Battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery pack and a vehicle. The battery pack comprises a frame, a bottom cooling portion and a top cooling portion, wherein the frame comprises an expansion beam arranged between the bottom cooling portion and the top cooling portion, the bottom cooling portion comprises a first interface, the top cooling portion comprises a second interface, the first interface and the second interface are arranged corresponding to each other, and the first interface and the second interface are in communication by means of a communication portion disposed within the expansion beam. By means of the communication portion disposed within the expansion beam, communication between the two cooling portions is achieved without additionally providing liquid-cooling piping, thereby simplifying the piping connection structure, reducing costs, and also minimizing the occupied space within the battery pack. As a result, more space is available for accommodating battery cells under the same overall dimensions of the battery pack, which is conducive to increasing the battery pack capacity and then improving the driving range of the vehicle.

Description

Battery packs and vehicles Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510370001.3, filed on March 26, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to a battery pack and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] The battery pack exchanges heat with components such as the cells through the bottom cooling section and the top cooling section, thereby reducing the temperature of the cells, ensuring the working stability of the battery pack and improving safety. The battery pack includes a bottom cooling section located below the cells and a top cooling section located above the cells. The bottom cooling section and the top cooling section are connected by liquid cooling pipes, which are located between the front beam and the front expansion beam of the battery pack frame. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a battery pack and vehicle that can simplify the structure of the battery pack, reduce costs, and facilitate further increases in battery capacity within the same battery pack volume.

[0005] This application provides a battery pack, including a frame, a bottom cooling section, and a top cooling section; the frame includes an expansion beam disposed between the bottom cooling section and the top cooling section; the bottom cooling section includes a first interface, and the top cooling section includes a second interface, the first interface and the second interface are correspondingly disposed, and the first interface and the second interface are connected through a connecting portion disposed in the expansion beam.

[0006] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes a first connector and a second connector that are connected together, the first connector being connected to the first interface and the second connector being connected to the second interface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the connecting portion further includes a connecting pipe, which includes a flexible pipe connecting the first connector and the second connector.

[0008] In some embodiments, the two ends of the connecting tube are respectively flared structures.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first connector includes a first segment and a second segment arranged axially. The outer wall surface of the first segment is a conical structure, and the large-diameter end of the conical structure is disposed facing one side of the second segment. The large-diameter end is interference-fitted with the connecting pipe. The second segment is provided with a first limiting structure in the circumferential direction. The first limiting structure is used to abut and limit the end of the connecting pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first connector further includes a third segment disposed in the second segment away from the first segment, the third segment being fixed to the bottom cooling portion, and the outer diameter of the third segment being larger than the outer diameter of the first segment.

[0011] In some embodiments, there are multiple first joints, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length of the expansion beam, and the axes of each first joint are coplanar.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the second connector is provided with a second limiting structure, which is used to abut and limit the end of the connecting pipe.

[0013] In some embodiments, the expansion beam is a groove structure with an open top. Multiple partitions are spaced apart along the length of the groove structure, dividing the groove structure into multiple partition grooves. The connecting part is located in the partition groove, and the bottom of the partition groove is also provided with a connecting hole, through which the first connector passes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the gap between the outer wall of the connecting portion and the vertical wall of the inner cavity of the partition groove is not less than 0.5 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the frame includes a front expansion beam and a rear expansion beam; the front expansion beam has the connecting portion therein, and the front sidewall of the front expansion beam has a notch corresponding to at least a portion of the connecting portion; and / or, the rear expansion beam has the connecting portion therein, and the rear sidewall of the rear expansion beam has a notch corresponding to at least a portion of the connecting portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bottom cooling section includes a first flow channel section, a main inlet section, and a main return section; the projection of the expansion beam on the bottom cooling section covers at least a portion of the main inlet section and at least a portion of the main return section, the main inlet section and the main return section are respectively connected to the first flow channel section, and the main inlet section and the main return section are also respectively connected to the first interface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bottom cooling section includes a flow channel plate and a heat spreader plate. The flow channel plate is provided with flow channel grooves. The heat spreader plate and the flow channel plate enclose the first flow channel section, the main inlet section and the main return section. The heat spreader plate is provided with the first interface.

[0018] This application also provides a vehicle including the battery pack described above. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the frame in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the expansion beam of the frame.

[0022] Figure 4 is a top view of Figure 3.

[0023] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting part inside the expansion beam in the width direction of the expansion beam.

