Battery pack assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack assembly and a vehicle, the battery pack assembly comprises a shell, a cover plate and a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells are sequentially arranged in an accommodating cavity of the shell, the cover plate and the shell form a first limiting structure for each battery cell in a first direction, and the cover plate and the shell form a second limiting structure for each battery cell in a second direction. And the shell forms a second limiting structure for each battery cell in a plane vertical to the first direction. According to the battery pack assembly, the battery cell is limited in all directions through the structure of the cover plate and the shell, so that the battery cell is fixed in the shell without using a structural adhesive, the mounting steps are simplified, meanwhile, the structural adhesive is prevented from being disassembled in the maintenance process of the battery pack assembly, the difficult problem that the structural adhesive is inconvenient to disassemble is avoided, and the battery pack assembly is easy to maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of automotive batteries, and more specifically to a battery pack assembly and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] New energy vehicles, with their advantages of environmental protection and energy conservation, have become an important direction for the global automotive industry. As a core component of new energy vehicles, the battery pack's performance directly affects key indicators such as driving range and safety. CTP (cell-to-pack) battery packs are increasingly being used in vehicles. A CTP battery pack assembly seals the battery system relative to the environment and includes a housing that provides structural protection for the battery system components and multiple cells directly arranged within the housing. Currently, the mainstream manufacturing method is to bond the cells to the housing using structural adhesive to ensure the structural stability and reliability of the battery pack assembly. However, according to existing technology, when the battery pack assembly malfunctions, such as when a cell malfunctions, it is necessary to first remove the housing cover before replacing or repairing the faulty cell. However, the structural adhesive used to fix the cells makes disassembly, repair, and reassembly difficult. The process of handling the structural adhesive is cumbersome and can easily affect other surrounding cells, posing a risk of rendering the entire battery pack assembly unusable. Furthermore, during the production and processing of the battery pack assembly, if a manufacturing process error causes the battery pack assembly to fail to meet performance requirements, the structural adhesive makes it difficult to disassemble and rework the cells, often resulting in the entire battery pack assembly being scrapped and difficult to reuse.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a detachable battery pack solution that is easy to repair in order to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a battery pack assembly that uses the structure of the cover plate and the shell to limit the position of the battery cells in all directions, eliminating the need to use structural adhesive to fix the battery cells, avoiding the difficulty of disassembling the structural adhesive during maintenance, and facilitating the maintenance of the battery pack assembly.

[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack assembly, comprising: a housing having a receiving cavity; a cover plate fitted to the housing to close the receiving cavity; and a plurality of battery cells arranged sequentially in the receiving cavity, each battery cell including an electrode facing the cover plate and an explosion-proof valve; characterized in that the cover plate and the housing form a first limiting structure for each battery cell in a first direction, and the housing forms a second limiting structure for each battery cell in a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0006] In some alternative forms, the cover plate includes at least one abutment surface to form the first limiting structure, the at least one abutment surface extending along a second direction in which the plurality of cells are arranged sequentially and abutting against each cell along the first direction, wherein the at least one abutment surface does not contact the electrodes and explosion-proof valves of each cell.

[0007] In some alternative configurations, each cell includes a first electrode and a second electrode respectively disposed on both sides of the explosion-proof valve, and the cover plate includes a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface, the first abutting surface abutting against each cell between the first electrode of each cell and the explosion-proof valve, and the second abutting surface abutting against each cell between the second electrode of each cell and the explosion-proof valve.

[0008] In some alternative configurations, both the first and second contact surfaces are covered with insulating material.

[0009] In some alternative forms, the cover plate further includes a channel formed between the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface and extending along the second direction, wherein the explosion-proof valve of each cell is positioned in the channel.

[0010] In some alternative versions, the cover plate also includes an explosion-proof pressure relief valve that allows gas to escape from the passage.

[0011] In some alternative configurations, the cover plate also includes an infrared alarm device integrated into the explosion-proof pressure relief valve.

[0012] In some alternative forms, the housing includes an outer wall defining the receiving cavity and at least one support rib disposed in the receiving cavity, the outer wall and the at least one support rib forming a second limiting structure for each cell.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the cover plate is formed by a stamping process.

