Battery module, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle, the battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction and an end plate assembly, the end plate assembly comprises an end plate and a pressure adjusting device, the end plate is arranged at at least one end of the first direction of the plurality of battery cells, and an accommodating cavity is formed in the end plate; and the pressure adjusting device is arranged in the accommodating cavity and is used for adjusting the pressure output to the battery cell by the end plate. Therefore, the restraining force of the end plate on the battery cell can be actively adjusted in real time, the volume of the whole battery module can be prevented from being increased, and the waste of extra space can be avoided.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs and vehicles Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, because the expansion force of solid-state battery cells is greater than that of conventional battery cells, the stacking of cells into battery modules requires higher restraint. Solid-state battery modules expand during charging; excessive expansion force will cause deformation and increase in size. During discharging, solid-state battery modules contract. To restrain this deformation, solid-state battery modules are constructed by stacking cells, and then the battery modules are fixed and restrained by end plates.

[0003] However, end plates generally rely on their own elastic materials to passively increase their own rebound force as the cell expands. This rebound force is usually uncontrollable and cannot meet the restraint force required by the battery module. Moreover, as the number of expansion cycles increases, this rebound force will decrease or even disappear. Therefore, it is difficult to meet the charging or discharging requirements of solid-state batteries by passively restraining the cell through the end plate itself. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can actively adjust the restraint force of the end plate on the battery cell in real time. The pressure adjustment device is set in the receiving cavity, which can avoid increasing the volume of the entire battery module and also avoid wasting additional space.

[0005] The present invention further proposes a battery pack.

[0006] The present invention also proposes a vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction; an end plate assembly, the end plate assembly including an end plate and a pressure regulating device, the end plate being disposed at at least one end of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, a receiving cavity being formed in the end plate, the pressure regulating device being disposed in the receiving cavity, and the pressure regulating device regulating the pressure output by the end plate to the battery cells.

[0008] Therefore, the end plate in the end plate assembly of this battery module can actively adjust the restraint force of the end plate on the battery cell in real time, thereby ensuring the charging or discharging requirements of the battery module. Moreover, the pressure regulating device is set in the housing cavity, which can avoid increasing the size of the entire battery module and avoid additional space waste.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the end plate includes: an end plate body, one side of which is open; a cover plate, which is movably disposed on the side of the end plate body and forms the receiving cavity with the end plate body, the cover plate being drivenly connected to the pressure regulating device, and the pressure regulating device adjusting the pressure output by the cover plate to the battery cell by driving the cover plate to move.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pressure regulating device includes: a drive mechanism; and a pressure actuator, wherein the drive mechanism is connected to the pressure actuator, and the drive mechanism selectively transmits power or medium to the pressure actuator so that the pressure actuator drives the cover plate to move.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving mechanism includes: a medium source; a driving member, the driving member being connected to the medium source and the pressure actuator respectively, to selectively transmit the medium from the medium source to the pressure actuator, and the pressure actuator being connected to the medium source to selectively transmit the medium to the medium source.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pressure actuator includes: a medium cylinder connected to the drive member, the medium cylinder having a push rod connected to the cover plate; and a pressure relief valve connected to both the medium cylinder and the medium source to selectively transfer the medium to the medium source.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving mechanism includes: a driving member; a first transmission member disposed on the driving member; and a second transmission member disposed on the pressure actuator, wherein the second transmission member is in a transmission cooperation with the first transmission member to drive the overall length of the pressure actuator to increase or decrease.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pressure actuator includes: a lead screw, a second transmission member disposed on the lead screw; a first threaded member, the first threaded member being threadedly engaged with the lead screw, the first threaded member being disposed on one of the end plate body and the cover plate, and the lead screw being rotatably disposed on the other of the end plate body and the cover plate.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pressure actuator further includes: a second threaded component, which is threadedly engaged with the lead screw and is axially spaced from the first threaded component on the lead screw; the first threaded component is disposed on the end plate body and the second threaded component is disposed on the cover plate; the threads of the first threaded component and the second threaded component have opposite directions.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the first transmission member and the second transmission member are gears, and the driving mechanism further includes a transmission chain, which is sleeved on the first transmission member and the second transmission member and meshes with the first transmission member and the second transmission member respectively.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple pressure actuators, which are spaced apart within the accommodating cavity and are all connected to the same driving mechanism.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the end plate assembly of the battery module further includes: an elastic seal disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the end plate body, the cover plate being connected to the elastic seal to form a sealed receiving cavity; and / or a controller and an external connector, the controller being disposed in the receiving cavity and electrically connected to the pressure regulating device, the external connector being disposed on the outer side wall of the end plate and electrically connected to the controller.

