Battery housing and battery module

Abstract

Battery housing comprising: a top cover assembly (300), a base plate (101) and a side plate (102) connected to the base plate (101), wherein the base plate (101) and the side plate (102) enclose a mounting cavity (103), wherein the top cover assembly (300) closes the mounting cavity (103), and wherein at least one of the base plate (101) and the side plate (102) has a vapor chamber structure.

Description

Technical area

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, in particular to a battery housing and a battery module. State of the art

[0002] A battery's outer casing is primarily used to protect the battery's internal materials. Currently, most outer casings in the industry are made of aluminum. However, when excessive heat is generated inside the battery, relying solely on the aluminum casing makes it difficult to fully cool the battery module, making it prone to thermal runaway.

[0003] A vapor chamber is a phase-change heat transfer element that utilizes the latent heat of a phase change in a working fluid to dissipate heat. It is the most promising thermal management approach for solving heat dissipation problems in products and devices. Currently, vapor chambers are mainly used for heat dissipation in electronic devices. They have excellent thermal conductivity, a large heat transfer area, and good temperature uniformity. In particular, they are ultra-thin and can be customized in shape and size according to actual heat dissipation needs. Therefore, their excellent thermal conductivity makes them ideal for heat dissipation in secondary batteries, especially for applications in the field of heat dissipation of high-capacity batteries, and they have attracted considerable attention from researchers.The performance and service life of secondary batteries are closely related to their operating temperature. Only by operating them within the appropriate temperature range can the performance of secondary batteries be optimized and their thermal safety ensured. Excessively high temperatures can easily cause thermal runaway of battery cells or even battery modules, resulting in combustion, explosion, and other safety incidents. Conversely, excessively low temperatures can reduce the electrochemical reaction activity within the battery, resulting in a sharp decline in battery performance.

[0004] In related technologies, researchers have applied vapor chambers to battery modules, placing the vapor chamber between two battery cells. However, this process is very unfriendly to module system assembly, increases the complexity of the process, and can lead to unstable fastening of the battery cells within a module box. Disclosure of the application

[0005] This application provides a battery enclosure and a battery module to address the above technical issues.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a battery housing comprising: a top cover assembly, a base plate, and a side plate connected to the base plate, the base plate and the side plate enclosing a mounting cavity, the top cover assembly closing the mounting cavity, at least one of the base plate and the side plate having a vapor chamber structure.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery module comprising: a lower guard plate, the lower guard plate being internally provided with a cooling fluid channel, a surface of the lower guard plate being provided with an inlet and an outlet for connecting the cooling fluid channel; a plurality of batteries, the batteries mounted on the lower protective plate, each battery having a battery case, a battery cell being provided within the battery case; wherein a surface of the battery housing facing the lower protective plate is provided with at least one opening, wherein a vapor chamber is mounted within the opening, wherein one surface of the vapor chamber is in either indirect or direct contact with the lower protective plate, wherein another surface of the vapor chamber is in either indirect or direct contact with the battery cell. Beneficial effects:

[0008] The useful effects of the present application are: The battery case provided in this application is primarily used to house battery cells. Specifically, the structure of the vapor chamber itself is simple, with low manufacturing costs and efficient thermal diffusion capability. By using the vapor chamber structure as the base plate or side plate of the battery case, the battery case consists of the vapor chamber that directly contacts the battery cells and directly cools them, thereby preventing localized overtemperatures and maintaining a temperature-balanced state for the entire battery, thus preventing thermal runaway.At the same time, the use of the vapor chamber structure directly as a battery case eliminates the need to consider connection methods between the vapor chamber structure and the battery cells, thereby reducing the difficulty of the battery installation process, improving production efficiency, further avoiding problems such as instability during the installation process of the vapor chamber structure and the battery cells, and improving the overall stability of the battery.

[0009] For the battery module provided in the present application, the housing of each battery is provided with at least one opening. Since the vapor chamber is mounted within the opening, one surface of the vapor chamber is in indirect or direct contact with the battery cell, and the other surface of the vapor chamber is in indirect or direct contact with the lower protective plate. Thus, the heat dissipated in the battery can be quickly transferred to the lower protective plate via the vapor chamber. The heat is dissipated via the cooling fluid channel in the lower protective plate, keeping the battery module at an appropriate ambient temperature to ensure the complete implementation of the battery module's electrochemical reaction. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a battery case provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 2 is an unfolded schematic view of a base plate and a side plate in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first steam chamber in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic structural view of a base plate in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic structural view of a battery case provided by another embodiment of the present application. Fig. Figure 6 is an unfolded schematic view of a base plate and a side plate in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second steam chamber in Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 8 is an unfolded schematic view of a side plate in Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is a schematic structural view of a battery case provided by another embodiment of the present application. Fig. 10 is an unfolded schematic view of a base plate and a side plate in Fig. 9. Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B are schematic structural views of a first cover plate provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B, Fig. 12C, Fig. 12D and Fig. 12E are schematic views of a conductor provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B are other schematic structural views of a first cover plate provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 14 is a schematic structural view of a cover plate assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 15 is a schematic structural view of a top cover assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 16 is a perspective schematic view of a battery module provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 17 is a perspective schematic view of a battery provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 18 is a first perspective schematic view of a battery case provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 19 is a second perspective schematic view of a battery case provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 20 is an enlarged partial view of part A in Fig. 19. Reference symbol:

[0010] 100: Battery case; 101: Base plate; 102: Side plate; 103: Mounting cavity; 105: First vapor chamber; 106: First outer plate; 107: First inner plate; 108: First support projection; 109: First liquid absorption core; 110: First cavity; 111: First projecting structure; 112: First long projection block; 113: First projection point; 114: Second vapor chamber; 115: Second outer plate; 116: Second inner plate; 117: Second support projection; 118: Second liquid absorption core; 119: Second cavity; 120: Second projecting structure; 121: Second long projection block; 122: Second projection point; 123: Third projection point; 124: First plate; 125: Second plate; 126: third plate; 127: fourth plate; 128: fifth plate; 129: sixth plate; 130: first part; 131: second part; 134: third part; 135: fourth part; 136: fifth part; 137: sixth part; 138: first side plate; 139: second side plate; 140: third side plate; 141: fourth side plate; 142: dense area;143: Leaking area; 144: Bent area; 200: Cover plate assembly; 300: Top cover assembly; A: Receiving cavity; 210: First cover plate; 201: Sealing plate; 202: Bottom cover plate; 203: Edge plate; 204: Mounting section; 2041: First through hole; 2042: Second through hole; 2043: Connection barrier; 205: Mounting groove; 220: Second cover plate; 230: Conductor; 240: Cooling medium; 250: Sealing ring; 260: First plastic piece; 270: Terminal pressure plate; 280: Second plastic piece; 290: Terminal clamp; 10: Bottom protection plate; 11: Inlet; 12: Outlet; 20: Battery; 21: Opening; 22: Steam chamber.; Detailed embodiments

[0011] The present application provides a battery housing. Fig. 1 to Fig. 10 are schematic structural views of the battery case provided by the present application. The battery case 100 includes a top cover assembly 300, a base plate 101, and a side plate 102 connected to the base plate 101. The base plate 101 and the side plate 102 define a mounting cavity 103 closed by the top cover assembly 300. At least one of the base plate 101 and the side plate 102 includes a vapor chamber structure. The battery case provided by this application has good thermal conductivity, can prevent local overheating, has strong deformation resistance, and has a high safety factor. The battery case 100 will be described in detail below with reference to the main drawings.

[0012] See Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 5. The battery case 100 includes a base plate 101 and a side plate 102 that is bently connected to the base plate 101. The base plate 101 and the side plate 102 enclose a mounting cavity 103. At least one of the base plate 101 and the side plate 102 includes a vapor chamber structure.

[0013] In the technical solution of the present application, the battery case 100 is mainly used to house battery cells. Specifically, the structure of the vapor chamber itself is simple, with low manufacturing costs and efficient thermal diffusion capability. By using the vapor chamber structure as the base plate 101 or side plate 102 of the battery case 100 and integrating the vapor chamber structure into the battery case 100, the vapor chamber structure directly contacts the battery cells, directly cools the battery cells, and prevents localized overheating. As a result, the entire battery is in a temperature-balanced state to prevent thermal runaway.Furthermore, using the vapor chamber structure directly as the battery case 100 eliminates the need to consider connection methods between the vapor chamber structure and the battery cells, thereby reducing the installation process difficulty of the battery, improving production efficiency, and further avoiding problems such as instability during the installation process of the vapor chamber structure and the battery cells, and improving the overall stability of the battery.

[0014] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the base plate 101 of the battery case 100 adopts a vapor chamber structure to prevent excessive battery temperatures, while the side plate 102 of the battery case 100 is made of a bent aluminum shell. The bent aluminum shell has a simple manufacturing process and good thermal conductivity. Specifically, the base plate 101 and the side plate 102 are connected by welding.

