Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

In order to solve the problem that in the prior art, when the number of battery cells of a battery module is increased or decreased, the battery module is limited by a structural part and cannot move, the battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells, a liquid cooling plate, a cross beam, a fixing plate, a first end plate and a second end plate, and the plurality of battery cells are arranged on the liquid cooling plate to form a battery cell group; the first end plate and the second end plate are respectively arranged at two ends of the battery cell group, two ends of the liquid cooling plate are respectively provided with a first mounting hole site and a second mounting hole site, the cross beam and the fixing plate are respectively arranged at two ends of the battery cell group, the cross beam is connected with the liquid cooling plate through the first mounting hole site, and the fixing plate is connected with the liquid cooling plate through the second mounting hole site. The bottom of the first end plate is connected with the beam, and the bottom of the second end plate is connected with the fixing plate. According to the battery module provided by the utility model, after the number of the battery cells is increased or decreased, the second end plate can be fixed on the basis of not changing other structural members, so that the problem that the fixed plate cannot move along with the battery cells due to the position limitation of the structural members of the battery module is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of electrochemical energy storage equipment manufacturing, and specifically relates to a battery module and a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] The battery module is a key component in the power battery system. The existing battery module mainly includes structural parts such as battery cells, liquid cooling plates, end plates and cross beams. In the specific assembly of the battery module, multiple battery cells are arranged on the liquid cooling plate to form a battery cell group. The end plates are usually arranged at both ends of the battery cell group and connected to the liquid cooling plates to fix the battery cell group. Correspondingly, holes for fixing the end plates are opened on the liquid cooling plate. Since the liquid cooling plate is provided with a flow channel for the circulation of coolant, the connection position (hole position) between the end plate and the liquid cooling plate cannot be changed after being determined during the installation process due to the limitation of the flow channel. When the number of battery cells in the battery module needs to be increased or decreased, the end plate cannot move directly with the battery cell group. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module and a battery pack in view of the problem in the prior art that when the number of battery cells of a battery module is increased or decreased according to actual needs, the battery module is restricted by structural parts and cannot move directly with the battery cells.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve the above technical problems is as follows:

[0005] On the one hand, the utility model provides a battery module, including multiple battery cells, a liquid cooling plate, a cross beam, a fixed plate, a first end plate and a second end plate, the multiple battery cells are arranged on the liquid cooling plate to form a battery cell group, the first end plate and the second end plate are respectively arranged at the two ends of the battery cell group, the two ends of the liquid cooling plate are respectively provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole, the cross beam and the fixed plate are respectively arranged at the two ends of the battery cell group, the cross beam is connected to the liquid cooling plate through the first mounting hole, the fixed plate is connected to the liquid cooling plate through the second mounting hole, the bottom of the first end plate is connected to the cross beam, and the bottom of the second end plate is connected to the fixed plate.

[0006] Optionally, a load-bearing frame is further included, wherein the load-bearing frame is in contact with a side of the liquid cooling plate facing away from the battery cell group.

[0007] Optionally, assembly holes are provided at the edge of the liquid cooling plate and the edge of the load-bearing frame, and the diameters of the assembly holes correspond to each other.

[0008] Optionally, the liquid cooling plate includes an upper liquid cooling plate and a lower liquid cooling plate, the lower liquid cooling plate is provided with a plurality of flow channels, the flow channels are used for conveying and circulating cooling liquid, the battery cell group is in contact with the upper liquid cooling plate, and the upper liquid cooling plate covers the lower liquid cooling plate and closes the top surface of the flow channels.

[0009] Optionally, the fixing plate is a rectangular plate, the length direction of the fixing plate is parallel to the crossbeam, and the bottom surface of the fixing plate is in contact with the liquid cooling plate.

[0010] Optionally, the interior of the fixed plate is a hollow structure, and the bottom surface of the fixed plate is provided with a plurality of raised surfaces along the length extension direction of the fixed plate, the plurality of raised surfaces are arranged in parallel with each other, a recessed surface is formed between two adjacent raised surfaces, and the raised surfaces are welded to the liquid cooling plate.

