Battery module, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle, wherein the battery module comprises a battery, a first cooling assembly and a first limiting piece; the battery comprises a plurality of battery cell monomers with pole columns and an electrical connecting piece connecting the pole columns of the battery cell monomers; the first cooling assembly comprises a first cooling plate, and the first cooling plate is arranged on a side of the electrical connecting piece away from the pole columns; and the first limiting piece is arranged on a side of the first cooling plate away from the electrical connecting piece, so that the first cooling plate is constrained between the first limiting piece and the electrical connecting piece. The battery module provided by the application can not only ensure a large heat exchange area between the cooling plate and the electrical connecting piece, but also facilitate the fixing of the cooling plate.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Power battery packs typically use cooling plates to cool and dissipate heat from the top of the cells where the terminals are located.

[0003] In related technologies, some battery packs place the cooling plate below the electrical connector. Since the lower part of the electrical connector needs to connect to the terminal of the battery cell, the heat exchange area between the cooling plate and the electrical connector is limited. Other battery packs place the cooling plate above the electrical connector and use thermally conductive structural adhesive to bond and fix the cooling plate and electrical connector; however, the bonding process is relatively complex. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of this application aim to provide a battery module, battery pack and vehicle that can both ensure a large heat exchange area between the cooling plate and the electrical connector and facilitate the fixing of the cooling plate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a battery module, including: A battery, the battery comprising a plurality of individual cells having terminals and an electrical connector connecting the terminals of each individual cell; A first cooling assembly, comprising a first cooling plate disposed on the side of the electrical connector opposite to the electrode post; A first limiting member is disposed on the side of the first cooling plate opposite to the electrical connector, so as to constrain the first cooling plate between the first limiting member and the electrical connector.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first limiting member abuts against the first cooling plate under the action of extrusion force.

[0007] In some embodiments, a plurality of the battery cells are arranged in multiple rows along a first direction and in multiple columns along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; there are multiple first cooling plates, which are arranged along the first direction or the second direction, and at least one first cooling plate is constrained between the first limiting member and the electrical connector.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first cooling assembly includes a first collector and a second collector, which are respectively disposed at opposite ends of a plurality of first cooling plates and are in fluid communication with each of the first cooling plates.

[0009] In some implementations, the first limiting member is an elastic buffer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first cooling assembly further includes a first thermally conductive element sandwiched between the first cooling plate and the electrical connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes two second limiting members, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first cooling assembly in the lateral direction to limit the first cooling plate, wherein the lateral direction intersects with the extension direction of the first cooling plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second limiting member is fixed to the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes a structural adhesive layer, through which the second limiting member is bonded to the individual battery cell.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes a second cooling component disposed on the side of the battery opposite to the first cooling component.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second cooling assembly includes a second cooling plate and a second heat-conducting element disposed between the second cooling plate and the battery cell assembly.

[0016] Another embodiment of this application provides a battery pack, including: The lower housing has a receiving space; The battery module described above is disposed within the accommodating space.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lower housing has an opening communicating with the receiving space, the battery module is exposed at the opening, and the battery pack further includes a cover plate covering the opening, the cover plate applying a compressive force to the first limiting member to abut against the first cooling plate.

[0018] Another embodiment of this application provides a vehicle that includes the battery module or battery pack described above.

[0019] This application provides a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle. In this embodiment, the battery module ensures a large heat exchange area between the first cooling plate and the electrical connector by placing the first cooling plate on the side of the electrical connector away from the terminal post. Simultaneously, the first cooling plate is located between the first limiting member and the electrical connector, with the first limiting member constraining the first cooling plate between them. Therefore, the first cooling plate can be fixed without adhesive. Thus, the battery module of this application not only ensures a large heat exchange area between the cooling plate and the electrical connector but also facilitates the fixing of the cooling plate. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the battery pack shown; Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the battery pack, omitting the cover plate.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Battery module; 11. Battery; 111. Single cell; 1111. Terminal post; 112. Electrical connector; 12. First cooling assembly; 121. First cooling plate; 122. First current collector; 123. Second current collector; 124. First heat conductor; 13. First limiting member; 14. Second limiting member; 15. Structural adhesive layer; 16. Second cooling assembly; 161. Second cooling plate; 162. Second heat conductor; 20. Lower housing; 20a. Accommodation space; 20b. Opening; 30. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "first direction," "second direction," and "third direction" are based on the appended... Figure 1 The orientation or positional relationship shown is merely for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0023] This application provides a battery pack; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 3 The battery pack includes a battery module 10 and a lower housing 20.

[0024] The lower housing 20 has a receiving space 20a, and the battery module 10 is disposed in the receiving space 20a.

[0025] The lower housing 20 is used to provide mechanical protection and structural support for the battery module 10, so that the battery module 10 is protected from the influence of external components.

