Battery module with adjustable battery cells

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery cell adjustable battery module, and relates to the technical field of batteries, the device comprises a base sheet metal module, a horizontal sheet metal module for providing a horizontal pre-tightening force, a depression bar sheet metal module for providing a vertically downward pre-tightening force, and a square shell battery cell; after the square shell battery cell is mounted, the horizontal metal plate module is inserted from the side open surface and can horizontally slide in the battery cell accommodating cavity; the adjusting screw pushes the horizontal metal plate module to apply a horizontal pre-tightening force to the battery cell group; the top surfaces of the batten sheet metal module and the battery cell group abut against the connecting screws, the batten sheet metal module is connected to the top ends of the horizontal sheet metal module and the base sheet metal module, and the connecting screws are tightened to enable the batten sheet metal module to apply vertically downward pre-tightening force to the battery cell group; through the simple structure of the three sheet metal parts and the screws, the pre-tightening of the battery cell in multiple directions can be realized, and the expansion of the battery cell is inhibited in the charging and discharging process; the problems that an existing pre-tightening structure is complex and large in weight, battery cell installation and debugging are difficult, and battery cell expansion in the charging and discharging process is difficult to restrain are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a battery module with adjustable battery cells. Background Art

[0002] The composition of the energy storage battery pack includes multiple battery modules, electrical systems, thermal management systems and boxes. The thermal management system is crucial to maintaining the battery working at a reasonable ambient temperature. It controls the battery temperature through air cooling or liquid cooling to increase the battery cycle life and reduce the thermal runaway of the battery. The battery module is composed of multiple cells and connectors, and the cells are divided into cylindrical single cells and square shell single cells.

[0003] During the actual installation of the current square shell single cell, the pre-tightening force is inconsistent due to the dimensional tolerance of the square shell cell shell, which will cause uneven temperature between the square shell cells when the energy storage battery pack is powered on, causing the cells to easily expand during the charging and discharging process. Too high a temperature will accelerate the aging of the cell and reduce the battery life; while too low a temperature may affect the battery's energy storage performance.

[0004] Therefore, the adjustment of preload force is crucial to maintain the operating temperature consistency of the battery module.

[0005] Although the prior art has already provided technical solutions for adjusting the preload force of lithium battery cells during installation, they all have problems such as insufficient structural design leading to high difficulty in installation and debugging, or too much material used, which is too heavy for the overall weight of the energy storage battery pack, and too high cost.

[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the problem of adjusting the preload force of square shell battery cells, it is necessary to develop a technical solution that can adjust the preload force of the square shell battery cell battery module, has a simple structure and is easy to install, uses less materials and has a low cost, so as to ensure that the operating temperatures of multiple square shell battery cells in the entire square shell battery cell module remain within a consistent range. At the same time, the overall weight of the energy storage battery pack will not increase too much, and the space occupied by the preload force adjustment component is reduced, and the volume of the energy storage battery pack is controlled, thereby indirectly improving the energy density of the energy storage battery pack under the same volume, and structurally suppressing the expansion of the battery cell during charging and discharging.

[0007] This involves all-round optimization of the structural design, connection method, installation method, and protection level of square shell battery modules and energy storage battery packs. By optimizing these aspects, the temperature uniformity, overall energy storage performance, and reliability of the operation of square shell battery modules and energy storage battery packs can be improved.

[0008] In summary, it is found that the prior art has at least the following technical problems: The existing pre-tightening structure is complex and heavy, which makes the installation and debugging of the battery cells difficult and the expansion of the battery cells cannot be effectively suppressed during the charging and discharging process. Summary of the invention

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery module with adjustable battery cells to solve the problems that the existing pre-tightening structure is complex and heavy, resulting in difficulty in installing and debugging the battery cells and the expansion of the battery cells cannot be effectively suppressed during the charging and discharging process.

[0010] The various technical effects that can be produced by the preferred technical solutions among the various technical solutions provided by the present invention are described in detail below.

