Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

To provide a battery module and a battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery module includes a liquid cooling assembly, a battery cell assembly, and a thermal conductor. The liquid cooling assembly includes a plurality of liquid cooling plates extending in a first direction. The plurality of liquid cooling plates are spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of liquid cooling plates respectively include a plurality of arc portions. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a columnar shape, each of the plurality of battery cells being disposed on one side of the liquid cooling plate in the second direction and connected to the corresponding arc portion. The thermal conductor is disposed between the battery cells and the arc portions and connected to the battery cells and the arc portions. The angle formed by a line connecting the center of the battery cell to one end of the thermal conductor and a line connecting the center of the battery cell to the other end of the thermal conductor is defined as α, and α satisfies the range of 72°≤α≤82°.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention claims priority to a Chinese patent application with application number 202420483934.4 filed with the China Patent Office on March 12, 2024, and the entire content of the said Chinese patent application is incorporated into this invention. This invention relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to battery modules and battery packs.

Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, users of pure electric vehicles have increasing requirements for the driving range and charging rate of the vehicle. As a result, the energy of the battery cells increases, and consequently, the heat generation during the operation of the battery cells increases. With the increase in the number of battery cells and the charging rate, it becomes more difficult to control the temperature consistency, and it is necessary to cool and equalize the temperature of the battery cells in a more efficient liquid cooling method.

[0003] Conventional technologies often use liquid cooling plates to dissipate heat from battery cells through liquid cooling. The liquid cooling plates contact the sides of the battery cells, and the coolant flows inside the liquid cooling plates to form convective heat exchange with the battery cells.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, due to the limited flow area of the coolant, it is difficult to control the temperature of the battery cells to a desired state under high-rate charging conditions, and it further affects the lifespan of the battery cells.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In the first embodiment, the battery module provided in the present invention includes a liquid cooling assembly, a battery cell assembly, and a heat conductor, wherein the liquid cooling assembly includes a plurality of liquid cooling plates extending in a first direction, the plurality of liquid cooling plates being spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of liquid cooling plates including a plurality of arc portions, the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a columnar manner, each of the plurality of battery cells being positioned on one side of the liquid cooling plate in the second direction and connected to the corresponding arc portion, the heat conductor being positioned between the battery cells and the arc portions and connected to the battery cells and the arc portions, and the angle between the line connecting the center of the battery cell and one end of the heat conductor and the line connecting the center of the battery cell and the other end of the heat conductor being α, where α satisfies 72° ≤ α ≤ 82°.

[0006] In the second embodiment, the battery pack provided in the present invention includes the battery module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell exchanges heat with the liquid cooling plate via a thermal conductor, and by setting the α value to a range of 72° to 82°, the flow area of ​​the coolant in the liquid cooling plate is kept constant. By improving the heat exchange area between the battery cell and the liquid cooling plate, the temperature of the battery cell can be controlled to an ideal state in a high-magnification charging state, and the service life of the battery cell can be further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of the battery module provided in the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of a caseless battery module provided in the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a caseless battery module provided in the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of one embodiment of part A in Figure 3. [Figure 5]This is an enlarged schematic diagram of another embodiment of part A in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of section B in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a liquid cooling plate provided in the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a liquid cooling plate provided in the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of a partial layout of the battery module provided in the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the liquid cooling plate provided in the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise specifically stated and limited, the terms “connection,” “linking,” and “fixing” should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may be understood as a fixed connection, a removable connection, or integration; they may be understood as a mechanical or electrical connection; they may be understood as a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or an internal communication between two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in this invention may be understood by those skilled in the art as being contextual.

[0010] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the position of the first feature "above" or "below" the second feature includes not only cases where the first and second features are in direct contact, but also cases where they are in contact via an additional feature between them, rather than in direct contact. Furthermore, the position of the first feature "above" the second feature includes cases where the first feature is directly above the second feature, where the first feature is diagonally above the second feature, and where the horizontal altitude of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The position of the first feature "below" the second feature includes cases where the first feature is directly below the second feature, where the first feature is diagonally below the second feature, and where the horizontal altitude of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0011] In the description of this embodiment, directions and positional relationships such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are for the convenience of explanation and to simplify the operation. They do not imply that the referenced devices or elements have a specific orientation, are configured in a specific orientation, or operate in a specific way, and therefore should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are for illustrative purposes only and do not have any special meaning.