[0015] In relation to Fig. 3, the vapor chamber structure further comprises a first vapor chamber 105. In this embodiment, the first vapor chamber 105 serves as the bottom of the battery case 100. The first vapor chamber 105 includes a first outer plate 106, a first inner plate 107, a plurality of first support projections 108, and at least one first liquid absorption core 109. The first outer plate 106 and the first inner plate 107 are connected to each other and form a first receiving cavity between them. The plurality of first support projections 108 are spaced apart within the first receiving cavity. Thus, the two adjacent first support projections 108, the first inner plate 107, and the first outer plate 106 together enclose a first cavity 110. This first cavity serves to receive a liquid cooling medium. The first liquid absorption core 109 is provided in the first cavity 110 and configured to adsorb the liquid cooling medium.In the operating state, the base plate 101 is in a vertical state, and the first cavity 110 becomes a first upper cavity and a first lower cavity arranged in an up-and-down direction. Due to gravity, the cooling medium descends and concentrates in the first lower cavity, resulting in lower cooling efficiency in the first upper cavity than in the first lower cavity. To ensure cooling efficiency, one end of the first liquid absorption core 109 abuts against a side surface of the first outer plate 106 facing the first inner plate 107, and the other end of the first liquid absorption core 109 abuts against a side surface of the first inner plate 107 facing the first outer surface.Thus, the first liquid absorption core 109 is located in both the first upper and first lower cavities, whereby the first liquid absorption core 109 can absorb the liquid cooling medium in the first lower cavity and transfer the liquid cooling medium into the first upper cavity based on its own positional relationships, so that the cooling efficiencies of the first upper cavity and the first lower cavity are substantially consistent and local overheating due to the inconsistent cooling efficiencies is avoided.

[0016] It should be noted that the plurality of first support protrusions 108 act to support the first inner plate 107 and the first outer plate 106, thereby increasing the strength of the first vapor chamber 105. In practical application, the battery generates significant heat during operation, which may cause the battery cell to expand. The base plate 101 may be compressed by this expansion of the battery cell, resulting in deformation of the base plate 101. The arrangement of a plurality of first support protrusions 108 between the first inner plate 107 and the first outer plate 106 can increase the strength of the first outer plate 106 and the first inner plate 107 and prevent the first outer plate 106 and the first inner plate 107 from being compressed and deformed.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the first liquid absorption core 109 is further made of capillary fibers. A cooling process of the first vapor chamber 105 is as follows: The first liquid absorption core 109 absorbs the liquid cooling medium from the first lower cavity so that the liquid cooling medium can fill the entire first liquid absorption core 109. Due to its own capillary structure, the liquid cooling medium in the first liquid absorption core 109 diffuses into the first upper cavity. The liquid cooling medium in the first upper cavity absorbs heat and transforms from liquid to gas. Due to the continuous supply of liquid cooling medium into the first upper cavity through the first liquid absorption core 109, the liquid cooling medium displaces the gaseous cooling medium, and the gaseous cooling medium moves to the first lower cavity. When the gaseous cooling medium reaches a bottom wall (ieWhen the liquid coolant contacts the first outer plate 106 (which comes into contact with an external environment) of the first lower cavity, it cools and transforms from gas to liquid, settling in the first lower cavity. The liquid coolant is again absorbed by the first liquid absorption core 109 and returns to the first upper cavity for cooling. This creates a cooling cycle system.

[0018] Specifically, the metals are selected as materials for the first inner plate 107 and the first outer plate 106, taking into account the strength and thermal conductivity of the battery case 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the material of the first inner plate 107 is copper, and the material of the first outer plate 106 is copper. In addition, the materials of the first support protrusions 108 are also copper.

[0019] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first outer plate 106 and the first inner plate 107 are joined by welding. The first cavity is in either a vacuum or near-vacuum state (the near-vacuum state refers to a gas pressure within the first cavity 110 lower than 1 Pa). Placing the first cavity in a vacuum or near-vacuum state aims to prevent leaks during the transition of the liquid cooling medium to gas.

[0020] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the specific type of liquid cooling medium is not limited, as long as a cyclic conversion between the gas state and the liquid state can be realized. For example, the liquid cooling medium can be water, ethanol, or ethylene glycol.

[0021] In the practical application process, the battery cell heats up and expands, compressing the battery case 100. To prevent the bottom of the battery case from bending and deforming, it is necessary to increase the strength of the bottom. Specifically, refer to Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the first vapor chamber 105 further includes a plurality of first protruding structures 111. The plurality of first protruding structures 111 may be provided on a side surface of the first inner plate 107 facing away from the first outer plate 106 or on a side surface of the first outer plate 106 facing away from the first inner plate 107. Considering space utilization, when the plurality of first protruding structures 111 are provided on the first inner plate 107, they occupy the space of the battery cells, resulting in a reduced battery cell size and a reduced total battery capacity. To avoid these problems, as a preferred embodiment, the plurality of first protruding structures 111 are provided on a side surface of the first outer plate 106 facing away from the first inner plate 107.This increases the strength of the base plate 101 and does not take up any space of the battery cells.

[0022] During the practical installation process, the temperature in the central part of the bottom is higher than at the edges. During the expansion of the battery cell, it has a greater contact pressure on the central part of the base plate 101 than on the edges of the base plate 101. Considering the need to balance strength and lightweight construction, in the present embodiment, refer again to Fig. 4. The plurality of first protruding structures 111 include a plurality of first long protrusion blocks 112 and a plurality of first protrusion points 113. The plurality of first long protrusion blocks and the plurality of first protrusion points as reinforcement structures enhance the strength of the base plate 101. By setting the reinforcement structures with two different shapes, different locations of the base plate 101 are reinforced and the strength requirements of different locations of the base plate 101 are met. Specifically, the plurality of first long protrusion blocks 112 are located in the central part of the base plate 101, and the plurality of first protrusion points 113 are located at the edges of the base plate 101. Furthermore, considering the demand for lightweight construction, the edge position of the base plate 101 is subjected to a lower pressing pressure than the central part of the base plate 101.Thus, the size of the third protrusion point 123 can be relatively reduced, thereby reducing the overall weight of the base plate 101 to meet lightweight requirements. Specifically, a length of the second long protrusion block 121 is greater than a length of the third protrusion point 123. The temperature in the central part of the base plate 101 is higher than at the edges of the base plate 101. The second long protrusion block 121 can increase a surface area of ​​the base plate 101 and improve its heat exchange capacity. At the same time, the second long protrusion block 121 can increase a supporting force of the base plate 101, thereby preventing the base plate 101 from bending and deforming due to the excessive weight of the battery cell, or the battery cell from heating and expanding and pressing the base plate 101, which could cause the base plate 101 of the lower case to become uneven or even damaged.

[0023] It should be noted that the arrangement of the first long protrusion blocks 112 and the first protrusion points 113 is not limited as long as they can meet the strength requirements of the central part of the base plate 101. Considering that the more uniform the force on an object, the lower the probability of local deformation occurring, in this embodiment, further refer to Fig. 4. Using a first direction that is Fig. 4 for reference, where a second direction is perpendicular to the first direction within a horizontal plane (the first direction is a longitudinal direction of the battery case 100 and the second direction is a width direction of the battery case 100), the base plate 101 includes two first side edges located opposite each other in the first direction and two second side edges located in the second direction. The plurality of first long protrusion blocks 112 extend along the width direction of the battery case 100 and are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the battery case 100 in the central part of the base plate 101. The plurality of first protrusion points 113 are arranged at both ends of the plurality of first long protrusion blocks 112, mainly concentrated near the two second side edges.A plurality of first protrusion points 113 are not arranged near the two first side edges. Depending on actual needs, the two first long protrusion blocks 112 near the two first side edges can be replaced with a plurality of first protrusion points 113, or, as in this embodiment, the two long protrusion blocks can be retained. The choice depends on the actual situation. With this setting, the bottom surface is subjected to a uniform force, thereby preventing local deformation of the bottom surface.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the applicant further considered the size of the battery cells, the uniformity of force, the need for structural strength, and the need for lightweight construction through repeated research and testing. The size of the first long protrusion block 112 in the width direction of the battery case 100 is "b" and the size of the first vapor chamber 105 is "B", where b=cB, where "c" is a coefficient such that 1 / 4≤c≤2 / 3. In this embodiment, the size of the first vapor chamber 105 in the width direction of the battery case 100 is the width of the first vapor chamber 105, and the size of the first long protrusion block 112 in the width direction of the battery case 100 is the length of the first long protrusion block 112.Specifically, if the size of the first long protrusion block 112 meets the above requirements, the strength of the base plate 101 meets the process requirements, and its lightweight construction also meets the process requirements. Note that the width of the first vapor chamber 105 is mainly determined based on actual needs and application scenarios.

