Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of power battery technology and discloses a battery module and battery pack. The battery module has a first direction and includes: a baffle assembly with a first tenon at one end; a first end plate connected to the end of the baffle assembly with the first tenon, the first end plate having a mounting hole penetrating both ends of the first end plate along the first direction; and a fixing block connected to the first end plate, one end of the fixing block having a second tenon. Both the first and second tenons are located within the mounting hole, which limits the first tenon. The first and second tenons are tenon-and-mortise connected to fix the baffle assembly to the first end plate. This application achieves the fixation of the baffle assembly to the first end plate through the tenon-and-mortise connection of the first and second tenons, resulting in strong connection stability and eliminating the need for traditional welding processes, thus avoiding technical problems such as weld cracks and weld misalignment in the battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to a battery module and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the rapid development of the power battery industry, the structural design, production processes, and manufacturing of power battery packs and modules are constantly evolving and being upgraded. In particular, the advancement of module assembly and production plays a crucial role in the power battery field. Specifically, the module structural design and assembly connection and fixing methods vary depending on the application scenario, as well as the selection of the corresponding middle side plate, side plates, and module end plates.

[0003] Existing fixing methods include welding and riveting. These fixing methods are widely used in the production and manufacturing of power battery modules, providing some convenience for module assembly and cell stacking. However, in practical applications, there are still technical difficulties, such as weld cracks, holes, and weld misalignment caused by welding, and displacement, incomplete connection, and other problems caused by riveting. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module that avoids technical problems such as weld cracks, holes, and weld misalignment during welding of the battery module structure, as well as misalignment and incomplete connection caused by riveting.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a battery module having a first orientation, the battery module comprising:

[0006] A baffle assembly, wherein the end of the baffle assembly is provided with a first tenon;

[0007] A first end plate is connected to the end of the baffle assembly that has the first tenon. The first end plate has mounting holes that penetrate both ends of the first end plate along the first direction.

[0008] A fixing block is connected to the first end plate. One end of the fixing block is provided with a second tenon. Both the first tenon and the second tenon are located in the mounting hole. The mounting hole can limit the first tenon. The first tenon and the second tenon are tenon-tenon connected to fix the baffle assembly to the first end plate.

[0009] Optionally, one of the first tenon and the second tenon includes at least one slot, and the other includes at least one block that is adapted to the shape of the slot.

[0010] Optionally, the battery module has a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second direction being the mounting direction of the first tenon and the second tenon, and the slot is a dovetail groove extending along the second direction.

[0011] Optionally, the battery module has a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the baffle assembly includes:

[0012] The second end plate is connected to the first end plate and extends along the second direction;

[0013] The middle side plate is connected to the second end plate and extends along the first direction;

[0014] The first tenon is disposed at the end of the second end plate facing the first end plate; or, the second end plate is provided with a clearance opening, the first tenon is disposed at the end of the middle side plate facing the first end plate, and the first tenon passes through and protrudes from the clearance opening.

[0015] Optional,

[0016] The battery module also includes multiple battery cells, which are arranged on both sides of the middle side plate and located within the area enclosed by the middle side plate and the second end plate.

[0017] The baffle assembly also includes a support plate connected to one end of the middle side plate, the support plate being used to support the battery cell.

[0018] Optionally, the mounting hole has a width in the second direction, and at least a portion of the width of the mounting hole at the end away from the second end plate gradually decreases along the first direction.

[0019] Optionally, the fixing block further includes a body whose shape is adapted to the mounting hole; in the second direction, the body has a minimum width, the second tenon has a maximum width, the second tenon is disposed at the end of the body with the minimum width, and the minimum width of the body is greater than or equal to the maximum width of the second tenon.

[0020] Optional,

[0021] The battery module has a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0022] The fixing block is detachably connected to the first end plate;

[0023] The first end plate is also provided with a first connecting hole at one end along the third direction, and the first connecting hole communicates with the mounting hole. The fixing block is also provided with a second connecting hole corresponding to the position of the first connecting hole.

[0024] The battery module also includes a connector, which is sequentially inserted into the first connection hole and the second connection hole to fix the fixing block to the first end plate.

[0025] Optionally, the connector is a pin or a tab, and the shapes of the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are adapted to the connector.

