A hoisting structure and a battery module

Abstract

This invention discloses a lifting structure and a battery module. The lifting structure is used for a battery cell module, which extends along a first direction and has two opposing abutment surfaces at both ends. The lifting structure includes two end plates and a lifting component. The end plates are adapted to be fixed to the battery cell module. Each end plate has a pressure wall near the battery cell module that is adapted to fit against the abutment surface, and a partition wall away from the battery cell module. A vertically extending connecting channel is formed between the pressure wall and the partition wall. The entrance to the connecting channel is located on the upper end face of the end plate. The partition wall has a hanging hole communicating with the connecting channel. The lifting component has a hook portion adapted to extend into the connecting channel and engage with the hanging hole. The battery module uses the above-described lifting structure. This application can reduce the volume of the energy storage module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hoisting technology, specifically to a hoisting structure and a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] The structure of a battery cell module is generally rectangular. Each end of the module typically has an end plate, which are secured to the module with cable ties to form a battery cell assembly. Multiple battery cell assemblies can be placed in a housing and work with other components to form an energy storage module. Currently, battery cell assemblies are often placed in the housing using a lifting method. Existing technologies often involve creating lifting holes on the outer walls of the end plates. The battery cell assembly is then placed in the housing by hooking it through these holes. Therefore, a sufficiently large gap needs to be maintained between the housing and the battery cell assembly to allow the lifting device to extend, resulting in a relatively large energy storage module. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a hoisting structure and battery module that can reduce the volume of the energy storage module.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention and its preferred embodiments employ the following technical solutions, but the embodiments are not limited to the following solutions:

[0005] Technical Solution 1 and its related embodiments provide a hoisting structure for a battery cell module. The battery cell module extends along a first direction and has two opposing abutment surfaces at both ends. It includes two end plates, which are respectively adapted to be fixed to both ends of the battery cell module. Each end plate has a pressure wall near the battery cell module that is adapted to fit against the abutment surface, and a partition wall away from the battery cell module. A connecting channel extending vertically is provided between the pressure wall and the partition wall. The entrance of the connecting channel is located on the upper end surface of the end plate. The partition wall has a hanging hole communicating with the connecting channel. A hoisting component is provided, which has a hook portion adapted to extend into the connecting channel and engage with the hanging hole.

[0006] Based on technical solution one, there is also technical solution two. In technical solution two and its related embodiments, the hoisting component includes a body and an elastic support part, and the hook part is integrated with the body. The elastic support part is slidably disposed on the body in the vertical direction. The elastic support part is adapted to act between the upper end face of the end plate and the body when the hook part is engaged with the hanging hole to support the body upward and make the hook part hook onto the upper hole wall of the hanging hole.

[0007] Based on technical solution two, there is also technical solution three. In technical solution three and its related embodiments, the elastic support part includes a sliding shaft, a pressing part and an elastic element. The sliding shaft extends in a vertical direction. The pressing part is fixed to the bottom end of the sliding shaft and is adapted to press against the upper end surface of the end plate. The body is slidably connected to the top end of the sliding shaft and forms an anti-detachment structure between the sliding shaft. The elastic element is sleeved on the sliding shaft and acts between the pressing part and the body to support the body upward.

[0008] Based on technical solution three, there is also technical solution four. In technical solution four and its related embodiments, there are at least two connecting channels, and each connecting channel is arranged at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the number of lifting components corresponds to the number of end plates, and the body is provided with hooks corresponding to the number of connecting channels of the corresponding end plates.

[0009] Based on technical solution four, there is also technical solution five. In technical solution five and its related embodiments, the middle part of the body is slidably connected to the sliding shaft; each hook is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the sliding shaft along the second direction.

[0010] Based on technical solution five, technical solution six is ​​also provided. In technical solution six and its related embodiments, the middle part of the main body is provided with a downwardly protruding connecting part, and a sliding channel extending in the vertical direction is formed in the connecting part. The sliding channel is provided with a guide groove adapted to the sliding shaft. The top end of the sliding shaft is adapted to form an anti-detachment structure with the connecting part and is adapted to extend into the sliding channel.

[0011] Based on technical solution six, technical solution seven is also provided. In technical solution seven and its related embodiments, each connection channel is located in the middle of the end plate along the second direction.

