Battery module, battery pack and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle, the battery module comprises: a plurality of battery cells stacked to form a battery cell assembly; the assembly shell comprises a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame are oppositely arranged in parallel to form a containing space for containing the battery cell assembly, and a supporting structure is arranged on one face of the second frame in a protruding mode; the first end plate is arranged between one end of the battery cell assembly and the first frame along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, one surface of the first end plate is propped against the battery cell assembly, and the other surface of the first end plate is propped against the first frame; the second end plate is arranged between the other end of the battery cell assembly and the second frame in the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells, one surface of the second end plate abuts against the battery cell assembly, and the other surface of the second end plate abuts against the supporting structure. The battery module provided by the embodiment of the utility model has better mechanical reliability, and is beneficial to reducing the assembly procedures of the battery module and improving the assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] At present, the mechanical reliability of battery modules in new energy electric vehicles cannot be ignored in terms of battery safety.

[0003] In a common battery module, the front and rear ends of a cell assembly formed by stacking multiple battery cells are fixed by end plates. At the same time, a part of the space is reserved between the end plate at the front end of the cell assembly and the shell of the cell assembly for installing and arranging the hardware components of the battery management system.

[0004] Therefore, when the battery cell assembly expands, it is easy to squeeze the end plate at the front end. After the end plate at the front end moves, the fixing function fails, resulting in reduced mechanical reliability of the battery cell. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the utility model aims to provide a battery module, a battery pack and a vehicle to improve the mechanical reliability of the battery cell.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] The present utility model provides a battery module, the battery module comprising:

[0008] A battery cell, wherein a plurality of the battery cells are stacked and arranged to form a battery cell assembly;

[0009] A component housing, the component housing comprising a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame are arranged in parallel to each other to form a storage space for accommodating the battery cell assembly, wherein a support structure is protruding from one side of the second frame;

[0010] A first end plate, arranged between one end of the battery cell assembly and the first frame along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, with one side of the first end plate abutting against the battery cell assembly and the other side abutting against the first frame;

[0011] A second end plate is arranged between the other end of the battery cell assembly and the second frame along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, one side of the second end plate abuts against the battery cell assembly, and the other side abuts against the support structure.

[0012] Furthermore, a reinforcing rib is protrudingly provided on the other side of the second frame away from the supporting structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the height of the support structure protruding from the surface is H1, the height of the reinforcing rib protruding from the surface is H2, and H1 is greater than H2.

[0014] Furthermore, the supporting structure includes ribs perpendicular to the second frame.

[0015] Furthermore, the battery module also includes an electrical connector;

[0016] A plurality of the ribs are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the second frame, and an accommodation space for accommodating the electrical connector is formed between adjacent ribs;

[0017] The second frame is provided with a mounting hole, the electrical connector is fixedly connected to the second frame, and a portion of the electrical connector passes through the mounting hole and is located in the accommodating space.

[0018] Furthermore, a side of the second end plate facing the supporting structure is provided with an elastic pre-tightening structure, and the elastic pre-tightening structure abuts against the supporting structure.

[0019] Furthermore, the elastic pre-tightening structure includes point-shaped protrusions or strip-shaped pressure strips.

[0020] Furthermore, the component housing further comprises a bottom plate, the bottom plate is fixedly connected to the first frame and the second frame at the same time, and the second end plate is fixedly connected to the bottom plate;

[0021] The angle between the plane of the strip-shaped pressure strip and the plane of the second end plate is an acute angle, and the opening of the acute angle faces away from the bottom plate.

[0022] Furthermore, the battery module further comprises a bus bar, one end of which is electrically connected to the battery cell assembly, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the electrical connector;

[0023] A mounting seat is provided on a side of the second end plate facing away from the battery core assembly, and the busbar is also fixedly connected to the mounting seat.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the battery module described in the utility model has the following advantages:

[0025] In the battery module of the embodiment of the utility model, a support structure is protrudingly provided on the surface of one side of the second frame facing the second end plate, and the support structure is pressed against the surface of the second end plate. Therefore, the second frame of the component housing and its support structure can form a limiting function for the second end plate, preventing the second end plate from moving after the battery cell assembly expands. It can be seen that in the battery module of the embodiment of the utility model, the support structure on the surface of the inner side of the second frame is used to press against the second end plate, which can play a fixing role and improve the stability and reliability of the battery cell assembly in the battery module. In addition, compared with adding an independent support block or other structure between the second frame and the second end plate, the second frame with its own support structure has better structural strength, and also helps to reduce the assembly process of the battery module and improve assembly efficiency.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack to improve the mechanical reliability, safety and service life of the battery pack.

