Tab fixing support and soft package battery module

Abstract

The utility model provides a pole lug fixing support and a soft package battery module, the pole lug fixing support is used for a battery module of a side outlet pole lug soft package battery cell, and the pole lug fixing support comprises a supporting part and a carding part, the supporting part is connected between two end plates of the battery module, a supporting surface is arranged on one side of the supporting part opposite to the battery cells, a plurality of through holes are formed in the supporting surface at intervals along the stacking direction of the battery cells, and tabs of adjacent battery cells can be attached to the supporting surface after penetrating through the through holes and being lapped with each other; the carding part is detachably connected to the top end of the supporting part, and the carding part can be tightly pressed on the supporting part by the side plate of the battery module. The pole lug fixing support can support the pole lugs, and the stability of welding equipment when the welding equipment welds the two pole lugs is guaranteed; the carding part can tightly press the supporting part, and the supporting part is not easy to deviate and shake, so that the tab fixing bracket can stably support the tab, and the tab is not easy to tear and damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of battery modules, in particular to an ear fixing bracket. The utility model also relates to a soft-pack battery module equipped with the above ear fixing bracket. Background Art

[0002] Lithium batteries are important energy storage devices in the new energy industry, and an important part of them is soft-pack batteries. Soft-pack batteries have been recognized by the market due to their advantages such as high energy density, high grouping rate, low internal resistance, and high safety, and show great market potential and application prospects in many fields such as new energy vehicles, wearable devices, and energy storage systems.

[0003] When producing a soft-pack battery module, the ears of adjacent battery cells need to be bent and overlapped and then welded. During the specific welding process, the ears may be warped after bending, and it is necessary to roll and flatten the ears to prevent warping and causing virtual welding. After bending, the ears are in a suspended state and cannot be stressed, so a support is needed to support the ears. However, when the existing support is used on a multi-cell long module, its connection with the module frame is not firm enough, the stability is poor, and the ears may be displaced and pulled, resulting in the bad situation of tearing the ears of the soft-pack battery. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of this, the utility model aims to propose an ear fixing bracket to improve the stability of ear support.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the utility model is realized as follows:

[0006] An ear fixing bracket for a battery module of a side-out ear soft-pack battery cell, comprising:

[0007] A support part, connected between the two end plates of the battery module, with a support surface provided on the side facing away from the battery cell. A plurality of through holes are provided at intervals along the stacking direction of the battery cells on the support surface. After the ears of adjacent battery cells pass through the through holes and overlap with each other, they can be abutted against the support surface;

[0008] A combing part, detachably connected to the top of the support part, and the side plate of the battery module can press the combing part against the support part.

[0009] Further, a plurality of protrusions are formed protruding from the top of the combing part, and the protrusions abut against the side plate.

[0010] Further, a plurality of groups of notches are provided at the edge of the combing part, and a cantilever structure is formed between every two notches in each group. The cantilever structure is elastic, and the protrusions are arranged at the top of the free end of the cantilever structure.

[0011] Further, a clamping member extending downward is provided on the cantilever structure, and a clamping groove is provided on the supporting portion. When the carding portion is assembled to the supporting portion, the clamping member partially enters the clamping groove to form a limiting connection between the supporting portion and the carding portion.

[0012] Further, a guiding block is provided on one side of the supporting portion facing the battery cell. The guiding block is arranged between adjacent through holes to guide the tab of the battery cell into the through hole.

[0013] Further, the cross section of the guiding block is triangular.

[0014] Further, a jack is provided at the top of the guiding block, and a plug is provided on the carding portion. When the carding portion is assembled to the supporting portion, the plug is at least partially inserted into the jack.

[0015] Further, the plug conforms to the wall of the jack.

[0016] Further, a hook is provided on one side of the supporting portion facing the end plate, and the hook is clamped to the end plate.

[0017] Further, a metal insert is embedded in the supporting portion. The metal insert is connected between the end plate and the battery cell to form part of a high-voltage circuit.

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

[0019] The tab fixing bracket of the present utility model can provide support for the tab. The tabs of adjacent battery cells pass through the through holes and then overlap and lean against the support surface, so that the tabs can withstand the pressure of the copper nozzle of the welding equipment, ensuring the stability when the welding equipment welds the two tabs. The carding portion can press the supporting portion, and the supporting portion is not easily displaced or shaken, so that the tab fixing bracket can stably support the tab, playing a role in carding and fixing the tab. The tab is not easily torn or damaged, improving the safety performance of the corresponding battery cell.

