Battery module end plate and battery module

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery module end plate and a battery module, the battery module end plate is used for connecting battery monomers, and comprises an end plate main body and at least one connecting part formed at the top end of the end plate main body, the top end of the connecting part is provided with a pair of connecting ends, a containing space capable of containing the low-voltage plug-in is formed between the two connecting ends, and the connecting ends are fixedly connected with a reinforcing plate of the low-voltage plug-in to form installation constraint of the low-voltage plug-in on the end plate. According to the battery module end plate disclosed by the utility model, the low-voltage plug-in can be fixed when the battery module uses the blister busbar bracket, so that the battery module end plate is integrated with a low-voltage plug-in mounting structure, a connecting piece of the low-voltage plug-in does not need to be additionally arranged, and the manufacturing cost is reduced; the connection between the low-voltage plug-in and the battery module end plate is relatively stable and firm; and the low-voltage plug-in can be accommodated between the two connecting ends, so that the low-voltage plug-in does not protrude out of the connecting part, and a certain anti-collision protection effect on the low-voltage plug-in is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of power batteries, and particularly relates to a battery end plate. The utility model also relates to a battery module equipped with the above-mentioned battery module end plate. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous growth of global energy demand and the increasing depletion of traditional fossil fuels, the energy crisis has become a severe challenge before us. To address this challenge, countries around the world have turned their attention to the new energy field. In particular, the battery industry has great development potential. As the core component of new energy vehicles, electronic devices, and power system energy storage, the improvement of the performance and manufacturing technology of batteries is directly related to the development speed and level of the entire new energy industry.

[0003] As an important part of the battery system, the battery module is composed of several battery cells arranged in a certain layout to meet the diverse requirements for power supply, energy storage, etc. in different fields. In the battery module, the battery cells are connected in series and parallel through busbars to achieve the convergence and distribution of electric energy, and the busbars are fixed on the busbar brackets to maintain the firmness of their installation and the stability of use. The low-voltage plug is a key interface component in the battery module, which undertakes the important task of safely and effectively transmitting the electric energy in the battery module to external devices or systems. To improve the integration of the battery module, in traditional battery modules, the low-voltage plugs are mostly fixed on the module end plate through injection-molded busbar brackets.

[0004] However, in order to reduce the production and manufacturing costs, the busbar brackets made of the thermoforming process are generally adopted in the current battery module design. The thermoforming process has the advantages of low cost and high production efficiency, but there are also certain limitations. Since the busbar brackets that can integrate the low-voltage plug installation structure usually have many complex right-angle structures, the busbar brackets made of the thermoforming process cannot directly integrate the low-voltage plug installation structure. Therefore, in actual applications, additional low-voltage plug installation parts need to be set to install the low-voltage plugs, resulting in a low integration of the battery module. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] In view of this, the utility model aims to propose a battery module end plate to integrate the installation structure of the low-voltage plug and improve the overall integration of the battery module.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is realized as follows:

[0007] A battery module end plate for connecting battery cells, comprising:

[0008] An end plate body and at least one connecting portion formed at the top end of the end plate body;

[0009] The top end of the connecting portion has a pair of connecting ends, and a receiving space capable of receiving a low-voltage plug-in is formed between the two connecting ends. The connecting ends are fixedly connected to a reinforcing plate of the low-voltage plug-in to constitute an installation constraint of the low-voltage plug-in on the end plate.

[0010] Further, a structure cavity is recessed on the side wall of the end plate body, and a reinforcing portion is formed in the structure cavity.

[0011] Further, the reinforcing portion is formed by cross-connection of reinforcing rib plates arranged horizontally and vertically.

[0012] Further, the cross-connection portion between the reinforcing rib plates expands into a columnar reinforcing column.

[0013] Further, a lifting hole is provided on the end plate body facing away from the battery cell.

[0014] Further, a bottom end portion of the end plate body extends downward to form a flange, and the flange is flush with the side wall of the end plate body that abuts against the battery cell.

[0015] Further, a fixing steel belt is wound between the end plate body and the battery cell, and a limiting groove is recessed and formed on the side wall of the end plate body facing away from the battery cell. The limiting groove constitutes a position constraint on the fixing steel belt in the vertical direction.

[0016] Further, a mounting hole is provided at the top of the connecting end, and the mounting hole allows a fastener to pass through to constitute the fixed connection between the connecting end and the reinforcing plate.