[0027] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is implemented as follows:

[0028] An embodiment of the utility model provides a battery pack, which includes the aforementioned battery module, and a plurality of the battery modules are electrically connected.

[0029] The advantages of the battery pack and the above-mentioned battery module over the prior art are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle to improve the safety of the vehicle.

[0031] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is implemented as follows:

[0032] A vehicle comprising any one of the aforementioned battery modules or battery packs.

[0033] The advantages of the vehicle and the above-mentioned battery module over the prior art are the same and will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a battery module according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0036] Figure 2 For the utility model embodiment Figure 1 Explosion diagram of a battery module;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second frame of an embodiment of the utility model;

[0038] Figure 4 For the utility model embodiment Figure 3 Schematic diagram along the M direction;

[0039] Figure 5 For the utility model embodiment Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross section at the AA position;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical connector installed on the second frame of an embodiment of the utility model;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second end plate of an embodiment of the utility model;

[0042] Figure 8 For the utility model embodiment Figure 7 Schematic diagram along the N direction;

[0043] Fig. 9 For the utility model embodiment Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross section at the middle BB position;

[0044] Fig.10 A schematic top view of a battery module without a cover plate according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0045] Fig.11 For the utility model embodiment Fig.10 Schematic cross-section of the middle CC position;

[0046] Fig.12 For the utility model embodiment Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the cross section at the middle DD position.

[0047] Description of reference numerals:

[0048] 10-battery cell, 11-component housing, 12-first end plate, 13-second end plate, 14-electrical connector, 111-first frame, 112-second frame, 113-third frame, 114-fourth frame, 115-bottom plate, 131-elastic pre-tightening structure, 132-mounting seat, 1121-support structure, 1122-reinforcement rib, 1123-mounting hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0050] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The present utility model provides a battery module, the battery module comprising:

[0052] A battery cell 10, wherein a plurality of the battery cells 10 are stacked and arranged to form a battery cell assembly;

[0053] A component housing 11, wherein the component housing 11 comprises a first frame 111 and a second frame 112, wherein the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 are arranged in parallel to form a storage space for accommodating the battery cell component, wherein a support structure 1121 is protrudingly provided on one side of the second frame 112;

[0054] A first end plate 12, along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 10, the first end plate 12 is disposed between one end of the battery cell assembly and the first frame 111, one side of the first end plate 12 abuts against the battery cell assembly, and the other side abuts against the first frame 111;

[0055] The second end plate 13 is arranged between the other end of the battery cell assembly and the second frame 13 along the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells 10. One side of the second end plate 13 abuts against the battery cell assembly, and the other side abuts against the supporting structure 1121.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery module of an embodiment of the present utility model. The battery module includes a battery cell 10, which may be a cylindrical battery cell or a square battery cell of a regular shape, or may be other irregularly shaped battery cells. The battery cells 10 are densely stacked and arranged together and electrically connected together to form a battery cell assembly. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the battery cell 10 used in a battery module of an embodiment of the utility model is a square battery cell, the tab of each battery cell 10 faces upward, the larger planes of adjacent battery cells 10 are stacked closely together in the X direction to form a row, and two adjacent battery cells 10 are connected in series using aluminum bars. Two rows of stacked battery cells 10 can form a battery cell assembly of a certain specification.

[0057] In this battery module, the battery cell assembly is protected by the assembly housing 11. Figure 2As shown in the figure, the component housing 11 may include a first frame 111 and a second frame 112. The first frame 111 and the second frame 112 may be a slat-shaped structure made of metal or composite materials. The first frame 111 and the second frame 112 are arranged relatively parallel to each other. The accommodation space formed by the interval between the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 is a space for placing the battery cell component. The first frame 111 and the second frame 112 are located at both ends of the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells 10. Of course, combined with Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the assembly housing 11 may further include a third frame 113 and a fourth frame 114, which are located at both ends of a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 10. Two adjacent frames may be fastened together using bolts, and the four frames surrounding the battery cell assembly may play a protective role.