[0011] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: The present invention provides a battery module with adjustable battery cells, comprising a base sheet metal module, a horizontal sheet metal module for providing horizontal pre-tightening force, a pressure strip sheet metal module for providing vertical downward pre-tightening force, and a square shell battery cell; the base sheet metal module has a top open surface located at the top end surface and a side open surface located in the width direction of one side; the horizontal sheet metal module is inserted from the side open surface and can slide horizontally in the battery cell accommodating cavity; the L-shaped stacks on both sides of the side open surface are provided with horizontal adjustment screw holes, and the adjusting screws are screwed into the horizontal adjustment screw holes of the L-shaped stacks, and a plurality of the adjusting screws are respectively abutted against the horizontal sheet metal modules; the square shell battery cell is loaded into the battery cell accommodating cavity in the base sheet metal module from the top open surface, and a plurality of the square shell battery cells are continuously arranged in the battery cell accommodating cavity to form a battery cell group. ; Locking the adjusting screw allows the horizontal sheet metal module to keep applying horizontal pressure toward the battery cell group, so that the battery cell group is pre-tightened in the horizontal direction; when tightening the adjusting screw, the base sheet metal module and the horizontal sheet metal module provide a pre-tightening force of 100-1200N, and the structural force on the base sheet metal module and the horizontal sheet metal module does not exceed 1500N; the pressure strip sheet metal module is installed on the top open surface, and the pressure strip sheet metal module abuts against the top surface of the battery cell group, and the two ends of the pressure strip sheet metal module are connected and fixed to the top of the horizontal sheet metal module and the top of the side surface of the other side of the base sheet metal module in the width direction by connecting screws, and tightening the connecting screws allows the pressure strip sheet metal module to press the battery cell group, so that the battery cell group is pre-tightened in the vertical direction.

[0012] In one of the embodiments, the horizontal adjustment screw hole is arranged on the vertical side surface of the L-shaped stack in the transverse width direction, and the horizontal adjustment screw hole faces toward the battery cell group.

[0013] In one of the embodiments, baffles bent toward each other are provided on the outer sides of the two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module, and the ends of the plurality of adjusting screws are respectively in contact with the baffles on both sides of the horizontal sheet metal module.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, a screw silicone sleeve or a gasket is provided on the adjusting screw, and the screw silicone sleeve or the gasket is installed at the end of the adjusting screw, and the screw silicone sleeve or the gasket is abutted against the baffle; the screw silicone sleeve or the gasket is used to protect the baffles on both sides of the horizontal sheet metal module to prevent the end of the adjusting screw from directly rotating in contact with the baffle, causing deformation of the baffle surface, and resulting in loosening of the horizontal preload.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, positioning holes are provided on the baffles on both sides of the horizontal sheet metal module, and the positioning holes are arranged corresponding to the positions of the horizontal adjustment screw holes; the ends of the adjusting screws are abutted against the positioning holes through the screw silicone sleeves, and the positioning holes are used to position the ends of the adjusting screws and the screw silicone sleeves, so that when the adjusting screws are rotated to push the baffles, the axis of the adjusting screws is always perpendicular to the plate surface of the baffles.

[0016] In one of the embodiments, adjustment sleeves are provided on the two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module, and the adjustment sleeves are arranged corresponding to the positions of the horizontal adjustment screw holes; the adjustment screw is screwed into and passes through the adjustment screw hole into the adjustment sleeve, and the adjustment screw is rotated to drive the adjustment sleeve to push the horizontal sheet metal module to move horizontally; the adjustment sleeve is for the adjustment screw to pass through, and is used to position the axis of the adjustment screw, so that when the adjustment screw is rotated to push the horizontal sheet metal module, the axis of the adjustment screw is always perpendicular to the plate surface of the horizontal sheet metal module.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, the horizontal adjustment screw holes are arranged on the vertical side surfaces of the L-shaped stack in the longitudinal length direction, and the horizontal adjustment screw holes of the L-shaped stack on both sides face each other.

[0018] In one of the embodiments, the two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module are provided with ear plates bent away from the battery cell group, and the plate surfaces of the ear plates on both sides are parallel to each other; the ear plates are provided with lateral screw holes, and the lateral screw holes and the horizontal adjustment screw holes are arranged in corresponding directions at corresponding positions; when horizontally pre-tightening the battery cell group, the horizontal sheet metal module is pushed toward the battery cell group and pressed so that the lateral screw holes are aligned with the horizontal adjustment screw holes, and the lateral screw holes and the horizontal adjustment screw holes are locked by screwing in the adjustment screws, so as to lock the position of the horizontal sheet metal module and keep applying horizontal pre-tightening force to the battery cell group.

[0019] In one of the embodiments, a connecting ear is provided at the center of the outer top end of the horizontal sheet metal module and the center of the outer top end of the other side of the base sheet metal module in the width direction, and the centers of the two connecting ears are on the same center line; a connecting screw hole is provided on the connecting ear; connecting grooves are provided at both ends of the pressure strip sheet metal module, and the connecting grooves overlap above the connecting screw holes; the connecting screws pass through the connecting grooves and are threadedly connected to the connecting screw holes.