[0012] The present invention provides a battery module, and Figures 1 to 10 show some embodiments of the present invention. As indicated by the directions in Figures 1 to 10, the X direction is the first direction, the Y direction is the second direction, and the Z direction is the third direction. Any two of the first, second, and third directions intersect, and the angles of the first, second, and third directions may be 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, or 100° without limitation. Preferably, in the following embodiments, any two of the angles of the first, second, and third directions will be described as 90°. That is, some embodiments of the present invention will be described using the angles of the first, second, and third directions that establish a spatial rectangular coordinate system.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery module 1000 includes a liquid cooling assembly 1, which includes a plurality of liquid cooling plates 11 extending in a first direction X, the plurality of liquid cooling plates 11 spaced apart in a second direction Y, and each of the plurality of liquid cooling plates 11 includes a plurality of arc portions 11A. Here, the curvature direction of the arc portion 11A in one liquid cooling plate 11 is not limited, and since the liquid cooling plate 11 includes both sides facing the second direction Y, the arc portion 11A may be formed such that a part of the liquid cooling plate 11 is curved to either side toward the second direction Y.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery module 1000 further includes a battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells 21 arranged in a columnar shape, each of which is positioned on one side of the liquid cooling plate 11 in a second direction Y and connected to a corresponding arc portion 11A. That is, by attaching the battery cells 21 to the arc portion 11A, heat exchange between the battery cells 21 and the liquid cooling plate 11 can be achieved, and the liquid cooling plate 11 can further dissipate heat from the battery cells 21. Here, the specific structural form of the battery cells 21 is not limited and may be a polygonal prism structure such as a rectangular prism or a hexagonal prism, or a cylindrical structure.

[0015] Since the battery cells 21 are arranged in a columnar shape, when the battery cells 21 are attached to the arc portion 11A, the curved arc portion 11A can form a larger heat exchange area between itself and the side surface of the battery cell 21, thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the liquid cooling plate 11 relative to the battery cell 21. Based on this, since the surface of the arc portion 11A closest to the battery cell 21 is an arc surface, in one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell 21 has a cylindrical structure in order to increase the heat exchange efficiency between the battery cell 21 and the liquid cooling plate 11.

[0016] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the battery module 1000 further includes a heat conductor 3 positioned between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A and connected to the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A. That is, in this embodiment, since the side surface of the battery cell 21 is arc-shaped, the battery cell 21 exchanges heat with the arc portion 11A via the heat conductor 3, and in order to secure a larger contact area between the heat conductor 3 and the battery cell 21, i.e., to secure a larger heat exchange area for the battery cell 21, the heat conductor 3 is positioned attached to the side surface of the battery cell 21.

[0017] Let α be the angle between the line connecting the center of the battery cell 21 and one end of the heat conductor 3, and the line connecting the center of the battery cell 21 and the other end of the heat conductor 3, such that α satisfies 72° ≤ α ≤ 82°.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 21 exchanges heat with the liquid cooling plate 11 through the heat conductor 3. By setting the α value within the range of 72° to 82°, while ensuring a constant flow area of the coolant in the liquid cooling plate 11, the heat exchange area between the battery cell 21 and the liquid cooling plate 11 is improved. In the high-rate charging state, the temperature of the battery cell 21 can be controlled to an ideal state, and furthermore, the service life of the battery cell 21 can be improved.

[0019] Here, when the α value is less than 72°, the contact area between the heat conductor 3 and the battery cell 21 is too small, which affects the heat exchange efficiency between the battery cell 21 and the liquid cooling plate 11. When the α value is greater than 82°, since the curvature of the arc portion 11A does not match the curvature of the battery cell 21, the thicknesses at various positions in the second direction Y of the heat conductor 3 located between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A are different. When the α value is greater than 82°, a part of the heat conductor 3 is too thick, the thermal resistance of the too-thick region of the heat conductor 3 is too large, the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates, and as a result of the increase in the volume of the heat conductor 3, the cost corresponding to the use of the heat conductor 3 increases.

[0020] The value of α may be 72°, 73°, 74°, 75°, 76°, 76.5°, 77°, 77.5°, 78°, 79°, 80°, 81°, 82°.

