Battery module and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of battery module and vehicle.The battery module includes first battery group and second battery group being stacked along first direction, and first battery group and second battery group all include multiple electric core being stacked along second direction;Liquid cooling assembly is set between first battery group and second battery group, and liquid cooling assembly includes first blow inflation plate, support and second blow inflation plate being stacked along first direction, the first surface of first blow inflation plate is plane and is contacted with the surface of first battery group side close to second battery group, the first surface of second blow inflation plate is plane and is contacted with the surface of second battery group side close to first battery group, and support supports first battery group and second battery group.The utility model uses the design of low-cost, high-efficiency double-layer battery module, can reduce cost and also can greatly improve space utilization, increase its energy density, double-layer double-face blow inflation plate cooling, reduce processing difficulty, reduce process procedure and cost is low, and effect is good.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electrification is the trend of commercial vehicle development. Currently, the chassis system of domestic electric heavy trucks follows the architecture of fuel vehicles, and the modification scheme of directly replacing the engine with a rear battery and motor has pain points in terms of cost, weight, transportation efficiency, and safety.

[0003] Current power battery systems are mostly single-layer designs with single-sided cooling. However, single-layer designs often cannot meet the vehicle's power and voltage requirements. This necessitates the use of multiple battery packs connected in series or parallel, which not only wastes vehicle space but also significantly increases costs. Furthermore, for commercial vehicles, using multiple battery packs in series or parallel often reduces battery energy density and increases costs. Cost reduction and range extension are problems that every commercial vehicle manufacturer has been striving to solve. For both manufacturers and users, maximizing battery capacity within a limited space to increase driving range is an inevitable trend for future development. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a battery module and a vehicle, which adopts a low-cost and high-efficiency double-layer battery module design, which greatly reduces costs, improves the overall vehicle space utilization, increases battery capacity, and improves vehicle range. Moreover, the use of double-layer double-sided inflatable plate cooling reduces processing difficulty, reduces process steps, and keeps costs low.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a battery module is provided, comprising:

[0006] A first battery pack and a second battery pack are stacked along a first direction, and both the first battery pack and the second battery pack include a plurality of battery cells stacked along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect.

[0007] A liquid cooling assembly is disposed between the first battery pack and the second battery pack. The liquid cooling assembly includes a first blown plate, a bracket, and a second blown plate stacked along the first direction. The first surface of the first blown plate is planar and contacts the surface of the first battery pack near the second battery pack. The first surface of the second blown plate is planar and contacts the surface of the second battery pack near the first battery pack. The bracket supports the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0008] Optionally, the bracket includes a hollow area, the coolant channels of the first blown plate and the second blown plate are arranged opposite to each other, and at least a portion of the coolant channels of the first blown plate and the second blown plate are located within the hollow area.

[0009] Optionally, the edge of the bracket includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the coolant flow channel inlet of the first blown plate and the coolant flow channel inlet of the second blown plate are both connected to the coolant inlet, and the coolant flow channel outlet of the first blown plate and the coolant flow channel outlet of the second blown plate are both connected to the coolant outlet.

[0010] Optionally, the first inflatable plate comprises an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 1mm to 1.5mm, and the second inflatable plate comprises an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 1mm to 1.5mm.

[0011] Optionally, the bracket comprises an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 4mm to 10mm.

[0012] Optionally, the bracket includes multiple hollow structures, the extension direction of which is parallel to the plane of the aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate.

[0013] Optionally, the first battery pack further includes a first end plate located on both sides, and the second battery pack further includes a second end plate located on both sides, wherein both the first end plate and the second end plate are fixedly connected to the bracket.

[0014] Optionally, both the first end plate and the second end plate include a hollow structure and threaded holes.

[0015] Optionally, the first battery pack and the second battery pack include the same number of blade cells.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising any of the battery modules described in the first aspect.

[0017] This utility model provides a battery module and vehicle that achieves a low-cost, high-energy-density battery module design by incorporating a double-sided cooling liquid cooling assembly between two battery layers. This largely solves the current challenges of assembling large-capacity battery cells within limited space in commercial vehicles, as well as the issues of cost reduction and range extension. Furthermore, the double-sided cooling liquid cooling assembly combines a blown plate with a bracket, giving it not only the low-cost and high-efficiency advantages of blown plates but also addressing the issue of blown plates not bearing weight, further reducing the cost of the battery module and improving the overall vehicle space utilization.