[0017] Further, the fastener is a rivet.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present utility model has the following advantages:

[0019] The battery module end plate of the present utility model can fix the low-voltage plug-in when using a plastic suction busbar bracket for the battery module, so that the battery module end plate integrates a low-voltage plug-in installation structure, without the need to additionally set a connecting piece for the low-voltage plug-in, saving the use of materials and reducing the manufacturing cost; the connection between the low-voltage plug-in and the battery module end plate is relatively stable, the connection is firm and reliable, and it is not easy to loosen; the receiving space between the two connecting ends can receive the low-voltage plug-in, so that the low-voltage plug-in does not protrude from the connecting portion, playing a certain role in protecting the low-voltage plug-in from collision.

[0020] Setting a structure cavity on the end plate body can reduce the overall weight, which is beneficial to the lightweight design of the battery module; setting a reinforcing portion can improve the structural strength at the structure cavity, making the end plate more reliable and durable.

[0021] The reinforcing part is arranged in a way that the horizontal and vertical reinforcing ribs are cross - connected and formed, which can greatly improve the structural strength of the end - plate main body, and at the same time, the weight increase is less.

[0022] Reinforcing columns are arranged at the cross - connection parts of the reinforcing ribs, which can strengthen the weak parts at the corner connection parts of the reinforcing ribs and improve the structural strength of the end - plate main body.

[0023] The hoisting holes are arranged to facilitate the hoisting and transportation of the battery module by the operator. The hoisting can be achieved only by using a hook.

[0024] Flanges are arranged at the bottom end of the end - plate main body, which can increase the contact area between the battery - module end - plate and the battery cell, improve the area where the structural adhesive can be coated between the two, and enhance the connection strength between the battery - module end - plate and the battery cell.

[0025] The limiting grooves are arranged to facilitate the connection between the battery - module end - plate and the battery cell. The steel belt is stuck into the limiting grooves and is not likely to slide in the vertical direction, which can make the connection between the battery - module end - plate and the battery cell more firm and reliable.

[0026] Another object of the present utility model is to provide a battery module, including the above - mentioned battery - module end - plate.

[0027] The battery module described in the present utility model has the same beneficial effects as the above - mentioned battery - module end - plate compared with the prior art, and will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0028] The drawings constituting a part of the present utility model are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The schematic embodiments of the present utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the present utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present utility model. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery - module end - plate in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery - module end - plate in another perspective in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 is a right - view of the battery - module end - plate in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic installation - position diagram of the battery - module end - plate in the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Explanation of the Reference Numerals:

[0034] 1. End - plate main body;

[0035] 101. Structural cavity; 102. Reinforcement part; 1021. Reinforcing rib plate; 1022. Reinforcing column; 103. Lifting hole; 104. Flange; 105. Limiting groove; 1051. First limiting protrusion; 1052. Second limiting protrusion; 1053. Third limiting protrusion; 106. Screwed hole

[0036] 2. Connecting part

[0037] 201. Connecting end; 2011. Mounting hole; 202. Accommodating space; 203. Fixed end; 204. Reinforcing structure

[0038] 3. Fastener

[0039] 4. Battery cell

[0040] 5. Low-voltage plug-in

[0041] 501. Reinforcing plate

[0042] 6. Fixed steel strip

[0043] 7. Busbar bracket

[0044] 8. Bolt Detailed implementation manners

[0045] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present utility model and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other

[0046] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that if terms indicating orientation or positional relationship such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc. appear, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present utility model 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 to the present utility model. In addition, if terms such as "first", "second", etc. appear, they are also only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance

[0047] In addition, in the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined, the terms "installation", "connection", "connection", "connector" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and may be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood in combination with the specific circumstances

[0048] The present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in combination with the embodiments

[0049] Embodiment 1

[0050] This embodiment relates to a battery module end plate and a battery module, and an installation structure for integrating a low-voltage plug-in is provided on the battery module end plate to adapt to a busbar bracket made by a thermoforming process, reduce production costs, and improve the integration of the battery module.

[0051] In terms of the overall structure, the battery module end plate in this embodiment is used to connect battery cells 4 and includes:

[0052] An end plate main body 1 and at least one connecting portion 2 formed at the top end of the end plate main body 1.

[0053] The top end of the connecting portion 2 has a pair of connecting ends 201, and a receiving space 202 capable of receiving the low-voltage plug-in 5 is formed between the two connecting ends 201. The connecting end 201 is fixedly connected to the reinforcing plate 501 of the low-voltage plug-in 5 to constitute an installation constraint of the low-voltage plug-in 5 on the end plate.

