End plate and battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses an end plate and a battery module. The end plate is used for the battery module, the battery module comprises a fixing band, and the end plate comprises an end plate body and a bearing part. The end plate body comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface is attached to the battery module, and an insertion groove is formed in the second surface; and the bearing part is detachably arranged in the inserting groove so as to be at least used for limiting the fixing band. The problem that in the prior art, a fixing belt is prone to deviation can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to an end plate and a battery module. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, the application fields of energy storage equipment are becoming more and more extensive. As an important component in energy storage equipment, the battery pack includes multiple battery modules. The battery module includes multiple battery cells and end plates. The multiple battery cells and end plates are fixed by fixing belts.

[0003] However, the existing fixing strap and the end plate are fixed only by the tension of the fixing strap itself, which makes the fixing strap easily deflected on the end plate, resulting in low stability of the fixing strap on the battery module, which easily affects the normal operation of the battery module. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of the present application is to provide an end plate and a battery module to solve the problem that the fixing belt in the prior art is prone to deviation.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, an end plate is provided, the end plate being used for a battery module, the battery module including a fixing belt, the end plate comprising:

[0006] An end plate body, the end plate body comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface being in contact with the battery module, and the second surface being provided with an insertion slot;

[0007] A supporting portion is detachably disposed in the insertion slot to at least limit the fixing belt.

[0008] Furthermore, the end plate body is further provided with a limiting portion, and the limiting portion includes at least one, and the at least one limiting portion is provided on the second surface to at least limit and fix the fixing belt.

[0009] Furthermore, the limiting portion includes two limiting ribs, and the two limiting ribs are spaced apart along the height direction of the end plate body to form a limiting space between the two limiting ribs, and the fixing belt is arranged in the limiting space.

[0010] Furthermore, the two limiting ribs and the fixing belt are fixedly connected by interference fit.

[0011] Furthermore, the supporting portion includes a supporting screw.

[0012] Furthermore, the end plate body is further provided with an avoidance groove, and the avoidance groove is at least used to avoid the fixing belt.

[0013] Furthermore, the second surface is provided with at least one first lifting hole and at least one second lifting hole, at least one first lifting hole extends along the width direction of the end plate body, and at least one second lifting hole extends along the height direction of the end plate body.

[0014] Furthermore, the second surface is provided with at least one groove and at least one reinforcing rib.

[0015] Furthermore, the end plate body is further provided with an arcuate surface, and the arcuate surface is provided on two opposite sides of the second surface along the length direction of the end plate body.

[0016] On the other hand, the present application also provides a battery module, which includes the above-mentioned end plate.

[0017] In the present application, the end plate is used in conjunction with a fixing belt. The fixing belt can be used to bind the end plate to the opposite ends of multiple battery cells of the battery module so that the first surface of the end plate body fits the battery cells. After the fixing belt is installed, the position of the fixing belt on the end plate may shift due to battery expansion during use or shaking of the battery module during transportation. To this end, the present application provides an insertion groove on the second surface of the end plate body and inserts the supporting part into the insertion groove so that the supporting part is located below the fixing belt and abuts against the fixing belt. With such an arrangement, when the fixing belt shifts due to battery expansion force or shaking, the presence of the supporting part can provide a supporting force for the fixing belt to offset the shift of the fixing belt, thereby limiting the fixing belt, reducing the possibility of the fixing belt shifting and sliding during transportation and use of the battery module, improving the stability of the fit between the fixing belt and the end plate, and further improving the stability of the connection between the battery module and the end plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an end plate with a supporting portion disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the end plate disclosed in the embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a front view of the end plate disclosed in the embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side view of the end plate disclosed in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0024] 10. End plate body; 101. First surface; 102. Second surface; 11. Insertion slot; 12. Limiting portion; 121. Limiting rib; 122. Limiting space; 13. Avoidance slot; 14. First lifting hole; 15. Second lifting hole; 16. Groove; 17. Reinforcing rib; 18. Arc surface; 20. Supporting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0027] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. The techniques, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific values should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0028] As mentioned in the background, existing battery modules include multiple cells and end plates, which are secured together by a fixing strap. However, the fixing strap and the end plate are secured solely by the tension of the strap itself, which can easily cause the strap to shift on the end plate, reducing its stability on the battery module and thus affecting the normal operation of the battery module. To address this issue, the inventors of this application have designed a new end plate, which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] It should be noted that the "height direction of the end plate body 10" in this application is the Figure 1 The direction indicated by the letter X in the figure is the length direction of the end plate body 10. Figure 1 The direction indicated by the letter Y in the figure is the width direction of the end plate body 10. Figure 1 The direction indicated by the letter Z.

