Battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery module. The battery module comprises a battery pack, end plates and side plates, the battery pack comprises a plurality of stacked battery cells; end plates are respectively arranged at two ends of the battery pack in the first direction; side plates are arranged at the two ends of the battery pack in the second direction respectively, the side plates are connected with the end plates and fix the relative positions of the battery cells, and the second direction intersects with the first direction; wherein at least one side plate comprises more than two plate units which are distributed at intervals, a cavity is formed between every two adjacent plate units, one end, in the first direction, of each plate unit is connected with one end plate, and the other end of each plate unit is connected with the other end plate. The battery module not only meets the requirement of light weight and reduces the cost of the battery module, but also can simplify the process of fixing the battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of batteries, and particularly relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] During the service life of a battery pack, due to the internal chemical reaction of the battery cells, an expansion phenomenon will occur, and the generated expansion force will damage the structure of the battery module. If the structure of the battery module fails to control the expansion force of the battery cells well, it will affect the service life and performance of the battery cells, battery packs, battery modules, and battery packs, reduce product safety. At the same time, due to the reduced life and performance, the replacement requirements for the battery cells, battery packs, or battery module structures will increase, resulting in an increase in the usage cost of electric vehicles.

[0003] In related technologies, the battery pack is often fixed by die-cast end plates and steel strips, which is costly and makes the fixing process very complicated. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] This application provides a battery module, which not only meets the lightweight requirements, reduces the cost of the battery module, but also simplifies the process of fixing the battery pack.

[0005] An embodiment of this application provides a battery module, including a battery pack, an end plate, and side plates. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells stacked; end plates are respectively arranged at both ends of the battery pack in a first direction; side plates are respectively arranged at both ends of the battery pack in a second direction, and the side plates are connected to the end plates and fix the relative positions of the battery cells, and the second direction intersects with the first direction; wherein, at least one side plate includes two or more spaced-apart plate units, a cavity is formed between adjacent two plate units, and one end of each plate unit in the first direction is connected to one of the end plates and the other end is connected to the other end plate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the end plate includes an end plate body and a first folded edge, the end plate body intersects with the first folded edge, and the first folded edge is detachably connected to the plate unit.

[0007] In some embodiments, a slot is provided on one of the first folded edge and the plate unit, and a buckle is provided on the other, and the buckle is connected to the slot.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first connection hole and a screw member are provided on the first folded edge, a threaded hole is provided on the screw member, a second connection hole is provided on the plate unit, the threaded hole communicates with the first connection hole and the second connection hole, and the plate unit is connected to the first folded edge by a first fastener inserted into the first connection hole and the second connection hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end plate further includes a support frame and an electrode terminal. The support frame is connected to the first end of the end plate body along a third direction, which intersects with the first direction and the second direction. The electrode terminal is disposed on the support frame and is electrically connected to the battery pack.

[0010] In some embodiments, a gap is provided between the support frame and the first folded edge.

[0011] In some embodiments, the end plate further includes a connecting frame, which is connected to the second end of the end plate body along the third direction. A third connecting hole is provided on the connecting frame, and the third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, a recess is provided on the end plate. The recess is recessed from the side of the end plate facing the battery pack in the first direction towards the side away from the battery pack.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes a heating film, which is placed in the cavity between two adjacent plate units and is connected to the end plate. The heating film abuts against the battery pack.

[0014] In some embodiments, a fourth connecting hole is provided on the end plate, and a fifth connecting hole is provided on the heating film. The heating film is connected to the end plate through a second fastener passing through the fourth connecting hole and the fifth connecting hole.

[0015] In some embodiments, the side plates on both sides of the battery pack in the second direction each include two or more spaced-apart plate units.

[0016] The present application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The battery module provided by the present application includes a battery module, which includes a battery pack, an end plate, and side plates. The battery pack includes a plurality of stacked battery cells. End plates are respectively provided at both ends of the battery pack in the first direction. Side plates are respectively provided at both ends of the battery pack in the second direction. At least one side plate includes two or more spaced-apart plate units, and a cavity is formed between two adjacent plate units. Through the above settings, it is possible to ensure the fixation of the battery cells in the battery module and to control the expansion force of the battery cells well. Moreover, due to the formation of the cavity, the battery module can meet the lightweight requirements and reduce the cost of the battery module. At the same time, each plate unit can be connected to one of the end plates at one end in the first direction and to the other end plate at the other end, without cumbersome tying work, which can simplify the process of fixing the battery pack and improve the grouping efficiency of the battery module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required to be used in the embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0019] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of a battery module provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 Structural schematic diagram of a side plate provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 Structural schematic of an end plate provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 4 Structural schematic of an end plate provided by an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 。

