Battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a battery pack and a vehicle, the battery pack comprising a battery box, a battery cell module, a first stopper and a first fastener, the battery box comprising a first cross beam and a second cross beam arranged at intervals along a first direction, a containing cavity being formed between the first cross beam and the second cross beam, the battery cell module being fitted in the containing cavity, the first stopper being movably fitted in the containing cavity along the first direction, the first stopper being arranged along the first direction with the battery cell module, the first fastener connecting the first stopper and the first cross beam, the battery cell module being clamped between the first stopper and the second cross beam, or the first fastener connecting the first stopper and the second cross beam, the battery cell module being clamped between the first stopper and the first cross beam. The battery pack provided by the application has the advantage of high space utilization of the containing cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery pack technology, and more specifically to a battery pack and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the inherent chemical properties of the battery cells, they will swell after a certain number of cycles. To improve cycle life, a pre-tightening force is typically applied in the electrode stacking direction of the cells during design. In related technologies, multiple cells and two end plates are generally integrated into a cell module. The two end plates are located at both ends of the multiple cells and are connected by side plates to achieve pre-tightening of the multiple cells in the electrode stacking direction. However, when the cell module is installed in the battery pack, an assembly gap is formed between it and the battery pack. Combined with the two end plates on the cell module, this results in low space utilization within the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0004] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack that has the advantage of high space utilization of the accommodating cavity.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention also proposes a vehicle.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack includes a battery box, a cell module, a first stop member, and a first fastener. The battery box includes a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam spaced apart along a first direction, and a receiving cavity is formed between the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam. The cell module is fitted within the receiving cavity. The first stop member is movably fitted within the receiving cavity along the first direction, and the first stop member and the cell module are arranged along the first direction. The first fastener connects the first stop member and the first crossbeam, and the cell module is sandwiched between the first stop member and the second crossbeam. Alternatively, the first fastener connects the first stop member and the second crossbeam, and the cell module is sandwiched between the first stop member and the first crossbeam.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after the battery cell module is fitted into the receiving cavity, taking the fitting of the first stop member within the assembly gap between the battery cell module and the first crossbeam as an example, when the first stop member is moved to abut against the battery cell module, the first fastener connects the first crossbeam and the first stop member to achieve relative fixation between the first stop member and the first crossbeam. At this time, the battery cell module is confined between the first stop member and the second crossbeam. The expansion force generated by the battery cell in the battery cell module can be transmitted to the second crossbeam, and also transmitted to the first crossbeam through the first stop member and the first fastener. That is, the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam achieve pre-tightening of the battery cell, thereby eliminating the need for the two end plates and side plates in the battery cell module, effectively improving the space utilization rate of the receiving cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first crossbeam is provided with a threaded hole, the axial direction of the threaded hole is consistent with the first direction, the first fastener is a threaded member, the first fastener is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole, and at least a portion of the first fastener is located in the receiving cavity and abuts against the side of the first stop member away from the battery cell module.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first fastener includes a threaded push rod, the first end of which is located within the receiving cavity, and the second end of which is provided with any one of a slotted groove, a cross groove, and a shaped groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the peripheral wall of the threaded push rod is provided with a limiting groove or a limiting protrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, there are multiple battery cell modules arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and all of the multiple battery cell modules are fitted within the receiving cavity. The number of first stop members is less than or equal to the number of battery cell modules, and each first stop member is adapted to abut against at least one of the battery cell modules.

[0012] In some embodiments, the number of the first stop members is equal to and corresponds one-to-one with the number of the battery cell modules. The first stop member is a plate-shaped structure. The length of the battery cell in the battery cell module is L, the thickness is D, and the height is H. The length of the first stop member is L1, the thickness is D1, and the height is H1, wherein 0.5H≤H1≤H, 0.5L≤L1≤L; 0.3L≤L2≤L1, and 0.5mm≤D1≤8%×D.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the first stops corresponds to two first fasteners, the two first fasteners are arranged at intervals along the second direction, the distance between the two first fasteners is L2, and the height of the two first fasteners relative to the bottom surface of the receiving cavity is H2, wherein 0.2H≤H2≤H1, 0.3L≤L2≤L1.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first stop is an insulating plate, or the first stop is a metal plate with an insulating coating on its surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first stop is located between the first crossbeam and the cell module, and the battery pack further includes a second stop and a second fastener. The second stop is movably fitted within the receiving cavity along the first direction. The second stop is located on the side of the cell module opposite to the first stop. The second fastener connects the second stop and the second crossbeam, and the cell module is sandwiched between the first stop and the second stop.

[0016] In some embodiments, the battery box further includes a central crossbeam located within the receiving cavity, the central crossbeam being located between the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam, the battery cell module including a first end plate, a first battery cell group, a second battery cell group, and a second end plate connected sequentially along the first direction, the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group each including a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction, the first battery cell group being sandwiched between the first stop member and the central crossbeam, and the second battery cell group being sandwiched between the second stop member and the central crossbeam.

