Patent Description:
In the related art, the battery needs to be liquid cooled to prevent the temperature of the battery from being too high. However, the distance between adjacent batteries is relatively short, and the heat transfer is relatively fast. Once a short circuit occurs, it is easy to cause thermal runaway.

The disclosure provides a battery pack, which includes an insulating support, a liquid cooling tube, and at least two batteries. The insulating support includes a heat insulating portion. The heat insulating portion is located between adjacent two of the batteries. At least a part of an outer periphery of each battery is accommodated in the heat insulating portion. At least a part of the outer periphery of each battery exposed to an outside of the heat insulating portion is in contact with the liquid cooling tube.

For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference may be made to exemplary embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and related elements may be omitted, or in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated, so as to emphasize and clearly illustrate the features described herein. In addition, related elements or components can be variously arranged, as known in the art. Further, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate same or like parts throughout the several views.

The technical solutions in the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will be described clearly and explicitly in conjunction with the drawings in the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The description proposed herein is just the exemplary embodiments for the purpose of illustrations only, not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, so it should be understood that and various modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specifically defined and limited, the terms "first", "second" and the like are only used for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as expressing or implying a relative importance. The term "plurality" is two or more.

In particular, a reference to "the" object or "a" and "an" object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects. Unless otherwise defined or described, the terms "connect", "fix" should be broadly interpreted, for example, the term "connect" can be "fixedly connect", "detachably connect", "integrally connect", "electrically connect" or "signal connect". The term "connect" also can be "directly connect" or "indirectly connect via a medium". For the persons skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the abovementioned terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific situation.

Further, in the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that spatially relative terms, such as "above", "below" "inside", "outside" and the like, are described based on orientations illustrated in the figures, but are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the context, it should also be understood that when an element or features is provided "outside" or "inside" of another element(s), it can be directly provided "outside" or "inside" of the other element, or be indirectly provided "outside" or "inside" of the another element(s) by an intermediate element.

The embodiment provides a battery pack. Referring to the structures shown in <FIG>, the battery pack provided in the embodiment includes an insulating support <NUM>, a liquid cooling tube <NUM>, and at least two batteries. The insulating support <NUM> includes a heat insulating portion <NUM>. The heat insulating portion <NUM> is located between adjacent two of the batteries. At least a part of an outer periphery of each of the batteries is accommodated in the heat insulating portion <NUM>. At least a part of the outer periphery of each of the batteries exposed to an outside of the heat insulating portion <NUM> is in contact with the liquid cooling tube <NUM>.

In the battery pack provided in the embodiment, the insulating support <NUM> is provided, the heat insulating portion <NUM> of the insulating support <NUM> is located between two adjacent batteries, and the at least a part of the outer periphery of each of the batteries is accommodated in the heat insulating portion <NUM>, so that the heat insulating capability between the batteries can be improved. At the same time, since at least a part of the outer periphery of the battery exposed to the outside of the heat insulating portion <NUM> is in contact with the liquid cooling tube <NUM>, the liquid cooling effect of the liquid cooling tube <NUM> on the battery can be ensured.

It should be noted that, the liquid cooling tube <NUM> is in indirect contact with the outer periphery of the battery. the liquid cooling tube <NUM> is in indirect contact and fixed with the outer periphery of the battery through gluing.

each battery is a cylindrical battery <NUM>. The outer periphery of the battery refers to a circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM>. Specifically, the circumferential surface <NUM> refers to an outer surface of the cylindrical battery <NUM> located between a top surface and a bottom surface thereof. The top surface and the bottom surface of the cylindrical battery <NUM> refer to two surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical battery <NUM> and disposed opposite to each other. The circumferential surfaces <NUM> of two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> and a part of the liquid cooling tube <NUM> facing a space between the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> form a cavity. Depending on different arrangements of the batteries, a cavity can be formed among the circumferential surfaces <NUM> of three cylindrical batteries <NUM>, which form a triangle connected by three centers of circle thereof, and a cavity can also be formed between the circumferential surfaces <NUM> of four cylindrical batteries <NUM>, which form a rectangle connected by four centers of circle thereof. The heat insulating portion <NUM> is disposed in the cavity. An outer surface of the heat insulating portion <NUM> is in indirect contact with the cylindrical battery <NUM>. the heat insulating portion <NUM> is in indirect contact and fixed with the cylindrical battery <NUM> through gluing.

