Temperature control unit and battery pack

Abstract

To provide a temperature control unit and a battery pack, enabling a service life of a battery to be largely prolonged by reducing the deformation due to an act of an expansion force of the battery.SOLUTION: In a battery pack performing heat dissipation by adopting an air cooling system, a temperature control unit 1 provided between adjacent two batteries, includes: a first side surface plate 11; a second side surface plate 12; and a first buffer plate 13. The second side surface plate forms a cavity with the first side surface plate, and the first buffer plate is provided between the second side surface plate and the first side surface plate to thereby divide the cavity into a plurality of paths. And, at least a part of the first buffer plate is inclined and extended from the first side surface plate to the second side surface plate. The battery pack includes a temperature control unit, and materializes a heat dissipation treatment with respect to the battery when an outer air flows in the temperature control unit.EFFECT: The temperature control unit 1 secures a satisfying requirement of an expansion force of the battery to improve a service life of the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of batteries, and more particularly to temperature control units and battery packs.

[0002] This application claims priority from a Chinese patent application bearing application number 201910528792.2 and entitled "Temperature Control Unit and Battery Pack" filed with the Patent Office of the People's Republic of China on June 18, 2019, and entitled "Temperature Control Unit and Battery Pack"; and from a Chinese patent application bearing application number 201910528260.9 and entitled "Temperature Control Unit and Battery Pack" filed with the Patent Office of the People's Republic of China on June 18, 2019, and entitled "Temperature Control Unit and Battery Pack", and from a Chinese patent application bearing application number 201910528787.1 and entitled "Temperature Control Unit and Battery Pack" filed with the Patent Office of the People's Republic of China on June 18, 2019, and entitled "Temperature Control Unit and Battery Pack", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] A battery pack typically includes a plurality of grouped batteries. In grouping technology, it is necessary to not only ensure the strength and performance of the structure itself, but also to consider the impact of the structure on the battery life. Here, since temperature and expansion force have a significant impact on battery life, it is necessary to take into account thermal management and expansion force design during design. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a temperature control unit and a battery pack, and when the temperature control unit is applied to a battery pack, the temperature control unit can not only thermally manage the battery, but also absorb the expansion force generated by the battery, thereby reducing the deformation generated by the battery under the action of the expansion force, and greatly improving the service life of the battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned object, in a first aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a temperature control unit, the temperature control unit including: a first side panel; a second side panel disposed opposite the first side panel along the vertical direction and connected to the first side panel to form a cavity together with the first side panel; and a first buffer panel disposed between the second side panel and the first side panel and connected to the second side panel and the first side panel, thereby dividing the cavity into a plurality of passages, and at least a portion of which extends at an angle from the first side panel toward the second side panel.

[0006] In a second aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a battery pack, the battery pack including a plurality of batteries and the temperature control unit described above, the plurality of batteries including a first battery and a second battery, and the temperature control unit being disposed between the first battery and the second battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: In the battery pack of the present invention, heat dissipation for the batteries can be achieved when external air flows through the passage of the temperature control unit. Furthermore, during use of the battery pack, the batteries generate expansion force, and the expansion force of two adjacent batteries presses the first and second side panels, respectively, which then transmit the expansion force to the first buffer plate. At least a portion of the first buffer plate is inclined and extends from the first side panel toward the second side panel, thereby significantly reducing the expansion force transmitted to the first buffer plate via the first and second side panels, thereby extending the service life of the temperature control unit. Furthermore, the inclined and extended at least portion of the first buffer plate is prone to bending deformation due to the expansion force, allowing the temperature control unit to quickly absorb the expansion force of the batteries, thereby significantly improving the service life of the batteries. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a battery pack of the present application. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the battery pack of the present application. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a temperature control unit in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a temperature control unit in FIG. [Figure 6] This is a modification of FIG. [Figure 7] 5. This is another modified example of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a front view of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a battery pack of the present application. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between two adjacent batteries and the corresponding temperature control units in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the temperature control unit in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. 11, where the temperature control unit is in a pre-deformed state. [Figure 14] The temperature control unit in FIG. 13 is in a state after being deformed. [Figure 15] 14 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 13, showing the distance a2 in the up-down direction between the plurality of first positioning protrusions and the first end of the first buffer plate. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. [Figure 17] 14 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 13, showing the distance b2 in the up-down direction between the plurality of second positioning protrusions and the second end of the first buffer plate. [Figure 18] 14 is a variation of FIG. 13, where the temperature control unit is in a pre-deformed state. [Figure 19] The temperature control unit in FIG. 18 is in a state after being deformed. [Figure 20]19 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 18, showing the distance a1 in the up-down direction between the first positioning protrusion and the first end of the first buffer plate. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 19. [Figure 22] 19 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 18, showing the distance b1 in the up-down direction between the second positioning protrusion and the second end of the first buffer plate. [Figure 23] This is an assembly diagram of the duct unit and lower housing of the present application in one embodiment. [Figure 24] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a battery pack according to the present application. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between two adjacent batteries and the corresponding temperature control units in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a temperature control unit of the present application. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 27 is a front view of FIG. 26, where the temperature control unit is in a pre-deformed state. [Figure 29] The temperature control unit in FIG. 28 is in a state after being deformed. [Figure 30] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 28. [Figure 31] FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG. 29. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are only used to interpret the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0010] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood to indicate or imply any relative importance. The term "plurality" refers to two or more (including two). Unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "connected" should be understood broadly, for example, "connected" may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, an electrical connection, or a signal connection. "Connected" may be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0011] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that directional terms such as "upper," "lower," etc., used in the embodiments of the present application are described in terms of angles shown in the drawings and should not be understood to limit the embodiments of the present application. The present application will be described in more detail below by way of specific embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 1 to 31, a battery pack in one embodiment of the present application includes a temperature control unit 1, a plurality of batteries 2, a lower housing 3, a duct unit 4, a fan 5, a cable tie 6, an upper housing cover 7, an end plate 8, a mounting panel 9, and a wire harness separator 10.

