End plate structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and discloses an end plate structure. According to the end plate structure provided by the utility model, the reinforcing piece is arranged in the middle of the end plate main body, so that the overall strength of the end plate is improved, the conditions of deformation, displacement and the like of the end plate caused by expansion force applied to the end plate when the battery cell expands under some extreme conditions are relieved, and the capacity of the end plate for resisting expansion of the battery cell is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and particularly relates to an end plate structure. Background Art

[0002] A battery module is a common form of power batteries used in groups, which usually includes two end plates, at least one battery pack, and two side plates (or straps). During installation, the two end plates and the two side plates (or straps) cooperate with each other to form a receiving space, and at least one battery pack is fixed in the above receiving space.

[0003] In the conventional solution, to reduce the cost brought by mold manufacturing, the end plates made of aluminum profiles or plastic materials are changed to sheet metal end plates. The sheet metal end plates are directly processed from sheet metal parts through processes such as bending, cutting, and welding, thereby saving the time and cost required for manufacturing the end plates. However, since the sheet metal end plates are usually formed by bending sheet metal parts, after the battery cells expand, the end plates are likely to be deformed, thus affecting the fixing strength of the module. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of this, the utility model provides an end plate structure to solve the problem that the end plate is prone to deformation.

[0005] The utility model provides an end plate structure, including an end plate main body and a reinforcing member. Specifically, the end plate main body includes a first upright post and a second upright post. Both the first upright post and the second upright post include a plurality of side walls and a chamber formed by enclosing the plurality of side walls. One side wall of the first upright post and one side wall of the second upright post are arranged coplanarly and are connected by a mounting plate. Flanges are arranged at one ends of the opposite side walls of the first upright post and the second upright post close to the mounting plate, and both of the two flanges are connected to the mounting plate; the reinforcing member is arranged between the first upright post and the second upright post, and the two ends of the reinforcing member are respectively fixedly connected to the sides of the two flanges away from the mounting plate.

[0006] By arranging one side wall of the first upright post and one side wall of the second upright post to be coplanar and connecting them through a mounting plate, a receiving space can be formed between the opposite side walls of the first upright post and the second upright post and the mounting plate for installing an additional reinforcing member, which improves the overall strength of the end plate, alleviates the expansion force exerted on the end plate when the battery cell expands by itself in some extreme cases, and further prevents the end plate from deforming, displacing, etc., and improves the ability of the end plate to resist the expansion of the battery cell; moreover, the two upright posts are hollow structures with chambers, having relatively high compressive strength and being able to achieve weight reduction. In addition, since only a mounting plate is provided between the two upright posts, compared with the scheme where the cross-sections of all regions of the end plate body are the same, weight reduction can be achieved, thereby improving the energy density of the entire battery module; when the battery cell expands, usually the middle of the contact surface with the end plate deforms the most, that is, the expansion force exerted on the mounting plate area is the largest. Therefore, installing the reinforcing member on the mounting plate can effectively resist the expansion force and enhance the safety performance during the operation of the power battery. And by adding flanges to the upright posts (including the first upright post and the second upright post), the reinforcing member, the flanges, and the mounting plate are fixedly connected together, that is, there is also a connection relationship between the reinforcing member and the upright post, and the reinforcing member can also enhance the structural strength of the upright post, thereby reducing the possibility of the upright post deforming and avoiding affecting the connection between the end plate and the side plate or the battery pack box body.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, both the first upright post and the second upright post include four side walls such that the chamber is a cuboid-shaped structure.

[0008] By making both the first upright post and the second upright post include four side walls so that the enclosed chamber is a cuboid-shaped structure, on the one hand, it is convenient for manufacturing and forming, and on the other hand, it is also convenient for mating and connecting with the side plate.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the side wall of the first upright post facing away from the mounting plate and the side wall of the second upright post facing away from the mounting plate are both provided with first mounting holes for connecting with the side plate.

[0010] By providing first mounting holes on both the side wall of the first upright post facing away from the mounting plate and the side wall of the second upright post facing away from the mounting plate, it is convenient to subsequently fix the two side plates to the first upright post and the second upright post respectively using connecting pieces.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing body and an extension part. The reinforcing body protrudes in a direction away from the mounting plate relative to the extension part. The extension parts are arranged in pairs and are respectively connected to opposite ends of the reinforcing body, and the extension parts are used for connecting with the flanges.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, at least one lifting hole is provided on the reinforcing body for hoisting and connecting equipment for hoisting.

[0013] By providing a lifting hole on the reinforcement body, it is convenient to lift the battery module after the assembly process is completed, so as to facilitate the handling of the battery module.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, at least one second mounting hole is further provided on the reinforcement body.

