Battery pack assembly and electric vehicle

Abstract

An electric vehicle provided with a battery pack assembly, the battery pack assembly including a frame, a composite cooling plate, and at least one battery cell, the frame including a tray and an exhaust channel communicating with the outside, the exhaust channel being disposed on two opposing sides of the tray, the composite cooling plate being disposed on the tray, the composite cooling plate including a flow path plate, a concave rib-convex rib structure formed on a surface of the flow path plate, a concave rib being disposed between every two adjacent convex ribs, a cooling plate flow path being defined by the concave rib and the tray, the cooling plate flow path being communicated with the exhaust channel, a battery cell being disposed on the composite cooling plate, a pole of the battery cell facing the composite cooling plate, and a first explosion-proof valve being provided on a side of the battery cell facing the composite cooling plate, the first explosion-proof valve being communicated with the cooling plate flow path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202222702321.9, entitled "BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE," filed on October 13, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of batteries, and more particularly to battery pack assemblies and electric vehicles. [Background technology]

[0003] With the continuous development of new energy technology, electric vehicles are becoming more and more widely used. As the power component of electric new energy vehicles, batteries affect the performance of electric vehicles.

[0004] The battery pack of an electric vehicle is typically mounted at the bottom of the vehicle chassis, with the battery pack's ventilation holes located at the bottom of the battery tray. When a thermal runaway occurs in a battery core within the battery pack, the generated high-temperature fumes need to be discharged from the battery pack through the ventilation holes distributed at the bottom of the battery tray. However, in existing solutions, the terminals and explosion-proof valve of the battery core face upward, while the ventilation holes are located below the battery pack, and the ventilation direction faces vertically downward, which does not match the orientation of the explosion-proof valve. Thus, the problem of high-temperature fumes released during a thermal runaway of a battery core diffusing inside the battery pack cannot be solved, and therefore the battery core cannot be quickly isolated from the high-temperature fumes. The high-temperature fumes generated during a thermal runaway of a battery core can easily cause other battery cores to also experience thermal runaway, which can lead to a serious accident. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a new technical solution for battery pack assemblies and electric vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery pack assembly, the battery pack assembly comprising: a frame including a tray and an exhaust channel communicating with the outside, the exhaust channel being disposed on two opposite sides of the tray; a composite cooling plate disposed on the tray, the composite cooling plate including a flow channel plate, the flow channel plate having a concave-convex rib structure formed on a surface thereof, a concave rib disposed between two adjacent convex ribs, the cooling plate flow channels being defined by the concave ribs and the tray, the cooling plate flow channels being in communication with an exhaust channel; at least one battery core, the battery core being disposed on the composite cold plate, with terminals of the battery core facing the composite cold plate, and a first anti-explosion valve being disposed on a side of the battery core facing the composite cold plate, the first anti-explosion valve being in communication with a cold plate flow channel; Includes.

[0007] Optionally, a first through-hole configured to bypass the first explosion-proof valve is provided on the flow channel plate at a location opposite the first explosion-proof valve.

[0008] Optionally, the composite cooling plate further includes a temperature equalization plate, the temperature equalization plate being positioned on the side of the flow channel plate facing away from the tray, and the temperature equalization plate and the flow channel plate being connected by brazing.

[0009] Optionally, a second through-hole configured to bypass the first explosion-proof valve is provided on the temperature equalization plate at a position opposite the first explosion-proof valve.

[0010] Optionally, a second explosion-proof valve is disposed on the frame, the second explosion-proof valve is installed at the air outlet of the exhaust channel, and the disposition direction of the second explosion-proof valve faces a position below the frame.

[0011] Optionally, grooves are provided in the sides of the tray and the composite cold plate is bonded and secured within the grooves via a structural adhesive.

[0012] Optionally, the battery pack assembly further includes a top cover, the top cover being installed on the top of the battery core and connected to the frame, and a storage space being formed between the top cover and the frame; The battery core and the composite cooling plate below the battery core are arranged together in the receiving space.

[0013] Optionally, the side of the battery core provided with the terminals and the first explosion-proof valve is joined and fixed to a temperature equalization plate.

[0014] In some cases, the frame is of integrally stamped and formed construction.

[0015] Optionally, the raised and recessed rib structure is formed on the flow channel plate by stamping.