[0014] A second aspect of the invention provides a vehicle comprising a plurality of battery cells and a battery pack assembly according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the application of the battery pack assembly according to the present invention can produce several beneficial technical effects, especially: by providing a first limiting structure for each cell in a first direction on the cover and the housing, and providing a second limiting structure for each cell in a plane perpendicular to the first direction in the housing, the cells do not need to be fixed in the battery pack housing with structural adhesive, which simplifies the installation steps. At the same time, it avoids the problem of disassembling the structural adhesive during the maintenance of the battery pack assembly, thus avoiding the inconvenience of disassembling the structural adhesive and facilitating the maintenance of the battery pack assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack assembly in a separated state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram showing the assembly state of the cover and housing of the battery pack assembly.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate of the battery pack assembly.

[0020] Figure 4 For along Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from section AA.

[0021] The elements in the accompanying drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to exact scale. It should be understood that these drawings are not only for explaining and illustrating the invention, but also, where necessary, for defining the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The implementation and use of specific embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal", etc., is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0024] The directional and positional terms used in this invention can be referred to as follows: Figures 1 to 4 The exemplary structure shown is explained below. The "top" and "bottom" of the battery cell mentioned in this invention can be understood as the two ends of the battery cell, with the "top" referring to the end on which the electrode is disposed, and the "bottom" being the other end opposite the electrode. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various elements without intending to limit the positional, temporal, or importance relationships of these elements; such terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another.

[0025] In this specification and accompanying drawings, "Z" direction represents the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane XY. In the horizontal plane XY, "X" direction represents the first horizontal direction (i.e., the width direction) of the battery pack assembly, and "Y" direction represents the second horizontal direction (i.e., the length direction, which is also the direction in which the cells of the battery pack assembly are arranged sequentially) of the battery pack assembly.

[0026] This invention aims to provide an improvement to the battery pack assembly. By correspondingly setting the cover plate and housing to form directional limiting for each battery cell, the battery pack assembly eliminates the need for structural adhesive to fix the cells, avoiding the problem of difficult removal of structural adhesive during maintenance, and making the battery pack assembly easier to disassemble and reuse. It is understood that the battery pack of this invention can be used as a power battery for vehicles, and can also be used in other devices, such as aircraft, ships, etc. It is typically applied to new energy vehicles, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles; that is, the battery pack according to this invention is typically a power battery pack for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the battery pack assembly provided by the present invention is shown, wherein Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the battery pack assembly with the cover plate separated from the housing. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly state of the battery pack assembly's cover and housing. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack assembly 1 includes a cover plate 100, a housing 200, and a plurality of battery cells 300. The housing 200 has a receiving cavity 201. The cover plate 100 is mounted above the housing 200 along the Z-direction, simultaneously sealing the receiving cavity 201. The plurality of battery cells 300 are arranged sequentially along the Y-direction within the receiving cavity 201. The top of each battery cell 300, which has a first electrode 301, a second electrode 302, and an explosion-proof valve 303, faces the cover plate 100. The cover plate 100 and the housing 200 correspondingly form a first limiting structure for each battery cell 300 in the Z-direction (from bottom to top of the battery cell 300). The housing 200 forms a second limiting structure for each battery cell 300 in the XY plane perpendicular to the Z-direction, ensuring that each battery cell 300 has almost no sway within the XY plane. Those skilled in the art should understand that multiple cells configured in the same battery pack assembly are typically of the same model, meaning they are identical in size and shape. The corresponding first and second limiting structures are also consistent. To simplify the manufacturing process, adjacent first or second limiting structures can be combined. Furthermore, the arrangement of cells in the battery pack assembly should take into account the overall layout space of the vehicle, for example, it can refer to... Figure 1 The multiple battery cells 300 arranged in two rows along the X direction in the cover plate 100 and the housing 200 also form two sets of corresponding first and second limiting structures. The arrangement of multiple rows of battery cells can be deduced in the same way.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of cover plate 100, in conjunction with reference. Figure 3 The cover plate 100 includes at least one abutment surface 102, 103, which is used to form a first limiting structure corresponding to the housing 200. Since multiple battery cells 300 are arranged sequentially along the Y direction within the housing 200, the abutment surfaces 102, 103 also extend correspondingly along the Y direction, so that the abutment surfaces 102, 103 abut against the housing 200 in the Z direction, respectively, to the top and bottom of each battery cell 300, thereby limiting the position of each battery cell 300 in the Z direction. To prevent battery cell failure, the abutment surfaces 102, 103 must avoid contact with the electrodes 301, 302 and the explosion-proof valve 303 of the battery cell 300.