[0013] 2, 9, 10, 24, and 25, the plurality of batteries 2 includes a first battery 2A and a second battery 2B, and a temperature control unit 1 is provided between the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B. Furthermore, the number of first batteries 2A and the number of second batteries 2B may both be plural, and the plurality of first batteries 2A and the plurality of second batteries 2B may be arranged alternately in the vertical direction Y, and a temperature control unit 1 may be provided between each adjacent first battery 2A and second battery 2B.

[0014] To ensure the strength and thermal conductivity of the temperature control unit 1, the temperature control unit 1 may be made of a metal material, such as an aluminum profile.

[0015] In terms of thermal management design, there are currently two main methods: water cooling and air cooling. Because the cost of water cooling is high, battery packs generally use air cooling to dissipate heat.

[0016] In terms of expansion force design, during the charge and discharge process, the battery gradually expands and generates an interaction force (i.e., expansion force) with the fixed structure. While an appropriate expansion force is beneficial for the battery's own reaction, excessive expansion force can cause lithium precipitation due to the battery's excessive pressure, resulting in irreversible capacity loss and significantly shortening the battery's lifespan.

[0017] Currently, there are several main methods for alleviating the expansion force: (1) Directly attaching batteries to each other and reinforcing the external structure to directly resist the expansion force. The drawbacks of this method are as follows: As battery capacity and the number of batteries grouped in series increase, the expansion force after battery grouping becomes increasingly large, thereby reducing the battery's service life; (2) Adding structures such as cushion pads between batteries, which use the elastic properties of the material itself to absorb the expansion force and thereby reduce the expansion force after battery grouping; The drawbacks of this method are: The larger surface area of ​​the battery is in close contact with the cushion pad, and only the sides and bottom of the battery can be used for heat dissipation, thereby reducing heat dissipation efficiency; (3) Separating batteries and leaving a gap between them to allow the batteries to expand freely; The drawbacks of this method are: the batteries expand freely initially, which is prone to insufficient reaction without pressure and reduces the service life; and, when the amount of battery expansion is large and the pre-reserved gap is too large, it affects the battery's volume.

[0018] 3 to 8, 11 to 15, 17 to 20, 22, and 26 to 30, the temperature control unit 1 may include a first side plate 11, a second side plate 12, a first buffer plate 13, a first connecting plate 15, and a second connecting plate 16. Here, the first side plate 11, the second side plate 12, the first buffer plate 13, the first connecting plate 15, and the second connecting plate 16 may be integrally formed using an aluminum extrusion process.

[0019] The first side panel 11 is arranged opposite the second side panel 12 along the vertical direction Y, and the second side panel 12 is connected to the first side panel 11 via a first connecting plate 15 and a second connecting plate 16. Here, the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12 are arranged to directly face the large surfaces of the corresponding batteries 2, and when outside air flows through the temperature control unit 1, heat dissipation treatment for the batteries 2 can be achieved.

[0020] The first connecting plate 15 is connected to one end of the first side panel 11 and one end of the second side panel 12, and the second connecting plate 16 is connected to the other end of the first side panel 11 and the other end of the second side panel 12, so that the first side panel 11, the second side panel 12, the first connecting plate 15 and the second connecting plate 16 together form a frame-like structure with a cavity.

[0021] The first buffer plate 13 is provided between the second side plate 12 and the first side plate 11 and is connected to the second side plate 12 and the first side plate 11, thereby dividing the cavity into a plurality of passages F, and at least a portion of the first buffer plate 13 extends at an angle from the first side plate 11 toward the second side plate 12. Here, there may be a plurality of first buffer plates 13, and the plurality of first buffer plates 13 are provided at intervals along the vertical direction Z, thereby dividing the cavity into a plurality of passages F.

[0022] During use of the battery pack, the batteries 2 generate expansion forces, and the expansion forces of the two adjacent batteries 2 (i.e., the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B) press against the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12, respectively, which then transmit the expansion forces to the first buffer plate 13. At least a portion of the first buffer plate 13 is inclined and extends from the first side panel 11 toward the second side panel 12, thereby significantly reducing the expansion force transmitted to the first buffer plate 13 via the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12, thereby extending the service life of the temperature control unit 1. Furthermore, the inclined and extended at least a portion of the first buffer plate 13 is prone to bending deformation due to the expansion force, allowing the temperature control unit 1 to quickly absorb the expansion force of the batteries 2, thereby significantly improving the service life of the battery 2.

