Traction battery array rounded end plate and battery array wrapping method
Through the combination of rounded end plates and fiber-reinforced polymer belts, the fixing and compression problems of the traction battery array of electrified vehicles are solved, and the uniform stress and stress distribution of the battery cell is achieved, which is suitable for the stable fixation of solid-state battery cells.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510130311.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-02
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-12
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to effectively fix and uniformly compress the traction battery array of an electrified vehicle, resulting in uneven stress and potential stress concentration problems of the battery cell.
The rounded end plate and fiber-reinforced polymer belt are used as wraps, and the battery cell and end plates are wound around the battery cell and end plates to uniformly compress the battery array. The rounded design is used to reduce stress concentration, and the battery cell is compressed between the rounded end plates through the wraps.
A uniform compression of the battery array is achieved, stress concentration is reduced, thinner and lighter end plate design is promoted, and it is suitable for stable fixation of solid-state battery cells.
Smart Images
Figure CN120473633A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an end plate for a traction battery, and more particularly to an end plate that may be packaged with other components of a traction battery. Background Art
[0002] Electrified vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they are selectively driven using one or more electric motors powered by a traction battery. The electric motors can power the electric vehicle in place of or in addition to an internal combustion engine. The traction battery of an electrified vehicle may include a plurality of battery cell assemblies arranged in one or more battery arrays within a housing. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a traction battery assembly comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged along an array axis; rounded end plates located at axial ends of the plurality of battery cells; and a wrap spanning the rounded end plates.
[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein a first side of the rounded end plate faces away from the plurality of battery cells and an opposing second side of the rounded end plate faces the plurality of battery cells, wherein the first side is rounded relative to the second side.
[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the first side is rounded about a first axis that is perpendicular to the array axis.
[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the first side is rounded about a second axis that is perpendicular to both the first axis and the array axis.
[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the rounded end plate has a vertical upper edge opposite a vertical lower edge, the rounded end plate being continuously rounded from the vertical upper edge to the vertical lower edge.
[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the rounded end plate further comprises a respective first outer edge and a second outer edge, wherein the first outer edge and the second outer edge each extend from the vertical upper edge to the vertical lower edge, the rounded end plate being continuously rounded from the first outer edge to the second outer edge.
[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the wrap comprises a curable material.
[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the wrap is a polymer-based, fiber-reinforced tape.
[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the wrap is wrapped around the plurality of battery cells and the rounded end plates.
[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the rounded end plate is a first rounded end plate, and the assembly further comprises a second rounded end plate spanned by the wrap.
[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the wrap is wrapped around the first rounded end plate, the plurality of battery cells, and the second rounded end plate to compress the plurality of battery cells between the first rounded end plate and the second rounded end plate.
[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly that also includes a traction battery of an electrified vehicle, the traction battery having the plurality of battery cells and the end plates.
[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the rounded end plate is a polymer-based material.
[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the rounded end plate is a composite-based material.
[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of securing a battery array, the method comprising: positioning a plurality of battery cells between a first rounded end plate and a second rounded end plate along an array axis; and compressing the plurality of battery cells between the first rounded end plate and the second rounded end plate by wrapping a wrap around the first rounded end plate, the plurality of battery cells, and the second rounded end plate.
[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein the wrap spans a profile of the first rounded endplate, the profile being continuously rounded from a first edge of the first rounded endplate to an opposing second edge of the first rounded endplate.
[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein the first edge and the second edge are outboard edges such that the first rounded end plate is curved about a vertically extending axis.
[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the first rounded end plate is further curved about a horizontally extending axis.
[0021] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
[0023] Figure 1 A partial schematic side view of an electrified vehicle with a traction battery pack is shown.
[0024] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Expanded view of the traction battery pack.
[0025] Figure 3 Shown from Figure 2 A side view of the battery array of a traction battery pack, with the wrap wrapped around the battery cells and end plates of the battery array.
[0026] Figure 4 Shown from Figure 3 A perspective view of the end plates of a battery array.
[0027] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 Cross-section at midline 5–5.
[0028] Figure 6 Shown Figure 4 Cross-section at line 6–6 in FIG.
[0029] Figure 7 A rounded end plate according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is shown.
[0030] Figure 8 Shown in Figure 7 Cross-section at midline 8-8.
[0031] Figure 9 A wrapped battery array according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The present disclosure relates generally to a traction battery pack for an electrified vehicle, and particularly to securing a battery array of the traction battery pack in a manner that promotes applying uniform pressure to the cells of the battery array.