[0017] The vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention includes a battery pack as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] The technical advantages of the vehicle according to the embodiments of the present invention are the same as the technical advantages of the battery pack in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first crossbeam in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the first crossbeam in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of A in the middle.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack at the first stop member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first stop and the first fastener in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the first stop member in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cell in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1. Battery box; 11. First crossbeam; 111. Welded nut; 112. Threaded hole; 12. Second crossbeam; 13. Middle crossbeam; 2. Cell module; 21. First end plate; 22. First cell group; 221. Cell; 23. Second cell group; 3. First stop; 4. First fastener; 41. Limiting groove; 42. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] The following is combined Figures 1-8 A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack includes a battery case 1, a cell module 2, a first stop member 3, and a first fastener 4. The battery case 1 includes a first crossbeam 11 and a second crossbeam 12 spaced apart along a first direction, forming a receiving cavity between the first crossbeam 11 and the second crossbeam 12. The cell module 2 is fitted within the receiving cavity. The first stop member 3 is movably fitted within the receiving cavity along a first direction, and the first stop member 3 and the cell module 2 are arranged along the first direction. The first fastener 4 connects the first stop member 3 and the first crossbeam 11, with the cell module 2 sandwiched between the first stop member 3 and the second crossbeam 12; alternatively, the first fastener 4 connects the first stop member 3 and the second crossbeam 12, with the cell module 2 sandwiched between the first stop member 3 and the first crossbeam 11.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after the cell module 2 is fitted into the receiving cavity, taking the first stop 3 fitted into the assembly gap between the cell module 2 and the first crossbeam 11 as an example, when the first stop 3 is moved to abut against the cell module 2, the first fastener 4 connects the first crossbeam 11 and the first stop 3 to achieve relative fixation between the first stop 3 and the first crossbeam 11. At this time, the cell module 2 is confined between the first stop 3 and the second crossbeam 12. The expansion force generated by the cell 221 in the cell module 2 can be transmitted to the second crossbeam 12, and also transmitted to the first crossbeam 11 through the first stop 3 and the first fastener 4. That is, the first crossbeam 11 and the second crossbeam 12 achieve pre-tightening of the cell 221, thereby eliminating the need for the two end plates and side plates in the cell module 2, effectively improving the space utilization of the receiving cavity.

[0033] It should be noted that eliminating the design of the two end plates and side plates in cell module 2 also effectively reduces the weight of the battery pack, meeting the vehicle's lightweight requirements. Furthermore, the first direction refers to the stacking direction of the electrode sheets of the cells in cell module 2.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first crossbeam 11 is provided with a threaded hole 112, the axial direction of the threaded hole 112 is consistent with the first direction, the first fastener 4 is a threaded part, the first fastener 4 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 112, at least part of the first fastener 4 is located in the receiving cavity and abuts against the side of the first stop 3 away from the battery cell module 2.

[0035] The first stop 3 is located between the first crossbeam 11 and the cell module 2. After both the cell module 2 and the first stop 3 are fitted into the receiving cavity, the first fastener 4 is threaded into the threaded hole from the outside to the inside, so that one end of the first fastener 4 extends into the receiving cavity and pushes the first stop 3 toward the cell module 2 until the first stop 3 abuts against the cell module 2, thereby achieving a rigid connection between the cell module 2 and the first crossbeam 11. At this time, the assembly of the first fastener 4 and the first stop 3 on the battery box 1 is simple and convenient, and the first crossbeam 11 reliably constrains the cell 221 in the cell module 2.

[0036] Specifically, the first stop 3 is generally a plate-shaped structure. The first stop 3 is in close contact with the end face of the battery cell module 2 facing the first crossbeam 11, thereby ensuring that the battery cell module 2 is not subjected to excessive local force, which would affect the performance and safety of the battery cell 221.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first fastener 4 includes a threaded push rod, the first end of which is located in the receiving cavity, and the second end of which is provided with any one of a slot 42, a cross slot, and a shaped slot.

[0038] The slot 42, cross slot, or irregular slot at the second end of the threaded push rod makes it easy for workers to drive the threaded push rod with a drive tool, thus making it simple and convenient for the first stop 3 to pre-tighten the battery cell module 2.

[0039] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second end of the threaded push rod has a slot 42, which allows the threaded push rod to be driven by a flathead screwdriver. Alternatively, the second end of the threaded push rod may also have a shaped slot with an internal hexagonal cross-section.

[0040] In some embodiments, the peripheral wall of the threaded push rod is provided with a limiting groove 41 or a limiting protrusion.

