Battery pack

Abstract

The application provides a battery pack, and relates to the technical field of batteries. The battery pack comprises a lower box body, a battery module and a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is fixed to the inner side wall of the lower box body, and surrounds a limiting channel. The limiting channel extends along a first direction, and the size of the limiting channel in the first direction is greater than the size of the battery module in the first direction. Part of the battery module is located in the limiting channel, and part of the battery module can slide along the limiting channel. When the bottom of the battery pack is impacted by a high obstacle, the bottom of the lower box body is deformed to protrude to the side where the battery module is located, so as to apply force to the battery module, move the battery module upward, and make part of the battery module slide along the limiting channel. Through the movement of the battery module, the force borne by the battery module can be absorbed, the force borne by the battery module is reduced, the risk of damage to the battery cells in the battery module is reduced, and the risk of fire of the battery pack is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In new energy vehicles, the battery pack is typically located at the bottom of the vehicle, forming what is known as the "battery floor." This design optimizes the vehicle's center of gravity, helping to improve driving stability and space utilization. However, because the battery pack is mounted under the vehicle, it is more susceptible to impacts when the vehicle travels over uneven surfaces or high obstacles, which can lead to damage to the battery pack housing and even increase the risk of battery pack fire.

[0003] To prevent damage to the lower casing of the battery pack, a flexible protective plate is typically installed on the outside of the bottom plate of the lower casing. The deformation of the flexible protective plate absorbs part of the impact force, thereby reducing the impact force on the battery module. However, the deformation of the flexible protective plate is limited. When the bottom of the battery pack is hit by a high obstacle, the impact force on the battery module is still relatively large, the risk of damage to the cells in the battery module is relatively high, and the risk of battery pack fire remains relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a battery pack to address, to some extent, the problem that when the bottom of the battery pack is subjected to a high obstacle impact, the impact force on the battery module is still relatively large, the risk of the battery cells in the battery module being impacted after moving is relatively high, and the risk of the battery pack catching fire is still relatively high.

[0005] This application provides a battery pack, which includes a lower housing, a battery module, and a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is fixed on the inner sidewall of the lower housing and forms a limiting channel. The limiting channel extends along a first direction, and the size of the limiting channel in the first direction is larger than the size of the battery module in the first direction.

[0006] A portion of the battery module is located within the limiting channel, and a portion of the battery module is capable of sliding along the limiting channel.

[0007] Preferably, the battery module includes a fixing member and a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being stacked along a second direction, each of the plurality of battery cells being connected to the fixing member, the end of the fixing member in the second direction being located within the limiting channel, and the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] Preferably, the two ends of the fixing member in the second direction are respectively disposed in the two limiting channels.

[0009] Preferably, the battery module includes two fixing members, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction respectively.

[0010] Preferably, the limiting mechanism includes a limiting component, which includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member. The first limiting member and the second limiting member are spaced apart along the third direction to enclose the limiting channel.

[0011] Preferably, the limiting member includes one first limiting member and two second limiting members;

[0012] Two second limiting members are respectively disposed on both sides of the first limiting member in the third direction, and the first limiting member and the two second limiting members enclose two limiting channels;

[0013] In two adjacent battery modules, the two adjacent fixing members are respectively located within two limiting channels enclosed by the same limiting member.

[0014] Preferably, the lower housing includes a base plate and a frame, the frame is arranged around the base plate, the frame and the base plate enclose a placement space, the battery module is arranged in the placement space, and the limiting mechanism is arranged on the side of the frame facing the battery module.

[0015] Preferably, the base plate is deformable.

[0016] Preferably, the battery pack further includes a liquid cooling plate disposed on the side of the base plate facing the battery module, and the liquid cooling plate is made of a flexible material.

[0017] Preferably, the battery pack further includes a top cover and an insulation monitoring device, the top cover being connected to the frame, and the insulation monitoring device being fixed to the side of the top cover facing the battery module.

[0018] Preferably, the top cover and the battery module are arranged at intervals.

[0019] Preferably, the battery pack further includes an elastic gasket and a fastener, the fastener passing through the elastic gasket and the base plate and fixed to the frame, the elastic gasket being capable of elastic deformation.