[0023] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings is as follows:

[0024] 1. Battery pack; 11. Battery cell;

[0025] 2. End plate; 21. End plate body; 211. Recess; 212. First groove; 213. Second groove; 22. First flange; 221. First connection hole; 222. Fourth connection hole; 23. Connection frame; 231. Third connection hole; 24. Support frame; 241. First support plate; 242. Second support plate;

[0026] 3. Side plate; 31. Plate unit; 311. Second connection hole;

[0027] 4. Screwing member;

[0028] 5. Heating film;

[0029] 6. Adapter;

[0030] 7. Gap;

[0031] X - First direction; Y - Second direction; Z - Third direction. Detailed implementation manners

[0032] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present application will be described in detail below. In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only intended to explain the present application, rather than to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is only intended to provide a better understanding of the present application by showing examples of the present application.

[0033] It should be noted that in this text, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the said element.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an embodiment of the present application provides a battery module, which includes a battery pack 1, end plates 2 and side plates 3. The battery pack 1 includes a plurality of stacked battery cells 11. End plates 2 are respectively provided at both ends of the battery pack 1 in the first direction X. Side plates 3 are respectively provided at both ends of the battery pack 1 in the second direction Y, and the side plates 3 are connected to the end plates 2 and fix the relative positions of the battery cells 11, and the second direction Y intersects with the first direction X. Wherein, at least one side plate 3 includes two or more spaced-apart plate units 31, a cavity is formed between two adjacent plate units 31, and one end of each plate unit 31 in the first direction X is connected to one of the end plates 2 and the other end is connected to the other end plate 2.

[0035] The plurality of stacked battery cells 11 can be understood as the plurality of battery cells 11 being stacked along the first direction X.

[0036] The number of the battery cells 11 can be set according to the capacity requirement of the battery module, and can be set to seven, eight or less or more. Exemplarily, the battery cells 11 can be optionally set to eight.

[0037] A plurality of battery cells 11 are provided, and the plurality of battery monomers can be connected in series, in parallel or in a hybrid connection. A hybrid connection means that there are both series and parallel connections among the plurality of battery monomers.

[0038] The side plate 3 is connected to the end plate 2. It can be understood that the connection can optionally be one of a fixed connection or a detachable connection. The fixed connection can optionally be fixed by welding or bonding. The detachable connection can optionally be detachably connected by fastening with fasteners such as bolts, or can also be detachably connected by a way that a part of one extends into the other for snap-fit.

[0039] At least one side plate 3 includes two or more spaced-apart plate units 31, which can be understood as at least one side plate 3 including two or more plate units 31 spaced apart along the third direction Z.

[0040] The side plate 3 may optionally include two spaced-apart plate units 31. Of course, it may also include three spaced-apart plate units 31 or more spaced-apart plate units 31.

[0041] The included angle between any two of the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z may optionally be between 80° and 100°, and may optionally be 90°. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z may optionally be perpendicular to each other.

[0042] In summary, according to the battery module provided by an embodiment of the present application, the battery pack 1 includes a plurality of stacked battery cells 11. End plates 2 are respectively provided at both ends of the battery pack 1 in the first direction X. Side plates 3 are respectively provided at both ends of the battery pack 1 in the second direction Y. At least one side plate 3 includes two or more spaced-apart plate units 31, and a cavity is formed between two adjacent plate units 31. Through the above settings, it is possible to ensure the fixation of the battery cells 11 in the battery module and control the expansion force of the battery cells 11 well. Moreover, due to the formation of the cavity, the battery module can meet the lightweight requirements and reduce the cost of the battery module. At the same time, each plate unit 31 can be connected to one of the end plates 2 at one end in the first direction X and to the other end plate 2 at the other end, without cumbersome tying work, which can simplify the process of fixing the battery pack 1 and improve the grouping efficiency of the battery module.

[0043] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, in some embodiments, the end plate 2 includes an end plate body 21 and a first folded edge 22. The end plate body 21 intersects with the first folded edge 22, and the first folded edge 22 is detachably connected to the plate unit 31.

[0044] Optionally, the first folded edge 22 is provided on the side of the end plate body 21 away from the battery pack 1.