[0058] When this battery module is used in a vehicle, the first frame 111 can be a rear frame close to the rear of the vehicle, the second frame 112 can be a front frame close to the front of the vehicle, and the third frame 113 and the fourth frame 114 can be two side frames parallel to the side of the vehicle body.

[0059] In addition, combined Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the battery module of the embodiment of the utility model further includes a first end plate 12 and a second end plate 13, which are respectively located at the front and rear ends of the battery cell assembly to protect and fix the battery cell assembly. Figure 2 As shown, along the stacking direction X of the multiple battery cells 10, the first end plate 12 is arranged between one end of the battery cell assembly and the first frame 111. At this time, the first end plate 12 can be regarded as a rear end plate, one side of the first end plate 12 abuts against the outermost battery cell 10 at the rear end of the battery cell assembly, and the other side of the first end plate 12 abuts against the inner surface of the first frame 111.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, along the stacking direction X of the multiple battery cells 10, the second end plate 13 is arranged between the other end of the battery cell assembly and the second frame 112. At this time, the second end plate 13 can be regarded as a front end plate, one side of the second end plate 13 abuts against the outermost battery cell 10 at the front end of the battery cell assembly, and the other side of the second end plate 12 abuts against the inner surface of the second frame 112.

[0061] Usually, there is a distance between the second frame 112 and the second end plate 13, and the space formed by this distance can be used to install and arrange the hardware components of the battery management system. Therefore, when the battery expands, the expansion deformation along the X direction will squeeze the second end plate 13, which may easily cause the second end plate 13 to be separated from the original installation position, so that the battery cell assembly becomes loose. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in the embodiment of the utility model, a support structure 1121 is protruded from the surface of the second frame 112 facing the second end plate 13, and the support structure 1121 presses against the surface of the second end plate 13. Therefore, the second frame 112 of the component housing 11 and its support structure 1121 can form a limiting function for the second end plate 13, preventing the movement of the second end plate 13 caused by the expansion of the battery cell assembly.

[0062] It can be seen that in the battery module of the embodiment of the utility model, the support structure 1121 provided on the inner surface of the second frame 112 can be used to press the second end plate 13, which can play a fixing role and improve the stability and reliability of the battery cell assembly in the battery module. In addition, compared with adding an independent support block or other structure between the second frame 112 and the second end plate 13, the second frame 112 provided with the support structure 1121 has better structural strength and also helps to reduce the assembly process of the battery module and improve assembly efficiency.

[0063] Further, refer to Figure 3 A reinforcing rib 1122 is protruding from the other side of the second frame 112 away from the supporting structure 1121 .

[0064] Specifically, in one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown in the figure, in order to ensure the structural rigidity of the second frame 112, the embodiment of the utility model is further provided with reinforcing ribs 1122 on the surface of the side away from the supporting structure 1121. The reinforcing ribs 1122 are rib structures protruding from the surface, and the reinforcing ribs 1122 may include reinforcing ribs in at least one direction of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The reinforcing ribs 1122 may enhance the structural rigidity of the second frame 112 and improve the performance of the battery module in resisting impact deformation.

[0065] Further, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The height of the support structure 1121 protruding from the surface is H1, and the height of the reinforcing rib 1122 protruding from the surface is H2, and H1 is greater than H2.

[0066] Specifically, in one embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the height of the support structure 1121 protruding from the surface is H1, and the height of the reinforcing rib 1122 protruding from the surface is H2, and H1 is greater than H2. This ensures that the support structure 1121 extends long enough along the X direction shown in the figure to contact the second end plate 13, thereby forming a pressing effect on the second end plate 13.

[0067] Further, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The supporting structure 1121 includes ribs perpendicular to the second frame 112 .

[0068] Specifically, in one embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the support structure 1121 of the embodiment of the utility model can be a rib extending vertically from the surface of the second frame 112. The second frame 112 can be manufactured by a casting process, so that the rib combined with the second frame 112 can be cast at one time.

[0069] Further, refer to Figures 3 to 6 , the battery module also includes an electrical connector 14;

[0070] A plurality of the ribs are spaced apart along the height direction of the second frame 112, and an accommodation space for accommodating the electrical connector 14 is formed between adjacent ribs;

[0071] The second frame 112 is provided with a mounting hole 1123 , the electrical connector 14 is fixedly connected to the second frame 112 , and a portion of the electrical connector 14 passes through the mounting hole 1123 and is located in the accommodating space.

