Battery cooling system and vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a battery cooling system and a vehicle. The battery cooling system includes a housing and a battery pack. The housing has an inner cavity and a first opening. The inner cavity is used to contain coolant, and the first opening connects to the external environment and the inner cavity. The battery pack is at least partially housed in the inner cavity, and the battery pack is connected to the housing to close the first opening. By accommodating at least a portion of the battery pack within the inner cavity of the housing, the electrolyte within the inner cavity can flow across the various surfaces of the battery pack located within the inner cavity, thereby achieving better cooling of the battery pack. Furthermore, by closing the first opening with the battery pack, the battery pack can be connected to external devices through the first opening, reducing the need for sealing caps and other structures, thus reducing the overall size of the battery cooling system, lowering production costs, and reducing the assembly difficulty of the battery cooling system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cooling technology, specifically to a battery cooling system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, the demand for energy is gradually increasing, which in turn increases the frequency of use of energy storage batteries. During the use of energy storage batteries, a large amount of heat is generated, which needs to be cooled and dissipated while the energy storage batteries are in use to ensure the normal and stable operation of the energy storage equipment.

[0003] In related technologies, cooling systems are usually only installed on one side of the energy storage battery. The cooling area is small and the heat dissipation efficiency is low, which means that the performance of the energy storage battery cannot be fully utilized, and even reduces the service life of the energy storage battery. Utility Model Content

[0004] The embodiments of this utility model provide a battery cooling system that can improve the technical problem of poor cooling effect of energy storage batteries in related technologies.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery cooling system, comprising:

[0006] The housing has an inner cavity and a first opening, the inner cavity being used to contain coolant, and the first opening connecting the external environment to the inner cavity; and,

[0007] A battery pack, at least partially housed within the cavity, is connected to the housing to close the first opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the battery pack includes an interface that is exposed in the housing through the first opening, so that the interface can be connected to an external device through the first opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the battery cooling system further includes a first seal connected between the battery pack and the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the housing and the battery pack is provided with a first groove, and the first seal is at least partially accommodated within the first groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, there are multiple first openings and multiple battery packs, with the multiple battery packs corresponding to the multiple first openings.

[0012] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a mounting member disposed on the inner wall of the cavity, and at least one of the battery packs is connected to the mounting member so that a plurality of battery packs are spaced apart in the cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a second opening, which is spaced apart from the first opening and communicates with the inner cavity. The second opening is used for assembling and disassembling the battery pack.

[0014] The battery cooling system also includes a cover connected to the housing to close the second opening.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery cooling system further includes a second seal connected between the cover and the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the lid and the body is provided with a second groove, and the second seal is at least partially accommodated within the second groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a liquid inlet, which communicates with the inner cavity so that the coolant can be injected into the inner cavity through the liquid inlet.

[0018] In some embodiments, the number of battery packs is multiple, and at least some of the battery packs are arranged along a first direction;

[0019] The housing also includes a liquid inlet trough, which is located on the inner wall of the inner cavity. The liquid inlet trough extends along the first direction and communicates with the liquid inlet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a liquid outlet, which is located on the side of the housing opposite to the liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet is used to discharge the coolant.

[0021] In some embodiments, the number of battery packs is multiple, and at least some of the battery packs are arranged along a first direction;

[0022] The housing also includes a liquid outlet trough, which is located on the inner wall of the inner cavity. The liquid outlet trough extends along the first direction and communicates with the liquid outlet.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle including the battery cooling system described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model are as follows:

[0025] This embodiment of the invention accommodates at least a portion of the battery pack within the inner cavity of the housing, allowing the electrolyte within the cavity to flow across all surfaces of the battery pack within the cavity, thereby achieving better cooling of the battery pack. Furthermore, by sealing the first opening of the battery pack, it is possible to connect the battery pack to external devices through the first opening, reducing the need for structures such as sealing covers, thus reducing the overall size of the battery cooling system, lowering production costs, and simplifying the assembly of the battery cooling system. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the battery cooling system provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery cooling system provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the box provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0034] The labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0035] 1. Box body;