[0021] The liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21 are connected via a heat conductor 3, and the thermal resistance is calculated using the formula θ = L / (A*λ). Here, θ is the contact thermal resistance, L is the heat conduction thickness, A is the contact area, and λ is the thermal conductivity coefficient. The smaller the θ value, the higher the heat exchange efficiency between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21. The λ and L values ​​are limited by the material of the heat conductor 3 and the size of the battery pack, and the amount of change is small, so it is necessary to increase the heat exchange contact area between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21, i.e., the A value. In the embodiment of this application, the A value is related to the α value, and the larger α is, the larger the A value. Therefore, by controlling the range of the α value, the heat exchange area between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21 can be increased.

[0022] Referring to Figure 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heat conductor 3 includes a first insulating layer 31 and a first bonding layer 32 located between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A, one of the two first bonding layers 32 located between the first insulating layer 31 and the arc portion 11A and connected to the first insulating layer 31 and the arc portion 11A respectively, and the other of the two first bonding layers 32 located between the first insulating layer 31 and the battery cell 21 and connected to the first insulating layer 31 and the battery cell 21 respectively. That is, in this embodiment, the mounting connection between the battery cell 21 and the liquid cooling plate 11 is achieved by bonding the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A via the first bonding layer 32 of the heat conductor 3. Furthermore, since the first insulating layer 31 is placed inside the heat conductor 3, the first insulating layer 31 can provide insulation between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21, thereby preventing short-circuit problems within the battery module 1000.

[0023] Here, since the heat conductor 3 combines both heat conduction and insulation functions, the functional versatility of the heat conductor 3 is improved. Furthermore, the placement position of the heat conductor 3 is not limited; it may be placed on the arc portion 11A or on the entire outer surface of the liquid cooling plate 11. When the heat conductor 3 is placed on the entire outer surface of the liquid cooling plate 11, the first bonding layer 32 located between the first insulating layer 31 and the liquid cooling plate 11 fixes the liquid cooling plate 11 and the first insulating layer 31. The first bonding layer 32 located on the side where the first insulating layer 31 is separated from the liquid cooling plate 11 may be placed on the arc portion 11A, thereby bonding the battery cell 21.

[0024] Referring to Figure 4, in another embodiment of the present invention, the heat conductor 3 includes a second bonding layer 33, which is located between the arc portion 11A and the battery cell 21 and is connected to the arc portion 11A and the battery cell 21. That is, in this embodiment, the second bonding layer 33 achieves the mounting connection between the battery cell 21 and the liquid cooling plate 11 by bonding the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A.

[0025] Furthermore, the specific materials of the first bonding layer 32 and the second bonding layer 33 are not limited and may be photosensitive adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, thermally conductive structure adhesives, or thermally conductive gels, etc. Since both the first bonding layer 32 and the second bonding layer 33 have a colloidal structure, the colloid deforms under compression, making it easier to fix the battery cell 21 to the arc portion 11A and improving the contact area between the thermal conductor 3 and the battery cell 21. If the thermal conductor 3 cannot be deformed under compression, it will be difficult to adhere the thermal conductor 3 to the side surface of the battery cell 21, and the contact area between the thermal conductor 3 and the battery cell 21 will be further reduced.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid cooling assembly 1 further includes a second insulating layer 4, the second insulating layer 4 covering the outer surface of the liquid cooling plate 11, and the heat conductor 3 in contact with a portion of the second insulating layer 4. That is, in these embodiments, the second insulating layer 4 can provide insulation between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21, thereby preventing short-circuit problems within the battery pack. Based on the invention, in which the heat conductor 3 includes a second bonding layer 33, the second insulating layer 4 can provide insulation between the battery cell 21 and the liquid cooling plate 11.

[0027] Furthermore, based on the proposed design in which the heat conductor 3 includes a first insulating layer 31 and a first bonding layer 32, the outer surface of the liquid cooling plate 11 can similarly be covered with a second insulating layer 4, and the second insulating layer 4 can further insulate the battery cell 21 from the liquid cooling plate 11.

[0028] Furthermore, because the curvature of the arc portion 11A and the battery cell 21 are different, the shortest distance from various points on the circumferential surface of the battery cell 21 to the arc portion 11A differs in the second direction Y. That is, in the first direction X, the gap between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A gradually decreases and then gradually increases. The heat conductor 3 needs to be placed between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A so as to exchange heat between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A, and it can be understood that the larger the contact area between the heat conductor 3 and the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A, the better the heat exchange effect between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A. Accordingly, referring to Figure 4, in one embodiment of the present invention, in the first direction X, the thickness of the heat conductor 3 in the second direction Y gradually decreases and then gradually increases. In other words, by arranging them in this way, the shape of the heat conductor 3 fits into the gap between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A, and the heat exchange effect between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A is further improved.