[0023] The magnitude of the expansion force transmitted to the first buffer plate 13 via the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12 is determined by the extension direction of the first buffer plate 13 (i.e., the extension direction of at least a portion of the first buffer plate 13) and the size of the included angle formed with the first side panel 11 and the size of the included angle formed with the second side panel 12. If the expansion force received by the first buffer plate 13 is too large, the first buffer plate 13 will be crushed. Therefore, in one embodiment, to prevent the first buffer plate 13 from being crushed by excessive expansion force, referring to Figures 8, 15, and 20, the acute angle θ1 between the extension direction of the first buffer plate 13 and the first side panel 11 is 45° or less (the acute angle between the first buffer plate 13 and the second side panel 12 is equal to the acute angle between the first buffer plate 13 and the first side panel 11).

[0024] Based on the installation manner of the first buffer plate 13, some specific structures of the temperature control unit 1 will be described in detail below.

[0025] In a first embodiment (not shown), only a first buffer plate 13 is provided between the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12 of the temperature control unit 1, and the entire first buffer plate 13 is formed to extend at an angle from the first side panel 11 toward the second side panel 12. Specifically, the entire first buffer plate 13 can extend obliquely upward from the first side panel 11 toward the second side panel 12. Alternatively, the entire first buffer plate 13 can extend obliquely downward from the first side panel 11 toward the second side panel 12.

[0026] In the first embodiment, the first buffer plate 13 may be formed in a flat plate-like structure or a circular arc-shaped plate-like structure. The first buffer plate 13 may be formed in a structure with a uniform thickness. Alternatively, the first buffer plate 13 may be formed in a structure with a thick center and thin ends. Alternatively, the first buffer plate 13 may be formed in a structure with a thin center and thick ends.

[0027] 3 and 4, in a second embodiment, only a first buffer plate 13 is provided between the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12 of the temperature control unit 1, and the first buffer plate 13 may be formed in a wave-like structure (also called a corrugated board structure). In other words, the first buffer plate 13 is formed to extend alternately in an obliquely upward direction from the first side panel 11 to the second side panel 12 and an obliquely downward direction from the first side panel 11 to the second side panel 12.

[0028] The first buffer plate 13 thus constructed has individual protrusions, each of which has an arc-shaped configuration, allowing the first buffer plate 13 to have sufficient bending space, allowing the temperature control unit 1 to quickly absorb the expansion force of the battery 2 and significantly improving the service life of the battery 2.

[0029] 5 to 8, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 26, 28, and 29, in a third embodiment, the first buffer plate 13 is formed to extend obliquely upward from the first side panel 11 toward the second side panel 12, and the temperature control unit 1 further includes a second buffer plate 14. The second buffer plate 14 is disposed between the second side panel 12 and the first side panel 11 and is connected to the second side panel 12 and the first side panel 11, and extends obliquely downward from the first side panel 11 toward the second side panel 12. The second buffer plate 14, together with the first buffer plate 13, is used to absorb the expansion force of the battery 2, thereby significantly improving the service life of the battery 2.

[0030] The number of second buffer plates 14 may be multiple, and the multiple second buffer plates 14 are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction Z, thereby dividing the cavity into multiple passages F together with the first buffer plates 13.

[0031] The magnitude of the expansion force transmitted to the second buffer plate 14 via the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12 is determined by the extension direction of the second buffer plate 14 and the size of the included angle formed with the first side panel 11 and the size of the included angle formed with the second side panel 12. If the expansion force received by the second buffer plate 14 is too large, the second buffer plate 14 will be crushed. Therefore, in one embodiment, to prevent the second buffer plate 14 from being crushed by excessive expansion force, referring to Figures 8, 20, and 30, the acute angle θ2 between the extension direction of the second buffer plate 14 and the first side panel 11 is 45° or less (the acute angle between the second buffer plate 14 and the second side panel 12 is equal to the acute angle between the second buffer plate 14 and the first side panel 11).

[0032] 5 to 8, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 26, 28, and 29, the second buffer plates 14 are spaced apart from the first buffer plates 13 in the vertical direction Z, and the first buffer plates 13 and the second buffer plates 14 are alternately arranged, forming an "eight"-shaped structure. This "eight"-shaped structure ensures the structural stability of the temperature control unit 1 and improves its structural strength.

[0033] 6 and 11, the second buffer plate 14 is directly connected to the first buffer plate 13, and the first buffer plate 13, the second buffer plate 14, and the corresponding parts of the first side panel 11 form a triangular structure, and the first buffer plate 13, the second buffer plate 14, and the corresponding parts of the second side panel 12 also form a triangular structure. Such a triangular structure ensures the structural stability of the temperature control unit 1 and improves its structural strength.

[0034] 7, the second buffer plate 14 is directly connected to the first buffer plate 13, and the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 form an arched structure. This arched structure ensures the structural stability of the temperature control unit 1 and improves its structural strength.

[0035] In the third embodiment, the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 may be formed to have a uniform thickness (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). Alternatively, the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 may be formed to have a thicker center and thinner ends. Alternatively, the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 may be formed to have a thinner center and thicker ends (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8). The first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 may be formed to have a flat plate-like structure (as shown in FIG. 6) or an arc-shaped plate-like structure (as shown in FIG. 7).

[0036] 12 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 20 , 21 , and 22 , in the battery pack of the present application, the first side panel 11 may be provided with a first positioning protrusion 111 that extends toward the second side panel 12 along the longitudinal direction Y and is located within the corresponding passage F, and the first positioning protrusion 111 is within a projected area of ​​the first side panel 11 of the first buffer panel 13. The second side panel 12 may be provided with a second positioning protrusion 121 that extends toward the first side panel 11 along the longitudinal direction Y and is located within the corresponding passage F, and the second positioning protrusion 121 is within a projected area of ​​the second side panel 12 of the first buffer panel 13.