[0026] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 3 The battery module 10 in this embodiment includes a battery 11, a first cooling component 12, and a first limiting component 13.

[0027] The battery 11 includes a plurality of individual cells 111 having terminals 1111 and electrical connectors 112 connecting the terminals 1111 of each individual cell 111.

[0028] The single cell 111 is the basic unit of the battery 11, used to store and release electrical energy, including but not limited to lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc.

[0029] The terminal 1111 is a conductive intermediate between the internal electrodes (positive and negative electrodes) of the battery cell 111 and the electrical connector 112. It is used to output the current generated inside the battery cell 111 to the outside, or to introduce external current into the battery cell during charging. Figure 1 The shown battery cell 111 has two terminals 1111, namely the positive terminal and the negative terminal.

[0030] Electrical connector 112 is used to electrically connect with the terminal 1111 of the battery cell 111 to form a stable circuit structure, which concentrates the current output of multiple battery cells 111, or distributes external current to each battery cell 111 during charging. For example, multiple battery cells 111 can be connected in series and / or in parallel through electrical connector 112 to form a battery 11 with higher voltage or larger capacity.

[0031] Electrical connectors 112 include, but are not limited to, busbars, conductive connecting pieces, and wire harnesses.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The first cooling assembly 12 includes a first cooling plate 121, which is disposed on the side of the electrical connector 112 away from the electrode post 1111. A first limiting member 13 is disposed on the side of the first cooling plate 121 away from the electrical connector 112 to constrain the first cooling plate 121 between the first limiting member 13 and the electrical connector 112.

[0033] The first cooling plate 121 is used for heat exchange with the battery 11.

[0034] When the battery 11 is working, it will generate a lot of heat. The accumulation of heat will cause the performance of the battery 11 to deteriorate. The first cooling plate 121 can absorb the heat generated by the battery 11 through heat conduction and / or heat convection, so that the temperature of the battery 11 is maintained in the optimal operating range, while ensuring the temperature uniformity between the individual cells 111, thereby avoiding overheating that could lead to thermal runaway, capacity decay or power reduction.

[0035] When the ambient temperature is low (e.g., 0°C), the first cooling plate 121 can also heat the battery 11, raising the temperature of the individual cells 111 and ensuring that the battery 11 still has good charge and discharge performance in low-temperature environments. In other words, the first cooling plate 121 can not only absorb heat from the battery 11, but also release heat from the battery 11.

[0036] Since the electrical connector 112 connects to a single battery cell 111, the heat generated by the battery cell 111 during operation is transferred to the connected electrical connector 112. The first cooling plate 121 is located on the side of the electrical connector 112 away from the terminal post 1111. It can not only exchange heat with the electrical connector 112 itself, but also indirectly exchange heat with the battery cell 111 through the electrical connector 112, which helps to balance the temperature between the battery cells 111.

[0037] The first limiting member 13 is used to fix the first cooling plate 121.

[0038] The first limiting member 13 is disposed on the side of the first cooling plate 121 away from the electrical connector 112, that is, the first cooling plate 121 is located between the first limiting member 13 and the electrical connector 112.

[0039] The constraint means that the first cooling plate 121 is fixed between the first limiting member 13 and the electrical connector 112 and cannot move between the first limiting member 13 and the electrical connector 112.

[0040] For example, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The lower housing 20 has an opening 20b communicating with the receiving space 20a. The battery module 10 is exposed at the opening 20b. The battery pack also includes a cover plate 30 covering the opening 20b. The cover plate 30 applies a pressing force to the first limiting member 13 so that the first limiting member 13 abuts against the first cooling plate 121.

[0041] In other words, when the cover plate 30 is placed over the opening 20b, the cover plate 30 applies a pressing force to the first limiting member 13. Under the action of the pressing force, the first limiting member 13 abuts against the first cooling plate 121, thereby constraining the first cooling plate 121 between the first limiting member 13 and the electrical connector 112.

[0042] The type of the first limiting member 13 is not limited. For example, the first limiting member 13 can be an elastic buffer member. The elastic buffer member can not only buffer the extrusion force and absorb external vibration and impact, but also absorb the volume change of the battery 11 due to thermal expansion and contraction, and prevent the battery 11 and the first cooling component 12 from deforming.

[0043] Elastic cushioning components include, but are not limited to, compressed foam, which has high resilience. The materials used for compressed foam include, but are not limited to, silicone foam, PU (Polyurethane) foam, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethanes), and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer).

[0044] In this embodiment of the battery module 10, by placing the first cooling plate 121 on the side of the electrical connector 112 away from the terminal post 1111, a large heat exchange area can be ensured between the first cooling plate 121 and the electrical connector 112. At the same time, the first cooling plate 121 is also located between the first limiting member 13 and the electrical connector 112. The first limiting member 13 constrains the first cooling plate 121 between the first limiting member 13 and the electrical connector 112. Thus, the first cooling plate 121 can be fixed without the need for adhesive. Therefore, the battery module 10 in this embodiment of the application can both ensure a large heat exchange area between the cooling plate and the electrical connector 112 and facilitate the fixing of the cooling plate.

