Battery modules, battery packs and electric vehicles

Abstract

The present application discloses a battery module, a battery pack and an electric vehicle. The battery module includes a positioning member, a plurality of fixing units and a plurality of battery cells. The positioning member includes a first main body and a plurality of fixing columns, and the plurality of fixing columns are arranged on the first main body along the length direction of the first main body. The fixing unit includes two partitions, the partition includes a supporting portion and a second main body, the supporting portion is arranged on the periphery of the second main body and includes a positioning portion, the positioning portion can be passed between adjacent fixing columns and supported on the fixing columns, and the second main body is provided with a mounting groove, and the two mounting grooves form a accommodating cavity. The battery cell is arranged in the accommodating cavity. Since the fixing unit has two partitions, the partitions can be connected to each other, thereby forming an accommodating cavity between the two mounting grooves to accommodate the battery cell. In addition, multiple fixing units can be connected to the positioning member, so there is no need to add additional components for assembling the battery cell, thereby reducing the assembly cost of the battery cell and improving the scalability of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of power batteries, and in particular to a battery module, a battery pack and an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Current power battery systems typically use multiple cells connected in series or parallel to form a battery module, which is then assembled into a battery pack. CTP (cell-to-pack) battery packs, on the other hand, use a module-free assembly method where cells are directly assembled into the battery pack. This effectively increases the energy density of the battery pack, reduces the number of components used, and improves assembly efficiency.

[0003] During the assembly process of existing battery packs, a large number of additional structural parts need to be added, which leads to high assembly costs of battery cells. Once the existing battery packs are assembled, the number and number of battery cells are difficult to change, resulting in poor scalability of the battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present application proposes a battery module that can reduce the assembly cost of battery cells and improve the scalability of battery cells.

[0005] According to the battery module of the embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the battery module includes a positioning member, a plurality of fixing units, a plurality of battery cells and a base. The plurality of fixing units include two partitions capable of abutting against each other, the partition including a supporting portion and a second body, the second body being provided with an installation groove, the two installation grooves jointly defining a receiving cavity, the supporting portion being provided on the periphery of the second body and including a positioning portion, when at least two of the fixing units are connected to the positioning member together, the two positioning portions abutting against each other between the two fixing units can be passed through between adjacent fixing columns and abut against the fixing columns, the positioning member is connected to the base, and the battery cells are provided in the receiving cavity.

[0006] The battery module according to the embodiment of the present application has at least the following technical effects: because the fixing unit has two separators, the separators can be connected to each other so that the abutting portions abut against each other, thereby forming a receiving cavity between the two mounting grooves to accommodate the battery cell. In addition, multiple fixing units can be connected to the positioning member, and the positioning portion and the fixing column abut against each other to achieve the fixation of multiple groups of fixing units. Therefore, there is no need to add additional parts for the assembly of the battery cell, thereby reducing the assembly cost of the battery cell and improving the scalability of the battery cell.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the embodiments of the present application, the separator is provided with at least one partitioning portion, and the partitioning portion is located in the mounting groove, dividing the accommodating cavity into a plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities, and a plurality of the battery cells are arranged in the battery cell accommodating cavities.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the partition is provided with ventilation holes and ventilation slots, the ventilation holes pass through at least a portion of the bottom of the installation slot, the ventilation slots are provided in the positioning portion, and connect the ventilation holes with the external environment.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the embodiments of the present application, the positioning portion includes a snap-in protrusion, which is located on the surface of the positioning portion facing the depth direction of the installation groove, and snap-in positions are provided on both sides of the fixing column, and the snap-in protrusion can be snapped into the snap-in position.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the embodiments of the present application, the partition includes a first partition and a second partition, the first partition is provided with an anti-foolproof block, the second partition is provided with an anti-foolproof groove, and the anti-foolproof block is connected to the side wall of the anti-foolproof groove.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, ventilation portions are provided on both sides of the base, the ventilation portions are provided with vents and air ducts, the air ducts run through the ventilation portions, the vents are provided on opposite surfaces of the two ventilation portions, and connect the air ducts with the cooling channel. According to a battery pack according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present application, the battery pack includes the battery module of the embodiment of the first aspect described above.