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting part inside the expansion beam along the length of the expansion beam.

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the connecting part inside the expansion beam.

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the connecting pipe of the connecting part.

[0027] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first joint of the connecting part.

[0028] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the bottom cooling section.

[0029] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the flow channel plate of the bottom cooling section.

[0030] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the cooling device.

[0031] Figure 13 is a partial structural schematic diagram of Figure 12.

[0032] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the harmonica tube along its width.

[0033] In Figures 1-14, the reference numerals are explained as follows: 1 Frame, 11 Expansion beam, 111 Partition plate, 112 Separation groove, 113 Connecting hole, 114 Notch, 12 Front beam, 13 Left beam, 14 Rear beam, 15 Right beam, 16 Front expansion beam, 17 Rear expansion beam; 2 Connecting part, 21 First joint, 211 First section, 212 Second section, 2121 First limiting structure, 2122 Reinforcing structure, 213 Third section, 22 Second joint, 221 Second limiting structure, 23 Connecting pipe, 231 Trumpet-shaped structure, 232 Operating groove; 3 Bottom cooling section, 31 Flow channel plate, 311 Flow channel area, 312 Main inlet area, 313 Main return area, 314 Insertion area, 315 Branch port, 316 Return port, 32 Evaporator plate, 321 Main inlet interface, 322 Main return interface, 323 First interface, 33 Main inlet connector, 34 Main return connector; 4 Top cooling section, 41 Cooling device, 42 First collector, 421 First chamber, 422 Second chamber, 423 Third chamber, 43 Second collector, 44 Harmonica tube, 441 Separating rib, 442 Chamber, 45 Water baffle, 47 Second interface; 5 Liquid inlet pipe; 6 Liquid outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this application, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] The liquid cooling pipeline is located between the front beam and the front expansion beam of the battery pack frame, which occupies a large space, making it difficult to further increase the battery capacity. In addition, the pipeline connection is relatively complex and costly.

[0036] Therefore, how to simplify the structure of the battery pack, reduce costs, and facilitate further increases in battery capacity within the same battery pack volume is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art.

[0037] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a battery pack and a vehicle. The vehicle includes a battery pack, as shown in Figure 1. The battery pack includes a frame 1 and two cooling sections: a bottom cooling section 3 and a top cooling section 4. The frame 1 is located between the bottom cooling section 3 and the top cooling section 4, and the bottom cooling section 3, the frame 1, and the top cooling section 4 can enclose and form a mounting cavity. The battery pack also includes components such as battery cells (not shown) located within the mounting cavity. The bottom cooling section 3 has a first flow channel, and the top cooling section 4 has a second flow channel. Coolant flows through the first and second flow channels. The bottom cooling section 3 and the top cooling section 4 can cool the battery cells from the top and bottom, respectively, to ensure the stability and safety of the battery pack.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the frame 1 includes a square or near-square frame formed by a front beam 12, a left beam 13, a rear beam 14, and a right beam 15 that are fixedly arranged in sequence along the circumference. The frame 1 also includes a front expansion beam 16 and a rear expansion beam 17 located within the square frame. The front expansion beam 16 and the rear expansion beam 17 are parallel to the front beam 12 and the rear beam 14, respectively, and are perpendicular to the left beam 13 and the right beam 15. The battery cell is located between the front expansion beam 16 and the rear expansion beam 17, which are located between the bottom cooling section 3 and the top cooling section 4.

[0039] Referring to Figure 5, the bottom cooling section 3 includes a first interface 323, and the top cooling section 4 includes a second interface 47. The number of first interfaces 323 and second interfaces 47 are the same and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The frame 1 includes an expansion beam 11 disposed between the two cooling sections. The expansion beam 11 is provided with a connecting part 2. The corresponding first interfaces 323 and second interfaces 47 are connected through the connecting part 2.

[0040] In some embodiments, the expansion beam 11 may be at least one of the front expansion beam 16 or the rear expansion beam 17.

[0041] The connecting part 2 is provided inside the expansion beam 11 of the frame 1. The connecting part 2 connects the two cooling parts. That is, the expansion beam 11 is provided with a cavity structure. The connection between the bottom cooling part 3 and the top cooling part 4 is realized through the connecting part 2 provided in the cavity structure.