[0020] An assembly method is also provided, which also includes a battery pack and an upper cover, wherein a connecting rail is arranged on the bottom surface of the battery pack; connecting feet are respectively arranged on both sides of the side surface in the width direction of the base sheet metal module, and the connecting feet are arranged adjacent to the bottom surface of the base sheet metal module; The following steps are included: Assembling the battery module: S1.1. Place the horizontal sheet metal module into the cell receiving cavity in the base sheet metal module, place the horizontal sheet metal module close to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module, insert the adjustment screw into the horizontal adjustment screw hole, and tighten the horizontal sheet metal module so that the side surface abuts against the adjustment screw; S1.2. Load the square shell battery cells from the side opposite to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module, and arrange the plurality of square shell battery cells in sequence to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module; S1.3. Gradually tighten the adjustment screws on both sides to gradually squeeze the horizontal sheet metal module toward the battery cell group, so that the horizontal sheet metal module applies horizontal pre-tightening force to the battery cell group; S1.4. Complete the horizontal pre-tightening of the battery cell group and complete the preliminary assembly of the battery module; Assembling the battery pack: S2.1. Open the upper cover of the battery pack and install the internal electrical components; S2.2. Place multiple battery modules into the battery pack, place the multiple battery modules side by side vertically, and stack the connecting feet of the base sheet metal module of the battery module on the connecting rail, and tighten the connecting feet and the connecting rail with screws; S2.3, welding aluminum bars of multiple battery modules; S2.4. Install the pressure strip sheet metal modules on multiple battery modules respectively, connect the two ends of the pressure strip sheet metal modules to the top of the horizontal sheet metal module and the top of the side surface of the other side of the base sheet metal module in the width direction through connecting screws, tighten the connecting screws so that the pressure strip sheet metal module applies downward pressure to the top surface of the battery cell group, so that the battery cell group is pre-tightened in the vertical direction; complete the overall pre-tightening assembly of the battery module; S2.5. Connect the internal cables of the battery pack to the battery module; S2.6. Install the battery pack cover to complete the installation of the complete battery pack and the complete battery module; After the square shell cells in the battery module are pre-tightened in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, the spacing between the multiple square shell cells becomes uniform, and the temperature and heat dissipation between the square shell cells become uniform when power is turned on; after the multiple battery modules are connected and locked by connecting feet and connecting rails, the spacing between the multiple battery modules becomes uniform, and the temperature and heat dissipation between the battery modules become uniform when power is turned on.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: Firstly, the present invention realizes all-round surrounding, bundling and protection of the square shell battery cells installed on the base sheet metal module from the front, back, left, right, top and bottom by setting a base sheet metal module, a horizontal sheet metal module and a pressure strip sheet metal module.

[0022] Among them, before installing the square shell battery cells, the horizontal sheet metal module is inserted into the side open surface of the base sheet metal module, the adjusting screws are installed, and then multiple square shell battery cells are installed one by one. Finally, the horizontal sheet metal module can be used to slide horizontally in the battery cell accommodating cavity, and the horizontal thrust is provided by the adjusting screws. The horizontal sheet metal module is used as the thrust transmission medium to push the battery cell group to be tightened horizontally, so as to achieve reliable pre-tightening in the horizontal direction of the square shell battery cells; then after the electrical connectors of the square shell battery cells are installed, the pressure strip sheet metal module is installed on the top open surface, and the pressure strip sheet metal module is connected to the horizontal sheet metal module and the base sheet metal module by connecting screws. The pressure strip sheet metal module is abutted against the top surface of the battery cell group, and tightening the connecting screws can reduce the gap between the pressure strip sheet metal module and the horizontal sheet metal module and the base sheet metal module, thereby applying a vertical downward force to the square shell battery cells from the top surface, so as to achieve reliable pre-tightening in the vertical direction of the square shell battery cells. In this way, a super-simplified pre-tightening structure can be used to solve the problem of insufficient installation pre-tightening caused by dimensional tolerance in the production of square shell batteries, uneven spacing between batteries after assembly, and high temperature or insufficient temperature during power-on operation, which affects the health and performance of the battery. After the temperature between the batteries is balanced, it can also effectively alleviate the problem of expansion caused by excessive temperature as the number of charge and discharge times of the batteries increases.

[0023] Furthermore, the components of the adjustable cell battery module of the present invention for pre-tightening the square shell battery cells only include three large parts, namely, the base sheet metal module, the horizontal sheet metal module and the pressure strip sheet metal module, and some screws. That is, the adjustable cell battery module of the present invention has a very simple structure, low installation difficulty, fast installation speed, and high assembly efficiency. The assembly of the battery module can easily utilize an automated production line to achieve automated assembly, and has the characteristics of automation and leanness. The cell pre-tightening structure of the adjustable cell battery module of the present invention also solves the problem that the existing cell pre-tightening device has a complex pre-tightening force adjustment structure or uses too many components, resulting in technical problems such as difficulty in installation and debugging or excessive weight increase during assembly of the square shell battery pre-tightening. The horizontal pre-tightening force provided by the horizontal sheet metal module and the base sheet metal module can also be relied on to effectively suppress the expansion of the battery cell during the charging and discharging process through a mechanical structure.