[0054] With the above settings, the battery module end plate of this embodiment can fix the low-voltage plug-in 5 when the battery module uses a thermoformed busbar bracket 7, enabling the battery module end plate to integrate the installation structure of the low-voltage plug-in 5. There is no need to additionally set up a connecting piece for the low-voltage plug-in 5, saving the use of materials and reducing the manufacturing cost. The connection between the low-voltage plug-in 5 and the battery module end plate is relatively stable, firmly connected, and not easily loosened. The receiving space 202 between the two connecting ends 201 can receive the low-voltage plug-in 5, so that the low-voltage plug-in 5 does not protrude from the connecting portion 2, providing a certain anti-collision protection for the low-voltage plug-in 5.

[0055] Based on the above overall introduction, referring to Figures 1-4 , specifically, the low-voltage plug-in 5 connected to the end plate of this embodiment needs to be used in conjunction with a reinforcing plate 501. The reinforcing plate 501 is fixedly connected to the low-voltage plug-in 5 and is used to provide an installation basis for the low-voltage plug-in 5, which can improve the strength of the plugging part and also facilitate the assembly of the low-voltage plug-in 5. It should be noted that the number of connecting portions 2 provided on the end plate main body 1 is not unique and needs to be determined according to the actual needs of the battery module, and it is only necessary to be equal to the number of low-voltage plug-ins 5. In this embodiment, there are two connecting portions 2 provided on the end plate main body 1, and the two connecting portions 2 are spaced apart on both sides of the top end of the end plate main body 1.

[0056] During specific implementation, after multiple battery cells 4 are connected to the busbar with the busbar bracket 7, they are connected to the housing of the battery module through the battery module end plate. The end plate can play a role in fixing the battery cells 4. At the same time, a structural adhesive is coated on the surface of the end plate main body 1 that contacts the battery cells 4. The structural adhesive can enhance the connection strength between the battery cells 4 and the end plate. The structural adhesive can be a polyurethane structural adhesive, which has good bonding strength and certain heat dissipation performance, improving the heat dissipation ability of the battery module.

[0057] In order to facilitate the installation of the low-voltage plug-in 5, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , a mounting hole 2011 is provided at the top of the connection end 201, and the mounting hole 2011 allows a fastener 3 to pass through to form a fixed connection between the connection end 201 and the reinforcement plate 501. The connection part 2 includes a fixed end 203 and a connection end 201, and the fixed end 203 and the end plate body 1 are integrally formed. The connection end 201 is provided with two, which are integrally formed on both sides of the top of the fixed end 203, so that the connection part 2 forms a "U"-shaped structure. The opening of the "U"-shaped structure is the accommodation space 202, which can accommodate the low-pressure plug-in 5. In addition to setting the mounting hole 2011 structure, a hot riveting column can also be set at the connection end 201, and the low-pressure plug-in 5 reinforcement plate 501 can also be connected to the connection end 201 by hot riveting.

[0058] Specifically, a cavity is provided on the side of the fixed end 203 facing away from the battery cell 4, the main purpose of which is to reduce weight to meet the lightweight design of the end plate. The connecting part 2 is provided with a through hole in a direction perpendicular to the end plate body 1, so that the connecting part 2 forms a rectangular frame, and a mounting hole 2011 is provided at the top of the connecting part 2, and the mounting hole 2011 penetrates the inside and outside of the connecting part 2. In specific implementation, after a fastener 3 is used to connect the low-voltage plug-in 5 reinforcement plate 501, the lower end of the fastener 3 is inserted into the mounting hole 2011 and fastened to complete the installation of the low-voltage plug-in 5. In order to enhance the connection strength between the connecting end 201 and the fixed end 203, a reinforcing structure 204 is convexly provided on the cavity wall of the fixed end 203 and below the position corresponding to the connecting end 201. The reinforcing structure 204 is semi-cylindrical, which can make the root of the connecting end 201 connected to the fixed end 203 not easy to break when subjected to force, thereby improving the connection strength.

[0059] As for the type of fastener 3, in this embodiment, the fastener 3 is a rivet. When installing the low-pressure plug-in 5, firstly, the anchor end of the rivet is passed through the low-pressure plug-in 5 reinforcement plate 501 and inserted into the installation hole 2011, and the nail cap presses the low-pressure plug-in 5 reinforcement plate 501 to the connection end 201 and then performs riveting operation, and the low-pressure plug-in 5 is fixed. Of course, the fastener 3 can also be a bolt, nut, elastic clamp, etc., as long as it can fix the low-pressure plug-in 5 to the connection end 201.