[0016] Optionally, the exhaust channels are arranged separately on two opposite sides of the tray in the length direction of the frame, and the cold plate flow channels and the exhaust channels are arranged perpendicularly and communicate with each other.

[0017] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle including a battery pack assembly according to the second aspect.

[0018] The present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery pack assembly, in which a frame with a new structure is provided for the battery pack, and a tray including an exhaust channel is integrated on the frame, and the tray is suitable for configuring an inverted cell battery pack. When a battery core in the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the high-temperature fumes generated after the thermal runaway of the battery core can be expelled in advance through the cooling plate flow channel, thereby isolating the high-temperature fumes from the battery core, reducing the possibility of thermal runaway of the entire battery pack, and ensuring the use safety of the battery pack.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a first structural exploded view of a battery pack assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a first schematic structural diagram of a battery pack assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second structural exploded view of a battery pack assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a first schematic structural diagram of a battery pack assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second schematic structural diagram of a battery pack assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a composite cooling plate of a battery pack assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Various examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specified, the contrastive arrangements, formulas, and numerical values ​​of the components and steps described in those embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] The following description of at least one example embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to be limiting of the disclosure and its application or uses.

[0025] Techniques, methods and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods and devices should be considered part of this specification.

[0026] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any particular values ​​should be construed as merely illustrative and not limiting, and therefore, other example embodiments may have different values.

[0027] It should be noted that like numbers and letters indicate like items in the following accompanying drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in an accompanying drawing, that item need not be further discussed in subsequent accompanying drawings.

[0028] The battery pack assembly and electric vehicle provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack assembly is provided. The battery pack assembly is particularly applicable to a battery pack in which the battery core is installed upside down. Various components in the battery pack are accommodated by a tray 11 formed on a frame 10, and high-temperature fumes and flames generated during thermal runaway of the battery core can be easily exhausted by an exhaust channel 12 on the frame 10. The entire battery pack assembly has high safety and is suitable for application in new energy electric vehicles.

[0030] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery pack assembly. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the battery pack assembly includes a frame 10, a composite cooling plate 20, and at least one battery core 30. The frame 10 includes a tray 11 and exhaust channels 12 connected to the outside, the exhaust channels 12 being arranged on two opposite sides of the tray 11. The composite cooling plate 20 is arranged on the tray 11, and the composite cooling plate 20 includes a flow channel plate 21, and a concave-convex rib structure is formed on the surface of the flow channel plate 21. Referring to FIG. 6, a concave rib 212 is arranged between two adjacent convex ribs 211, and a cooling plate flow channel 213 is defined by the concave rib 212 and the tray 11, and the cooling plate flow channel 213 is connected to the exhaust channel 12. The battery core 30 is placed on the composite cooling plate 20, with the terminal 31 of the battery core 30 facing the composite cooling plate 20, and the first explosion-proof valve 32 is placed on the side of the battery core 30 facing the composite cooling plate 20, and the first explosion-proof valve 32 is in communication with the cooling plate flow channel 213.

[0031] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame 10 belongs to a part of the vehicle body, and the tray 11 configured to support the battery core 30 and the composite cooling plate 20 is directly integrated onto the frame, and the exhaust channel 12 is also integrated onto the frame 10. That is, the solution of the present disclosure is to directly integrate the tray 11 for supporting the battery core 30 and the exhaust channel 12 onto the frame 10. In this way, there is no need to design a separate battery tray for the battery pack.

[0032] 1 and 2 , in the battery pack assembly in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery core 30 is mounted upside down on the composite cold plate 20, that is, the terminals 31 on the battery core 30 directly face the composite cold plate 20, which may be understood as facing a position below the frame 10 or the ground. Furthermore, the first explosion-proof valve 32 and the terminals 31 on the battery core 30 are designed to be installed on the same side, that is, the first explosion-proof valve 32 also faces the composite cold plate 20. The composite cold plate 20 is mounted on the tray 11. A dedicated cold plate flow channel 213 is formed on the composite cold plate 20, and the cold plate flow channel 213 is connected to the exhaust channel 12 integrated on the frame 10. According to this design, when any battery core 30 experiences thermal runaway, the first explosion-proof valve 32 on the battery core will be broken, and the discharged high-temperature flame will directly flow into the exhaust channel 12 through the cooling plate flow channel 213, and then the exhaust channel 12 will expel the flow of the high-temperature flame in a timely manner. In this way, the use safety of the entire battery pack assembly can be improved.