[0012] The battery pack according to the embodiment of the present application has at least the following technical effects: since the battery pack is provided with the battery module of the embodiment of the first aspect above, the two separators can be connected to each other so that the abutting portions abut against each other, thereby forming a receiving cavity between the two mounting grooves to accommodate the battery cells. The fixing unit can be connected to the positioning member through the abutment of the positioning portion and the fixing column, thereby achieving the fixation of multiple groups of battery cells. Therefore, the battery pack does not need to add additional components for assembling the battery cells, thereby reducing the assembly cost of the battery pack and improving the scalability of the battery cells.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the battery pack further includes a shell having a battery cavity provided therein, the battery module being disposed in the battery cavity, and one or both ends of the battery module being supported against a side wall of the battery cavity.

[0014] According to the electric vehicle of the third embodiment of the present application, the electric vehicle includes the battery pack of the second embodiment.

[0015] According to the electric vehicle embodiment of the present application, at least the following technical effects are achieved: Because the electric vehicle is provided with the battery pack of the embodiment of the second aspect described above, the two separators can be connected to each other so that the abutting portions abut against each other, thereby forming a receiving cavity between the two mounting grooves to accommodate the battery cells. Furthermore, through the abutting cooperation between the positioning portion and the fixing column, multiple groups of battery cells can be fixed. Therefore, the electric vehicle does not need to add additional components for battery cell assembly, thereby reducing the assembly cost of the electric vehicle and improving the scalability of the battery cells.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a separator in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing unit in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 1 is another structural schematic diagram of a separator in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning member in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of point A in FIG.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing unit of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a base of a battery pack in one embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a side view of the base of the battery pack in one embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Reference numerals:

[0030] Fixing unit 10, first separator 11, second separator 12, battery cell 20, battery pack 30;

[0031] Partition 100, second main body 110, mounting groove 111, ventilation groove 112, ventilation hole 113, anti-fool groove 114, anti-fool block 115, supporting portion 120, positioning portion 121, snap-fit ​​protrusion 122, partition 130, cooling channel 140, positioning member 200, first main body 210, fixing column 220, snap-fit ​​position 221, snap-fit ​​groove 230, base 300, ventilation portion 310, air duct 311, vent 312, partition plate 313. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will clearly and completely describe the concept and technical effects of this application in conjunction with the embodiments to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, if orientation descriptions are involved, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by "up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present application.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, if a feature is referred to as being "set", "connected", or "installed" on another feature, it can be directly set, fixed, or connected on the other feature, or it can be indirectly set, fixed, or connected on the other feature.

[0035] According to the battery module of the first embodiment of the present application, the battery module includes a positioning member 200, a plurality of fixing units 10, a plurality of battery cells 20, and a base 300. The positioning member 200 includes a first body 210 and a plurality of fixing posts 220, and the plurality of fixing posts 220 are arranged on the first body 210 along the length direction of the first body 210. The fixing unit 10 includes two separators 100, each of which includes a supporting portion 120 and a second body 110. The supporting portion 120 is disposed around the periphery of the second body 110 and includes a positioning portion 121. When at least two fixing units 10 are connected to the positioning member 200, the two positioning portions 121 at the opposing ends of the fixing units 10 can pass between adjacent fixing posts 220 and abut against them. The second body 110 is provided with a mounting groove 111. The mounting grooves 111 on the two separators 100 jointly define a receiving cavity (not labeled in the figure). The battery cell 20 is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the positioning member 200 is connected to the base 300.

[0036] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , there are two positioning members 200, two supporting members 120, and two positioning members 121. The separator 100 is a rectangular plate-shaped structure. The upper surface of the separator 100 is a mounting surface and is provided with a mounting groove 111. The left and right ends of the mounting groove 111 are provided with supporting members 120. The supporting members 120 are block-shaped structures protruding toward the mounting surface. The supporting members 120 are provided with positioning members 121. The positioning member 121 at the left end of the separator 100 protrudes to the left, and the positioning member 121 at the right end of the separator 100 protrudes to the right. Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 When installing the battery cell 20, the battery cell 20 can be placed in the installation groove 111 of a certain separator 100 first, and then the installation groove 111 of the other separator 100 is facing the battery cell 20, so that the installation surfaces of the two separators 100 are opposite and moved closer to each other.