[0029] Figure 4 For along Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from section AA, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, each battery cell 300 has a first electrode 301 and a second electrode 302 on both sides of its top. An explosion-proof valve 303 is disposed between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302. The cover plate 100 includes a first abutment surface 102 and a second abutment surface 103. The first abutment surface 102 is configured to abut against the position between the first electrode 301 and the explosion-proof valve 303 of each battery cell 300, and the second abutment surface 103 is configured to abut against the position between the second electrode 302 and the explosion-proof valve 303 of each battery cell 300. Preferably, to further prevent short circuits in the battery cells, the first abutment surface 102 and the second abutment surface 103 are configured not to directly contact the battery cell 300, but rather an insulating material is attached between the first abutment surface 102 and the second abutment surface 103 and the battery cell 300. For example, both the first abutment surface 102 and the second abutment surface 103 are covered with an insulating film.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cover plate 100 further includes a channel 101 disposed between the first abutment surface 102 and the second abutment surface 103, forming a long rectangular cavity structure extending along the Y direction, within which the explosion-proof valve 303 of each battery cell 300 is positioned. The channel 101 can be used for venting the explosion-proof valve 303 of the battery cell 300. Preferably, the cover plate 100 is provided with an explosion-proof pressure relief valve 104 that allows gas to be discharged outward from the channel 101. Further, the explosion-proof pressure relief valve 104 also integrates an infrared alarm device. When a cell 300 experiences thermal runaway, its internal temperature and pressure rise abnormally. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas and internal materials inside the cell 300 are forced out by the explosion-proof valve 303 to release pressure. The pressure released from inside the cell 300 is transmitted to the explosion-proof pressure relief valve 104 through channel 101. When the pressure inside the battery pack assembly 1 reaches or exceeds the preset pressure opening threshold of the explosion-proof pressure relief valve 104, the valve releases pressure while the infrared alarm device activates. Because the released pressure gas and internal materials from the cell will rapidly spread to the electrodes and surrounding wiring after abnormal pressure release, potentially triggering a secondary accident in a short time, the alarm speed of the battery pack system is crucial. By installing an explosion-proof pressure relief valve with an infrared alarm function on the cover plate, the alarm speed after a cell's thermal runaway can be improved, enhancing the safety performance of the battery pack assembly.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will know that the battery pack assembly is typically located at the bottom of the vehicle body, and there is little space in the Z-direction of the cover 100 to accommodate the outward pressure relief channel for the explosion-proof pressure relief valve 104. Therefore, refer to... Figure 3 The channel 101 is configured to connect the two ends of the cover plate 100 along the Y direction, and an explosion-proof pressure relief valve 104 with an integrated infrared alarm device is provided on the end face of the channel 101.

[0032] In some embodiments, the structure in the cover plate 100 can be made from a rectangular sheet metal part by a stamping process. The orientation of the first abutment surface 102, the second abutment surface 103, and the channel 101 in the cover plate 100 should correspond to the arrangement of the battery cells 300 in the housing 200. The battery cells 300 in the housing 200 extend and stack along the Y direction, and correspondingly, the first abutment surface 102, the second abutment surface 103, and the channel 101 in the cover plate 100 are also arranged to extend along the Y direction. The first abutment surface 102 and the second abutment surface 103 are formed by two recesses that are recessed downward from the top surface of the cover plate 100, and the upwardly protruding structure naturally formed between the two recesses serves as the channel 101.