[0042] The battery pack provided in this embodiment integrates the connecting part 2 between the two cooling parts into the expansion beam 11. Compared with the prior art, which sets multiple liquid cooling pipes between the front expansion beam 16 and the front frame to connect the two cooling parts, it can simplify the overall structure, reduce costs, and reduce the space occupied in the front and rear directions of the battery pack. This allows for more space to be placed for more battery cells without changing the external dimensions of the battery pack, which is beneficial to increasing the capacity of the battery pack and thus improving the vehicle's range.

[0043] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 2 can be provided inside the front expansion beam 16, or inside the rear expansion beam 17, or both the front expansion beam 16 and the rear expansion beam 17 can have partial connecting portions 2. The expansion beam 11 mentioned below is described using the front expansion beam 16 with the connecting portion 2 inside as an example.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the expansion beam 11 is a groove structure with an open top. Multiple partitions 111 are spaced along the length of the groove structure to increase the structural strength of the expansion beam 11. The partitions 111 divide the inner cavity of the groove structure to form multiple partition grooves 112. The connecting part 2 is provided in the partition groove 112, and the partition groove 112 forms the above-mentioned cavity structure.

[0045] Specifically, the number of partitions 111 can be set according to the structural strength requirements of the expansion beam 11, and the number and position of the connecting parts 2 can be set according to the connection position of the two heat exchange parts. Therefore, each partition groove 112 can be provided with one connecting part 2, some partition grooves 112 can be without connecting parts 2, or some partition grooves 112 can be provided with at least two connecting parts 2. The specific setting can be determined according to the actual situation. As shown in Figure 4, the bottom of the partition groove 112 with connecting parts 2 is also provided with a connecting hole 113, through which the connecting part 2 passes.

[0046] The connecting part 2 is located inside the partition groove 112. The gap between the outer wall of the connecting part 2 and the vertical wall of the partition groove 112 is not less than 0.5mm. Specifically, it can be 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, 5mm, etc., to ensure that the connecting part 2 can be smoothly installed inside the partition groove 112.

[0047] In this embodiment, there are no restrictions on the structure of each expansion beam 11. For example, expansion beams 11 with connecting parts 2 can be die-cast expansion beams, and the material is generally die-cast aluminum alloy. Expansion beams without connecting parts 2 can also be die-cast expansion beams or pultruded profiles. No specific restrictions are made here.

[0048] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connecting portion 2 within the expansion beam 11 includes a first connector 21 and a second connector 22. The first connector 21 is connected to the first interface 323 of the bottom cooling portion 3, and the second connector 22 is connected to the second interface 47 of the top cooling portion 4. The first connector 21 and the second connector 22 are connected by insertion. Alternatively, in this embodiment, both ends of the connecting portion 2 can be inserted into the first interface 323 and the second interface 47 respectively to achieve communication. Setting the connecting portion 2 to include the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 facilitates the insertion operation of the connecting portion 2 and helps to ensure sealing.

[0049] There are no restrictions on the connection method between the first connector 21 and the first interface 323, or between the second connector 22 and the second interface 47. Such connection methods can be adhesive, snap-fit, threaded connection, or other methods.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connecting part 2 further includes a connecting pipe 23, which connects the first connector 21 and the second connector 22. The connecting pipe 23 may include a flexible pipe, which connects the first connector 21 and the second connector 22. For example, the connecting pipe 23 includes a first rigid connector, a flexible pipe, and a second rigid connector arranged sequentially along the axial direction, wherein the first rigid connector is connected to the first connector 21, and the second rigid connector is connected to the second connector 22.

[0051] Of course, the connecting part 2 can also include only the first connector 21 and the second connector 22, and the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 can be directly connected. However, when the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 are connected by the connecting pipe 23 including the flexible pipe, the tolerances of the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 can be balanced, avoiding the situation where the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 cannot be installed due to the non-collinearity of the axes of the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 during processing and installation. This ensures smooth installation, reduces the processing and installation accuracy requirements, and improves applicability.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the two ends of the connecting pipe 23 are respectively set as flared structures 231. The inner diameter of the flared structure 231 gradually expands from the center of the connecting pipe 23 to the end. During installation, the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 are respectively inserted into the corresponding flared structure 231. The setting of the flared structure 231 can provide guidance for the insertion of the first connector 21 and the second connector 22, which facilitates the installation operation.