[0020] Secondly, a plurality of protrusions are provided on the top of the carding portion, which can enable the side plate to contact and transmit force with the protrusions, so that the pressure transmitted by the side plate to the carding portion is more uniform. A notch is provided at the edge of the carding portion to form an elastic cantilever structure, which can absorb the assembly tolerance. When some or a certain cantilever structure is subjected to a large force, it can elastically deform to ensure the normal assembly of the side plate. A clamping member extending downward is provided below the cantilever structure, and a clamping groove is provided on the supporting portion, so that the cantilever structure can be clamped to the supporting portion, thereby realizing the detachable connection between the carding portion and the supporting portion.

[0021] Furthermore, a guiding block is arranged on the supporting part. The guiding block is arranged between adjacent through holes, which can prevent the overlapping of the tabs of two non-series-connected battery cells, ensuring a safe electrical distance between the tabs of the two battery cells. At the same time, it can also play a role in guiding the tabs into the through holes. The guiding block is set to have a triangular cross-section, and the side walls of the guiding block corresponding to the two sides of the triangle can guide the tabs into the through holes, and at the same time, it can also enhance the overall structural strength of the supporting part. An inserting block is arranged on the combing part and is inserted into the guiding block, which can play a role in positioning the combing part and the supporting part, making the installation between the combing part and the supporting part more firm.

[0022] In addition, the inserting block is set to have the shape of the hole wall of a conformal jack, which can make the connection between the inserting block and the guiding block more tight and not easy to displace. By arranging a hook on the supporting part, the connection between the supporting part and the end plate can be made more convenient, facilitating disassembly and assembly. A metal insert is embedded in the supporting part, and the supporting part can play the role of an output terminal seat, reducing the development of parts and lowering costs.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a soft-pack battery module, and the soft-pack battery module is equipped with the above-mentioned tab fixing bracket.

[0024] For the soft-pack battery module of the present invention, by arranging the above-mentioned tab fixing bracket, the tabs can be better combed and fixed, making the performance of the soft-pack battery module more stable during use, which is beneficial to improving the use quality of the soft-pack battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present invention are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tab fixing bracket according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partial enlarged view of part A in

[0028] Figure 3 is a front view of the combing part according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the combing part according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the supporting part according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6Schematic diagram of another perspective of the support part described in the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the tab fixing bracket described in the first embodiment of the present utility model assembled in the battery module.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0034] 1. Support part;

[0035] 101. Support surface; 102. Through hole; 103. Connecting ear; 104. Clamping groove; 105. Guide block; 1051. Insertion hole; 106. Hook; 107. Metal insert;

[0036] 2. Combing part;

[0037] 201. Protrusion; 202. Notch; 203. Cantilever structure; 2031. Clamping part; 204. Insert block;

[0038] 3. Electric core;

[0039] 301. Tab;

[0040] 4. End plate. Detailed implementation manners

[0041] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present utility model and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0042] 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 should not be construed 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.

[0043] In addition, in the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly defined, the terms "installation", "connection", "connection", "connection member" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can 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 situations.

[0044] Hereinafter, the present utility model will be described in detail with reference to the drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] This embodiment relates to an ear fixing bracket to improve the stability of the support for the ear.

[0047] In terms of the overall structure, an ear fixing bracket in this embodiment, which is used for a battery module of a side-out ear soft-pack battery cell, includes a support part and a combing part.

[0048] The support part is connected between the two end plates of the battery module. A support surface is provided on the side facing away from the battery cell. A plurality of through holes are arranged at intervals along the stacking direction of the battery cells on the support surface. After the ears of adjacent battery cells pass through the through holes and overlap with each other, they can lean against the support surface.

[0049] The combing part is detachably connected to the top of the support part, and the side plate of the battery module can press the combing part against the support part.

[0050] With the above settings, the ear fixing bracket can provide support for the ears. After the ears of adjacent battery cells pass through the through holes and overlap and lean against the support surface, the ears can withstand the pressure of the copper nozzle of the welding equipment, ensuring the stability when the welding equipment welds the two ears. The combing part can press the support part tightly, and the support part is not easy to shift and shake, so that the ear fixing bracket can support the ears relatively stably, playing a role in combing and fixing the ears. The ears are not easy to be torn and damaged, improving the safety performance of the corresponding battery cell.

[0051] Based on the above overall introduction, referring to Figures 1 to 7 As shown, specifically, the through holes 102 on the support part 1 are set as long strip rectangular holes to adapt to the flat structure of the ear 301. While providing enough space for the ear 301 to pass through, the opening area is reduced to ensure the overall strength of the support part 1. Each through hole 102 is sequentially aligned with the position of each battery cell 3. After the ear 301 passes through the through hole 102, it can smoothly lean against the support surface 101. The end plate 4 and the side plate are common structural parts in the soft-pack battery module. The end plate 4 is arranged at the end in the stacking direction of the battery cells 3, and the side plate is perpendicular to the end plate 4 and can press the combing part 2 and connect the end plate 4.