[0012] Based on technical solution one, there is also technical solution eight. In technical solution eight and its related embodiments, the end plate is symmetrically provided with a number of ribs arranged at intervals in the vertical direction on both sides along the second direction, and the gap between the ribs forms a limiting groove that is compatible with the cable tie.

[0013] Based on technical solution one, there is also technical solution nine. In technical solution nine and its related embodiments, the end plate is provided with a plurality of vertically penetrating channels alternately arranged between the pressure wall and the partition wall along the second direction, wherein the channel communicating with the hanging hole forms the connecting channel.

[0014] Technical solution ten and its related embodiments provide a battery module, including a cell module and a hoisting structure as described in any one of technical solutions one to nine.

[0015] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention and its preferred embodiments, compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention and its preferred embodiments have the following beneficial effects due to the adoption of the following technical means:

[0016] Through continuous observation, experimentation, and research, the applicant has learned that the reason for the "large size of energy storage modules" in the existing technical solutions is that the battery cell components can only be hoisted from the outside to the inside, which requires a large gap between the battery cell components and the casing.

[0017] In technical solution one and its preferred embodiments, when hoisting a battery cell assembly composed of a cell module and an end plate, the hook portion extends from the upper end face of the end plate into the connecting channel and hooks onto the hanging hole, thus achieving hoisting from inside the end plate. It can be seen that in this technical solution, since the main part of the hook portion is located in the connecting channel, the distance between the battery cell assembly and the housing does not need to be too large. When the battery cell assembly and the housing cooperate to form an energy storage module, the length of the energy storage module along the first direction can be relatively shorter, thereby reducing the volume of the energy storage module. This advantage is even more prominent when the energy storage module includes multiple battery cell assemblies arranged along the first direction, because the above-mentioned hoisting structure also eliminates the need for a large gap between adjacent battery cell assemblies or between the battery cell assembly and the housing of the energy storage module. It can be seen that the hoisting structure of this technical solution utilizes the structure of the end plate itself to hoist the battery cell assembly, which is ingenious and can reduce the volume of the energy storage module using the above-mentioned battery cell module and hoisting structure.

[0018] In Technical Solution 2 and its preferred embodiments, since the hook and the hanging hole are usually clearance fit during hoisting, the battery cell assembly is easily shaken during hoisting and is also usually impacted when it is lowered. To address this, this technical solution improves the structure of the hoisting component. Specifically, when assembling the hoisting component, the hook extends from the upper end face of the end plate into the connecting channel and hooks with the hanging hole. At this time, the elastic support acts between the body and the upper end face of the end plate, and the elastic support pushes the body upward, so that the hook hooks with the upper wall of the hanging hole. Therefore, by adopting this technical solution, after the hook hooks with the hanging hole, the hoisting component and the end plate are limited in the vertical direction. Thus, the battery cell assembly formed by the battery cell module and the end plate is not easily shaken when hoisted, and the battery cell assembly is not easily impacted when it is lowered.

[0019] In technical solution three and its preferred embodiments, the structure of the elastic support part is simple and easy to process.

[0020] In the fourth technical solution and its preferred embodiment, one lifting component corresponds to one end plate, which makes the lifting more balanced and easier to assemble and disassemble compared to the setting of one lifting component for one connecting channel.

[0021] In technical solution five and its preferred embodiment, the middle part of the body is slidably connected to the sliding shaft, and each hook is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the sliding shaft along the second direction, making it easier for the lifting component to maintain balance, and also making it easier for the battery cell assembly composed of the battery cell module and the end plate to maintain balance.

[0022] In technical solution six and its preferred embodiment, a sliding channel extending vertically is formed in the connecting part, and the sliding channel is provided with a guide groove adapted to the sliding shaft; the top end of the sliding shaft is adapted to form an anti-detachment structure with the connecting part and is adapted to extend into the sliding channel, which is conducive to the sliding of the elastic support part relative to the body. The setting of the guide groove makes the sliding shaft and the connecting part limit in the horizontal direction, avoiding the shaking of the body when it is subjected to force, thereby ensuring the stability of the battery cell assembly.

[0023] In technical solution seven and its preferred embodiments, each connecting channel is located in the middle of the end plate along the second direction, and the end plate is subjected to more balanced force.

[0024] In technical solution eight and its preferred embodiments, the gap between the ribs forms a limiting groove that is compatible with the cable tie, which is beneficial for limiting the cable tie and also ensures the stability of the battery cell assembly formed by the end plate and the battery cell module.

