Battery end plate and battery module

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, and discloses a battery end plate and a battery module, the battery end plate comprises an end plate main body, the end plate main body is used for being arranged at the end part of a battery main body so as to fix the battery main body, the end plate main body is an injection molding part with a hollow structure, the end plate main body comprises a first surface which is arranged along the X direction and is opposite to the battery main body, the first surface is provided with at least one binding groove which is arranged along the Y direction, and the binding groove is used for embedding, mounting and binding at least part of a binding belt of the battery main body and the end plate main body; at least one metal reinforcing piece is embedded in the end plate body in the Z direction. The battery module mainly solves the technical problems of how to reduce the mass of the battery module so as to improve the energy density of the battery and also ensure the reliable firmness of the battery main body; the battery module provided by the scheme has the advantages of simple structure, light weight, low assembly difficulty, high energy density, high safety, better electrical protection and the like.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] At present, the energy density of a battery pack is a very important indicator. During production, battery cells are manufactured first, and then multiple battery cells are assembled into battery modules. Finally, the battery modules and electrical components are assembled into a complete battery pack. Lightweighting of the battery pack can increase the energy density of the battery pack. Currently, for safety and cost considerations, the lightweighting of single battery cells and other components in the battery pack except the battery module has been demonstrated through a large number of simulations and experiments. It is difficult to achieve obvious results. The requirements for materials and processes used in the assembly of battery modules are relatively loose, so corresponding lightweight designs can be made to leave a certain amount of space for other components in the battery pack to ensure the safety and reliability of the overall design.

[0003] In the prior art, a battery module includes a battery body and end plates. The battery body, in turn, includes one or more battery cells. The end plates are used to secure the battery body. Currently, the end plates are made of hollow metal (such as extruded aluminum or die-cast aluminum), resulting in a relatively heavy end plate. Furthermore, for welding purposes, the side plates of the battery module also need to be made of aluminum, making the end plates heavier and the battery module larger. This makes it difficult to reduce the overall quality of the battery module, and the welding process is also more complex, leading to a low yield rate. Furthermore, the battery body and end plates currently only abut against each other without a reliable connection, making the battery body and end plates prone to relative movement. In summary, how to further reduce the mass of the battery module to increase the battery's energy density while ensuring the reliable firmness of the battery body is a current technical challenge in the battery field. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a battery end plate and a battery module, which mainly solve the technical problem of how to reduce the mass of the battery module to improve the energy density of the battery while ensuring that the battery body has a reliable firmness.

[0005] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A battery end plate comprises an end plate body, the end plate body being used to be arranged at the end of a battery body to fix the battery body, the end plate body being an injection molded part with a hollow structure, the end plate body comprising a first surface arranged along the X direction and facing away from the battery body, the first surface having at least one binding groove arranged along the Y direction, the binding groove being used to embed and install at least part of a binding strap for binding the battery body and the end plate body, and at least one metal reinforcement being also embedded in the end plate body along the Z direction.

[0007] In one of the technical solutions, the binding groove is recessed on the first surface; when there are multiple binding grooves, they are recessed at intervals on the first surface.

[0008] In one of the technical solutions, a first connecting member is further included, and the metal reinforcement member is hollow to form a through hole for the first connecting member to pass through.

[0009] In one of the technical solutions, a recessed countersunk hole is provided at a position on the top surface of the end plate body corresponding to the metal reinforcement, so that the head of the first connecting member can be at least partially embedded therein.

[0010] In one of the technical solutions, along the Y direction, the metal reinforcement is embedded in the middle and two end positions of the end plate body.

[0011] In one of the technical solutions, an integrally injection-molded support member is protruding from the top surface of the end plate body, and the support member is used to support the output pole on the battery body. The support member includes a supporting portion and a protruding portion arranged on the top surface of the supporting portion; the protruding portions are respectively protruded in pairs relative to each other at the edge of the supporting portion.

[0012] In one of the technical solutions, a second connecting member is fixed on the supporting portion, and a threaded hole is provided in the second connecting member. The threaded hole is used for fixing the output pole on the battery body to the second connecting member.

[0013] In one of the technical solutions, the second connecting member includes at least two main body portions arranged at intervals, and a connecting portion is connected between two adjacent main body portions. The outer shape of the main body portion is larger than the outer shape of the connecting portion. The outer wall of the main body portion in the circumferential direction is set as a tooth-like structure, and the support portion is provided with a mounting hole. At least part of the second connecting member is embedded in the mounting hole, and the height of the second connecting member protruding from the support portion is less than the height of the protruding portion.

[0014] The present application also provides a battery module, comprising a battery main body and a battery end plate as described above, wherein the battery main body includes at least one battery cell, and the battery main body is arranged between two of the battery end plates; the battery module also includes at least one strap, which is wrapped around the outside of the battery end plate and the battery main body and is at least partially embedded in the binding groove and is flush with the first surface of the battery end plate.