[0045] Optionally, the first folded edge 22 and the end plate body 21 may be integrally formed, which increases the connection strength between the first folded edge 22 and the end plate body 21.

[0046] The included angle between the end plate body 21 and the first folded edge 22 may optionally be between 80° and 100°, and may optionally be 90°. The end plate body 21 and the first folded edge 22 may optionally be perpendicular to each other.

[0047] The shape of the orthographic projection of the end plate body 21 along the first direction X may be a square, a rectangle, a circle, etc. The shape of the orthographic projection of the end plate body 21 along the first direction X is optionally a square.

[0048] The shape of the orthographic projection of the plate unit 31 along the second direction Y may be a square, a rectangle, a circle, etc. The shape of the orthographic projection of the end plate body 21 along the second direction Y is optionally a rectangle.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present application, the end plate 2 of the battery module is provided as an end plate body 21 and a first flanging 22, and the end plate body 21 intersects with the first flanging 22. The first flanging 22 is detachably connected to the plate unit 31 to realize the connection between the end plate 2 and the plate unit 31, and the operation is simple.

[0050] In some embodiments, a card slot is provided on one of the first flanging 22 and the plate unit 31, and a buckle is provided on the other, and the buckle is connected to the card slot.

[0051] It can be understood that when the card slot is provided on the first flanging 22, the buckle is provided on the plate unit 31; when the buckle is provided on the first flanging 22, the card slot is provided on the plate unit 31.

[0052] Furthermore, multiple card slots can be provided on one of the first flanging 22 and the plate unit 31, and multiple buckles can be provided on the other, so as to increase the firmness of the connection between the end plate 2 and the plate unit 31.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present application, the battery module realizes the connection between the end plate 2 and the plate unit 31 by providing a card slot on one of the first flanging 22 and the plate unit 31, providing a buckle on the other, and connecting the buckle to the card slot, and the operation is simple.

[0054] In some embodiments, a first connection hole 221 and a screw connector 4 are provided on the first flanging 22, a threaded hole is provided on the screw connector 4, a second connection hole 311 is provided on the plate unit 31, the threaded hole communicates with the first connection hole 221 and the second connection hole 311, and the plate unit 31 is connected to the first flanging 22 through a first fastener inserted into the first connection hole 221 and the second connection hole 311.

[0055] It can be understood that a first connection hole 221 can be provided on the first flanging 22, a second connection hole 311 can be provided on the plate unit 31, and the first flanging 22 is connected to the plate unit 31 through a first fastener passing through the first connection hole 221 and the second connection hole 311. The first fastener can be a bolt and a nut.

[0056] Furthermore, multiple first connection holes 221 can be provided on the first flanging 22, and multiple second connection holes 311 can be provided on the plate unit 31.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present application, the battery module realizes the connection between the end plate 2 and the plate unit 31 by providing a first connection hole 221 on the first flanging 22, providing a second connection hole 311 on the plate unit 31, and providing a screw connector 4 with a threaded hole on the first flanging 22, and using a first fastener to pass through the first connection hole 221 and the second connection hole 311 and screw it with the screw connector 4, and the operation is simple.

[0058] The screw connector 4 can be optionally a nut, and the first fastener can be optionally a bolt.

[0059] In some embodiments, the end plate 2 further includes a support frame 24 and electrode terminals. The support frame 24 is connected to the first end of the end plate body 21 along the third direction Z, and the electrode terminals are disposed on the support frame 24 and electrically connected to the battery pack 1.

[0060] Optionally, the support frame 24 is disposed on the side of the end plate body 21 away from the battery pack 1.

[0061] Optionally, the positive projection of the support frame 24 along the first direction X is placed within the positive projection of the end plate body 21 along the first direction X.

[0062] Optionally, the support frame 24 and the end plate body 21 are integrally formed, which improves the connection strength between the support frame 24 and the end plate body 21.

[0063] Furthermore, the support frame 24 includes a first support plate 241 and a second support plate 242. The first support plate 241 is connected to the second support plate 242, and the second support plate 242 is connected to the end plate body 21.

[0064] Optionally, the second support plate 242 intersects with the end plate body 21. The included angle between the end plate body 21 and the second support plate 242 can be optionally between 80° and 100°, and can be optionally 90°. The first support plate 241 and the second support plate 242 are optionally perpendicular to each other.

[0065] Optionally, the first support plate 241 intersects with the second support plate 242. The included angle between the first support plate 241 and the second support plate 242 can be optionally between 80° and 100°, and can be optionally 90°. The first support plate 241 and the second support plate 242 are optionally perpendicular to each other.