[0026] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a battery pack, including the battery module as described above.

[0027] This application involves inserting one end of the baffle assembly with the first tenon into the mounting hole, then connecting the fixing block to the first end plate. Simultaneously, the first tenon and the second tenon are tenon-jointed to fix the baffle assembly to the first end plate. This application utilizes a tenon-joint structure to fix the first end plate to the baffle assembly and uses the mounting hole to limit the position of the baffle assembly. Its connection structure is stable and installation can be completed without the assistance of large equipment, reducing costs. It also replaces traditional welding processes, avoiding technical problems such as weld cracks, holes, and weld misalignment on the battery module's end plate, or positional displacement of the baffle assembly and incomplete connection between the first end plate and the baffle assembly caused by riveting processes. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery module shown in the figure (excluding the baffle assembly);

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the combination of the first end plate and the second end plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing block provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the combination of the tenon and the fixing block provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0034] In the figure, 1 is the baffle assembly; 11 is the first tenon joint; 111 is the slot; 12 is the second end plate; 121 is the clearance opening; 13 is the middle side plate; 14 is the bearing plate; 2 is the first end plate; 21 is the mounting hole; 22 is the first connecting hole; 3 is the fixing block; 31 is the second tenon joint; 311 is the locking block; 32 is the main body; 33 is the second connecting hole; 4 is the connector; 5 is the side plate; 51 is the main body; 52 is the bending part; 6 is the cover plate; X is the first direction; Y is the second direction; Z is the third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "inner," and "outer," etc., used in this invention to indicate the orientation or positional relationship are based on the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device and 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 invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various types of information, but these terms are not limited to them; they are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this invention, "first" information may also be referred to as "second" information, and similarly, "second" information may also be referred to as "first" information.

[0038] like Figure 1-2 As shown, an optional embodiment of the present invention provides a battery module having a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are all perpendicular to each other. It should be noted that the perpendicularity mentioned in this application is relative perpendicularity, which may have a tolerance of five degrees above and below.

[0039] The battery module includes:

[0040] The baffle assembly 1 has a first tenon 11 at its end.

[0041] The first end plate 2 is connected to one end of the baffle assembly 1 that has a first tenon 11. The first end plate 2 has a mounting hole 21 that passes through both ends of the first end plate 2 along the first direction X.

[0042] And a fixing block 3, which is detachably connected to the first end plate 2. One end of the fixing block 3 is provided with a second tenon 31. Both the first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31 are located in the mounting hole 21. The mounting hole 21 can limit the first tenon 11. The first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31 are tenon-tenon connected to fix the baffle assembly 1 to the first end plate 2.

[0043] In this application, after inserting one end of the baffle assembly 1 with the first tenon 11 into the mounting hole 21, the fixing block 3 is connected to the first end plate 2. At the same time, the first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31 are tenon-tenoned together to fix the baffle assembly 1 to the first end plate 2. This application uses a tenon-tenon structure to fix the first end plate 2 and the baffle assembly 1, and limits the position of the baffle assembly 1 through the mounting hole 21. Its connection structure is stable and can be installed without the assistance of large equipment, reducing costs. At the same time, it replaces the traditional welding process, which can avoid technical problems such as weld cracks, holes, and weld misalignment of the end plate of the battery module, or the positional displacement of the baffle assembly 1 and the loose connection between the first end plate 2 and the baffle assembly 1 caused by the riveting process.

[0044] In this embodiment, the battery module includes two first end plates 2. The baffle assembly 1 is provided with a first tenon 11 at one end facing the two first end plates 2. Correspondingly, the two first end plates 2 are provided with a fixing block 3 at one end facing the baffle assembly 1. Both ends of the baffle assembly 1 are connected to the two first end plates 2 by tenon and tenon structure to achieve installation and fixation.

[0045] Furthermore, the first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31 each include at least one slot 111 and at least one block 311 that is adapted to the shape of the slot 111.

[0046] In some embodiments, the number of slots 111 and blocks 311 can be one. Block 311 is a tenon, and slot 111 is a mortise. Slot 111 and block 311 are inserted together to achieve fixation.