[0025] Please continue to refer to Fig. 4. To increase the cooling efficiency of the first vapor chamber 105, a plurality of first liquid absorbing cores 109 are provided, extending in the width direction of the battery case 100 and spaced apart along the length direction of the battery case. The respective first liquid absorbing cores 109 are located on one side of the corresponding plurality of first long protrusion blocks 112 and the corresponding plurality of first protrusion points 113. Specifically, in this embodiment, an extending direction of the first liquid absorbing cores 109 is the same as an extending direction of the first long protrusion blocks 112. Considering cooling efficiency, every three of the long protrusion blocks are grouped, with a first liquid absorbing core 109 provided between two adjacent groups. This arrangement not only ensures the strength of the base plate 101 but also ensures the cooling efficiency of the base plate 101.

[0026] In another embodiment, you refer to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The base plate 101 of the battery case 100 adopts a vapor chamber structure, and the side plate 102 of the battery case 100 also adopts a vapor chamber structure to cool the entire battery and keep the entire battery in a temperature balanced state.

[0027] Specifically, in this embodiment, you refer to Fig. 7. The vapor chamber structure includes a second vapor chamber 114. The battery case 100 adopts the first vapor chamber 105 as the base plate 101 and the second vapor chamber 114 as the side plate 102. The specific structure of the first vapor chamber 105 can be referred to the previous embodiment and will not be described redundantly here. The second vapor chamber 114 includes a second outer plate 115, a second inner plate 116, a plurality of second support protrusions 117, and at least one second liquid absorption core 118. The second outer plate 115 and the second inner plate 116 are connected to each other and form a second receiving cavity between them. The plurality of second support protrusions 117 are spaced apart within the second receiving cavity. Thus, the two adjacent second support protrusions 117, the second outer plate 115, and the second inner plate 116 together enclose a second cavity 119.This second cavity serves to accommodate a liquid cooling medium. The second liquid absorption core 118 is provided in the second cavity 119 and configured to adsorb the liquid cooling medium. A specific cooling process of the second vapor chamber 114 is the same as the cooling process of the first vapor chamber 105, which can be related to the first vapor chamber 105 and will not be described redundantly here.

[0028] Note that a material of the second inner plate 116 is metal, and a material of the second outer plate 115 is metal. Further, as a preferred embodiment, copper is selected as the material for the second inner plate 116 and the material for the second outer plate 115. Additionally, copper is also selected as the material for the plurality of second support protrusions 117. A material of the second liquid absorbing core 118 is capillary fiber. The second cavity 119 is in a vacuum or near-vacuum state (the near-vacuum state refers to a gas pressure within the first cavity 110 lower than 1 Pa).

[0029] In the practical application process, the battery cell heats up and expands, compressing the battery case 100. In order to prevent the side plate 102 from bending and deforming, it is necessary to increase the strength of the side plate 102. Specifically, refer to Fig. 5, the second vapor chamber 114 further includes a plurality of second protruding structures 120. The plurality of second protruding structures 120 may be provided on a side surface of the second inner plate 116 facing away from the second outer plate 115 or on a side surface of the second outer plate 115 facing away from the second inner plate 116. Considering space utilization, when the plurality of second protruding structures 120 are provided on the first inner plate 107, they occupy the space of the battery cells, resulting in a reduced battery cell size and a reduced total battery capacity. To avoid the above problems, as a preferred embodiment, the plurality of second protruding structures 120 are provided on a side surface of the second outer plate 115 facing away from the second inner plate 116.This increases the strength of the side plate 102 and does not take up any space of the battery cells.

[0030] Please refer to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8. The side plate 102 is formed by bending a single piece of the second vapor chamber 114 multiple times during manufacturing, thereby forming the side plate 102. As a result, the side plate 102 has bent portions 144, and wrinkles are formed in the bent portions 144. The strength at these wrinkles is weaker compared to other positions. When the battery cell in the battery case 100 heats up and expands, and if the expansion force is too large, the side plate 102 is prone to breakage at the bent portions 144. Specifically, in this embodiment, the plurality of second protruding structures 120 includes a plurality of second long protrusion blocks 121 and a plurality of second protrusion points 122.The plurality of second long protrusion blocks 121 are located in the bent portions 144. The plurality of second long protrusion blocks 121 are spaced apart along the height direction of the battery case 100 and extend in a direction intersecting the height direction. The plurality of second long protrusion blocks 121 can increase the support strength of the bent portions 144. The bent portions 144 must be bent, and the creases of the bent portions 144 reduce their strength. The plurality of second long protrusion blocks 121 can prevent a reduction in the strength of the side plate 102 due to the presence of the creases. Meanwhile, the plurality of second protrusion points 122 are arranged at both ends of a plurality of long protrusion blocks, thereby further increasing the strength of the bent portions 144.The plurality of second protrusion points 122 can withstand the expansion force of the battery cell in the battery case 100 and prevent the bent portions from being deformed or even damaged.

[0031] It should be noted that the positions of the folds within the bent portions 144 are weaker in strength and less able to withstand the expansion force of the battery cell, while other parts within the bent portions 144 have a greater ability than the folds to withstand the expansion force of the battery cell. Therefore, given the need for lightweight construction, the length of the second long protrusion block 121 is greater than the length of the second protrusion point 122. This configuration meets both the rigidity and lightweight requirements of the side plate 102.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the applicant further considered the size of the battery cells, the uniformity of force, the need for structural strength, and the need for lightweight construction through repeated research and testing, and determined that the size of the side plate 102 in the height direction of the battery case 100 is "A," and the size of the second long protrusion block 121 along the extension direction of the second long protrusion block 121 is "a," where a=dA, where "c" is a coefficient such that 1 / 10≤d≤1 / 5. In this embodiment, the size of the second vapor chamber 114 in the height direction of the battery case 100 is the width of the second vapor chamber 114, and the size of the second long protrusion block 121 in the width direction of the battery case 100 is the length of the second long protrusion block 121.Specifically, if the size of the second long protrusion block 121 meets the above requirements, the strength of the side plate 101 meets the process requirements, and its lightweight construction also meets the process requirements. Note that the width of the second vapor chamber 114 is mainly determined based on actual needs and application scenarios.

[0033] Please continue to refer to Fig. 5 and Fig. 8. The side plate 102 also includes unbent portions, and the plurality of second protruding structures 120 further includes a plurality of third protrusion points 123. The unbent portions do not undergo bending deformation and therefore have a higher ability to withstand the expansion force of the battery cell than the bent portions 144. Given the need for lightweight construction, the size of the third protrusion point 123 can be appropriately reduced. Specifically, in this embodiment, the length of the second long protrusion block 121 is greater than the length of the third protrusion point 123, and the plurality of second long protrusion blocks 121 and the plurality of second protrusion points 122 are located between a plurality of third protrusion points 123.

[0034] Note that the size relationship between the second protrusion point 122 and the third protrusion point 123 is not limited and can be adjusted according to actual conditions. For example, in one embodiment, the size of the third protrusion point 123 and the size of the second protrusion point 122 are set to be the same; in another embodiment, the size of the third protrusion point 123 is larger than the size of the second protrusion point 122 to improve the ability of the unbent portions to withstand the expansion force of the battery cell.

[0035] Refer to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8. To facilitate bending of the second vapor chamber 114, in this embodiment, the second vapor chamber 114 is segmented. Specifically, the second vapor chamber 114 includes a first plate 124, a second plate 125, a third plate 126, a fourth plate 127, a fifth plate 128, and a sixth plate 129. The first plate 124, the second plate 125, the third plate 126, the fourth plate 127, the fifth plate 128, and the sixth plate 129 are connected end-to-end in series to surround the mounting cavity 103. The second vapor chamber 114 requires three bends to achieve the end-to-end connection. Therefore, the second vapor chamber 114 has three bent portions 144.Specifically, the first plate 124, the second plate 125, the third plate 126, the fourth plate 127, the fifth plate 128, and the sixth plate 129 are arranged such that the second plate 125, the third plate 126, and the fifth plate 128 each include the bent portion; the plurality of second long protrusion blocks 121 and the plurality of second protrusion points 122 are provided in the second plate 125, the third plate 126, and the fifth plate 128, while the plurality of third protrusion points 123 are provided in the first plate 124, the fourth plate 127, and the sixth plate 129.