[0025] In technical solution nine and its preferred embodiment, the end plate is provided with several vertically penetrating channels alternately arranged between the pressure wall and the partition wall along the second direction. Among them, the channels communicating with the hanging holes form connecting channels, which facilitates processing. In practical applications, each channel on the end plate can be used to place the terminal structure of the battery cell module. Therefore, the above arrangement eliminates the need to specially open connecting channels, making processing convenient.

[0026] Technical solution ten has the technical advantages of any one of technical solutions one through nine. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments are briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the lifting component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Sectional view along the AA direction.

[0033] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0034] Battery cell module 10; contact surface 11; end plate 20; pressure wall 21; partition wall 22; hanging hole 221; connecting channel 23; rib 24; limiting groove 25; lifting component 30; body 31; hook part 311; connecting part 312; sliding channel 313; guide groove 314; anti-detachment wall 315; elastic support part 32; sliding shaft 321; limiting wall 3211; pressure part 322; elastic element 323. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0037] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific scope of protection of this invention.

[0038] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this invention should be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0039] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this invention, the terms "comprising," "having," and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to."

[0040] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 A battery module is shown, including a cell module 10 and a lifting structure. The cell module 10 extends along a first direction and has two opposing abutment surfaces 11 at each end. The lifting structure is used for the cell module 10 and includes two end plates 20 and a lifting member 30. The length direction of the cell module is the first direction, the width direction is a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the height direction is a vertical direction.

[0041] The two end plates 20 are respectively adapted to be fixed to both ends of the battery cell module 10. The end plate 20 is cuboid in shape, with its thickness direction being the first direction, its length direction being the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and its height direction being the vertical direction.

[0042] Each end plate 20 has a pressure wall 21 near the cell module 10, suitable for abutting the contact surface 11, and a partition wall 22 opposite to the cell module 10. The pressure wall 21 and the partition wall 22 are parallel to each other and opposite to each other. A vertically extending connecting channel 23 is provided between the pressure wall 21 and the partition wall 22 on the end plate 20. The entrance of the connecting channel 23 is located on the upper end surface of the end plate 20. The partition wall 22 has a hanging hole 221 communicating with the connecting channel 23. In this embodiment, there are at least two connecting channels 23. Figure 1-2 In this design, there are two connecting channels 23, spaced apart along the second direction. These two connecting channels 23 are located in the middle of the end plate 20 along the second direction. However, it should be understood that the number of connecting channels 23 can be greater. In practical applications, the end plate 20 has several vertically penetrating channels alternately arranged along the second direction between the pressure wall 21 and the partition wall 22. The channels communicating with the hanging holes 221 form connecting channels 23. These multiple channels can reduce the weight of the end plate 20, and can also accommodate electrical components such as terminals of the battery cell module 10 when needed.

[0043] See Figure 1-2 The end plate 20 is symmetrically provided with a number of ribs 24 arranged at intervals in the vertical direction on both sides along the second direction, and the gap between the ribs 24 forms a limiting groove 25 that is compatible with the cable tie. Figure 2 In the middle, each side of the end plate 20 forms a three-segment rib 24, thereby forming two limiting grooves 25 on each side of the end plate 20. In practical applications, the end plate 20 and the battery cell module 10 can be fixedly connected by passing a cable tie through the limiting groove 25.

[0044] The lifting component 30 is provided with hook portions 311 adapted to extend into the connecting channel 23 and engage with the hanging hole 221. In this embodiment, the number of lifting components 30 corresponds to the number of end plates 20, and each lifting component 30 is provided with hook portions 311 corresponding to the number of connecting channels 23 of the corresponding end plate 20. That is, each lifting component 30 is provided with two hook portions 311, and the bottom end of the hook portion 311 forms a hook. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, only one lifting component 30 may be used, which has four hook portions 311.

[0045] See also Figure 3-5 The lifting component 30 includes a body 31 and an elastic support part 32. The body 31 is U-shaped, and the two sides of the body 31 extend downward to form hook parts 311. The body 31 is provided with hook parts 311 corresponding to the number of connecting channels 23 of the corresponding end plate 20. The hook parts 311 are integrated with the body 31. The elastic support part 32 slides vertically on the body 31. The elastic support part 32 is adapted to act between the upper end surface of the end plate 20 and the body 31 when the hook part 311 is hooked with the hanging hole 221 to support the body 31 upward and make the hook part 311 hook onto the upper hole wall of the hanging hole 221.