[0015] In one of the technical solutions, the battery module also includes an insulating top cover, which is arranged on the top of the battery body. The battery body has an output pole extending outward, and the output pole is fixed on the support member. A protective part extends from the insulating top cover, and the protective part is located directly above the output pole to cover the output pole.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the battery end plate provided by the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The end plate body used in this solution is a non-metallic plastic part with a hollow structure. Compared with the existing aluminum end plate, it can greatly reduce the weight of the battery module to improve the energy density of the battery module, and also make the battery module not have to add insulating materials such as insulating sheets at the end plate position, thereby improving the insulation and voltage resistance performance of the battery module and improving the safety and reliability of the battery module. Secondly, the end plate body of this solution is specifically designed with multiple recessed holes, which further reduces the weight of the end plate body, thereby further reducing the weight of the battery module. Moreover, the multiple recessed holes make the end plate body a hollow structure with multiple reinforcing ribs inside to reduce the end While improving the quality of the plate body, it ensures that the end plate body has reliable strength, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery module. Furthermore, the end plate body of this solution is also connected to a metal reinforcement to further improve the strength of the end plate body, thereby further improving the safety and reliability of the battery module. In addition, the binding groove provided on the end plate body can limit the position of the binding strap, reducing the risk of detachment of the binding strap that binds the end plate body and the battery body together, so that the end plate body and the battery body can be reliably bound together by the external binding strap, thereby solving the problem that the battery body is easy to loosen relative to the end plate body, and improving the firmness of the battery body installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] 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.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a battery module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a battery end plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module shown is after the insulating cover and strapping are added;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of the second connecting member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Among them, the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0025] 1. Battery body; 11. Battery cell; 12. Output pole; 2. Battery end plate; 21. End plate body; 211. Concave hole; 212. Reinforcement rib; 213. Countersunk hole; 214. Support member; 2141. Support portion; 2142. Protrusion; 2143. Mounting hole; 215. Second connecting member; 216. First surface; 217. Binding groove; 2151. Threaded hole; 2152. Main body; 2153. Connecting portion; 2154. Tooth-like structure; 22. Metal reinforcement; 221. Through hole; 23. First connecting member; 231. Head; 232. Screw portion; 3. Strap; 4. Insulating cover; 41. Protective portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by this application more clearly understood, this application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed on” or “disposed on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0028] It should be understood that the terms, "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0030] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] Please also refer to Figures 1 to 3 The present embodiment provides a battery module, which mainly includes a battery main body 1 and at least one battery end plate 2, wherein the battery main body 1 includes at least one battery cell 11. When there are multiple battery cells 11, the multiple battery cells 11 can be connected in series in sequence to form a battery main body 1 with larger power, wherein the battery end plate 2 is arranged at the end of the battery main body 1, and the battery end plate 2 is used to fix the battery main body 1. In the present embodiment, the number of the battery end plates 2 is preferably two, and the battery main body 1 is arranged between the two battery end plates 2. The two battery end plates 2 are used to jointly clamp the battery main body 1 to fix the battery main body 1.

[0032] See also Figure 4 The battery module may further include at least one strap 3, which is used to simultaneously bundle the battery body 1 and the two battery end plates 2, so that the two battery end plates 2 jointly clamp the battery body 1 to achieve fixation of the battery body 1.

[0033] Please refer to the Figures 1 to 4The battery end plate 2 of this embodiment specifically includes an end plate body 21 and a metal reinforcement 22, wherein the end plate body 21 is used to be directly arranged at the end of the battery body 1 to clamp and fix the battery body 1. The side of the end plate body 21 along the X direction and facing away from the battery body 1 is a first surface 216. The first surface 216 is actually the outer surface of the end plate body 21. A concave binding groove 217 is provided on the first surface 216 and is used to embed at least part of the above-mentioned strap 3. The length of the binding groove 217 extends along the Y direction. The binding groove 217 serves to limit the strap 3, reducing the risk of the strap 3 detaching from the end plate body 21, thereby improving the reliability of the strap 3 binding the end plate body 21 and the battery body 1. The end plate body 21 is an injection-molded plastic part, and the end plate body 21 is a hollow structure. Compared with the existing aluminum end plate, the non-metallic end plate body 21 can significantly reduce the weight of the battery module to improve the energy density of the battery module, and also makes it unnecessary for the battery module to add insulating materials such as insulating sheets at the end plate position, thereby improving the insulation and voltage resistance of the battery module and improving the safety and reliability of the battery module. Secondly, a plurality of recessed holes 211 are provided on the end plate body 21, so that the end plate body 21 is a hollow structure, which further reduces the weight of the end plate body 21, thereby further reducing the weight of the battery module. Moreover, the plurality of recessed holes 211 make the end plate body 21 a hollow structure with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 212 inside, so as to reduce the weight of the end plate body 21 while ensuring that the end plate body 21 has reliable strength, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery module. Furthermore, the metal reinforcement 22 of this solution is embedded in the end plate body 21 along the Z direction, thereby further improving the strength of the end plate body 21, thereby further improving the safety and reliability of the battery module. As Figure 2 As shown, when there are multiple binding grooves 217, the multiple binding grooves 217 are recessed at intervals on the first surface 216 to improve the reliability of the multiple binding straps 3 binding the end plate body 21 and the battery body 1. In addition, the binding grooves 217 provided on the end plate body 21 can limit the position of the binding strap 3, reducing the risk of the binding strap 3 detaching, so that the end plate body 21 and the battery body 1 can be reliably bound together by the binding strap 3, thereby solving the problem of the battery body 1 easily loosening relative to the end plate body 21 and improving the secure installation of the battery body 1.