[0015] By providing a second mounting hole on the reinforcement body, the second mounting hole can be used as a backup for installing required components, improving the applicable range of the end plate structure, and when the required components are installed on the reinforcement body, the overall integration degree can be improved.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the end plate main body is formed by bending a sheet metal part to form the mounting plate, the first upright post and the second upright post.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, openings are provided at the top and bottom of the first upright post and the second upright post, and the end plate structure further includes a cross plate. At least one cross plate is respectively provided at the top and bottom of the end plate main body, and the cross plate covers the openings of the first upright post and the second upright post.

[0018] By providing a cross plate at the top and / or bottom of the end plate main body, the overall strength of the end plate structure in the vertical direction can be improved.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, a third mounting hole is provided at a position corresponding to the chamber on the cross plate, and the third mounting hole is used for a connecting piece to pass through the cross plate and the chamber and then connect to the battery pack box body.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the end plate structure further includes an adapter. The adapter is installed above the topmost cross plate, and the adapter is used for fixing a connector.

[0021] By providing the adapter, it is convenient to fix the connector in the battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the end plate structure provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2The front view of the end plate structure provided by the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 The top view of the end plate body and the bottom cross plate after installation in the end plate structure provided by the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 The front view of the reinforcement provided in the end plate structure of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 The side view of the reinforcement provided in the end plate structure of the present utility model.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0029] 1. End plate body; 101. Chamber; 102. First upright post; 103. Second upright post; 104. Mounting plate; 105. Flange; 106. First mounting hole;

[0030] 2. Reinforcement; 201. Reinforcement body; 202. Extension part; 203. Lifting hole; 204. Second mounting hole;

[0031] 3. Cross plate; 301. Third mounting hole;

[0032] 4. Adapter. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Apparently, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0034] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application 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 thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0035] The terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first", "second", and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "mounted", "connected", and "coupled" should be construed broadly. 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 it may be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] Refer to Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 which shows a perspective view of the end plate structure provided by an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 which shows a front view of the end plate structure provided by an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 which shows a top view of the end plate body and the bottom cross plate after installation in the end plate structure provided by an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 which shows a front view of the reinforcement member in the end plate structure provided by an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 which shows a side view of the reinforcement member in the end plate structure provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Next, in combination with Figures 1 to 5 , the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0039] An embodiment of this application provides an end plate structure, as Figure 1 shown, including an end plate body 1 and a reinforcement member 2. Specifically, the end plate body 1 includes a first column 102 and a second column 103. Both the first column 102 and the second column 103 include a plurality of side walls and a chamber 101 formed by enclosing the plurality of side walls. One side wall of the first column 102 and one side wall of the second column 103 are arranged coplanarly and are connected by a mounting plate 104; flanges 105 are provided at one ends of the opposite side walls of the first column 102 and the second column 103 close to the mounting plate 104, and both flanges 105 are connected to the mounting plate 104; the reinforcement member 2 is disposed between the first column 102 and the second column 103, and the two ends of the reinforcement member 2 are respectively fixedly connected to the sides of the two flanges 105 away from the mounting plate 104.

[0040] Using the end plate structure of this embodiment, by arranging one side wall of the first column 102 and one side wall of the second column 103 coplanarly and connecting them through a mounting plate, a receiving space can be formed between the opposite side walls of the first column and the second column and the mounting plate for installing the additional reinforcement member 2, improving the overall strength of the end plate, alleviating the expansion force exerted on the end plate when the battery cell expands by itself in some extreme cases, thereby preventing the end plate from deforming, displacing, etc., and enhancing the ability of the end plate to resist the expansion of the battery cell; moreover, the two columns are hollow structures with chambers, having relatively high compressive strength and enabling weight reduction. In addition, since only the mounting plate 104 is provided between the two columns, compared with the solution where the cross-sections of each region of the end plate body 1 are the same, weight reduction can be achieved, thereby improving the energy density of the entire battery module; when the battery cell expands, usually the middle of the contact surface with the end plate deforms the most, that is, the expansion force exerted on the mounting plate area is the greatest. Therefore, installing the reinforcement member on the mounting plate can effectively resist the expansion force, enhancing the safety performance during the operation of the power battery. And by adding flanges 105 to the columns (including the first column and the second column), the reinforcement member, the flanges, and the mounting plate are fixedly connected together, that is, there is also a connection relationship between the reinforcement member and the columns, and the reinforcement member can also enhance the structural strength of the columns, thereby reducing the possibility of the columns deforming and avoiding affecting the connection between the end plate and the side plate or the battery pack box body.

[0041] As Figure 3 shown, in the first column 102 and the second column 103, each includes four side walls, so that the chamber 101 is a cuboid-shaped structure.