[0020] In the battery pack of this application, the battery pack includes a lower housing, a battery module, and a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is fixed to the inner wall of the lower housing. The limiting channel in a first direction is larger than the size of the battery module in the first direction, and a portion of the battery module is located within the limiting channel. When the bottom of the battery pack is impacted by a high obstacle, the bottom of the lower housing bulges and deforms towards the side where the battery module is located, thereby applying force to the battery module. After being subjected to force, the battery module moves upward, and a portion of the battery module slides along the limiting channel. Through the movement of the battery module, the force on the battery module can be absorbed, reducing the stress on the battery module, lowering the risk of damage to the battery cells in the battery module, and lowering the risk of battery pack fire. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 An exploded view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the lower housing structure is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 An enlarged view of part A;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the battery module structure is shown;

[0026] Figure 5 This diagram shows the relative positions of the lower housing and the battery module.

[0027] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 An enlarged view of part B in the image;

[0028] Figure 7 The diagram shows the relative positions of the base plate and the battery module when the impact occurred.

[0029] Icons: 1-Lower housing; 11-Bottom plate; 12-Frame; 2-Top cover; 3-Liquid cooling plate; 4-Limiting component; 41-First limiting component; 42-Second limiting component; 5-Battery module; 51-Battery cell; 52-Fixing component; 6-Limiting channel; L1-First direction; L2-Second direction; L3-Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein; changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application are possible, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0031] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merely to illustrate some of the many feasible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0032] Throughout the specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is described as being "on" another element, "connected to" another element, "bonded to" another element, "on" another element, or "covering" another element, it may be directly "on" another element, "connected to" another element, "bonded to" another element, "on" another element, or "covering" another element, or there may be one or more other elements in between. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, "directly connected to" another element, "directly bonded to" another element, "directly on" another element, or "directly covering" another element, there may be no other elements in between.

[0033] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant items listed and any combination of any two or more items.

[0034] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe individual components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, assembly, region, layer, or part referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part may also be referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part.

[0035] For ease of description, spatial relation terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. Such spatial relation terms are intended to include not only the orientation depicted in the drawings but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to another element will subsequently be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element. Therefore, the term “above” includes both “above” and “below” orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be positioned in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relation terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” enumerate the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] Variations in the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may occur due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include changes in shape that may occur during manufacturing.

[0038] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have a wide variety of constructions, other constructions are possible, as will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0039] This application provides a battery pack, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the battery pack includes a lower housing 1, a battery module 5, and a limiting mechanism (the limiting mechanism includes multiple limiting components 4). The limiting mechanism is fixed to the inner side wall of the lower housing 1 and forms a limiting channel 6. The limiting channel 6 extends along a first direction L1, and the size of the limiting channel 6 in the first direction L1 is larger than the size of the battery module 5 in the first direction L1. A portion of the battery module 5 is located within the limiting channel 6, and a portion of the battery module 5 can slide along the limiting channel 6.

[0040] In the battery pack of this application, the battery pack includes a lower housing 1, a battery module 5, and a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is fixed to the inner wall of the lower housing 1. The dimension of the limiting channel 6 in the first direction L1 is larger than the dimension of the battery module 5 in the first direction L1. A portion of the battery module 5 is located within the limiting channel 6. The first direction L1 is parallel to the direction of gravity. When the bottom of the battery pack is impacted by a high obstacle, the bottom of the lower housing 1 bulges and deforms towards the side where the battery module 5 is located, thereby applying force to the battery module 5. After being subjected to force, the battery module 5 moves upward, and a portion of the battery module 5 slides along the limiting channel 6. Through the movement of the battery module 5, the force on the battery module 5 can be absorbed, thereby reducing the force on the battery module 5, lowering the risk of damage to the battery cells 51 in the battery module 5, and lowering the risk of battery pack fire.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery module 5 includes a fixing member 52 and multiple battery cells 51. The multiple battery cells 51 are stacked along the second direction L2, and each of the multiple battery cells 51 is connected to the fixing member 52. The end of the fixing member 52 in the second direction L2 is located within the limiting channel 6. Thus, the fixing member 52 can fix the multiple battery cells 51, and the end of the fixing member 52 in the second direction L2 is located within the limiting channel 6, allowing the fixing member 52 to slide within the limiting channel 6. The limiting channel 6 restricts the movement of the fixing member 52, thereby restricting the movement of the battery cells 51, to avoid collisions between the battery module 5 and the inner wall of the lower housing 1 or adjacent battery modules 5, thereby further increasing the risk of damage to the battery cells 51 in the battery module 5. Optionally, the battery cells 51 can be bonded to the fixing member 52.

[0042] Furthermore, the two ends of the fixing member 52 in the second direction L2 are respectively set in the two limiting channels 6. In this way, the two limiting channels 6 respectively limit the two ends of the fixing member 52 in the second direction L2, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the fixing member 52, and thus improving the stability of the movement of the battery module 5.