[0072] Specifically, in one embodiment, Figures 3 to 6 As shown in the figure, the battery module also includes an electrical connector 14, which is an electrical connection terminal installed on the second frame 112 for transmitting electrical signals. The electrical connector 14 may include a high-voltage electrical connector and a low-voltage electrical connector. It should be noted that the high-voltage electrical connector is used to transmit a higher voltage for charging and discharging, and the low-voltage electrical connector is used to transmit a low-voltage communication signal of about 12V to the vehicle controller. These low-voltage communication signals are used to transmit the working status of the battery cell assembly, such as the remaining power and temperature information.

[0073] Combination Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the support structure 1121 is in the shape of a rib, a plurality of ribs are arranged at intervals along the height direction Z of the second frame 112, and an accommodation space for accommodating the electrical connector 14 is formed between adjacent ribs. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the electrical connector 14 is fastened with screws to a portion of the second frame 112 where a mounting hole 1123 is provided. A portion of the electrical connector 14 passes through the mounting hole 1123 and is located in the accommodation space between adjacent ribs. This portion of the electrical connector 14 can achieve electrical connection with the battery cell assembly.

[0074] The second frame 112 of this structure uses the support structure 1121 on the side facing the battery cell assembly to fix the battery cell assembly, and also reserves installation space for the electrical connector 14 to facilitate electrical connection with the battery cell assembly.

[0075] Further, refer to Figures 7 to 9A side of the second end plate 13 facing the supporting structure 1121 is provided with an elastic pre-tightening structure 131 , and the elastic pre-tightening structure 131 abuts against the supporting structure 1121 .

[0076] Specifically, in one embodiment, Figures 7 to 9 As shown in the figure, an elastic pre-tightening structure 131 is provided on the side of the second end plate 13 facing the supporting structure 1121. When the supporting structure 1121 abuts against the elastic pre-tightening structure 131, the elastic pre-tightening structure 131 undergoes elastic deformation to form an elastic force acting on the supporting structure 1121. Due to the interaction of forces, at this time, the supporting structure 1121 also generates an elastic force of the same magnitude acting on the second end plate 13, and the elastic force can play a role of pre-tightening and fixing, so that the second end plate 13 and the battery cell assembly can be reliably installed and fixed.

[0077] Furthermore, the elastic pre-tightening structure 131 includes point-shaped protrusions or strip-shaped pressure strips.

[0078] Specifically, in one embodiment, the elastic pre-tightening structure 131 in the embodiment of the utility model can be a point-shaped protrusion or a strip-shaped pressure strip protruding from the surface of the second end plate 13. The point-shaped protrusions can be dispersed in different regional positions, and the strip-shaped pressure strip can be arranged along the length direction of the second end plate 13, so that all parts of the second end plate 13 can be pre-tightened and fixed.

[0079] Further, refer to Figures 9 to 11 The component housing 11 further includes a bottom plate 115, the bottom plate 115 is fixedly connected to the first frame 111 and the second frame 112, and the second end plate 13 is fixedly connected to the bottom plate 115;

[0080] The angle between the plane of the strip-shaped pressure strip and the plane of the second end plate 13 is an acute angle, and the opening of the acute angle faces away from the bottom plate 115 .

[0081] Specifically, in one embodiment, Figures 9 to 11 As shown in the figure, the component housing 11 also includes a base plate 115, which is fastened to the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 by bolts. The second end plate 13 is inserted into the space surrounded by the base plate 115, the first frame 111 and the second frame 112. The bottom of the second end plate 13 can be embedded in a groove provided on the base plate 115 and snap-fixed, one end of the second end plate 13 can be embedded in a groove provided on the third frame 113 and snap-fixed, and the other end of the second end plate 13 can be embedded in a groove provided on the fourth frame 114 and snap-fixed.

[0082] When the elastic preload structure 131 is a strip-shaped pressure strip, the angle between the plane of the strip-shaped pressure strip and the plane of the second end plate 13 is an acute angle, and the opening of the acute angle faces away from the bottom plate 115, that is, Fig. 9 and Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the strip-shaped pressure strip extends obliquely upward from the surface of the second end plate 13. This makes it easier for the second end plate 13 to be inserted and installed from top to bottom.