[0018] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this utility model, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Other features of this utility model will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0019] 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.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling component provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention 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 invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling component provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the battery module includes a first battery pack 10 and a second battery pack 20 stacked along a first direction. Both the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20 include multiple battery cells 30 stacked along a second direction. The first and second directions intersect. The battery module also includes a liquid cooling assembly 40 disposed between the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20. The liquid cooling assembly 40 includes a first blown plate 401, a bracket 402, and a second blown plate 403 stacked along the first direction. The first surface of the first blown plate 401 is planar and contacts the surface of the first battery pack 10 near the second battery pack 20. The first surface of the second blown plate 403 is planar and contacts the surface of the second battery pack 20 near the first battery pack 10. The bracket 402 supports the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20.

[0025] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The first direction can be defined as Figure 1 In the z-direction, the second direction can be defined as Figure 1 The x-direction, z-direction, and x-direction intersect in the first direction (z-direction). The battery module includes a first battery pack 10 and a second battery pack 20 stacked along the first direction (z-direction). Both the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20 include multiple cells 30 stacked along the second direction (x-direction). The first direction (z-direction) and the second direction (x-direction) intersect. When the battery module is working, the cells 30 provide power to the vehicle. Compared to a single-layer battery module, by stacking two battery packs along the first direction (z-direction) within the same vehicle chassis projection area, the number of cells 30 included in the battery module is increased, greatly improving the vehicle's space utilization and volumetric energy density. This results in a doubling of battery capacity and vehicle range within the same footprint.

[0026] Furthermore, a liquid cooling assembly 40 is disposed between the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20. When the battery module is operating, the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20 continuously generate heat. At this time, the liquid cooling assembly 40 can simultaneously dissipate heat from both battery packs, ensuring the temperature uniformity of the multiple cells 30 within the first and second battery packs, effectively extending battery life and enhancing safety. Compared to a design where one battery pack uses a single-sided liquid cooling plate, this embodiment effectively improves space utilization and reduces the number of components within the same space. In addition, when the battery module operates in a low-temperature environment, the liquid cooling assembly 40 can also heat the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20, thereby ensuring the normal operating performance of the battery module.

[0027] Further, refer to Figure 2The liquid cooling assembly 40 includes a first blown plate 401, a bracket 402, and a second blown plate 403 stacked along a first direction (z-direction). In an optional embodiment, the first blown plate 401 includes an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 1mm to 1.5mm, and the second blown plate 402 includes an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 1mm to 1.5mm. The first surface of the first blown plate 401 is planar and contacts the surface of the first battery pack 10 near the second battery pack 20, i.e., the first surface of the first blown plate 401 is the side facing away from the bracket 402 and close to the first battery pack 10, used to absorb the heat generated by the first battery pack 10. The first surface of the second blown plate 403 is planar and contacts the surface of the second battery pack 20 near the first battery pack 10, i.e., the first surface of the second blown plate 402 is the side facing away from the bracket 402 and close to the second battery pack 20, used to absorb the heat generated by the second battery pack 20. Furthermore, although the blown plate has the advantages of low cost and high efficiency, its load-bearing capacity is low. Therefore, a bracket 402 is provided between the first blown plate 401 and the second blown plate 402. The bracket 402 is used to support the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20, thus solving the problem of the blown plate not bearing weight. In an optional embodiment, the bracket 402 includes an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 4mm to 10mm.

[0028] This invention achieves a low-cost, high-energy-density battery module design by incorporating a double-sided cooling liquid-cooling assembly between two battery layers. This largely solves the current challenges of assembling large-capacity battery cells within limited space in commercial vehicles, as well as the issues of cost reduction and range extension. Furthermore, the double-sided cooling liquid-cooling assembly combines a blown plate with a support bracket, giving it not only the low-cost and high-efficiency advantages of blown plates but also addressing the issue of blown plates not bearing weight. This further reduces the cost of the battery module and improves the overall vehicle space utilization.

