Battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle. The battery pack comprises a shell, an upper cover plate, a lower connecting plate and a battery module, the shell is provided with a containing cavity, and the upper cover plate is fixed to the shell and covers the containing cavity. The lower connecting plate is fixed in the accommodating cavity, the battery module comprises single batteries, the upper end parts of the single batteries are fixed on the upper cover plate, and the lower end parts of the single batteries are detachably connected to the lower connecting plate. The battery pack further comprises a normal use state and a collision state, and when the battery pack is in the normal use state, the lower end parts of the battery monomers are connected to the lower connecting plate. And when the battery pack is in a collision state, the lower end parts of the battery monomers are separated from the lower connecting plate under the action of impact force. Through the arrangement, the battery monomers can generate bending deformation or swinging, so that impact energy is effectively absorbed and dispersed, the direct damage degree of impact force to the battery monomer structures is reduced, the risk of fire and explosion is reduced, and the safety performance of the battery pack is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of energy storage devices, and more particularly to a battery pack and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid popularization of new energy vehicles, vehicle safety has become a key focus for the industry and consumers. The battery pack, as one of the core components of a vehicle, is typically located at the bottom of the vehicle. In actual operating conditions, the bottom of the vehicle may encounter various collision scenarios, which in severe cases can cause uneven stress on the battery cells inside the pack, localized deformation, or even thermal runaway, posing a risk of fire or explosion and thus a significant threat to the safety of the entire vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a battery pack and a vehicle to address the shortcomings of related technologies. According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack is provided, comprising: The housing has a receiving cavity; A top cover plate, which is fixed to the housing and covers the receiving cavity; A lower connecting plate, which is fixed inside the receiving cavity; A battery module, comprising a battery cell, the upper end of which is fixed to the upper cover plate and the lower end of which is detachably connected to the lower connecting plate; The battery pack also includes a normal use state and a collision state. When the battery pack is in the normal use state, the lower end of each battery cell is connected to the lower connecting plate. When the battery pack is in the collision state, the lower end of each battery cell detaches from the lower connecting plate under the action of an impact force.

[0004] Optionally, the lower connecting plate includes a groove, which is recessed from the side of the lower connecting plate toward the battery module; when the battery pack is in the normal use state, the lower ends of the individual battery cells are correspondingly located in the groove.

[0005] Optionally, the lower connecting plate further includes a weakening groove, which is recessed from the bottom wall of the groove along the height direction of the battery pack, and the lower end of the battery cell abuts against the bottom wall of the groove.

[0006] Optionally, the grooves are arranged in a matrix, and a boundary is formed between every two adjacent grooves. The lower connecting plate also includes a notch, which is located at the boundary and communicates with the weakening groove.

[0007] Optional, The upper cover plate includes reinforcing ribs and multiple connecting parts, and the reinforcing ribs and the connecting parts are connected to the side of the upper cover plate facing the battery module; Multiple connecting parts are spaced apart and correspondingly fix the upper end of the battery cell, and the reinforcing ribs divide the multiple connecting parts into multiple regions.

[0008] Optionally, it may also include a support frame connected to the housing and / or the top cover plate, and circumferentially fitted to a plurality of the battery cells.

[0009] Optionally, the support frame is fixed to the upper cover plate, and the support frame is sleeved on the battery cell.

[0010] Optionally, along the height direction of the battery pack, the support frame is slidably connected to the housing and sleeved on the battery cell.

[0011] Optionally, the support frame includes a frame and a support plate, the frame being connected to the housing and / or the upper cover plate, and the support plate being movably connected to the frame and supporting the battery cell.

[0012] Optionally, the frame includes multiple through holes, and each battery cell passes through one of the through holes. Along the circumference of the through holes, multiple support plates are spaced apart on the inner periphery of each through hole, and the support plates can adjust the force with which they support the battery cells.

[0013] Optionally, the battery module includes multiple battery components, and each battery component contains multiple battery cells, with the support frame surrounding the battery components.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, including a battery pack as described above.