[0029] Similarly, the battery cell 21 is mounted to be fixed to the arc portion 11A via the heat conductor 3, and the arc portion 11A and the surface of the battery cell 21 are bonded together on opposite sides in the second direction Y of the heat conductor 3, thereby improving the robustness of the fixation between the battery cell 21 and the liquid cooling plate 11.

[0030] Compared to a structural configuration where the thickness of the heat conductor 3 is the same in the second direction Y, or a structural configuration where the local thickness of the heat conductor 3 changes so that it does not fit into the gap between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A, it is understandable that arranging a structural configuration in which the thickness of the heat conductor 3 gradually decreases and then gradually increases ensures that the space between two adjacent liquid cooling plates 11 satisfies the assembly requirements of the battery cell 21. In other words, by not occupying the mounting space of the battery cell 21, the heat conductor 3, battery cell 21, and liquid cooling plate 11 do not cause structural interference during assembly.

[0031] Let L be the shortest distance in the second direction Y between the battery cell 21 and the arc portion 11A, and L satisfy the condition 0.05 mm ≤ L ≤ 0.5 mm. By setting the L value to fall within this range, the requirements for heat exchange between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21 are met. It is understood that the smaller the L value, the higher the heat exchange efficiency between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21. However, due to assembly tolerance issues and the fact that the heat conductor 3 itself has a certain thickness in the second direction Y, the L value is set to 0.05 mm or more. On the other hand, the larger the L value, the greater the thermal resistance between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cell 21, and the longer the battery module 1000 in the second direction Y. This increases the space occupied by the battery module 1000 within the battery pack and reduces the energy density of the battery pack. Therefore, the L value is set to 0.5 mm or less.

[0032] Here, the value of L may be 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, or 0.5 mm.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments of the present invention, in any two adjacent liquid cooling plates 11, two arc portions 11A located on the two liquid cooling plates 11 are arranged opposite each other in a second direction Y, and the battery cell 21 is connected to the two opposing arc portions 11A. That is, in this embodiment, the battery cell 21 is mounted between two adjacent liquid cooling plates 11, and both liquid cooling plates 11 can exchange heat with the battery cell 21, thereby increasing the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell 21.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid cooling plate 11 further includes a connecting portion 11B, which connects two adjacent arc portions 11A, and the connecting portion 11B is formed in the shape of a flat plate or an arc. Here, the arrangement of the connecting portion 11B allows two adjacent arc portions 11A to have a certain gap between them in the first direction X, providing a certain space for mounting the battery cell 21. When the connecting portion 11B is arranged in the shape of a flat plate, it is not easy to mount the battery cell. When the connecting portion 11B is arranged in the shape of an arc, specifically referring to Figure 3, the curvature direction of the connecting portion 11B and the arc portion 11A are opposite in the second direction Y, thereby making it easy to mount the battery cell 21 between the connecting portion 11B of two adjacent arc portions 11A. In this case, the liquid cooling plate 11 is arranged in a continuously curved manner, i.e., in a meandering manner. Therefore, the number of battery cells 21 mounted between the two liquid cooling plates 11 can be increased, where the multiple battery cells 21 between the two liquid cooling plates 11 constitute a single battery cell group, and by arranging them in this way, the multiple battery cells 21 of two adjacent battery cell groups in the second direction Y are offset in the second direction Y.

[0035] Furthermore, if the connecting portion 11B is arranged in an arc shape similar to the arc portion 11A and the battery cell 21 is attached thereto, the connecting portion 11B will have the same structural characteristics as the arc portion 11A.

[0036] Furthermore, since the curvature angle of the arc portion 11A of the liquid cooling plate 11 is related to the spacing between adjacent battery cells 21, it is necessary to ensure an electrically safe gap between the liquid cooling plate 11 and the battery cells 21, and to rationally utilize the space within the battery pack. Also, the larger the curvature angle of the arc portion 11A, the smaller the energy density within the battery pack. Accordingly, referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments of the present application, let β be the angle formed by the line connecting the center of the circle on which the arc portion 11A is located and one end of the arc portion 11A, and the line connecting the center of the circle on which the arc portion 11A is located and the other end of the arc portion 11A, and β satisfies 56° ≤ β ≤ 60°.