[0029] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the bracket 402 includes a hollow area 4021 and a coolant flow channel for the first blow-up plate 401. Figure 2 (Not shown) The coolant flow channels 4031 of the first blown plate 401 and the second blown plate 403 are arranged opposite to each other, and at least a portion of the coolant flow channels 4031 of the first blown plate 401 and the second blown plate 403 are located within the hollow area 4021.

[0030] Specifically, a blow molding process can be used to form coolant channels in the first blow-molded plate 401 and the second blow-molded plate 402. Compared with machining to form the coolant plate, this process has advantages such as simpler processing, higher processing efficiency, and lower cost. It is understood that the coolant channels of the first blow-molded plate 401 are located on the opposite side of the first surface of the first blow-molded plate 401, i.e., the side away from the first battery pack 10. The coolant channels 4031 of the second blow-molded plate 402 are located on the opposite side of the first surface of the second blow-molded plate 402, i.e., the side away from the second battery pack 20. Furthermore, the coolant channels 4031 of the first blow-molded plate 401 and the second blow-molded plate 403 are arranged opposite each other. (Reference) Figure 2 The coolant flow channel 4031 of the second blow-up plate 403 provided in this embodiment can be an S-shaped structure, but the coolant flow channels of the first blow-up plate 401 and the second blow-up plate 403 are not limited to an S-shaped structure, and this utility model embodiment does not limit this.

[0031] Further, refer to Figure 2 The bracket 402 can provide support for the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20. The bracket 4021 has a hollow area 4021. On the one hand, it can reserve space for the coolant flow channels of the first blown plate 401 and the second blown plate 403, realizing full utilization of space. On the other hand, it can reduce the weight of the entire liquid cooling assembly 40, realizing lightweight design.

[0032] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 The edge of the bracket 402 includes a coolant inlet 4022 and a coolant outlet 4023. The coolant inlet of the first blow-up plate 401 and the coolant inlet of the second blow-up plate 403 are both connected to the coolant inlet 4022, and the coolant outlet of the first blow-up plate 401 and the coolant outlet of the second blow-up plate 403 are both connected to the coolant outlet 4023.

[0033] Specifically, to effectively dissipate heat from the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20 using the liquid cooling assembly 40, coolant can be filled into the liquid cooling assembly 40 and circulated within it. More specifically, a coolant inlet 4022 and a coolant outlet 4023 are provided at the edge of the support 402 of the liquid cooling assembly 40, and the coolant inlets of the first expansion plate 401 and the second expansion plate 403 are both connected to the coolant inlet 4022. At this time, coolant enters the coolant channels of the first expansion plate 401 and the second expansion plate 403 through the coolant inlets 4022, respectively. The coolant flows along the coolant channels of the first expansion plate 401 and the second expansion plate 403, dissipating heat from the first expansion plate 401... The heat generated by the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20 absorbed by the first surface of the first surface of the first and second blown plates 403 is respectively carried to the coolant outlet of the first blown plate 401 and the coolant outlet of the second blown plate 403. The coolant outlet of the first blown plate 401 and the coolant outlet of the second blown plate 403 are both connected to the coolant outlet 4023, thereby realizing the circulation of coolant in the first blown plate 401 and the second blown plate 402, and realizing the cooling of the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20.

[0034] Optionally, the bracket 402 includes multiple hollow structures, the extension direction of which is parallel to the plane of the aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate. Specifically, by providing multiple hollow structures on the edge of the bracket 402, the weight of the bracket 402 can be further reduced, thereby achieving a lightweight design of the battery module. The shape of the hollow structures is not limited in this embodiment.

[0035] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 The first battery pack 10 also includes a first end plate 50 located on both sides, and the second battery pack 20 also includes a second end plate 60 located on both sides. Both the first end plate 50 and the second end plate 60 are fixedly connected to the bracket 402.