[0045] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 Multiple battery cells 111 are arranged in multiple rows along a first direction and in multiple columns along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. There are multiple first cooling plates 121, which are arranged along the first or second direction, and at least one first cooling plate 121 is constrained between the first limiting member 13 and the electrical connector 112.

[0046] Multiple battery cells 111 are arranged in a row along a first direction, with adjacent battery cells 111 connected by electrical connectors 112 to form a row of battery cells 111. That is, the multiple electrical connectors 112 are spaced apart along the first direction, and a first cooling plate 121 extends along the first direction to cover the electrical connectors 112 corresponding to the row of battery cells 111. In a second direction, multiple rows of battery cells 111 are arranged sequentially to form a battery cell module, wherein the first cooling plate 121 corresponds one-to-one with the multiple rows of battery cells 111 and is spaced apart along the second direction. The first limiting member 13 may constrain only a portion of the first cooling plate 121; for example, there may be multiple first limiting members 13, each constraining a portion of the first cooling plate 121. Alternatively, the first limiting member 13 may constrain all the first cooling plates 121 simultaneously.

[0047] In other embodiments, a plurality of first cooling plates 121 may also extend along a second direction and be spaced apart along a first direction.

[0048] By setting up multiple first cooling plates 121, precise temperature control in different zones can be achieved, the heat conduction path can be shortened, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and reducing regional temperature differences.

[0049] In other embodiments, the number of first cooling plates 121 may also be one, which covers all electrical connectors 112 and exchanges heat with all electrical connectors 112.

[0050] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The first cooling assembly 12 may include a first collector 122 and a second collector 123. The first collector 122 and the second collector 123 are respectively disposed at opposite ends of a plurality of first cooling plates 121 and are in fluid communication with each first cooling plate 121.

[0051] In other words, multiple first cooling plates 121 are connected and fluidly communicated through a first collector 122 and a second collector 123.

[0052] By setting the first collector 122 and the second collector 123, the cooling medium can be distributed and collected, balancing the flow rate of the cooling medium in each cooling plate. At the same time, the flow rate of the coolant in different areas can be adjusted in a targeted manner (such as distributing more flow to the high-temperature area), so that the temperature distribution on the surface of the cooling plate is more uniform, avoiding local overheating that could affect battery life or cause safety risks.

[0053] The first collector 122 and the second collector 123 are respectively provided with a matching interface corresponding to the first cooling plate 121, and the opposite ends of the first cooling plate 121 are respectively inserted into the matching interface.

[0054] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first cooling assembly 12 may also include a first heat-conducting element 124, which is sandwiched between the first cooling plate 121 and the electrical connector 112.

[0055] The first heat-conducting element 124 is used to fill the gap between the first cooling plate 121 and the electrical connection, which can significantly reduce the contact thermal resistance and make the heat generated by the battery 11 more efficiently transferred to the first cooling plate 121 through the first heat-conducting element 124.

[0056] The first thermally conductive component 124 includes, but is not limited to, thermally conductive structural adhesive and thermally conductive pads. The thermally conductive structural adhesive and thermally conductive pads can adapt to the thermal expansion and contraction of the battery 11 through elastic deformation, ensuring that they are always in contact with the first cooling plate 121 and the electrical connector 112 respectively, thus ensuring heat conduction efficiency. At the same time, they can also provide buffer protection to reduce rigid collisions and friction between the first cooling plate 121 and the electrical connector 112.

[0057] When the first thermally conductive component 124 is made of thermally conductive structural adhesive, the first thermally conductive component 124 has both the functions of thermal conduction and fixation.

[0058] When the cover plate 30 is placed over the opening 20b, the first limiting member 13 presses the first cooling plate 121 under the squeezing force of the cover plate 30 until the thermally conductive structural adhesive between the first cooling plate 121 and the electrical connector 112 solidifies. In other words, the cover plate 30 can act as a pressure adhesive tooling, thereby reducing production steps and improving production efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The battery module 10 also includes two second limiting members 14, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first cooling assembly 12 in the lateral direction to limit the first cooling plate 121. The lateral direction intersects with the extension direction of the first cooling plate 121.

[0060] Two second limiting members 14 are used to limit the lateral sides of the first cooling assembly 12. The lateral side is... Figure 1 The second direction in which the first cooling plate 121 extends is... Figure 1 The first direction in the middle.

[0061] Preferably, the two second limiting members 14 constrain the first cooling plate 121 so that the first cooling plate 121 cannot move between the two second limiting members 14.

