Battery module, energy storage equipment and energy storage equipment assembling method

Abstract

The invention provides a battery module, energy storage equipment and an energy storage equipment assembling method. The battery module comprises a shell, a battery cell assembly, a plug connector and a locking device, the battery core assembly is positioned in the shell; the connector clip is fixed to the housing. The plug connector comprises a locking part. The locking part comprises a connecting part and a fixing groove. The locking device is fixed to the shell. The locking device comprises a base, a fixing rod and an elastic piece. The base includes a first portion provided with a first space. The fixing rod comprises a limiting part, and the limiting part extends into the first space. The fixing rod is connected with the elastic piece. The first space is configured to accommodate the connection portion of another battery module. The connecting part of the other battery module pushes the fixed rod to move, the limiting part retreats from the first space, the fixed rod acts on the elastic piece, and the elastic piece accumulates elastic potential energy. The elastic piece is configured to release elastic potential energy to push the fixing rod to move, and the limiting part enters the fixing groove of the other battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to a battery module, an energy storage device, and an energy storage device assembly method. Background Art

[0002] Energy storage equipment is a device for storing electrical energy. Energy storage equipment can discharge energy to the outside for use by electrical equipment. Energy storage equipment may include multiple battery modules. Multiple battery modules are stacked on each other. Currently, bolts and connecting plates are required to fix the stacked battery modules. The connecting plates connect adjacent battery modules. Bolts are connected to both ends of the connecting plates. During the assembly of the battery modules, installation tools are required to disassemble and assemble the bolts and connecting plates, which makes the assembly efficiency of the battery modules low. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a battery module, an energy storage device and an energy storage device assembly method, which can improve the efficiency of stacking and assembling battery modules.

[0004] The present application provides a battery module, which includes a shell, a battery cell assembly, a plug-in connector and a locking device. The battery cell assembly is located in the shell. The plug-in connector is fixed to the shell. The plug-in connector includes a locking portion. The locking portion includes a connecting portion and a fixing groove. The locking device is fixed to the shell. The locking device includes a base, a fixing rod and an elastic member. The base includes a first portion provided with a first space. The fixing rod includes a limiting portion, and the limiting portion extends into the first space. The fixing rod is connected to the elastic member. The first space is configured to accommodate a connecting portion of another battery module. The connecting portion of the other battery module pushes the fixing rod to move, the limiting portion withdraws from the first space, the fixing rod acts on the elastic member, and the elastic member accumulates elastic potential energy. The elastic member is configured to release elastic potential energy to push the fixing rod to move, and the limiting portion enters the fixing groove of the other battery module.

[0005] The battery module of the embodiment of the present application includes a plug-in connector and a locking device. During the stacking process of one battery module and another battery module, the two battery modules can be fixed together by the plug-in connectors and locking devices of the two battery modules cooperating with each other, reducing the use of other additional installation tools, which is conducive to simplifying the assembly process, reducing the difficulty of assembly operation, and improving the efficiency of stacking the battery modules.

[0006] In one or more optional embodiments above, the direction in which the connector is connected to the first space is a first direction, the fixing rod is movably connected to the base along a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0007] When the connection part pushes the fixed rod to move relative to the base, the base can provide guidance for the fixed rod, which is conducive to the accurate movement direction of the fixed rod. The base can also provide a limit constraint for the fixed rod to reduce the possibility of position deviation during the movement of the fixed rod.

[0008] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the fixed rod includes a first end and a connecting rod, the elastic member is wrapped around the outside of the connecting rod, the limiting portion is connected to the first end and protrudes from the first end, and the first end abuts against the outside of the first part; the base includes a second part provided with a first slide, at least part of the first end is located in the first slide, and in the second direction, the first end is configured to move in the first slide.

[0009] The elastic member surrounds the outer side of the connecting rod, so that the connecting rod can provide a limit constraint for the elastic member, and reduce the possibility of the elastic member falling off the fixed rod during the process of the elastic member accumulating or releasing elastic potential energy. The first part can form a limit constraint on the fixed rod through the first end. The elastic member releases the elastic potential energy and pushes the fixed rod to move. When the first end abuts against the first part, the fixed rod no longer moves, and the limit portion enters the fixed groove. The first slide can provide guidance for the first end, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of the moving direction of the fixed rod.

