Battery module and hybrid vehicle equipped with same

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of new energy batteries, and particularly discloses a battery module and a hybrid power vehicle assembled with the battery module, the battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked in a box body, a conductive frame covering the battery cells is arranged in the box body, and the battery module also comprises a guide bracket for separating every four adjacent battery cells, the battery pack comprises a central supporting rod and attaching pieces in one-to-one correspondence with the battery cells, an elastic piece is arranged between every two adjacent attaching pieces, and the elastic pieces are arranged on the central supporting rod. The guide bracket is arranged in the arc-shaped quadrilateral space to support the four battery cells, so that compared with a bracket fully wrapped with the battery cells, the occupied space is smaller, the distance between the battery cells can be reduced, the battery cells are more compactly sequenced, and the heat dissipation capability is kept; and the elastic guide bracket limits the battery cell during assembly, so that the requirement on the mounting precision is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to new energy battery technology, specifically a battery module and a hybrid vehicle equipped with the battery module. Background Technology

[0002] As is widely known, the power system of new energy vehicles is the core of their range, lifespan, and power output. Among them, the power battery system, as the power source, is the core of the vehicle. Based on the combination of the power system and the transmission of gasoline vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, range-extended hybrid vehicles, and other hybrid vehicles have been developed.

[0003] According to the National Big Data Alliance for New Energy Vehicles, 32% of new energy vehicles have a single trip radius of 20km to 30km, while the ideal pure electric range of hybrid vehicles is mostly less than 100km. As a result, hybrid vehicles need to be charged every 1 to 2 days for short trips. As the battery cycles increase, the charging interval will continue to shorten. Therefore, increasing battery capacity is the trend for hybrid vehicles.

[0004] For example, the invention patent with application publication number CN106384794B, application publication date March 24, 2023, entitled "A Battery Module for Hybrid Electric Vehicles", includes at least two electrically connected battery rods and clamps. The clamps are double clamps, each consisting of two separate double clamp parts. Each separate double clamp part has two clamp parts with their outer walls connected to each other. Each separate double clamp part is provided with a matching locking buckle and locking block. The two separate double clamp parts are connected together by the locking buckle and the locking block. The two separate clamp parts form a single clamp unit, and the battery unit is fixed inside the single clamp unit.

[0005] The shortcomings of existing technologies are that the internal structure of hybrid vehicles is complex and requires two power sources. In order to reduce the size of the battery pack, CTP battery packaging technology has the advantages of simplifying the structure and saving space, which is more suitable for hybrid vehicles. The destructured design, which uses lithium iron phosphate or ternary lithium cells to directly integrate to form the battery pack, improves the volume utilization and energy density. In the battery pack, brackets are set between the cylindrical cells for auxiliary support. However, the installation gap between the originally compact cells is greatly reduced, which greatly increases the precision requirements of automated assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module and a hybrid vehicle equipped with the battery module, so as to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings in the prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a battery module and a hybrid vehicle equipped with the battery module, comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked in a housing, wherein a conductive frame covering the battery cells is provided in the housing, and further comprising a guide bracket for separating every four adjacent battery cells from each other, wherein the guide bracket comprises a central support rod and a bonding piece corresponding to each battery cell, wherein an elastic piece is provided between adjacent bonding pieces, the elastic piece being disposed on the central support rod, wherein one of the bonding pieces is pressed and moved, thereby causing the elastic piece to squeeze the remaining bonding pieces.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: a vertical part is provided in the middle section of the bonding sheet, and the elastic sheet is fixed on the vertical part so that the vertical part is bonded to the battery cell.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: the bonding sheet has curved portions at both ends, and the battery cell slides through multiple curved portions along the axis of the central support rod.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: a central slider is provided on the elastic sheet, the central slider is slidably connected to a through groove opened on the central support rod, and a limiting post for pushing against the central slider is provided on the conductive frame.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: a liquid cooling plate is provided inside the box to fit the battery cell, and a limiting protrusion is provided on the liquid cooling plate, and the hollow central support rod is snapped onto the limiting protrusion.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution: both ends of the central support rod are provided with several triangular protrusions, and the triangular protrusions restrict the bonding piece.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution: the box body includes a frame plate covering three sides, a frame cover plate is slidably connected to the uncovered surface of the frame plate, and side cover plates are provided on both sides of the frame plate.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution: an elastic filling cover that fits the battery cell is provided inside the frame plate.