[0053] The specific installation method of the connecting pipe 23 is not limited in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the outer peripheral wall of the connecting pipe 23 is also provided with two rows of operating protrusions spaced axially, forming an operating groove 232 between the two rows of operating protrusions. During installation, an installation tool is used to engage with the operating groove 232 to insert the connecting pipe 23 into the first connector 21 or the second connector 22. The structure of the installation tool is not limited. For example, the installation tool can be a pliers-like structure with two clamps. The two clamps can clamp the outer wall of the connecting pipe 23 from the operating groove 232, and move the connecting pipe 23 or provide support for the connecting pipe 23 by abutting against the operating protrusions, so as to insert the connecting pipe 23 into the first connector 21 or the second connector 22.

[0054] In the prior art, the connection between two connectors is achieved through a liquid cooling pipeline. Quick-connect fittings are required at both ends of the liquid cooling pipeline for insertion and connection with the first connector 21 and the second connector 22. However, in this application, the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 are directly connected by insertion, or the first connector 21 and the second connector 22 are connected by insertion through a connecting pipe 23. This eliminates the need for quick-connect fittings at both ends of the pipeline, further simplifying the overall structure and reducing costs.

[0055] As shown in Figure 9, the first connector 21 includes a first section 211, a second section 212, and a third section 213 arranged sequentially along the axial direction. The outer wall surface of the first section 211 has a conical structure, and the large-diameter end of the conical structure faces the side of the second section 212. The outer diameter of the large-diameter end is larger than the inner diameter of the connecting pipe 23. In the installed state, the large-diameter end of the conical structure is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the connecting pipe 23 to ensure sealing.

[0056] The outer peripheral wall of the second segment 212 is provided with a first limiting structure 2121 along the circumferential direction. This first limiting structure 2121 is used to abut and limit the end of the connecting pipe 23. During installation, the first segment 211 of the first connector 21 is inserted into the connecting pipe 23. The first connector 21 and the connecting pipe 23 move relative to each other axially until the end of the connecting pipe 23 abuts against the first limiting structure 2121. At this time, the installation is in place, and the insertion between the first connector 21 and the connecting pipe 23 is completed. The first limiting structure 2121 can be an annular structure provided along the outer periphery of the second segment 212. In this case, the outer diameter of the first limiting structure 2121 is larger than the outer diameter of the end of the connecting pipe 23. Alternatively, the first limiting structure 2121 can also include multiple limiting blocks spaced apart along the outer periphery of the second segment 212.

[0057] Furthermore, a reinforcing structure 2122 is provided on the side of the first limiting structure 2121 facing the third segment 213. The reinforcing structure 2122 provides support for the first limiting structure 2121, ensuring its structural strength. The structure of the reinforcing structure 2122 is not limited. Specifically, it can be a tapered structure arranged circumferentially along the second segment 212, as shown in Figure 9, with the large-diameter end of the tapered structure abutting against the first limiting structure 2121. Alternatively, the reinforcing structure 2122 can be configured as multiple reinforcing ribs spaced apart circumferentially along the second segment 212.

[0058] Alternatively, the inner wall of the connecting pipe 23 may be provided with a first limiting protrusion (not shown in the figure). During installation, the first connector 21 is inserted into the connecting pipe 23, and the first connector 21 and the connecting pipe 23 move relative to each other axially until the end of the first connector 21 abuts against the first limiting protrusion. At this point, the installation is in place, and the insertion between the first connector 21 and the connecting pipe 23 is completed. The first limiting protrusion may be a continuous protrusion structure arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the connecting pipe 23, or it may be at least two protrusion structures spaced apart along the inner wall of the connecting pipe 23.

[0059] The third segment 213 connects to the first interface 323 of the bottom cooling section 3. The structure of the third segment 213 is shown in Figure 9. The outer diameter of the third segment 213 is larger than the outer diameter of the first segment 211, specifically larger than the outer diameter of the large-diameter end of the conical structure of the first segment 211. Alternatively, the first connector 21 can consist only of the first segment 211 and the second segment 212, with the second segment 212 connected to the first interface 323 of the bottom cooling section 3. The larger outer diameter of the third segment 213 compared to the first and second segments 211 lowers the center of gravity of the first connector 21, increasing its stability. This facilitates ensuring the perpendicularity of the first connector 21 to the bottom cooling section 3 during installation, preventing tipping during welding and thus simplifying the welding process.