[0047] In this embodiment, there are multiple card slots 111, which are spaced apart along the third direction Z. The number of card blocks 311 is the same as the number of card slots 111. Multiple card blocks 311 are correspondingly engaged in multiple card slots 111 to achieve fixation. The fixation effect is more reliable and can withstand greater loads.

[0048] More specifically, in this embodiment, the second direction Y is the installation direction of the first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31, and the slot 111 is a dovetail slot that extends along the second direction Y. (See reference...) Figure 5 and Figure 6In this embodiment, the side of the baffle assembly 1 opposite to the fixing block 3 is provided with multiple dovetail grooves, and the dovetail grooves are spaced apart. The fixing block 3 is also provided with multiple locking blocks 311 that are adapted to each dovetail groove. When the baffle assembly 1 and the fixing block 3 are connected, the protrusions of the fixing block 3 are inserted into the dovetail grooves of the baffle assembly 1 to form a tenon and mortise connection structure, so as to fix the first end plate 2 to the baffle assembly 1. Since the locking groove 111 is set as a dovetail groove, the mating area between the locking groove 111 and the locking block 311 is increased, making the connection effect more solid and improving the load-bearing capacity, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module.

[0049] Furthermore, the baffle assembly 1 includes:

[0050] The second end plate 12 is connected to the first end plate 2 and extends along the second direction Y.

[0051] The middle side plate 13 is connected to the second end plate 12 and extends along the first direction X.

[0052] The first tenon 11 is provided at the end of the second end plate 12 facing the first end plate 2. Alternatively, the second end plate 12 is provided with a relief opening 121, and the first tenon 11 is provided at the end of the middle side plate 13 facing the first end plate 2, with the first tenon 11 passing through and protruding from the relief opening 121.

[0053] The second end plate 12 is used to isolate the battery cell from the first end plate 2, providing protection and / or insulation. The middle side plate 13 connects the two second end plates 12 to enhance the structural strength of the module. In this embodiment, there are two second end plates 12, respectively corresponding to and parallel to the first end plate 2, and one middle partition is located between the two second end plates 12 and perpendicular to the second end plates 12. In some embodiments, the number of middle partitions can be set to multiple as needed. It should be noted that "parallel" as mentioned in this application refers to relative parallelism, and a tolerance of approximately 5 degrees is allowed.

[0054] Both ends of the middle side plate 13 facing the second end plate 12 are provided with first tenon portions 11. Each of the two second end plates 12 has a clearance opening 121 corresponding to the position of the first tenon portions 11. One end of the middle side plate 13 with the first tenon portion 11 passes through the clearance opening 121, and the first tenon portion 11 protrudes from the clearance opening 121 to engage with the second tenon portion 31. By placing the first tenon portions 11 at both ends of the middle side plate 13, the middle side plate 13 is directly tenon-mortised to the first end plate 2, improving the stability of the connection between the middle side plate 13 and the first end plate 2, and simultaneously increasing the load-bearing capacity of the middle side plate 13. In some feasible embodiments, the first tenon portion 11 can be located at the end of the second end plate 12 facing the first end plate 2, and the middle side plate 13 is fixedly connected to the second end plate 12, such as by welding, bonding, or riveting.

[0055] Furthermore, the battery module also includes multiple battery cells, which are arranged on both sides of the middle side plate 13 and located within the area enclosed by the middle side plate 13 and the second end plate 12. The baffle assembly 1 also includes a support plate 14 connected to one end of the middle side plate 13, which is used to support the battery cells.

[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, the two second end plates 12, together with the cover plate 6 and side plate 5 mentioned below, form a receiving cavity. The middle side plate 13 is located in the receiving cavity and divides the receiving cavity into two parts. Multiple battery cells are arranged in the receiving cavity along the second direction Y and are respectively located on both sides of the middle side plate 13. The bearing plate 14 is disposed at one end of the middle side plate 13 along the third direction Z, as detailed below. Figure 2 As shown, the support plate 14 is disposed at the bottom of the middle side plate 13 and supports at least a portion of the battery cell. The battery cell can be fixed to the middle side plate 13 and / or the support plate 14, such as by bonding. It is understood that the support plate 14 needs to play the role of supporting the battery cell, so the baffle assembly 1 needs to be fixed. Existing technologies usually use welding or riveting for fixing, but welding is too costly and is prone to defects, while riveting is prone to loose connections or misalignment. Therefore, this embodiment uses a tenon and mortise connection to fix the baffle assembly 1, which ensures a reliable fixing effect and proper installation, while also reducing production costs.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the mounting hole 21 has a width in the second direction Y, and at least a portion of the width of the end of the mounting hole 21 away from the second end plate 12 gradually decreases along the first direction X.