[0036] 11. Inner cavity; 12. First opening; 13. Mounting component; 14. Second opening; 15. Liquid inlet; 16. Liquid inlet tank; 17. Liquid outlet; 18. Liquid outlet tank;

[0037] 2. Battery pack; 21. Interface;

[0038] 3. First sealing element; 4. Box cover; 5. Second sealing element;

[0039] H1, First Direction. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. In the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first aspect of this utility model provides a battery cooling system, including a housing 1 and a battery pack 2: the housing 1 has an inner cavity 11 and a first opening 12, the inner cavity 11 is used to contain coolant, and the first opening 12 is connected to the external environment and the inner cavity 11; the battery pack 2 is at least partially contained in the inner cavity 11, and the battery pack 2 abuts against the housing 1 to close the first opening 12.

[0042] The housing 1, serving as the load-bearing structure for the coolant and battery pack 2, is typically made of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials, such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, polycarbonate, and polyphenylene sulfide. This reduces the probability of housing 1 deforming at high temperatures and being corroded by the coolant, thus extending its service life. The inner cavity 11 of housing 1 simultaneously accommodates the battery pack 2 and the coolant; therefore, its size is typically larger than that of the battery pack 2 to allow the electrolyte to flow continuously within the inner cavity 11. The shape of the outer surface of housing 1 can be selected according to design requirements. For example, the outer surface of housing 1 can be set as a cuboid, which is simple in structure, easy to design and manufacture, and facilitates installation and fixation. Alternatively, the outer surface of housing 1 can be set as a cylinder or other irregular shape; this embodiment of the invention does not limit this. It is understood that the shape of the outer surface of housing 1 can be the same as or different from the shape of the inner cavity 11, depending on design requirements.

[0043] There are several ways to connect the housing 1 and the battery pack 2. For example, bolts can be used to fasten the battery pack 2 to the portion of the housing 1 located at the first opening 12, so that the battery pack 2 and the housing 1 fit tightly together, thereby closing the first opening 12. Alternatively, adhesive can be applied to the first opening 12 to bond the battery pack 2 to the housing 1. It is understood that the battery pack 2 can be completely contained within the inner cavity 11, so that the outer wall of the battery pack 2 is tightly connected to the inner wall of the inner cavity 11, thereby closing the first opening 12. The battery pack 2 can also extend out of the inner cavity 11 through the first opening 12. This embodiment of the present invention does not limit this.

[0044] This embodiment of the invention accommodates at least a portion of the battery pack 2 within the inner cavity 11 of the housing 1, allowing the electrolyte within the inner cavity 11 to flow across all surfaces of the battery pack 2 located within the inner cavity 11, thereby achieving better cooling of the battery pack 2. Furthermore, by sealing the first opening 12 with the battery pack 2, it is possible to connect the battery pack 2 to external devices through the first opening 12, while also reducing the need for structures such as sealing caps, thus reducing the overall volume of the battery cooling system, lowering production costs, and simplifying the assembly of the battery cooling system.

[0045] In some alternative implementations, the entire battery pack 2 is located within the inner cavity 11, thereby maximizing the cooling effect of the coolant on the battery pack 2.

[0046] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 The battery pack 2 includes an interface 21, which is exposed in the housing 1 through a first opening 12, so that the interface 21 can be connected to an external device through the first opening 12.

[0047] Interface 21 can be a charging interface, discharging interface, communication interface, etc. External devices can connect to interface 21 to charge and discharge the battery pack 2 or obtain the status information of the battery pack 2. This embodiment of the invention exposes interface 21 outside the housing 1, eliminating the need for additional adapter structures on the housing 1, thus simplifying the connection between external devices and the battery pack 2. Furthermore, the interface 21 on the battery pack 2 is exposed through the first opening 12, achieving efficient use of space and making the installation of the battery pack 2 within the housing 1 more compact.