[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution: both ends of the central support rod are provided with conical sleeves, and the limiting post slides along the conical sleeves to restrict the movement of the central support rod.

[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution: it also includes a chassis, with the housing disposed above the chassis facing the rear seat.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the battery module and hybrid vehicle equipped with the battery module provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects: the guide bracket is set in the arc-shaped quadrilateral space to support the four battery cells. Compared with the bracket that fully encloses the battery cells, this method occupies less space and can reduce the distance between the battery cells, making the arrangement of the battery cells more compact while maintaining heat dissipation capacity. In addition, the flexible guide bracket restricts the battery cells during assembly, and the installation accuracy requirements are low. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 An exploded view of the overall structure provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell and guide bracket structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the guide bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the guide bracket and cell cross-sectional structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of another state B;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged diagram of point C in the middle.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1. Housing; 10. Frame plate; 100. Slide groove; 11. Frame cover plate; 12. Side cover plate; 13. Liquid cooling plate; 21. Conductive frame; 211. Restricting post; 22. Elastic filling cover; 3. Battery cell; 31. Restricting protrusion; 4. Guide bracket; 41. Adhesive piece; 411. Vertical part; 412. Curved part; 42. Central support rod; 421. Triangular protrusion; 422. Through groove; 423. Conical sleeve; 43. Elastic piece; 431. Central slider. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Please see Figure 1-10 This invention provides a technical solution: a battery module and a hybrid vehicle equipped with the battery module, comprising a plurality of battery cells 3 stacked in a housing 1, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the battery cell 3 does not need to be assembled into an additional module. The housing 1 contains conductive frames 21 covering the battery cell 3. Using the CTP battery packaging method, electrical connections are made directly through multiple conductive frames 21, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, it also includes a guide bracket 4 for separating each pair of four adjacent battery cells 3. The guide bracket 4 is used to separate adjacent battery cells 3 to prevent them from colliding with each other, and plays a protective and auxiliary support role. The guide bracket 4 includes a central support rod 42 and a bonding piece 41 corresponding to each battery cell 3. The bonding piece 41 has an arc-shaped cross-section to support and lining the battery cell 3. Because the battery cell 3 is cylindrical, a gap will form between each pair of four adjacent battery cells 3. Figure 10 The arc-shaped quadrilateral space shown has a guide bracket 4 positioned within it to support the four battery cells 3. Compared to a bracket that fully encloses the battery cells 3, this method occupies less space and reduces the distance between the battery cells 3, resulting in a more compact arrangement of the cells while maintaining heat dissipation capabilities. Figure 10 As shown, an elastic sheet 43 is provided between adjacent bonding sheets 41. The elastic sheet 43 is located on the central support rod 42. When one of the battery cells 3 moves under pressure with the bonding sheet 41, the elastic sheet 43 will exert force on the two adjacent bonding sheets 41, which will cause the elastic sheet 43 to squeeze the remaining bonding sheets 41 to share the pressure and protect the battery cell 3.

[0033] Furthermore, the battery pack can be assembled vertically or horizontally.

[0034] Vertical assembly: First, place the housing 1 vertically, and then the robot arm will place the battery cell 3 and the guide bracket 4 into the housing 1 in sequence. At this time, the elastic guide bracket 4 restricts the battery cell 3, and the elastic sheet 43 bends due to the weight of the battery cell 3, thus limiting the position of the battery cell 3.

[0035] Horizontal assembly: First, place the housing 1 horizontally, then fix the guide bracket 4 inside the housing 1. Then, the robot arm inserts the battery cell 3 into the position between the four guide brackets 4. Since the four guide brackets 4 are all elastic, they can guide the battery cell 3 during and after insertion, and the installation accuracy requirement is low.

[0036] Furthermore, it also includes a chassis, with the box body 1 positioned above the chassis facing the rear seats, i.e., below the rear seats. The box body 1 can also be positioned above the chassis and facing the trunk.