[0010] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, a portion of the elastic member is located in the first slide channel.

[0011] The first slideway can limit the elastic member and reduce the possibility that the elastic member is offset in the radial direction of the connecting rod, thereby causing the elastic member to be subjected to uneven force.

[0012] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the fixed rod includes a second end, the connecting rod connects the first end and the second end, the base includes a third part provided with a second slide, at least part of the second end is located in the second slide, the elastic member is located outside the second slide, the elastic member is configured to abut against the third part, and in the second direction, the second end is configured to move in the second slide, and the movable distance of the second end in the second slide is greater than or equal to the distance that the limiting portion enters the fixed groove.

[0013] The first slideway can provide a guide for the first end, and the second slideway can provide a guide for the second end, which is beneficial to further improve the accuracy of the moving direction of the fixing rod and reduce the possibility of the fixing rod being stuck due to the deflection of the fixing rod.

[0014] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, a groove is provided on the surface of the third portion facing the first end, and a portion of the elastic member is located in the groove.

[0015] The groove can limit the elastic member, thereby reducing the possibility that the elastic member is offset in the radial direction of the connecting rod, thereby causing the elastic member to be subjected to uneven force.

[0016] In one or more optional embodiments above, the shell includes a front wall, the third part includes an opening facing the front wall, the second slide is connected to the opening, the distance between the front wall and the opening along the second direction is L3, and the length of the second slide along the second direction is L4, wherein L3 is smaller than L4.

[0017] When the second end portion moves in the second slideway, the front wall can form a limiting constraint on the second end portion, thereby reducing the possibility that the second end portion may escape from the second slideway.

[0018] In one or more optional embodiments above, the front wall is a metal piece, the fixing rod is a metal piece, the fixing rod is configured to place a magnet unlocking piece on the outside of the front wall, and the fixing rod moves toward the front wall.

[0019] During the battery module separation process, a magnet unlocking member is used on the outside of the shell to provide driving force for the fixing rod to unlock the limiting part and the locking part, making the operation relatively simple and fast, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of battery module separation operation and improving the efficiency of battery module separation.

[0020] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the battery module includes a first connector and a second connector, the shell includes a top wall and a bottom wall arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, the first connector is arranged on the top wall, and the second connector is arranged on the bottom wall; the connector is fixed to the top wall, and along the first direction, the first connector is configured to be connected to the second connector of the other battery module.

[0021] After the second connector of the upper battery module is plugged into the first connector of the lower battery module, the upper battery module and the lower battery module can transmit signals through the first connector and the second connector. The battery modules are stacked along the first direction, the upper battery module and the lower battery module are locked by the plug-in and the locking device, and the first connector and the second connector are plugged into each other, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of assembly and improving the convenience and efficiency of assembly.

[0022] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the connecting portion is located outside the shell, and the locking device is arranged inside the shell.

[0023] After a battery module is stacked with another battery module, the locking portion and the locking device are shielded and hidden, which is conducive to improving the neatness and aesthetics of the energy storage device formed after stacking. The shell can provide protection for the locking device, which is conducive to reducing the possibility of damage to the locking device due to impact.

[0024] In one or more optional embodiments above, the connecting portion includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion spaced apart, the locking portion includes a fixing portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and an outer surface of the fixing portion is recessed to form a fixing groove.

[0025] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the fixing groove surrounds the fixing portion, which facilitates the limiting portion of another battery module to enter the fixing groove.

[0026] In one or more optional embodiments above, the base includes a fourth part connecting the second part and the third part, the fourth part is located between the elastic member and the bottom wall, and the fourth part is spaced apart from the elastic member, which is beneficial to reduce interference between the elastic member and the fourth part.

[0027] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the elastic member is a coil spring, and the coil spring is wrapped around the outside of the connecting rod.

[0028] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, a seal is provided between the base and the shell. The seal is provided around the first space. The seal seals the gap between the base and the shell to reduce the possibility of external water vapor entering the battery module through the positioning hole.

[0029] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first direction is the direction of gravity.

[0030] During the process of stacking the battery modules along the first direction, the upper battery module can push the fixing rod to move after the connecting portion is inserted into the first space under the action of its own gravity, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of assembly and improving the convenience and efficiency of assembly.

[0031] In one or more optional embodiments above, the first part includes a pin sleeve, the pin sleeve is provided with a first space, the first space is a blind hole, and the locking portion is a pin shaft.