In an embodiment, the heat insulating portion <NUM> includes a hollow columnar structure. The hollow columnar structure has an accommodating portion, and the at least part of the outer periphery of the battery is accommodated in the accommodating portion.

Referring to <FIG>, the hollow columnar structure is located between two adjacent batteries, and this configuration can further enhance the heat insulating effect between adjacent batteries to prevent thermal runaway.

The batteries are the cylindrical batteries <NUM>. The hollow columnar structure is a hollow prismatic structure. The accommodating portion is a curved side surface <NUM> of the hollow prismatic structure. The curved side surface <NUM> is fittingly attached to the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM>. At least a part of the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> that is not in contact with the curved side surface <NUM> can be in contact with the liquid cooling tube <NUM>.

Since the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> is an arc-shaped curved surface, in order to fittingly attach to the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM>, the hollow columnar structure is the hollow prismatic structure, and the hollow prismatic structure has multiple curved side surfaces <NUM>. Exemplarily, depending on different arrangements of the cylindrical batteries <NUM>, a contour shape of a region enclosed by the adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> is also different. For example, the contour shape of the region may be a curved triangle. Correspondingly, the hollow prismatic structure is a hollow triangular prismatic structure.

For another example, the contour shape of the region may also be a curved-sided quadrilateral. Correspondingly, the hollow prismatic structure is a hollow quadrangular prismatic structure.

It should be noted that, the hollow columnar structure is not limited to the hollow prismatic structure, and other forms of hollow columnar structures may also be selected according to a contour of gap between the batteries, as long as the heat insulating function between the batteries can be implemented.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow prismatic structure is a hollow triangular prismatic structure. The hollow triangular prismatic structure has three curved side surfaces <NUM>, wherein at least two curved side surfaces <NUM> are respectively and fittingly attached to the circumferential surfaces <NUM> of the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM>.

Specifically, the three curved side surfaces <NUM> are all arc-shaped surfaces. Exemplarily, as shown in <FIG>, the heat insulating portion <NUM> includes five hollow triangular prismatic structures. The five hollow triangular prismatic structures are connected in sequence to form an open ring structure. The opening of the open ring structure is an opening <NUM> of the insulating support <NUM>. In the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM>, the open ring structure is sleeved on the outside of one of the cylindrical batteries <NUM>. In other words, one of the cylindrical batteries <NUM> is located on the inside of the open ring structure, the other one of the cylindrical batteries <NUM> is located on the outside of the open ring structure, and at least a part of the hollow triangular prismatic structure in the open ring structure is located between the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the number of the heat insulating portions <NUM> is at least two. The at least two heat insulating portions <NUM> are in contact with the same battery.

Referring to <FIG>, the at least two heat insulating portions <NUM> are symmetrically disposed. The two heat insulating portions are located between two adjacent batteries. The curved side surfaces <NUM> of the two heat insulating portions <NUM> are butted to form a circular arc-shaped recessed portion. At least part of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical battery is accommodated in the circular arc-shaped recessed portion.

In an embodiment, the insulating support <NUM> has the opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the insulating support <NUM> located at the outermost side of a battery bracket has at least one opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is opposite to at least part of the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM>. The opening <NUM> faces the liquid cooling tube <NUM>. In other words, the circumferential surface <NUM> opposite to the opening <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the accommodating portion and is in contact with the liquid cooling tube <NUM> to implement liquid cooling.

In an embodiment, the number of the openings <NUM> is at least two. The insulating support <NUM> has a first side and a second side that are oppositely disposed, wherein one of the openings <NUM> is disposed on the first side, and another one of the openings <NUM> is disposed on the second side.

Exemplarily, the accommodating portion is located at two adjacent batteries, and the two openings <NUM> are disposed close to two farthest surfaces between the two adjacent batteries, which can not only implement heat insulation between the two adjacent batteries, but also satisfy liquid cooling of the battery by the liquid cooling tubes <NUM> located on two opposite sides of the battery.

In some embodiments, the batteries are the cylindrical batteries <NUM>. The number of the liquid cooling tubes <NUM> is at least two. The two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> are located between two adjacent liquid cooling tubes <NUM>. The insulating support <NUM> has at least two openings <NUM>, wherein one of the openings <NUM> faces one of the liquid cooling tubes <NUM>, and another one of the openings <NUM> faces another one of the liquid cooling tubes <NUM>. The longest distance between the end surfaces of the two openings <NUM> is the sum of the diameters of the two adjacent batteries.

