Battery box and energy storage device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to battery technical field discloses a kind of battery box and energy storage device, the battery box includes support frame, top cold plate and bottom cold plate, support frame is the frame structure of two ends opening;Top cold plate and bottom cold plate are connected to the top and bottom of support frame respectively, and the two ends opening of support frame is blocked respectively, top cold plate, bottom cold plate and support frame are enclosed to form cell accommodating space, top cold plate and bottom cold plate are connected with the surface of cell in cell accommodating space respectively, top flow passage is provided in top cold plate, bottom flow passage is provided in bottom cold plate, and top flow passage and bottom flow passage can be exchanged with cell. The battery box can heat management to the cell in the interior, improve the heat dissipation capacity of cell, reduce the heat accumulation generated by cell, ensure the service life and use safety of cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery housing and energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion battery packs have advantages such as high energy density, long lifespan, and low pollution. They also have a very low self-discharge rate, are lightweight, and easy to use, making them widely used in new energy fields such as electric logistics vehicles, buses, and cars.

[0003] Currently, most battery manufacturers use screw-locking assembly structures or BSB (Battery Stereo) welding processes for cells. While these assembly methods are simple to operate, they result in poor heat dissipation after assembly, leading to localized overheating. These assembly methods lack automatic heat dissipation regulation, resulting in significant energy loss and severely impacting cell cycle life. They also pose certain risks to the long-term safety of the cell pack during cyclic use and prevent high-rate charging and discharging.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a battery enclosure and energy storage device to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery housing is provided that can perform thermal management on the internal battery cells, improve the heat dissipation capacity of the battery cells, reduce the heat accumulation generated by the battery cells, and ensure the service life and safety of the battery cells.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Battery housing, including:

[0008] A support frame, wherein the support frame is a frame structure with openings at both ends;

[0009] A top cold plate and a bottom cold plate are connected to the top and bottom of the support frame, respectively, and respectively seal the openings at both ends of the support frame. The top cold plate, the bottom cold plate, and the support frame enclose a cell housing space. The top cold plate and the bottom cold plate are respectively connected to the surface of the cell within the cell housing space. A top flow channel is provided in the top cold plate, and a bottom flow channel is provided in the bottom cold plate. Both the top flow channel and the bottom flow channel can achieve heat exchange with the cell.

[0010] Optionally, the top flow channel is curved, and its projection onto the plane of the opening in the support frame lies within the cell housing space, intersecting with any one of the cells within the cell housing space; and / or,

[0011] The bottom flow channel is curved, and its projection on the plane of the opening of the support frame is located within the cell housing space, and it intersects with any of the cells in the cell housing space.

[0012] Optionally, it also includes a connecting pipe, the top flow channel is connected to the bottom flow channel through the connecting pipe, the top cold plate has an inlet that communicates with the top flow channel, the connection position of the connecting pipe with the top flow channel is spaced apart from the inlet, the bottom cold plate has an outlet that communicates with the bottom flow channel, the connection position of the connecting pipe with the bottom flow channel is spaced apart from the outlet.

[0013] Optionally, a heat-conducting layer is provided between the top cold plate and the battery cell; and / or,

[0014] A heat-conducting layer is provided between the bottom cold plate and the battery cell.

[0015] Optionally, the length direction of the battery cell is parallel to the top cold plate or the bottom cold plate, and the top cold plate or the bottom cold plate can be connected to the large part of the battery cell respectively.

[0016] Optionally, the support frame includes two baffles and two insulating supports. The two insulating supports are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The two baffles are respectively connected to the ends of the two insulating supports on the same side. The baffles are detachably connected to the insulating supports.

[0017] Optionally, one of the baffle and the insulating bracket is provided with a slot, and the other is provided with a hook, the hook being able to pass through the slot and engage with the periphery of the slot.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a connecting bar, wherein the insulating support has a clearance hole that is directly opposite to the terminal of the battery cell, and the connecting bar is used to connect the terminal of the battery cell.

[0019] Optionally, the enclosure also includes a side panel and an insulating sheet, wherein the side panel is disposed on the outside of the insulating support, and the insulating sheet is sandwiched between the side panel and the insulating support.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, an energy storage device is provided, comprising a battery cell and a battery housing as described in any of the above claims, wherein a plurality of the battery cells are disposed within the battery cell housing space.