[0037] During the bending deformation process of the first buffer plate 13, due to the installation of the first positioning protrusions 111 and the second positioning protrusions 121, the first buffer plate 13 finally abuts against the first positioning protrusions 111 and the second positioning protrusions 121 (as shown in Figures 16 and 21), thereby limiting the bending deformation of the first buffer plate 13, and thus the corresponding passage F still has a ventilation space that meets the thermal management requirements, thereby improving the thermal management performance of the temperature control unit 1 for the battery 2 and thereby significantly improving the service life of the battery 2.

[0038] The first positioning protrusion 111 and the second positioning protrusion 121 are provided opposite to each other. Specifically, the first positioning protrusion 111 and the second positioning protrusion 121 are provided flush with each other in the vertical direction Y. Alternatively, the first positioning protrusion 111 and the second positioning protrusion 121 are provided offset from each other in the up-down direction Z.

[0039] To ensure the pressure resistance strength of the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12, the number of first positioning protrusions 111 and second positioning protrusions 121 may be selectively provided according to strength requirements. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 18 to 22, the number of first positioning protrusions 111 on the first side panel 11 may be one. With reference to FIGS. 12 to 17, the number of first positioning protrusions 111 may be multiple. Similarly, the number of second positioning protrusions 121 may be one (as shown in FIGS. 18 to 22) or multiple (as shown in FIGS. 12 to 17).

[0040] The length of the first buffer plate 13 is L, which has a first end 131 and a second end 132, and the first end 131 is connected to the first side plate 11, and the second end 132 is connected to the second side plate 12.

[0041] When the number of the first positioning protrusions 111 is one (as shown in FIG. 20), the distance in the vertical direction Z between the first positioning protrusion 111 and the first end 131 is a1 (that is, the distance between the edge of the first end 131 close to the first positioning protrusion 111 and the edge of the first positioning protrusion 111 close to the first end 131), and 0 < a1 ≤ L / 2. When the number of the first positioning protrusions 111 is plural (as shown in FIG. 15), the distance in the vertical direction Z between the plural first positioning protrusions 111 and the first end 131 is a2 (that is, the distance between the edge of the first end 131 close to the first positioning protrusion 111 and the edge of the first positioning protrusion 111 closest to the first end 131), and 0 < a2 ≤ L / 2.

[0042] Here, the magnitude of the parameter a1 (or a2) determines the installation position of the first positioning protrusion 111 on the first side plate 11. In order to ensure the positioning effect of the first positioning protrusion 111 on the first buffer plate 13, the first positioning protrusion 111 needs to be provided between the contact position of the maximum free deformation arc of the first buffer plate 13 and the first side plate 11 and the first end 131, that is, 0 < a1 ≤ L / 2 (or 0 < a2 ≤ L / 2). When a1 > L / 2 (or a2 > L / 2), since the degree of bending deformation of the first buffer plate 13 is limited, it is difficult or impossible for the first positioning protrusion 111 to play a limiting role in the bending deformation of the first buffer plate 13.

[0043] When the number of the second positioning protrusions 121 is one (as shown in FIG. 22), the distance in the vertical direction Z between the second positioning protrusion 121 and the second end portion 132 is b1 (that is, the distance between the edge where the second end portion 132 is close to the first positioning protrusion 121 and the edge where the second positioning protrusion 121 is close to the second end portion 132), and 0 < b1 ≦ L / 2. When the number of the second positioning protrusions 121 is plural (as shown in FIG. 17), the distance in the vertical direction Z between the plural second positioning protrusions 121 and the second end portion 132 is b2 (that is, the distance between the edge where the second end portion 132 is close to the second positioning protrusion 121 and the edge of the second positioning protrusion 121 closest to the second end portion 132), and 0 < b2 ≦ L / 2.

[0044] Here, the magnitude of the parameter b1 (or b2) determines the installation position of the second positioning protrusion 121 on the second side plate 12. In order to ensure the positioning effect of the second positioning protrusion 121 on the first buffer plate 13, the second positioning protrusion 121 needs to be provided between the contact position of the maximum free deformation arc of the first buffer plate 13 and the second side plate 12 and the second end portion 132, that is, 0 < b1 ≦ L / 2 (or 0 < b2 ≦ L / 2). When b1 > L / 2 (or b2 > L / 2), since the degree of bending deformation of the first buffer plate 13 is limited, it is difficult or impossible for the second positioning protrusion 121 to play a limiting role in the bending deformation of the first buffer plate 13.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 20, the thickness of the temperature control unit 1 in the vertical direction Y is H, the height of the first positioning protrusion 111 in the vertical direction Y is h1, and 0 < h1 ≦ H / 2. The height of the second positioning protrusion 121 in the vertical direction Y is h2, and 0 < h2 ≦ H / 2. This is because when h1 > H / 2 (or h2 > H / 2), in the process of the battery 2 generating expansion deformation, the degree of bending deformation generated by the first buffer plate 13 is small, and it cannot absorb the expansion deformation of the battery 2 in a timely manner, so that the temperature control unit 1 cannot meet the expansion force requirement of the battery 2.