[0046] Specifically, the elastic support portion 32 includes a sliding shaft 321, a pressing portion 322, and an elastic element 323. The sliding shaft 321 extends vertically. The pressing portion 322 is fixed to the bottom end of the sliding shaft 321 and is adapted to press against the upper end surface of the end plate 20. The body 31 is slidably connected to the top end of the sliding shaft 321, forming an anti-detachment structure between the sliding shaft 321 and the body 31. The elastic element 323 is sleeved on the sliding shaft 321 and acts between the pressing portion 322 and the body 31 to push the body 31 upward. In this embodiment, the elastic element 323 is a spring. The pressing portion 322 is cuboid in shape. It can be seen that the structure of the elastic support portion 32 is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0047] See Figure 3-5 The body 31 is slidably connected to the sliding shaft 321 at its center; each hook portion 311 is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the sliding shaft 321 along the second direction. The body 31 has a downwardly protruding connecting portion 312 at its center, within which a sliding channel 313 extending vertically is formed. The sliding channel 313 has a guide groove 314 adapted to the sliding shaft 321; the top end of the sliding shaft 321 is adapted to form an anti-detachment structure with the connecting portion 312 and is adapted to extend into the sliding channel 313. This anti-detachment structure mainly includes a limiting wall 3211 protruding to both sides from the top end of the sliding shaft 321 and an anti-detachment wall 315 at the bottom of the connecting portion 312. Both the limiting wall 3211 and the anti-detachment wall 315 are perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0048] The hoisting process is as follows:

[0049] First, the two end plates 20 and the cell module 10 are fixed together to form a cell assembly by passing cable ties through the limiting grooves 25 at the same height. Then, the hook part 311 of the lifting component 30 extends from the upper end face of the end plate 20 into the connecting channel 23 and hooks onto the hanging hole 221. At this time, the elastic support part 32 acts between the upper end face of the body 31 and the end plate 20, and the elastic support part 32 pushes the body 31 upward, so that the hook part 311 hooks onto the upper wall of the hanging hole 221, thus lifting the cell assembly. After the lifting is completed, push the body 31 downward, and the hook part 311 can be disengaged from the hanging hole 221. Then, pull the hook part 311 upward.

[0050] As can be seen, in this embodiment, since the main part of the hook portion 311 is located in the connecting channel 23, the distance between the cell assembly and the housing does not need to be too large. When the cell assembly and the housing cooperate to form an energy storage module, the length of the energy storage module along the first direction can be relatively shorter, thereby reducing the volume of the energy storage module. This advantage is even more prominent when the energy storage module includes multiple cell assemblies arranged along the first direction, because the above-mentioned hoisting structure also makes it unnecessary to reserve a large distance between adjacent cell assemblies or between the cell assembly and the housing of the energy storage module. It can be seen that by adopting the hoisting structure of this embodiment, the volume of the energy storage module using the above-mentioned cell module 10 and hoisting structure can be reduced. During hoisting, the hook part 311 and the hanging hole 221 are usually in clearance fit. During hoisting, the battery cell assembly is easily shaken. When the battery cell assembly is lowered, it is also usually impacted. Due to the setting of the elastic support part 32, after the hook part 311 hooks with the hanging hole 221, the hoisting part 30 and the end plate 20 are limited in the vertical direction. Therefore, the battery cell assembly formed by the battery cell module 10 and the end plate 20 is not easy to shake when it is hoisted, and the battery cell assembly is not easy to be impacted when it is lowered.

[0051] In this embodiment, one lifting component 30 corresponds to one end plate 20, resulting in better balance during lifting and easier assembly / disassembly compared to the arrangement of one lifting component 30 per connecting channel 23. The middle part of the body 31 is slidably connected to the sliding shaft 321, and each hook part 311 is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the sliding shaft 321 along the second direction, making it easier for the lifting component 30 to maintain balance, and also making it easier for the battery cell assembly composed of the battery cell module 10 and the end plate 20 to maintain balance. Each connecting channel 23 is located in the middle of the end plate 20 along the second direction, resulting in more even force distribution on the end plate 20.