[0019] A battery module according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells stacked along a first direction; and an end plate assembly of the battery module, the end plate assembly being disposed at at least one end of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the battery module further includes: a pressure detector disposed on at least one side of the battery cell in the first direction for detecting the pressure of the battery cell, the pressure detector being electrically connected to the pressure regulating device.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell is a solid-state battery cell.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes the battery module described above.

[0023] A vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: the battery pack described above, or the battery module described above.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: FIG1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG2 is a structural schematic diagram of an end plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG3 is a structural schematic diagram of a pressure regulating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG4 is a structural schematic diagram of a pressure regulating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals: 100, end plate assembly; 1, end plate; 11, receiving cavity; 12, end plate body; 13, cover plate; 2, pressure regulating device; 21, drive mechanism; 211, medium source; 2111, liquid storage tank; 2112, hydraulic pump; 212, drive component; 213, first transmission component; 214, second transmission component; 215, transmission chain; 216, turntable; 22, pressure actuator; 221, medium cylinder; 2211, push rod; 222, pressure relief valve; 223, lead screw; 224, first threaded component; 225, second threaded component; 3, elastic seal; 4, controller; 5, external connector; 6, battery cell; 7, pressure detector; 8, structural adhesive; 9, support plate; 10, wiring; 200, battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0028] The battery module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to Figures 1-4.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1-2, a battery module 200 according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells 6 stacked along a first direction and an end plate assembly 100. The end plate assembly 100 includes an end plate 1 and a pressure regulating device 2. The end plate 1 is disposed at at least one end of the plurality of battery cells 6 in the first direction. A receiving cavity 11 is formed in the end plate 1. The pressure regulating device 2 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11 and regulates the pressure output by the end plate 1 to the battery cells 6.

[0030] The end plate 1 is disposed at at least one end of the plurality of battery cells 6 in the first direction. That is, the end plate 1 can be disposed at one end of the plurality of battery cells 6 in the first direction, or the end plate 1 can be disposed at both ends of the plurality of battery cells 6 in the first direction. In this way, the end plate 1 can facilitate the adjustment of the restraint force on the plurality of battery cells 6, thereby meeting the charging or discharging needs of the battery module 200.

[0031] An accommodating cavity 11 is formed in the end plate 1, and the pressure regulating device 2 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 11. The accommodating cavity 11 can provide accommodating space for the pressure regulating device 2, which can facilitate the installation of the pressure regulating device 2 and make reasonable use of the space of the accommodating cavity 11 without occupying additional space of the battery module 200. This can avoid increasing the volume of the entire battery module 200 and avoid wasting additional space.

[0032] Furthermore, since the solid-state battery module 200 expands during charging and contracts during discharging, the battery module 200 experiences increasing expansion force during charging. Excessive expansion force can cause deformation of the battery module 200, increasing its size. To maintain the overall volume of the battery module 200, an end plate assembly 100 is provided. This assembly dynamically adjusts the position and force of the end plate 1 relative to the battery module 200, ensuring that the overall size of the battery module 200 remains constant during charging or discharging.