[0037] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, in some embodiments of the present invention, an inlet liquid channel 111 and an outlet liquid channel 112 are formed within the liquid cooling plate 11, spaced apart in a third direction Z, and a first cavity 113 is formed that communicates with the inlet liquid channel 111 and the outlet liquid channel 112. Both the inlet liquid channel 111 and the outlet liquid channel 112 are extended in a first direction X, and are formed such that at least a portion of the orthogonal projection of the inlet liquid channel 111 and the outlet liquid channel 112 into a second direction Y falls over the battery cell 21. That is, in this embodiment, the cooling liquid passes through the same battery cell 21 as it flows through the inlet liquid channel 111 and the outlet liquid channel 112, and the multiple battery cells 21 between the two liquid cooling plates 11 are described as a single battery cell group. The arrangement of the liquid inlet channel 111 and the liquid outlet channel 112 allows the cooling liquid to flow twice consecutively through each of the battery cells 21 in the battery cell group, thereby improving the cooling effect on multiple battery cells 21 in the battery cell group.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid cooling plate 11 includes a liquid inlet end 114 communicating with an inlet liquid channel 111 and a liquid outlet end 115 communicating with an outlet liquid channel 112. That is, the cooling liquid flows into the inlet liquid channel 111 through the liquid inlet end 114 and flows out from the outlet liquid channel 112 through the liquid outlet end 115, and within the liquid cooling plate 11, the flow path of the cooling liquid is as follows: liquid inlet end 114 - inlet liquid channel 111 - first cavity 113 - outlet liquid channel 112 - liquid outlet end 115.

[0039] The specific flow path configurations of the inlet liquid flow path 111 and the outlet liquid flow path 112 are not limited and may be formed as a single flow path or as multiple sub-flow paths. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet liquid flow path 111 includes a plurality of inlet liquid sub-flow paths 111A arranged in parallel in the third direction Z, and the outlet liquid flow path 112 includes a plurality of outlet liquid sub-flow paths 112A arranged in parallel in the third direction Z. The number of inlet liquid sub-flow paths 111A and outlet liquid sub-flow paths 112A is not limited and can be adjusted according to the actual height of the liquid cooling plate 11 in the third direction Z.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid cooling plate 11 includes a liquid cooling plate body 101 and a sealing member 102, the liquid cooling plate body 101 extends in a first direction, the inlet liquid channel 111 and the outlet liquid channel 112 are provided within the liquid cooling plate body 101, the liquid inlet end 114 and the liquid outlet end 115 are both located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate body 101 in the first direction X, the sealing member 102 is located at the other end of the liquid cooling plate body 101 in the first direction X, and the first cavity 113 is located within the sealing member 102. That is, in this embodiment, since the sealing member 102 is detachably connected to the liquid cooling plate 11, the size of the first cavity 113 may be adjustable, and by replacing the sealing member 102 of first cavities 113 of different sizes, the flow uniformity of the coolant in the liquid cooling plate 11 can be adjusted, i.e., the flow resistance of the coolant can be adjusted. It can be understood that as the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cavity 113 in the plane where the first direction X and the third direction Z are located decreases, the flow resistance of the coolant increases.

[0041] Furthermore, the liquid inlet end 114 and the liquid outlet end 115 are located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate body 101, and the first cavity 113 is located at the other end of the liquid cooling plate body 101. This arrangement allows the cooling liquid to flow to each battery cell 21 twice in a row. The earlier the cooling liquid flows to a battery cell 21 the first time, the later it will flow again. Conversely, the later the cooling liquid flows to a battery cell 21 the first time, the earlier it will flow again. As the temperature gradually rises and the cooling effect gradually decreases during the flow of the cooling liquid, the better the cooling effect on the battery cell 21 when the cooling liquid flows the first time, the worse the cooling effect on the same battery cell 21 when the cooling liquid flows the second time. This superimposes a secondary cooling effect, balancing the cooling effect of multiple battery cells 21 in the first direction X, thereby achieving better temperature uniformity in the battery module 1000.