[0024] Secondly, the cell pre-tightening structure of the adjustable battery module of the present invention is simple and has a direct pre-tightening effect. It can be used as a standardized pre-tightening structure for cell pre-tightening to realize a standardized battery module, which is more friendly to the application of the battery module in products. The structure of the connection between the product and the battery module is also simplified and has the characteristics of leanness. It can play a positive role in guiding technology and industrial upgrading for products using battery modules.

[0025] Finally, the base sheet metal module, the horizontal sheet metal module and the pressure strip sheet metal module are all processed by sheet metal bending, and the connecting screws and the adjusting screws are standardized parts. The application of sheet metal technology and standardized parts brings the best and lowest cost solution to the adjustable battery cell module of the present invention, which can enhance the competitiveness of the product when promoting and applying the adjustable battery cell module of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the implementation mode will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some implementation modes of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a battery module with adjustable cells according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a battery module with adjustable cells according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module with adjustable cells according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of assembling a battery module with adjustable cells according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a horizontal sheet metal module according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of assembling a battery module with adjustable cells according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a horizontal sheet metal module according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack and a connecting rail in an assembly method of the present invention; Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the battery pack, the battery module with adjustable cells and the upper cover in the assembly method of the present invention; Fig.11is a schematic diagram of the step of assembling a battery module in the assembly method of the present invention; Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the battery pack assembling step in the assembly method of the present invention.

[0028] The reference numerals are as follows: 00. Adjustable battery module; 1. Base sheet metal module; 11. Top open surface; 12. Side open surface; 121. L-shaped stack; 122. Horizontal adjustment screw hole; 13. Battery cell accommodating cavity; 14. Connecting foot; 2. Horizontal sheet metal module; 21. Adjustment screw; 22. Baffle; 221. Positioning hole; 23. Screw silicone sleeve; 24. Adjustment sleeve; 25. Ear plate; 251. Lateral screw hole; 26. Connection ear; 261. Connection screw hole; 3. Pressing strip sheet metal module; 31. Connecting screws; 32. Connecting slot; 4. Battery cell group; 41. Square shell battery cell; 51. lateral width direction; 52. longitudinal length direction; 6. Battery pack; 61. Connecting rail; 62. Upper cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] A specific embodiment provides a battery module with adjustable cells, which effectively solves the problems of the existing pre-tightening structure being complex and heavy, resulting in difficulty in installing and debugging the cells, and the inability to effectively suppress the expansion of the cells during the charging and discharging process.

[0031] In addition, all the contents of the configurations shown in the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to the solutions of the inventions described in the claims.

[0032] The first embodiment of the adjustable cell battery module 00 is as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, it includes a base sheet metal module 1, a horizontal sheet metal module 2 for providing horizontal preload, a pressure strip sheet metal module 3 for providing vertical downward preload, and a square shell battery cell 41; the base sheet metal module 1 has a top open surface 11 located at the top end surface and a side open surface 12 located at one side width direction; the horizontal sheet metal module 2 is inserted from the side open surface 12 and can slide horizontally in the battery cell accommodating cavity 13; the L-shaped stacks 121 on both sides of the side open surface 12 are provided with horizontal adjustment screw holes 122, and the adjusting screws 21 are screwed into the horizontal adjustment screw holes 122 of the L-shaped stacks 121, and multiple adjustment screws 21 are respectively abutted against the horizontal sheet metal module 2; the square shell battery cell 41 is loaded into the battery cell accommodating cavity 13 in the base sheet metal module 1 from the top open surface 11, and multiple square shell battery cells 41 are connected in the battery cell accommodating cavity 13 The cells are arranged in series to form a cell group 4; the adjusting screw 21 is locked to keep the horizontal sheet metal module 2 applying horizontal pressure toward the cell group 4, so that the cell group 4 is pre-tightened in the horizontal direction; when the adjusting screw 21 is tightened, the base sheet metal module 1 and the horizontal sheet metal module 2 provide a pre-tightening force of 100-1200N, and the structural force of the base sheet metal module 1 and the horizontal sheet metal module 2 does not exceed 1500N; the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 is installed on the top open surface 11, and the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 is in contact with the top surface of the cell group 4, and the two ends of the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 are connected and fixed to the top of the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the top of the side surface of the other side of the base sheet metal module 1 in the width direction by connecting screws 31, and the connecting screws 31 are tightened to make the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 press the cell group 4, so that the cell group 4 is pre-tightened in the vertical direction.

[0033] Firstly, the present invention realizes all-round surrounding, bundling and protection of the square shell battery cell 41 installed on the base sheet metal module 1 in the front, back, left, right, top and bottom by setting the base sheet metal module 1, the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the pressure strip sheet metal module 3.