[0015] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the battery pack of this disclosure fixes the upper end of the battery cell to the upper cover plate and detachably connects the lower end to the lower connecting plate. When the battery pack is in a collision state, the lower end of the battery cell will detach from the lower connecting plate, which can cause the battery cell to bend or swing, thereby effectively absorbing and dispersing the impact energy, reducing the direct damage of the impact force to the battery cell structure, reducing the risk of fire and explosion, and improving the safety performance of the battery pack.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this specification.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the battery pack.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the battery pack from another perspective.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of the battery module.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the upper and middle cover plates.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the lower connecting plate.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a partial enlarged view of the connecting plate in this application.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of the combination of the battery module, support frame, and lower connecting plate.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the central support frame.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a processor, a sensor, and a support frame according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0029] If this disclosure uses terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure are used only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the battery pack. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the battery pack from another perspective. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of the battery module. (See image below.) Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the battery pack disclosed herein includes a housing 1, an upper cover plate 2, a lower connecting plate 3, and a battery module 4. The housing 1 has a receiving cavity 11, and the lower connecting plate 3 is fixed within the receiving cavity 11 and adjacent to the bottom of the receiving cavity 11. The battery module 4 is located within the receiving cavity 11, and along the height direction of the battery pack, the battery module 4 is positioned above the lower connecting plate 3. The upper cover plate 2 is fixed to the housing 1 and positioned above the battery module 4. The upper cover plate 2 can cover the receiving cavity 11, thereby enclosing the lower connecting plate 3 and the battery module 4 within the housing 1.

[0031] The battery module 4 includes a battery cell 41, wherein the upper end of the battery cell 41 is fixed to the upper cover plate 2, and the lower end is detachably connected to the lower connecting plate 3. The battery pack may also include a normal use state and an impact state. When the battery pack is in the normal use state, the lower end of the battery cell 41 is connected to the lower connecting plate 3, so that the battery cell 41 is relatively stably placed in the housing 1. When the battery pack is in the impact state, the lower end of the battery cell 41 detaches from the lower connecting plate 3 under the action of impact force.

[0032] In other words, the constraint force on the lower end of the battery cell 41 is less than the constraint force on the upper end of the battery cell 41, that is, the constraint strength between the upper end of the battery cell 41 and the upper cover plate 2 is greater than the constraint strength between the lower end of the battery cell 41 and the lower connecting plate 3. Thus, when the battery pack is in normal use, the battery cell 41 can be more securely connected to the lower connecting plate 3, while when the battery pack is in a collision state, the lower end of the battery cell 41 can be freed from constraint compared to its upper end.

[0033] It should be noted that the lower end of the battery cell 41 will only detach from the lower connecting plate 3 when the connection strength between the battery cell 41 and the lower connecting plate 3 is insufficient to withstand excessive impact. For example, taking a battery pack installed in a vehicle as an example, if the battery pack is directly impacted by an external object or if the vehicle collides with a component of the vehicle itself, the casing 1 will deform and press against the battery cell 41, causing the lower end of the battery cell 41 to detach from the lower connecting plate 3. However, when the vehicle encounters aggressive driving conditions such as slopes, sudden braking, or sharp turns, or when the vehicle experiences a minor collision and the casing 1 is not deformed, the lower connecting plate 3 can provide necessary damping and support for the battery cell 41 to prevent significant displacement of the battery cell 41. In these situations, the lower end of the battery cell 41 remains connected to the lower connecting plate 3.

[0034] With this configuration, when the battery pack is in a collision state, the lower end of the battery cell 41 will detach from the lower connecting plate 3. This allows the battery cell 41 to bend or swing, thereby effectively absorbing and dispersing the impact energy, reducing the direct damage of the impact force to the structure of the battery cell 41, reducing the risk of battery pack fire and explosion, and improving the safety performance of the battery pack.