[0042] Using the end plate structure of this embodiment, since both the first column and the second column include four side walls, making the enclosed chamber a cuboid-shaped structure, on the one hand, it is convenient for manufacturing and forming, and on the other hand, it is also convenient for mating and connecting with the side plate.

[0043] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, on the side wall of the first column 102 facing away from the mounting plate 104 and on the side wall of the second column 103 facing away from the mounting plate 104, first mounting holes 106 are opened, and the first mounting holes 106 are used for connecting with the side plate.

[0044] Using the end plate structure of this embodiment, by opening first mounting holes 106 on the side wall of the first column 102 facing away from the mounting plate 104 and on the side wall of the second column 103 facing away from the mounting plate 104, it is convenient to subsequently fix the two side plates to the first column 102 and the second column 103 respectively using connecting members.

[0045] It should be noted that for the end plate structure provided in this application, there is no specific limitation on the number of the first mounting holes 106, and it is only necessary to group the first mounting holes 106. Preferably, the first mounting holes 106 are divided into two groups for corresponding to the installation of two side plates respectively.

[0046] Furthermore, there is no specific limitation on the number of the first mounting holes 106 in each group. For example, the number of the first mounting holes 106 in each group is one, two or more than two. Preferably, to ensure the reliability of the connection relationship after connection, each group is provided with two or more than two first mounting holes 106.

[0047] It should be noted that for the end plate structure provided in this application, there is no specific limitation on the selection of the above-mentioned connecting pieces. For example, the connecting piece is selected as a standard part, such as a bolt; in this case, the side plate is correspondingly provided with internal threads. Another example is that the connecting piece is selected as a rivet, and in this case, the side plate is provided with riveting holes, and when installing, each column is riveted to the corresponding side plate.

[0048] As Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the reinforcing member 2 includes a reinforcing body 201 and an extension portion 202. The reinforcing body 201 protrudes away from the mounting plate 104 relative to the extension portion 202. The extension portions 202 are arranged in pairs and are respectively connected to opposite ends of the reinforcing body 201. The extension portions 202 are also used to connect to the flanging 105 to form an arched structure to improve the overall strength of the end plate.

[0049] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 2 is arranged horizontally, that is, the extension portions 202 are located at the upper and lower ends of the reinforcing body 201. With such an arrangement, its compressive strength is relatively high.

[0050] As Figure 1 and Figure 4 shown, in this application, at least one lifting hole 203 is provided on the reinforcing body 201, and the lifting hole 203 is used for hoisting the equipment.

[0051] By using the end plate structure of this embodiment, since the lifting hole 203 is provided on the reinforcing body 201, it is convenient to hoist the battery module after the assembly process of the battery module is completed, so as to facilitate the handling of the battery module.

[0052] It should be noted that for the end plate structure provided in this application, there is no specific limitation on the structure of the lifting hole 203. For example, circular, square or long waist-shaped. Preferably, the lifting hole 203 is selected as a long waist-shaped hole. With such an arrangement, not only can the weight be reduced, but also because of its simple and practical structure, it is convenient to hoist the battery module after assembly.

[0053] Similarly, for the end plate structure provided in the present application, the number of lifting holes 203 is not specifically limited. For example, it can be one, two or more than two. When there is one lifting hole 203 provided on the reinforcement body 201, the lifting hole 203 is provided in the center. When there are two or more than two lifting holes 203 provided on the reinforcement body 201, they can be arranged in an array in the horizontal direction and / or the vertical direction, such as a rectangular array or a circular ring array.

[0054] Still as Figure 1 and Figure 4 shown, at least one second mounting hole 204 is further provided on the reinforcement body 201, and the second mounting hole 204 is used for installing the required components.

[0055] With the end plate structure of this embodiment, by providing the second mounting hole 204 for installing the required components on the reinforcement body 201 for backup and for installing the required components, the applicable range of the end plate structure is improved, and when the required components are installed on the reinforcement body 201, the overall integration degree can be improved.

[0056] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the end plate main body 1 is formed by bending a sheet metal part into a mounting plate 104, a first upright post 102 and a second upright post 103.

[0057] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, openings are provided at both the top and bottom of the first upright post 102 and the second upright post 103, and the end plate structure further includes a cross plate 3. Cross plates 3 are provided at both the top and bottom of the end plate main body 1, and each cross plate 3 covers the openings of the first upright post 102 and the second upright post 103.

[0058] With the end plate structure of this embodiment, by providing a cross plate 3 at the top and / or bottom of the end plate main body 1, the overall strength of the end plate structure in the vertical direction can be improved. And when cross plates 3 are provided at both the top and bottom, the deposition of impurities in the cavity 101 of the upright post can be reduced by covering the openings of the upright post with the cross plates.