[0011] Optionally, the second end plate and the fixing plate are connected by screws.

[0012] Optionally, it also includes a cable tie, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the battery cell group.

[0013] Optionally, the cable tie is made of metal or plastic.

[0014] On the other hand, the utility model provides a battery pack, including a battery box and the battery module, wherein the battery module is placed in the battery box.

[0015] The battery module provided by the utility model includes multiple battery cells, a liquid cooling plate, a crossbeam, a fixed plate, a first end plate and a second end plate. Multiple battery cells constitute a battery cell group, and the first end plate and the second end plate are respectively arranged at the two ends of the battery cell group, and then the crossbeam and the fixed plate are arranged at the two ends of the battery cell group and fixed to the liquid cooling plate. Since the voltage and capacitance actually required by the battery module in different application scenarios are different, it is necessary to increase or decrease the number of battery cells in the battery cell group according to actual needs. After increasing or decreasing the number of battery cells in the battery module provided by the present application, the size of the fixed plate can be adjusted according to the distance from the fixed plate to the second end plate without changing other structural parts, so as to achieve a fixed connection with the end plate, which effectively solves the problem that the fixed plate cannot directly follow the movement of the battery cell due to the position of the structural parts of the battery module; in addition, this arrangement ensures the versatility of the original structural parts of the battery module after increasing or decreasing batteries, which is conducive to saving production costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is the overall assembly diagram of the battery module provided by the utility model;

[0017] Figure 2This is a side view of the battery module provided by the utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid cooling plate structure of the battery module provided by the utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 It is an exploded view of the liquid cooling plate provided by the utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a fixing plate provided by the utility model.

[0022] The reference numerals in the drawings of the specification are as follows:

[0023] 1. Liquid cooling plate; 11. Upper liquid cooling plate; 12. Lower liquid cooling plate; 121. Flow channel; 13. First mounting hole; 14. Second mounting hole; 2. Crossbeam; 3. Fixing plate; 31. Concave surface; 32. Raised surface; 4. Second end plate; 5. Battery cell group; 51. Battery cell; 6. Load-bearing frame; 7. Cable tie; 8. First end plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects solved by the utility model more clear, the utility model is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain the utility model and are not used to limit the utility model.

[0025] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "radial", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The utility model embodiment provides a battery module, including multiple battery cells 51, a liquid cooling plate 1, a crossbeam 2, a fixed plate 3, a first end plate 8 and a second end plate 4, multiple battery cells 51 are arranged on the liquid cooling plate 1 to form a battery cell 51 group, the first end plate 8 and the second end plate 4 are respectively arranged at the two ends of the battery cell group 5, the two ends of the liquid cooling plate 1 are respectively provided with a first mounting hole 13 and a second mounting hole 14, the crossbeam 2 and the fixed plate 3 are respectively arranged at the two ends of the battery cell group 5, the crossbeam 2 is connected to the liquid cooling plate 1 through the first mounting hole 13, the fixed plate 3 is connected to the liquid cooling plate 1 through the second mounting hole 14, the bottom of the first end plate 8 is connected to the crossbeam 2, and the bottom of the second end plate 4 is connected to the fixed plate 3.