[0058] Understandably, the end of the mounting hole 21 furthest from the second end plate 12 is the insertion end of the fixing block 3, and its width gradually decreases along the first direction X, so as to form an inclined guide surface on the side wall of the first end plate 2 where the mounting hole 21 is formed, which facilitates the positioning and installation of the fixing block 3. In some other feasible embodiments, the width of the mounting hole 21 in the second direction Y gradually decreases along the first direction X.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the fixing block 3 also includes a body 51, the shape of which is adapted to the mounting hole 21, that is, the same guide surface is formed on the side wall of the body 51 to facilitate installation. In the second direction Y, the body 51 has a minimum width, and the second tenon 31 has a maximum width. The second tenon 31 is disposed at the end of the body 51 with the minimum width, and the minimum width of the body 51 is greater than or equal to the maximum width of the second tenon 31.

[0060] Understandably, the first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31 are connected by tenon and mortise within the mounting hole 21. Therefore, sufficient installation space needs to be reserved within the mounting hole 21. Thus, the second tenon 31 is set at the end of the body 51 with the minimum width, and the minimum width of the body 51 is greater than or equal to the maximum width of the second tenon 31, so as to facilitate the tenon and mortise connection between the first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31.

[0061] In some feasible embodiments, the fixing block 3 may be integrally formed with the first end plate 2.

[0062] In this embodiment, the fixing block 3 is detachably connected to the first end plate 2. Designing the fixing block 3 to be detachably connected to the first end plate 2 facilitates the tenon-and-mortise connection between the first tenon 11 and the second tenon-and-mortise 31, reducing installation difficulty. For details, see... Figure 2-6 The first end plate 2 is provided with a first connecting hole 22 at one end along the third direction Z. The first connecting hole 22 communicates with the mounting hole 21. The fixing block 3 is also provided with a second connecting hole 33 corresponding to the position of the first connecting hole 22. The battery module also includes a connector 4, which is inserted into the first connecting hole 22 and the second connecting hole 33 in sequence to fix the fixing block 3 to the first end plate 2.

[0063] When assembling the battery module, first insert the first tenon 11 of the baffle assembly 1 into the mounting hole 21, then insert the fixing block 3 into the mounting hole 21, and adjust the position in the mounting hole 21 so that the first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31 are tenon-tenon connected. Finally, fix the fixing block 3 to the first end plate 2 by inserting the connector 4 to complete the installation and fixing.

[0064] Furthermore, the connector 4 is a pin or a tab, and the shapes of the first connecting hole 22 and the second connecting hole 33 are adapted to the connector 4 to ensure better connection stability.

[0065] Specifically, when the connector 4 is selected as a pin, the first connecting hole 22 and the second connecting hole 33 are designed as pin holes adapted to the pin; or when the connector 4 is selected as a insert, the first connecting hole 22 and the second connecting hole 33 are designed as slots adapted to the insert. Of course, the connector 4 is not limited to the structure of a pin or insert, and any connection structure that uses the first connecting hole 22 and the second connecting hole 33 to fix the fixing block 3 to the first end plate 2 is within the protection scope of this embodiment.

[0066] Further, refer to Figure 1In this embodiment, the battery module also includes side plates 5, which are disposed on both sides of the baffle assembly 1 along the second direction Y. The side plates 5 are detachably or fixedly connected to the first end plate 2. After the first end plate 2 and the baffle assembly 1 are fixedly connected by the first tenon 11 and the second tenon 31, the side plates 5 on both sides are then installed to surround the baffle assembly 1, preventing the baffle assembly 1 from loosening along the second direction Y, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module.