[0033] Furthermore, the pressure regulating device 2 adjusts the pressure output from the end plate 1 to the cell 6. That is, when the battery module 200 discharges, the battery module 200 will gradually shrink. At the same time, the pressure regulating device 2 can make the end plate 1 press the cell 6 synchronously. In this way, the pressure regulating device 2 can make the pressure of the end plate 1 on the cell 6 gradually increase. Thus, the end plate 1 can apply a restraining force to the battery module 200, and this restraining force can respond quickly with the shrinkage of the battery module 200.

[0034] Similarly, when the battery module 200 is charging, the battery module 200 will expand. At the same time, the pressure regulating device 2 can gradually release the pressure of the end plate 1 on the cell 6. That is, the pressure regulating device 2 can gradually reduce the pressure of the end plate 1 on the cell 6. In this way, the restraining force that the end plate 1 can apply to the battery module 200 will be reduced, and this restraining force can respond quickly with the expansion of the battery module 200.

[0035] Therefore, the battery module 200 can actively adjust the restraint force of the end plate 1 on the cell 6 in real time, thereby ensuring the charging or discharging requirements of the battery module 200. Moreover, the pressure regulating device 2 is located in the receiving cavity 11, which can avoid increasing the size of the entire battery module 200 and also avoid wasting additional space.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG2, the end plate 1 includes: an end plate body 12 and a cover plate 13. One side of the end plate body 12 is open, and the cover plate 13 is movably disposed on one side of the end plate body 12. The cover plate 13 and the end plate body 12 form a receiving cavity 11. The cover plate 13 is connected to the pressure regulating device 2. The pressure regulating device 2 regulates the pressure output by the cover plate 13 to the battery cell 6 by driving the cover plate 13 to move.

[0037] The end plate 1 mainly consists of an end plate body 12 and a cover plate 13. One side of the end plate body 12 is open to facilitate the installation of the pressure regulating device 2. The cover plate 13 is movably disposed on one side of the end plate body 12, forming a receiving cavity 11 with the end plate body 12. Thus, the cover plate 13 can move away from the end plate body 12 or move closer to the end plate body 12, thereby facilitating the sealing of the receiving cavity 11.

[0038] Furthermore, the cover plate 13 is connected to the pressure regulating device 2 via a transmission connection. Thus, the pressure regulating device 2 can provide the cover plate 13 with the power to move. The pressure regulating device 2 can move the cover plate 13 away from the end plate body 12, or it can move the cover plate 13 closer to the end plate body 12. Moreover, by driving the cover plate 13 to move, the pressure regulating device 2 can adjust the pressure output by the cover plate 13 to the battery cell 6. Therefore, when the battery cell 6 expands during charging, because the pressure regulating device 2 is connected to the cover plate 13 via a transmission connection, the pressure regulating device 2 can drive the cover plate 13 to move, gradually reducing the pressure of the cover plate 13 on the battery cell 6. The cover plate 13 can move relative to the expansion of the battery cell 6, thereby meeting the needs of the battery cell 6 during charging.

[0039] Similarly, when the cell 6 contracts during discharge, the pressure regulating device 2 is connected to the cover plate 13. The pressure regulating device 2 can drive the cover plate 13, which can gradually increase the pressure of the cover plate 13 on the cell 6. The cover plate 13 can move relative to the contraction of the cell 6, thereby meeting the needs of the cell 6 during discharge.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG2, the pressure regulating device 2 includes a drive mechanism 21 and a pressure actuator 22. The drive mechanism 21 is connected to the pressure actuator 22. The drive mechanism 21 selectively transmits power or medium to the pressure actuator 22 so that the pressure actuator 22 drives the cover plate 13 to move.

