater than the temperature change of the second region, and the phase change material layer is disposed in the groove corresponding to the first region.

[0010] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided in which the groove in the second region is filled with a thermally conductive layer.

[0011] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe at one end of the substrate along the length direction of the battery pack. The inlet pipe is connected to one end of the flow channel, and the outlet pipe is connected to the other end of the flow channel. Both the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected to external pipelines.

[0012] According to the present invention, a battery pack includes a housing comprising: The outer shell forms the receiving cavity; A sandwich panel is spaced apart on the side of the outer casing facing the lower battery module and abuts against the lower battery module.

[0013] Secondly, according to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including the battery pack described above.

[0014] The battery pack and vehicle provided by this utility model share the same cooling plate for the upper and lower battery modules. By setting a phase change material layer on the side of the cooling plate facing the upper battery module, the phase change material layer can absorb part of the heat from the cooling plate or the upper battery module according to the actual heating or cooling requirements at different temperatures of the battery pack. This balances the heat absorbed by the upper and lower battery modules, improves the temperature distribution uniformity of the battery pack, reduces the temperature difference of the battery pack, and extends the life of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery pack provided by this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cooling plate provided by this utility model.

[0018] Figure label: 1. Upper battery module; 2. Lower battery module; 3. Cooling plate; 31. Base plate; 32. Flow channel; 33. Groove; 311. Liquid inlet pipe; 312. Liquid outlet pipe; 4. Shell; 41. Outer shell; 42. Sandwich panel. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The following is combined Figures 1 to 2 The battery pack and vehicle provided by the present invention will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0025] Firstly, such as Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a battery pack, including: an upper battery module 1, a lower battery module 2, a cooling plate 3, and a housing 4.

[0026] Along the height direction of the battery pack, the lower battery module 2 is located below the upper battery module 1.

[0027] The cooling plate 3 is sandwiched between the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2, and a phase change material layer is provided on the side of the cooling plate 3 facing the upper battery module 1.

[0028] The housing 4 forms a receiving cavity, in which the upper battery module 1, the lower battery module 2 and the cooling plate 3 are located, and the lower battery module 2 is connected to the housing 4.

[0029] Understandably, to save space, the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 in a battery pack typically share a single cooling plate 3, with the two sides of the cooling plate 3 cooling the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 respectively. Since the lower battery module 2 is connected to the housing 4, while the upper battery module 1 is not connected to the housing 4, the heat exchange capacity of the lower battery module 2 is stronger than that of the upper battery module 1. This can easily lead to uneven temperature distribution between the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2, resulting in temperature differences.

[0030] Both the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 include multiple battery cells, which are stacked to form a battery module.

[0031] The cooling plate 3 can provide heat or cold to heat or cool the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 to control them to reach a suitable temperature. When the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 are in a low-temperature condition, the cooling plate 3 provides heat to the battery pack; when the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 are in a high-temperature condition, the cooling plate 3 provides cold to the battery pack.

[0032] The phase change material layer can absorb and release heat through its own phase change. When the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 are in a low-temperature condition, the cooling plate 3 heats the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2. Since the heat exchange between the lower battery module 2 and the shell 4 is better than that between the upper battery module 1, the phase change material layer absorbs some of the heat from the cooling plate 3, thus making the temperature of the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 more even. When the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 are in a high-temperature condition, the cooling plate 3 cools the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2. Since the lower battery module 2 can exchange heat with the shell 4, the temperature of the upper battery module 1 is higher. The phase change material layer absorbs the heat from the upper battery module 1, and together with the cooling plate 3, cools the upper battery module 1, ensuring the temperature balance between the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2.

[0033] The battery pack provided by this utility model shares the same cooling plate 3 between the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2. By setting a phase change material layer on the side of the cooling plate 3 facing the upper battery module 1, the phase change material layer can absorb part of the heat in the cooling plate 3 or the upper battery module 1 according to the actual heating or cooling requirements at different temperatures of the battery pack. This balances the heat absorbed by the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2, improves the temperature distribution uniformity of the battery pack, reduces the temperature difference of the battery pack, and extends the life of the battery pack.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooling plate 3 in this embodiment includes a substrate 31 and a flow channel 32.