[0033] In the battery pack assembly in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the composite cooling plate 20 is disposed between the tray 11 and the battery cores 30, and the battery cores 30 are installed upside down. The layer of the composite cooling plate 20 is the flow channel plate 21, and the surface of the flow channel plate 21 is not flat but is formed with a continuous uneven rib structure, and a plurality of cooling plate flow channels 213 are defined upward by the uneven rib structure and the tray 11. High-temperature fumes and flames discharged during thermal runaway of the battery cores 30 can be directly guided through the cooling plate flow channels 213 into the exhaust channels 12 on two sides of the frame 10 and finally eliminated smoothly. The entire process of fumes and fire elimination can be timely and fast, and the high-temperature fumes and flames do not come into contact with the battery cores 30, which can fully guarantee the safety of other battery cores 30 installed on the composite cooling plate 20.

[0034] In addition, it should be noted that if the battery core 30 in the battery pack assembly experiences thermal runaway, the first explosion-proof valve 32 on the battery core will be breached, resulting in the escape of high-temperature fumes and flames.

[0035] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack assembly can include multiple battery cores 30, and the number of battery cores can be adjusted as needed, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0036] In some examples of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 4, 6, and 7, a first through hole 214 configured to avoid the first explosion-proof valve 32 is provided at a position opposite the first explosion-proof valve 32 on the flow channel plate 21.

[0037] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the aforementioned first through-holes 214 are provided on the flow channel plate 21, and after the battery cores 30 are mounted on the composite cooling plate 20, the first explosion-proof valves 32 on the battery cores 30 can pass through the first through-holes 214. In this way, during thermal runaway of a battery core 30, the high-temperature fumes and flames emitted from the first explosion-proof valves 32 can be isolated by at least the flow channel plate on the composite cooling plate 20 to prevent the high-temperature fumes and flames from adversely affecting other battery cores 30, which is advantageous for reducing the possibility of thermal runaway of the entire battery pack assembly.

[0038] In some examples of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 4 to 7, the composite cooling plate 20 further includes a temperature equalization plate 22, which is positioned on the side of the flow channel plate 21 facing away from the tray 11, and the temperature equalization plate 22 and the flow channel plate 21 are connected by brazing.

[0039] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the composite cooling plate 20 does not have a single-layer structure. In addition to a layer of flow channel plate 21, the composite cooling plate 20 further has a layer of temperature equalization plate 22. Specifically, the temperature equalization plate 22 covers the flow channel plate 21 so that the composite cooling plate 20 has a double-layer composite structure along the thickness direction.

[0040] When the battery core 30 is mounted upside down on the composite cooling plate 20, the side of the battery core 30 on which the terminals 31 and the first explosion-proof valve 32 are provided is in direct contact with the temperature equalization plate 22. The temperature equalization plate 22 may be configured to effectively cool high-temperature fumes and flames to further reduce the impact of high-temperature fumes on the battery core 30. With this design, the composite cooling plate 20 can minimize the possibility of thermal runaway of the entire battery pack assembly.

[0041] That is, based on the structural design, the composite cooling plate 20 in this embodiment of the present disclosure has the following cooling effect: the high-temperature fumes can be gradually cooled in the process of discharging the high-temperature fumes from the battery core 30 to the outside, so that the danger of the high-temperature fumes is gradually reduced. In this way, the use safety of the battery pack assembly is ensured.

[0042] After the temperature of the high-temperature fumes is lowered through the temperature equalization plate 22, multiple cooling plate flow channels 213 are formed on the flow channel plate 21 below the temperature equalization plate 22 at the position of the concave ribs 212, and the fumes after their temperature has been lowered can flow through the cooling plate flow channels 213 formed by the concave ribs 212 into the exhaust channel 12 on the frame 10 and then be discharged.

[0043] In some examples of the present disclosure, referring to FIG. 6 , a second through hole 221 configured to avoid the first explosion-proof valve 32 is provided at a position opposite the first explosion-proof valve 32 on the temperature equalization plate 22.