[0036] Please refer to Fig. 5 and Fig. 8. The side plate 102 includes a first side plate 138 and a third side plate 140 arranged opposite each other, as well as a second side plate 139 and a fourth side plate 141 arranged opposite each other. The second side plate 139 is connected to one side of the first side plate 138 and the third side plate 140, while the fourth side plate 141 is connected to the other side of the first side plate 138 and the third side plate 140. In this embodiment, the first side plate 138 and the third side plate 140 are arranged opposite each other along the second direction, and the second side plate 139 and the fourth side plate 141 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction.Specifically, the second plate 125 comprises a first part 130 and a second part 131 connected by bending, the third plate 126 comprises a third part 134 and a fourth part 135 connected by bending, and the fifth plate 128 comprises a fifth part 136 and a sixth part 137 connected by bending. More specifically, the first plate 124 and the first part 130 of the second plate 125 form the first side plate 138. The second part 131 of the second plate 125 and the third part 134 of the third plate 126 form the second side plate 139. The fourth part 135 of the third plate 126, the fourth plate 127, and the fifth part 136 of the fifth plate 128 form the third side plate 140. The sixth part 137 of the fifth plate 128 and the sixth plate 129 form the fourth side plate 141.

[0037] Refer to Fig. 6 and Fig. 8. In order to increase the cooling efficiency of the side plate 102, this embodiment provides a plurality of second liquid absorption cores 118. The plurality of second liquid absorption cores 118 extend along the height direction of the battery case 100 and are spaced apart in a direction intersecting the height direction. The plurality of second liquid absorption cores 118 are located within the first plate 124 and the fourth plate 127, and between two adjacent plates from the first plate to the sixth plate 129. Specifically, four second liquid absorption cores 118 are provided within the first side plate 138, the four second liquid absorption cores are spaced apart, and the distances between every two adjacent second liquid absorption cores 118 are equal, ensuring consistent cooling efficiency and preventing local high temperatures.A second liquid absorption core 118 is provided within the second side plate 139 and is located in the central portion of the second side plate 139. Four second liquid absorption cores 118 are provided within the third side plate 140. The four second liquid absorption cores are spaced apart, and the distances between any two adjacent second liquid absorption cores 118 are equal, ensuring consistent cooling efficiency and preventing local high temperatures. A second liquid absorption core 118 is provided within the fourth side plate 141 and is located in the central portion of the fourth side plate 141.In this way, the first side plate 138, the second side plate 139, the third side plate 140, and the fourth side plate 141 are all provided internally with the second liquid absorbing core 118, and different numbers of the second liquid absorbing cores 118 are set according to their respective sizes, thereby ensuring that the cooling efficiency of the entire side plate 102 remains basically consistent, and preventing an excessively high local temperature from occurring and causing deformation of the side plate 102.

[0038] In one embodiment, with respect to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the vapor chamber structure includes a second vapor chamber 114. The battery case 100 adopts an aluminum plate as the base plate 101 and the second vapor chamber 114 as the side plate 102. The specific structure of the second vapor chamber 114 is referred to the previous embodiment and will not be redundantly described here.

[0039] Furthermore, the side plate 102 has a sealed region 142 facing away from the base plate 101 and a leaky region 143 facing the base plate 101. The plurality of second protruding structures 120 in the sealed region 142 have a greater density than the plurality of second protruding structures 120 in the leaky region 143. It should be noted that the top cover assembly 300 (located in the sealed region 142) of the battery heats up rapidly during battery operation due to the presence of the tab, connector, and terminal in this region (in the sealed region 142), which cause a larger overcurrent in this region (in the sealed region 142) due to current aggregation, resulting in significant temperature increases in this region. Consequently, it is necessary to enhance heat exchange in this region (in the sealed region 142).The design of the sealed region 142 increases the heat exchange surface in this region (in the sealed region 142), allowing targeted heat evacuation and avoiding excessively high temperatures that could lead to deformation or even damage to the battery housing 100.

[0040] Further, considering the heating characteristics, the size of the tab, the connector, and the pole, the applicant has determined through repeated research and testing that a surface of the sealed portion 142 is "S1" and a surface of the leaky portion 143 is "S2", where S1=e(S1+S2), where "e" is a coefficient, with 1 / 7 ≤ e ≤ 1 / 2. Specifically, when the sealed portion 142 and the leaky portion 143 satisfy the above requirements, the strength of the side plate 101 meets the process requirements, and its lightweight construction also meets the process requirements.

[0041] More specifically, the arrangement of the plurality of second protruding structures 120 in the dense region 142 is not limited. In one embodiment, the distances between two adjacent second protruding structures 120 in the dense region 142 are equal. In another embodiment, the distances between two adjacent second protruding structures 120 in the dense region 142 vary in an arithmetic progression. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of second protruding structures 120 in the dense region 142 are arranged irregularly.

[0042] In the present application, the battery housing further includes a top cover assembly 300. The top cover assembly 300 includes a cover plate assembly 200. Refer to Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, the present application provides a cover plate assembly 200. The cover plate assembly 200 is configured for thermal equalization of the battery. The cover plate assembly 200 includes:

[0043] a first cover plate 210 having a receiving cavity A inside, the first cover plate 210 comprising a plurality of mounting portions 204 penetrating the receiving cavity A along the first direction Y, the mounting portions 204 being configured to receive pole terminals 290;

[0044] a conductor 230 located within the receiving cavity A and at least partially enclosing the mounting portion 204; and

[0045] a cooling medium 240 with which the receiving cavity A and the conductor 230 are filled.

[0046] Specifically, the first cover plate 210 serves to equalize the temperature near the pole terminal 290 and serves as a cover.

[0047] Furthermore, the receiving cavity A is a sealed receiving cavity with the conductor 230 and the cooling medium 240 inside. The receiving cavity A has a first height along the first direction Y. The mounting sections 204 penetrate the receiving cavity, i.e., the side walls of the mounting sections 204 are provided along the first direction Y and have a height equal to the first height. The conductor 230 can, for example, enclose the side walls of the mounting sections 204. During charging and discharging of the battery, the pole terminals 290 transfer heat to the first cover plate 210 of the cover plate arrangement, whereby a part of the conductor 230 facing the pole terminal 290 heats up quickly. The cooling medium 240 stored in the conductor 230 absorbs the heat and changes from a liquid working medium to a gaseous working medium. The receiving cavity A is filled with the gaseous working medium.The receiving cavity A comprises a heat source region and a cooling region (not shown). The heat source region can be understood as a region in the receiving cavity A facing the pole terminal 290, and the cooling region is a region in the receiving cavity A facing away from the pole terminal 290. The temperature varies considerably between the heat source region and the cooling region. This means that the temperature in the heat source region is considerably higher than in the cooling region. The cooling medium 240 (which is a liquid working medium here) absorbs heat in the heat source region and transforms from the liquid working medium into the gaseous working medium. The receiving cavity A is quickly filled with the gaseous working medium. The gaseous working medium enters the cooling region and quickly condenses. The condensed cooling medium 240 returns to the vicinity of the pole terminal 290 via the conductor 230.After returning to the pole terminal 290, the cooling medium 240 continues to absorb the heat generated by the pole terminal 290, thereby achieving a gas-liquid cycle, improving the heat dissipation performance, and avoiding an excessively high local temperature of the cover plate assembly 200.

[0048] Preferably, the receiving cavity A is not completely filled with the cooling medium 240; for example, the receiving cavity A may have a vacuum space, depending on the actual application.

[0049] Refer to Fig. 12A. In one embodiment, there are a plurality of conductors 230, each of which at least partially encloses the side walls of the mounting portions 204 facing away from the pole terminals 290.

[0050] In one embodiment, the plurality of conductors 230 are connected to each other, or the plurality of conductors 230 are provided spaced apart.

[0051] Specifically, the respective conductors 230 at least partially enclose and abut the side walls of the mounting sections 204 facing away from the pole terminals 290, or the respective conductors 230 at least partially enclose and are spaced from (ie, do not abut) the side walls of the mounting sections 204 facing away from the pole terminals 290, as long as the gas-liquid cycle is not impaired, depending on the actual application.

[0052] For example, the number of mounting sections 204 is two, meaning the number of terminals 290 is two, and the number of conductors 230 can also be two, for example. The conductors 230 are, for example, U-shaped. Only a portion of the conductors 230 encloses the side wall of the mounting section 204 and rests against (or not against) it. The open side of the U-shaped conductor extends toward the conductor of the other mounting section 204. The conductors 230 of the two mounting sections 204 can be integrally connected or spaced apart, depending on the actual application.

[0053] In another embodiment, the number of mounting sections 204, denoted as "n" (where n≥2), is not specifically limited. When designing a single battery with multiple terminals (n>2), the corresponding plurality of mounting sections 204 should also be designed accordingly to ensure that a terminal 290 is mounted within each mounting section 204.

[0054] Specifically, the number of conductors 230 must be designed according to the number of terminals 290. Multiple conductors 230 can be formed as separate parts, or a single conductor 230 can be formed as a single piece, regardless of how the number of terminals 290 changes. Each mounting section 204 is surrounded by conductors 230, ensuring that the heat generated by each terminal 290 can be absorbed by the cooling medium 240 in the conductor 230, and the gas-liquid cycle is performed, thus achieving the purpose of heat dissipation and heat equalization.

