Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery module and battery pack, relates to battery technical field, including side end plate, battery cell group, band and intermediate end plate, said battery cell group is provided with at least two, is located between the two side end plate, battery cell group includes a plurality of single battery cells that are arranged in stack-up, the intermediate end plate is provided between two adjacent battery cell group, the binding band is located between the two adjacent battery cell groups, the binding band is located between the two adjacent battery cell groups, and the binding band is located between the two adjacent battery cell groups. A mounting hole connected with the battery box body is formed in the middle end plate; and the bandage surrounds the outer sides of the side end plates, the middle end plate and the battery cell group. According to the battery module disclosed by the utility model, the side end plates and the middle end plate are fixedly connected with the battery box, and a plurality of fixing points are provided, so that the stability of the module in the battery box is enhanced, the problem of displacement caused by lack of support in the middle of the module in a traditional structure is avoided, and the battery cell group is ensured to be fixed in multiple directions; and the overall structural stability of the module in the battery pack is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a battery module and a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] To increase the energy density of power batteries and more efficiently utilize the limited space within passenger vehicles, existing technologies typically utilize larger battery modules. Specifically, there are two main approaches to designing larger modules: one is to stack multiple cells in a single row to form a longer module, and the other is to stack multiple cells in double or multiple rows to form a wider module. The use of larger modules not only improves battery energy density and space utilization, but also speeds up module production and reduces the number of components, making them the current mainstream solution.

[0003] However, when installing long battery modules into a battery box, the end plates at each end of the module are typically fixed to the crossbars inside the box, while the center section is not effectively fixed to the box. This design can cause the center cells of the battery module to shift when subjected to external forces, thus affecting the safety of the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a battery module and a battery pack to solve the problem of insufficient fixing strength when a long battery module is installed in a battery box.

[0005] The technical solution of the present utility model is achieved as follows:

[0006] On the one hand, the utility model provides a battery module, including side end plates, battery cell groups, binding straps and intermediate end plates, wherein at least two battery cell groups are provided and are located between the two side end plates, the battery cell group includes a plurality of stacked single battery cells, an intermediate end plate is provided between two adjacent battery cell groups, the intermediate end plate is provided with a mounting hole connected to the battery case, the binding straps are wrapped around the side end plates, the battery cell groups and the intermediate end plates, a connecting plate is further provided between the battery cell groups and the intermediate end plates, a bending portion is provided at the top of the connecting plate, which is used to contact the top surface of the single battery cell in the battery cell group close to the intermediate partition.

[0007] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, the intermediate end plate includes a main body, the mounting holes are respectively opened at both ends of the length direction of the main body, the middle part of the main body has a through cavity opened along the height direction of the main body, and an elastic structure is provided in the through cavity for absorbing the elastic deformation of both sides of the intermediate end plate.

[0008] Further, preferably, the elastic structure includes multiple V-shaped elastic plates, the multiple elastic plates are arranged along the length direction of the body, the elastic plates are vertically set along the height direction of the body, and the two ends of the elastic plates are respectively fixedly connected to the two inner walls of the through cavity.

[0009] Preferably, the angle of the elastic plate is 90° to 120°.

[0010] Preferably, the mounting hole is a waist-shaped hole, and the length direction of the waist-shaped hole is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the body.

[0011] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, both side walls in the length direction of the side end plate and the middle end plate are provided with corresponding snap-fit ​​protrusions along their height direction for fixing the position of the straps.

[0012] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, both side walls of the main body in the length direction are provided with hanging grooves.

[0013] On the basis of the above technical solution, preferably, through holes are respectively opened at both ends of the length direction of the main body along the height direction of the main body.

[0014] In a second aspect, the utility model discloses a battery pack, comprising a battery case and the battery module described in the first aspect, wherein the battery module is arranged in the battery case and fixedly connected to the battery case through side end plates and an intermediate end plate.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] (1) The battery module is fixedly connected to the battery box through the side end plates and the middle end plates, providing multiple fixing points. This not only enhances the stability of the module in the battery box, avoiding the displacement problem caused by the lack of support in the middle of the module in the traditional structure, but also ensures the fixation of the battery cell group in multiple directions, improving the overall structural stability of the module in the battery pack.

[0017] (2) By providing a connecting piece between the cell group and the middle end plate, and providing a bent portion at the top of the connecting piece that contacts the top surface of the cell group, when the battery module is fixed inside the battery case, the upward movement of the single cell near the connecting piece can be restricted when the battery pack vibrates longitudinally. Although the bent portion only contacts the top surface of the single cell near the middle partition, it can effectively reduce the degree of freedom of the single cell in a vibration environment and prevent the single cell from being displaced due to vibration, thereby improving the vibration resistance of the battery pack, extending the battery life, and ensuring the safety inside the module.

[0018] (3) By setting a through cavity in the middle of the middle end plate and setting a V-shaped elastic plate in the through cavity, on the one hand, it is ensured that the middle end plate has a certain structural strength; on the other hand, when subjected to the expansion force of the single cell, the V-shaped elastic plate can be compressed and deformed to buffer and absorb the expansion force of the single cell.