[0048] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The battery cooling system also includes a first seal 3, which is connected between the connecting surface and the housing 1. The first seal 3 can be a sealing ring, sealing strip, sealing gasket, or other structures, usually made of elastic material, so that the battery pack 2 and the housing 1 press against the first seal 3 to achieve a seal, reducing the probability of coolant leakage and preventing external dust and other contaminants from entering the inner cavity 11 of the housing 1, thereby improving the service life of the cooling system.

[0049] In some alternative embodiments, the first seal 3 is a rubber sealing ring, and the sealing ring is annular, so that after the cooling system is installed, the first seal 3 is arranged around the first opening 12, thereby achieving a full closure of the first opening 12.

[0050] In one embodiment, at least one of the housing 1 and the battery pack 2 is provided with a first groove, and the first seal 3 is at least partially accommodated in the first groove.

[0051] By providing a first groove, the first seal 3 can be partially embedded within it, thus precisely installing the seal in a fixed position without repeated adjustments, improving assembly efficiency and installation accuracy. Furthermore, during the operation of the battery cooling system, it is susceptible to external forces such as vibration and impact. By at least partially placing the first seal 3 within the first groove, the groove effectively limits its movement, reducing the probability of displacement and ensuring its sealing performance.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments, the first groove can be set according to the shape and size of the first seal 3, so that when the first seal 3 is pressed into the first groove, it will be squeezed by the first groove, thereby producing a certain deformation, which makes the connection between the first seal 3 and the first groove tighter and reduces the probability of gaps between the housing 1 and the battery pack 2.

[0053] In one embodiment, there are multiple first openings 12 and multiple battery packs 2, with multiple battery packs 2 corresponding to multiple first openings 12.

[0054] Multiple battery packs 2 are respectively configured with different first openings 12, ensuring that even if some battery packs 2 are damaged, the normal connection between other battery packs 2 and external devices is not affected, thus improving the stability of the battery cooling system of this invention. Furthermore, by setting different numbers of battery packs 2, the needs of different electrical devices can be met. For example, for some higher-power devices or devices requiring longer battery life, the number of battery packs 2 can be increased to meet their needs; while for some smaller devices with lower power requirements or more compact space, the number of battery packs 2 can be reduced.

[0055] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6 The housing 1 also includes a mounting member 13, which is disposed on the inner wall of the inner cavity 11. At least one battery pack 2 is connected to the mounting member 13 so that multiple battery packs 2 are spaced apart in the inner cavity 11.

[0056] By connecting the battery pack 2 to the mounting member 13, gaps are left between the battery packs 2, which avoids mutual compression between the battery packs 2, reducing the probability of damage to the battery packs 2. At the same time, it allows the coolant to flow better across the various surfaces of the battery packs 2, thereby improving the cooling effect of the battery packs 2. For example, the mounting member 13 can be a snap-fit ​​structure, which secures the battery pack 2 by snapping it together; the mounting member 13 can also be a magnetic structure, which connects to the battery pack 2 by magnetic attraction.

[0057] In some alternative embodiments, the mounting member 13 includes two strip plates, which are disposed opposite to each other in the inner cavity 11 to support both sides of the battery pack 2 and improve the stability of the connection between the battery pack 2 and the mounting member 13.

[0058] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The housing 1 also includes a second opening 14, which is spaced apart from the first opening 12 and communicates with the inner cavity 11. The second opening 14 is used for assembling and disassembling the battery pack 2. The battery cooling system also includes a cover 4, which is connected to the housing 1 to close the second opening 14.