[0041] The pressure regulating device 2 mainly consists of a drive mechanism 21 and a pressure actuator 22. The drive mechanism 21 is connected to the pressure actuator 22, thus providing the drive mechanism 21 with the power to move the pressure actuator 22. The drive mechanism 21 selectively transmits power or a medium to the pressure actuator 22. That is, the drive mechanism 21 can directly transmit power to the pressure actuator 22 through mechanical transmission, or the drive mechanism 21 can transmit power to the pressure actuator 22 through a medium such as gas or liquid, thereby enabling the pressure actuator 22 to drive the cover plate 13 to move.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG3, the drive mechanism 21 includes a medium source 211 and a drive member 212. The drive member 212 is connected to the medium source 211 and the pressure actuator 22 respectively, so as to selectively transmit the medium from the medium source 211 to the pressure actuator 22. The pressure actuator 22 is connected to the medium source 211, so as to selectively transmit the medium to the medium source 211.

[0043] Specifically, the drive unit 212 is connected to the medium source 211 and the pressure actuator 22 respectively. In this way, the drive unit 212 can provide power to the medium of the medium source 211, and can transmit the medium of the medium source 211 to the pressure actuator 22, thereby enabling the pressure actuator 22 to have the power to perform the operation.

[0044] Furthermore, the pressure actuator 22 is connected to the medium source 211. Thus, when the pressure actuator 22 needs to stop moving or return to its initial position, since the pressure actuator 22 is connected to the medium source 211, the medium transmitted to the pressure actuator 22 can be transmitted to the medium source 211, thereby releasing the power of the pressure actuator 22.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG3, the pressure actuator 22 includes a medium cylinder 221 and a pressure relief valve 222. The medium cylinder 221 is connected to the drive member 212. The medium cylinder 221 has a push rod 2211, which is connected to the cover plate 13. The pressure relief valve 222 is connected to the medium cylinder 221 and the medium source 211 respectively, thereby selectively transmitting the medium to the medium source 211.

[0046] The medium cylinder 221 is connected to the driving member 212, so that the driving member 212 can drive the medium source 211 to transfer the medium to the medium cylinder 221. In this way, the push rod 2211 in the medium cylinder 221 can be driven to move. Since the push rod 2211 is connected to the cover plate 13, the push rod 2211 can drive the cover plate 13 to move. For example, the push rod 2211 can push the cover plate 13 out of the receiving cavity 11, thereby making the cover plate 13 exert pressure on the battery cell 6.

[0047] Furthermore, the pressure relief valve 222 is connected to the medium cylinder 221 and the medium source 211 respectively. When the medium cylinder 221 needs to stop moving or return to its initial position, since the pressure relief valve 222 is connected to the medium cylinder 221 and the medium source 211 respectively, when the pressure relief valve 222 is opened, the medium in the medium cylinder 221 can be transferred to the medium source 211, so that the power in the medium cylinder 221 can be released, thereby stopping the medium cylinder 221 from moving or returning to its initial position.

[0048] Specifically, the medium in the medium source 211 can be gas or liquid, and correspondingly, the medium cylinder 221 can be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. When the medium in the medium source 211 is liquid, the medium cylinder 221 is a hydraulic cylinder. Furthermore, the medium source 211 also includes a liquid storage tank 2111 and a hydraulic pump 2112. The hydraulic pump 2112 is connected to the liquid storage tank 2111 via a pipeline, and is also connected to the drive component 212. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to the hydraulic pump 2112 via a pipeline, and the push rod 2211 of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the cover plate 13, thereby driving the cover plate 13 to move. The inlet of the pressure relief valve 222 is connected to the hydraulic cylinder via a pipeline, and the outlet of the pressure relief valve 222 is connected to the liquid storage tank 2111 via a pipeline.