Referring to <FIG>, when two columns of batteries are disposed between the two adjacent liquid cooling tubes <NUM>, the first side of the insulating support <NUM> is close to one of the liquid cooling tubes <NUM>, and the second side of the insulating support <NUM> is close to the other one of the liquid cooling tubes <NUM>. In this way, the two columns of batteries can all be in contact with the nearby liquid cooling tubes <NUM>, such that the number of liquid cooling tubes is reduced, so as to reduce costs.

Specifically, the dotted line in <FIG> represents the end surface of the opening <NUM>. The end surface of the opening <NUM> is a circular arc surface. The longest distance between the end surfaces of the two openings <NUM> refers to the longest distance between the two circular arc surfaces.

Exemplarily, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, two columns of placement grooves <NUM> are disposed between the two adjacent liquid cooling tubes <NUM>, and the two columns of the placement grooves <NUM> are staggered. Batteries in the two columns of the placement grooves <NUM> are also staggered. Specifically, the two adjacent liquid cooling tubes <NUM> are respectively named a first liquid cooling tube 200a and a second liquid cooling tube 200b. Among the two columns of batteries, the column of batteries close to the first liquid cooling tube 200a are named first column batteries, and the column of batteries close to the second liquid cooling tube 200b are named second column batteries. Among the five hollow triangular prismatic structures, one of the hollow triangular prismatic structures is located in a region enclosed between the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> among the first column batteries and the first liquid cooling tube 200a. One of the curved side surfaces <NUM> of the hollow triangular prismatic structure is fittingly attached to the outer tube wall of the first liquid cooling tube 200a. The other two curved side surfaces <NUM> of the hollow triangular prismatic structure are respectively and fittingly attached to the circumferential surfaces <NUM> of the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM>.

Among the second column batteries, the cylindrical battery <NUM> corresponding to a position between the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> encloses a region with the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> among the first column batteries, and there is a hollow triangular prismatic structure disposed in the enclosed region. The three curved side surfaces <NUM> of the hollow triangular prismatic structure are respectively and fittingly attached to the circumferential surfaces <NUM> of the three cylindrical batteries <NUM>. This hollow triangular prismatic structure and the hollow triangular prismatic structure in the region enclosed between the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> among the first column batteries and the first liquid cooling tube 200a are integrally formed.

Exemplarily, as shown in <FIG>, the number of hollow triangular prismatic structures is eight. The eight hollow triangular prismatic structures are divided into four groups. Each group includes two hollow triangular prismatic structures, and one edge of one of the hollow triangular prismatic structures is opposite and fixedly connected to one edge of the other one of the hollow triangular prismatic structures, that is, the two hollow triangular prismatic structures share one edge. The four groups of hollow triangular prismatic structures are staggered to form two open ring structures. One of the open ring structures is sleeved on the outside of one of the cylindrical batteries <NUM> adjacent to the first liquid cooling tube 200a, the other one of the open ring structures is sleeved on the outside of the other one of the cylindrical batteries <NUM> adjacent to the second liquid cooling tube 200b, and the other one of the cylindrical batteries <NUM> is adjacent to the one of the cylindrical batteries <NUM>. The opening of the open ring structure is the opening <NUM> of the insulating support <NUM>, which ensures that the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> located at the opening <NUM> can be in contact with the liquid cooling tube <NUM>. Specifically, the opening of one of the open ring structures faces the first liquid cooling tube 200a, so that the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> can be fittingly attached to the first liquid cooling tube 200a, and the opening of the other one of the open ring structures faces the second liquid cooling tube 200b, so that the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> can be fittingly attached to the second liquid cooling tube 200b. In this way, it is convenient to add adhesive between the cylindrical battery <NUM> and the liquid cooling tube <NUM>, which improves the fixing effect of the cylindrical battery <NUM> and a liquid cooling device, reduces the amount of thermally conductive structural adhesive used, and implements heat insulation between the batteries to prevent thermal runaway.

Exemplarily, as shown in <FIG>, the number of hollow triangular prismatic structures is eight. The eight hollow triangular prismatic structures are divided into five groups, wherein three groups respectively include two hollow triangular prismatic structures, and one edge of one of the hollow triangular prismatic structures is opposite and fixedly connected to one edge of the other one of the hollow triangular prismatic structures, that is, the two hollow triangular prismatic structures share one edge. The three groups of hollow triangular prismatic structures are arranged at intervals in the arrangement direction of the same column of batteries. Each of the other two groups includes one hollow triangular prismatic structure, and the two hollow triangular prismatic structures of these two groups are respectively connected between two adjacent groups of hollow triangular prismatic structures among the three groups of hollow triangular prismatic structures to form two side-by-side open ring structures. The two side-by-side open ring structures are respectively sleeved on the outside of the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> adjacent to the same liquid cooling tube <NUM>. The openings of the two open ring structures face the same liquid cooling tube <NUM>, so that the circumferential surfaces <NUM> of the two cylindrical batteries <NUM> can be fittingly attached to the same liquid cooling tube <NUM>.