[0060] In some embodiments, the height of the first connector 21 is in the range of 70mm-80mm to suit the existing height of the expansion beam 11, facilitating the connection operation of the first connector 21 with the connecting pipe 23 within the expansion beam 11. Specifically, the height of the first segment 211 is in the range of 15mm-20mm. Compared to solutions where the height of the first segment 211 is set too large or too small, setting the height of the first segment 211 in the range of 15mm-20mm, such as 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, etc., can ensure the stable fit and sealing effect between the first segment 211 and the connecting pipe 23. The height of the second segment 212 is in the range of 20mm-25mm, and the height of the third segment 213 is in the range of 45mm-50mm. Compared to solutions where the height of the third segment 213 is set too large or too small, setting the height of the third segment 213 in the range of 45mm-50mm, such as 45mm, 48mm, 50mm, etc., can ensure the stability of the first connector 21 during the welding process with the bottom cooling part 3, while also avoiding the problem of excessive weight. The wall thickness of the first joint 21 can be 1mm-2mm, which ensures structural strength while avoiding excessive weight due to its thickness.

[0061] Multiple first joints 21 are provided, and each first joint 21 is spaced apart along the length direction of the expansion beam 11, and the axes of each first joint 21 are coplanar. This arrangement reduces the space requirement in the width direction of the expansion beam 11 when each connecting part 2 is integrated into one expansion beam 11, thereby reducing the volume of the expansion beam 11 and reducing space occupation.

[0062] The outer wall of the end of the second connector 22 facing the connecting pipe 23 can also be provided with a conical structure to serve as a guide during installation and facilitate installation operations.

[0063] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the outer peripheral wall of the second connector 22 is also provided with a second limiting structure 221. This second limiting structure 221 is used to abut and limit the end of the connecting pipe 23. During installation, the second connector 22 is inserted into the connecting pipe 23, and the second connector 22 and the connecting pipe 23 move relative to each other axially until the end of the connecting pipe 23 abuts against the second limiting structure 221. At this point, the installation is in place, and the insertion between the second connector 22 and the connecting pipe 23 is completed. The second limiting structure 221 can be an annular structure provided along the outer periphery of the second connector 22. In this case, the outer diameter of the second limiting structure 221 is larger than the outer diameter of the end of the connecting pipe 23. Alternatively, the second limiting structure 221 can also include multiple limiting blocks spaced apart along the outer periphery of the second connector 22.

[0064] Alternatively, the inner wall of the connecting pipe 23 may be provided with a second limiting protrusion (not shown in the figure). During installation, the second connector 22 is inserted into the connecting pipe 23, and the second connector 22 and the connecting pipe 23 move relative to each other axially until the end of the second connector 22 abuts against the second limiting protrusion. At this point, the installation is complete, and the insertion between the second connector 22 and the connecting pipe 23 is finished. The second limiting protrusion can be a continuous protrusion structure arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the connecting pipe 23, or it can be at least two protrusion structures spaced apart along the inner wall of the connecting pipe 23.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the side wall of the expansion beam 11 is also provided with notches 114 corresponding to at least a portion of each connecting part 2. These notches 114 allow observation of whether the installation between the first connector 21 and the connecting pipe 23 is in place, ensuring the sealing of the connecting part 2. Specifically, the size of the notch 114 can be set according to actual conditions. For example, when viewing the expansion beam 11 from the front, the operating groove 232 can be observed through the notch 114. Furthermore, the notch 114 facilitates disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the connecting part 2 using operating tools.

[0066] If the front expansion beam 16 has a connecting part 2, then the front side wall of the front expansion beam 16 has a notch 114. If the rear expansion beam 17 has a connecting part 2, then the rear side wall of the rear expansion beam 17 has a notch 114. This facilitates observation and operation through the notch 114 during installation and maintenance.

[0067] Referring to Figure 1, the battery cooling system also includes an inlet pipe 5 and an outlet pipe 6. The inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 are respectively connected to the flow channel of the bottom cooling section 3. At the same time, the inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 are also respectively connected to the flow channel in the top cooling section 4 through the connecting part 2. The inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 are respectively connected to external equipment. Coolant can be introduced into the bottom cooling section 3 and the top cooling section 4 through the inlet pipe 5. After the coolant passes through the flow channel of the bottom cooling section 3 and the top cooling section 4 and exchanges heat with the battery cell, it can flow out to the external equipment through the outlet pipe 6.