[0060] Based on the lightweight requirements for battery module design, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a structure cavity 101 is formed by the depression of the side wall of the end plate body 1, and a reinforcing part 102 is formed in the structure cavity 101. Setting the structure cavity 101 on the end plate body 1 can reduce the overall weight, which is beneficial to the lightweight design of the battery module. The structure cavity 101 is arranged on the side of the end plate body 1 facing away from the battery cell 4, making the end plate body 1 open on this side; the other side of the end plate body 1 is a plane to facilitate connection with the battery cell 4 through structural adhesive. Setting the reinforcing part 102 can improve the structural strength at the structure cavity 101, so that while the end plate is lightweight, the structural strength is also good, and the overall is more reliable and durable.

[0061] Regarding the structural form of the reinforcing part 102, specifically, the reinforcing part 102 is formed by the cross-connection of horizontally and vertically arranged reinforcing rib plates 1021. The reinforcing part 102 is arranged in the way of cross-connection of the horizontal and vertical reinforcing rib plates 1021. The overall reinforcing part 102 is in the shape of a rectangular grid, which can disperse the force well when stressed, making the end plate not easily damaged. The grid-shaped reinforcing part 102 formed by the reinforcing rib plates 1021 greatly improves the structural strength of the end plate body 1, and at the same time, the weight increase is less. The horizontal reinforcing rib plates 1021 at the upper and lower ends of the reinforcing part 102 are relatively dense, which is beneficial to the key strengthening of the edge structure of the end plate body 1. Secondly, the horizontal reinforcing rib plates 1021 at the upper end of the reinforcing part 102 are denser than those at the lower end, and the structural strength at the upper end is greater, which can play a role in enhancing the installation base strength of the connecting part 2.

[0062] It should be noted that the structural form of the reinforcing part 102 can also adopt other types of grid structures, such as triangular grid structures, honeycomb grid structures, etc. The main purpose of setting the reinforcing part 102 is to enhance the structural strength of the end plate body 1 at the structure cavity 101, as long as this function can be achieved. Compared with other structural forms, the rectangular grid-shaped reinforcing part 102 structure of this embodiment is relatively simple, and the manufacturing process is easier to implement.

[0063] In specific implementation, stress concentration may occur at the intersections of the reinforcing rib plates 1021 of the end plate, and in severe cases, it may cause the tearing of the reinforcing rib plates 1021. To solve this problem, further, the cross-connection joints between the reinforcing rib plates 1021 expand into columnar reinforcing columns 1022. By setting the reinforcing columns 1022 at the cross-connection joints of the reinforcing rib plates 1021, the included angle at the cross-connection of the reinforcing rib plates 1021 changes from a right angle to an obtuse angle, and at the same time, the cross-sectional size is also increased, which can strengthen the weak parts at the corner joints of the reinforcing rib plates 1021 and improve the structural strength of the end plate body 1.

[0064] For the convenience of transporting the battery module, a lifting hole 103 is provided on the end plate body 1 facing away from the battery cell 4. In this embodiment, the lifting hole 103 is arranged at the intersection of the reinforcing rib plates 1021, and a cylindrical structure is provided at this place. The opening of the cylindrical structure is the lifting hole 103, through which a hook can penetrate, facilitating the operator to use a crane, hoist, etc. to lift and transport the battery module, and the lifting process is relatively stable. Integrating the lifting hole 103 on the end plate body 1 can improve the functionality of the end plate. Secondly, there is no need to set other lifting structures on the battery module, which also improves the overall integration of the battery module.

[0065] Structural adhesive is filled between the end plate body 1 and the battery cell 4. In order to meet the requirements of end plate strength and ensure the connection strength between the end plate body 1 and the battery cell 4, the bottom part of the end plate body 1 extends downward to form a flange 104, and the flange 104 is flush with the side wall of the end plate body 1 that abuts against the battery cell 4. Setting the flange 104 at the bottom of the end plate body 1 can increase the contact area between the end plate of the battery module and the battery cell 4 without increasing the size of the structural cavity 101 and the reinforcing part 102 of the end plate body 1, and improve the coating area of the structural adhesive between the two. In this way, not only can the connection strength between the end plate of the battery module and the battery cell 4 be enhanced, but also the material consumption of the end plate body 1 can be reduced, further realizing the lightweight design. In this embodiment, there is one flange 104 on each side of the bottom of the end plate body 1.