[0083] Further, refer to Figures 7 to 12 , the battery module further includes a bus bar 15, one end of the bus bar 15 is electrically connected to the battery cell assembly, and the other end of the bus bar 15 is electrically connected to the electrical connector 14;

[0084] A mounting seat 132 is disposed on a side of the second end plate 13 facing away from the battery core assembly, and the busbar is also fixedly connected to the mounting seat 132 .

[0085] Specifically, in one embodiment, Figures 7 to 12 As shown in the figure, the battery module also includes a busbar 15, which may include an aluminum busbar located at the end of the battery cell assembly and a copper busbar for conducting current. The aluminum busbar extends from the pole of the battery cell assembly and is fastened to the copper busbar by screws. A mounting seat 132 is provided on the side of the second end plate 13 facing away from the battery cell assembly, and a part of the aluminum busbar and the copper busbar can be fixed on the mounting seat 132 by screws, and then the copper busbar is also electrically connected to the electrical connector 14. Therefore, the mounting seat 132 on the second end plate 13 can support and fix the busbar 15 to prevent it from shaking at will.

[0086] The embodiment of the utility model further provides a battery pack, which includes the aforementioned battery module, and a plurality of the battery modules are electrically connected. Since the aforementioned battery module is adopted in this battery pack, the mechanical reliability of the battery pack is improved and the safety is also increased. In addition, for the above-mentioned battery module, when the interior of the component housing 11 is a closed space, a pipe joint for the inlet and outlet of cooling oil can be installed on the second frame 112, and the circulation of cooling oil can be utilized to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell assembly. At this time, a single battery module is an immersed oil-cooled heat dissipation module. Of course, a water-cooling flow channel structure can also be processed and set in at least one frame of the component housing 11 to dissipate heat from the battery cell assembly by water cooling. The heat dissipation method is not limited in the embodiment of the utility model.

[0087] In addition, an embodiment of the utility model further provides a vehicle, the vehicle comprising any one of the aforementioned battery modules or battery packs.

[0088] In the vehicle provided by the embodiment of the utility model, a single battery module can be used for power supply, or a battery pack formed by electrically connecting multiple battery modules can be used for power supply, both of which help to improve the safety of the power supply system and enhance the safety of vehicle use.

[0089] 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, improvements, etc. 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: The battery module comprises: A battery cell, wherein a plurality of the battery cells are stacked and arranged to form a battery cell assembly; A component housing, the component housing comprising a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame are arranged in parallel to each other to form a storage space for accommodating the battery cell assembly, wherein a support structure is protruding from one side of the second frame; A first end plate, arranged between one end of the battery cell assembly and the first frame along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, with one side of the first end plate abutting against the battery cell assembly and the other side abutting against the first frame; A second end plate is arranged between the other end of the battery cell assembly and the second frame along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells, one side of the second end plate abuts against the battery cell assembly, and the other side abuts against the support structure.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reinforcing rib is protruding from the other side of the second frame away from the supporting structure.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The height of the support structure protruding from the surface is H1, and the height of the reinforcing rib protruding from the surface is H2, and H1 is greater than H2.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting structure includes ribs perpendicular to the second frame.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The battery module also includes an electrical connector; A plurality of the ribs are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the second frame, and an accommodation space for accommodating the electrical connector is formed between adjacent ribs; The second frame is provided with a mounting hole, the electrical connector is fixedly connected to the second frame, and a portion of the electrical connector passes through the mounting hole and is located in the accommodating space.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A side of the second end plate facing the supporting structure is provided with an elastic pre-tightening structure, and the elastic pre-tightening structure abuts against the supporting structure.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic pre-tightening structure includes point-shaped protrusions or strip-shaped pressure strips.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The component housing further comprises a bottom plate, the bottom plate is fixedly connected to the first frame and the second frame at the same time, and the second end plate is fixedly connected to the bottom plate; The angle between the plane of the strip-shaped pressure strip and the plane of the second end plate is an acute angle, and the opening of the acute angle faces away from the bottom plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The battery module further comprises a bus bar, one end of which is electrically connected to the battery cell assembly, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the electrical connector; A mounting seat is provided on a side of the second end plate facing away from the battery core assembly, and the busbar is also fixedly connected to the mounting seat.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack comprises the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a plurality of the battery modules are electrically connected.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or the battery pack according to claim 10.

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