[0052] In this embodiment, a sliding channel 313 extending vertically is formed in the connecting part 312. The sliding channel 313 is provided with a guide groove 314 that is adapted to the sliding shaft 321. The top end of the sliding shaft 321 is adapted to form an anti-detachment structure with the connecting part 312 and is adapted to extend into the sliding channel 313, which is conducive to the sliding of the elastic support part 32 relative to the body 31. The setting of the guide groove 314 makes the sliding shaft 321 and the connecting part 312 limited in the horizontal direction, avoiding the shaking of the body 31 when subjected to force, thereby ensuring the stability of the battery cell assembly.

[0053] In this embodiment, the end plate 20 is provided with a plurality of vertically penetrating channels alternately arranged between the pressure wall 21 and the partition wall 22 along the second direction. Among them, the channel communicating with the hanging hole 221 forms a connecting channel 23, which is convenient for processing. In practical applications, each channel on the end plate 20 can be used to place the terminal structure of the battery cell module 10. Therefore, the above-mentioned arrangement makes it unnecessary to specially open the connecting channel 23, and the processing is convenient.

[0054] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this invention, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this invention or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this invention or the foregoing embodiments, in conjunction with common knowledge, general technical knowledge, and / or existing technology, should all be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A hoisting structure for a battery cell module (10), the battery cell module (10) extending along a first direction and having two opposing abutment surfaces (11) at each end, characterized in that, include Two end plates (20) are respectively adapted to be fixed to both ends of the battery cell module (10). Each end plate (20) has a pressure wall (21) near the battery cell module (10) adapted to fit against the contact surface (11), and a partition wall (22) away from the battery cell module (10). A vertically extending connecting channel (23) is provided between the pressure wall (21) and the partition wall (22). The entrance of the connecting channel (23) is located on the upper end face of the end plate (20). The partition wall (22) is provided with a hanging hole (221) communicating with the connecting channel (23). The lifting component (30) is provided with a hook (311) adapted to extend into the connecting channel (23) and engage with the hanging hole (221); The lifting component (30) includes a body (31) and an elastic support part (32). The hook part (311) is integrated with the body (31). The elastic support part (32) is slidably disposed on the body (31) in the vertical direction. The elastic support part (32) is adapted to act between the upper end face of the end plate (20) and the body (31) when the hook part (311) is engaged with the hanging hole (221) to support the body (31) upward and to hook the hook part (311) onto the upper wall of the hanging hole (221).

2. The hoisting structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic support portion (32) includes a sliding shaft (321), a pressing portion (322), and an elastic element (323). The sliding shaft (321) extends vertically. The pressing portion (322) is fixed to the bottom end of the sliding shaft (321) and is adapted to press against the upper end surface of the end plate (20). The body (31) is slidably connected to the top end of the sliding shaft (321) and forms an anti-detachment structure between the sliding shaft (321). The elastic element (323) is sleeved on the sliding shaft (321) and acts between the pressing portion (322) and the body (31) to support the body (31) upward.

3. The hoisting structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting channel (23) is at least two, and each connecting channel (23) is arranged at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the number of the hoisting parts (30) corresponds to the number of the end plates (20), and the body (31) is provided with hooks (311) corresponding to the number of connecting channels (23) of the corresponding end plates (20).

4. The hoisting structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The middle part of the body (31) is slidably connected to the sliding shaft (321); each hook (311) is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the sliding shaft (321) along the second direction.

5. A hoisting structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The body (31) has a downwardly protruding connecting part (312) in the middle, and a sliding channel (313) extending in the vertical direction is formed in the connecting part (312). The sliding channel (313) is provided with a guide groove (314) that is adapted to the sliding shaft (321). The top end of the sliding shaft (321) is adapted to form an anti-detachment structure with the connecting part (312) and is adapted to extend into the sliding channel (313).

6. A hoisting structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each connection channel (23) is located in the middle of the end plate (20) along the second direction.

7. The hoisting structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate (20) is symmetrically provided with a number of ribs (24) arranged at intervals in the vertical direction on both sides along the second direction, and the gap between the ribs (24) forms a limiting groove (25) that is compatible with the cable tie.

8. A hoisting structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate (20) has a plurality of vertically penetrating channels alternately arranged between the pressure wall (21) and the partition wall (22) along the second direction, wherein the channel communicating with the hanging hole (221) forms the connecting channel (23).

9. A battery module, characterized in that, It includes a battery cell module (10) and a hoisting structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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