[0049] When the cover plate 13 needs to increase the restraining force on the battery module 200, the drive component 212 (which can be a motor) drives the lever of the hydraulic pump 2112 to reciprocate by rotating the turntable 216. A negative pressure is created in the hydraulic pump 2112, drawing liquid from the storage tank 2111 through a pipeline. The hydraulic pump 2112 then pushes the liquid into the hydraulic cylinder through another pipeline. The push rod 2211 in the hydraulic cylinder, under the pressure of the liquid, pushes the cover plate 13 towards the battery cell 6, applying a restraining force to the surface of the battery cell 6. When the restraining force on the cover plate 13 needs to be reduced, the pressure relief valve 222 opens to release the liquid, allowing it to re-enter the storage tank 2111 through the pipeline. The drive component 212 stops moving, and the push rod 2211 of the hydraulic pump 2112 slowly retracts. Then, the cover plate 13 retracts, reducing the restraining force of the cover plate 13 on the battery cell 6. The speed of the drive unit 212 (motor) and the degree of opening of the pressure relief valve 222 can both control the speed and magnitude of the increase in restraint force, thereby enabling rapid and effective control of the restraint force of the battery module 200.

[0050] When the medium in the medium source 211 is gas, the medium cylinder 221 is a pneumatic cylinder. The medium source 211 also includes a gas storage tank and a pneumatic pump. The pneumatic pump is connected to the gas storage tank via a pipeline and is also connected to the drive component 212. The pneumatic cylinder is connected to the pneumatic pump via a pipeline, and the push rod 2211 of the pneumatic cylinder is connected to the cover plate 13, thereby driving the cover plate 13 to move. The inlet of the pressure relief valve 222 is connected to the pneumatic cylinder via a pipeline, and the outlet of the pressure relief valve 222 is connected to the gas storage tank via a pipeline.

[0051] When the cover plate 13 needs to increase the restraining force on the battery module 200, the drive component 212 (motor) can drive the pneumatic pump to work. A negative pressure is created in the pneumatic pump, drawing air from the gas storage tank through a pipeline. The pneumatic pump then pushes the air into the pneumatic cylinder through another pipeline. The push rod 2211 in the pneumatic cylinder, under the pressure of the air, pushes the cover plate 13 towards the battery cell 6, applying restraining force to the large surface of the battery cell 6. When the restraining force on the cover plate 13 needs to be reduced, the pressure relief valve 222 opens to release the air, allowing it to re-enter the gas storage tank through the pipeline. The drive component 212 stops moving, and the push rod 2211 of the pneumatic pump slowly retracts, causing the cover plate 13 to retract, thus reducing the restraining force on the battery cell 6. The movement speed of the drive component 212 (motor) and the opening degree of the pressure relief valve 222 can control the speed and magnitude of the increase in restraining force, thereby enabling rapid and effective control of the restraining force on the battery module 200.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG4, the driving mechanism 21 includes: a driving member 212, a first transmission member 213 and a second transmission member 214. The first transmission member 213 is disposed on the driving member 212, and the second transmission member 214 is disposed on the pressure actuator 22. The second transmission member 214 and the first transmission member 213 are in a transmission cooperation to drive the overall length of the pressure actuator 22 to increase or decrease.

[0053] The first transmission member 213 is disposed on the drive member 212, so that the drive member 212 can drive the first transmission member 213 to move. The second transmission member 214 is disposed on the pressure actuator 22, so that the second transmission member 214 can easily drive the pressure actuator 22 to move. Since the second transmission member 214 and the first transmission member 213 are in transmission cooperation, the first transmission member 213 can transmit power to the second transmission member 214, and the second transmission member 214 can drive the pressure actuator 22 to move. For example, the overall length of the pressure actuator 22 can increase during movement, so that the pressure actuator 22 can drive the cover plate 13 to apply pressure to the battery cell 6. The overall length of the pressure actuator 22 can decrease during movement, so that the pressure actuator 22 can drive the cover plate 13 to release the pressure applied to the battery cell 6.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG4, the pressure actuator 22 includes: a lead screw 223 and a first threaded member 224, a second transmission member 214 disposed on the lead screw 223, the first threaded member 224 being threadedly engaged with the lead screw 223, the first threaded member 224 being disposed on one of the end plate body 12 and the cover plate 13, and the lead screw 223 being rotatably disposed on the other of the end plate body 12 and the cover plate 13.