[0046] Furthermore, when the number of the first positioning protrusions 111 is one, H / 8≦h1≦H / 2 holds. When the number of the first positioning protrusions 111 is multiple, the heights of the multiple first positioning protrusions 111 are the same, and H / 20≦h1≦H / 8 holds.

[0047] If there is only one first positioning protrusion 111, the contact with the first positioning protrusion 111 after the first buffer plate 13 is bent corresponds to point contact, and the degree of bending deformation of the first buffer plate 13 is small at this time, so that the height h1 of the first positioning protrusion 111 in the longitudinal direction Y to perform the positioning function of the first buffer plate 13 is not too small, i.e., H / 8≦h1≦H / 2. If there are multiple first positioning protrusions 111, the contact with the multiple first positioning protrusions 111 after the first buffer plate 13 is bent corresponds to surface contact, and the degree of bending deformation of the first buffer plate 13 is large at this time, so that the height h1 of the multiple first positioning protrusions 111 in the longitudinal direction Y can be appropriately reduced, i.e., H / 20≦h1≦H / 8.

[0048] Similarly, when there is one second positioning protrusion 121, H / 8≦h2≦H / 2 holds. When there are multiple second positioning protrusions 121, the heights of the multiple second positioning protrusions 121 are the same, and H / 20≦h2≦H / 8 holds. Here, the reason for adopting the above installation method is that the number of second positioning protrusions 121 and their height h2 in the vertical direction Y are consistent with those of the first positioning protrusion 111, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0049] In some embodiments (not shown), the first positioning protrusion 111 and the second positioning protrusion 121 may be provided in an embodiment in which only the first buffer plate 13 is provided, such as the first embodiment described above, but they may also be provided in an embodiment in which the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 are provided simultaneously, such as the third embodiment described above, in which the second buffer plate 14 may be formed in a flat or arc-shaped structure, and the second buffer plate 14 is used together with the first buffer plate 13 to absorb the expansion deformation of the battery 2, thereby ensuring that the temperature control unit 1 meets the expansion force requirements of the battery 2 and improving the service life of the battery 2.

[0050] Referring to Figures 13 and 19, the second buffer plate 14 is arranged at a distance from the first buffer plate 13 in the vertical direction Z, and at this time, the second buffer plate 14, the first buffer plate 13, the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12 are surrounded by a trapezoidal passage F.

[0051] The second buffer plate 14 may be directly connected to the first buffer plate 13, in which case the second buffer plate 14, the first buffer plate 13 and the first side plate 11 are surrounded by a triangular passage F, and the second buffer plate 14, the first buffer plate 13 and the second side plate 12 are also surrounded by a triangular passage F.

[0052] The first side panel 11 may further be provided with a third positioning protrusion 112 that extends toward the second side panel 12 along the longitudinal direction Y and is within a projection area of ​​the second buffer panel 14 on the first side panel 11. The second side panel 12 may further be provided with a fourth positioning protrusion 122 that extends toward the first side panel 11 along the longitudinal direction Y and is within a projection area of ​​the second buffer panel 14 on the second side panel 12.

[0053] During the bending deformation of the second buffer plate 14, due to the installation of the third positioning protrusions 112 and the fourth positioning protrusions 122, the second buffer plate 14 finally abuts against the third positioning protrusions 112 and the fourth positioning protrusions 122 (as shown in Figures 16 and 21), thereby limiting the bending deformation of the second buffer plate 14, and thus the corresponding passage F still has a ventilation space that meets the thermal management requirements, thereby improving the thermal management performance of the temperature control unit 1 for the battery 2 and thereby significantly improving the service life of the battery 2.

[0054] The second buffer plate 14 has a third end 141 and a fourth end 142, and the third end 141 is connected to the first side plate 11, and the fourth end 142 is connected to the second side plate 12. Here, the positional relationship between the third positioning protrusion 112 and the third end 141 is the same as the positional relationship between the first positioning protrusion 111 and the first end 131, and the positional relationship between the fourth positioning protrusion 122 and the fourth end 142 is the same as the positional relationship between the second positioning protrusion 121 and the second end 132, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0055] The third positioning protrusion 112 and the fourth positioning protrusion 122 are provided opposite to each other. Specifically, the third positioning protrusion 112 and the fourth positioning protrusion 122 are provided flush with each other in the vertical direction Y. Alternatively, the third positioning protrusion 112 and the fourth positioning protrusion 122 are provided offset from each other in the up-down direction Z.

[0056] To ensure the pressure resistance strength of the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12, the number of third positioning protrusions 112 and fourth positioning protrusions 122 may be selectively provided according to strength requirements.

[0057] In the third embodiment described above, the first side panel 11, the second side panel 12, the first buffer panel 13, the second buffer panel 14, the first connecting panel 15, and the second connecting panel 16 may be integrally formed using an aluminum extrusion process. The number of first buffer panels 13 and second buffer panels 14 may be plural, and the second buffer panels 14 and the first buffer panels 13 are arranged in a staggered pattern. The adjacent second buffer panels 14 and first buffer panels 13 in the vertical direction Z are surrounded by corresponding portions of the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12, respectively, to form a passage F. In other words, the cavity formed by the first side panel 11, the second side panel 12, the first connecting panel 15, and the second connecting panel 16 is divided into a plurality of passages F by the first buffer panels 13 and the second buffer panels 14.