[0066] Optionally, the shape of the positive projection of the second support plate 242 along the third direction Z can be a square, a rectangle or a circle. The shape of the positive projection of the second support plate 242 along the third direction Z is optionally a rectangle.

[0067] In a battery module provided by an embodiment of the present application, by providing the support frame 24, it is used to support the electrode terminals.

[0068] In some embodiments, the end plate 2 further includes a connecting frame 23. The connecting frame 23 is connected to the second end of the end plate body 21 along the third direction Z, and a third connecting hole 231 is provided on the connecting frame 23.

[0069] The connecting frame 23 and the end plate body 21 can be intersecting. The included angle between the end plate body 21 and the connecting frame 23 can be optionally between 80° and 100°, and can be optionally 90°. The end plate body 21 and the connecting frame 23 are optionally perpendicular to each other.

[0070] The shape of the orthographic projection of the connecting frame 23 along the third direction Z may be a square, a rectangle or a circle. The shape of the orthographic projection of the connecting frame 23 along the third direction Z may be a rectangle.

[0071] Optionally, the connection frame 23 and the end plate body 21 are integrally formed, thereby improving the connection strength between the connection frame 23 and the end plate body 21 .

[0072] Furthermore, one end of the connecting frame 23 is connected to one of the first folded edges 22 , and the other end of the connecting frame 23 is connected to the other first folded edge 22 , thereby improving the overall strength of the end plate 2 .

[0073] Further, the connection frame 23 may be provided with a plurality of third connection holes 231, and the number of the third connection holes 231 may be two, three or more. The number of the third connection holes 231 may be two.

[0074] A battery module provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided with a connecting frame 23 on the end plate body 21, and a third connecting hole 231 is provided on the connecting frame 23, and a third fastener is used to connect the end plate 2 with an external device, thereby fixing the battery module on the external device.

[0075] The external device can be optionally a box.

[0076] The third fastener may be a screw or a bolt. The third fastener may be a screw.

[0077] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, a gap 7 is provided between the support frame 24 and the first folded edge 22 .

[0078] The battery module provided in an embodiment of the present application can reduce the size of the support frame 24, reduce the weight of the support frame 24, and reduce the cost by setting a gap 7 between the support frame 24 and the first folded edge 22 on the one hand; on the other hand, it can play a role of avoidance.

[0079] Exemplarily, when the third fastener is a screw, a gap 7 is provided between the support frame 24 and the first folded edge 22 to avoid the screw.

[0080] In some embodiments, a recess 211 is disposed on the end plate 2 , and the recess 211 is recessed from a side of the end plate 2 facing the battery pack 1 in the first direction X to a side away from the battery pack 1 .

[0081] The shape of the orthographic projection of the recess 211 along the first direction X may be a square, a rectangle or a circle. The shape of the orthographic projection of the recess 211 along the first direction X may be a tic-tac-toe shape, which improves the overall strength of the end plate 2 .

[0082] In one embodiment of the present application, for the battery module provided, by providing a recess 211 on the end plate 2, the overall strength of the end plate 2 is improved.

[0083] In some embodiments, a first groove 212 is provided at the connection between the end plate body 21 and the first folded edge 22.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present application, for the battery module provided, by providing a first groove 212 at the connection between the end plate body 21 and the first folded edge 22, the strength of the end plate 2 is improved.

[0085] In some embodiments, a second groove 213 is provided at the connection between the connecting frame 23 and the end plate body 21.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present application, for the battery module provided, by providing a second groove 213 at the connection between the end plate body 21 and the connecting frame 23, the strength of the end plate 2 is improved.

[0087] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in some embodiments, the battery module further includes a heating film 5. The heating film 5 is disposed in the cavity between two adjacent plate units 31 and is connected to the end plate 2, and the heating film 5 abuts against the battery pack 1.

[0088] Furthermore, two heating films 5 are provided at intervals along the second direction Y. Connecting members 6 are respectively connected to both ends of the heating film 5 along the first direction X. One of the connecting members 6 on one heating film 5 is electrically connected to the connecting member 6 on the other heating film 5 through a wire, so as to realize the series connection of the two heating films 5. One of the connecting members 6 on one heating film 5 is connected with a male head, and one of the connecting members 6 on the other heating film 5 is connected with a female head. The male head and the female head are electrically connected to an external power supply. The external power supply can be a low-voltage system.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present application, for the battery module provided, by providing a heating film 5 in the cavity between two adjacent plate units 31, connecting it to the end plate 2, and making the heating film 5 abut against the battery pack 1. On the one hand, heating of the battery pack 1 can be realized; on the other hand, the side plate 3 will not cover the heating film 5, and the heating film 5 can be installed and removed after the end plate 2 and the side plate 3 are installed, which is convenient for the installation and disassembly of the heating film 5.