[0032] The pin sleeve itself has good sealing performance, which reduces the entry of external water vapor into the battery module through the first space, reduces the possibility of water vapor causing corrosion or short circuit to the internal components of the battery module, and improves the reliability and electrical safety of the battery module.

[0033] In one or more optional embodiments above, the base includes a positioning convex ring, the shell includes a positioning hole, the positioning convex ring is plugged into the positioning hole, and the positioning convex ring is arranged around the first space. When the base and the shell are assembled, the positioning convex ring and the positioning hole can play a positioning role with each other, so that the base can be installed in a predetermined position quickly and accurately, thereby improving the assembly work efficiency and the difficulty of the assembly operation.

[0034] An embodiment of the present application provides an energy storage device, which includes more than two battery modules.

[0035] The present application provides an energy storage device assembly method, which includes:

[0036] Providing more than two battery modules;

[0037] Two or more battery modules are stacked in sequence along the first direction. In any adjacent battery modules, the locking portion of one is inserted into the first space of the other, and the limiting portion of one enters the fixing groove of the locking portion of the other, so as to fix the adjacent battery modules.

[0038] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the shell is a metal part, the fixing rod is a metal part, a magnet unlocking part is placed on the outside of the shell, the fixing rod moves under the action of magnetic attraction, the limiting part withdraws from the fixing groove, separating adjacent battery modules, and the locking part is pulled out of the first space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. Also, the same reference symbols are used throughout the accompanying drawings to represent the same components. In the accompanying drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 6 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an energy storage device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 7 It is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an energy storage device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The enlarged schematic diagram of the middle W;

[0048] Fig. 9This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a fixing rod and an elastic member are connected to each other according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a base provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Fig.11 is a structural schematic diagram of a base provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig.12 is a structural schematic diagram of a locking device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of two battery modules provided in an embodiment of the present application after being unfastened and fixed;

[0053] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a connector and a locking device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a fixed state;

[0054] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of an assembly method of an energy storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of an assembly method of an energy storage device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.17 It is a schematic diagram of the separation process of the battery module provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Description of reference numerals:

[0058] 10. Battery module;

[0059] 20. Shell; 201. Positioning hole; 21. Front wall; 22. Top wall; 23. Bottom wall;

[0060] 30. Battery cell components;

[0061] 40, plug-in connector; 41, locking portion; 411, connecting portion; 411a, first connecting portion; 411b, second connecting portion; 412, fixing portion; 412a, fixing groove; 42, threaded column;

[0062] 50. Locking device;

[0063] 51, base; 51a, first space; 51b, second space;

[0064] 511, Part I;

[0065] 512, the second part; 5121, the first slide;

[0066] 513, third part; 5131, second slideway; 5132, installation opening; 5133, groove; 5134, opening;

[0067] 514, positioning convex ring;

[0068] 515, annular recess;

[0069] 516, Part IV;

[0070] 52, fixing rod; 521, limiting portion; 522, first end portion; 523, connecting rod; 524, second end portion;

[0071] 53. Elastic parts;

[0072] 60. Seals;

[0073] 70. A first connector;

[0074] 80. A second connector;

[0075] 100. Energy storage equipment;

[0076] 200, magnetic unlocking piece;

[0077] X, first direction;

[0078] Y, second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application are described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, and are therefore only used as examples, and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0080] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present application should have the common meanings understood by technicians in the field to which the embodiments of the present application belong.

[0081] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by technical terms such as "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

[0082] In addition, the technical terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0083] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0084] See also Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a battery module 10, which includes a housing 20 and a battery cell assembly 30. The battery cell assembly 30 is located in the housing 20.

[0085] In some achievable embodiments, the battery module 10 includes a plug connector 40, and the plug connector 40 is fixed to the housing 20. The plug connector 40 includes a locking portion 41 located outside the housing 20. The locking portion 41 includes a connecting portion 411 and a fixing groove 412a.

[0086] In some achievable embodiments, the connecting portion 411 includes a first connecting portion 411a and a second connecting portion 411b that are spaced apart, and the locking portion 41 includes a fixing portion 412 that connects the first connecting portion 411a and the second connecting portion 411b, and the outer surface of the fixing portion 412 is recessed to form a fixing groove 412a. Optionally, the fixing groove 412a surrounds the fixing portion 412.