[0062] In an embodiment where the first cooling assembly 12 includes a plurality of first cooling plates 121, the plurality of first cooling plates 121 are located between two second limiting members 14. That is, the two second limiting members 14 are located on opposite sides of the first cooling assembly 12 along the second direction, thereby limiting the entire first cooling assembly 12 and ensuring the installation stability of the plurality of first cooling plates 121.

[0063] For example, please refer to Figure 2 The second limiting member 14 can be fixed to the battery cell 111 to prevent the first cooling plate 121 from shifting due to the unstable installation of the second limiting member 14.

[0064] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The battery module 10 also includes a structural adhesive layer 15. The second limiting member 14 is bonded to the cell 111 through the structural adhesive layer 15. The structural adhesive layer 15 is a surface contact flexible fixation, which can evenly distribute the pressure of the cell strip on the surface of the cell 111 and avoid local stress concentration. At the same time, the structural adhesive layer 15 can also utilize the thermal expansion and contraction of the cell 111.

[0065] Preferably, the second limiting member 14 can be a cell retaining strip. The cell retaining strip is connected to multiple individual cell units 111 to fix and protect the multiple individual cell units 111 through mechanical constraints.

[0066] Figure 1 The cell pressure bar extends along the first direction to connect multiple individual cells 111 arranged along the first direction into a whole, preventing the multiple cells from being displaced relative to each other due to their own volume expansion and / or external forces.

[0067] Preferably, the battery cell pressing strip can be a composite pultruded strip, meaning that the battery cell pressing strip is made of composite materials through a pultrusion process. The composite material uses resin as the matrix material and fibers or fabrics as reinforcing materials to meet the requirements of durability and lightweighting. The pultrusion process is an automated or semi-automated production line, offering high production efficiency and low production costs, meeting the needs of large-scale production.

[0068] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module 10 may also include a second cooling component 16 disposed on the side of the battery 11 opposite to the first cooling component 12.

[0069] The second cooling component 16 is used to exchange heat with the side of the battery 11 away from the first cooling component 12, so as to cooperate with the first cooling component 12 to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the battery 11.

[0070] For example, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The second cooling assembly 16 may include a second cooling plate 161 and a second heat-conducting element 162 disposed between the second cooling plate 161 and the battery cell 111 group.

[0071] The second cooling plate 161 is used for heat exchange with the battery 11, and the second heat-conducting element 162 is used to fill the gap between the second cooling plate 161 and the battery 11, which can significantly reduce the contact thermal resistance and make the heat generated by the battery 11 more efficiently transferred to the second cooling plate 161 through the second heat-conducting element 162.

[0072] Please see Figure 1 There is one second cooling plate 161. The second cooling plate 161 exchanges heat with all the battery cells 111 at the same time, and can also provide flat support for the battery cells 111.

[0073] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in yet another embodiment," or "exemplary," 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 embodiments of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0074] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, include: A battery, the battery comprising a plurality of individual cells having terminals and an electrical connector connecting the terminals of each individual cell; A first cooling assembly, comprising a first cooling plate disposed on the side of the electrical connector opposite to the electrode post; A first limiting member is disposed on the side of the first cooling plate opposite to the electrical connector, so as to constrain the first cooling plate between the first limiting member and the electrical connector.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting member abuts against the first cooling plate under the action of extrusion force.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Multiple battery cells are arranged in multiple rows along a first direction and in multiple columns along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; there are multiple first cooling plates, which are arranged along the first direction or the second direction, and at least one first cooling plate is constrained between the first limiting member and the electrical connector.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first cooling assembly further includes a first collector and a second collector, which are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the plurality of first cooling plates and are in fluid communication with each of the first cooling plates.

5. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The first limiting member is an elastic buffer member.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first cooling assembly further includes a first heat-conducting element, which is sandwiched between the first cooling plate and the electrical connector.

7. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The battery module also includes two second limiting members, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the first cooling component in the lateral direction to limit the first cooling plate. The lateral direction intersects with the extension direction of the first cooling plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second limiting member is fixed to the battery cell.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery module also includes a structural adhesive layer, through which the second limiting member is bonded to the individual battery cell.

10. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The battery module also includes a second cooling component disposed on the side of the battery opposite to the first cooling component.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second cooling assembly includes a second cooling plate and a second heat-conducting element disposed between the second cooling plate and the battery cell assembly.

12. A battery pack, characterized in that, include; The lower housing has a receiving space; The battery module according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the battery module is disposed within the receiving space.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that, The lower housing has an opening communicating with the accommodating space, the battery module is exposed at the opening, and the battery pack also includes a cover plate covering the opening, the cover plate applying a compressive force to the first limiting member so that the first limiting member abuts against the first cooling plate.

14. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the battery module as described in any one of claims 1-10 or the battery pack as described in claim 11.

Images