[0059] Since the battery pack 2 needs to close the first opening 12, and the size of the first opening 12 is usually smaller than the battery pack 2, it would be difficult to install the battery pack 2 into the inner cavity 11 through the first opening 12. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention provides a second opening 14. Since the second opening 14 is closed by the cover 4, its size can be made larger, making the installation and removal of the battery pack 2 more convenient. Specifically, before installing the battery pack 2, the cover 4 is opened, the battery pack 2 is installed in the inner cavity 11, and then the cover 4 is connected to the housing 1 to close the second opening 14.

[0060] The battery pack 2 can be easily placed into or removed from the housing 1 through the second opening 14. Especially when there are multiple battery packs 2, since the housing 1 is large, the size of the second opening 14 can be set to be larger. In this case, multiple battery packs 2 can be installed and removed one by one through the second opening 14, which can be operated more precisely and avoid damage to the battery pack 2 or other internal structures of the housing 1 during the installation process.

[0061] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 7 The battery cooling system also includes a second seal 5, which is connected between the cover 4 and the housing 1. The second seal 5 can be a sealing ring, sealing strip, sealing gasket, or other structure, usually made of elastic material. It allows the battery pack 2 and the housing 1 to press against the second seal 5 to achieve a seal, reducing the probability of coolant leakage and preventing external dust and other contaminants from entering the inner cavity 11 of the housing 1, thereby improving the service life of the cooling system.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, the second seal 5 is a rubber sealing ring, and the sealing ring is annular, so that after the cooling system is installed, the second seal 5 is arranged around the second opening 14, thereby achieving a full closure of the second opening 14.

[0063] In one embodiment, at least one of the cover 4 and the body 1 is provided with a second groove, and the second seal 5 is at least partially accommodated in the second groove.

[0064] By providing a second groove, the second seal 5 can be partially embedded within it, allowing for precise installation of the seal in a fixed position without repeated adjustments, thus improving assembly efficiency and installation accuracy. Furthermore, during the operation of the battery cooling system, it is susceptible to external forces such as vibration and impact. By at least partially placing the second seal 5 within the second groove, the groove effectively limits its movement, reducing the probability of displacement and ensuring the sealing effect of the second seal 5.

[0065] In some alternative embodiments, the second groove can be set according to the shape and size of the second seal 5, so that when the second seal 5 is pressed into the second groove, it will be squeezed by the second groove, thereby producing a certain deformation, which makes the connection between the second seal 5 and the second groove tighter and reduces the probability of gaps between the housing 1 and the battery pack 2.

[0066] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6 The housing 1 is provided with a liquid inlet 15, which connects to the inner cavity 11, allowing coolant to be injected into the inner cavity 11 through the liquid inlet 15. The size and shape of the liquid inlet 15 can be set as needed; for example, the liquid inlet 15 can be set as circular or square. By setting the liquid inlet 15, coolant can be injected from the liquid inlet 15, reducing the difficulty of injecting coolant.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments, the inlet 15 is located at the top of the housing 1, which facilitates the injection of coolant when the battery cooling system is installed on the electrical equipment, and allows the coolant to flow more smoothly into the inner cavity 11 by gravity.

[0068] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The number of battery packs 2 is multiple, and at least some of the battery packs 2 are arranged along the first direction H1; the housing 1 also includes a liquid inlet 16, which is located on the inner wall of the inner cavity 11, and extends along the first direction H1 and communicates with the liquid inlet 15.

[0069] The inlet tank 16 extends along the first direction H1, allowing the coolant flowing in from the inlet 15 to be quickly and evenly distributed to the multiple battery packs 2 arranged along the first direction H1. This reduces the probability of coolant concentrating on only a portion of the battery packs 2, ensuring that each battery pack 2 receives adequate cooling and improving the overall cooling effect of the battery cooling system. Simultaneously, the inlet tank 16 effectively guides the flow direction of the coolant, reducing turbulence and allowing the coolant to flow more orderly within the inner cavity 11. This reduces flow resistance, minimizes the impact of the coolant on the battery packs 2 or the housing 1, and extends the service life of the battery cooling system.