[0068] In this embodiment, the liquid inlet pipe 5 can be directly connected to the flow channel of the bottom cooling section 3, and indirectly connected to the flow channel of the top cooling section 4 through the connecting part 2. The liquid inlet pipe 5 can also be directly connected to the flow channel of the top cooling section 4, and indirectly connected to the flow channel of the bottom cooling section 3 through the connecting part 2. The liquid outlet pipe 6 can be directly connected to the flow channel of the bottom cooling section 3, and indirectly connected to the flow channel of the top cooling section 4 through the connecting part 2. The liquid outlet pipe 6 can also be directly connected to the flow channel of the top cooling section 4, and indirectly connected to the flow channel of the bottom cooling section 3 through the connecting part 2.

[0069] The inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 can both be directly connected to the cooling flow channel of the same cooling unit, or the inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 can be directly connected to different cooling units respectively.

[0070] In this embodiment, the bottom cooling section 3 includes a first flow channel section, a main inlet section, and a main return section. The first flow channel section is provided with multiple flow channels. The projection of the expansion beam 11 on the bottom cooling section 3 covers at least a portion of the main inlet section and at least a portion of the main return section. The main inlet section is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 5, the first flow channel section, and a portion of the first interface 323, respectively. The main return section is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 6, the first flow channel section, and a portion of the first interface 323, respectively.

[0071] Coolant is introduced into the thermal management system through the inlet pipe 5. The coolant is distributed through the main inlet section, so that part of the coolant enters the first flow channel of the bottom cooling section 3, and part of the coolant enters the second flow channel of the top cooling section 4 through the first interface 323, the connecting part 2, and the second interface 47. After heat exchange, the coolant in the second flow channel returns to the main return section through the second interface 47, the connecting part 2, and the first interface 323, and is discharged together with the coolant that returns to the main return section from the first flow channel section through the outlet pipe 6.

[0072] In other words, the liquid inlet pipe 5 and the liquid outlet pipe 6 are respectively connected to the bottom cooling section 3, and respectively connected to the top cooling section 4 through the connecting section 2. With this configuration, the flow channels in the two cooling sections are in parallel. Compared with connecting the liquid inlet pipe 5 to one cooling section and the liquid outlet pipe 6 to the other cooling section, which makes the flow channels of the two cooling sections in series, the parallel configuration can ensure the cooling effect of each of the two cooling sections, so as to cool the battery cell from the top and bottom respectively, resulting in a better cooling effect.

[0073] The bottom cooling section 3 also includes a plug-in section, which is correspondingly arranged with the expansion beam 11. That is, the projection of the expansion beam 11 onto the bottom cooling section 3 covers the plug-in section. The plug-in section is located between the main inlet section and the main return section. The main inlet section extends to one side of the plug-in section to form a flow branch section, and the main return section extends to one side of the plug-in section to form a return section. The flow branch sections and return sections are not interconnected. Furthermore, each flow branch section and each return section is respectively connected to a first interface 323, so that each flow branch section and return section are respectively connected to the second interface 47 of the top cooling section 4 through the connecting section 2. That is, the main inlet section is connected to the corresponding connecting section 2 through the flow branch section, and the main return section is connected to the corresponding connecting section 2 through the return section. This arrangement facilitates the connection of the connecting section 2 in the expansion beam 11 with the corresponding main inlet section and main return section, simplifying the structural requirements of the expansion beam 11.

[0074] The bottom cooling section 3 is located at the bottom of the frame 1 and includes a flow channel plate. The top cooling section 4 is located at the top of the frame 1 and includes a harmonica tube 44. The specific structures of the bottom cooling section 3 and the top cooling section 4 will be described in detail below.

[0075] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the bottom cooling section 3 includes a heat spreader plate 32 and a flow channel plate 31. The heat spreader plate 32 is a flat plate structure, and the flow channel plate 31 has a flow channel groove on the side surface facing the heat spreader plate 32. The flow channel plate 31 can be a stamped part. After the heat spreader plate 32 and the flow channel plate 31 are attached and welded and sealed, the first flow channel section, the main inlet section and the main return section can be formed at the flow channel groove.