In some embodiments, multiple hollow triangular prismatic structures are integrally formed as one piece.

It should be noted that the number of the heat insulating portion <NUM> may be one.

It should be noted that, the two columns of the placement grooves <NUM> disposed between the two adjacent liquid cooling tubes <NUM> may also be arranged in rows and columns, that is, among the two columns of batteries, the cylindrical batteries <NUM> in one column correspond one-to-one to the cylindrical batteries <NUM> in the other column. Therefore, a region enclosed between the two adjacent cylindrical batteries <NUM> among one column and the two cylindrical batteries <NUM> at corresponding positions in the other column is a curved quadrilateral region. Correspondingly, the heat insulating portion <NUM> located in the curved quadrilateral region may also be a hollow quadrangular prismatic structure.

In addition, it should be noted that the specific structure and the arrangement manner of the heat insulating portions <NUM> are not limited to the several types above, and other forms of the heat insulating portions <NUM> and the arrangement manners thereof may also be selected according to actual production and processing requirements.

In an embodiment, the inside of the at least one hollow prismatic structure is provided with a phase change material.

When the battery generates a relatively large amount of heat, the phase change material can absorb heat, thereby dissipating heat from the battery. When the overall temperature of the battery pack is relatively low, the phase change material can release heat, thereby heating the battery to improve energy utilization efficiency.

the liquid cooling tube <NUM> is bonded and fixed to the batteries, the batteries are bonded and fixed to the heat insulating portion <NUM>, and the heat insulating portion <NUM> is bonded and fixed to the liquid cooling tube <NUM>.

When the batteries, the insulating support <NUM>, and the liquid cooling tube <NUM> are glued and fixed through adhesive filling, since the heat insulating portion <NUM> is located between two adjacent batteries, a large amount of glue can be effectively prevented from flowing to a cavity between the two adjacent batteries to ensure that the glue can be filled in gaps between the liquid cooling tube <NUM>, the batteries, and the heat insulating portion <NUM>, which reduces the amount of glue used, thereby reducing the overall weight, so that the energy density of the battery pack can be effectively improved.

Exemplarily, the glue is a conventional thermally conductive structural adhesive.

In an embodiment, the battery pack further includes a battery bracket <NUM>. The batteries and the insulating support <NUM> are both located on the battery bracket <NUM>. The material of the battery bracket <NUM> is an insulating material to ensure the safety of the battery pack.

For example, the material of the battery bracket <NUM> is plastic.

In an embodiment, the battery bracket <NUM> is provided with the placement groove <NUM>. The batteries are fixedly installed in the placement groove <NUM>.

Exemplarily, the shape of the cross-section of the placement groove <NUM> is circular to fit the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM>. An upper surface of the battery bracket <NUM> is provided with multiple columns of the placement grooves <NUM>. The columns of the placement grooves <NUM> are arranged in parallel and at intervals. Each column of the placement grooves <NUM> includes multiple placement grooves <NUM>. Exemplarily, two adjacent columns of the placement grooves <NUM> are staggered. In this way, the battery bracket <NUM> can be fully utilized, and more batteries can be placed on the battery bracket <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the liquid cooling tube <NUM> is a serpentine flat tube. The serpentine flat tube can liquid-cool the cylindrical battery <NUM>. Exemplarily, the serpentine flat tube is disposed between the two adjacent columns of the placement grooves <NUM>, so that the serpentine flat tube can liquid-cool the cylindrical batteries <NUM> located on both sides thereof at the same time.

Exemplarily, the number of serpentine flat tubes is multiple. The serpentine flat tubes are arranged in parallel and at intervals. There may be one column of the placement grooves <NUM> or there may be two columns of the placement grooves <NUM> between two adjacent serpentine flat tubes. In this way, each serpentine flat tube can also be ensured to liquid cool the cylindrical batteries <NUM> located on both sides thereof at the same time.

each battery is the cylindrical battery <NUM>. A contact area between the liquid cooling tube <NUM> and the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> is greater than <NUM>/<NUM> of the circumferential surface area of the cylindrical battery <NUM> and smaller than1/<NUM> of the circumferential surface area of the cylindrical battery <NUM>.