[0070] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6 The housing 1 is provided with a coolant outlet 17, which is located on the side of the housing 1 opposite to the coolant inlet 15. The coolant outlet 17 is used to discharge coolant. The size and shape of the coolant outlet 17 can be set as needed; for example, the coolant outlet 17 can be set as circular or square. By setting the coolant outlet 17, the coolant can flow out from the coolant outlet 17, making the discharge of coolant more convenient.

[0071] In some alternative embodiments, the outlet 17 is located at the bottom of the housing 1, so that the coolant can flow out of the inner cavity 11 more smoothly under the action of gravity.

[0072] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6 The number of battery packs 2 is multiple, and at least some of the battery packs 2 are arranged along the first direction H1; the housing 1 also includes a liquid outlet 18, which is located on the inner wall of the inner cavity 11, and extends along the first direction H1 and communicates with the liquid outlet 17.

[0073] Since the battery pack 2 is usually installed in a compact manner, this embodiment of the utility model is provided with a coolant outlet groove 18 extending along the first direction H1, so that even if the battery pack 2 obstructs the flow of coolant, the coolant can still flow along the coolant outlet groove 18 to the coolant outlet 17, thereby facilitating the complete discharge of coolant.

[0074] According to a second aspect of this utility model, a vehicle is provided that includes the battery cooling system described in the foregoing embodiments. Therefore, the vehicle possesses all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned battery cooling system, and the embodiments of this utility model will not be repeated here. The vehicle may be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, etc., and this application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0075] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery cooling system, characterized in that, include: The housing has an inner cavity and a first opening. The inner cavity is used to contain coolant, and the first opening is connected to the external environment and the inner cavity. and, A battery pack, at least partially housed within the cavity, is connected to the housing to close the first opening.

2. The battery cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The battery pack includes an interface that is exposed in the housing through the first opening, so that the interface can be connected to an external device through the first opening.

3. The battery cooling system of claim 2, wherein, The battery cooling system also includes a first seal, which is connected between the battery pack and the housing.

4. The battery cooling system of claim 3, wherein, At least one of the housing and the battery pack is provided with a first groove, and the first seal is at least partially accommodated within the first groove.

5. The battery cooling system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, There are multiple first openings and multiple battery packs, with each battery pack corresponding to one of the multiple first openings.

6. The battery cooling system of claim 5, wherein, The housing also includes a mounting component disposed on the inner wall of the inner cavity, and at least one of the battery packs is connected to the mounting component so that multiple battery packs are spaced apart in the inner cavity.

7. The battery cooling system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The housing also includes a second opening, which is spaced apart from the first opening and communicates with the inner cavity. The second opening is used for assembling and disassembling the battery pack. The battery cooling system also includes a cover connected to the housing to close the second opening.

8. The battery cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery cooling system also includes a second seal, which is connected between the cover and the housing.

9. The battery cooling system of claim 8, wherein, At least one of the lid and the body is provided with a second groove, and the second seal is at least partially accommodated within the second groove.

10. The battery cooling system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The housing is provided with a liquid inlet, which is connected to the inner cavity so that the coolant can be injected into the inner cavity through the liquid inlet.

11. The battery cooling system of claim 10, wherein, The number of battery packs is multiple, and at least some of the battery packs are arranged along the first direction; The housing also includes a liquid inlet trough, which is located on the inner wall of the inner cavity. The liquid inlet trough extends along the first direction and communicates with the liquid inlet.

12. The battery cooling system of claim 10, wherein, The housing is provided with a liquid outlet, which is located on the side of the housing opposite to the liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet is used to discharge the coolant.

13. The battery cooling system of claim 12, wherein, The number of battery packs is multiple, and at least some of the battery packs are arranged along the first direction; The housing also includes a liquid outlet trough, which is located on the inner wall of the inner cavity. The liquid outlet trough extends along the first direction and communicates with the liquid outlet.

14. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Includes the battery cooling system as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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