[0030] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present application, an end plate is provided, which is used for a battery module. The battery module includes a fixing belt (not shown in the drawings). The end plate includes an end plate body 10 and a supporting portion 20.

[0031] Among them, the end plate body 10 includes a first surface 101 and a second surface 102 opposite to the first surface 101, the first surface 101 is in contact with the battery module, and the second surface 102 is provided with a plug-in slot 11; the supporting portion 20 is detachably arranged in the plug-in slot 11 to at least limit the fixing belt.

[0032] In this embodiment, the end plate is used in conjunction with a fixing strap. The fixing strap can be used to bind the end plate to opposite ends of multiple battery cells in a battery module, so that the first surface 101 of the end plate body 10 is aligned with the battery cells. After the fixing strap is installed, the position of the fixing strap on the end plate may shift due to battery expansion during use or shaking during transportation. To address this, this embodiment provides an insertion slot 11 on the second surface 102 of the end plate body 10, and inserts a support portion 20 into the insertion slot 11, so that the support portion 20 is located below the fixing strap and abuts the fixing strap. This arrangement provides a counterforce to the fixing strap when the fixing strap shifts due to battery expansion or shaking, thereby limiting the fixing strap's position. This helps reduce the possibility of the fixing strap shifting or sliding during transportation and use, improves the stability of the fit between the fixing strap and the end plate, and further improves the stability of the connection between the battery module and the end plate.

[0033] It can be understood that the multiple battery cells of the battery module in this embodiment are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the battery module (that is, along the width direction of the end plate body 10 in this embodiment).

[0034] Further, see Figures 1 to 2As shown, the end plate body 10 in this embodiment is further provided with a limiting portion 12, which includes at least one limiting portion 12. At least one limiting portion 12 is provided on the second surface 102 to at least limit and fix the fixing belt. Specifically, in order to further improve the limiting ability of the end plate on the fixing belt and prevent the fixing belt from moving, this embodiment provides a limiting portion 12 on the second surface 102 of the end plate body 10. The presence of the limiting portion 12 can play a role in positioning and limiting the fixing belt, preventing the fixing belt from slipping or shifting during the use and transportation of the battery module, effectively improving the ability of the fixing belt to fix the battery module and the end plate, and ensuring the normal use of the battery module.

[0035] Optionally, the limiting portion 12 in this embodiment can be set as one, or can be set as two or more. Figure 1 1 shows the situation when there are four limiting parts 12. It can be understood that, in this embodiment, two of the four limiting parts 12 can limit and fix one fixing belt, and the other two of the four limiting parts 12 can limit and fix another fixing belt.

[0036] Further, see Figure 1 As shown, the limiting portion 12 in this embodiment includes two limiting ribs 121, which are spaced apart along the height direction of the end plate body 10 to form a limiting space 122 between the two limiting ribs 121, and the fixing belt is disposed in the limiting space 122. Specifically, when the fixing belt is used to bundle the end plate and multiple battery cells of the battery module, the fixing belt can pass through the limiting space 122, so that the limiting ribs 121 on both sides of the limiting space 122 can limit the fixing belt, thereby reducing the possibility of sliding and deflecting the fixing belt, improving the reliability and stability of the fixing belt installation, and improving the stability of the connection between the battery cell and the end plate, effectively ensuring the normal use of the battery module.

[0037] For example, see Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, on the basis of the two limiting ribs 121 being spaced apart along the height direction of the end plate body 10, the two limiting ribs 121 can also be spaced apart along the length direction of the end plate body 10 (that is, the two limiting ribs 121 are staggered along the length direction of the end plate body 10), so that there is a certain distance between the two limiting ribs 121, so that the fixing belt can be subjected to forces in two different directions, which is further beneficial to improving the stability and reliability of the installation of the fixing belt on the end plate, and effectively preventing the fixing belt from offsetting and sliding during the transportation and use of the battery module.