[0035] When the battery pack is in a collision state, the lower connecting plate 3 and the lower end of the battery cell 41 may detach from the lower connecting plate 3 under the impact force due to the failure of the connection. Alternatively, the lower connecting plate 3 may be crushed or broken under the impact force, causing the lower end of the battery cell 41 to detach from the lower connecting plate 3.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the upper and middle cover plates. (e.g.) Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the upper cover 2 includes reinforcing ribs 21 and multiple connecting portions 22. The reinforcing ribs 21 are connected to the side of the upper cover 2 facing the battery module 4. Specifically, the reinforcing ribs 21 can be formed by stamping, that is, the reinforcing ribs 21 protrude from the side of the upper cover 2 facing the battery module 4, or the reinforcing ribs 21 are recessed from the side of the upper cover 2 away from the battery module 4, so that the reinforcing ribs 21 extend beyond the side of the upper cover 2 facing the battery module 4. The reinforcing ribs 21 are used to increase the overall strength of the upper cover 2 and improve the safety of the battery pack.

[0037] The connecting part 22 is connected to the side of the upper cover plate 2 facing the battery module 4, and multiple connecting parts 22 are spaced apart and correspondingly fix the upper end of the battery cell 41. At the same time, the reinforcing rib 21 divides the multiple connecting parts 22 into multiple areas. This arrangement ensures the positioning and fixation of the battery cell 41, while also reserving channels and installation space for components such as wires and busbars, which is beneficial for wiring and daily maintenance. In addition, the reinforcing rib 21 and the spaced connecting parts 22 can also promote air circulation or provide space for the layout of liquid cooling pipes.

[0038] To meet the installation requirements of matching the upper end of the battery cell 41, the connecting part 22 can be in different forms such as bolt holes, slots or dovetail grooves, which are not limited in this article.

[0039] To improve the overall safety of the battery pack, the lower connecting plate 3 has heat insulation, electrical insulation, and elastic or crushable properties. Thus, the lower connecting plate 3 can provide necessary damping and support for the lower end of the battery cell 41, preventing large displacement of the battery cell 41. In the event of a severe collision, the lower connecting plate 3 can be quickly crushed or fail, releasing the constraint on the lower end of the battery cell 41 and reducing the peak impact load on the battery cell 41. The lower connecting plate 3 is preferably, but not limited to, flexible materials such as flame-retardant rubber, high-temperature resistant foam, silicone, ceramic fiber pads, and aerogel composite materials. In some other embodiments, the lower connecting plate 3 can also be a rigid material; this is not a limitation herein.

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the lower connecting plate. Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged view of the connecting plate in this application. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the lower connecting plate 3 includes a groove 31, which is recessed from the side of the lower connecting plate 3 facing the battery module 4. When the battery pack is in normal use, the lower ends of the battery cells 41 are correspondingly located within the grooves 31. This arrangement allows the lower connecting plate 3 to provide support for the lower ends of the battery cells 41, thereby increasing the connection strength between the lower connecting plate 3 and the battery cells 41 to withstand the impact forces received by the lower ends of the battery cells 41 when the vehicle encounters aggressive driving conditions such as slopes, sudden braking, or sharp turns. The lower connecting plate 3 and the lower ends of the battery cells 41 can be connected by snap-fitting, adhesive bonding, or other methods.

[0041] The lower connecting plate 3 also includes a weakening groove 32. Along the height direction of the battery pack, the weakening groove 32 is recessed from the bottom wall of the groove 31 and communicates with the groove 31. Along the height direction of the battery pack, the area of ​​the weakening groove 32 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the groove 31. When the battery pack is in a normal state, the lower end of the battery cell 41 is against the bottom wall of the groove 31 and covers the weakening groove 32. By providing the weakening groove 32, the lower connecting plate 3 can effectively reduce the bonding area between the lower end of the battery cell 41 and the bottom wall of the groove 31, thereby reducing the connection strength between them. Thus, when the battery pack is in a collision state, the lower end of the battery cell 41 can more easily detach from the groove 31, causing the battery cell 41 to bend or swing, thereby effectively absorbing and dispersing impact energy and reducing the direct damage to the battery cell 41 structure caused by the impact force. At the same time, the weakening groove 32 can also weaken the strength of the lower connecting plate 3 by reducing its thickness, making the lower connecting plate 3 easier to crush or break, thereby more quickly eliminating the constraint on the lower end of the battery cell 41.