[0043] Optionally, the battery module 5 includes two fixing members 52, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells 51 in a third direction L3. The third direction L3 can be perpendicular to the first direction L1 and the second direction L2, respectively. In this way, the plurality of battery cells 51 are fixed by the two fixing members 52, thereby improving the stability of the fixation between the plurality of battery cells 51. At the same time, both ends of the two fixing members 52 in the second direction L2 are respectively disposed in two limiting channels 6, thereby further limiting the movement of the battery module 5.

[0044] Preferably, the fixing member 52 can be a plate, and the length of the fixing member 52 in the second direction L2 is greater than the sum of the dimensions of the plurality of cells 51 in the second direction L2. This makes the two ends of the fixing member 52 in the second direction L2 protrude relative to the cells 51 located at the edge, so as to set the two ends of the fixing member 52 in the second direction L2 respectively in the two limiting channels 6.

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, the limiting mechanism includes a limiting member 4, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the limiting member 4 includes a first limiting member 41 and a second limiting member 42. The first limiting member 41 and the second limiting member 42 are spaced apart along the third direction L3. The first limiting member 41 and the second limiting member 42 surround the limiting channel 6, so that the fixing member 52 can be placed in the limiting channel 6.

[0046] Optionally, the limiting member 4 includes a first limiting member 41 and two second limiting members 42; the two second limiting members 42 are respectively disposed on both sides of the first limiting member 41 in the third direction L3, and the first limiting member 41 and the two second limiting members 42 enclose two limiting channels 6; in two adjacent battery modules 5, two adjacent fixing members 52 are respectively located within the two limiting channels 6 enclosed by the same limiting member 4. In this way, two limiting channels 6 can be formed by the first limiting member 41, reducing the number of first limiting members 41 required in the limiting member 4 and simplifying the structure of the limiting mechanism. The first limiting member 41 and the second limiting member 42 can have large damping, and general suspension vibration will not cause the battery module 5 to move. Optionally, the surfaces of the first limiting member 41 and the second limiting member 42 can be roughened.

[0047] In the embodiments of this application, the lower housing 1 includes a base plate 11 and a frame 12. The frame 12 surrounds the base plate 11, and the frame 12 and the base plate 11 enclose a mounting space. The battery module 5 is mounted in the mounting space, and a limiting member is fixed to the side of the frame 12 facing the battery module 5. The frame 12 may be made of steel, and the frame 12 may be connected to the vehicle body by bolts or the like.

[0048] Preferably, the base plate 11 is deformable, and when the base plate 11 is impacted by a low obstacle, the base plate 11 can absorb the impact through deformation, thus preventing the battery module 5 from being impacted. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the base plate 11 is hit by a high obstacle, the base plate 11 deforms upward due to the large and continuous force pressing against it, causing the battery module 5 to move upward, thereby absorbing the force on the battery module 5 and reducing the risk of damage to the battery module 5.

[0049] Optionally, the deformation stroke of the base plate 11 can be 1-3 cm, meaning the thickness of the base plate 11 can be reduced by 1-3 cm after compression. Furthermore, the base plate 11 can be made of a material with a large coefficient of deformation. During normal vehicle operation, the battery module 5 is mounted on the base plate 11, and the base plate 11 will not deform under the weight of the battery module 5. When the base plate 11 is impacted by an obstacle, it can deform. Under greater force, the base plate 11 can deform upwards, thereby pushing the battery module 5 upwards along the first direction L1. Optionally, the base plate 11 is made of a polymer material.

[0050] In addition, the battery pack also includes a liquid cooling plate 3, which is disposed on the side of the base plate 11 facing the battery module 5. The liquid cooling plate 3 is made of a flexible material. In this way, when the base plate 11 deforms, the integrity of the liquid cooling plate 3 will not be damaged, ensuring that the coolant can flow within the liquid cooling plate 3. This prevents the liquid cooling plate 3 from losing its function when the base plate 11 is impacted, and avoids local overheating that could lead to a decrease in battery pack performance or damage.

[0051] In embodiments of this application, the battery pack further includes a top cover 2, which is connected to the frame 12. The top cover 2 can be a thin metal sheet. The top cover 2 and the battery module 5 are spaced apart, thereby providing space for the battery module 5 to move in the first direction L1. When the base plate 11 deforms upward, the battery module 5 moves upward, which increases the space between the base plate 11 and the ground, alleviating the bottoming problem. A grounding point can be provided on the top cover 2.