[0055] The second transmission component 214 is disposed on the lead screw 223, so that the second transmission component 214 can transmit power to the lead screw 223. Since the first threaded component 224 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 223, when the lead screw 223 rotates, the rotational motion of the lead screw 223 and the first threaded component 224 can be converted into the linear motion of the first threaded component 224, that is, the first threaded component 224 can extend or retract linearly.

[0056] Furthermore, the first threaded component 224 is disposed on one of the end plate body 12 and the cover plate 13, and the lead screw 223 is rotatably disposed on the other of the end plate body 12 and the cover plate 13. That is, when the first threaded component 224 is disposed on the cover plate 13, the lead screw 223 is rotatably disposed on the end plate body 12 accordingly, or when the first threaded component 224 is disposed on the end plate body 12, the lead screw 223 is rotatably disposed on the cover plate 13 accordingly. In this way, the cover plate 13 can move under the rotation of the threaded engagement of the lead screw 223 and the first threaded component 224.

[0057] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG4, the pressure actuator 22 further includes: a second threaded member 225, which is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 223, and the second threaded member 225 and the first threaded member 224 are axially spaced apart from each other on the lead screw 223. The first threaded member 224 is disposed on the end plate body 12, and the second threaded member 225 is disposed on the cover plate 13. The threads of the first threaded member 224 and the second threaded member 225 have opposite directions.

[0058] The second threaded component 225 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 223. When the lead screw 223 rotates, the rotational motion of the lead screw 223 and the second threaded component 225 is converted into the linear motion of the second threaded component 225. That is, the second threaded component 225 can extend or retract linearly.

[0059] Furthermore, the second threaded component 225 and the first threaded component 224 are axially spaced apart on the lead screw 223, allowing the first threaded component 224 and the second threaded component 225 to work independently, thereby avoiding interference between their movements. Additionally, the first threaded component 224 is mounted on the end plate body 12, which provides an installation position for it, facilitating its installation. The second threaded component 225 is mounted on the cover plate 13, and a support plate 9 can be mounted on it. The second threaded component 225 is connected to the cover plate 13 via the support plate 9, so that when the second threaded component 225 moves linearly, the support plate 9 can drive the cover plate 13 to move linearly as well.

[0060] Furthermore, the threads of the first threaded component 224 and the second threaded component 225 are opposite in direction. Since the lead screw 223 is provided with threads in the areas corresponding to the first threaded component 224 and the second threaded component 225 respectively, when the drive component 212 is a motor, the direction of the thread of the lead screw 223 corresponding to the first threaded component 224 is opposite to the direction of the thread of the lead screw 223 corresponding to the second threaded component 225. Therefore, when the threads of the first threaded component 224 and the second threaded component 225 are consistent, the direction of the thread of the lead screw 223 corresponding to the first threaded component 224 is set to be opposite to the direction of the thread of the lead screw 223 corresponding to the second threaded component 225. In this way, when the motor rotates forward or reverse, the first threaded component 224 and the second threaded component 225 can jointly push the support plate 9 to push the cover plate 13 to extend or retract, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the restraining force of the cover plate 13 on the battery cell 6.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG4, the first transmission member 213 and the second transmission member 214 are both gears, and the drive mechanism 21 further includes a transmission chain 215, which is sleeved on the first transmission member 213 and the second transmission member 214, and the transmission chain 215 meshes with the first transmission member 213 and the second transmission member 214 respectively.

[0062] In this system, the drive component 212 (motor) and the lead screw 223 transmit power through gears. Since the lead screw 223 has low transmission efficiency, in order to improve the transmission efficiency, a transmission chain 215 is fitted onto the first transmission component 213 and the second transmission component 214. In this way, in addition to the force between the gears, the transmission chain 215 can also provide an additional transmission capacity between the drive component 212 (motor) and the lead screw 223, thereby improving the transmission efficiency between the drive component 212 and the lead screw 223.