[0034] Please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The metal reinforcement 22 is provided with a through hole 221 in the middle thereof. The through hole 221 enables the metal reinforcement 22 to form a hollow tubular structure. The metal reinforcement 22 is preferably a steel tube with high strength and hardness to improve the overall strength of the battery end plate 2. Preferably, as Figure 1As shown, the end plate body 21 is connected to the metal reinforcement 22 at the middle and two end positions along the Y direction, making the overall strength of the battery end plate 2 more reliable. In addition, a first connecting member 23 is also passed through the through hole 221. This first connecting member 23 is used to fix the entire battery module to a specified position on the box. Specifically, the first connecting member 23 is preferably a bolt. The first connecting member 23 specifically includes a connected head 231 and a screw portion 232. The screw portion 232 is passed through the through hole 221 and is used to fix the entire battery module to a specified position on the box. The top surface of the end plate body 21 is provided with a recessed countersunk hole 213 at a position corresponding to the metal reinforcement 22. The head 231 of the first connecting member 23 is located in this countersunk hole 213 to limit the position of the first connecting member 23, so that the first connecting member 23 and the metal reinforcement 22 of the tubular structure have better contact.

[0035] Please also refer to Figures 1 to 3 In this embodiment, an upwardly protruding support member 214 is further provided on the outer surface of the end plate body 21. An output pole 12 serving as a positive pole or a negative pole is extended outward from the battery body 1. This support member 214 is used to support and fix the output pole 12, so that the end plate body 21 not only has the function of fixing the battery body 1 but also has the function of fixing the output pole 12. By providing this support member 214 on the end plate body 21, the insulating seat traditionally installed on the end plate and also used to fix the output pole 12 can be discarded, thereby simplifying the assembly difficulty of the battery module and improving the assembly efficiency of the battery module. Specifically, the support member 214 includes a support portion 2141 and a protrusion 2142 provided on the top surface of the support portion 2141. The protrusions 2142 are respectively provided at the edge of the support portion 2141 and protrude relative to each other. The support portion 2141 is used to support the output pole 12, and the protrusion 2142 is used to limit the position of the output pole 12. Preferably, two support members 214 are provided on the end plate body 21, one support member 214 is used to support the output pole 12 led out of the battery body 1 and serving as the positive pole, and the other support member 214 is used to support the output pole 12 led out of the battery body 1 and serving as the negative pole.

[0036] Please refer to the Figures 1 to 3The support portion 2141 is provided with a mounting hole 2143, into which a second connector 215 is embedded. At least a portion of the second connector 215 is embedded in the mounting hole 2143. A threaded hole 2151 is provided in the second connector 215. Correspondingly, a hole is provided on the output electrode 12. A screw is passed through the hole and screwed into the threaded hole 2151 to secure the output electrode 12, which is led out of the battery body 1, to the second connector 215. In this embodiment, the top surface of the second connector 215 preferably protrudes from the support portion 214 to prevent heat from accumulating on the support portion 214, thereby improving the safety of the battery. However, the height of the second connector 215 protruding from the support portion 2141 is less than the height of the protrusion 2142. This allows the protrusions 2142 on both sides to restrain the output electrode 12 when it is secured to the top surface of the second connector 215. The second connector 215 is preferably a nut.