[0028] It should be noted that the application of electrochemical energy storage equipment in the power system is mainly divided into the power supply side, the grid side and the user side; the energy storage equipment applied to the grid side is affected by the PCS (energy storage converter, Power Conversion System) specifications and insulation technology. The current mainstream DC side system voltage in the market is between 1000 and 1500VDC. Also affected by the PCS specifications, the DC side system voltage of the user-side energy storage is generally below 1000VDC. Due to the difference in system voltage, the battery modules used for grid energy storage and for user energy storage will also be different, which is specifically reflected in the difference in the number of battery cells in the battery modules of the two (the number of battery cells in grid energy storage equipment is greater than that in user energy storage equipment, for example, 1P48S Pack compared to 1P52S Pack has 4 fewer battery cells), which makes the energy storage device finally prepared different; however, in actual applications, there is a demand to transform the power grid energy storage device into a user energy storage device. Currently, there are two main transformation methods. One solution is to reduce the size of the lower box and upper cover of the power grid energy storage device module, but the lower box and upper cover and other parts need to be re-molded, which is costly; one solution is to move the module crossbeam of the power grid energy storage device. Since the liquid cooling plate is provided with a flow channel for the circulation of the coolant, the connection position between the end plate and the liquid cooling plate cannot be changed after it is determined during the installation process due to the limitation of the flow channel. When the number of battery cells in the battery module needs to be increased or decreased, the end plate cannot move directly with the battery cell group 5.

[0029] Specifically, the battery module provided by the utility model includes a plurality of battery cells 51, a liquid cooling plate 1, a crossbeam 2, a fixed plate 3, a first end plate 8 and a second end plate 4. The plurality of battery cells 51 constitute a battery cell group 5. The first end plate 8 and the second end plate 4 are respectively arranged at the two ends of the battery cell group 5, and the crossbeam 2 and the fixed plate 3 are arranged at the two ends of the battery cell group 5 and fixed to the liquid cooling plate 1. Since the voltage and capacitance actually required by the battery module in different application scenarios are different, it is necessary to increase or decrease the number of battery cells in the battery cell group 5 according to actual needs. After increasing or decreasing the number of battery cells in the battery module provided by the present application, the size of the fixed plate 3 is adjusted according to the distance from the fixed plate 3 to the second end plate 4 without changing other structural parts, so as to achieve a fixed connection with the end plate, which effectively solves the problem that the fixed plate 3 cannot directly follow the movement of the battery cell due to the position of the structural parts of the battery module; in addition, this arrangement ensures the versatility of the original structural parts of the battery module after adding or reducing batteries, which is conducive to saving production costs.

[0030] In one embodiment, a load-bearing frame 6 is further included, and the load-bearing frame 6 is in contact with a side of the liquid cooling plate 1 facing away from the battery cell group 5 .

[0031] It should be noted that the load-bearing frame of the battery module is usually prepared by bending and welding steel plates of a certain thickness. The load-bearing function of this structure mainly depends on the type and thickness of the material to avoid cracking or bracket breakage between the load-bearing frame and the battery module after the battery module is assembled.

[0032] The load-bearing frame 6 described in the present invention is in contact with the side of the liquid cooling plate 1 away from the battery cell group 5, that is, the load-bearing frame 6 is located at the bottom of the entire battery module to support the battery module. Figure 5 It can be seen that the load-bearing frame 6 includes multiple brackets and the multiple brackets are connected vertically and horizontally, which is beneficial to improve the firmness of the bracket itself and prevent it from breaking easily. In addition, it can provide higher supporting force to avoid cracking problems after assembly with the battery module.

[0033] In one embodiment, assembly holes are provided at the edge of the liquid cooling plate 1 and the edge of the load-bearing frame 6 , and the diameters of the assembly holes correspond to each other.

[0034] Specifically, the liquid cooling plate 1 and the load-bearing frame 6 can be fixedly connected by bolts using the assembly holes.

[0035] Reference Figures 4-5 In one embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 1 includes an upper liquid cooling plate 11 and a lower liquid cooling plate 12, and the lower liquid cooling plate is provided with a plurality of flow channels 121, and the flow channels 121 are used for conveying and circulating the cooling liquid, and the battery cell group 5 is in contact with the upper liquid cooling plate 11, and the upper liquid cooling plate 11 covers the lower liquid cooling plate 12 and closes the top surface of the flow channels 121.

[0036] The main function of the liquid cooling plate 1 is to transfer and disperse the heat generated by the battery through the liquid cooling medium. The liquid cooling plate 1 is specifically designed to be composed of the upper liquid cooling plate 11 and the lower liquid cooling plate 12 for the purpose of closing the opened flow channel 121 so that the coolant can be transported and circulated in the flow channel 121 without affecting other structural parts of the battery module, thereby maintaining the battery module in a safe operating temperature range for a long time.