[0076] As shown in Figure 11, the bottom cooling section 3 is provided with flow channel grooves through the flow channel plate 31 to form corresponding flow channel regions 311, total inlet region 312, total return region 313, and insertion region 314. The total inlet region 312 extends to one side of the insertion region 314 to form a branch port 315, and the total return region 313 extends to one side of the insertion region 314 to form a return port 316. After fixing the heat spreader 32 to the flow channel plate 31, the aforementioned first flow channel section can be formed in the flow channel region 311, and the flow channel section 312 is formed on the flow channel plate 312. The main inlet section is formed in the main return section 313, the plug section is formed in the plugging section 314, and the branch section and return section are formed in the branch port 315 and the return port 316, respectively. Therefore, by connecting the liquid inlet pipe 5 and the liquid outlet pipe 6 to the bottom cooling section 3 at the same time, the overall structure is simpler and the cost can be reduced compared to the solution of connecting the liquid inlet pipe 5 and the liquid outlet pipe 6 to the top cooling section 4 at the same time, or connecting only one of the liquid inlet pipe 5 and the liquid outlet pipe 6 to the top cooling section 4.

[0077] The temperature distribution plate 32 is provided with multiple interfaces, including a main inlet interface 321 connected to the main inlet, a main return interface 322 connected to the main return, and a first interface 323 connected to the corresponding flow divider and return section. The main inlet interface 321 is provided with a main inlet connector 33, which is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 5. The main return interface 322 is provided with a main return connector 34, which is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 6. The first interface 323 is connected to the aforementioned first connector 21. Each connector and the corresponding interface can be sealed and fixed by welding (such as arc welding, laser welding, etc.), bonding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc.

[0078] The top cooling section 4 includes three cooling devices 41, which are connected in parallel. As shown in Figure 12, each cooling device 41 includes a first manifold 42, a harmonica tube 44, and a second manifold 43. The first manifold 42 and the second manifold 43 are both hollow pipes with both ends sealed. The two ends of the harmonica tube 44 are connected to the first manifold 42 and the second manifold 43, respectively. The manifold is provided with the aforementioned second interface 47, that is, the aforementioned second connector 22 is fixedly connected to the manifold. Specifically, all the second connectors 22 can be fixedly connected to the same manifold, or some of the second connectors 22 can be fixedly connected to the first manifold 42 and some of the second connectors 22 can be fixedly connected to the second manifold 43. In the following description, we will take the example of all the second connectors 22 being fixedly connected to the first manifold 42 as an example.

[0079] The first manifold 42 has a hollow cavity structure. Its side wall is equipped with a harmonica tube insertion port, and both ends are fitted with caps for sealing. A second interface 47 is located on the side wall of the first manifold 42 facing the front expansion beam 16 and is fixedly connected to the second connector 22. The second connector 22 and the first manifold 42 can be sealed and fixed together by welding. The second manifold 43 has a hollow cavity structure. Its side wall is equipped with a harmonica tube insertion port, and both ends are fitted with caps for sealing.

[0080] As shown in Figure 13, two water-blocking plates 45 are spaced apart along the length of the first collector 42, dividing the inner cavity of the first collector 42 into a first chamber 421, a second chamber 422, and a third chamber 423 arranged sequentially along the length. The second connector 22 corresponding to the second chamber 422 is connected to the branch port 315 via the connecting pipe 23 and the first connector 21. The second connectors 22 corresponding to the first chamber 421 and the third chamber 423 are connected to the return port 316 via the connecting pipe 23 and the first connector 21. In this case, the bottom cooling section 3 has three branch sections and six return sections, and the connecting section 2 has a total of nine sections. Each chamber (first chamber 421, second chamber 422, or third chamber 423) can be connected to at least one harmonica tube 44. To ensure fluid balance, the first chamber 421 and the third chamber 423 can each be connected to one harmonica tube 44, and the second chamber 422 can be connected to two harmonica tubes 44.

[0081] The coolant entering the second chamber 422 enters the second collector 43 after passing through the two harmonica tubes 44 connected to the second chamber 422, and flows to both sides of the second collector 43. Then it flows through the two harmonica tubes 44 connected to the first chamber 421 and the third chamber 423 into the first chamber 421 and the third chamber 423, and returns to the return port 316 along the second connector 22 and connecting pipe 23 of the first chamber 421 and the third chamber 423, and is finally discharged through the outlet pipe 6.