[0087] In some achievable embodiments, the battery module 10 includes a locking device 50, which includes a base 51, a fixing rod 52, and an elastic member 53. The base 51 includes a first portion 511 having a first space 51a. The fixing rod 52 includes a limiting portion 521. The limiting portion 521 extends into the first space 51a. The fixing rod 52 is connected to the elastic member 53. The first space 51a is configured to accommodate the locking portion 41 of another battery module 10. The locking portion 41 of the other battery module 10 is inserted into the first space 51a. The connecting portion 411 of the other battery module 10 pushes the fixing rod 52 to move, the limiting portion 521 withdraws from the first space 51a, the fixing rod 52 acts on the elastic member 53, and the elastic member 53 accumulates elastic potential energy. The elastic member 53 is configured to release the elastic potential energy to push the fixing rod 52 to move, and the limiting portion 521 enters the fixing groove 412a of the other battery module 10.

[0088] In the present application examples, see Figures 6 to 8 As shown, when one battery module 10 and another battery module 10 are stacked on each other, the first space 51a of one battery module 10 is aligned with the locking portion 41 of another battery module 10. The locking portion 41 of another battery module 10 can be inserted into the first space 51a. During the insertion of the locking portion 41 into the first space 51a, the connecting portion 411 of the other battery module 10 pushes the fixing rod 52 to move, and the limiting portion 521 can withdraw from the first space 51a to avoid the connecting portion 411. The limiting portion 521 abuts against the connecting portion 411. The fixing rod 52 acts on the elastic member 53, and the elastic member 53 accumulates elastic potential energy. When the fixing groove 412a is aligned with the limiting portion 521, the elastic member 53 releases the elastic potential energy, and the elastic member 53 pushes the fixing rod 52 to move in the opposite direction, so that the limiting portion 521 enters the fixing groove 412a, and one battery module 10 and another battery module 10 are fixed to each other.

[0089] The battery module 10 of the embodiment of the present application includes a plug-in connector 40 and a locking device 50. During the stacking process of one battery module 10 and another battery module 10, the two battery modules 10 can be fixed to each other through the cooperation of the plug-in connectors 40 and the locking devices 50 of the two battery modules 10, which reduces the use of other additional installation tools, is conducive to simplifying the assembly process, reducing the difficulty of assembly operation, and improving the efficiency of stacking the battery modules 10.

[0090] In some possible implementations, see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the locking device 50 is disposed inside the housing 20, and the locking portion 41 is located outside the housing 20. After one battery module 10 is stacked with another battery module 10, the locking portion 41 and the locking device 50 are shielded and hidden, which is beneficial to improving the neatness and aesthetics of the appearance of the energy storage device 100 formed after stacking. The housing 20 can provide protection for the locking device 50, which is beneficial to reducing the possibility of damage to the locking device 50 due to impact.

[0091] In some possible implementations, see Figure 4 As shown, the plug connector 40 is detachably connected to the housing 20. In some examples, the plug connector 40 includes a threaded column 42. The threaded column 42 is connected to the locking portion 41. The housing 20 includes a threaded hole. The threaded column 42 of the plug connector 40 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole.

[0092] In some achievable embodiments, the first portion 511 includes a pin sleeve. The pin sleeve is provided with a first space 51a. The first space 51a is a blind hole. The locking portion 41 is a pin shaft. The pin sleeve itself has good sealing performance, which reduces the possibility of external water vapor entering the battery module 10 through the first space 51a, reduces the possibility of water vapor corroding or short-circuiting the internal components of the battery module 10, and improves the reliability and electrical safety of the battery module 10.

[0093] In some achievable embodiments, the direction in which the connector 40 is plugged into and pulled out of the first space 51 a is the first direction X. The fixing rod 52 is movably connected to the base 51 along the second direction Y. The first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0094] When the connection part 411 pushes the fixing rod 52 to move relative to the base 51, the base 51 can provide guidance for the fixing rod 52, which is conducive to the accurate movement direction of the fixing rod 52. The base 51 can also provide a limit constraint for the fixing rod 52 to reduce the possibility of position deviation during the movement of the fixing rod 52.