[0090] As Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, in some embodiments, a fourth connection hole 222 is provided on the end plate 2, a fifth connection hole is provided on the heating film 5, and the heating film 5 is connected to the end plate 2 through a second fastener passing through the fourth connection hole 222 and the fifth connection hole.

[0091] Further, the fourth connection hole 222 is disposed on the first folded edge 22.

[0092] Optionally, the fourth connection holes 222 are provided in plurality, and the fourth connection holes 222 can be optionally provided as two, three or more. The fourth connection holes 222 are optionally provided as three.

[0093] Optionally, the fifth connection holes are provided in plurality, and the fifth connection holes can be optionally provided as two, three or more. The fifth connection holes are optionally provided as three.

[0094] The second fastener can be optionally a screw or a rivet. The second fastener is optionally a rivet.

[0095] For the battery module provided by an embodiment of the present application, by providing the fourth connection holes 222 on the end plate 2, the fixing of the heating film 5 to the end plate 2 is realized, and the structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

[0096] As Figure 2 shown, in some embodiments, the side plates 3 on both sides of the battery pack 1 in the second direction Y both include two or more spaced-apart plate units 31.

[0097] The side plates 3 can both include two spaced-apart plate units 31, include three spaced-apart plate units 31, or include more spaced-apart plate units 31. The side plates 3 are optionally both including two spaced-apart plate units 31.

[0098] Exemplarily, the side plate 3 includes two spaced-apart plate units 31, and the two spaced-apart plate units 31 are disposed at both ends of the battery pack 1 along the third direction Z, and the cavity formed between the two spaced-apart plate units 31 covers the heating film 5 in the positive projection along the second direction Y.

[0099] For the battery module provided by an embodiment of the present application, by setting the side plates 3 on both sides to both include two or more spaced-apart plate units 31, the overall mass of the battery module is further reduced.

[0100] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, modules and units can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described herein again. It should be understood that the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, include: A battery pack, comprising a plurality of stacked battery cells; End plates, the battery pack is provided with the end plates at both ends of the first direction; Side plates, the battery pack is provided with the side plates at both ends of the second direction, the side plates are connected to the end plates and fix the relative positions of the battery cells, and the second direction intersects with the first direction; Wherein, at least one of the side plates includes more than two plate units distributed at intervals, a cavity is formed between two adjacent plate units, and each of the plate units is connected to one of the end plates at one end in the first direction and connected to another end plate at the other end.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The end plate includes an end plate body and a first folded edge, the end plate body and the first folded edge are arranged to intersect, and the first folded edge is detachably connected to the plate unit.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein A card slot is provided on one of the first folded edge and the plate unit, and a buckle is provided on the other, and the buckle is connected to the card slot; And / or, a first connecting hole and a screw connection are provided on the first folded edge, a threaded hole is provided on the screw connection, a second connecting hole is provided on the plate unit, the threaded hole is connected to the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole, and the plate unit is connected to the first folded edge by a first fastener inserted into the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The end plate also includes a support frame and an electrode terminal, the support frame is connected to a first end of the end plate body along a third direction, the third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction, and the electrode terminal is arranged on the support frame and is electrically connected to the battery pack.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, A gap is provided between the support frame and the first folded edge.

6. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein The end plate further includes a connecting frame connected to the second end of the end plate body along a third direction, a third connecting hole is provided on the connecting frame, and the third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction.

7. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein The end plate is provided with a recessed portion, and the recessed portion is recessed from a side of the end plate facing the battery pack in the first direction to a side away from the battery pack.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery module further includes a heating film, which is placed in a cavity between two adjacent plate units and connected to the end plate, and abuts against the battery pack.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein The end plate is provided with a fourth connection hole, the heating film is provided with a fifth connection hole, and the heating film is connected to the end plate via a second fastener penetrating through the fourth connection hole and the fifth connection hole.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein The side plates of the battery pack on both sides in the second direction each include more than two plate units that are spaced apart.

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