[0034] Before loading the square shell battery cell 41, the horizontal sheet metal module 2 is inserted into the side open surface 12 of the base sheet metal module 1, and the adjusting screw 21 is installed. Then, multiple square shell battery cells 41 are loaded one by one. Finally, the horizontal sheet metal module 2 can slide horizontally in the battery cell accommodating cavity 13, and the horizontal thrust is provided by the adjusting screw 21. With the horizontal sheet metal module 2 as the thrust transmission medium, the battery cell group 4 is pushed to be tightened horizontally, so as to realize the reliable pre-tightening of the square shell battery cell 41 in the horizontal direction; then, the square shell battery cell 41 is After the electrical connector is installed, the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 is installed on the top open surface 11, and the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 is connected to the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the base sheet metal module 1 through the connecting screws 31. The pressure strip sheet metal module 3 is in contact with the top surface of the battery group 4. Tightening the connecting screws 31 can reduce the gap between the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 and the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the base sheet metal module 1, thereby applying a vertical downward force to the square shell battery cell 41 from the top surface, and realizing reliable pre-tightening in the vertical direction of the square shell battery cell 41. In this way, the use of a super-simplified pre-tightening structure can solve the problem of insufficient installation pre-tightening due to dimensional tolerances in the production of the square shell battery cell 41, and uneven spacing between the battery cells after assembly, which leads to high temperature or insufficient temperature during power-on operation, affecting the health and performance of the battery; after the temperature between the battery cells is balanced, it can also effectively slow down the problem of expansion due to excessive temperature as the number of times the battery cells are charged and discharged increases.

[0035] Furthermore, the components for pre-tightening the square shell battery cell 41 in the adjustable battery cell 00 of the present invention only include three large parts, namely the base sheet metal module 1, the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the pressure strip sheet metal module 3, and some screws. That is, the adjustable battery cell 00 of the present invention has a very simple structure, low installation difficulty, fast installation speed, and high assembly efficiency. The assembly of the battery module can easily utilize an automated production line to achieve automated assembly, and has the characteristics of automation and leanness. The battery cell pre-tightening structure using the adjustable battery cell 00 of the present invention also solves the problem that the existing battery cell pre-tightening device has a complex pre-tightening force adjustment structure or uses too many components, resulting in technical problems such as difficulty in installation and debugging or excessive weight increase during assembly of the square shell battery cell 41. The horizontal pre-tightening force provided by the horizontal sheet metal module and the base sheet metal module can also be used to effectively suppress the expansion of the battery cell during the charging and discharging process through a mechanical structure.

[0036] Secondly, the cell pre-tightening structure of the adjustable battery module 00 of the present invention is simple and has a direct pre-tightening effect. It can be used as a standardized pre-tightening structure for cell pre-tightening to realize a standardized battery module, which is more friendly to the application of battery modules in products. The structure of the connection between the product and the battery module is also simplified and has the characteristics of leanness. It can play a positive role in guiding technology and industrial upgrading for products that use battery modules.

[0037] Finally, the base sheet metal module 1, the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 are all processed by sheet metal bending, and the connecting screws 31 and the adjusting screws 21 are standardized parts. The application of sheet metal technology and standardized parts brings the best and lowest cost solution to the adjustable battery module 00 of the present invention, which can enhance the competitiveness of the product when promoting and applying the adjustable battery module 00 of the present invention.

[0038] As one optional implementation, Regarding the specific structure of the above-mentioned horizontal sheet metal module 2, the base sheet metal module 1 and the pressure strip sheet metal module 3, this embodiment is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, a connecting ear 26 is provided at the center of the outer top of the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the center of the outer top of the other side of the base sheet metal module 1 in the width direction, and the centers of the two connecting ears 26 are on the same center line; a connecting screw hole 261 is provided on the connecting ear 26; connecting grooves 32 are provided at both ends of the pressure strip sheet metal module 3, and the connecting grooves 32 are overlapped above the connecting screw holes 261; and the connecting screws 31 pass through the connecting grooves 32 and are threadedly connected to the connecting screw holes 261.

[0039] During application, the connection groove 32 is provided with an opening, and the length direction of the connection groove 32 is parallel to the length direction of the pressure strip sheet metal module 3, that is, after the horizontal sheet metal module 2 is tightened toward the battery cell group 4, the horizontal displacement generated does not affect the connection between the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 and the top of the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the top of the other side of the base sheet metal module 1 in the width direction; that is, the horizontal pre-tightening implemented by the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and the vertical pre-tightening implemented by the pressure strip sheet metal module 3 are a collaborative connection structure, and the two functions do not interfere with each other, with the characteristics of high modularity and high flexibility, further providing structural support for the cell pre-tightening structure of the adjustable battery module 00 of the present invention, which is developed into a standardized pre-tightening component of the battery module.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the horizontal adjustment screw hole 122 is arranged on the vertical side surface of the L-shaped stack 121 in the transverse width direction 51 , and the horizontal adjustment screw hole 122 faces the battery cell group 4 .