[0055] Refer to the Fig. 12B, Fig. 12C, Fig. 12D and Fig. 12E. In one embodiment, there are a plurality of conductors 230 each surrounding the side walls of the mounting portions 204 remote from the pole terminals 290.

[0056] Specifically, each conductor 230 surrounds and abuts the side wall of the mounting portion 204 remote from the pole terminal 290, or each conductor 230 surrounds and is spaced from (ie, not abutting) the side wall of the mounting portion 204 remote from the pole terminal 290, depending on the actual application.

[0057] For example, the number of mounting sections 204 is two, i.e., the number of terminals 290 is two, and the number of conductors 230 can also be two, for example. Each conductor 230 surrounds and abuts (or does not abut) the sidewall of the mounting section 204. Additionally, each conductor 230 further includes an extension element; one end of the extension element is connected to the conductor 230, and the other end of the extension element is connected to the extension element of the conductor 230 on the other mounting section 204.

[0058] Alternatively, the number of mounting sections 204 is two, i.e., the number of pole terminals 290 is two, and the number of conductors 230 may also be two, for example. Each conductor 230 surrounds the side wall of the mounting section 204. In addition, each conductor 230 further includes an extension element, one end of which is connected to the conductor 230, and the other end of which is connected to the extension element of the conductor 230 on the other mounting section 204.

[0059] In another embodiment, the number of mounting sections 204, denoted as "n" (where n≥2), is not specifically limited. When designing a single battery with multiple terminals (n>2), the corresponding plurality of mounting sections 204 should also be designed accordingly to ensure that a terminal 290 is mounted within each mounting section 204.

[0060] Specifically, the number of conductors 230 must be designed according to the number of terminals 290. Multiple conductors 230 can be formed as separate parts, or a single conductor 230 can be formed as a single piece, regardless of how the number of terminals 290 changes. Each mounting section 204 is surrounded by conductors 230, ensuring that the heat generated by each terminal 290 can be absorbed by the cooling medium 240 in the conductor 230, and the gas-liquid cycle is performed, thus achieving the purpose of heat dissipation and heat equalization.

[0061] In one embodiment, the conductor 230 has a capillary structure, and the cooling medium 240 can be provided, for example, within this capillary structure. The conductor 230, for example, receives the cooling medium 240 and guides it to the vicinity of the pole terminal 290.

[0062] Specifically, the capillary structure is primarily designed based on the theory of capillary phenomenon, which is a well-known phenomenon. The capillary phenomenon (sometimes referred to as capillary action, capillary motion, capillary rise, capillary effect, or nuclear absorption) is a process by which a fluid flows in narrow spaces without the aid of external forces or even against external forces such as gravity. This effect can exist between the bristles of a brush, in thin tubes, in porous materials (e.g., paper and plaster), in some nonporous materials (e.g., sand and liquefied carbon fiber), or in a biological cell. It occurs due to the intermolecular forces between the fluid and the surrounding solid surfaces.If the diameter of the pipe is sufficiently small, surface tension (caused by the cohesive forces within the liquid) and the adhesion between the liquid and the container walls work together to move the liquid.

[0063] Based on the capillary phenomenon, the present application provides the conductor 230 provided in the receiving cavity A and having the capillary structure. In this embodiment, the capillary structure includes a mixed layer. For example, the substances within the mixed layer are subjected to mixing, heating, and drying processes, etc., to create the capillary structure. The substances in the mixed layer include a mixed liquid of metal powder and solution. The metal powder may be metal powder other than copper powder, such as titanium powder, aluminum powder, magnesium powder, and other metal powders. The metal powder may also be a mixture of various metal powders. Alternatively, the substances in the mixed layer may also be a mixture of non-metal powders such as resins and solutions. Alternatively, the substances in the mixed layer may also be a mixed liquid of metal powders, non-metal powders, and solutions.

[0064] In one embodiment, the cooling medium 240 is a cooling liquid.

[0065] For example, the cooling medium 240 may be pure water or ethanol, but is not limited to these. The gas-liquid cycle of the cooling medium 240 within the receiving cavity A is achieved via the conductor 230, thereby achieving the purpose of heat equalization.

[0066] Refer to the Fig. 11A, Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B. In one embodiment, the first cover plate 210 comprises: a sealing plate 201 and a bottom cover plate 202 arranged opposite one another, wherein the bottom cover plate 202 includes an edge plate 203. The edge plate 203 protrudes on a side of the bottom cover plate 202 facing the sealing plate 201 and encloses an outer edge of the bottom cover plate 202. A receiving cavity A is provided between the sealing plate 201 and the bottom cover plate 202.

[0067] Specifically, the edge plate 203 is welded to the sealing plate 201 and the bottom cover plate 202. A height of the edge plate 203 in the first direction Y is the first height to form a sealed receiving cavity A with the sealing plate 201 and the bottom cover plate 202.

[0068] In each embodiment of the present application, a material of the first cover plate 210 may be copper and copper alloy, aluminum and aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or other metals and their alloys, depending on the actual application.

[0069] Preferably, materials of the sealing plate 201 and the bottom cover plate 202 are the same, for example, aluminum.

[0070] Specifically, the materials of the sealing plate 201 and the bottom cover plate 202 may also be titanium, stainless steel, or other metals, or composite metal components such as copper-aluminum composite, copper-nickel composite, etc., depending on the actual application. In any embodiment of this application, the surface of the first cover plate 210 may be coated with an insulating layer or provided with an electroplating layer (e.g., copper-plated stainless steel).

[0071] In one embodiment, the sealing plate 201 is provided with a plurality of first through-holes 2041 along the first direction Y, which penetrate the sealing plate 201. The bottom cover plate 202 is provided with a connection barrier 2043 on a side facing the sealing plate 201. The bottom cover plate 202 is provided with a plurality of second through-holes 2042 on a side facing the sealing plate 201, which penetrate the bottom cover plate 202. The first through-holes 2041 and the second through-holes 2042 correspond to each other, and the first through-holes 2041 and the second through-holes 2042 are connected by the connection barrier 2043 to form the mounting portion 204.

[0072] Specifically, a height of the connection barrier 2043 in the first direction Y is the first height, that is, the connection barrier 2043 serves as a side wall of the mounting portion 204. For example, the connection barrier 2043 is annular, and the connection barrier 2043 is surrounded by conductors 230. However, the connection barrier 2043 is not limited to annular and may have other geometric shapes.

[0073] For example, the structure of the connection barrier 2043 may also be a triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, or other geometric polygonal structure specifically adapted to the shapes of the first through-holes 2041 and the second through-holes 2042 to form the mounting portion 204. The structure of the mounting portion 204 is generally designed according to the structure of the pole terminal 290; therefore, it can be understood that in conventional designs, the external structure of the pole terminal 290 also determines the structure of the connection barrier 2043. For example, in this application, if the pole terminal 290 has a cylindrical structure, the designed mounting portion 204 is a round hole, and the connection barrier 2043 is annular.

[0074] In another embodiment, the pole terminal 290 may be designed as a triangular prism, a square prism, a pentagonal prism, and other polygonal prism structures, and the connection barrier 2043 may then be designed accordingly as a triangular, square, pentagonal, or other geometric polygonal structure, depending on the actual application, without specific limitations in this application.

[0075] Refer to Fig. 14. In one embodiment, the cover plate assembly 200 further comprises:

[0076] a sealing ring 250 located in the mounting section 204 and encased on the pole terminal 290.

[0077] Specifically, the sealing ring 250 has good thermal conductivity and is preferably made of a thermally conductive adhesive material. The material and specific type of the sealing ring 250 can be selected according to actual needs, so that the sealing ring 250 has both insulating and thermally conductive properties, allowing the heat in the pole terminal 290 to be quickly conducted through the sealing ring 250 to the first cover plate 210. The sealing ring 250 ensures that the first cover plate 210 is insulated from the pole terminal 290 as a cover, thus preventing short circuits.

[0078] In one embodiment, the cover plate assembly 200 further comprises: a first plastic piece 260, wherein one side of the first cover plate 210 is provided with a mounting groove 205, and the first plastic piece 260 is located within the mounting groove 205 and abuts the sealing ring 250.

[0079] For example, the mounting groove 205 is provided on the sealing plate 201 and is located on a side of the sealing plate 201 facing away from the bottom cover plate 202. Specifically, the sealing plate 201 has a protruding portion that protrudes toward a side facing away from the bottom cover plate 202. The mounting groove 205 is located on the protruding portion. The mounting groove 205 is recessed toward the bottom cover plate 202 to form the mounting groove 205. The first plastic piece 260 is mounted within the mounting groove 205. Specifically, the first plastic piece 260 may also be made of thermally conductive adhesive to facilitate heat conduction of the pole pressure plate 270.