[0058] 27, 30, and 31, the passage F may have a wide surface F1, a narrow surface F2, and a positioning protrusion F3, where the narrow surface F2 is disposed opposite the wide surface F1 along the longitudinal direction Y, the positioning protrusion F3 protrudes from the wide surface F1 along the longitudinal direction Y and is disposed at a distance from the narrow surface F2, and at least a portion of the positioning protrusion F3 is within a projection area of ​​the narrow surface F2 on the wide surface F1. Here, the number of positioning protrusions F3 in the passage F may be one or more.

[0059] During the operation of the battery pack, the batteries 2 generate expansion forces, and the expansion forces of the two adjacent batteries 2 (i.e., the first battery 2A and the second battery 2B) press the first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12, respectively, which then transmit the expansion forces to the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14. Due to the inclined installation of the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14, the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 are prone to bending deformation due to the expansion forces, thereby absorbing the expansion forces of the batteries 2 in a timely manner, thereby ensuring that the temperature control unit 1 meets the expansion force requirements of the batteries 2. At the same time, during the bending deformation process of the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14, the positioning protrusion F3 finally abuts against the narrow surface F2 of the passage F, so that the passage F still has sufficient ventilation space, thereby improving the thermal management performance of the temperature control unit 1 for the battery 2 and thereby significantly improving the service life of the battery 2.

[0060] In some possible embodiments, for the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 adjacent in the vertical direction Z, the first buffer plate 13 is located below the second buffer plate 14, and the wide surface F1 of the passage F is the surface of the first side plate 11 facing the second side plate 12, and the narrow surface F2 is the surface of the second side plate 12 facing the first side plate 11, i.e., the positioning protrusion F3 in the passage F is provided on the first side plate 11.

[0061] 27, 30, and 31, the first buffer plate 13 may have a first end 131 connected to the first side plate 11 and a second end 132 connected to the second side plate 12. The second buffer plate 14 may have a third end 141 connected to the first side plate 11 and a fourth end 142 connected to the second side plate 12. The wide surface F1 of the passage F is the surface portion of the first side plate 11 between the first end 131 and the third end 141, and the narrow surface F2 is the surface portion of the second side plate 12 between the second end 132 and the fourth end 142.

[0062] The thickness of the first side plate 11 in the vertical direction Y is c1, the dimension in the vertical direction Z of the surface facing the narrow surface F2 of the positioning projection F3 is b, as shown in FIG. 30. In the bending deformation process of the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14, the positioning projection F3 presses the large surface of the corresponding battery 2 through the narrow surface F2 on the second side plate 12. To prevent the lithium precipitation phenomenon from occurring due to the excessive pressing force applied to the battery 2 by the positioning projection F3, c1 < b. In order to effectively reduce the pressing force of the positioning projection F3 on the corresponding battery 2 and reduce the stress concentration of the positioning projection F3 on the large surface of the corresponding battery 2, in one embodiment, 2.5c1 ≤ b ≤ l, where the dimension in the vertical direction Z of the narrow surface F2 is l, as shown in FIG. 30.

[0063] In some other possible embodiments, for the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14 adjacent in the vertical direction Z, the first buffer plate 13 is located above the second buffer plate 14. The wide surface F1 of the passage F is the surface of the second side plate 12 facing the first side plate 11, and the narrow surface F2 is the surface of the first side plate 11 facing the second side plate 12. That is, the positioning projection F3 in the passage F is provided on the second side plate 12.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 27, 30 and 31, the first buffer plate 13 may have a first end 131 connected to the first side plate 11 and a second end 132 connected to the second side plate 12. The second buffer plate 14 may have a third end 141 connected to the first side plate 11 and a fourth end 142 connected to the second side plate 12. The wide surface F1 of the passage F is the surface portion where the second side plate 12 is between the second end 13 to and the fourth end 142, and the narrow surface F2 is the surface portion where the first side plate 11 is between the first end 131 and the third end 141.

[0065] [[ID=ll]] In the above embodiments, the thickness of the second side plate 12 in the vertical direction Y is c2, the dimension of the surface facing the narrow surface F2 of the positioning protrusion F3 in the vertical direction Z is b, as shown in FIG. 30. In the bending deformation process of the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14, the positioning protrusion F3 presses the large surface of the corresponding battery 2 through the narrow surface F2 on the first side plate 11. In order to prevent the phenomenon of lithium precipitation from occurring due to the excessive pressing force applied to the battery 2 by the positioning protrusion F3, c2 < b. In order to effectively reduce the pressing force of the positioning protrusion F3 on the corresponding battery 2 and reduce the stress concentration of the positioning protrusion F3 on the large surface of the corresponding battery 2, in one embodiment, 2.5c < b < l, where the dimension of the narrow surface F2 in the vertical direction Z is l, as shown in FIG. 30.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 30, the thickness of the temperature control unit 1 in the vertical direction Y is H, and the height of the positioning protrusion F3 in the vertical direction Y is a. In the bending deformation process of the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14, the height a of the positioning protrusion F3 determines the size of the ventilation space of the deformed passage F. In order to ensure the thermal management performance of the temperature control unit 1 for the battery 2, 1 / 5H ≤ a < H. In one embodiment, 1 / 3H ≤ a ≤ 1 / 2H.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, the positioning protrusion F3 may have a main body portion F31 extending from the wide surface F1 toward the narrow surface F2, and a protruding portion F32 provided at one end approaching the narrow surface F2 of the main body portion F31 and protruding from the main body portion F31 along the circumferential direction (that is, the circumferential dimension of the protruding portion F32 is larger than the circumferential dimension of the main body portion F31), and at least a part of the protruding portion F32 is within the projection area of the narrow surface F2 on the wide surface F1.