[0041] Specifically, baffles 22 bent toward each other are provided on the outer sides of the two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module 2 , and the ends of the plurality of adjusting screws 21 are respectively in contact with the baffles 22 on both sides of the horizontal sheet metal module 2 .

[0042] In order to prevent the end of the adjusting screw 21 from directly rotating in contact with the baffle 22, causing the plate surface of the baffle 22 to deform and thus causing the horizontal preload to loosen, this embodiment is Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a screw silicone sleeve 23 or a gasket is provided on the adjusting screw 21, and the screw silicone sleeve 23 or the gasket is installed at the end of the adjusting screw 21, and the screw silicone sleeve 23 or the gasket is in contact with the baffle 22; the screw silicone sleeve 23 or the gasket is used to protect the baffles 22 on both sides of the horizontal sheet metal module 2.

[0043] When in use, the screw silicone sleeve 23, like the adjusting screw 21 and the connecting screw 31, are standardized parts, which can prevent the end of the adjusting screw 21 from directly rotating in contact with the baffle 22, causing deformation of the baffle 22 and resulting in loosening of the horizontal preload force. The preload performance is further improved, and the cost is controllable, thereby further improving the product competitiveness of the cell preload structure of the adjustable cell battery module 00.

[0044] Furthermore, positioning holes 221 are provided on both side baffles 22 of the horizontal sheet metal module 2 , and the positioning holes 221 are arranged corresponding to the positions of the horizontal adjustment screw holes 122 ; the ends of the adjustment screws 21 are abutted against the positioning holes 221 through the screw silicone sleeves 23 .

[0045] During application, the positioning hole 221 is used to position the end of the adjusting screw 21 and the screw silicone sleeve 23 , so that when the adjusting screw 21 rotates to push the baffle 22 , the axis of the adjusting screw 21 is always perpendicular to the plate surface of the baffle 22 .

[0046] The second embodiment of the adjustable cell battery module 00 is as follows Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that adjustment sleeves 24 are provided on the two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module 2, and the adjustment sleeves 24 are arranged corresponding to the positions of the horizontal adjustment screw holes 122; the adjustment screw 21 is screwed into and passes through the adjustment screw hole into the adjustment sleeve 24, and the adjustment screw 21 is rotated to drive the adjustment sleeve 24 to push the horizontal sheet metal module 2 to move horizontally; the adjustment sleeve 24 is for the adjustment screw 21 to penetrate, and is used to position the axis of the adjustment screw 21, so that when the adjustment screw 21 rotates to push the horizontal sheet metal module 2, the axis of the adjustment screw 21 is always perpendicular to the plate surface of the horizontal sheet metal module 2.

[0047] The third embodiment of the adjustable cell battery module 00 is as follows Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the horizontal adjustment screw holes 122 are arranged on the vertical side surfaces of the longitudinal length direction 52 of the L-shaped stacks 121, and the horizontal adjustment screw holes 122 of the L-shaped stacks 121 on both sides face each other.

[0048] Specifically, the specific structure of the adjusting screw 21 on the horizontal sheet metal module 2 that cooperates with the horizontal adjusting screw hole 122 is as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module 2 are provided with ear plates 25 bent outwardly away from the battery cell group 4, and the plate surfaces of the ear plates 25 on both sides are parallel to each other; the ear plates 25 are provided with lateral screw holes 251, and the lateral screw holes 251 and the horizontal adjustment screw holes 122 are arranged in corresponding directions at corresponding positions; when the battery cell group 4 is horizontally pre-tightened, the horizontal sheet metal module 2 is pushed toward the battery cell group 4 and pressed, so that the lateral screw holes 251 and the horizontal adjustment screw holes 122 are aligned, and the lateral screw holes 251 and the horizontal adjustment screw holes 122 are locked by screwing in the adjustment screws 21, so as to lock the position of the horizontal sheet metal module 2 and keep applying horizontal pre-tightening force to the battery cell group 4.

[0049] Based on the above embodiment of the battery module with adjustable cells, an assembly method is provided, such as Figure 1 , Figures 9 to 12 As shown, it also includes a battery pack 6 and an upper cover 62, and a connecting rail 61 is arranged on the bottom surface of the battery pack 6; connecting feet 14 are respectively provided on both sides of the width direction side of the base sheet metal module 1, and the connecting feet 14 are arranged adjacent to the bottom surface of the base sheet metal module 1.