[0035] The flow channel 32 protrudes from the side of the substrate 31 facing the upper battery module 1 and forms a continuous channel on the substrate 31. The channel is filled with coolant, and a groove 33 is formed between adjacent channels. The phase change material layer is embedded in the groove 33.

[0036] Understandably, the substrate 31 is a square flat plate, and the flow channel 32 protrudes from the substrate 31. The flow channel 32 forms a continuous channel inside, which can accommodate the flow of coolant. Through the flow of coolant in the continuous channel, the coolant exchanges heat with the substrate 31, as well as the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2, thereby heating or cooling the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2.

[0037] Since the flow channel 32 protrudes from the substrate 31, the portion between adjacent protrusions forms a groove 33, in which the phase change material layer is embedded. When the upper battery module 1 abuts against the cooling plate 3, the phase change material layer fills the groove 33 on the cooling plate 3 and abuts against the upper battery module 1. This eliminates the need for additional space within the battery pack and enables contact-type heat conduction between the phase change material layer and the upper battery module 1, achieving a compact design and good heat exchange between the phase change material layer and the upper battery module 1.

[0038] Furthermore, since a phase change material layer is filled in the groove 33, the horizontal thermal conductivity of the bottom surface of multiple cells in the upper battery module 1 is improved, reducing the temperature difference between multiple cells and controlling the temperature difference to within 5°C.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the flow channel 32 extends along the length direction of the battery pack, bends once in the width direction of the battery pack, bends once again in the length direction of the battery pack to form a U-shaped turning part, and continues to extend in the length direction of the battery pack.

[0040] A groove 33 is formed between two channels that extend along the length of the battery pack.

[0041] Understandably, in order to regularize the shape of the groove 33 to facilitate the manufacture of the phase change material layer, the flow channels 32 in this embodiment are arranged in a regular manner. Most of the flow channels 32 are arranged along the length of the battery pack and are spaced apart and parallel to each other. Two parallel sections of the flow channels 32 are bent at both ends to form U-shaped bends, so as to connect the multiple parallel channels at the end.

[0042] Thus, the grooves 33 formed between adjacent channels are also arranged in parallel intervals, making the shape of the phase change material layer more regular. This allows it to be evenly distributed on the substrate 31, facilitating a uniform temperature field and making it easier to process and manufacture.

[0043] In this embodiment, the phase change material layer is a hydrogel layer.

[0044] Understandably, this embodiment uses a hydrogel layer. Hydrogels have a low leakage rate and a high elastic modulus, allowing them to compress and deform to fill the groove 33, reducing interfacial thermal resistance and avoiding poor performance caused by rigid phase change material layers. Furthermore, the hydrogel layer has a high cycle life and good durability, maintaining a good heat absorption and release state throughout its service life.

[0045] In this embodiment, an encapsulation film is provided on the outer surface of the phase change material layer, and the phase change material layer is encapsulated in the encapsulation film.

[0046] Understandably, in order to prevent leakage of the phase change material layer and to prevent the phase change material layer from undergoing a large volume change during phase change, which would affect the structure of the cooling plate 3 and the upper battery module 1, this embodiment provides an encapsulation film on the outer surface of the phase change material layer to encapsulate the phase change material layer inside the encapsulation film.

[0047] The encapsulation film ensures that the phase change material layer maintains its shape consistency during phase change, thereby ensuring the installation stability of the cooling plate 3 and the upper battery module 1.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the substrate 31 of this embodiment includes a first region and a second region. The temperature change of the first region is greater than that of the second region. The phase change material layer is disposed in the groove 33 corresponding to the first region.

[0049] Understandably, the temperature field distribution on substrate 31 is not uniform for different battery packs. Therefore, the phase change material layer can be placed only in areas with large temperature variations. Through thermal analysis, the temperature field on substrate 31 is divided into a first region and a second region, with the region of large temperature variation defined as the first region. By placing the phase change material layer in the groove 33 corresponding to the first region, precise temperature control can be achieved, thus equalizing the temperature field of the battery pack.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the groove 33 in the second region of this embodiment is filled with a thermally conductive layer.

[0051] Understandably, in the second region where no phase change material layer is required, in order to enhance the thermal conductivity of the cooling plate 3 and the upper battery module 1, and to balance the reduction in connection area caused by the groove 33 formed by the protrusion of the flow channel 32 relative to the substrate 31, this embodiment fills the groove 33 in the second region with a thermally conductive layer.