[0037] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the middle section of the bonding piece 41 is provided with a vertical part 411, and the side of the elastic piece 43 is inclined. The elastic piece 43 is fixed on the vertical part 411. The vertical part 411 is bonded to the battery cell 3. In the initial stage of assembly, the bonding piece 41 on the same guide bracket 4 has a large range of motion. At this time, the battery cell 3 is supported by the vertical part 411 alone, and the bonding area is small, which makes it easy for the battery cell 3 to move. After assembly and fixing, the gap between the bonding piece 41 and the central support rod 42 is reduced, and the bonding area of ​​the bonding piece 41 to the battery cell 3 is increased, which increases the stability of the support.

[0038] Preferred, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the bonding piece 41 has curved portions 412 at both ends. The curved portions 412 are inverted arches. During horizontal assembly, the battery cell 3 is inserted into multiple curved portions 412 by a robotic arm along the axis of the central support rod 42. However, when not fixed, as... Figure 8 As shown, the vertical part 411 is attached to the battery cell 3, while the curved part 412 is in an inclined state. At this time, the inclined curved part 412 can guide the battery cell 3.

[0039] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, such as Figure 5 and Figure 10As shown, a central slider 431 is provided on the elastic sheet 43. The central slider 431 is slidably connected to the through groove 422 opened on the central support rod 42, so that the central slider 431 extends into the through groove 422. The conductive frame 21 is provided with a limiting post 211 for pushing the central slider 431. After the assembly is completed, the conductive frame 21 is placed on the housing 1. At this time, the battery cell 3 in the housing 1 is initially restricted by the guide bracket 4. When the conductive frame 21 is installed, the conductive frame 21 is provided with a limiting post 211 corresponding to the guide bracket 4. The limiting post 211 is inserted along the hollow central support rod 42 to push the elastic sheet 43. After pushing, the center of the elastic sheet 43 moves away from the guide bracket 4 and pushes the bonding piece 41 to complete the fixation of the battery cell 3.

[0040] In another embodiment of the present invention, a liquid cooling plate 13 for attaching to the battery cell 3 is provided inside the housing 1. The liquid cooling plate 13 is made of aluminum alloy and has a pipe for liquid circulation on its inner wall. A limiting protrusion 31 is provided on the liquid cooling plate 13. When assembling in a horizontal state, structural adhesive is applied to the liquid cooling plate 13 in advance, and then the hollow central support rod 42 is snapped onto the limiting protrusion 31 to fix the guide bracket 4. When assembling in a vertical direction, the liquid cooling plate 13 is not installed first, but is installed after the battery cell 3 is vertically assembled.

[0041] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, both ends of the central support rod 42 are provided with several triangular protrusions 421. The triangular protrusions 421 correspond one-to-one with the bonding pieces 41. When the bonding piece 41 is pushed by the battery cell 3, the bonding piece 41 will drive the elastic piece 43 to deform, and the bonding piece 41 itself will move. When the bonding triangular protrusions 421 move, the triangular protrusions 421 restrict the bonding piece 41 to prevent the battery cells 3 from colliding. In addition, during horizontal assembly, multiple triangular protrusions 421 at the same end form a slot, and the slot and the limiting protrusion 31 cooperate and engage.

[0042] Preferably, both ends of the central support rod 42 are provided with conical sleeves 423, and triangular protrusions 421 are provided on the conical sleeves 423. When the conductive frame 21 is inserted, the limiting post 211 will slide along the conical sleeve 423. Then, when the limiting post 211 enters the small end from the large end of the conical sleeve 423, it will drive the central support rod 42 to move and limit it, and use the conductive frame 21 as a reference to position the battery cell 3.

[0043] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, such as Figure 2As shown, the housing 1 includes a frame plate 10 covering three sides. A sliding groove 100 is provided on the uncovered side of the frame plate 10 (the uncovered side is the opening). A frame cover plate 11 is slidably connected to the sliding groove 100. The frame cover plate 11 is fixed by screws. Side cover plates 12 are provided on both sides of the frame plate 10. A sealing ring is provided between the side cover plate 12 and the frame plate 10. Structural adhesive can be injected between the battery cells 3. The structural adhesive has good thermal conductivity.