[0095] In some possible implementations, see Figure 5 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the fixing rod 52 includes a first end 522 and a connecting rod 523. The elastic member 53 surrounds the outer side of the connecting rod 523. The limiting portion 521 is connected to the first end 522 and protrudes from the first end 522. The first end 522 abuts against the outer side of the first portion 511. The base 51 includes a second portion 512 provided with a first slide 5121. At least part of the first end 522 is located in the first slide 5121. In the second direction Y, the first end 522 is configured to move in the first slide 5121. The second direction Y includes the second direction Y and a direction opposite to the second direction Y.

[0096] After the locking portion 41 is inserted into the first space 51a, the connecting portion 411 can push the fixing rod 52 to move, so that the first end portion 522 moves in the first slideway 5121 along the second direction Y, and the limiting portion 521 exits the first space 51a. When the fixing groove 412a on the locking portion 41 is aligned with the limiting portion 521, the elastic member 53 releases elastic potential energy, and the elastic member 53 pushes the fixing rod 52 to move in the direction opposite to the second direction Y, so that the limiting portion 521 enters the fixing groove 412a.

[0097] The elastic member 53 surrounds the outer side of the connecting rod 523, so that the connecting rod 523 can provide a limit constraint for the elastic member 53, and reduce the possibility of the elastic member 53 falling off from the fixed rod 52 during the process of accumulating or releasing elastic potential energy of the elastic member 53. The first part 511 can form a limit constraint on the fixed rod 52 through the first end 522. The elastic member 53 releases the elastic potential energy and pushes the fixed rod 52 to move. When the first end 522 abuts against the first part 511, the fixed rod 52 no longer moves, and the limit portion 521 enters the fixed groove 412a. The first slide 5121 can provide guidance for the first end 522, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of the moving direction of the fixed rod 52.

[0098] For some examples, see Figure 5 and Fig.10 As shown, the first part 511 has a second space 51b. The second space 51b communicates with the first space 51a and the first slideway 5121, and the limiting portion 521 enters and exits the first space 51a through the second space 51b. The limiting portion 521 is configured to move in the second direction Y in the second space 51b.

[0099] In some possible implementations, see Figure 8 As shown, a portion of the elastic member 53 is located in the first slideway 5121. The first slideway 5121 can limit the elastic member 53, thereby reducing the possibility that the elastic member 53 is offset in the radial direction of the connecting rod 523 and causes the elastic member 53 to be subjected to uneven force.

[0100] In some examples, the elastic member 53 may be a coil spring. The coil spring surrounds the outer side of the connecting rod 523. One end of the coil spring is located in the first slideway 5121.

[0101] In some possible implementations, see Figure 5 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the fixing rod 52 includes a second end 524. The first end 522 and the second end 524 are spaced apart along the second direction Y. The connecting rod 523 connects the first end 522 and the second end 524. The base 51 includes a third portion 513 provided with a second slideway 5131. At least part of the second end 524 is located in the second slideway 5131. The elastic member 53 is located outside the second slideway 5131. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, in the second direction Y, the second end portion 524 is configured to move in the second slideway 5131. The movable distance L1 of the second end portion 524 in the second slideway 5131 is greater than or equal to the distance L2 of the limiting portion 521 entering the fixing groove 412a.

[0102] See also Fig.13 , Fig.13 Schematic diagram of two stacked battery modules 10 being unfastened, wherein when the two battery modules 10 are unfastened, the stopper 521 exits the fixing groove 412a of another battery module 10. L1 refers to the distance that the second end 524 moves on the second slideway 5131 relative to before assembly when the two battery modules 10 are unfastened. Fig.14 As shown, L2 may be the length of the portion of the limiting portion 521 in the fixing groove 412 a along the second direction Y.

[0103] In some achievable ways, the elastic member 53 is configured to abut against the third portion 513. Before assembly, the elastic member 53 is in a natural state. During the assembly process, the connection portion 411 of another battery module 10 abuts against the limiting portion 521, the elastic member 53 is compressed, and the elastic member 53 abuts against the third portion 513, and the third portion 513 provides a limit for the elastic member 53. In other embodiments, before assembly, the elastic member 53 is compressed, and the elastic member 53 abuts against the third portion 513. Before assembly, the elastic member 53 has accumulated elastic potential energy. During the assembly process, the connection portion 411 of another battery module 10 abuts against the limiting portion 521, and the elastic member 53 is further compressed, which can allow the elastic member 53 to accumulate more elastic potential energy.