[0038] Furthermore, the two limiting ribs 121 in this embodiment are fixedly connected to the fixing strap using an interference fit. That is, when the fixing strap is installed between the two limiting ribs 121, the size of the fixing strap is slightly larger than the distance between the two limiting ribs 121. This ensures that the fixing strap remains stable during transportation and use of the battery module and does not shift or slide due to vibration or other external forces. At the same time, the use of an interference fit to fix the two limiting ribs 121 and the fixing strap in this embodiment can also reduce the use of additional connectors (such as screws or rivets), thereby simplifying the assembly process.

[0039] Specifically, when using a fixing band to bundle the end plate and multiple battery cells of the battery module, the multiple battery cells must first be arranged in sequence along the length direction of the battery module (i.e., along the width direction of the end plate body 10 in this embodiment), and then the end plate must be installed at the opposite ends of the multiple battery cells along the length direction of the battery module. Then, pressure is applied to the end plate in the direction of the battery cells so that the end plate and the multiple battery cells are squeezed into the size set by the fixing band. Subsequently, the fixing band is sleeved between the two limiting ribs 121 on the end plate body 10, and the supporting portion 20 is installed in the insertion slot 11 to abut against the fixing band. In the process of sleeved the fixing band between the two limiting ribs 121, since the two limiting ribs 121 and the fixing band are fixedly connected by interference fit, a certain amount of pressure must be applied to the fixing band before the fixing band can be embedded between the two limiting ribs 121.

[0040] Furthermore, the supporting portion 20 in this embodiment includes a supporting screw. Specifically, in this embodiment, after the fixing belt is installed, the supporting portion 20 can be located below the fixing belt and abut against the fixing belt. In this way, the supporting portion 20 can support the fixing belt and enhance the structural stability of the fixing belt on the end plate. The supporting portion 20 in this embodiment is configured as a supporting screw, which simplifies the assembly process to a certain extent. During assembly, it is only necessary to screw the supporting screw into the plug-in slot 11, shortening the assembly time and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the supporting portion 20 may also include structures such as supporting studs. As long as it is other deformation methods based on the concept of this application, it is within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] Further, see Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the end plate body 10 in this embodiment is further provided with an escape groove 13, which is used to at least avoid the fixing strap. Specifically, because the fixing strap in this embodiment is provided with an insulating sleeve, when the fixing strap is fitted over the end plate body 10 and the battery cell, the escape groove 13 allows the insulating sleeve to escape, preventing the insulating sleeve from being worn by the end plate, which would otherwise affect the size of the fixing strap.

[0042] Further, see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the second surface 102 of this embodiment is provided with at least one first hanging hole 14 and at least one second hanging hole 15. The at least one first hanging hole 14 extends along the width direction of the end plate body 10, and the at least one second hanging hole 15 extends along the height direction of the end plate body 10. Optionally, the "first hanging hole 14" in this embodiment can be set to one, or two or more, and the "second hanging hole 15" can be set to one, or two or more. Figure 1 And attached Figure 2 FIG. 3 shows a case where both the first hoisting hole 14 and the second hoisting hole 15 are provided in two numbers.

[0043] Specifically, the provision of the first hoisting hole 14 and the second hoisting hole 15 facilitates the hoisting and transportation of the battery module. When the assembled battery module needs to be moved to the installation platform, the hoisting operation of the battery module can be achieved by simply inserting the positioning pin connected to the rope or other connector into the first hoisting hole 14. When the battery module needs to be boxed, the boxing operation of the battery module can be achieved by simply inserting the lifting ring connected to the rope or other connector into the second hoisting hole 15. During the boxing process of the battery module, since the space inside the battery pack box is relatively compact, the gap between the battery modules in the box is small. If the first hoisting hole 14 is used to hoist the battery module into the box, when the hoisting part connected to the first hoisting hole 14 is removed, it will collide with the adjacent battery module, thereby damaging the battery module. Therefore, in this embodiment, a second lifting hole 15 extending along the height direction of the end plate body 10 is provided on the end plate. The provision of the second lifting hole 15 facilitates the movement of the battery module in the height direction of the end plate body 10, so that the battery module can be quickly installed in a box with a smaller space, and when the lifting part connected to the second lifting hole 15 is removed, there will be no collision with the battery module, thereby extending the service life of the battery module.