[0080] In another embodiment, the mounting groove 205 is provided, for example, on the sealing plate 201 and is located on a side of the sealing plate 201 facing away from the base cover plate 202. The mounting groove 205 is recessed toward the base cover plate 202 to form the mounting groove 205 without compromising the tightness of the receiving cavity A. The first plastic piece 260 is mounted within the mounting groove 205. The first plastic piece 260 can also be made of thermally conductive adhesive to facilitate heat conduction of the pole pressure plate 270. The first plastic piece 260 has, for example, a rectangular shape and is suitable for mounting in the shape of the mounting groove 205.

[0081] For example, the shape of the first plastic piece 260 may also be triangular, circular, or another geometric shape, and the shape of the mounting groove 205 is adapted to the shape of the first plastic piece 260 and may be triangular, circular, or another geometric shape, depending on the actual application, without specific limitations in this application.

[0082] The pole pressure plate 270 is located in the first plastic piece 260 and is connected to the pole terminal 290.

[0083] Specifically, the first plastic piece 260 has a recess provided toward one side of the first cover plate 210, and the size of this recess is adapted to the pole pressure plate 270, allowing the pole pressure plate 270 to be mounted within the recess. Meanwhile, one end of the pole terminal 290 passes through the mounting portion 204, the mounting groove 205, and the recess to connect to the pole pressure plate 270.

[0084] Specifically, the shape of the recess may be triangular, circular, or another geometric shape, for example, and the shape of the pole pressure plate 270 is adapted to the shape of the recess and may be triangular, circular, or another geometric shape, depending on the actual application, without specific limitations in this application. Thus, the pole pressure plate 270 can be mounted within the recess of the first plastic piece 260.

[0085] The second plastic piece 280 is connected to the first cover plate 210 and is located on a side of the first cover plate 210 facing away from the mounting groove 205.

[0086] Specifically, the second plastic piece 280 also has a through-hole corresponding to the mounting section 204. The terminal block 290 passes through the through-hole and is located in the mounting section 204.

[0087] In one embodiment, please refer to Fig. 15. The top cover assembly 300 of this application includes: a cover plate assembly 200; and a second cover plate 220 located between the first cover plate 210 and the second plastic piece 280. The second cover plate 220 includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, one of these surfaces being connected to the first cover plate 210 and the other to the second plastic piece 280.

[0088] The difference between the cover plate assembly 200 and the top cover assembly 300 is that, in this embodiment, the first cover plate 210 of the cover plate assembly 200 functions only for heat dissipation around the terminal posts 290 and does not serve as a cover. In another embodiment of this application, a second cover plate 220 is provided, which is located below the first cover plate 210, i.e., between the first cover plate 210 and the second plastic piece 280. The other structures of the top cover assembly 300 are the same as those of the cover plate assembly 200 and will not be repeated here.

[0089] The cover plate assembly 200 and the top cover assembly 300 provided in the present application comprise at least the following working processes or principles. The cover plate assembly 200 comprises: a first cover plate 210 having a receiving cavity A, wherein the first cover plate 210 comprises a plurality of mounting portions 204 along the first direction Y penetrating the receiving cavity A, wherein the mounting portions 204 are configured to receive the pole terminals 290; a conductor 230 located in the receiving cavity A and at least partially enclosing the mounting portion 204; and a cooling medium 240 with which both the receiving cavity A and the conductor 230 are filled. During the charging and discharging process of the battery, the pole terminals generate heat. The cooling medium facing one side of the pole terminals 290 absorbs the heat energy and changes from a liquid working medium to a gaseous working medium.The receiving cavity is quickly filled with the gaseous working fluid. The gaseous fluid, which has not absorbed any thermal energy, quickly condenses. The condensed cooling fluid then returns via conductor 230 to the vicinity of the pole terminals 290, thereby achieving the gas-liquid cycle, thus improving heat dissipation performance and preventing excessively high local temperatures of the cover plate assembly.

[0090] The present application further provides a battery 20 comprising the above-mentioned battery case 100.

[0091] In addition, the present application provides a battery module. Fig. Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of the battery module provided in one embodiment of the present application. Note Fig. 16, the battery module includes: a lower protective plate 10 and several batteries 20. Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the battery provided in one embodiment of the present application. With reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, the lower protection plate 10 is internally provided with a cooling fluid channel, and one surface of the lower protection plate 10 is provided with an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 for connecting the cooling fluid channel. Batteries 20 are mounted on the lower protection plate 10, each battery 20 comprising a battery housing 100. The battery housing 100 is internally provided with a battery cell.

[0092] Fig. Figure 18 is a first perspective schematic view of the battery case provided in one embodiment of this application. Refer to Fig. 18. A surface of the battery housing 100 facing the lower protective plate 10 is provided with at least one opening 21. A vapor chamber 22 is mounted within the opening 21, one surface of the vapor chamber 22 either indirectly or directly contacting the lower protective plate 10, while the other surface of the vapor chamber 22 either indirectly or directly contacting the battery cell.

[0093] In one embodiment, you refer to Fig. 16. A planar structure of the lower protective plate 10 is rectangular. Fig. However, Figure 16 is merely a schematic representation of the lower protective plate 10. In other embodiments, the planar structure of the lower protective plate 10 may also be other shapes, such as circular, elliptical, triangular, pentagonal, and other structures.

[0094] In one embodiment, the battery 20 may be a blade battery or a stretch battery, etc.

[0095] In one embodiment, the number of batteries 20 may be one, or it may be two, three, or more than three, without specific limitations in this application.

[0096] In one embodiment, you refer to Fig. 18, the battery housing 100 can be an aluminum housing or a copper housing. The shape of the battery housing 100 is a rectangular prism. Fig. 18 is only a schematic representation of the battery case 100. In other embodiments, the shape of the battery case 100 may also be other shapes, such as a cylinder or cubic.

[0097] In one embodiment, you refer to Fig. 18. The shape of the steam chamber 22 is rectangular. Fig. 18 is only a schematic representation of the steam chamber 22. In other embodiments, the shape of the steam chamber 22 may also be other shapes, such as circular, triangular, pentagonal, etc.

[0098] In one embodiment, refer to Fig. 18, the opening 21 may be an entire surface of the battery housing 100 facing the lower protective plate 10. Fig. However, Fig. 18 is only an exemplary illustration of the opening 21. In other embodiments, the opening 21 may be a surface of the battery case 100 facing the lower protective plate 10, wherein a plurality of openings 21 are provided on the surface and each is provided with a vapor chamber 22. Here, the number of openings 21 may be one, or it may be two, three, or more than three, without specific limitations in this application.

[0099] In one embodiment, refer to Fig. 16 to 18, the vapor chamber 22 is located at the opening 21, whereby the heat is transferred from the battery cell to the vapor chamber 22 and then from the vapor chamber 22 to the lower protective plate 10 and finally dissipated from the lower protective plate 10.

[0100] More specifically, you refer to Fig. 16. The lower protection plate 10 is internally provided with a cooling fluid channel. The cooling fluid flows in a circuit within the cooling fluid channel to conduct the heat generated by the battery cell through the lower protection plate 10 to the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid can flow within the cooling fluid channel and dissipate the heat generated by the battery cell to ensure that the battery cell operates within a safe temperature range. In practical applications, the number of cooling fluid channels can be adjusted as needed and can be one, two, three, or more than three, without specific limitations in this application.

[0101] In one embodiment, as in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the steam chamber 22 is in direct contact with the lower protective plate 10 to increase thermal conductivity. Fig. 16 and Fig. 18 are only schematic representations of the steam chamber 22 and the lower protective plate 10. In other embodiments, the steam chamber 22 may also be in indirect contact with the lower protective plate 10.

[0102] In the embodiments of this application, you refer to Fig. 16 to 18. In the present application, the battery case 100 of each battery 20 is provided with at least one opening 21. Since the vapor chamber 22 is mounted within the opening 21, one surface of the vapor chamber 22 is in indirect or direct contact with the battery cell, and the other surface of the vapor chamber 22 is in indirect or direct contact with the lower protective plate 10. Thus, the heat in the battery 20 can be transferred to the vapor chamber 22 and from the vapor chamber 22 to the lower protective plate 10. The heat is ultimately dissipated through the cooling liquid channel of the lower protective plate 10, thereby maintaining the battery module at an appropriate ambient temperature to ensure the complete implementation of the battery module's electrochemical reaction.

[0103] In one embodiment, you refer to Fig. 18, the heat dissipation efficiency of the vapor chamber 22 is greater than the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery case 100.