[0021] Optionally, a heat insulation element is sandwiched between two adjacent battery cells.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] The battery housing provided by this utility model includes a support frame, a top cold plate, and a bottom cold plate. The support frame has openings at both ends. The top and bottom cold plates are connected to the top and bottom of the support frame, respectively, and seal the openings at both ends. The top and bottom cold plates, along with the support frame, enclose a cell-accommodating space. The top and bottom cold plates are connected to the surfaces of the cells within this space. In other words, the cell-accommodating space can be used to place and install cells, the support frame can limit the cells in the circumferential direction, and the top and bottom cold plates, connected to the ends of the cells, suppress cell expansion. Furthermore, the top cold plate has a top flow channel, and the bottom cold plate has a bottom flow channel, both of which can exchange heat with the cells. The top and bottom cold plates in this invention serve as the top and bottom plates of the housing, saving material costs. They also provide heat dissipation by setting top and bottom flow channels on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell, which helps to quickly conduct the heat of the battery cell to the cold plates, reducing the accumulation of heat generated by the battery cell and thus ensuring the service life and safety of the battery cell. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model 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 the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device provided in an embodiment of the present invention from one perspective;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device provided in this embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the energy storage device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the energy storage device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] 10. Battery cells;

[0035] 1. Support frame; 11. Baffle; 111. Bayonet; 12. Insulating bracket; 121. Hook; 122. Clearance hole; 13. Cell housing space;

[0036] 2. Top cold plate; 21. Top flow channel;

[0037] 3. Bottom cold plate;

[0038] 41. Inlet pipe; 42. Outlet pipe; 43. Connecting pipe;

[0039] 5. Thermal conductive layer;

[0040] 6. Side panels of the enclosure; 61. Insulating sheet;

[0041] 7. Thermal insulation components;

[0042] 8. Connecting strip;

[0043] 9. Box panel; 91. Handle. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0046] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for 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 utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature 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 includes the first feature 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.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this utility model, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0052] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0053] This embodiment provides a battery housing and an energy storage device, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the energy storage device includes a battery housing and multiple battery cells 10 as provided in this embodiment. The battery cells 10 are disposed within the battery housing, which enables thermal management of the battery cells 10, thereby improving the service life and safety of the energy storage device.

[0054] In this embodiment, the battery cell 10 can be a square battery cell or other similarly structured battery cells. Next, we will take a high energy density battery cell (LF230) as an example to further explain this embodiment.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the battery housing provided in this embodiment includes a support frame 1, a top cold plate 2, and a bottom cold plate 3. The support frame 1 is a frame structure with openings at both ends. The top cold plate 2 and bottom cold plate 3 are connected to the top and bottom of the support frame 1, respectively, and seal the openings at both ends of the support frame 1. The top cold plate 2, bottom cold plate 3, and support frame 1 enclose a cell housing space 13. The top cold plate 2 and bottom cold plate 3 are respectively connected to the surface of the cell 10 within the cell housing space 13. In other words, the cell housing space 13 can be used to place and install the cell 10, the support frame 1 can limit the cell 10 in the circumferential direction, and the top cold plate 2 and bottom cold plate 3 abut against the cell 10 at both ends to suppress the expansion of the cell 10 when heated.

[0056] In this embodiment, multiple battery cells 10 are arranged in a matrix to form a battery cell group and installed in the battery cell housing space 13. The length direction of the battery cell 10 is parallel to the top cold plate 2 or the bottom cold plate 3, that is, the battery cell 10 is placed horizontally relative to the top cold plate 2 or the bottom cold plate 3. The top cold plate 2 can contact the large surface area of ​​the top battery cell 10, and the bottom cold plate 3 can contact the large surface area of ​​the bottom battery cell 10. The large surface area refers to the two sides of the battery cell 10 with the larger area. This arrangement can effectively increase the contact area between the battery cell 10 and the top cold plate 2 or the bottom cold plate 3, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0057] Meanwhile, to prevent temperature cross-flow caused by the heating of the battery cell 10, a heat insulation component 7 can be sandwiched between two adjacent battery cells 10. This heat insulation component 7 can be sandwiched vertically between the end faces of two side-by-side battery cells 10, or horizontally between the large faces of two stacked battery cells 10. The specific number and placement of the heat insulation components 7 can be determined according to the actual situation and are not limited here.

[0058] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6The support frame 1 includes two baffles 11 and two insulating supports 12. The two insulating supports 12 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the two baffles 11 are respectively connected to the ends of the two insulating supports 12 on the same side to form a rectangular frame structure. By setting the support frame 1 as a rectangular frame structure, it can fit tightly against the periphery of the battery cell assembly, limit the battery cell assembly in the circumferential direction, and prevent the battery cells 10 from moving around.