[0044] Further, see Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the second surface 102 of this embodiment is provided with at least one groove 16 and at least one reinforcing rib 17. Optionally, the "groove 16" in this embodiment can be provided as one, or as two or more, and the "reinforcing rib 17" can be provided as one, or as two or more, and this application does not make any specific limitations here.

[0045] Specifically, to achieve the lightweight requirements of the end plate while ensuring the load-bearing capacity of the end plate, this embodiment provides at least one groove 16 and at least one reinforcing rib 17 on the second surface 102 of the end plate body 10. This ensures both the strength requirements of the end plate and the lightweight requirements. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the second surface 102 of the end plate body 10 may be provided with both the groove 16 and the reinforcing rib 17, or with either the groove 16 or the reinforcing rib 17, as long as the lightweight and / or strength requirements of the end plate are met.

[0046] Further, see Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the end plate body 10 in this embodiment is further provided with curved surfaces 18, which are provided on opposite sides of the second surface 102 along the length direction of the end plate body 10. In this way, when the fixing strap is installed, the fixing strap can be closely fitted with the curved surfaces 18 of the end plate. The curved surfaces 18 can guide the fixing strap, making it easier to fit the fixing strap onto the end plate body 10.

[0047] In combination with the above-mentioned embodiments, it can be known that the present application provides an insertion slot 11 on the second surface 102 of the end plate body 10, and utilizes a supporting portion 20 to be inserted into the insertion slot 11. When the fixing belt is sleeved on the end plate, the supporting portion 20 can support the fixing belt and prevent the fixing belt from sliding and deflecting during the transportation and use of the battery module. At the same time, the present application provides a limiting portion 12 on the second surface 102 of the end plate body 10. The two limiting ribs 121 in the limiting portion 12 can further limit and fix the fixing belt. On the basis of the existence of the supporting portion 20, the limiting ability of the end plate on the fixing belt is further improved, thereby further reducing the possibility of sliding and deflecting the fixing belt, improving the reliability and stability of the fixing belt installation, and improving the stability of the connection between the battery cell and the end plate, effectively ensuring the normal use of the battery module.

[0048] On the other hand, the embodiment of the present application further provides a battery module, which includes the above-mentioned end plate, and thus the battery module includes all the technical effects of the above-mentioned end plate. Since the technical effects of the end plate have been described in detail above, they will not be repeated here.

[0049] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0050] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An end plate, the end plate is used for a battery module, the battery module includes a fixing belt, characterized in that: The end plate comprises: An end plate body (10), the end plate body (10) comprising a first surface (101) and a second surface (102) opposite to the first surface (101), the first surface (101) being in contact with the battery module, and the second surface (102) being provided with an insertion slot (11); A supporting portion (20), the supporting portion (20) is detachably arranged in the insertion slot (11) to at least limit the fixing belt.

2. The end plate according to claim 1, characterized in that The end plate body (10) is further provided with a limiting portion (12), and the limiting portion (12) includes at least one, and at least one limiting portion (12) is provided on the second surface (102) to at least limit and fix the fixing belt.

3. The end plate according to claim 2, characterized in that The limiting portion (12) comprises two limiting ribs (121), the two limiting ribs (121) being spaced apart along the height direction of the end plate body (10) to form a limiting space (122) between the two limiting ribs (121), and the fixing belt being arranged in the limiting space (122).

4. The end plate according to claim 3, characterized in that The two limiting ribs (121) are fixedly connected to the fixing belt by means of interference fit.

5. The end plate according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting portion (20) includes a supporting screw.

6. The end plate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The end plate body (10) is further provided with an avoidance groove (13), and the avoidance groove (13) is at least used to avoid the fixing belt.

7. The end plate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The second surface (102) is provided with at least one first hanging hole (14) and at least one second hanging hole (15), wherein at least one first hanging hole (14) extends along the width direction of the end plate body (10), and at least one second hanging hole (15) extends along the height direction of the end plate body (10).

8. The end plate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The second surface (102) is provided with at least one groove (16) and at least one reinforcing rib (17).

9. The end plate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The end plate body (10) is further provided with an arcuate surface (18), and the arcuate surface (18) is provided on two opposite sides of the second surface (102) along the length direction of the end plate body (10).

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

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