[0041] By setting the limiting groove 41 or the limiting protrusion at the set position of the threaded push rod, as the threaded push rod is screwed into the threaded hole 112, when the limiting groove 41 or the limiting protrusion contacts the first crossbeam 11, it will prevent the threaded push rod from rotating further. This limits the screwing depth of the threaded push rod, which can prevent it from being screwed in too short and failing to tighten the first stop 3, and can also prevent it from being screwed in too long and causing damage to the battery cell 221 due to excessive compression.

[0042] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the peripheral wall of the threaded push rod is provided with a limiting groove 41, which is located approximately at the middle position of the threaded push rod along its length. Figure 4 As shown, a welding nut 111 is welded onto the first crossbeam 11. The welding nut 111 forms the aforementioned threaded hole 112. When the limiting groove 41 on the threaded push rod reaches the end face of the welding nut 111, the threaded push rod will experience a delay when it continues to screw in, thus reminding the installer of the approximate screwing depth of the threaded push rod.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple battery cell modules 2 arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. All the multiple battery cell modules 2 are fitted into the receiving cavity. The number of first stop members 3 is less than or equal to the number of battery cell modules 2. Each first stop member 3 is adapted to abut against at least one battery cell module 2.

[0044] That is, by designing the dimensions of the first stop 3 in the second direction, one first stop 3 can achieve clamping of only one battery cell module 2, or it can achieve clamping of all battery cell modules 2. The design of the first stop 3 is flexible and convenient.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the number of first stop members 3 is equal to and corresponds one-to-one with the number of cell modules 2. The first stop member 3 is a plate-shaped structure. The length of the cell 221 in the cell module 2 is L, the thickness is D, and the height is H. The length of the first stop member 3 is L1, the thickness is D1, and the height is H1. Among these, 0.5H≤H1≤H, 0.5L≤L1≤L, 0.3L≤L2≤L1, and 0.5mm≤D1≤8%×D.

[0046] The length of the first stop 3 is not so long as to interfere with the adjacent cell module 2, nor is it so high as to interfere with the top plate of the battery box 1. Furthermore, the surface area of ​​the first stop 3 is greater than half the side area of ​​the cell 221. In this case, the contact area between the first stop 3 and the cell module 2 is larger. While ensuring sufficient clamping force on the cell module 2, the pressure exerted on the cell module 2 by the first stop 3 is reduced, preventing damage to the cell 221 due to excessive local pressure. Simultaneously, the thickness of the first stop 3 only needs to ensure sufficient strength to prevent local deformation due to pressure from the first fastener 4. There is no need to specifically increase the assembly gap between the cell module 2 and the first crossbeam 11, effectively ensuring a high space utilization rate for the receiving cavity.

[0047] Specifically, the length L1 of the first stop member 3 can be 0.5L, 0.75L, and L; the height H1 can be 0.5H, 0.75H, and H; and the thickness D1 can be 0.5mm, 1mm, and 0.08D. On the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the projection of the first stop member 3 completely coincides with the projection of the corresponding battery cell module 2.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, each first stop 3 corresponds to two first fasteners 4. The two first fasteners 4 are arranged at intervals along the second direction. The distance between the two first fasteners 4 is L2, and the height of the two first fasteners 4 relative to the bottom surface of the receiving cavity is H2, where 0.2H≤H2≤H1 and 0.3L≤L2≤L1.

[0049] At this time, the two first fasteners 4 can stably and reliably press the first stop 3 onto the cell module 2. The first fastener 4 is also mainly subjected to the force along its axial direction, so that the expansion force generated by the cell 221 can be transmitted to the first crossbeam 11 more stably and reliably.

[0050] Specifically, the height H2 of the two first fasteners 4 relative to the bottom surface of the receiving cavity can be 0.2H, 0.3H and H1, and the distance L2 between the two first fasteners 4 can be 0.3L, 0.4L and L1.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first stop 3 is an insulating plate, or the first stop 3 is a metal plate with an insulating coating on its surface.

[0052] This further avoids the risk of leakage of cell 221 in cell module 2 at the first crossbeam 11, and further ensures the safety of the battery pack.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first stop 3 is located between the first crossbeam 11 and the cell module 2. The battery pack also includes a second stop and a second fastener. The second stop is movably fitted in the receiving cavity along a first direction. The second stop is located on the side of the cell module 2 opposite to the first stop 3. The second fastener connects the second stop and the second crossbeam 12. The cell module 2 is sandwiched between the first stop 3 and the second stop.

[0054] That is, the second crossbeam 12 tightens the battery cell module 2 through the second fastener and the second stop, thereby facilitating the transmission of the expansion force generated by the battery cell 221 in the battery cell module 2 to the second crossbeam 12, ensuring that the first crossbeam 11 and the second crossbeam 12 jointly pre-tighten the battery cell module 2.

[0055] Specifically, the second stop has the same structure as the first stop 3, and the second fastener has the same structure as the first fastener 4.