[0037] See also Figure 5 The second connector 215 specifically includes two spaced-apart main bodies 2152, with a connecting portion 2153 connecting each adjacent main body 2152. Furthermore, the main body 2152 is larger than the connecting portion 2153. The threaded hole 2151 preferably extends through all main body 2152 and all connecting portions 2153. The circumferential outer wall of the main body 2152 is provided with tooth-like structures 2154. During installation, the tooth-like structures 2154 on the outer wall of each main body 2152 engage with the inner wall of the mounting hole 2143, thereby enhancing the engagement force between the second connector 215 and the support member 214, preventing the second connector 215 from loosening on the support member 214, and thereby improving the reliability of the output pole 12 secured to the support member 214. In this embodiment, the number of main body 2152 is preferably three, that is, the number of connecting portions 2153 is two, resulting in a "W"-shaped cross-section of the second connector 215.

[0038] See also Figure 4 The battery module also includes an insulating upper cover 4, which is arranged on the top of the battery body 1. A protective portion 41 extends from the insulating upper cover 4, and the protective portion 41 is located directly above the output pole 12 led out of the battery body 1. It can be seen that the insulating upper cover 4 not only covers the multiple battery cells 11 but also covers the output pole 12, thereby providing better protection for the battery cells 11 and the output pole 12. At the same time, it also prevents operators from accidentally touching the battery cells 11 or the output pole 12 and causing electric shock, so that the battery module has better electrical protection.

[0039] In summary, the battery module of this solution has the advantages of simple structure, light weight, easy assembly, high energy density, low manufacturing cost, high safety and better electrical protection.

[0040] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application, and only the technical principles of the present application are specifically described. These descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present application, and cannot be interpreted as limiting the protection scope of the present application in any way. Based on the explanations herein, any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application, and other specific embodiments of the present application that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without creative labor, should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery end plate, comprising an end plate body (21), wherein the end plate body (21) is used to be arranged at an end of a battery body (1) to fix the battery body (1), characterized in that: The end plate body (21) is an injection molded part with a hollow structure. The end plate body (21) includes a first surface (216) arranged along the X direction and facing away from the battery body (1). The first surface (216) has at least one binding groove (217) arranged along the Y direction. The binding groove (217) is used for embedding and installing at least part of the binding strap (3) that binds the battery body (1) and the end plate body (21). At least one metal reinforcement (22) is also embedded in the end plate body (21) along the Z direction.

2. The battery end plate according to claim 1, wherein: The binding grooves (217) are recessed on the first surface (216); when there are multiple binding grooves (217), they are recessed at intervals on the first surface (216).

3. The battery end plate according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a first connecting member (23), and the metal reinforcement member (22) has a hollow structure to form a through hole (221) for the first connecting member (23) to penetrate.

4. The battery end plate according to claim 3, wherein: A recessed countersunk hole (213) is provided at a position on the top surface of the end plate body (21) corresponding to the metal reinforcement (22), for at least partially embedding the head (231) of the first connecting member (23).

5. The battery end plate according to claim 4, wherein: Along the Y direction, the metal reinforcement (22) is embedded in the middle and two end positions of the end plate body (21).

6. The battery end plate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: An integrally-injected support member (214) is protruding from the top surface of the end plate body (21), the support member (214) being used to support the output pole (12) on the battery body (1), the support member (214) comprising a support portion (2141) and a protruding portion (2142) provided on the top surface of the support portion (2141); the protruding portions (2142) are respectively provided at the edge of the support portion (2141) in pairs and protruding relative to each other.

7. The battery end plate according to claim 6, wherein: A second connecting member (215) is fixed to the support portion (2141), and a threaded hole (2151) is provided in the second connecting member (215). The threaded hole (2151) is used for fixing the output pole (12) on the battery body (1) to the second connecting member (215).

8. The battery end plate according to claim 7, wherein: The second connecting member (215) includes at least two main body parts (2152) arranged at intervals, and a connecting part (2153) is connected between two adjacent main body parts (2152). The outer shape of the main body part (2152) is larger than the outer shape of the connecting part (2153). The outer wall of the main body part (2152) in the circumferential direction is provided with a tooth-like structure (2154). The support part (2141) is provided with a mounting hole (2143). At least part of the second connecting member (215) is embedded in the mounting hole (2143), and the height of the second connecting member (215) protruding from the support part (2141) is less than the height of the protruding part (2142).

9. A battery module, characterized in that: The battery module comprises a battery body (1) and a battery end plate (2) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the battery body (1) comprises at least one battery cell (11), and the battery body (1) is arranged between two of the battery end plates (2); the battery module further comprises at least one strap (3), the strap (3) being wrapped around the outside of the battery end plates (2) and the battery body (1) and at least partially embedded in the binding groove (217), and being flush with the first surface (216) of the battery end plates (2).

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The battery module further comprises an insulating upper cover (4), the insulating upper cover (4) being arranged on the top of the battery body (1), the battery body (1) having an output pole (12) extending outward, the output pole (12) being fixed on the support member (214), and a protective portion (41) extending from the insulating upper cover (4), the protective portion (41) being located directly above the output pole (12) to cover the output pole (12).

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