[0019] (4) By providing corresponding snap-fit ​​protrusions on both side walls of the side end plate and the middle end plate in the length direction along their height direction, when the strap is tied around the periphery of the battery module, the position of the strap can be limited by the snap-fit ​​protrusions to prevent the strap from moving along the height direction of the battery module, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module.

[0020] (5) By providing lifting grooves on both sides of the middle end plate in the length direction, the lifting force can be applied to the side end plates and the middle end plate by the lifting device during the transfer of the battery module, thereby avoiding the risk of the middle single cell falling due to the long length of the battery module caused by lifting only the side end plates. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the battery module disclosed in the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the middle end plate disclosed in the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the middle A;

[0025] Reference numerals:

[0026] 1. Side end plate; 2. Cell group; 21. Single cell; 3. Binding strap; 4. Middle end plate; 40. Mounting hole; 41. Main body; 42. Through cavity; 43. Elastic plate; 44. Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 45. Lifting groove; 46. Through hole; 5. Connecting piece; 51. Bending part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following will be combined with the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, combined Figure 2-3 The utility model discloses a battery module, including a side end plate 1, a battery cell group 2, a binding strap 3 and a middle end plate 4.

[0029] There are at least two cell groups 2, each comprising a plurality of stacked individual cells 21. The large surfaces of the individual cells 21 in each cell group 2 are in contact with each other. Several cell groups 2 are arranged in series. It is understood that the large surfaces of the individual cells 21 between two adjacent cell groups 2 are adjacent. In this embodiment, the number of individual cells 21 in each cell group 2 increases based on the design requirements of the battery module.

[0030] Multiple battery cell groups 2 are arranged in series in sequence to form a long large module. The side end plates 1 are located at both ends of the large module in the length direction. The side end plates 1 are used to contact the large surfaces of the single battery cells 21 at the ends of the battery cell groups 2. The side end plates 1 at both ends of the battery module horizontally clamp and fix the multiple battery cell groups 2. The straps 3 are wrapped around the side end plates 1 and the outside of the battery cell groups 2 to bundle the multiple battery cell groups 2 and the side end plates 1 into a whole to ensure the structural strength of the battery module.

[0031] When long battery modules are installed in a battery box, they are typically secured to the inside of the box via end plates at each end, while the center section is not effectively secured to the box. This design can cause the center cells of the battery module to shift when subjected to external forces, compromising the safety of the battery pack.

[0032] To this end, the battery module disclosed in this embodiment is further provided with an intermediate end plate 4. Specifically, an intermediate end plate 4 is provided between two adjacent battery cell groups 2. The intermediate end plate 4 is provided with a mounting hole 40 connected to the battery box.

[0033] With this arrangement, through the arrangement of the middle end plate 4 and the fixation to the battery box through the mounting hole 40, the battery module can be used as a fixed mounting point inside the battery box, so that the battery module has multiple fixing points inside the battery box along its length direction, thereby avoiding the displacement of the single cell 21 due to the lack of effective fixation in the middle of the battery module, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module in the battery pack.

[0034] A connecting piece 5 is also provided between the cell group 2 and the intermediate end plate 4. The top of the connecting piece 5 is provided with a bent portion 51 that contacts the top surface of the cell group 2. With this structural arrangement, when the battery module is fixed inside the battery case and the battery pack is subjected to longitudinal vibration, the individual cells 21 in the cell group 2 tend to move upward. Because the cell group 2 has a strong horizontal fixing force through the connecting piece 5 and the intermediate end plate 4, the potential energy of the individual cells 21's movement can be limited by the bent portion 51 at the end of the cell group 2, which can reduce the risk of the individual cells 21 moving upward due to vibration to a certain extent.

[0035] By providing the bent portion 51 between the intermediate end plate 4 and the connecting plate 5, the battery pack can limit the upward movement of the individual cells 21 near the connecting plate 5 during longitudinal vibration. Although the bent portion 51 only contacts the top surface of the individual cells 21 near the intermediate partition, it effectively reduces the individual cells 21's freedom of movement in a vibrating environment, preventing them from shifting due to vibration. This improves the battery pack's vibration resistance, extends battery life, and ensures internal safety of the module.

[0036] Since the battery module has a long module structure, each single cell will expand to a certain extent after long-term charging and discharging. The cumulative expansion force of multiple single cells 21 is huge. The current side end plate 1 structure type does not have the ability to absorb expansion. If there is not enough space to absorb the expansion, the side end plate 1 and the strap 3 will break. At this time, the single cell 21 will experience a drop in capacity and the capacity and life will be reduced.

[0037] To this end, this embodiment provides a structural configuration for the intermediate end plate 4. Specifically, the intermediate end plate 4 includes a body 41 having mounting holes 40 at both ends of the body 41 along its length. The body 41 has a through cavity 42 extending along its height in the middle. An elastic structure is provided within the through cavity 42 to absorb elastic deformation on both sides of the intermediate end plate 4. In this embodiment, the intermediate end plate 4 can be made of the same material as the side end plates 1.