[0044] That is, two layers of the structure of the composite cooling plate 20 in this embodiment of the present disclosure, namely, the temperature equalization plate 22 and the flow channel plate 21, are both provided with through-holes to avoid the first explosion-proof valve 32 on the battery core 30. Specifically, the second through-hole 221 on the temperature equalization plate 22 corresponds to the first through-hole 214 on the flow channel plate 21, and the second through-hole and the first through-hole can form a flow channel. In this way, during thermal runaway of the battery core 30, high-temperature fumes released by the first explosion-proof valve 32 flow along the second through-hole 221 into the first through-hole 214, and then flow along the cooling plate flow channel 213 on the flow channel plate 21 to the exhaust channel 12. In this process, the high-temperature fumes are blocked by the composite cooling plate 20 on the outside of the battery core 30, so that the impact of the high-temperature fumes on the battery core 30 can be reduced.

[0045] In some examples of the present disclosure, referring to FIG. 1 , a second explosion-proof valve 13 is arranged on the frame 10, the second explosion-proof valve 13 is installed at the air outlet of the exhaust channel 12, and the arrangement direction of the second explosion-proof valve 13 faces a downward position of the frame 10.

[0046] 1, at the rear of the frame 10 (i.e., rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle), a second explosion-proof valve 13 is disposed at the rear end of each exhaust channel 12 of the frame 10, i.e., two second explosion-proof valves 13 are disposed on the frame 10. The mounting angle of the second explosion-proof valve 13 is downward, i.e., the mounting angle faces the ground to ensure that high-temperature fumes and flames are discharged to a position below the vehicle body, i.e., to the ground, rather than into the interior of the vehicle.

[0047] In some examples of the present disclosure, referring to FIG. 1, the tray 11 has grooves in the sides, and the composite cold plate 20 is bonded and secured within the grooves via a structural adhesive.

[0048] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, recessed structures capable of accommodating one or more battery cores 30 may be stamped directly onto the frame 10. The recessed structures may be the aforementioned grooves and configured to support each battery core 30 and the composite cold plate 20. In this manner, it is no longer necessary to provide separate tray structures for components such as battery cores, thereby reducing the number of parts in the battery pack assembly.

[0049] In some cases, the composite cold plate 20 is bonded and fixed in the groove through a structural adhesive. In this way, after the composite cold plate 20 is damaged, the composite cold plate can be easily peeled off from the frame 10, and the composite cold plate 20 can be conveniently replaced independently, with relatively low maintenance costs.

[0050] In some examples of the present disclosure, referring to FIG. 1 , the battery pack assembly further includes a top cover 40, which is installed on the top of the battery core 30 and connected to the frame 10, and an accommodating space is formed between the top cover 40 and the frame 10, and the battery core 30 and the composite cooling plate 20 below the battery core 30 are arranged together in the accommodating space.

[0051] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover 40 and the frame 10 may be connected by a combination of glue and fasteners, thereby ensuring the overall hermeticity of the battery pack assembly.

[0052] In some examples of the present disclosure, the frame 10 is of integrally stamped and formed construction.

[0053] The frame in this embodiment of the present disclosure is integrated with a tray 11 configured to support a battery core 30 and a composite cooling plate 20, and shaped exhaust channels 12 are formed on two sides of the tray 11, and the exhaust channels 12 are connected to the outside to facilitate the evacuation of high-temperature fumes and flames.

[0054] Optionally, the side of the battery core 30 on which the terminal 31 and the first explosion-proof valve 32 are provided is joined and fixed to the temperature equalization plate 22 .

[0055] If the battery core 30 is damaged, the damaged battery core can be replaced independently.

[0056] In some examples of the present disclosure, the concave-convex rib structure is formed on the flow channel plate 21 by stamping. The process is simple, and the formed flow channel plate 21 has an aesthetic appearance and is sturdy and long-lasting.

[0057] In some examples of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the exhaust channels 12 are arranged separately on two opposite sides of the tray 11 in the longitudinal direction of the frame 10, and the cooling plate flow channels 213 and the exhaust channels 12 are arranged vertically and are connected to each other.