[0052] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes an insulation monitoring device, which is fixed to the side of the top cover 2 facing the battery module 5. When the battery module 5 is severely displaced due to an impact, the space between the battery module and the top cover 2 decreases. When the electrode of the cell 51 in the battery module 5 comes into contact with the top cover 2, the insulation monitoring device (IMD) detects a sharp drop in the insulation value. At this time, the relay of the battery pack can be activated to prevent further electrical risks.

[0053] In addition, the battery pack includes elastic gaskets and fasteners. The fasteners pass through the elastic gaskets and the base plate 11 and are fixed to the frame 12. The elastic gaskets are capable of elastic deformation. Using fasteners and elastic gaskets to fix the base plate 11 to the frame 12 maintains a stable connection for the base plate 11. This method of fixing the base plate 11 also allows for moderate deformation when necessary, reducing the risk of damage to the battery module 5 in the event of an impact. Optionally, the fasteners can be bolts.

[0054] Optionally, the battery pack of this application can be applied to different vehicle models. For example, the battery pack can be used in electric vehicles operating in urban and light off-road environments. If an electric vehicle passes a large obstacle during off-road driving, the base plate 11 can deform by about 2 cm after being impacted. The deformation of the base plate 11 absorbs part of the impact force, reducing the direct impact on the battery module 5. When the base plate 11 deforms upward, the fixing member 52 in the battery module 5 slides within the limiting channel 6, avoiding hard impact damage to the battery module 5. Since the liquid cooling plate 3 is made of flexible material, although the base plate 11 deforms, the liquid cooling plate 3 still maintains its sealing and functionality, maintaining the ideal operating temperature of the battery module 5. During the impact process of the battery pack, the battery module 5 gradually moves upward. When the top plate contacts the battery module 5, causing the insulation monitoring device to detect a sharp drop in insulation resistance, the battery pack can automatically disconnect the main power supply of the battery pack, preventing potential electrical faults.

[0055] For example, the battery pack can also be used in urban public transport electric vehicles. When driving on city streets, the vehicle repeatedly passes over low curbs, and the base plate 11 can absorb the impact through deformation, protecting the battery module 5 from impact. When the base plate 11 is subjected to a larger impact, it deforms upwards, causing the fixing component 52 in the battery module 5 to slide along the limiting channel 6, reducing the impact force on the battery module 5 and ensuring the stable operation of the battery pack. When the top cover 2 is not in contact with the battery module 5, even if the base plate 11 is impacted, the insulation monitoring device always shows normal operation, ensuring driving safety.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a lower housing, a battery module, and a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is fixed to the inner sidewall of the lower housing and forms a limiting channel. The limiting channel extends along a first direction, and the size of the limiting channel in the first direction is larger than the size of the battery module in the first direction. A portion of the battery module is located within the limiting channel, and a portion of the battery module is capable of sliding along the limiting channel; When the bottom of the battery pack is hit by a high obstacle, the bottom of the lower housing bulges and deforms toward the side where the battery module is located, thereby applying force to the battery module. After being subjected to force, the battery module moves upward, and part of the battery module slides along the limiting channel. Through the movement of the battery module, the force on the battery module can be absorbed, thereby reducing the force on the battery module.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery module includes a fixing member and multiple battery cells. The multiple battery cells are stacked along a second direction and are all connected to the fixing member. The end of the fixing member in the second direction is located within the limiting channel. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fastener is respectively disposed in the two limiting channels at both ends in the second direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery module includes two fixing members, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells in a third direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism includes a limiting component, which includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member. The first limiting member and the second limiting member are spaced apart along the third direction to enclose the limiting channel.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting component includes one first limiting member and two second limiting members; Two second limiting members are respectively disposed on both sides of the first limiting member in the third direction, and the first limiting member and the two second limiting members enclose two limiting channels; In two adjacent battery modules, the two adjacent fixing members are respectively located within two limiting channels enclosed by the same limiting member.

7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The lower housing includes a base plate and a frame. The frame surrounds the base plate, and the frame and the base plate enclose a placement space. The battery module is placed in the placement space, and the limiting mechanism is located on the side of the frame facing the battery module.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The base plate is deformable.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a liquid cooling plate disposed on the side of the base plate facing the battery module, and the liquid cooling plate is made of a flexible material.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a top cover and an insulation monitoring device. The top cover is connected to the frame, and the insulation monitoring device is fixed to the side of the top cover facing the battery module.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that, The top cover and the battery module are arranged at intervals.

12. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes an elastic gasket and fasteners, the fasteners passing through the elastic gasket and the base plate and being fixed to the frame, the elastic gasket being capable of elastic deformation.

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