[0059] It can be explained that the number of the top cross plate 3 and the bottom cross plate 3 is not limited. For example, the number of the top cross plate 3 and the bottom cross plate 3 is one, two or more than two. Preferably, two top cross plates 3 are provided in a stacked manner, and two bottom cross plates 3 are provided in a stacked manner to further enhance the overall strength of the end plate structure in the vertical direction.

[0060] As Figure 3 shown, a third mounting hole 301 is provided at the position of the cross plate 3 corresponding to the cavity 101, and the third mounting hole 301 is used for allowing a connecting piece to pass through the cross plate 3 and the cavity 101 and then connect with the battery pack box body.

[0061] AsFigure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in Figure 2 , the end plate structure further includes an adapter 4, which is installed above the topmost cross plate 3, and the adapter 4 is used for fixing the connector.

[0062] With the end plate structure of this embodiment, the setting of the adapter facilitates the fixing of the connectors in the battery module.

[0063] It should be noted that in this application, the structure of the adapter 4 is not specifically limited, as long as it can fix the connector. During processing, holes and grooves are made on the adapter 4 as needed to fix the connector.

[0064] As one implementation manner, the bottom end face of the adapter 4 is bent toward one side of the top end face, so that the two sides of the adapter 4 arranged in the horizontal direction present a "mouth" - shaped structure. With this setting, its compressive strength is relatively high.

[0065] It should be noted that one or more of the end plate main body 1, the reinforcement member 2, and the adapter 4 mentioned in this application can be directly bent from a single sheet metal part, or can be formed by connecting multiple sheet metal parts after being cut into the expected size. Exemplarily, as Figure 1 shown in Figure 1 , the end plate main body 1 is directly bent from a single sheet metal part, the reinforcement member 2 is directly bent from a single sheet metal part, and the adapter 4 includes 3 sheet metal parts.

[0066] Furthermore, in this application, the connection manner between the end plate main body 1, the reinforcement member 2, the cross plate 3, and the adapter 4 is not specifically limited. For example, welding.

[0067] Although the embodiments of the present utility model have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An end plate structure, characterized in that, Comprising: An end plate body (1), the end plate body (1) includes a first column (102) and a second column (103), both the first column (102) and the second column (103) include a plurality of side walls and a chamber (101) formed by enclosing with the plurality of side walls, one side wall of the first column (102) and one side wall of the second column (103) are arranged coplanarly and connected by a mounting plate (104), flanges (105) are arranged at one ends of the opposite side walls of the first column (102) and the second column (103) close to the mounting plate (104), and both of the two flanges (105) are connected to the mounting plate (104); A reinforcing member (2), disposed between the first column (102) and the second column (103), and two ends of the reinforcing member (2) are respectively fixedly connected to one sides of the two flanges (105) away from the mounting plate (104).

2. The end plate structure according to claim 1, wherein both the first column (102) and the second column (103) include four side walls, so that the chamber (101) is a cuboid-shaped structure.

3. The end plate structure according to claim 2, wherein first mounting holes (106) are formed in the side walls of the first column (102) facing away from the mounting plate (104) and the side walls of the second column (103) facing away from the mounting plate (104), and the first mounting holes (106) are used for connecting with side plates.

4. The end plate structure according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the reinforcing member (2) includes a reinforcing body (201) and an extension part (202), the reinforcing body (201) protrudes in a direction away from the mounting plate (104) relative to the extension part (202), the extension parts (202) are arranged in pairs and are respectively connected to opposite ends of the reinforcing body (201), and the extension parts (202) are used for connecting with the flanges (105).

5. The end plate structure according to claim 4, wherein at least one lifting hole (203) is formed in the reinforcing body (201), and the lifting hole (203) is used for hoisting equipment.

6. The end plate structure according to claim 4, wherein at least one second mounting hole (204) is further formed in the reinforcing body (201).

7. The end plate structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The end plate body (1) is formed by bending a sheet metal part to form the mounting plate (104), the first column (102) and the second column (103).

8. The end plate structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Openings are arranged at the top and bottom of the first column (102) and the second column (103), and the end plate structure further includes: Cross plates (3), at least one cross plate (3) is respectively arranged at the top and bottom of the end plate body (1), and the cross plates (3) cover the openings of the first column (102) and the second column (103).

9. The end plate structure according to claim 8, wherein A third mounting hole (301) is formed at a position of the transverse plate (3) corresponding to the chamber (101). The third mounting hole (301) is used for a connecting piece to pass through the transverse plate (3) and the chamber (101) and then connect to the battery pack box body.

10. The end plate structure according to claim 8, wherein It further includes: An adapter (4), which is installed above the topmost transverse plate (3). The adapter (4) is used for fixing a connector.

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