[0066] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, a fixing steel strip 6 is wound between the end plate body 1 and the battery cell 4. A limiting groove 105 is recessed and formed on the side wall of the end plate body 1 facing away from the battery cell 4, and the limiting groove 105 constitutes a position constraint on the fixing steel strip 6 in the vertical direction. Setting the limiting groove 105 can facilitate the connection between the end plate of the battery module and the battery cell 4. The steel strip is stuck in the limiting groove 105 and is not likely to slide in the vertical direction, making the connection between the end plate of the battery module and the battery cell 4 more firm and reliable.

[0067] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3, in this embodiment, there are two upper and lower limiting grooves 105, which are respectively used to limit the two fixing steel belts 6. At the bottom of the end plate main body 1 facing away from the battery cell 4, there is a first limiting protrusion 1051, which extends from the edge of the end plate main body 1 and serves as the lower groove wall of the lower limiting groove 105. The reinforcing part 102 in the middle rectangular area of the end plate main body 1 protrudes away from the battery cell 4 to form a second limiting protrusion 1052. Its bottom serves as the groove wall of the lower limiting groove 105, and its top serves as the groove wall of the upper limiting groove 105. At the top of the side of the end plate main body 1 facing away from the battery cell 4, a plurality of third limiting protrusions 1053 are arranged at intervals. The third limiting protrusions 1053 are triangular bumps, and an upper limiting groove 105 is formed between them and the second limiting protrusion 1052.

[0068] For the specific installation structure of the battery end plate and the battery module housing, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , in this embodiment, there are vertically penetrating screw holes 106 on the end plate main body 1. By using bolts 8 to pass downward through the screw holes 106 and screw them with the housing of the battery module, the end plate can be fixed on the battery module housing, with simple operation and firm connection. The hole wall of the screw hole 106 is composed of a columnar cylinder, which is integrally formed with the end plate main body 1 and has good structural strength. There are four screw holes 106, two in the middle of the end plate main body 1 and one at each end, which can be stably connected to the battery module housing.

[0069] Embodiment 2

[0070] This embodiment relates to a battery module, including the battery module end plate structure in Embodiment 1. After a plurality of battery cells 4 are connected with busbars by matching with a busbar support 7, they are connected to the housing of the battery module through the battery module end plate, and the end plate can play a role in fixing the battery cells 4.

[0071] By adopting the battery module end plate in Embodiment 1, when the busbar support 7 made of the thermoforming process is used in this embodiment of the battery module, there is no need to set a separate low-voltage plug 5 connecting piece, realizing the overall weight reduction and light weight. Secondly, the overall integration degree of the battery module is improved, and the production cost is reduced. In addition, installing the low-voltage plug 5 on the battery module end plate also makes the installation of the low-voltage plug 5 more stable.

[0072] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module end plate, used for connecting battery cells, characterized in that: include: An end plate body and at least one connecting portion formed at a top end of the end plate body; The top of the connecting portion has a pair of connecting ends, and a containing space capable of accommodating a low-pressure plug-in is formed between the two connecting ends. The connecting ends are fixedly connected to the reinforcing plate of the low-pressure plug-in to constitute an installation constraint for the low-pressure plug-in on the end plate.

2. The battery module end plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the end plate body is recessed to form a structural cavity, and a reinforcement portion is formed in the structural cavity.

3. The battery module end plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reinforcement part is formed by cross-connecting reinforcement rib plates arranged horizontally and vertically.

4. The battery module end plate according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cross-connections between the reinforcing rib plates expand into columnar reinforcing columns.

5. The battery module end plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end plate body is provided with a hoisting hole facing away from the battery cell.

6. The battery module end plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end portion of the end plate body extends downward to form a flange, and the flange is flush with the side wall of the end plate body abutting against the battery cell.

7. The battery module end plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fixing steel belt is wound between the end plate body and the battery cell. A side wall of the end plate body facing away from the battery cell is recessed to form a limiting groove, and the limiting groove constrains the position of the fixing steel belt in the vertical direction.

8. The battery module end plate according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A mounting hole is provided at the top of the connecting end, and the mounting hole allows a fastener to pass through to form a fixed connection between the connecting end and the reinforcing plate.

9. The battery module end plate according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fastener is a rivet.

10. A battery module, characterized in that: Comprising the battery module end plate according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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