[0104] Specifically, a thermal conductivity coefficient of the vapor chamber 22 may be 3000 to 10000 W / (mK), while a thermal conductivity coefficient of the battery case 100 may be 180 to 450 W / (mK). Therefore, the thermal conductivity coefficient of the vapor chamber 22 is significantly higher than the thermal conductivity coefficient of the battery case 100, and a heat transfer rate of the vapor chamber 22 is faster than the heat transfer rate of the battery case 100. Consequently, the heat dissipation effect of the vapor chamber 22 is better than the heat dissipation effect of the battery case 100. By utilizing the difference in thermal conductivity between the vapor chamber 22 and the battery case 100, the heat dissipated by the battery cell is quickly transferred to the lower protection plate 10 below and dissipated by the cooling liquid.

[0105] Please refer further to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the heat dissipation efficiency of the vapor chamber 22 is greater than the heat dissipation efficiency of the first side plate 138 and the second side plate 139. Therefore, the heat generated by the battery 20 is transferred more to the vapor chamber 22. The vapor chamber 22 quickly transfers the heat to the lower protection plate 10, and the heat is ultimately dissipated from the lower protection plate 10.

[0106] In one embodiment, Fig. 19 is a second perspective schematic view of the battery housing provided by an embodiment of the present application. See Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the battery housing 100 wraps around the edges of the vapor chamber 22 and encloses a receiving space, the battery cell is provided within the receiving space.

[0107] In one embodiment, by placing the battery cell within the receiving space enclosed by the battery case 100 and the vapor chamber 22, the space within the battery 20 is maximized, thereby increasing the energy density and capacity of the battery 20.

[0108] In one embodiment, you refer to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the battery case 100 includes a third side plate 140, a first side plate 138, and a second side plate 139. An edge on one side of the first side plate 138 is connected to an edge of the third side plate 140, while another side of the first side plate 138 wraps around an edge of one side of the vapor chamber 22. An edge of one side of the second side plate 139 is connected to an edge of another side of the third side plate 140, while another side of the second side plate 139 wraps around an edge of another side of the vapor chamber 22.

[0109] In one embodiment, the third side plate 140, the first side plate 138, and the second side plate 139 can be formed integrally. In this case, a bending angle between the third side plate 140 and the first side plate 138 is between 87° and 93°. A bending angle between the third side plate 140 and the second side plate 139 is also between 87° and 93°. The third side plate 140, the first side plate 138, and the second side plate 139 can be machined using methods such as punching or bending machines.

[0110] In one embodiment, you refer to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. An edge of one side of the steam chamber 22 is welded to another side of the first side plate 138, and an edge of another side of the steam chamber 22 is welded to the edge of another side of the second side plate 139.

[0111] In one embodiment, welding is used to ensure the airtightness of the battery 20, prevent internal leakage of the battery 20, and thereby ensure the normal operation and service life of the battery 20.

[0112] In one embodiment, Fig. 20 an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 19. From Fig. 18 and Fig. 20, it can be seen that a joint surface between the steam chamber 22 and the first side plate 138 is connected by welding. At the same time, a joint surface between the steam chamber 22 and the second side plate 139 is connected by welding.

[0113] In one embodiment, in addition to welding, the vapor chamber 22 and the first side plate 138 (or the second side plate 139) may also be connected using adhesives, screws, clamping, or other methods.

[0114] In one embodiment, the vapor chamber 22, the first side plate 138 and the second side plate 139 may also be formed integrally, without exclusive limitation in this application.

[0115] In one embodiment, a thickness of the vapor chamber 22 is 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, and a thickness of the battery case 100 is 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm. For example, the thickness of the vapor chamber may be 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, or 0.9 mm. The thickness of the battery case 100 may be 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, or 0.9 mm. The thickness of the vapor chamber 22 is matched to the thickness of the battery case 100. With the thickness of the vapor chamber 22 in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, the heat in the battery cell can be transferred to the outside more quickly, thereby increasing heat dissipation efficiency.

[0116] In one embodiment, you refer to Fig. 16, both the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 are located on the same side of the lower protective plate 10. Fig. 16 is only a schematic representation of the inlet 11 and the outlet 12. In other embodiments, the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 are each arranged on both opposite sides of the lower protective plate 10.

[0117] In one embodiment, the cooling fluid channel, inlet 11, and outlet 12 may be independent components. The inlet 11 and outlet 12 may be fixedly mounted to the cooling fluid channel using fasteners or adhesives and other methods, where the fasteners may be, but are not limited to, threaded fasteners such as bolts, set screws, or screws. The cooling fluid channel, inlet 11, and outlet 12 may also be integrally formed by injection molding, without any exclusive limitation in this application.

[0118] In one embodiment, the lower guard plate 10, which includes the inlet 11, the outlet 12 and the cooling liquid channel, can be formed by extrusion molding and welding processes.

[0119] In one embodiment, when the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 are respectively provided on both opposite sides of the lower guard plate 10, the cooling liquid channels are arranged along the first direction of the lower guard plate 10, with the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 respectively being arranged at both ends of the lower guard plate 10 in its first direction; and / or the cooling liquid channels are arranged side by side along the second direction of the lower guard plate 10, with the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 respectively being located at both ends of the lower guard plate 10 in its second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction. For example, the first direction may be a longitudinal direction of the lower guard plate 10, and the second direction may be a width direction of the lower guard plate 10.For example, among others, the first direction may be the width direction of the lower guard plate 10 and the second direction may be the length direction of the lower guard plate 10.

[0120] In one embodiment, the shape of the cooling fluid channel may be linear, U-shaped, S-shaped, or the like.

[0121] To better implement the embodiments described in this application, the application further provides, based on the battery module, a battery pack comprising the aforementioned battery module. In the battery pack of this application, the battery case of each battery is provided with at least one opening. A vapor chamber is mounted within the opening, wherein one surface of the vapor chamber is in either indirect or direct contact with the battery cell, and another surface of the vapor chamber is in either indirect or direct contact with the lower protection plate. Therefore, the heat dissipated from the battery cell can be quickly transferred to the lower protection plate via the vapor chamber.By utilizing the cooling fluid channels within the lower protective plate, heat is dissipated, keeping the battery module at an appropriate ambient temperature to ensure the complete implementation of the battery module's electrochemical reaction.