[0059] More specifically, the battery housing also includes a connecting strip 8. An clearance hole 122 is provided on the insulating bracket 12, which is directly opposite to the terminal of the battery cell 10. The connecting strip 8 is used to connect the terminal of the battery cell 10. It should be noted that the terminals of the battery cells 10 within the support frame 1 all face the insulating bracket 12, so that the connecting strip 8 can connect multiple battery cells 10 in series or parallel. In this embodiment, both insulating brackets 12 are made of insulating materials such as plastic.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figures 4-8 As shown, the baffle 11 and the insulating bracket 12 are detachably connected to facilitate subsequent maintenance and replacement.

[0061] Optionally, one of the baffle 11 and the insulating support 12 has a slot 111, and the other has a hook 121. The hook 121 can pass through the slot 111 and engage with its periphery. Through the snap-fit ​​assembly of the hook 121 and the slot 111, there is no need for screws or bolts for fixing, eliminating the mechanical life limitations of bolts and avoiding the risk of fatigue failure. In this embodiment, hooks 121 are provided at both ends of the insulating support 12, and slots 111 are correspondingly provided at both ends of the baffle 11.

[0062] More specifically, the battery enclosure also includes a side panel 6 and an insulating sheet 61. The side panel 6 is located on the outside of the insulating support 12, and the insulating sheet 61 is sandwiched between the side panel 6 and the insulating support 12. The side panel 6 isolates the connecting strip 8 from the outside environment, preventing external moisture or dust from interfering with the connecting strip 8. The insulating sheet 61 provides insulation between the connecting strip 8 and the side panel 6, preventing short circuits between the connecting strip 8 and the side panel 6.

[0063] In this embodiment, the baffle 11 of the support frame 1 and the side plate 6 of the box are both metal plates, preferably aluminum plates. This results in high structural strength, low density, and light weight, which helps to reduce the weight of the battery box.

[0064] More preferably, the baffle 11 of the support frame 1 and the side plate 6 of the box are both formed by aluminum extrusion or die casting, which has a high material utilization rate. The aluminum extrusion or die casting process is used, without welding or bending process, and the processing is simple and quick.

[0065] Alternatively, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the battery enclosure also includes an enclosure panel 9. The enclosure panel 9 is located on the outside of the baffle 11, and the side of the enclosure panel 9 facing the baffle 11 can be used to install electrical connectors to realize current transmission between the battery cell 10 and external electrical equipment.

[0066] In this embodiment, a handle 91 is also connected to the housing panel 9. A mounting groove is formed on the housing panel 9, and the handle 91 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the mounting groove. When stored, the handle 91 can be embedded within the mounting groove to achieve concealment and save installation space in the battery housing. During transport, rotating the handle 91 causes it to protrude from the surface of the housing panel 9, making it easier for personnel to grip and improving transport convenience.

[0067] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 The top cold plate 2 has a top flow channel 21, and the bottom cold plate 3 has a bottom flow channel. Both the top flow channel 21 and the bottom flow channel can exchange heat with the battery cell 10. In this embodiment, the top cold plate 2 and the bottom cold plate 3 serve as the top and bottom plates of the housing, saving material costs. Furthermore, the top flow channel 21 and the bottom flow channel provide heat dissipation on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell 10, helping to quickly conduct the heat of the battery cell 10 to the cold plate and reducing the accumulation of heat generated by the battery cell 10.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the top flow channel 21 is curved. The projection of the top flow channel 21 onto the plane of the opening of the support frame 1 lies within the cell 10 accommodating space and intersects with any cell 10 within the cell 10 accommodating space. This arrangement ensures that the heat exchange material within the top flow channel 21 comes into contact with all cells 10, thereby effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange material and the cells 10. In this embodiment, the top flow channel 21 adopts an S-shaped structure design and can be formed by processes such as friction welding or wave soldering. The heat exchange material within the top flow channel 21 can be water or gas, etc.

[0069] Accordingly, the structure of the bottom flow channel is the same as that of the top flow channel 21. The bottom flow channel is curved, and its projection on the plane of the opening of the support frame 1 lies within the cell 10 housing space, intersecting with any cell 10 within the cell 10 housing space. By dissipating heat from the top and bottom sides of the cell 10, the heat dissipation efficiency of the cell 10 is further improved.