[0050] The following steps are included: Assembling the battery module: S1.1. Place the horizontal sheet metal module into the cell receiving cavity in the base sheet metal module, place the horizontal sheet metal module close to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module, insert the adjustment screw into the horizontal adjustment screw hole, and tighten the horizontal sheet metal module so that the side surface abuts against the adjustment screw; S1.2. Load the square shell battery cells from the side opposite to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module, and arrange the plurality of square shell battery cells in sequence to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module; S1.3. Gradually tighten the adjustment screws on both sides to gradually squeeze the horizontal sheet metal module toward the battery cell group, so that the horizontal sheet metal module applies horizontal pre-tightening force to the battery cell group; S1.4. Complete the horizontal pre-tightening of the battery cell group and complete the preliminary assembly of the battery module; Assembling the battery pack: S2.1. Open the upper cover of the battery pack and install the internal electrical components; S2.2. Place multiple battery modules into the battery pack, place the multiple battery modules side by side vertically, and stack the connecting feet of the base sheet metal module of the battery module on the connecting rail, and tighten the connecting feet and the connecting rail with screws; S2.3, welding aluminum bars of multiple battery modules; S2.4. Install the pressure strip sheet metal modules on multiple battery modules respectively, connect the two ends of the pressure strip sheet metal modules to the top of the horizontal sheet metal module and the top of the side surface of the other side of the base sheet metal module in the width direction through connecting screws, tighten the connecting screws so that the pressure strip sheet metal module applies downward pressure to the top surface of the battery cell group, so that the battery cell group is pre-tightened in the vertical direction; complete the overall pre-tightening assembly of the battery module; S2.5. Connect the internal cables of the battery pack to the battery module; S2.6. Install the battery pack cover to complete the installation of the complete battery pack and the complete battery module; Therefore, when the structure of the battery module with adjustable battery cells is applied, after the square shell battery cells in the battery module are pre-tightened in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, the spacing between the multiple square shell battery cells becomes uniform, and the temperature and heat dissipation between the square shell battery cells become uniform when power is turned on; after the multiple battery modules are connected and locked by connecting feet and connecting rails, the spacing between the multiple battery modules becomes uniform, and the temperature and heat dissipation between the battery modules become uniform when power is turned on.

[0051] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described.

Claims

1. A battery module with adjustable cells, characterized in that: It includes a base sheet metal module, a horizontal sheet metal module for providing horizontal pre-tightening force, a pressure strip sheet metal module for providing vertical downward pre-tightening force, and a square shell battery cell; The base sheet metal module has a top open surface located at the top end surface and a side open surface located in the width direction of one side; The horizontal sheet metal module is inserted from the side open surface and can slide horizontally in the battery cell accommodating cavity; the L-shaped stacks on both sides of the side open surface are provided with horizontal adjustment screw holes, and the adjustment screws are screwed into the horizontal adjustment screw holes of the L-shaped stacks, and the plurality of adjustment screws are respectively in contact with the horizontal sheet metal module; The square shell battery cell is loaded into the battery cell accommodating cavity in the base sheet metal module from the top open surface, and a plurality of the square shell battery cells are continuously arranged in the battery cell accommodating cavity to form a battery cell group; the adjusting screw is locked so that the horizontal sheet metal module keeps applying horizontal pressure to the battery cell group, so that the battery cell group is pre-tightened in the horizontal direction; when the adjusting screw is tightened, the base sheet metal module and the horizontal sheet metal module provide a pre-tightening force of 100-1200N, and the structural force of the base sheet metal module and the horizontal sheet metal module does not exceed 1500N; The pressure strip sheet metal module is installed on the top open surface, and the pressure strip sheet metal module abuts against the top surface of the battery cell group. The two ends of the pressure strip sheet metal module are connected and fixed to the top of the horizontal sheet metal module and the top of the side surface on the other side of the width direction of the base sheet metal module by connecting screws. Tightening the connecting screws allows the pressure strip sheet metal module to press the battery cell group, so that the battery cell group is pre-tightened in the vertical direction.

2. The adjustable battery cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal adjustment screw hole is arranged on the vertical side surface of the L-shaped stack in the transverse width direction, and the horizontal adjustment screw hole faces toward the battery cell group.

3. The adjustable battery cell module according to claim 2, characterized in that: Baffles bent toward each other are provided on the outer sides of the two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module, and the ends of the plurality of adjusting screws are respectively in contact with the baffles on both sides of the horizontal sheet metal module.

4. The adjustable battery cell module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adjusting screw is provided with a screw silicone sleeve or a gasket, and the screw silicone sleeve or gasket is installed at the end of the adjusting screw, and the screw silicone sleeve or gasket is in contact with the baffle; the screw silicone sleeve or gasket is used to protect the baffles on both sides of the horizontal sheet metal module to prevent the end of the adjusting screw from directly rotating in contact with the baffle, causing deformation of the baffle surface, and resulting in loosening of the horizontal preload.

5. The adjustable battery cell module according to claim 4, characterized in that: Positioning holes are provided on the baffles on both sides of the horizontal sheet metal module, and the positions of the positioning holes and the horizontal adjustment screw holes are arranged correspondingly; The end of the adjusting screw is abutted against the positioning hole through the screw silicone sleeve, and the positioning hole is used to position the end of the adjusting screw and the screw silicone sleeve so that when the adjusting screw is rotated to push the baffle, the axis of the adjusting screw is always perpendicular to the plate surface of the baffle.