[0037] When the supporting portions 120 of the two separators 100 are in contact with each other, the two mounting grooves 111 can form a receiving cavity, and the battery cell 20 can be accommodated in the receiving cavity. The left and right ends of the battery cell 20 are supported by the supporting portions 120, and the upper and lower ends are supported by the upper and lower side walls of the mounting grooves 111, thereby fixing the battery cell 20. Since the supporting portions 120 protrude from the mounting surface, when the two separators 100 are connected, the upper and lower ends of the receiving cavity are not blocked, so the poles of the battery cell 20 can extend from the separator 100, thereby connecting the battery cell 20 to external equipment. Figure 4 , the length direction of the positioning member 200 is Figure 4The positioning member 200 includes a first body 210 and a fixing column 220. The first body 210 and the fixing column 220 are both rectangular parallelepiped structures. Along the length direction of the positioning member 200, the first body 210 is provided with a plurality of fixing columns 220, and there are gaps between the fixing columns 220.

[0038] refer to Figure 5 When the positioning member 200 is connected to the base 300, multiple fixing units 10 can be connected to the positioning member 200 at one time from top to bottom. Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the fixing unit 10 is connected to the positioning member 200, the positioning portion 121 is inserted between two adjacent fixing columns 220 to limit the forward and backward movement of the partition 100. At the same time, the bottom surface of the positioning portion 121 is against the top surface of the first main body 210, thereby achieving the restriction of the five degrees of freedom of the partition 100. And by adding a top cover or a battery control unit and other equipment to the top surface of the partition 100, the six degrees of freedom of the partition 100 can be restricted. Therefore, the battery module in this embodiment does not need to add various parts for fixing the battery cells 20, and different numbers of fixing units 10 can be set on the positioning member 200 according to needs. Therefore, when the battery module in this embodiment is assembled into a battery pack, it can meet the standards of the CTP battery pack, and can reduce the assembly cost of the battery cells 20 and improve the scalability of the battery cells 20.

[0039] It is understandable that the shapes of the separator 100, the first body 210, the fixing column 220 and the supporting portion 120 can be triangular, circular, etc., so as to adapt to different shapes of the battery cells 20. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The protruding height of the positioning portion 121 can be less than or equal to the thickness of the fixing post 220 in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the positioning portion 121 abuts against the fixing post 220, the left side of the left-end positioning portion 121 and the right side of the right-end positioning portion 121 can abut against external equipment, thereby preventing the positioning portion 121 from colliding with external equipment while ensuring the fit between the positioning portion 121 and the fixing post 220.

[0040] The separator 100 containing the battery cell 20 can be connected to the positioning member 200 first, and then the positioning member 200 and the separator 100 are connected to the external environment together, thereby facilitating the transportation of the battery module. Alternatively, the positioning member 200 can be fixed to the external device first, and then the separator 100 can be connected to the external environment. Figure 5 The partition 100 is installed from top to bottom at one time as shown in FIG, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the partition 100. Figure 5 A plurality of vents 312 may be provided on the upper surface of the base 300, which are connected to the lower end of the accommodating cavity, thereby achieving air cooling of the battery. The number of positioning members 200, abutting portions 120, and positioning portions 121 can be adjusted according to actual installation requirements.

[0041] In some embodiments, a single separator 100 is provided with at least one separator 130, the separator 130 is located in the mounting groove 111, and the separator 130 divides the receiving cavity into a plurality of battery cell receiving cavities. Figures 1 to 3 A partition 130 is provided in the middle of the separator 100. The partition 130 divides the mounting groove 111. Therefore, when two separators 100 are connected, the partition 130 can divide the accommodating cavity into multiple battery cell accommodating cavities, thereby achieving the simultaneous fixation of multiple battery cells 20 through two fixing frames. It is understandable that the number of partitions 130 can be two, three, etc., and the number of battery cells 20 on the fixing unit 10 does not necessarily equal the number of battery cell accommodating cavities, so as to meet the needs of different battery packs 30 and thereby improve the scalability of the battery cells 20.