[0104] After the limiting portion enters the locking portion 41 and is inserted into the first space 51a, the connecting portion 411 can push the fixing rod 52 to move, so that the first end portion 522 moves along the second direction Y in the first slide 5121, and the second end portion 524 moves along the second direction Y in the second slide 5131, and the limiting portion 521 can exit the first space 51a.

[0105] The first slide 5121 can provide a guide for the first end 522, and the second slide 5131 can provide a guide for the second end 524, which is conducive to further improving the accuracy of the moving direction of the fixing rod 52 and reducing the possibility of the fixing rod 52 being stuck due to the deflection of the fixing rod 52. The elastic member 53 is arranged between the first end 522 and the third part 513. The movable distance of the second end 524 in the second slide 5131 is greater than or equal to the distance that the limiting part 521 enters the fixing groove 412a. When separating the two battery modules 10, the limiting part 521 can completely withdraw from the fixing groove 412a to release the locking part 41, reducing the possibility of position interference between the limiting part 521 and the locking part 41 due to the limiting part 521 not completely withdrawing from the fixing groove 412a.

[0106] In some examples, the first end 522 is a cylindrical structure. The first slide 5121 is a cylindrical opening 5134. The second end 524 is a cylindrical structure. The second slide 5131 is a cylindrical opening 5134. The connecting rod 523 is a cylindrical structure. The diameter of the connecting rod 523 is smaller than the diameter of the first end 522. The diameter of the connecting rod 523 is smaller than the diameter of the second end 524. The diameter of the first end 522 can be equal to the diameter of the second end 524.

[0107] In some examples, the first portion 511 , the second portion 512 , and the third portion 513 may be an integrally formed structure.

[0108] For some examples, see Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the third part 513 has an installation opening 5132. The installation opening 5132 is connected to the second slideway 5131. When the fixing rod 52 and the base 51 are assembled, the connecting rod 523 of the fixing rod 52 is aligned with the installation opening 5132, and then the connecting rod 523 is placed in the installation opening 5132, the first end 522 is located outside the first slideway 5121, and the second end 524 is located outside the second slideway 5131. Then, the fixing rod 52 is pushed to push the first end 522 into the first slideway 5121, and the second end 524 into the second slideway 5131.

[0109] In some examples, the fixing rod 52 may be an integrally formed structure.

[0110] In some possible implementations, see Figure 5 and Fig.10 As shown, the base 51 includes a fourth part 516 connecting the second part 512 and the third part 513 , the third part 513 is located between the elastic member 53 and the bottom wall 23 , and the fourth part 516 is spaced apart from the elastic member 53 , which helps to reduce interference between the elastic member 53 and the fourth part 516 .

[0111] In some possible implementations, see Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, a groove 5133 is provided on the surface of the third portion 513 facing the first end portion 522. A portion of the elastic member 53 is located in the groove 5133. The groove 5133 can limit the elastic member 53, thereby reducing the possibility that the elastic member 53 is offset in the radial direction of the connecting rod 523, resulting in uneven force on the elastic member 53.

[0112] In some examples, the elastic member 53 may be a coil spring. The coil spring is wrapped around the outside of the connecting rod 523. One end of the coil spring is located in the first slideway 5121, and the other end is located in the groove 5133.

[0113] In some possible implementations, see Figure 5 , Fig.10 and Fig.13 As shown, the housing 20 includes a front wall 21. The third portion 513 includes an opening 5134 facing the front wall 21. The second slideway 5131 is connected to the opening 5134. When the second end 524 moves in the second slideway 5131, the front wall 21 can form a limit constraint on the second end 524, reducing the possibility of the second end 524 escaping from the second slideway 5131. The distance between the front wall 21 and the opening 5134 along the second direction Y is L3, and the length of the second slideway 5131 along the second direction Y is L4, wherein L3 is less than L4.

[0114] For some examples, see Fig.13 As shown, the front wall 21 is a metal piece. The fixing rod 52 is a metal piece. The fixing rod 52 is configured to place a magnet unlocking member 200 on the outside of the front wall 21, and the fixing rod 52 moves toward the front wall 21.