[0038] With this arrangement, when the single battery cell 21 expands, the elastic structure can be compressed and deformed, thereby effectively absorbing the battery cell expansion force, avoiding the breakage of the binding strap 3 due to the cumulative expansion of the single battery cell 21, and improving the structural stability and service life of the battery module.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, the elastic structure includes multiple V-shaped elastic plates 43, arranged along the length of the body 41 and vertically arranged along the height of the body 41. The ends of the elastic plates 43 are respectively fixedly connected to the inner sidewalls of the through-cavity 42. With this structural arrangement, the V-shaped elastic plates 43 ensure a certain structural strength for the middle end plate 4. Furthermore, when subjected to the expansion force of the single battery cells 21, the V-shaped elastic plates 43 can be compressed and deformed, thereby buffering and absorbing the expansion force of the single battery cells 21.

[0040] Preferably, the included angle of the elastic plate 43 is 90° to 120°. This angle setting further ensures that the elastic plate 43 can be effectively compressed when subjected to force, while providing a certain structural strength to the middle end plate 4.

[0041] In this embodiment, the mounting holes 40 are waist-shaped holes, with their length perpendicular to the thickness of the body 41. This arrangement allows for a fixed connection between the intermediate end plate 4 and the battery case by utilizing the fixed center-to-center spacing of the mounting holes 40 when the thickness of the individual battery cells 21 varies.

[0042] In some preferred embodiments, corresponding snap-on protrusions 44 are provided along the height of both longitudinal side walls of the side end plates 1 and the intermediate end plates 4 to secure the binding straps 3. This arrangement allows the binding straps 3 to be positioned securely after being wrapped around the battery module, preventing them from moving along the height of the battery module and improving the structural stability of the battery module.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments, both longitudinal side walls of the body 41 are provided with lifting grooves 45. The provision of the lifting grooves 45 allows the lifting tool to apply a lifting force to both the side end plates 1 and the middle end plates 4 during the transfer of the battery module, thereby avoiding the risk of lifting only the side end plates 1, which would cause the middle single cells 21 of the battery module to fall due to its greater length.

[0044] As some preferred embodiments, through holes 46 are provided at both ends of the main body 41 in the length direction and along the height direction of the main body 41, thereby reducing the weight of the middle end plate 4 and thus reducing the weight of the entire battery module.

[0045] The present utility model also discloses a battery pack, comprising a battery box and the battery module disclosed in the above embodiment. The battery module is arranged in the battery box and fixedly connected to the battery box through a side end plate 1 and a middle end plate 4.

[0046] The battery module is fixed to the battery box via the side end plates 1 and the middle end plate 4, providing multiple fixing points. This not only enhances the module's stability within the battery box, avoiding displacement issues caused by a lack of support in the middle of the module in traditional structures, but also ensures the multi-directional fixation of the battery cell group 2, improving the overall structural stability of the module in the battery pack.

[0047] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: The battery pack (2) comprises a side end plate (1), a cell group (2), a binding band (3) and an intermediate end plate (4). At least two cell groups (2) are provided and are located between the two side end plates (1). The cell group (2) comprises a plurality of stacked single cells (21). An intermediate end plate (4) is provided between two adjacent cell groups (2). The intermediate end plate (4) is provided with a mounting hole (40) connected to a battery box. The binding band (3) surrounds the side end plate (1), the intermediate end plate (4) and the outer side of the cell group (2). A connecting piece (5) is further provided between the cell group (2) and the intermediate end plate (4). The top end of the connecting piece (5) is provided with a bent portion (51) for contacting the top surface of the single cell (21) in the cell group (2) close to the intermediate end plate (4).

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate end plate (4) comprises a body (41), the mounting holes (40) being respectively provided at both ends of the body (41) in the longitudinal direction, the middle portion of the body (41) having a through cavity (42) provided along the height direction of the body (41), and an elastic structure being provided in the through cavity (42) for absorbing the elastic deformation suffered by both sides of the intermediate end plate (4).

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The elastic structure comprises a plurality of elastic plates (43) with V-shaped structures. The plurality of elastic plates (43) are arranged along the length direction of the body (41). The elastic plates (43) are vertically arranged along the height direction of the body (41). The two ends of the elastic plates (43) are respectively fixedly connected to the two inner side walls of the through cavity (42).

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The included angle of the elastic plate (43) is 90° to 120°.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The mounting hole (40) is a waist-shaped hole, and the length direction of the waist-shaped hole is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the body (41).

6. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: Both side walls in the length direction of the side end plate (1) and the middle end plate (4) are provided with corresponding snap-fit ​​protrusions (44) along their height direction, which are used to fix the position of the binding belt (3).

7. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: Both side walls of the body (41) in the length direction are provided with hanging grooves (45).

8. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: Through holes (46) are respectively provided at both ends of the body (41) in the length direction and along the height direction of the body (41).

9. A battery pack comprising a battery case and a battery module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the battery module is arranged in the battery case and fixedly connected to the battery case through a side end plate (1) and an intermediate end plate (4).

Images