[0037] In addition, the design of the liquid cooling plate 1 usually needs to take into account the fit with the battery module and the configuration of the flow channel 121 to ensure uniform heat dissipation; specifically, the liquid cooling plate 1 is directly fitted with the bottom of the battery module, which can effectively transfer the heat generated by the battery to the coolant, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect. The multiple flow channels 121 can adopt a central rotationally symmetrical structure design. According to the heat dissipation requirements in actual applications, the flow channels 121 can be set to different widths and depths.

[0038] The material of the liquid cooling plate 1 needs to have good thermal conductivity, and can be specifically made of aluminum alloy. This material not only has good thermal conductivity, but is also suitable for stamping technology, and is convenient for mass production. In addition, according to actual needs, the liquid cooling plate 1 can also be made of other materials with thermal conductivity. The present invention does not limit the material of the liquid cooling plate 1.

[0039] In one embodiment, the fixing plate 3 is a rectangular plate, the length direction of the fixing plate 3 is parallel to the crossbeam 2 , and the bottom surface of the fixing plate 3 is in contact with the liquid cooling plate 1 .

[0040] In one embodiment, the distance from the edge of the fixing plate 3 away from the liquid cooling plate 1 to the battery cell group 5 is referred to as the width of the fixing plate 3 .

[0041] Reference Figure 6 In one embodiment, the interior of the fixing plate 3 is a hollow structure, and the bottom surface of the fixing plate 3 is provided with a plurality of raised surfaces 32 along the length extension direction of the fixing plate 3, the plurality of raised surfaces 32 are arranged in parallel at intervals, and a recessed surface 31 is formed between two adjacent raised surfaces 32, and the raised surface 32 is welded to the liquid cooling plate 1.

[0042] It should be noted that after reducing the number of battery cells on the battery module, the width of the fixed plate 3 needs to be appropriately increased to ensure the connection with the second end plate 4. At this time, since the size of the fixed plate 3 is increased, the welding area between the fixed plate 3 and the liquid cooling plate is also increased accordingly. The molten solder may not be able to contact or reach the liquid cooling plate area covered by the fixed plate 3, resulting in cold welding and affecting the connection stability.

[0043] Specifically, a plurality of raised surfaces 32 are provided on the bottom surface of the fixing plate 3 along the length extension direction of the fixing plate 3, and a recessed surface 31 is formed between two adjacent raised surfaces 32. During welding, the molten solder or solder paste can be guided to the plurality of recessed surfaces 31, thereby achieving a connection area between the fixing plate 3 and the liquid cooling plate 1 after the size is changed, and improving the connection strength between the two. In addition, in a specific operation, a plurality of stripe-shaped structures are additionally connected to the side where the fixing plate 3 and the liquid cooling plate 1 are welded, which can also play the same role as the recessed surface 31, and improve the problem of cold welding. The additional stripe-shaped structure is also suitable for welding of welding pieces.

[0044] In one embodiment, the second end plate 4 and the fixing plate 3 are connected by screws.

[0045] Specifically, in the utility model, the connection method between the second end plate 4 and the fixed plate 3 is preferably screwed. In this connection method, it is only necessary to open a through hole on the fixed plate 3, and then use a screw to penetrate the through hole and then tighten the nut to fix the second end plate 4 and the fixed plate 3. The connection process is simple and easy to operate.

[0046] In one embodiment, a cable tie 7 is further included, and the cable tie 7 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the battery cell group 5 .

[0047] The cable tie 7 in the battery module is used to fix and protect the battery module to ensure the stability of the battery module during assembly and use. Specifically, the cable tie 7 is placed on the periphery of the battery cell group 5. Considering size requirements, insulation protection and other issues, the connector is generally set at the end plate position.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cable tie 7 is made of metal or plastic.