[0033] refer to Figure 1, electrified vehicle 10 includes a traction battery pack 12, an electric motor 14, and wheels 16. Battery pack 12 powers electric motor 14, which converts electricity into torque to drive wheels 16. Battery pack 12 is a traction battery pack because battery pack 12 is used for propulsion.
[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 12 is secured to the underbody of the electrified vehicle 10. In other examples, the battery pack 12 may be located elsewhere on the electrified vehicle 10.
[0035] The exemplary vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In another example, the vehicle 10 may be another type of electrified vehicle, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a conventional vehicle. A hybrid electric vehicle selectively drives the wheels using torque provided by an internal combustion engine (in place of or in addition to an electric motor). In general, the electrified vehicle 10 may be any type of vehicle having a traction battery pack.
[0036] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery pack 12 includes a battery pack housing assembly 18 and a plurality of battery arrays 20. The housing assembly 18 provides an interior 22 for housing the battery arrays 20.
[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, each of the battery arrays 20 includes a first rounded end plate 24, a second rounded end plate 26, and a plurality of end plates 27 along the array axis A. A A plurality of battery cells 28 are provided. A first rounded end plate 24 and a second rounded end plate 26 are provided at opposite axial ends of the plurality of battery cells 28.
[0038] In this example, a wrap 30 is wrapped around the first rounded end plate 24, the second rounded end plate 26, and the plurality of battery cells 28. The wrap 30 compresses the first rounded end plate 24 toward the second rounded end plate 26 to compress the plurality of battery cells 28.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, reference Figures 4 to 6 And continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first rounded end plate 24 has a vertical upper edge 34 , a vertical lower edge 36 , and a pair of outer edges 38 extending from the vertical upper edge 34 to the vertical lower edge 36 .
[0040] When installed in the battery array 20, the rounded side 42 of the first rounded end plate 24 faces away from the plurality of battery cells 28. When installed in the battery pack 12, the opposing flat side 44 of the first rounded end plate 24 faces the plurality of battery cells 28. The rounded side 42 is rounded relative to the flat side 44. In this example, the flat side 44 is planar.
[0041] On the rounded side 42, the profile 52 of the horizontal section through the first rounded end plate 24 is continuously rounded from one of the outer edges 38 to the other of the outer edges 38. The profile 52 of the horizontal section is rounded about a line perpendicular to the array axis A. A In this example, the first axis A1 is an axis extending vertically.
[0042] It will be appreciated that a profile that is continuously rounded from edge to opposite edge is different from a profile that includes different planar regions that intersect at a rounded corner. In such an example, the rounding does not extend continuously from edge to edge.
[0043] On the rounded side 42, the profile 54 of the vertical section through the first rounded end plate 24 is continuously rounded from the vertical upper edge 34 to the vertical lower edge 36. The profile 54 of the vertical section is rounded about a line perpendicular to the array axis A. A The second axis A2 is curved along with the first axis A1. In this example, the second axis A2 is a horizontally extending axis.
[0044] The first rounded end plate 24 includes at least one vertical profile passing through the continuously rounded rounded side surface 42 , and at least one horizontal profile passing through the continuously rounded rounded side surface 42 .
[0045] In this example, the profile of the flat side 44 of the first rounded end plate is substantially linear.
[0046] The second rounded end plate 26 is constructed similarly to the first rounded end plate 24. When installed within the battery array 20, the second rounded end plate 26 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first rounded end plate 24.
[0047] The wrap 30 is wrapped around the first rounded end plate 24, the battery cells 28, and the second rounded end plate 26. The wrap 30 spans the rounded side 42 of the first rounded end plate 24 and the rounded side of the second rounded end plate 26. The wrap 30 is wrapped around the first rounded end plate 24, the plurality of battery cells 28, and the second rounded end plate 26 to axially compress the plurality of battery cells 28 between the first rounded end plate 24 and the second rounded end plate 26.
[0048] While the first and second rounded end plates 24, 26 are held in position to compress the battery cells 28, a wrap 30 may be wrapped around the first and second rounded end plates 24, the battery cells 28, and the second rounded end plates 26. The first and second rounded end plates 24, 26 may be held by an external clamp or fixture.
[0049] Wrap 30 may be a curable material. Wrap 30 may be a fiber-reinforced, polymer-based tape. In some examples, wrap 30 is a carbon fiber composite overwrap having relatively high tensile strength. The carbon fibers may be embedded in an epoxy resin matrix. In some examples, the carbon fibers may be replaced with glass fibers.
[0050] The wrap 30 may be a thermosetting epoxy polymer having a relatively low curing temperature.