[0042] In some embodiments, the partition 100 is provided with ventilation holes 113 and ventilation slots 112. The ventilation slots 112 are provided at both ends of the positioning portion 121 on the partition 100. The ventilation holes 113 pass through at least part of the bottom of the mounting slot 111 and connect the accommodating cavity with the external environment. When two partitions 100 are connected to each other, the plurality of ventilation slots 112 form a cooling channel 140. Specifically, referring to Figures 1 to 3 The ventilation holes 113 penetrate the partition 100 in the front-to-back direction, and the ventilation slots 112 penetrate the partition 100 in the left-to-right direction. When the positioning portion 121 is abutted against the fixing column 220, the cooling channel 140 is located between two adjacent fixing columns 220. At this time, the wind can enter the cooling channel 140 from the ventilation slots 112 at one end of the partition 100, contact the battery cell 20 through the ventilation holes 113, and finally leave the partition 100 from the ventilation slots 112 at the other end of the partition 100. Compared with the existing battery cell 20 air cooling technology, this embodiment, while ensuring the fixing effect of the battery cell 20, provides ventilation holes 113 and ventilation slots 112 on the second main body 110 so that the wind can contact a larger surface on the battery cell 20, thereby improving the air cooling efficiency of the battery cell 20.

[0043] In some embodiments, a snap-fit ​​protrusion 122 is provided on the surface of the positioning portion 121 facing the same direction as the mounting surface, and snap-fit ​​positions 221 are provided on both sides of the fixing column 220. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 122 can be snap-fitted to the snap-fit ​​positions 221. Figures 1 to 3 The protruding direction of the clamping protrusion 122 is the same as the direction of the mounting surface. Figure 4 , the fixing column 220 is provided with a snap-in position 221 on both sides, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6When the positioning member 200 is connected to an external device such as the base 300, the side of the fixing column 220 provided with the engaging portion 221 engages with the external device such as the base 300, thereby forming an engaging groove 230. When the fixing unit 10 is connected to the positioning member 200, the engaging protrusion 122 can be accommodated in the engaging groove 230, thereby further improving the stability of the battery module.

[0044] In some embodiments, the fixing unit 10 includes a first partition 11 and a second partition 12, the first partition 11 is provided with an anti-fool block 115, and the second partition 12 is provided with an anti-fool groove 114, and the first partition 11 and the second partition 12 can fit together so that the anti-fool block 115 is connected to the side wall of the anti-fool groove 114. Specifically, refer to Figure 1 Figure 2 , the foolproof block 115 is provided on the first partition 11, and the foolproof groove 114 is provided on the second partition 12. The concave direction of the foolproof groove 114 is consistent with the convex direction of the foolproof block 115. Therefore, referring to Figure 8 When two fixing units 10 are connected, they can be positioned by the anti-fouling groove 114 and the anti-fouling block 115, thereby improving the assembly efficiency between the fixing units 10. It is understandable that the anti-fouling groove 114 can be set in the supporting portion 120, the partition portion 130, etc., thereby avoiding reducing the structural strength of the partition 100.

[0045] In some embodiments, the base 300 is connected to the battery module, and a ventilation portion 310 is provided on both sides. The ventilation portion 310 is provided with a vent 312 and an air duct 311. The air duct 311 runs through the ventilation portion 310. The vent 312 is provided on the opposite surface of the two ventilation portions 310 and connects the air duct 311 with the cooling channel 140. Specifically, refer to 9 to Figure 11 , ventilation parts 310 are provided on both sides of the base 300. The ventilation parts 310 are hollow structures and are provided with vents 312 and air ducts 311. Wind can enter the air duct 311 from one end of the air duct 311 and leave the air duct 311 from the other end of the air duct 311, because the vents 312 are provided on the opposite surface of the ventilation part 310. Therefore, when the battery pack 30 needs air cooling, it can be ventilated toward a certain air duct 311, so that the gas can pass through the vents 312, enter the cooling channel 140 and contact the battery cell 20, and finally flow out from another air duct 311, thereby achieving air cooling of the battery pack. It can be understood that a partition plate 313 can also be provided in the air duct 311, thereby increasing the flow rate of the gas in the air duct 311, thereby improving the air cooling effect of the battery pack 30.