[0052] In order to improve the pressing effect of the side plate on the combing part 2, referring to Figures 1 to 4As shown in the figure, multiple protrusions 201 protrude from the top of the carding part 2, and the protrusions 201 abut against the side plate. The protrusions 201 protrude upward and can directly contact the side plate, so that the side plate can directly transmit pressure to the carding part 2 through the protrusions 201, making the carding part 2 evenly stressed and improving the assembly stability. Preferably, there are four protrusions 201 in this embodiment, which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the carding part 2, so that the force on the carding part 2 is relatively uniform. As a preferred implementation form, the protrusion 201 in this embodiment is a strip with a semicircular cross-section, and the convex surface faces the side plate. Of course, other structural forms can also be adopted for the protrusion 201, as long as it can directly contact the side plate and has a certain contact area.

[0053] As a further optimization of the structure of the carding part 2, multiple groups of notches 202 are provided at the edge of the carding part 2, and a cantilever structure 203 is formed between every two notches 202 in each group. The cantilever structure 203 is elastic, and the protrusion 201 is arranged at the top of the free end of the cantilever structure 203. The notches 202 are provided at the edge of the carding part 2, and the formed elastic cantilever structure 203 can absorb assembly tolerances. When some or a certain cantilever structure 203 is subjected to a large force, it can undergo elastic deformation to ensure the normal assembly of the side plate. In this embodiment, there are four cantilever structures 203 corresponding to the protrusions 201, and each cantilever structure 203 can withstand different pressure deformations while keeping the overall position of the carding part 2 unchanged, ensuring the assembly accuracy.

[0054] Secondly, regarding the connection method between the carding part 2 and the support part 1, referring to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, a clamping part 2031 extending downward is provided on the cantilever structure 203 of this embodiment, and a clamping groove 104 is provided on the support part 1. When the carding part 2 is assembled to the support part 1, a part of the clamping part 2031 enters the clamping groove 104, constituting a limit connection between the support part 1 and the carding part 2. A connecting ear 103 extending upward is provided at the position of the support part 1 corresponding to the cantilever structure 203, and a clamping groove 104 is provided on the connecting ear 103. The bottom end of the clamping part 2031 has a right-angled triangle cross-section. During the process of the carding part 2 being assembled downward on the top of the support part 1, the connecting ear 103 will squeeze the clamping part 2031 to make the clamping part 2031 elastically deformed, so that the bottom end of the clamping part 2031 can be inserted into the clamping groove 104 through the edge of the connecting ear 103, realizing the clamping of the carding part 2 and the support part 1 and achieving longitudinal limit to the support part 1. Of course, the clamping part 2031 can also be of other shapes, such as providing other-shaped protrusions at the bottom end of the clamping part 2031, as long as it can achieve detachable clamping with the support part 1.

[0055] In order to make the tab 301 easier to insert into the through hole 102, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, on one side of the support part 1 facing the battery cell 3, there is a guiding block 105. The guiding block 105 is arranged between adjacent through holes 102 to guide the tab 301 of the battery cell 3 into the through hole 102. By providing the guiding block 105 on the support part 1 and arranging it between adjacent through holes 102, it can prevent the overlapping of the tabs 301 of two non - series - connected battery cells 3, ensuring a safe electrical distance between the tabs 301 of the two battery cells 3. At the same time, it can also play a role in guiding the tab 301 into the through hole 102. Of course, setting the guiding block 105 also enhances the overall structural strength of the support part 1 and makes up for the insufficient strength of the slender structure of the support part 1.

[0056] Specifically, the cross - section of the guiding block 105 is triangular, forming the shape of a triangular prism. The guiding block 105 gradually narrows in the direction towards the battery cell 3, forming two inclined surfaces on both sides to guide the tab 301. The guiding block 105 with a triangular cross - section can also better enhance the structural strength of the support part 1. It should be noted that the cross - sectional shape of the guiding block 105 can also be other shapes, as long as it can form inclined surfaces on both sides to guide the tab 301 into the through hole 102.

[0057] Based on the purpose of improving the connection strength between the combing part 2 and the support part 1, referring to Figures 3 to 6 As shown, at the top of the guiding block 105, there is a jack 1051, and on the combing part 2, there is an insertion block 204. When the combing part 2 is assembled to the support part 1, the insertion block 204 is at least partially inserted into the jack 1051. The cooperation between the insertion block 204 and the inner wall of the jack 1051 can play a guiding role in the vertical direction during the assembly of the combing part 2. After the insertion block 204 is inserted into the jack 1051, it can also make the combing part 2 play a role in horizontally limiting the support part 1, making the assembly of the support part 1 more firm.