[0042] Referring to Figures 9 to 10, in some embodiments of the present application, the liquid cooling assembly 1 further includes a connecting member 12, an inlet pipe 13, and an outlet pipe 14, wherein the connecting member 12 is positioned at one end providing a liquid inlet end 114 and a liquid outlet end 115 of the liquid cooling plate 11, and within the connecting member 12, a second cavity 121 and a third cavity 122 are spaced apart, the second cavity 121 communicates with the liquid inlet end 114, the third cavity 122 communicates with the liquid outlet end 115, the inlet pipe 13 communicates with the second cavity 121 of the connecting member 12, and the outlet pipe 14 communicates with the third cavity 122 of the connecting member 12. In other words, in this embodiment, the coolant flows from the inlet pipe 13 into the second cavity 121 in the connecting member 12, and from the third cavity 122 in the connecting member 12 into the outlet pipe 14. The second cavity 121 of the connecting member 12 communicates with the liquid inlet end 114, and the third cavity 122 communicates with the liquid outlet end 115. Through the inlet pipe 13, the outlet pipe 14, and the multiple connecting members 12, the coolant flows into the multiple liquid cooling plates 11 and flows out from the multiple liquid cooling plates 11, thereby circulating the coolant in the liquid cooling assembly 1 and enabling heat exchange in the battery cell assembly 2.

[0043] The inlet pipe 13 includes a plurality of inlet pipe segments 131 extending along the second direction Y, each inlet pipe segment 131 positioned between two adjacent connecting members 12 and communicating with the second cavities 121 of the two adjacent connecting members 12. The outlet pipe 14 includes a plurality of outlet pipe segments 141 extending along the second direction Y, each outlet pipe segment 141 positioned between two adjacent connecting members 12 and communicating with the third cavities 122 of the two adjacent connecting members 12. In other words, in this embodiment, one inlet pipe segment 131 can communicate the second cavities 121 in the two connecting members 12, one outlet pipe segment 141 can communicate the third cavities 122 in the two connecting members 12, and coolant can flow between the two adjacent connecting members 12.

[0044] Furthermore, the orthogonal projection of the inlet and outlet segments 131 and 141 into the second direction Y is formed so that they overlap the connecting members 12 so that the inlet and outlet segments 131 and 141 do not protrude from between the two connecting members 12. As a result, the overall volume of the battery module 1000 can be reduced, and the space occupied by the battery module 1000 within the battery pack can be reduced.

[0045] Referring again to Figures 9 and 10, in some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid cooling assembly 1 further includes an inlet joint 15 and an outlet joint 16, both of which are located on a connecting member 12, with the inlet joint 15 communicating with a second cavity 121 of the connecting member 12 and the outlet 18 communicating with a third cavity 122 of the connecting member 12. Here, at least a portion of the inlet pipe segment 131 is located on the circumferential surface of the inlet joint 15, and at least a portion of the outlet pipe segment 141 is located on the circumferential surface of the outlet joint 16. That is, in this embodiment, in order to securely fix the inlet pipe segment 131 and the outlet pipe segment 141 between the connecting member 12, the inlet pipe segment 131 is set in the inlet joint 15 and the outlet pipe segment 141 is set in the outlet joint 16.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid cooling assembly 1 is further provided with an inlet 17 and an outlet 18 on one side of the connecting member 12 in the second direction Y. The inlet 17 communicates with a second cavity 121 of the connecting member 12, and the outlet 18 communicates with a third cavity 122 of the connecting member 12. That is, in this embodiment, the coolant can flow into the liquid cooling assembly 1 from the inlet 17 and flow out from the outlet 18 after circulation in the liquid cooling assembly 1 is complete.

[0047] Referring again to Figure 1, the battery module 1000 further includes a case 19, the liquid cooling assembly 1 and the battery cell assembly 2 are located inside the case 19, and the inlet 17 and outlet 18 extend from the case 19.

[0048] This application further proposes a battery pack including a battery module 1000, and since the battery pack includes the battery module 1000, the battery pack provided by this disclosure can achieve all the technical effects of the battery module 1000, which will not be elaborated here. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1000: Battery module 1: Liquid Cooling Assembly 11: Liquid cooling plate 11A: Arc section 11B:Connection part 2: Battery cell assembly 21: Battery cell 3: Heat conductor 31: First insulating layer 32: 1st bonding layer 33:Second bonding layer 4: Second insulating layer 111: Liquid input channel 111A: Inlet liquid subchannel 112: Outflow channel 112A: Outlet subchannel 113: First Cavity 114:Liquid inlet end 115:Liquid outlet end 101: Liquid Cooling Plate Body 102: Sealing member 12: Connecting member 121: Second Cavity 122: Third Cavity 13:Liquid inlet pipe 14: Outflow tube 131: Inlet pipe segment 141: Outlet pipe segment 15: Inlet joint 16: Discharge joint 17: Inlet 18: Outlet 19: Case