[0067] Furthermore, the side plate 5 includes a side plate body 51 and bent portions 52. The bent portions 52 are located at both ends of the side plate body 51 along the first direction X and extend towards the baffle assembly 1. The bent portions 52 engage with the outer periphery of the first end plate 2. In some embodiments, the first end plate 2 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion adapted to the bent portion 52. After the first end plate 2 is connected and fixed to the baffle assembly 1, the side plate 5 is inserted, and the bent portions 52 at both ends of the side plate 5 engage with the snap-fit ​​portion of the first end plate 2 to achieve detachable fixation. In other embodiments, the bent portions 52 are welded and fixed to the first end plate 2, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module.

[0068] In some embodiments, this embodiment also includes a cover plate 6, which is disposed at one end of the middle side plate 13 away from the bearing plate 14 and covers the accommodating cavity to protect the battery cell. The cover plate 6 can be welded and fixed to the side plate 5.

[0069] In summary, this embodiment provides a battery module that uses a tenon and mortise structure to connect the baffle assembly 1 to the first end plate 2. This structure has strong stability and is quick and easy to install. It can fix the first end plate 2 to the baffle assembly 1 without the need for traditional welding or riveting processes. This can avoid technical problems such as weld cracks, holes, and weld misalignment during battery module welding, or displacement, incomplete connection, and other issues caused by riveting.

[0070] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, The battery module has a first direction (X), and the battery module includes: A baffle assembly (1) is provided at the end of which a first tenon (11) is provided; A first end plate (2) is connected to one end of the baffle assembly (1) where the first tenon (11) is provided. The first end plate (2) has a mounting hole (21) that passes through both ends of the first end plate (2) along the first direction (X). A fixing block (3) is connected to the first end plate (2). One end of the fixing block (3) is provided with a second tenon (31). The first tenon (11) and the second tenon (31) are both located in the mounting hole (21). The mounting hole (21) can limit the first tenon (11). The first tenon (11) and the second tenon (31) are tenon-tenon connected to fix the baffle assembly (1) to the first end plate (2). The battery module has a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X); The baffle assembly (1) includes: A second end plate (12) is connected to the first end plate (2) and extends along the second direction (Y); a middle side plate (13) is connected to the second end plate (12) and extends along the first direction (X); a first tenon (11) is provided at one end of the second end plate (12) facing the first end plate (2); or, the second end plate (12) is provided with a clearance opening (121), and the first tenon (11) is provided at one end of the middle side plate (13) facing the first end plate (2), and the first tenon (11) passes through and protrudes from the clearance opening (121); The mounting hole (21) has a width in the second direction (Y), and at least a portion of the width of the mounting hole (21) at the end away from the second end plate (12) gradually decreases along the first direction (X); The fixing block (3) also includes a main body (32), the shape of which is adapted to the mounting hole (21); in the second direction (Y), the main body (32) has a minimum width, the second tenon (31) has a maximum width, the second tenon (31) is disposed at the end of the main body (32) with the minimum width, and the minimum width of the main body (32) is greater than or equal to the maximum width of the second tenon (31).

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first tenon (11) and the second tenon (31) each include at least one slot (111) and at least one block (311) adapted to the shape of the slot (111).

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery module has a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X), the second direction (Y) being the mounting direction of the first tenon (11) and the second tenon (31), the slot (111) being a dovetail groove, and the slot (111) extending along the second direction (Y).

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery module also includes multiple battery cells, which are arranged on both sides of the middle side plate (13) and located within the area enclosed by the middle side plate (13) and the second end plate (12). The baffle assembly (1) further includes a support plate (14) connected to one end of the middle side plate (13), the support plate (14) being used to support the battery cell.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery module has a third direction (Z), and the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) are perpendicular to the third direction (Z). The fixing block (3) is detachably connected to the first end plate (2); The first end plate (2) is also provided with a first connecting hole (22) at one end along the third direction (Z), the first connecting hole (22) is connected to the mounting hole (21), and the fixing block (3) is also provided with a second connecting hole (33) corresponding to the position of the first connecting hole (22); The battery module also includes a connector (4), which is inserted into the first connection hole (22) and the second connection hole (33) in sequence to fix the fixing block (3) to the first end plate (2).

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector (4) is a pin or a tab, and the shapes of the first connecting hole (22) and the second connecting hole (33) are adapted to the connector (4).

7. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes the battery module as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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