[0058] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the tray 11 and the two side exhaust channels 12 are integrated on the frame 10, and the exhaust channels 12 are arranged along the length of the frame 10 so that the high-temperature fumes and flames generated during thermal runaway of the battery core 30 are discharged to the rear of the vehicle when they are eliminated through the exhaust channels 12. The cooling plate flow channels 213 are parallel to each other and communicate perpendicularly with the exhaust channels 12, which is convenient for quickly discharging the high-temperature fumes and flames into the exhaust channels 12.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is further provided an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle including the battery pack assembly described above.

[0060] For the specific implementation of the vehicle in this embodiment of the present disclosure, reference is made to the aforementioned embodiment of the battery pack assembly, so at least all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the aforementioned embodiment exist, and the details are not described again here.

[0061] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure focus on the differences between the embodiments. As long as the various optimization features between the embodiments are not contradictory, the various optimization features can be combined to form a better embodiment. In consideration of a concise description, the details will not be described again here.

[0062] While several specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 frames 11 Tray 12 exhaust channel 13 Second explosion-proof valve 20 Composite cooling plate 21 Flow channel plate 211 Convex rib 212 concave rib 213 Cooling Plate Flow Channel 214 First through hole 22 Temperature equalization plate 221 Second through hole 30 Battery Core 31 terminals 32 First explosion-proof valve 40 Top cover

Claims

1. A frame (10) comprising a tray (11) and exhaust channels (12) communicating with the outside, the exhaust channels (12) being arranged on two opposite sides of the tray (11); a composite cooling plate (20) disposed on the tray (11), the composite cooling plate (20) comprising a flow channel plate (21), a concave-convex rib structure formed on a surface of the flow channel plate (21), a concave rib (212) disposed between two adjacent convex ribs (211), a cooling plate flow channel (213) defined by the concave rib (212) and the tray (11), the cooling plate flow channel (213) communicating with the exhaust channel (12); at least one battery core (30) disposed on the composite cold plate (20), with a terminal (31) of the battery core (30) facing the composite cold plate (20), and with a first explosion-proof valve (32) disposed on a side of the battery core (30) facing the composite cold plate (20), the first explosion-proof valve (32) communicating with the cold plate flow channel (213); A battery pack assembly comprising:

2. 2. The battery pack assembly of claim 1, wherein a first through-hole (214) configured to avoid the first explosion-proof valve (32) is provided on the flow channel plate (21) at a position opposite the first explosion-proof valve (32).

3. 3. The battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the composite cooling plate (20) further comprises a temperature equalization plate (22), the temperature equalization plate (22) being disposed on a side of the flow channel plate (21) facing away from the tray (11), and the temperature equalization plate (22) and the flow channel plate (21) being connected by brazing.

4. 4. The battery pack assembly of claim 3, wherein a second through-hole (221) configured to avoid the first explosion-proof valve (32) is provided on the temperature equalization plate (22) at a position opposite the first explosion-proof valve (32).

5. 5. The battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein a second explosion-proof valve (13) is disposed on the frame (10), the second explosion-proof valve (13) is installed at an air outlet of the exhaust channel (12), and the arrangement direction of the second explosion-proof valve (13) faces a lower position of the frame (10).

6. 6. The battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein a groove is provided on a side surface of the tray (11), and the composite cooling plate (20) is bonded and fixed in the groove through a structural adhesive.

7. The battery further includes a top cover (40), the top cover (40) is installed on the top of the battery core (30) and connected to the frame (10), and a storage space is formed between the top cover (40) and the frame (10); 7. The battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the battery core (30) and the composite cooling plate (20) below the battery core (30) are arranged together in the accommodating space.

8. 5. The battery pack assembly according to claim 3, wherein the side of the battery core (30) on which the terminal (31) and the first explosion-proof valve (32) are provided is joined and fixed to the temperature equalization plate (22).

9. 9. A battery pack assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the frame (10) is of integrally stamped and formed construction.

10. 10. The battery pack assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the concave-convex rib structure is formed on the flow channel plate (21) by stamping.

11. 11. The battery pack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust channels (12) are separately arranged on two opposite sides of the tray (11) in the length direction of the frame (10), and the cooling plate flow channels (213) and the exhaust channels (12) are arranged vertically and communicate with each other.

12. An electric vehicle comprising a battery pack assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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