[0068] During the bending deformation process of the first buffer plate 13 and the second buffer plate 14, the protrusion F32 of the positioning protrusion F3 presses against the large surface of the corresponding battery 2 through the narrow surface F2, and the circumferential dimension of the protrusion F32 is larger than the circumferential dimension of the main body F31, which minimizes the reduction in the ventilation space of the passage F after deformation and further ensures the contact area between the protrusion F32 and the narrow surface F2, thereby reducing the pressing force of the positioning protrusion F3 on the corresponding battery 2.

[0069] 1, 2, 9, and 24, a lower housing 3 is used to support the plurality of batteries 2. The plurality of batteries 2 may be arranged in at least two battery rows S in the horizontal direction X, and a duct unit 4 is provided between the two battery rows S and fixed to the lower housing 3. The temperature control unit 1 has a plurality of passages F, and a duct is formed between the duct unit 4 and the corresponding battery row S, and the duct communicates with the plurality of passages F and fan 5 of the corresponding temperature control unit 1. Specifically, referring to FIG. 23, the duct unit 4 may include an air flow adjustment plate 41, a first support plate 42, a second support plate 43, a mounting plate 44, and a sealing strip 45.

[0070] An airflow adjustment plate 41 is provided in the duct, and a first support plate 42 and a second support plate 43 are provided at an interval in the vertical direction Y, with the first support plate 42 being adjacent to the fan 5. Here, the height of the airflow adjustment plate 41 decreases along the first support plate 42 toward the second support plate 43, thereby expanding the duct along the vertical direction Y from the side approaching the fan 5 to the side away from the fan 5.

[0071] The mounting plate 44 extends along the longitudinal direction Y and is connected to the first support plate 42 and the second support plate 43, and the airflow adjustment plate 41 is fixedly attached to the mounting plate 44. Sealing strips 45 are provided on the first support plate 42, the second support plate 43, and the mounting plate 44. After the duct unit 4 and the plurality of batteries 2 are assembled, the sealing strips 45 are adhered to the corresponding battery strings S, thereby sealingly connecting to the battery strings S.

[0072] During use of the battery pack, the fan 5 allows outside air to enter the multiple passages F of the temperature control unit 1, thereby dissipating heat from the batteries 2. At the same time, the amount of outside air entering different temperature control units 1 varies depending on the installation of the air flow adjustment plate 41, thereby achieving uniform heat dissipation from all the batteries 2.

[0073] 1, 2, 9 and 24, end plates 8 are provided at both ends of each battery row S in the vertical direction Y. Cable ties 6 fasten all of the batteries 2 in a corresponding battery row S, the corresponding temperature control unit 1 and the corresponding two end plates 8 along the circumferential direction. Mounting panels 9 are located outside the corresponding end plates 8 in the vertical direction Y and are fixedly connected to the lower housing 3 and the corresponding end plates 8 to fixedly mount the fans 5.

[0074] 1 and 2, a wire harness separator 10 is disposed above the plurality of batteries 2 and directly fixed to an end plate 8, which is advantageous for improving the grouping efficiency and degree of integration of the battery pack. An upper housing cover 7 is disposed above the wire harness separator 10 and is fixedly connected to the wire harness separator 10 via fasteners (e.g., rivets). Here, since the periphery of the upper housing cover 7 does not have a complex structure such as a snap fit, it can be directly processed using a blister process, thereby reducing processing costs.

Claims

1. a first side panel; a second side panel that is provided opposite the first side panel along the longitudinal direction and is connected to the first side panel to form a cavity together with the first side panel; a first buffer plate disposed between the second side plate and the first side plate, connected to the second side plate and the first side plate, thereby dividing the cavity into a plurality of passages, and extending at least a portion of the first side plate at an angle from the first side plate toward the second side plate; the first buffer plate is formed so as to extend obliquely upward from the first side plate toward the second side plate, The device further includes a second buffer plate provided between the second side panel and the first side panel, connected to the second side panel and the first side panel, and extending obliquely downward from the first side panel toward the second side panel; the second buffer plate is provided at a distance from the first buffer plate along the vertical direction, the first side panel, the second side panel, the first buffer panel, and the second buffer panel are integrally formed; a first buffer plate directly connected to each of the first and second side plates, and a second buffer plate directly connected to each of the first and second side plates; The first side panel is provided with a first positioning protrusion extending along the longitudinal direction toward the second side panel, positioned within the corresponding passage, and within a projection area of ​​the first buffer panel on the first side panel; the second side panel is provided with a second positioning protrusion extending longitudinally toward the first side panel, positioned within the corresponding passage, and within a projection area of ​​the first buffer panel on the second side panel; The first buffer plate has a length L and a first end, the first end being connected to the first side plate; The number of the first positioning protrusion is one, and the distance between the first positioning protrusion and the first end in the vertical direction is a 1 , and 0<a 1 ≦L / 2 ​​is satisfied; or the number of first positioning protrusions is plural, and the distance in the vertical direction between a first positioning protrusion among the plural first positioning protrusions that is closest to the first end and the first end is a2, and 0<a2≦L / 2 is satisfied; A temperature control unit characterized by:

2. The first buffer plate is formed in a wave-like structure, or in a flat plate-like structure or a circular arc-like plate-like structure; 2. The temperature control unit according to claim 1.