[0044] Preferably, the frame plate 10 is provided with an elastic filling cover 22 that fits the battery cell 3. The elastic filling cover 22 is disposed on the inner wall of the frame plate 10 to alleviate vehicle vibration and cooperate with the guide bracket 4 to support the battery cell 3.

[0045] Vertical assembly: First, remove the frame cover plate 11 on the frame plate 10 and install the side cover plates 12 on both sides of the frame plate 10. Then, install the elastic filling cover 22 on the inner wall of the frame plate 10. Then, the robot will place one layer of battery cell 3 and one layer of guide bracket 4 in sequence, and repeat continuously until the battery cell 3 is stacked to the specified number of layers. Install the frame cover plate 11 with the elastic filling cover 22 on the plate 10. The elastic filling cover 22 on all sides will squeeze the battery cell 3 to complete the initial positioning of the battery cell. Then, remove the side cover plates 12 on both sides of the frame plate 10. Then, install the conductive frame 21 on the frame plate 10. Insert the limiting post 211 along the hollow central support rod 42 to push the elastic piece 43. After pushing, the center of the elastic piece 43 moves away from the guide bracket 4 and pushes the bonding piece 41 to complete the fixation of the battery cell 3. Then, install the side cover plate 12 on one side of the conductive frame 21 and then install the liquid cooling plate 13 on the other side to complete the installation of the box 1.

[0046] Horizontal assembly: First, install the frame cover plate 11 of the frame plate 10, and install the liquid cooling plate 13 and the side cover plate 12 facing the liquid cooling plate 13. Apply structural adhesive to the liquid cooling plate 13 in advance. Then, snap the hollow central support rod 42 onto the limiting protrusion 31 to fix the guide bracket 4. Then, the robot arm inserts the battery cell 3 into the position between the four guide brackets 4. At this time, the arched curved part 412 guides the battery cell 3. After the battery cell 3 is installed, install the conductive frame 21. The limiting post 211 is inserted along the hollow central support rod 42 to push the elastic piece 43. After pushing, the center of the elastic piece 43 moves away from the guide bracket 4 and pushes the bonding piece 41 to complete the fixation of the battery cell 3. Finally, install the side cover plate 12.

[0047] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells (3) stacked within a housing (1), wherein a conductive frame (21) covering the battery cells (3) is provided within the housing (1), characterized in that, It also includes a guide bracket (4) for separating each of the four adjacent cells (3) from each other, which includes a central support rod (42) and a bonding piece (41) corresponding to each of the cells (3). An elastic piece (43) is provided between adjacent bonding pieces (41). The elastic piece (43) is provided on the central support rod (42). One of the bonding pieces (41) is pressed and moved, and drives the elastic piece (43) to squeeze the other bonding pieces (41).

2. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bonding sheet (41) has a vertical part (411) in the middle section, and the elastic sheet (43) is fixed on the vertical part (411) so that the vertical part (411) is bonded to the battery cell (3).

3. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bonding sheet (41) has curved portions (412) at both ends, and the battery cell (3) slides along the axis of the central support rod (42) by inserting into multiple curved portions (412).

4. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic sheet (43) is provided with a central slider (431), which is slidably connected to a through groove (422) opened on the central support rod (42). The conductive frame (21) is provided with a limiting post (211) for pushing against the central slider (431).

5. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is provided with a liquid cooling plate (13) that fits the battery cell (3). The liquid cooling plate (13) is provided with a limiting protrusion (31). The hollow central support rod (42) is snapped onto the limiting protrusion (31).

6. A battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both ends of the central support rod (42) are provided with a number of triangular protrusions (421), which restrict the bonding piece (41).

7. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box body (1) includes a frame plate (10) covering three sides, a frame cover plate (11) is slidably connected to the uncovered surface of the frame plate (10), and side cover plates (12) are provided on both sides of the frame plate (10).

8. A battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that, An elastic filler cover (22) that fits the battery cell (3) is provided inside the frame plate (10).

9. A battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both ends of the central support rod (42) are provided with conical sleeves (423), and the limiting post (211) slides along the conical sleeves (423) to restrict the movement of the central support rod (42).

10. A hybrid vehicle equipped with the battery module, comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a housing (1), characterized in that, It also includes a chassis, with the housing (1) positioned above the chassis facing the rear seat.

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