[0036] Specifically, in the battery module, the battery cell 30 does not bear weight; the weight of each layer is borne by the liquid cooling assembly 40. The first end plate 50 located on both sides of the first battery assembly 10 and the second end plate 60 located on both sides of the second battery assembly 20 are fixedly connected to the bracket 402 of the liquid cooling assembly 40 to fix the battery cell 30 and support the liquid cooling assembly 40 for easy placement of the battery cell 30. For example, the first end plate 50 and the second end plate 60 can be made of aluminum alloy.

[0037] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 Both the first end plate 50 and the second end plate 60 include a hollow structure 70 and a threaded hole (not shown in the figure).

[0038] Specifically, each layer of the battery module can be fixedly connected to the other layers using bolts through the threaded holes of the first end plate 50 and the second end plate 60. Furthermore, providing a hollow structure 70 on the first end plate 50 and the second end plate 60 helps to reduce weight, further lowering the weight of the battery module. The shape of the hollow structure 70 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0039] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 The first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20 include the same number of blade cells 30.

[0040] Specifically, the blade cell 30 allows for a more compact arrangement compared to traditional cylindrical or prismatic cells, avoiding the use of ineffective space. Furthermore, reference... Figure 1 The electrodes 301 of the blade cell 30 are located on both sides, which further improves the space utilization of the battery module in the first direction and increases the battery capacity.

[0041] Furthermore, by setting the same number of blade cells 30 in the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20, the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20 can use the same tooling, fixtures and processes to produce and assemble the two-layer battery pack, greatly reducing production complexity, equipment costs and manufacturing cycle. Moreover, based on setting the same number of blade cells 30 in the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20, symmetrical coolant channels can be set in the first expansion plate 401 and the second expansion plate 402, ensuring that the flow rate, flow velocity and heat dissipation path of the coolant flowing through the first battery pack 10 and the second battery pack 20 are basically the same. This effectively avoids excessive temperature differences within the battery module caused by uneven heating and cooling, significantly improves temperature uniformity, and is beneficial to overall battery life and safety.

[0042] Optionally, this utility model provides a vehicle that includes any of the battery modules described in the above embodiments.

[0043] Specifically, using any of the battery modules in the above embodiments in a vehicle is beneficial to increase the vehicle's power capacity under the premise of limited vehicle space, thereby increasing the vehicle's driving range. Furthermore, the battery module adopts a simpler and more efficient blow molding process when manufacturing liquid cooling components, and adopts a double-sided cooling and heat dissipation design, which helps to reduce the cost of the vehicle. In addition, the battery module adopts a double-layer design, which can greatly improve the space utilization of the whole vehicle and increase the energy density of the battery module.

[0044] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, include: A first battery pack and a second battery pack are stacked along a first direction, and both the first battery pack and the second battery pack include a plurality of battery cells stacked along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect. A liquid cooling assembly is disposed between the first battery pack and the second battery pack. The liquid cooling assembly includes a first blown plate, a bracket, and a second blown plate stacked along the first direction. The first surface of the first blown plate is planar and contacts the surface of the first battery pack near the second battery pack. The first surface of the second blown plate is planar and contacts the surface of the second battery pack near the first battery pack. The bracket supports the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The bracket includes a hollow area, the coolant channels of the first blown plate and the coolant channels of the second blown plate are arranged opposite to each other, and at least a portion of the coolant channels of the first blown plate and the second blown plate are located within the hollow area.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, The edge of the bracket includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The coolant flow channel inlets of the first and second blown plates are both connected to the coolant inlet, and the coolant flow channel outlets of the first and second blown plates are both connected to the coolant outlet.

4. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The first inflatable plate comprises an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 1mm to 1.5mm, and the second inflatable plate comprises an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 1mm to 1.5mm.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket comprises an aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 4mm to 10mm.

6. The battery module of claim 5, wherein, The bracket includes multiple hollow structures, and the extending direction of the hollow structures is parallel to the plane of the aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate.

7. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The first battery pack further includes a first end plate located on both sides, and the second battery pack further includes a second end plate located on both sides. Both the first end plate and the second end plate are fixedly connected to the bracket.

8. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, Both the first end plate and the second end plate include a hollow structure and threaded holes.

9. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The first battery pack and the second battery pack include the same number of blade cells.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Includes the battery module described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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