Specifically, if the contact area between the serpentine flat tube and the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> is too large, the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> for being in contact with the heat insulating portion <NUM> will be too small, thereby causing the strength of connection between the heat insulating portion <NUM> and the cylindrical battery <NUM> to be reduced. If the contact area between the serpentine flat tube and the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> is too small, the liquid cooling effect of the serpentine flat tube on the cylindrical battery <NUM> will be relatively poor.

Therefore, the contact area between the serpentine flat tube and the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> is greater than <NUM>/<NUM> of the circumferential surface area of the cylindrical battery <NUM> and is less than <NUM>/<NUM> of the circumferential surface area of the cylindrical battery <NUM>.

Exemplarily, the contact area between the serpentine flat tube and the circumferential surface <NUM> of the cylindrical battery <NUM> may be <NUM>/<NUM> of the circumferential surface area of the cylindrical battery <NUM>.

It should be noted that the serpentine flat tube and the cylindrical battery <NUM> are in indirect contact. For example, the serpentine flat tube and the cylindrical battery <NUM> may be in indirect contact and fixed through a thermally conductive structural adhesive.

In some embodiments, a partition <NUM> is disposed in the liquid cooling tube <NUM>. The extending direction of the partition <NUM> is substantially the same as the extending direction of a liquid cooling plate. The partition <NUM> divides an inner cavity of the liquid cooling tube <NUM> into multiple liquid cooling channels <NUM>. Exemplarily, as shown in <FIG>, the number of the partitions <NUM> is nine. The nine partitions <NUM> divide the inner cavity of the liquid cooling tube <NUM> into ten liquid cooling channels <NUM>. The ten liquid cooling channels <NUM> are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the insulating support <NUM>. Such configuration can ensure a larger contact area between a liquid cooling medium and the battery, so as to prevent the issue that the liquid cooling medium can only cool the bottom of the battery under the action of gravity.

Referring to <FIG>, an arrow direction Z indicates the height direction of the battery pack. When the liquid cooling tube <NUM> liquid cools a column of batteries in the battery pack, the plurality of liquid cooling channels <NUM> can perform liquid cooling to different positions of the same battery, so as to ensure that each battery can obtain relatively uniform liquid cooling.

In some embodiments, the flow directions of the liquid cooling media in the liquid cooling channels <NUM> are the same.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, two opposite plate surfaces of the partition <NUM> are both arc-shaped surfaces <NUM>. The bending directions of the two arc-shaped surfaces <NUM> are opposite to each other. In other words, one of the arc-shaped surfaces <NUM> is bent toward the direction adjacent to the other one of the arc-shaped surfaces <NUM>, such configuration enables smooth transition of an inner wall of the liquid cooling channel <NUM>, thereby reducing the flow resistance of the liquid cooling medium, while alleviating the impact of the liquid cooling medium on the liquid cooling tube <NUM> and causing less damage to the liquid cooling tube <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the material of the liquid cooling tube <NUM> is metal. An outer surface of the liquid cooling tube <NUM> is provided with a thermally conductive buffer pad.

Claim 1:
A battery pack, comprising an insulating support (<NUM>), a liquid cooling tube (<NUM>), and at least two batteries, wherein the insulating support (<NUM>) comprises a heat insulating portion (<NUM>), the heat insulating portion (<NUM>) is located between adjacent two of the batteries, at least a part of an outer periphery of each battery is accommodated in the heat insulating portion (<NUM>), and at least a part of the outer periphery of each battery exposed to an outside of the heat insulating portion (<NUM>) is in contact with the liquid cooling tube (<NUM>),
wherein the battery pack is characterized in that
the liquid cooling tube (<NUM>) is bonded and fixed to the batteries, the batteries are bonded and fixed to the heat insulating portion (<NUM>), and the heat insulating portion (<NUM>) is bonded and fixed to the liquid cooling tube (<NUM>), and
wherein each battery is a cylindrical battery (<NUM>), and a contact area between the liquid cooling tube (<NUM>) and a circumferential surface (<NUM>) of the cylindrical battery (<NUM>) is greater than <NUM>/<NUM> of a circumferential surface area of the cylindrical battery (<NUM>) and is less than <NUM>/<NUM> of the circumferential surface area of the cylindrical battery (<NUM>).