[0115] Both the front wall 21 and the fixing rod 52 can be metal parts with magnetic conductivity. When it is necessary to separate the two battery modules 10, a magnetic unlocking member 200 is placed on the outside of the front wall 21. The magnetic unlocking member 200 is adsorbed on the front wall 21, and the magnetic unlocking member 200 can generate a magnetic attraction on the fixing rod 52. Under the action of the magnetic attraction, the first end 522 of the fixing rod 52 moves in the first slide 5121, the second end 524 moves in the second slide 5131, and the limiting portion 521 withdraws from the fixing groove 412a to release the locking portion 41. The fixing rod 52 acts on the elastic member 53, so that the elastic member 53 accumulates elastic potential energy. After the second end 524 contacts the front wall 21, the fixing rod 52 is constrained by the limiting position of the front wall 21, so that the fixing rod 52 no longer moves. Under the adsorption action of the magnetic unlocking member 200, the fixing rod 52 remains in position. The two battery modules 10 are separated, and the locking portion 41 of one battery module 10 is pulled out of the first space 51a of the other battery module 10. The magnet unlocking member 200 on the front wall 21 is removed, and the elastic member 53 releases elastic potential energy, and the elastic member 53 pushes the fixing rod 52 to move, and the limiting portion 521 enters the first space 51a.

[0116] During the separation process of the battery module 10, the magnet unlocking member 200 is used to provide driving force for the fixing rod 52 on the outside of the shell 20 to unlock the limiting portion 521 and the locking portion 41, making the operation method relatively simple and fast, which is beneficial to reducing the difficulty of the battery module 10 separation operation and improving the efficiency of the battery module 10 separation operation.

[0117] In some examples, the material of the front wall 21 and the material of the fixing rod 52 may include, but are not limited to, iron and steel.

[0118] In some possible implementations, see Figure 5 and Fig.10 As shown, the base 51 includes a positioning protruding ring 514. The housing 20 includes a positioning hole 201. The positioning protruding ring 514 is plugged into the positioning hole 201. The positioning protruding ring 514 is arranged around the first space 51a.

[0119] When the base 51 and the shell 20 are assembled, the positioning protruding ring 514 and the positioning hole 201 can position each other, making it easy to quickly and accurately install the base 51 to a predetermined position, thereby improving the assembly work efficiency and the difficulty of the assembly operation.

[0120] In some examples, the base 51 may be detachably connected to the housing 20 by fasteners such as screws.

[0121] For some examples, see Figure 5 and Fig.10 As shown, a seal 60 is provided between the base 51 and the shell 20. The seal 60 is provided around the first space 51a. The seal 60 is provided around the outer side of the positioning protrusion 514. The seal 60 seals the gap between the base 51 and the shell 20, reducing the possibility of external water vapor entering the battery module 10 through the positioning hole 201. Exemplarily, the seal 60 is an annular sealing ring. The base 51 has an annular recess 515 surrounding the positioning protrusion 514. The seal 60 is provided in the annular recess 515.

[0122] In some achievable manners, the first direction X is the direction of gravity. Under the action of gravity, the connection portion 411 of one of the upper battery module 10 and the lower battery module 10 pushes the fixing rod 52 of the other to move.

[0123] During stacking of the battery modules 10 along the first direction X, the upper battery module 10 can push the fixing rod 52 to move after the connecting portion 411 is inserted into the first space 51 a under the action of its own gravity, which is beneficial to reduce the difficulty of assembly and improve the convenience and efficiency of assembly.

[0124] For some examples, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the battery module 10 includes a first connector 70 and a second connector 80. The housing 20 includes a top wall 22 and a bottom wall 23. The first connector 70 is disposed on the top wall 22. The second connector 80 is disposed on the bottom wall 23. Under the action of gravity, the second connector 80 of the upper battery module 10 is plugged into the first connector 70 of the lower battery module 10.

[0125] After the second connector 80 of the upper battery module 10 is plugged into the first connector 70 of the lower battery module 10, the upper battery module 10 and the lower battery module 10 can transmit signals and / or power through the first connector 70 and the second connector 80. The battery modules 10 are stacked along the first direction X, and the upper battery module 10 and the lower battery module 10 are locked by the plug-in 40 and the locking device 50, and the first connector 70 and the second connector 80 are plugged into each other, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of assembly and improving the convenience and efficiency of assembly.

[0126] In some examples, the plug connector 40 is disposed on the top wall 22. The top wall 22 may be provided with more than two plug connectors 40. The locking device 50 is disposed on the bottom wall 23. The bottom wall 23 may be provided with more than two locking devices 50.