[0051] When the wrap 30 spans the rounded first side surfaces of the first and second rounded end plates 24, 26, the force applied to the first and second rounded end plates 24, 26 by the wrap 30 is distributed across the first and second rounded end plates 24, 26. Distributing the force can help suppress stress. In the past, if the wrap spanned the steep corner area of the end plates, the wrap could be a surface with concentrated stress areas.
[0052] The use of the wrap 30 in the case of the first rounded end plate 24 and the second rounded end plate 26 can be along the array axis A. A More uniform compression is provided to the plurality of battery cells 28 than would be the case if the wrap 30 spanned non-rounded end plates.
[0053] Relatively uniform compression and high compressive loads may be particularly useful if the plurality of battery cells 28 are solid-state battery cells. Relatively uniform compression and the absence of overhang between the end plates and the battery cells may also facilitate the use of thinner end plates and the use of relatively lighter weight end plates.
[0054] In some examples, the first rounded end plate 24 and the second rounded end plate 26 may be a polymer-based material. The first rounded end plate 24 and the second rounded end plate 26 do not have to be perpendicular to the array axis A. A Extend outward.
[0055] The exemplary first rounded end plate 24 may have some corners 58 where the profile 54 meets the profile 52 , but in some examples, the angle of the corner 58 is obtuse and greater than 120°.
[0056] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in another example, the rounded end plate 24A may be hemispherical or dome-shaped in some examples and omit the corners 58. The rounded end plate 24A has a circular profile.
[0057] In some examples, a wrap 30 may be wrapped around heat exchange plates in addition to the first rounded end plate 24, the battery cells 28, and the second rounded end plate 26. In some examples, the first rounded end plate 24, the second rounded end plate 26, or both are heat exchange plates.
[0058] The wrap 30 may be wrapped around the side of the battery cell 28 that does not have the terminal 60, as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this example, the terminals 60 are tab terminals that project horizontally from the array 20 .
[0059] In other arrays 20A, the wrap 30A may alternatively or additionally be wrapped around the sides of the battery cells 28 having the terminals 60, such as Figure 9 For example, when wrapping around the sides of a battery cell 28 having terminals 60 , the wrap 30 can be directed to leave room for the terminals 60 to protrude outward and couple to the busbars.
[0060] In examples of the present disclosure, the wrap 30 may be dielectric or coated with a dielectric. In other examples, a dielectric shield may be positioned between the wrap 30 and areas of the traction battery pack 12 , particularly in areas near the terminals 60 .
[0061] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection afforded to the present disclosure should be determined solely by studying the appended claims.
Claims
1. A traction battery assembly comprising: a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being arranged along an array axis; an inverted circular end plate, the inverted circular end plate being located at an axial end portion of the plurality of battery cells; as well as A wrapper, said wrapping spanning said rounded end plates.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein a first side of the rounded end plate faces away from the plurality of battery cells and an opposing second side of the rounded end plate faces the plurality of battery cells, wherein the first side is rounded relative to the second side, and optionally, the first side is rounded about a first axis that is perpendicular to the array axis.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first side is rounded about a second axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the array axis.
4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rounded end plate has a vertical upper edge opposite a vertical lower edge, the rounded end plate being continuously rounded from the vertical upper edge to the vertical lower edge, and optionally, wherein the rounded end plate further comprises a respective first outer edge and a second outer edge, the first outer edge and the second outer edge each extending from the vertical upper edge to the vertical lower edge, the rounded end plate being continuously rounded from the first outer edge to the second outer edge.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the wrap comprises a curable material.
6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the wrap is a polymer-based, fiber-reinforced tape.
7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the wrap is wrapped around the plurality of battery cells and the rounded end plates.
8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rounded end plate is a first rounded end plate, and the assembly further comprises a second rounded end plate spanned by the wrap, and optionally, wherein the wrap is wrapped around the first rounded end plate, the plurality of battery cells, and the second rounded end plate to compress the plurality of battery cells between the first rounded end plate and the second rounded end plate.
9. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a traction battery for an electrified vehicle, the traction battery having the plurality of battery cells and the end plates.
10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said rounded end plates are a polymer based material.
11. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said rounded end plates are a composite based material.
12. A method for fixing a battery array, comprising: Positioning a plurality of battery cells along an array axis between a first rounded end plate and a second rounded end plate; as well as The plurality of battery cells are compressed between the first rounded end plate and the second rounded end plate by wrapping a wrap around the first rounded end plate, the plurality of battery cells, and the second rounded end plate.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the wrap spans a profile of the first rounded end plate, the profile being continuously rounded from a first edge of the first rounded end plate to an opposing second edge of the first rounded end plate.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first edge and the second edge are outer edges such that the first rounded end plate is curved about a vertically extending axis.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first rounded end plate is further curved about a horizontally extending axis.