[0042] The cross-section of the weakening groove 32 can be cross-shaped, star-shaped, rectangular, circular, etc., and this paper does not impose any restrictions on it.

[0043] Each lower connecting plate 3 has multiple grooves 31 arranged in a matrix, and a boundary 33 is formed between every two adjacent grooves 31. The lower connecting plate 3 may also include a notch 34, which is located at the boundary 33 and communicates with the weakening groove 32. In other words, along the height direction of the battery pack, the notch 34 penetrates the boundary 33 and extends to the bottom wall of the weakening groove 32, and every two adjacent grooves 31 and the weakening groove 32 below them are connected through the notch 34.

[0044] The lower connecting plate 3 has notches 34, which makes the boundary edge 33 more prone to deformation, thereby effectively reducing the overall strength of the lower connecting plate 3. When the battery pack is in a collision state, the lower end of the battery cell 41 can more easily detach from the groove 31. To further reduce the strength of the lower connecting plate 3, multiple notches 34 can be provided at intervals on each boundary edge 33.

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A 3D view of the combination of the battery module, support frame, and lower connecting plate. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the central support frame. (See image below.) Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, the battery pack of this disclosure may further include a support frame 5, which is connected to the housing 1 and / or the top cover 2. Specifically, the support frame 5 is connected only to the housing 1 or the top cover 2, or the support frame 5 is connected to both the housing 1 and the top cover 2. The support frame 5 is fitted around and attached to a plurality of battery cells 41. In this way, the support frame 5 can provide support for the battery cells 41.

[0046] The support frame 5 is fixed to the upper cover plate 2. In other words, the support frame 5 can be installed and moved with the upper cover plate 2 and is fixedly set relative to the upper cover plate 2. The support frame 5 is sleeved on the battery cell 41 to support the battery cell 41.

[0047] In some other embodiments, the support frame 5 is slidably connected to the housing 1 along the height direction of the battery pack and is fitted onto the battery cell 41. This arrangement allows the support frame 5 to support different areas of the battery cell 41, effectively providing support to the battery cell 41 under different collision conditions, thereby further improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0048] The support frame 5 includes a frame 51 and support plates 52. The frame 51 is connected to the housing 1 and / or the upper cover 2. The support plates 52 are movably connected to the frame 51 and support the battery cells 41. Multiple support plates 52 are spaced apart, and the force with which the support plates 52 support the battery cells 41 is adjustable. Specifically, the frame 51 can be slidably connected to the housing 1 via a motor, cylinder, or electromagnetic drive. Similarly, the support plates 52 can be movably connected to the frame 51 via a motor, cylinder, or electromagnetic drive. By adjusting the force with which the support plates 52 support the battery cells 41, the support plates 52 can provide a better deformation and energy absorption path for the battery cells 41 when the battery pack is bottomed out or colliding.

[0049] For example, when the front of the battery pack is impacted, to increase the support strength of the battery cell 41, the support plate 52 can apply or increase the support force behind the battery cell 41 to improve the connection strength of the battery cell 41. Furthermore, to make it easier for the lower end of the battery cell 41 to detach from the lower connecting plate 3, the support plate 52 can apply or increase the support force in front of the battery cell 41, supplemented by an external impact force, so that the battery cell 41 can swing more easily, thereby protecting the battery cell 41.

[0050] To further improve the safety of the battery cell 41, each battery cell 41 has multiple support plates 52 on its periphery to provide support. Specifically, the frame 51 includes multiple through holes 511, and each battery cell 41 has a corresponding through hole 511. Along the circumference of the through hole 511, multiple support plates 52 are spaced apart on the inner periphery of each through hole 511. For example, to provide multi-directional support for each battery cell 41, at least four support plates 52 are provided on the inner periphery of each through hole 511, and they are respectively attached to the front, back, left, and right sides of the battery cell 41. The supporting force applied by the support plates 52 in each direction can be the same or different.