6. The adjustable battery cell module according to claim 2, characterized in that: Adjustment sleeves are provided on two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module, and the adjustment sleeves are arranged corresponding to the positions of the horizontal adjustment screw holes; The adjusting screw is screwed into and passes through the adjusting screw hole into the adjusting sleeve, and the adjusting screw is rotated to drive the adjusting sleeve to push the horizontal sheet metal module to move horizontally; The adjusting sleeve is for the adjusting screw to penetrate and is used to position the axis of the adjusting screw so that when the adjusting screw is rotated to push the horizontal sheet metal module, the axis of the adjusting screw is always perpendicular to the plate surface of the horizontal sheet metal module.

7. The adjustable battery cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal adjustment screw holes are arranged on the vertical side surfaces in the longitudinal length direction of the L-shaped stack, and the horizontal adjustment screw holes of the L-shaped stacks on both sides face each other.

8. The adjustable battery cell module according to claim 7, characterized in that: Two vertical sides of the horizontal sheet metal module are provided with ear plates bent away from the outside of the battery cell group, and the plate surfaces of the ear plates on both sides are parallel to each other; The ear plate is provided with a lateral screw hole, and the lateral screw hole and the horizontal adjustment screw hole are arranged in corresponding directions and positions; When pre-tightening the battery cell group horizontally, the horizontal sheet metal module is pushed toward the battery cell group and pressed, so that the lateral screw hole and the horizontal adjustment screw hole are aligned, and the lateral screw hole and the horizontal adjustment screw hole are locked by screwing in the adjustment screw, so as to lock the position of the horizontal sheet metal module and keep applying horizontal pre-tightening force to the battery cell group.

9. The adjustable battery cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting ear is provided at the center of the top of the outer side of the horizontal sheet metal module and the center of the top of the outer side of the other side of the base sheet metal module in the width direction, and the centers of the two connecting ears are on the same center line; The connecting ear is provided with a connecting screw hole; Both ends of the pressure strip sheet metal module are provided with connection grooves, and the connection grooves are overlapped above the connection screw holes; the connection screws pass through the connection grooves and are threadedly connected with the connection screw holes.

10. A method for assembling a battery module with adjustable cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a battery pack and an upper cover, wherein the bottom surface of the battery pack is provided with a connecting rail around it; Connecting feet are respectively provided on both sides of the side surface in the width direction of the base sheet metal module, and the connecting feet are arranged adjacent to the bottom surface of the base sheet metal module; The following steps are included: Assembling the battery module: S1.

1. Place the horizontal sheet metal module into the cell receiving cavity in the base sheet metal module, place the horizontal sheet metal module close to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module, insert the adjustment screw into the horizontal adjustment screw hole, and tighten the horizontal sheet metal module so that the side surface abuts against the adjustment screw; S1.

2. Load the square shell battery cells from the side opposite to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module, and arrange the plurality of square shell battery cells in sequence to the side open surface of the base sheet metal module; S1.

3. Gradually tighten the adjustment screws on both sides to gradually squeeze the horizontal sheet metal module toward the battery cell group, so that the horizontal sheet metal module applies horizontal pre-tightening force to the battery cell group; S1.

4. Complete the horizontal pre-tightening of the battery cell group and complete the preliminary assembly of the battery module; Assembling the battery pack: S2.

1. Open the upper cover of the battery pack and install the internal electrical components; S2.

2. Place multiple battery modules into the battery pack, place the multiple battery modules side by side vertically, and stack the connecting feet of the base sheet metal module of the battery module on the connecting rail, and tighten the connecting feet and the connecting rail with screws; S2.3, welding aluminum bars of multiple battery modules; S2.

4. Install the pressure strip sheet metal modules on multiple battery modules respectively, connect the two ends of the pressure strip sheet metal modules to the top of the horizontal sheet metal module and the top of the side surface of the other side of the base sheet metal module in the width direction through connecting screws, tighten the connecting screws so that the pressure strip sheet metal module applies downward pressure to the top surface of the battery cell group, so that the battery cell group is pre-tightened in the vertical direction; complete the overall pre-tightening assembly of the battery module; S2.

5. Connect the internal cables of the battery pack to the battery module; S2.

6. Install the battery pack cover to complete the installation of the complete battery pack and the complete battery module; After the square shell cells in the battery module are pre-tightened in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, the spacing between the multiple square shell cells becomes uniform, and the temperature and heat dissipation between the square shell cells become uniform when power is turned on; after the multiple battery modules are connected and locked by connecting feet and connecting rails, the spacing between the multiple battery modules becomes uniform, and the temperature and heat dissipation between the battery modules become uniform when power is turned on.

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