[0127] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides an energy storage device 100 including two or more battery modules 10 as described in the above embodiment. The two or more battery modules 10 can be stacked along a first direction X.

[0128] See also Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides an energy storage device 100 assembly method, which includes:

[0129] Providing two or more battery modules 10;

[0130] Two or more battery modules 10 are stacked in sequence along the first direction X. In any adjacent battery modules 10, the locking portion 41 of one is inserted into the first space 51a of the other, and the limiting portion 521 of one enters the fixing groove 412a of the locking portion 41 of the other, so as to fix the adjacent battery modules 10.

[0131] In some possible implementations, see Fig.17 As shown, the housing 20 is a metal part. The fixing rod 52 is a metal part. A magnet unlocking member 200 is placed on the outside of the housing 20, and the fixing rod 52 moves under the action of magnetic attraction, and the limit portion 521 withdraws from the fixing groove 412a. The adjacent battery modules 10 are separated, and the locking portion 41 is pulled out of the first space 51a. The unlocking operation between the fixing rod 52 and the plug-in component 40 is simple, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of unlocking and improving the efficiency of unlocking.

[0132] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: include: case; A battery cell assembly, located in the housing; A plug connector, fixed to the housing, the plug connector comprising a locking portion, the locking portion comprising a connecting portion and a fixing groove; A locking device is fixed to the housing, the locking device comprises a base, a fixing rod and an elastic member, the base comprises a first portion having a first space, the fixing rod comprises a limiting portion, the limiting portion extends into the first space, and the fixing rod is connected to the elastic member; The first space is configured to accommodate the connecting part of another battery module, the connecting part of the other battery module pushes the fixing rod to move, the limiting part withdraws from the first space, the fixing rod acts on the elastic member, the elastic member accumulates elastic potential energy, the elastic member is configured to release elastic potential energy to push the fixing rod to move, and the limiting part enters the fixing groove of the other battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The direction in which the connector is connected to the first space is a first direction, and the fixing rod is movably connected to the base along a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixing rod comprises a first end and a connecting rod, the elastic member surrounds the outer side of the connecting rod, the limiting portion is connected to the first end and protrudes from the first end, and the first end abuts against the outer side of the first part; The base comprises a second portion provided with a first slideway, at least a portion of the first end portion is located in the first slideway, and in the second direction, the first end portion is configured to move in the first slideway.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A portion of the elastic member is located in the first slide channel.

5. The battery module according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The fixing rod includes a second end, and the connecting rod connects the first end and the second end. The base includes a third portion having a second slideway, at least a portion of the second end portion is located in the second slideway, the elastic member is located outside the second slideway, and the elastic member is configured to abut against the third portion, In the second direction, the second end portion is configured to move in the second slideway, and a movable distance of the second end portion in the second slideway is greater than or equal to a distance that the limiting portion enters the fixing groove.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: A groove is provided on a surface of the third portion facing the first end portion, and a portion of the elastic member is located in the groove.

7. The battery module according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The housing includes a front wall, the third portion includes an opening facing the front wall, and the second slide channel is in communication with the opening; The distance between the front wall and the opening along the second direction is L3, and the length of the second slideway along the second direction is L4, wherein L3 is smaller than L4.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The front wall is a metal piece, the fixing rod is a metal piece, the fixing rod is configured to place a magnet unlocking piece on the outside of the front wall, and the fixing rod moves toward the front wall.

9. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The battery module includes a first connector and a second connector, the housing includes a top wall and a bottom wall arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, the first connector is arranged on the top wall, and the second connector is arranged on the bottom wall; The plug-in component is fixed to the top wall, and along the first direction, the first connector is configured to be connected to the second connector of the other battery module.

10. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The connecting portion is located outside the shell, and the locking device is arranged inside the shell.

11. An energy storage device, characterized in that: The invention comprises two or more battery modules according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for assembling an energy storage device, characterized in that: include: Providing two or more battery modules according to any one of claims 1 to 10; Two or more battery modules are stacked in sequence along the first direction. In any adjacent battery modules, the locking portion of one is inserted into the first space of the other, and the limiting portion of one enters the fixing groove of the locking portion of the other, so as to fix the adjacent battery modules.

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