[0046] In some embodiments, the positioning member 200 is connected to the surface of the ventilation portion 310 provided with the vent 312 by gluing. Specifically, the positioning member 200 can be connected to the ventilation portion 310 by gluing. Compared with threaded connection and clamping connection, gluing is more efficient and can improve the installation efficiency of the battery pack 30.

[0047] According to the battery pack 30 of the second embodiment of the present application, the battery pack 30 includes the battery module of the first embodiment. Figure 9 The battery cell 20 is arranged in the accommodating cavity, and the battery module is connected to the base 300. Since the battery module in the first embodiment is used to fix the battery cell 20, the battery pack 30 in this embodiment can realize the module-free assembly of the battery cell, that is, the CTP assembly of the battery pack 30, thereby reducing the assembly cost of the battery pack 30 and improving the expandability of the battery cell 20.

[0048] In some embodiments, the battery pack 30 further includes a housing (not shown in the figure), in which a battery cavity is provided. The base 300 and the battery module are both provided in the battery cavity, and one or both ends of the battery module are supported against the side wall of the battery cavity. Figure 9 , Figure 9 The frontmost separator 100 is not supported by the fixing post 220. Because one or both ends of the battery pack 30's housing are supported against the sidewalls of the battery cavity, the sidewalls of the battery cavity can support the separators 100 on the battery module that are not supported by the fixing posts 220. This allows the outermost separators 100 to be secured without adding additional components or fixing posts 220 to the positioning member 200.

[0049] According to the electric vehicle of the third embodiment of the present application, the electric vehicle includes the battery pack 30 of the second embodiment. Specifically, because the electric vehicle adopts the battery pack 30 of the second embodiment, the assembly cost of the battery pack 30 in the electric vehicle is reduced and the scalability of the battery cell 20 is improved.

[0050] Throughout this specification, reference to the term "some embodiments" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and intent of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: include: A positioning member, the positioning member comprising a first body and a plurality of fixing posts, wherein the plurality of fixing posts are arranged on the first body along a length direction of the first body; A plurality of fixing units, each including two mutually abutting separators, each including an abutting portion and a second body, the second body being provided with a mounting slot, the two mounting slots jointly defining a receiving cavity, the abutting portion being provided on a circumference of the second body and including a positioning portion, and when at least two fixing units are connected together to the positioning member, the two positioning portions at one end of the fixing units abutting against each other can be passed between adjacent fixing posts and abut against the fixing posts; a base, the positioning member being connected to the base; A plurality of battery cells, wherein the battery cells are arranged in the accommodating cavity; The positioning portion includes a snap-fitting protrusion, which is located on a surface of the positioning portion facing the depth direction of the mounting groove. Both sides of the fixing column are provided with snap-fitting positions, and the snap-fitting protrusion can be snap-fitted to the snap-fitting positions. The fixing column is provided with a surface of the clamping position which is connected to the base and forms a clamping groove, and the clamping protrusion is accommodated in the clamping groove.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The separator is provided with at least one partition portion, and the partition portion is located in the installation groove, dividing the accommodating cavity into a plurality of battery cell accommodating cavities, and a plurality of the battery cells are arranged in the battery cell accommodating cavities.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The partition is provided with a ventilation hole and a ventilation groove. The ventilation hole passes through at least a portion of the groove bottom of the installation groove. The ventilation groove is provided in the positioning portion and connects the ventilation hole with the external environment.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The two mutually supporting partitions are respectively a first partition and a second partition. The first partition is provided with an anti-foolproof block, and the second partition is provided with an anti-foolproof groove. The anti-foolproof block is connected to the side wall of the anti-foolproof groove.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Ventilation parts are provided on both sides of the base. The ventilation parts are provided with ventilation openings and air ducts. The air ducts run through the ventilation parts. The ventilation openings are provided on opposite surfaces of the two ventilation parts and connect the air ducts with the cooling channels.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: Structural adhesive is applied between the positioning piece and the base.

7. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack comprises the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The battery pack further includes a shell, wherein a battery cavity is provided in the shell, the battery module is provided in the battery cavity, and one end or both ends of the battery module abut against a side wall of the battery cavity.

9. An electric vehicle, characterized in that The battery pack according to claim 8 is included.

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