[0049] Since the expansion of the battery module above is mainly limited by the cable tie, a metal cable tie can be used, while the expansion of the battery module below is mainly limited by the adhesive on the bottom of the battery cell and the liquid cooling plate, which does not rely on the cable tie, so the cable tie below the battery module can be made of plastic. The joints of the metal cable tie can be laser welded or metal locks, and the joints of the plastic cable tie are generally hot-melt connected.

[0050] In another embodiment, the utility model provides a battery pack, including a battery box and the battery module, wherein the battery module is placed in the battery box.

[0051] Specifically, the battery module is placed in the battery box to obtain a fully assembled battery pack. In the battery module provided by the utility model, multiple battery cells constitute a battery cell group 5, and the cross beam 2 and the fixed plate 3 are arranged at both ends of the battery cell group 5 and fixed to the liquid cooling plate 1. Since the voltage and capacitance actually required by the battery module in different application scenarios are different, it is necessary to increase or decrease the number of battery cells in the battery cell group 5 according to actual needs. After increasing or decreasing the number of battery cells in the battery module provided by the present application, the size of the fixed plate 3 is adjusted according to the distance from the fixed plate 3 to the second end plate 4 without changing other structural parts, so as to achieve a fixed connection with the end plate, which effectively solves the problem that the fixed plate 3 cannot directly follow the movement of the battery cells due to the position of the structural parts of the battery module; in addition, this arrangement ensures the versatility of the original structural parts of the battery module after adding or reducing batteries, which is conducive to saving production costs.

[0052] The battery case in the battery module is an important component of the battery pack, which provides physical protection for the battery module. In addition, it is necessary to consider the matching problem with the overall structure of the battery pack. Battery packs are widely used in the field of new energy vehicles. In order to improve the vehicle's endurance, the battery case needs to be as lightweight as possible, while ensuring structural strength, while minimizing the use of materials to reduce the weight of the entire battery system.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: It includes multiple battery cells, a liquid cooling plate, a cross beam, a fixed plate, a first end plate and a second end plate. The multiple battery cells are arranged on the liquid cooling plate to form a battery cell group. The first end plate and the second end plate are respectively arranged at two ends of the battery cell group. The two ends of the liquid cooling plate are respectively provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole. The cross beam and the fixed plate are respectively arranged at two ends of the battery cell group. The cross beam is connected to the liquid cooling plate through the first mounting hole, and the fixed plate is connected to the liquid cooling plate through the second mounting hole. The bottom of the first end plate is connected to the cross beam, and the bottom of the second end plate is connected to the fixed plate.

2. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a load-bearing frame, which is in contact with a side of the liquid cooling plate facing away from the battery cell group.

3. A battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The edge of the liquid cooling plate and the edge of the load-bearing frame are both provided with assembly holes, and the diameters of the assembly holes correspond to each other.

4. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid cooling plate includes an upper liquid cooling plate and a lower liquid cooling plate. The lower liquid cooling plate is provided with a plurality of flow channels, and the flow channels are used for conveying and circulating the cooling liquid. The battery cell group is in contact with the upper liquid cooling plate, and the upper liquid cooling plate covers the lower liquid cooling plate and closes the top surface of the flow channels.

5. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing plate is a rectangular plate, the length direction of the fixing plate is parallel to the crossbeam, and the bottom surface of the fixing plate is in contact with the liquid cooling plate.

6. A battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The interior of the fixing plate is a hollow structure, and the bottom surface of the fixing plate is provided with a plurality of raised surfaces along the length extension direction of the fixing plate, the plurality of raised surfaces are arranged in parallel at intervals, a recessed surface is formed between two adjacent raised surfaces, and the raised surfaces are welded to the liquid cooling plate.

7. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end plate and the fixing plate are connected by screws.

8. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cable tie, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the battery cell group.

9. A battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cable tie is made of metal or plastic.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that: It comprises a battery box and the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery module is placed in the battery box.

Images