Claims

1. It is a battery module, It includes a liquid cooling assembly (1), a battery cell assembly (2), and a heat conductor (3), The liquid cooling assembly (1) includes a plurality of liquid cooling plates (11) extending in a first direction, the plurality of liquid cooling plates (11) are spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each of the plurality of liquid cooling plates (11) includes a plurality of arc portions (11A), The battery cell assembly (2) includes a plurality of battery cells (21) arranged in a columnar shape, each of the plurality of battery cells (21) is positioned on one side of the liquid cooling plate (11) in the second direction and connected to the corresponding arc portion (11A), The heat conductor (3) is positioned between the battery cell (21) and the arc portion (11A), and is connected to the battery cell (21) and the arc portion (11A). The heat conductor (3) is attached to the side surface of the battery cell (21), and the length of the heat conductor (3) is set such that α is the angle formed by the line connecting the center of the battery cell (21) and both ends of the heat conductor (3), and α satisfies 72° ≤ α ≤ 82°. A battery module characterized by the following features.

2. In the first direction, the thickness of one of the heat conductors (3) in the second direction decreases and then increases. The battery module according to feature 1.

3. Let L be the shortest distance between the battery cell (21) and the arc portion (11A) in the second direction. The above L satisfies 0.05 mm ≤ L ≤ 0.5 mm. The battery module according to feature 2.

4. Let β be the angle formed by the line connecting the center of the circle on which the arc portion (11A) is located and both ends of the arc portion (11A), and satisfy that β satisfies 56° ≤ β ≤ 60°. The battery module according to feature 1.

5. In any two adjacent liquid cooling plates (11), the two arc portions (11A) arranged on the two liquid cooling plates (11) are arranged facing each other in the second direction. The battery cell (21) is connected to each of the two arc portions (11A) that are arranged opposite to each other in the second direction. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The liquid cooling plate (11) further includes a connecting portion (11B), the connecting portion (11B) connects two adjacent arc portions (11A), and the connecting portion (11B) is formed in the shape of a flat plate or an arc. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The heat conductor (3) is A first insulating layer (31) is located between the battery cell (21) and the arc portion (11A), It includes two first bonding layers (32), One of the two first bonding layers (32) is located between the first insulating layer (31) and the arc portion (11A), and is connected to the first insulating layer and the arc portion (11A), respectively, while the other is located between the first insulating layer (31) and the battery cell (21), and is connected to the first insulating layer and the battery cell (21), respectively. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The heat conductor (3) includes a second bonding layer (33), the second bonding layer (33) is located between the arc portion (11A) and the battery cell (21), and is connected to the arc portion (11A) and the battery cell (21). The liquid cooling assembly (1) further includes a second insulating layer (4), the second insulating layer (4) covers the outer surface of the liquid cooling plate (11), and the heat conductor (3) is in contact with a portion of the second insulating layer (4). A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. Within the liquid cooling plate (11), an inlet channel (111) and an outlet channel (112) are formed, spaced apart in a third direction, and a first cavity (113) is formed that communicates with the inlet channel (111) and the outlet channel (112). Both the inlet channel (111) and the outlet channel (112) extend in the first direction, and any two of the first, second, and third directions intersect each other. The liquid cooling plate (11) includes a liquid inlet end (114) that communicates with the liquid inlet channel (111) and a liquid outlet end (115) that communicates with the liquid outlet channel (112). At least a portion of the orthogonal projection of the liquid inlet channel (111) and the liquid outlet channel (112) in the second direction overlaps with the battery cell (21). A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The liquid inlet end (114) and the liquid outlet end (115) are both located at the same end of the liquid cooling plate (11). The liquid cooling assembly (1) further includes a connecting member (12), an inlet pipe (13), and an outlet pipe (14), The connecting member (12) is positioned at the end of the liquid cooling plate (11) where the liquid inlet end (114) and the liquid outlet end (115) are located. A second cavity (121) and a third cavity (122) are arranged within the connecting member (12), with the second cavity (121) communicating with the liquid inlet end (114) and the third cavity (122) communicating with the liquid outlet end (115). The inlet pipe (13) communicates with the second cavity (121) of the connecting member (12), and the outlet pipe (14) communicates with the third cavity (122) of the connecting member (12). The battery module according to feature 9.

11. It is a battery pack, A battery module comprising any one of claims 1 to 4, A battery pack characterized by the following features.

Images