[0070] More specifically, the battery casing also includes a connecting pipe 43, through which the top flow channel 21 is connected to the bottom flow channel. An inlet communicating with the top flow channel 21 is provided on the top cold plate 2, and the connection point of the connecting pipe 43 with the top flow channel 21 is spaced apart from this inlet. An outlet communicating with the bottom cold plate 3 is provided on the bottom flow channel, and the connection point of the connecting pipe 43 with the bottom flow channel is spaced apart from this outlet. In this embodiment, the top cold plate 2 has a first inlet and a first outlet communicating with the top flow channel 21, and the bottom cold plate 3 has a second inlet and a second outlet communicating with the bottom flow channel. The first inlet and the second outlet are directly opposite each other, as are the first outlet and the second inlet. The first inlet is connected to an inlet pipe 41, and the second outlet is connected to an outlet pipe 42. The first outlet and the second inlet are connected through the connecting pipe 43. The heat exchange material flows into the top flow channel 21 through the inlet pipe 41, flows into the bottom flow channel through the connecting pipe 43, and finally flows out through the outlet pipe 42, completing the heat exchange with the battery cell 10.

[0071] More specifically, a thermally conductive layer 5 is provided between the top cold plate 2 and the battery cell 10. Correspondingly, a thermally conductive layer 5 is provided between the bottom cold plate 3 and the battery cell 10. By providing the thermally conductive layer 5, the heat exchange efficiency can be further improved. This thermally conductive layer 5 can be formed by coating the surfaces of the top cold plate 2 and the bottom cold plate 3 with thermally conductive adhesive.

[0072] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery housing, characterized in that, include: Support frame (1), the support frame (1) is a frame structure with openings at both ends; A top cold plate (2) and a bottom cold plate (3) are connected to the top and bottom of the support frame (1) respectively, and the openings at both ends of the support frame (1) are sealed respectively. The top cold plate (2), the bottom cold plate (3) and the support frame (1) form a cell housing space (13). The top cold plate (2) and the bottom cold plate (3) are connected to the surface of the cell (10) in the cell housing space (13) respectively. A top flow channel (21) is provided in the top cold plate (2) and a bottom flow channel is provided in the bottom cold plate (3). Both the top flow channel (21) and the bottom flow channel can achieve heat exchange with the cell (10).

2. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top flow channel (21) is curved, and the projection of the top flow channel (21) on the plane where the opening of the support frame (1) is located is within the cell housing space (13), and intersects with any of the cells (10) in the cell housing space (13). And / or, The bottom flow channel is curved, and the projection of the bottom flow channel on the plane where the opening of the support frame (1) is located is within the cell housing space (13), and intersects with any of the cells (10) in the cell housing space (13).

3. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting pipe (43), the top flow channel (21) is connected to the bottom flow channel through the connecting pipe (43), the top cold plate (2) has an inlet that communicates with the top flow channel (21), the connection position of the connecting pipe (43) and the top flow channel (21) is spaced apart from the inlet, the bottom cold plate (3) has an outlet that communicates with the bottom flow channel, and the connection position of the connecting pipe (43) and the bottom flow channel is spaced apart from the outlet.

4. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heat-conducting layer (5) is provided between the top cold plate (2) and the battery cell (10); and / or, A heat-conducting layer (5) is provided between the bottom cold plate (3) and the battery cell (10).

5. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length direction of the battery cell (10) is parallel to the top cold plate (2) or the bottom cold plate (3), and the top cold plate (2) or the bottom cold plate (3) can be connected to the large part of the battery cell (10) respectively.

6. The battery housing according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The support frame (1) includes two baffles (11) and two insulating supports (12). The two insulating supports (12) are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The two baffles (11) are respectively connected to the ends of the two insulating supports (12) on the same side. The baffles (11) and the insulating supports (12) are detachably connected.

7. The battery housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the baffle (11) and the insulating bracket (12) is provided with a slot (111), and the other is provided with a hook (121). The hook (121) can pass through the slot (111) and be engaged with the periphery of the slot (111).

8. The battery housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting strip (8), on which a clearance hole (122) is provided. The clearance hole (122) is directly opposite to the terminal of the battery cell (10). The connecting strip (8) is used to connect the terminal of the battery cell (10).

9. The battery housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a box side plate (6) and an insulating sheet (61), the box side plate (6) being disposed on the outside of the insulating support (12), and the insulating sheet (61) being sandwiched between the box side plate (6) and the insulating support (12).

10. An energy storage device, characterized in that, Includes a battery cell (10) and a battery housing as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein a plurality of the battery cells (10) are disposed within the battery cell housing space (13).

11. The energy storage device according to claim 10, characterized in that, A heat insulation element (7) is sandwiched between two adjacent battery cells (10).

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