[0051] In some other embodiments, the battery module 4 includes a plurality of battery components 42, and each battery component 42 is provided with a plurality of battery cells 41, and a support frame 5 is arranged around the battery component 42. Specifically, the through holes 511 are fitted one-to-one with the battery components 42, and the support plate 52 of the support frame 5 only abuts against the periphery of the battery components 42.

[0052] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a processor, a sensor, and a support frame according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 As shown, this disclosure also provides a vehicle including a sensor 6, a processor 7, and a battery pack as described above. The sensor 6 is used to sense road conditions and monitor vehicle collision risks. The processor 7 is electrically connected to the sensor 6 to receive and process information fed back from the sensor 6. The processor 7 can also be used to control the sliding of the support frame 5 and adjust the force supporting the battery cells 41. Specifically, the processor 7 can be electrically connected to a drive device that controls the sliding of the frame 51 and the movement of the support plate 52, thereby controlling the aforementioned drive device.

[0053] In some embodiments, if sensor 6 detects a collision risk to the vehicle, processor 7 can pre-determine the collision location of the battery pack based on the information fed back by sensor 6, and then control the drive device to drive the frame 51 to slide relative to the housing 1, so that the support plate 52 abuts against the battery cell 41. Simultaneously, processor 7 analyzes the potential damage from the collision. If the collision is minor and unlikely to damage the battery pack, processor 7 controls the support plates 52 in multiple directions to increase support force, thereby improving the stability of the battery cell 41. If the collision is severe and may damage the battery pack, processor 7 controls the support plates 52 to increase support force along the direction of the impact force, making it easier for the lower end of the battery cell 41 to detach from the lower connecting plate 3 and swing, reducing the damage to the battery cell 41 from the impact force, lowering the risk of battery pack fire and explosion, and improving vehicle safety performance. Sensor 6 can be a camera, laser sensor, thermal imaging sensor, etc.

[0054] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or complemented by each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The housing has a receiving cavity; A top cover plate, which is fixed to the housing and covers the receiving cavity; A lower connecting plate, which is fixed inside the receiving cavity; A battery module, comprising a battery cell, the upper end of which is fixed to the upper cover plate and the lower end of which is detachably connected to the lower connecting plate; The battery pack also includes a normal use state and a collision state. When the battery pack is in the normal use state, the lower end of each battery cell is connected to the lower connecting plate. When the battery pack is in the collision state, the lower end of each battery cell detaches from the lower connecting plate under the action of an impact force.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower connecting plate includes a groove, which is recessed from the side of the lower connecting plate toward the battery module; when the battery pack is in the normal use state, the lower ends of the individual battery cells are respectively located in the groove.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower connecting plate also includes a weakening groove, which is recessed from the bottom wall of the groove along the height direction of the battery pack, and the lower end of the battery cell is attached to the bottom wall of the groove.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The grooves are arranged in a matrix, and a boundary is formed between each pair of adjacent grooves. The lower connecting plate also includes a notch, which is located at the boundary and communicates with the weakening groove.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper cover plate includes reinforcing ribs and multiple connecting parts, and the reinforcing ribs and the connecting parts are connected to the side of the upper cover plate facing the battery module. Multiple connecting parts are spaced apart and correspondingly fix the upper end of the battery cell, and the reinforcing ribs divide the multiple connecting parts into multiple regions.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame connected to the housing and / or the top cover plate, and circumferentially fitted to a plurality of the battery cells.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support frame is fixed to the upper cover plate and is sleeved on the battery cell.

8. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the height direction of the battery pack, the support frame is slidably connected to the housing and sleeved on the battery cell.

9. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support frame includes a frame and a support plate. The frame is connected to the housing and / or the upper cover plate, and the support plate is movably connected to the frame and supports the battery cell.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, The frame includes multiple through holes, and each battery cell passes through one of the through holes. Along the circumference of each through hole, multiple support plates are spaced apart on the inner periphery of each through hole, and the support plates support the battery cells with adjustable force.

11. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The battery module includes multiple battery components, and each battery component contains multiple battery cells, with the support frame surrounding the battery components.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images