[0063] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, there are multiple pressure actuators 22, which are spaced apart in the receiving cavity 11, and all multiple pressure actuators 22 are connected to the same drive mechanism 21.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, the pressure actuator 22 can be a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder. For example, two pressure actuators 22 can be installed in the receiving cavity 11. The two pressure actuators 22 can be connected to the same drive mechanism 21 simultaneously. In this way, the same drive mechanism 21 can drive the two pressure actuators 22 to move the cover plate 13. The two pressure actuators 22 can provide a large force to the cover plate 13, thereby making the cover plate 13 generate a large restraining force on the battery cell 6. When one pressure actuator 22 fails, the other pressure actuator can still work, thus improving the safety and reliability of the pressure actuator 22.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG2, the end plate assembly 100 of the battery module 200 further includes: an elastic seal 3, a controller 4, and an external connector 5. The elastic seal 3 is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the end plate body 12, and the cover plate 13 is connected to the elastic seal 3 to form a sealed receiving cavity 11. The controller 4 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11 and is electrically connected to the pressure regulating device 2. The external connector 5 is disposed on the outer side wall of the end plate 1 and is electrically connected to the controller 4.

[0066] To prevent condensation and electrolyte from affecting the internal devices and wiring 10, the end plate 13 is assembled with the end plate body 12 using an elastic seal 3 (which can be an adhesive-backed foam) to ensure internal sealing. The elastic seal 3 provides a certain level of sealing and can also be compressed and released, allowing for displacement and deformation of the end plate 13. Furthermore, to ensure the end plate 13 can move with the pressure actuator 22 and to accommodate the compression and release of the elastic seal 3, the pressure actuator 22 is glued to the end plate 13 using structural adhesive 8. This ensures a more stable and secure connection between the pressure actuator 22 and the end plate 13.

[0067] Furthermore, the controller 4 is located inside the receiving cavity 11, which provides installation space for the controller 4. The controller 4 is electrically connected to the pressure regulating device 2, so that the controller 4 can control the pressure regulating device 2 to work, thereby facilitating the pressure regulating device 2 to adjust the pressure output from the end plate 1 to the battery cell 6.

[0068] Furthermore, the external connector 5 is disposed on the outer side wall of the end plate 1. The outer side wall of the end plate 1 can provide an installation position for the external connector 5. Moreover, the external connector 5 is electrically connected to the controller 4. Through the external connector 5, power supply and signal transmission can be carried out with the outside world. Thus, after the external connector 5 is powered on, it passes through the controller 4. The controller 4 can control the working state of the drive mechanism 21. The drive mechanism 21 can provide a power source for the pressure actuator 22. Finally, the pressure actuator 22 can extend or retract the cover plate 13, thereby allowing real-time adjustment of the restraint force of the battery module 200.

[0069] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG1, the battery module 200 further includes a pressure detector 7, which is disposed on at least one side of the cell 6 in a first direction for detecting the pressure of the cell 6, and the pressure detector 7 is electrically connected to the pressure regulating device 2.

[0070] To detect the expansion force of the battery cell 6 and facilitate real-time adjustment of the force applied to the end plate 1, a pressure detector 7 is positioned on at least one side of the battery cell 6 in the first direction. The pressure detector 7 can be positioned between the cover plate 13 and the battery cell 6. By adjusting the pressure level fed back by the pressure detector 7, the cover plate 13 can be kept within a certain range, thus maintaining the stability of the restraining force on the battery cell 6 and enabling the solid-state battery module 200 to be charged or discharged stably.

[0071] According to some embodiments of the present invention, cell 6 is a solid-state cell.

[0072] The solid-state battery cell can be a semi-solid-state battery, or it can be a quasi-solid-state battery. Thus, the solid-state battery cell can expand during charging and contract during discharging, thereby meeting the charging and discharging requirements of the battery module 200.

[0073] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes: the battery module 200 described above.

[0074] A vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: the battery pack of the above embodiments, or the battery module 200 of the above embodiments.