[0082] As shown in Figure 14, multiple partition ribs 441 are arranged along the width direction inside the harmonica tube 44. The partition ribs 441 divide the inner cavity of the harmonica tube 44 into multiple chambers 442 along the width direction. The coolant in each chamber is not interconnected, and the coolant in each chamber 442 of each harmonica tube 44 flows in the same direction. The angle range of the partition ribs 441 is generally 30°-90°, specifically, the angle between the partition ribs 441 and the width direction of the harmonica tube 44 is 30°-90°. The thickness of the partition ribs 441 is generally selected as 0.35mm-0.5mm, the wall thickness of the harmonica tube 44 is generally selected as 0.35mm-0.5mm, the inner cavity height of the harmonica tube 44 is generally set as 2mm-5mm, and the cavity width of the harmonica tube 44 is generally set as 5mm-10mm.

[0083] In summary, the battery pack and vehicle provided in this application have the following technical advantages compared to existing solutions: By connecting the two cooling sections through the connecting part set in the expansion beam, there is no need to set up additional liquid cooling pipes. This simplifies the pipe connection structure, reduces costs, and also reduces the space occupied in the front-rear direction of the battery pack. This allows for more space to be placed for more battery cells without changing the external dimensions of the battery pack, which is beneficial to increasing the capacity of the battery pack and thus improving the vehicle's range.

[0084] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0085] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0086] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, It includes a frame (1), a bottom cooling section (3), and a top cooling section (4); The frame (1) includes an expansion beam (11) disposed between the bottom cooling section (3) and the top cooling section (4); The bottom cooling section (3) includes a first interface (323), and the top cooling section (4) includes a second interface (47). The first interface (323) and the second interface (47) are correspondingly provided, and the first interface (323) and the second interface (47) are connected through a connecting section (2) provided in the expansion beam (11).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part (2) includes a first connector (21) and a second connector (22) connected together. The first connector (21) is connected to the first interface (323), and the second connector (22) is connected to the second interface (47).

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting part (2) further includes a connecting pipe (23), which includes a flexible pipe connecting the first connector (21) and the second connector (22).

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two ends of the connecting pipe (23) are respectively flared structures (231).

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 3-4, characterized in that, The first connector (21) includes a first section (211) and a second section (212) arranged along the axial direction. The outer wall surface of the first section (211) is a conical structure, and the large diameter end of the conical structure is arranged facing the second section (212). The large diameter end is press-fitted with the connecting pipe (23). The second section (212) is provided with a first limiting structure (2121) along the circumferential direction. The first limiting structure (2121) is used to abut and limit the end of the connecting pipe (23).

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first connector (21) further includes a third segment (213) located in the second segment (212) away from the first segment (211), the third segment (213) being fixed to the bottom cooling part (3), and the outer diameter of the third segment (213) being larger than the outer diameter of the first segment (211).

7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The first joint (21) is configured as a plurality of such joints, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the expansion beam (11), and the axes of each first joint (21) are coplanar.

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the second connector (22) is provided with a second limiting structure (221), which is used to abut and limit the end of the connecting pipe (23).

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, The expansion beam (11) has a top-opening groove structure. Multiple partitions (111) are spaced apart along the length of the groove structure, which divides the groove structure into multiple partition grooves (112). The connecting part (2) is located in the partition groove (112). The bottom of the partition groove (112) is also provided with a connecting hole (113), and the first connector (21) passes through the connecting hole (113).

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gap between the outer wall of the connecting part (2) and the vertical wall of the inner cavity of the partition groove (112) is not less than 0.5 mm.

11. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The frame (1) includes a front expansion beam (16) and a rear expansion beam (17); The front expansion beam (16) is provided with the connecting part (2), and the front side wall of the front expansion beam (16) is provided with a notch (114) that corresponds to at least part of the connecting part (2); And / or, the rear expansion beam (17) is provided with the connecting portion (2), and the rear side wall of the rear expansion beam (17) is provided with a notch (114) corresponding to at least a portion of the connecting portion (2).

12. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The bottom cooling section (3) includes a first flow channel section, a main inlet section, and a main return section; The projection of the expansion beam (11) on the bottom cooling section (3) covers at least part of the main inlet and at least part of the main return section. The main inlet and the main return section are respectively connected to the first flow channel section. The main inlet and the main return section are also respectively connected to the first interface (323).

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that, The bottom cooling section (3) includes a flow channel plate (31) and a heat exchange plate (32). The flow channel plate (31) is provided with a flow channel groove. The heat exchange plate (32) and the flow channel plate (31) enclose the first flow channel section, the main inlet section and the main return section. The heat exchange plate (32) is provided with the first interface (323).

14. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-13.

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