[0058] Specifically, the insertion block 204 conforms to the inner wall of the jack 1051. After the insertion block 204 is inserted into the jack 1051, there is no horizontal misalignment between the insertion block 204 and the inner wall of the jack 1051, which can further limit the support part 1 and enhance the connection effect.

[0059] Regarding the connection structure between the support part 1 and the end plate 4, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, on one side of the support part 1 facing the end plate 4, there is a hook 106, and the hook 106 is snap - connected to the end plate 4. The hook 106 has a certain elasticity. Adopting the snap - connection structure form can make the connection between the support part 1 and the end plate 4 more convenient, and at the same time, it is convenient for disassembly and assembly.

[0060] As a further structural optimization of the support part 1, referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, a metal insert 107 is embedded in the support portion 1. The metal insert 107 is connected between the end plate 4 and the battery cell 3 to form part of the high-voltage circuit. The metal insert 107 can be connected to the high-voltage copper plate to connect the corresponding battery cell 3 into the circuit. In this embodiment, the connection method between the metal insert 107 and the high-voltage copper plate is screw connection. Embedding the metal insert 107 in the support portion 1 can play the role of the output terminal seat in a common soft-pack battery module, eliminating the need for design and development of the output terminal seat and saving costs. Preferably, the metal insert 107 can be made of environmentally friendly iron material, which has good processing performance and does not contain lead or other environmentally harmful substances.

[0061] As a preferred implementation form, both the support portion 1 and the combing portion 2 of this embodiment are made of PBT + 20% GF (polybutylene terephthalate-based material + 20% glass fiber reinforced material). PBT is a plastic with good mechanical properties, heat resistance and electrical properties, while the glass fiber reinforced material can improve the strength and stiffness of the material, meeting the high-strength, heat-resistant and wear-resistant performance requirements of the battery module. Of course, it is also possible to use other materials that meet the above performance requirements, without other restrictions.

[0062] The tab 301 fixing bracket of this embodiment can ensure the stability when the welding equipment welds two tabs 301. Secondly, the combing portion 2 can press the support portion 1 tightly, making the support portion 1 not easy to shift and shake, the position of the tab 301 is stable and not easy to be torn and damaged, improving the safety performance of the corresponding battery cell 3.

[0063] Embodiment Two

[0064] This embodiment relates to a soft-pack battery module, which is equipped with the tab fixing bracket in Embodiment One.

[0065] For the soft-pack battery module of this embodiment, by setting the tab fixing bracket of Embodiment One, the tabs can be better combed and fixed, and the tabs are not easy to be torn and damaged, making the performance of the soft-pack battery module more stable during use. At the same time, the clamping form between the combing portion and the support portion can also facilitate the assembly of the tab fixing bracket, which is beneficial to improving the use quality of the soft-pack battery module.

[0066] 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. An ear fixing bracket for a battery module of a side-out ear soft-pack battery cell, characterized in that, include: A support portion connected between the two end plates of the battery module, with a support surface provided on the side facing away from the battery cell, a plurality of through holes being provided on the support surface at intervals along the battery cell stacking direction, and the tabs of adjacent battery cells passing through the through holes and overlapping each other can be abutted against the support surface; The combing part is detachably connected to the top end of the supporting part, and the side plate of the battery module can press the combing part onto the supporting part.

2. The tab fixing bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the combing part protrudes to form a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions abut against the side plates.

3. The tab fixing bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of groups of notches are arranged at the edge of the combing portion, and a cantilever structure is formed between two notches in each group. The cantilever structure is elastic, and the protrusion is arranged on the top of the free end of the cantilever structure.

4. The tab fixing bracket according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cantilever structure is provided with a clamping piece extending downward, and the support portion is provided with a clamping groove. When the combing portion is assembled to the support portion, the clamping piece partially enters the clamping groove to form a limiting connection between the support portion and the combing portion.

5. The tab fixing bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide block is provided on one side of the support portion facing the battery core, and the guide block is arranged between adjacent through holes to guide the tabs of the battery core to enter the through holes.

6. The tab fixing bracket according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cross section of the guide block is triangular.

7. The tab fixing bracket according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top end of the guide block is provided with an insertion hole, and the combing portion is provided with an insertion block. When the combing portion is assembled to the supporting portion, the insertion block is at least partially inserted into the insertion hole.

8. The tab fixing bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that: The insert block follows the hole wall of the insert hole.

9. The tab fixing bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hook is provided on one side of the support portion facing the end plate, and the hook is engaged with the end plate; and / or, A metal insert is embedded in the support portion, and the metal insert is connected between the end plate and the battery core to form a part of the high-voltage circuit.

10. A soft pack battery module, characterized in that: The soft-pack battery mold assembly is equipped with a tab fixing bracket as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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