[0075] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0076] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more. In the description of this invention, "above" or "below" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or it may include contact between the first and second features not being in direct contact but through another feature between them. In the description of this invention, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0077] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0078] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, include: Multiple battery cells (6) stacked along a first direction; an end plate assembly (100) including an end plate (1) and a pressure regulating device (2), the end plate (1) being disposed at at least one end of the multiple battery cells (6) in the first direction, a receiving cavity (11) being formed in the end plate (1), the pressure regulating device (2) being disposed in the receiving cavity (11), and the pressure regulating device (2) regulating the pressure output by the end plate (1) to the battery cells (6).

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate (1) includes: an end plate body (12), one side of which is open; and a cover plate (13), which is movably disposed on the side of the end plate body (12) and forms the receiving cavity (11) with the end plate body (12). The cover plate (13) is connected to the pressure regulating device (2) by transmission, and the pressure regulating device (2) adjusts the pressure output by the cover plate (13) to the battery cell (6) by driving the cover plate (13) to move.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure regulating device (2) includes: a drive mechanism (21); a pressure actuator (22), wherein the drive mechanism (21) is connected to the pressure actuator (22), and the drive mechanism (21) transmits power or medium to the pressure actuator (22) so that the pressure actuator (22) drives the cover plate (13) to move.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (21) includes: a medium source (211); a drive member (212), the drive member (212) being connected to the medium source (211) and the pressure actuator (22) respectively, to transmit the medium from the medium source (211) to the pressure actuator (22), and the pressure actuator (22) being connected to the medium source (211) to transmit the medium to the medium source (211).

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure actuator (22) includes: a medium cylinder (221) connected to the drive member (212), the medium cylinder (221) having a push rod (2211) connected to the cover plate (13); and a pressure relief valve (222) connected to the medium cylinder (221) and the medium source (211) respectively, so as to transfer the medium to the medium source (211).

6. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (21) includes: a drive member (212); a first transmission member (213) disposed on the drive member (212); and a second transmission member (214) disposed on the pressure actuator (22). The second transmission member (214) is in transmission cooperation with the first transmission member (213) to drive the overall length of the pressure actuator (22) to increase or decrease.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure actuator (22) includes: a lead screw (223), a second transmission member (214) disposed on the lead screw (223); a first threaded member (224), which is threadedly engaged with the lead screw (223), the first threaded member (224) being disposed on one of the end plate body (12) and the cover plate (13), and the lead screw (223) being rotatably disposed on the other of the end plate body (12) and the cover plate (13).

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pressure actuator (22) further includes: a second threaded component (225), which is threadedly engaged with the lead screw (223) and is axially spaced from the first threaded component (224) on the lead screw (223). The first threaded component (224) is disposed on the end plate body (12) and the second threaded component (225) is disposed on the cover plate (13). The threads of the first threaded component (224) and the second threaded component (225) have opposite directions.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first transmission member (213) and the second transmission member (214) are both gears. The drive mechanism (21) further includes a transmission chain (215), which is sleeved on the first transmission member (213) and the second transmission member (214) and meshes with the first transmission member (213) and the second transmission member (214) respectively.

10. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, There are multiple pressure actuators (22), which are distributed at intervals within the receiving cavity (11) and are all connected to the same drive mechanism (21).

11. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: An elastic seal (3) is disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the end plate body (12), and the cover plate (13) is connected to the elastic seal (3) to form a sealed receiving cavity (11); and / or a controller (4) and an external connector (5), wherein the controller (4) is disposed in the receiving cavity (11) and electrically connected to the pressure regulating device (2), and the external connector (5) is disposed on the outer side wall of the end plate (1) and electrically connected to the controller (4).

12. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A pressure detector (7) is disposed on at least one side of the cell (6) in the first direction for detecting the pressure of the cell (6), and the pressure detector (7) is electrically connected to the pressure regulating device (2).

13. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell (6) is a solid-state battery cell.

14. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The battery module according to any one of claims 1-13.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The battery pack of claim 14, or the battery module of any one of claims 1-13.

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