[0033] More specifically, the cover plate 100 is arranged at intervals of 8 to 10 mm between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 of the battery cell 300 in the X direction, and at intervals of 8 to 20 mm between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 of the battery cell 300 in the first direction Z.

[0034] In some embodiments, the housing 200 includes an outer wall 203 defining a receiving cavity 201 and at least one support rib 202 disposed inside the receiving cavity 201. The number of support ribs 202 is set according to the cell arrangement requirements in the battery pack assembly 1. The outer wall 203 and the support ribs 202 form a second limiting structure that limits the positioning of each of the plurality of cells. Specifically, the outer wall 203 and the support ribs 202 hold the plurality of cells 300 in place, thus limiting each cell 300 in the XY plane. It is understood that each cell 300 can also limit each other in the XY plane. Therefore, limiting each cell 300 in the XY plane can be achieved by stacking some cells 300, and the combined action of the plurality of cells 300, the support ribs 202, and the outer wall 203 forms the limit for each cell 300 in the XY plane.

[0035] In some embodiments, the base plate 201 of the housing 200 is also coated with thermally conductive adhesive. The thermally conductive adhesive can improve the heat conduction efficiency of the battery cell, accelerate heat dissipation, and reduce the temperature of the battery cell. At the same time, the thermally conductive adhesive is easy to remove and does not affect the maintenance of the battery pack assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the present invention also proposes a vehicle including the battery pack assembly described above.

[0037] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that, under the creative concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in the present invention, but all of them fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0038] The above description of the embodiments is exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack assembly (1), comprising: a housing (200) provided with a receiving cavity (201); a cover plate (100) fitted to the housing (200) to close the receiving cavity (201); and a plurality of battery cells (300) arranged in sequence in the receiving cavity (201), and each battery cell (300) comprising an electrode (301, 302) facing the cover plate (100) and an explosion-proof valve (303); characterized in that the cover plate (100) and the housing (200) form a first limiting structure for each battery cell (300) in a first direction (Z), and the housing (200) forms a second limiting structure for each battery cell (300) in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (Z).

2. The battery pack assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the cover plate (100) comprises at least one abutting surface (102, 103) to form the first limiting structure, the at least one abutting surface (102, 103) extending along a second direction (Y) in which the plurality of battery cells (300) are arranged in sequence and abutting to each battery cell (300) along the first direction (Z), the at least one abutting surface (102, 103) not being in contact with the electrode (301, 302) and the explosion-proof valve (303) of each battery cell (300).

3. The battery pack assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that each battery cell (300) comprises a first electrode (301) and a second electrode (302) respectively arranged on both sides of the explosion-proof valve (303), and the cover plate (100) comprises a first abutting surface (102) and a second abutting surface (103), the first abutting surface (102) abutting to each battery cell (300) between the first electrode (301) and the explosion-proof valve (303) of each battery cell (300), and the second abutting surface (103) abutting to each battery cell (300) between the second electrode (302) and the explosion-proof valve (303) of each battery cell (300).

4. The battery pack assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first abutting surface (102) and the second abutting surface (103) are both attached with insulating material.

5. The battery pack assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the cover plate (100) further comprises a channel (101) formed between the first abutting surface (102) and the second abutting surface (103) and extending along the second direction (Y), wherein the explosion-proof valve (303) of each battery cell (300) is positioned in the channel (101).

6. The battery pack assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover plate (100) further comprises an explosion-proof pressure relief valve (104) allowing gas to be discharged outwardly from the channel (101).

7. The battery pack assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover plate (100) further comprises an infrared alarm device integrated on the explosion-proof pressure relief valve (104).

8. The battery pack assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, the housing (200) comprises an outer wall (203) defining the receiving cavity (201) and at least one supporting rib (202) arranged in the receiving cavity (201), the outer wall (203) and the at least one supporting rib (202) forming the second limiting structure for each battery cell (300).

9. The battery pack assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, the cover plate (100) is formed by a stamping process.

10. A vehicle characterized by comprising: A battery pack assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images