Claims

[1] A battery case comprising: a top cover assembly (300), a base plate (101), and a side plate (102) connected to the base plate (101), the base plate (101) and the side plate (102) enclosing a mounting cavity (103), the top cover assembly (300) closing the mounting cavity (103), at least one of the base plate (101) and the side plate (102) having a vapor chamber structure. [2] The battery case according to claim 1, wherein the vapor chamber structure comprises a first vapor chamber (105), the first vapor chamber (105) comprising a first outer plate (106) and a first inner plate (107) connected to each other, a plurality of first support projections (108) located between the first inner plate (107) and the first outer plate (106), and at least one first liquid absorption core (109), the first inner plate (107), the first outer plate (106), and the plurality of first support projections (108) together enclosing a first cavity (110) for receiving a liquid cooling medium, the at least one first liquid absorption core (109) being provided within the first cavity (110) and configured to absorb the liquid cooling medium, the base plate (101) comprising a first vapor chamber (105). [3] The battery case according to claim 2, wherein the first vapor chamber (105) further comprises a plurality of first protruding structures (111), wherein the plurality of first protruding structures (111) are provided on a side surface of the first outer plate (106) facing away from the first inner plate (107), wherein the plurality of first protruding structures (111) comprise a plurality of first long protrusion blocks (112) and a plurality of first protrusion points (113), wherein a length of at least one of the first long protrusion blocks (112) is greater than a length of at least one of the first protrusion points (113), wherein the first long protrusion blocks (112) extend along a width direction of the battery case (100) and are arranged at a distance along a longitudinal direction of the battery case (100),wherein in the width direction of the battery case (100), a size of the first long projection block (112) is “b” and a size of the first vapor chamber (105) is “B”, where b=cB, where “c” is a coefficient, with 1 / 4 ≤ c ≤ 2 / 3., [4] The battery case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vapor chamber structure comprises a second vapor chamber (114), wherein the second vapor chamber (114) comprises a second outer plate (115) and a second inner plate (116) connected to each other, a plurality of second support projections (117) located between the second inner plate (116) and the second outer plate (115), and at least one second liquid absorption core (118), wherein the second inner plate (116), the second outer plate (115), and the second support projections (117) together enclose a second cavity (119) for receiving a liquid cooling medium, wherein the at least one second liquid absorption core (118) is provided within the second cavity (119) and configured to absorb a liquid cooling medium, wherein the second side plate (102) comprises the second steam chamber (114). [5] The battery case according to claim 4, wherein the vapor chamber structure comprises a second vapor chamber (114), wherein the second vapor chamber (114) further comprises a plurality of second protruding structures (120), wherein the second protruding structures (120) are provided on a side surface of the second outer plate (115) facing away from the second inner plate (116), wherein the second protruding structures (120) comprise a plurality of second long protrusion blocks (121) and a plurality of second protrusion points (122), wherein a length of at least one of the second long protrusion blocks (121) is greater than a length of at least one of the second protrusion points (122), wherein the second vapor chamber (114) comprises curved portions (144), and the second long protrusion blocks (121) are arranged in the curved portions (144), wherein in a height direction of the battery case (100), a size of the side plate (102) is "A", and in an extension direction of the second long projection block (121), a size of the second long projection block (121) is "a", where a=dA, where "d" is a coefficient such that 1 / 10 ≤ d ≤ 1 / 5. [6] The battery case according to claim 5, wherein the second long protrusion blocks (121) are arranged at a distance along the height direction of the battery case (100) and extend along a direction intersecting the height direction, the second protrusion points (122) are provided at both ends of the second long protrusion blocks (121), the second protruding structures (120) further comprising a plurality of third protrusion points (123), the length of at least one of the second long protrusion blocks (121) being greater than a length of at least one of the third protrusion points (123), the second long protrusion blocks (121) and the second protrusion points (122) being located between the third protrusion points (123). [7] Battery case according to claim 6, wherein the second vapor chamber (114) comprises a first plate (124), a second plate (125), a third plate (126), a fourth plate (127), a fifth plate (128) and a sixth plate (129), wherein the first plate (124), the second plate (125), the third plate (126), the fourth plate (127), the fifth plate (128) and the sixth plate (129) are connected end-to-end in series to surround the mounting cavity (103); wherein the second plate (125), the third plate (126) and the fifth plate (128) each comprise the curved portions (144); wherein the second long projection blocks (121) and the second projection points (122) are arranged on the second plate (125), the third plate (126) and the fifth plate (128), wherein the third projection points (123) are arranged on the first plate (124), the fourth plate (127) and the sixth plate (129), and wherein the second plate (125) comprises a first part (130) and a second part (131) which are connected by bending; wherein the third plate (126) comprises a third part (134) and a fourth part (135) connected by bending; wherein the fifth plate (128) comprises a fifth part (136) and a sixth part (137) connected by bending; wherein the side plate (102) comprises a first side plate (138) and a third side plate (140) arranged opposite one another, and a second side plate (139) and a fourth side plate (141) arranged opposite one another, wherein the second side plate (139) is connected to one side of the first side plate (138) and the third side plate (140), wherein the fourth side plate (141) is connected to another side of the first side plate (138) and the third side plate (140); wherein the first plate (124) and the first part (130) of the second plate (125) form the first side plate (138); wherein the second part (131) of the second plate (125) and the third part (134) of the third plate (126) form the second side plate (139); wherein the fourth part (135) of the third plate (126), the fourth plate (127) and the fifth part (136) of the fifth plate (128) form the third side plate (140); wherein the sixth part (137) of the fifth plate (128) and the sixth plate (129) form the fourth side plate (141), wherein a plurality of second liquid absorption cores (118) are provided, wherein the second liquid absorption cores (118) extend along the height direction of the battery case (100) and are arranged at a distance along a direction intersecting the height direction, wherein the second liquid absorption cores (118) are located within the first plate (124) and the fourth plate (127) and between the two adjacent plates from the first plate to the sixth plate. [8] Battery case according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the side plate (102) comprises a sealed region (142) facing away from the base plate (101) and a leaky region (143) facing the base plate (101), wherein a density of the second protruding structures (120) in the sealed region (142) is greater than a density of the second protruding structures (120) in the leaky region (143); wherein a surface of the dense region (142) is "S1", and a surface of the leaky region (143) is "S2", where S1=e(S1+S2), where "e" is a coefficient, with 1 / 7 ≤ e ≤ 1 / 2. [9] The battery case of claim 8, wherein a distance between the two adjacent second protruding structures (120) in the sealed region (142) is consistent; or a distance between two adjacent second protruding structures (120) in the dense region (142) varies in an arithmetic progression; or the second projecting structures (120) are irregularly arranged in the dense region (142). [10] A battery case according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the top cover assembly (300) comprises a cover plate assembly (200), the cover plate assembly (200) comprising: a first cover plate (210) provided internally with a receiving cavity, the first cover plate (210) comprising a plurality of mounting portions (204) arranged along a first direction and penetrating the receiving cavity, the mounting portions (204) being configured to receive pole terminals (290); a conductor (230) located in the receiving cavity and at least partially surrounding the mounting portions (240); and a cooling medium (240) with which the receiving cavity and the conductor (230) are filled. [11] Battery housing according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of conductors (230) are provided, each conductor (230) at least partially surrounding a side wall of the mounting portion (204) facing away from the pole terminals (290); wherein the conductors (230) are connected to one another or provided spaced apart. [12] Battery housing according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the conductor (230) has a capillary structure, wherein the cooling medium (240) is filled within this capillary structure. [13] Battery case according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first cover plate (210) comprises: a sealing plate (201) and a base cover plate (202) which are arranged opposite one another, wherein the base cover plate (202) comprises an edge plate (203), wherein the edge plate (203) protrudes on a side of the base cover plate (202) facing the sealing plate (201) and encloses an outer edge of the base cover plate (202), wherein a receiving cavity is formed between the sealing plate (201) and the base cover plate (202). [14] The battery case according to claim 13, wherein the sealing plate (201) is provided with a plurality of first through-holes (2041) arranged along the first direction and penetrating the sealing plate (201), wherein a side of the sealing plate (201) facing the bottom cover plate (202) is provided with a connection barrier (2043), wherein a side of the bottom cover plate (202) facing the sealing plate (201) is provided with a plurality of second through-holes (2042) penetrating the bottom cover plate (202), wherein the first through-holes (2041) and the second through-holes (2042) correspond to each other, wherein the first through-holes (2041) and the second through-holes (2042) are connected to each other by the connection barrier (2043) to form the mounting portion (204). [15] Battery case according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the cover plate assembly (200) further comprises: a sealing ring (250) located in the mounting section (204) and wrapped around the pole terminal (290); a first plastic piece (260), one side of the first cover plate (210) being provided with a mounting groove (205), the first plastic piece (260) being located in the mounting groove (205) and abutting the sealing ring (250); a pole pressure plate (270) located within the first plastic piece (260) and connected to the pole terminal (290); and a second plastic piece (280) which is connected to the first cover plate (210) and is located on a side of the first cover plate (210) facing away from the mounting groove (205). [16] The battery case of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the top cover assembly (300) further comprises: a second cover plate (220) located between the first cover plate (210) and the second plastic piece (280), the second cover plate (220) comprising a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, one of the first surface and the second surface being connected to the first cover plate (210) and the other of the first surface and the second surface being connected to the second plastic piece (280). [17] Battery module, comprising: a lower protection plate (10), the lower protection plate (10) being internally provided with a cooling liquid channel, a surface of the lower protection plate (10) being provided with an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) for connecting the cooling liquid channel; a plurality of batteries (20), the batteries being mounted on the lower protective plate (10), each battery (20) having a battery case (100), a battery cell being provided within the battery case (100); wherein a surface of the battery housing (100) facing the lower protective plate (10) is provided with at least one opening (21), wherein a vapor chamber (22) is mounted within the opening (21), wherein one surface of the vapor chamber (22) is in either indirect or direct contact with the lower protective plate (10), wherein another surface of the vapor chamber (22) is in either indirect or direct contact with the battery cell. [18] The battery module according to claim 17, wherein a heat dissipation efficiency of the vapor chamber (22) is greater than a heat dissipation efficiency of the battery case (100). [19] Battery module according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the battery housing (100) wraps around the edges of the vapor chamber (22) and encloses a receiving space, the battery cell being arranged within the receiving space. [20] Battery module according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the battery housing (100) comprises a first side plate (138), a second side plate (139) and a third side plate (140); wherein an edge of one side of the first side plate (138) is connected to an edge of one side of the third side plate (140), and another side of the first side plate (138) wraps around an edge of one side of the vapor chamber (22); wherein an edge of one side of the second side plate (139) is connected to an edge of another side of the third side plate (140), and another side of the second side plate (139) wraps around an edge of another side of the vapor chamber (22). [21] The battery module of claim 20, wherein an edge of one side of the vapor chamber (22) is welded to the other side of the first side plate (138) and an edge of another side of the vapor chamber (22) is welded to an edge of another side of the second side plate (139). [22] Battery module according to one of claims 17 to 21, wherein a thickness of the vapor chamber (22) is 0.3mm to 1.0mm. [23] Battery module according to one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the inlet (11) and the outlet (12) are arranged on the same side of the lower protective plate (10), or the inlet (11) and the outlet (12) are each arranged on two opposite sides of the lower protective plate (10); wherein the cooling liquid channels are arranged along a first direction of the lower protective plate (10), wherein the inlet (11) and the outlet (12) are each arranged at both ends of the lower protective plate (10) in the first direction; and / or the cooling liquid channels are arranged side by side along a second direction of the lower protective plate (10), wherein the inlet (11) and the outlet (12) are each arranged at both ends of the lower protective plate (10) in the second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

Images