[0056] In some embodiments, the battery box 1 further includes a middle crossbeam 13 located within the receiving cavity. The middle crossbeam 13 is located between the first crossbeam 11 and the second crossbeam 12. The battery cell module 2 includes a first end plate 21, a first battery cell group 22, a second battery cell group 23, and a second end plate connected sequentially along a first direction. The first battery cell group 22 and the second battery cell group 23 each include a plurality of battery cells 221 arranged along the first direction. The first battery cell group 22 is sandwiched between the first stop member 3 and the middle crossbeam 13, and the second battery cell group 23 is sandwiched between the second stop member and the middle crossbeam 13.

[0057] At this time, the first crossbeam 11, the second crossbeam 12 and the middle crossbeam 13 together achieve pre-tightening of the battery cell 221 in the battery cell module 2, and the arrangement of the middle crossbeam 13 effectively improves the structural strength of the battery box 1.

[0058] Specifically, the two ends of the middle crossbeam 13 are respectively connected to the two side longitudinal beams of the battery box 1. The battery box 1 also includes two middle longitudinal beams, which are located between the two side longitudinal beams. The two middle longitudinal beams divide the receiving cavity into three assembly chambers. There are a total of six battery cell modules 2. Two battery cell modules 2 form a group, and the three groups of battery cell modules 2 are respectively assembled in the three assembly chambers.

[0059] It should be noted that both the first end plate 21 and the second end plate are insulating plates and are bonded to the side of the adjacent battery cell 221. The first end plate 21 and the second end plate mainly serve an insulating function and do not need to pre-tighten the battery cell 221. Therefore, their thickness is thinner than that of the two end plates in related technologies, resulting in higher space utilization of the battery pack's cavity.

[0060] The vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention includes a battery pack as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0061] The technical advantages of the vehicle according to the embodiments of the present invention are the same as the technical advantages of the battery pack in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or 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 or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0063] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0064] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0066] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions 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 one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0067] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized by, include: A battery box, the battery box including a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam arranged at intervals along a first direction, with a receiving cavity formed between the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam; A battery cell module, wherein the battery cell module is fitted within the receiving cavity; A first stop member is movably fitted within the receiving cavity along the first direction, and the first stop member and the battery cell module are arranged along the first direction; and A first fastener connects the first stop and the first crossbeam, and the battery cell module is sandwiched between the first stop and the second crossbeam; or, the first fastener connects the first stop and the second crossbeam, and the battery cell module is sandwiched between the first stop and the first crossbeam. The battery cell modules are multiple and arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The multiple battery cell modules are all fitted into the receiving cavity, and each of the first stop members is adapted to abut against at least one of the battery cell modules. The number of the first stop members is equal to and corresponds one-to-one with the number of the battery cell modules. The first stop member is a plate-shaped structure. The length of the battery cell in the battery cell module is L, the thickness is D, and the height is H. The length of the first stop member is L1, the thickness is D1, and the height is H1. Wherein, 0.5H≤H1≤H, 0.5L≤L1≤L; 0.3L≤L2≤L1, and 0.5mm≤D1≤8%×D.

2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The first crossbeam is provided with a threaded hole, the axis of which is consistent with the first direction. The first fastener is a threaded part, which is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole. At least a portion of the first fastener is located in the receiving cavity and abuts against the side of the first stop member away from the battery cell module.

3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein, The first fastener includes a threaded push rod, the first end of which is located within the receiving cavity, and the second end of which is provided with any one of a slotted groove, a cross groove, and a shaped groove.

4. The battery pack of claim 3, wherein, The threaded push rod has a limiting groove or a limiting protrusion on its peripheral wall.

5. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, Each of the first stop members corresponds to two first fasteners, the two first fasteners are arranged at intervals along the second direction, the distance between the two first fasteners is L2, and the height of the two first fasteners relative to the bottom surface of the receiving cavity is H2, wherein 0.2H≤H2≤H1, 0.3L≤L2≤L1.

6. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The first stop is an insulating plate, or the first stop is a metal plate with an insulating coating on its surface.

7. The battery pack of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The first stop is located between the first crossbeam and the cell module. The battery pack also includes a second stop and a second fastener. The second stop is movably fitted into the receiving cavity along the first direction. The second stop is located on the side of the cell module opposite to the first stop. The second fastener connects the second stop and the second crossbeam. The cell module is sandwiched between the first stop and the second stop.

8. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein, The battery box further includes a central crossbeam located within the receiving cavity, the central crossbeam being located between the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam. The battery cell module includes a first end plate, a first battery cell group, a second battery cell group, and a second end plate connected sequentially along the first direction. Both the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group include multiple battery cells arranged along the first direction. The first battery cell group is sandwiched between the first stop member and the central crossbeam, and the second battery cell group is sandwiched between the second stop member and the central crossbeam.

9. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Includes the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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