[0052] Specifically, the thermally conductive layer can be either thermally conductive adhesive or structural adhesive.

[0053] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, along the length of the battery pack, one end of the substrate 31 is provided with an inlet pipe 311 and an outlet pipe 312.

[0054] The inlet pipe 311 is connected to one end of the flow channel 32, and the outlet pipe 312 is connected to the other end of the flow channel 32. Both the inlet pipe 311 and the outlet pipe 312 are connected to external pipelines.

[0055] Understandably, in order to accelerate the heat exchange capacity of the cooling plate 3, the substrate 31 of this embodiment is provided with an inlet pipe 311 and an outlet pipe 312, which are connected to the flow channel 32. Through the connection with the external pipe, when the cooling plate 3 is heated, the heated coolant is sent into the flow channel 32 through the inlet pipe 311, and the coolant whose temperature has decreased after heat exchange is sent into the external equipment through the outlet pipe 312; when the cooling plate 3 is cooled, the cooled coolant is sent into the flow channel 32 through the inlet pipe 311, and the coolant whose temperature has increased after heat exchange is sent into the external equipment through the outlet pipe 312, thereby realizing the circulation of coolant and external equipment.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 4 in this embodiment includes: an outer shell 41 and a sandwich panel 42.

[0057] The outer casing 41 forms a receiving cavity; the interlayer plate 42 is spaced apart on the side of the outer casing 41 facing the lower battery module 2 and abuts against the lower battery module 2.

[0058] Understandably, the interlayer space formed between the sandwich panel 42 and the outer casing 41 can absorb impact energy and ensure that the deformation rate of the battery pack is reduced when it is impacted. Furthermore, the interlayer space can prevent heat propagation in the event of thermal runaway of the battery, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0059] Secondly, this embodiment provides a vehicle including the battery pack described above.

[0060] Specifically, since the vehicle includes a battery pack, and the specific structure of the battery pack is as described in the above embodiments, the vehicle 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.

[0061] It is understood that the vehicle in this embodiment can be a new energy vehicle, with the battery pack installed in the vehicle to provide power. Because the centrally located cooling plate 3 within the battery pack has a phase change material layer, the temperature field between the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2 within the battery pack is more balanced, reducing the temperature difference between the upper battery module 1 and the lower battery module 2, thereby improving the vehicle's safety factor.

[0062] 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 battery pack, characterized by, The battery pack comprises: an upper battery module; a lower battery module, which is located below the upper battery module along the height direction of the battery pack; a cooling plate, which is arranged between the upper battery module and the lower battery module, and is provided with a phase change material layer on the side facing the upper battery module; a housing, which forms an accommodation cavity, and the upper battery module, the lower battery module and the cooling plate are arranged in the accommodation cavity, and the lower battery module is connected with the housing.

2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The cooling plate comprises: a base plate; a flow channel, which is protruded on the side of the base plate facing the upper battery module and forms a continuous channel on the base plate, the channel is filled with cooling liquid, and a groove is formed between adjacent channels, and the phase change material layer is embedded in the groove.

3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The flow channel extends along the length direction of the battery pack, is bent once towards the width direction of the battery pack, is bent once again towards the length direction of the battery pack to form a U-shaped turning part, and continues to extend towards the length direction of the battery pack. The groove is formed between two channels extending along the length direction of the battery pack.

4. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The phase change material layer is a hydrogel layer.

5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein, An encapsulation film is arranged on the outer surface of the phase change material layer, and the phase change material layer is encapsulated in the encapsulation film.

6. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The base plate comprises a first region and a second region, the temperature change of the first region is greater than that of the second region, and the phase change material layer is arranged in the groove corresponding to the first region.

7. The battery pack of claim 6, wherein, A heat conduction layer is filled in the groove corresponding to the second region.

8. The battery pack of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, Along the length direction of the battery pack, one end of the base plate is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe is in communication with one end of the flow channel, the outlet pipe is in communication with the other end of the flow channel, and the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected with external pipelines.

9. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The housing comprises: an outer shell, which forms the accommodation cavity; a sandwich plate, which is arranged on the side of the outer shell facing the lower battery module and is in abutment with the lower battery module.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The battery pack comprises any one of claims 1-9.

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