3. The entire first buffer plate is formed to extend at an angle from the first side plate toward the second side plate.

3. The temperature control unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second buffer plate and the first buffer plate are formed as an arch-like structure, or the corresponding portions of the second buffer plate, the first buffer plate, and the first side plate are formed as a triangular structure; or the corresponding portions of the second buffer plate, the first buffer plate, and the second side plate are formed as a triangular structure; 2. The temperature control unit according to claim 1.

5. The acute angle θ formed between the extension direction of the first buffer plate and the first side plate １ is less than or equal to 45°, 5. The temperature control unit according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control unit is a temperature control unit.

6. the first buffer plate has a length L and a second end, the second end being connected to the second side plate; The number of the second positioning protrusion is one, and the distance between the second positioning protrusion and the second end portion in the vertical direction is b １ and 0<b １ ≦L / 2, or The number of second positioning protrusions is plural, and the distance in the vertical direction between the second positioning protrusion closest to the second end portion among the plural second positioning protrusions and the second end portion is b ２ and 0<b ２ ≦L / 2, 2. The temperature control unit according to claim 1.

7. The thickness of the temperature control unit in the vertical direction is H, The height of the first positioning protrusion in the vertical direction is h １ and 0<h １ ≦H / 2, The height of the second positioning protrusion in the vertical direction is h ２ and 0<h ２ ≦H / 2, 7. The temperature control unit according to claim 1, 5 or 6.

8. The number of the first positioning protrusions is one, and H / 8≦h １ ≦H / 2, or The number of the first positioning projections is plural, and H / 20≦h １ ≦H / 8; 8. The temperature control unit according to claim 7.

9. The number of the second positioning protrusions is one, and H / 8≦h ２ ≦H / 2, or The number of the second positioning protrusions is plural, and H / 20≦h ２ ≦H / 8; 9. The temperature control unit according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The first side panel is further provided with a third positioning protrusion extending toward the second side panel along the longitudinal direction and located within a projection area of ​​the second buffer panel on the first side panel; The second side panel is provided with a fourth positioning protrusion extending toward the first side panel along the longitudinal direction and located within a projection area of ​​the second buffer panel on the second side panel; 10. The temperature control unit according to claim 1, 5 or 9.

11. the second buffer plate, the first buffer plate, the first side plate, and the second side plate are all surrounded by a passage; The passage has a wide surface, a narrow surface, and a positioning protrusion, the narrow surface being opposed to the wide surface along the longitudinal direction, the positioning protrusion protruding from the wide surface along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the narrow surface, and at least a portion of the positioning protrusion being within a projection area of ​​the narrow surface on the wide surface.

2. The temperature control unit according to claim 1.

12. the first buffer plate is located below the second buffer plate, and the wide surface of the passage is the surface of the first side plate facing the second side plate; 12. The temperature control unit of claim 11.

13. The thickness of the first side plate in the vertical direction is c １ and The dimension of the surface of the positioning protrusion facing the narrow surface in the vertical direction is b, and c １ <b, 13. The temperature control unit according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The vertical dimension of the narrow surface is 1 and 2.5c １ ≦b≦l, 14. The temperature control unit of claim 13.

15. the first buffer plate is located above the second buffer plate, and the wide surface of the passage is the surface of the second side plate facing the first side plate; The temperature control unit according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. The thickness of the second side plate in the vertical direction is c ２ and The dimension of the surface of the positioning protrusion facing the narrow surface in the vertical direction is b, and c ２ <b, The temperature control unit according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

17. The vertical dimension of the narrow surface is 1 and 2.5c ２ ≦b≦l, 17. The temperature control unit of claim 16.

18. The thickness of the temperature control unit in the vertical direction is H, The height of the positioning protrusion in the vertical direction is a, and 1 / 5H≦a<H. The temperature control unit according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

19. 1 / 3H≦a≦1 / 2H; 20. The temperature control unit of claim 18.

20. the positioning projection has a main body portion extending from the wide surface toward the narrow surface, and a protrusion portion provided at one end of the main body portion close to the narrow surface and protruding from the main body portion along a circumferential direction; At least a portion of the protrusion is within a projection area of ​​the narrow surface on the broad surface; The temperature control unit according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

21. A battery pack comprising: a plurality of batteries; and the temperature control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the plurality of batteries include a first battery and a second battery, and the temperature control unit is provided between the first battery and the second battery.

22. the plurality of batteries are arranged in at least two battery rows in the horizontal direction, and a temperature control unit is provided between every two adjacent batteries in each battery row; The battery pack further includes a lower housing supporting the at least two battery rows, a duct unit provided between the two battery rows and fixed to the lower housing, and forming a duct together with the corresponding battery row, the duct communicating with a plurality of passages of the corresponding temperature control unit, and a fan communicating with the duct.

22. The battery pack according to claim 21.

23. The duct unit includes an airflow adjusting plate provided in the duct and expanding the duct along the vertical direction from a side approaching the fan to a side away from the fan.

23. The battery pack according to claim 22.

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