Box body and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model provides a box body and a battery pack, the box body comprises an expansion beam, an end plate and a supporting beam, the supporting beam is connected to one surface, facing the end plate, of the expansion beam and penetrates through an avoiding opening, and at least part of the supporting beam is connected to the end plate. The expansion beams and the end plates are connected through the supporting beams, so that the pressure concentrated at the welding joint of the expansion beams and the side plates can be dispersed through the connection of the supporting beams and the end plates, and the expansion force of the battery cells is transmitted to the end plates, so that the risk of breakage and damage of the box body expanded at the last stage is solved, and the structural stability is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a box and a battery pack. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the related art, a separate expansion beam is welded to the box frame. As the expansion force of the battery gradually increases in the later use stage, the expansion force of the multiple rows of battery cells is finally applied to the expansion beam. The welded connection between the expansion beam and the side plate of the box has a high risk of failure and fracture. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0003] Embodiments of the present application provide a box and a battery pack, which can improve the technical problem that the connection between the side plate of the box and the expansion beam is prone to fracture.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a box, comprising:

[0005] two side plates arranged oppositely,

[0006] an expansion beam, both ends of which are connected to one of the side plates,

[0007] an end plate, which is arranged spaced apart from the expansion beam and connected to one of the side plates at both ends, and is provided with a clearance,

[0008] a support beam, which is connected to one side of the expansion beam facing the end plate, penetrates the clearance, and is at least partially connected to the end plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the box further comprises a bottom plate, the support beam, the end plate and the expansion beam are located on the same side of the bottom plate, the support beam comprises a first side wall and a second side wall connected to each other, the first side wall is connected to one side of the expansion beam facing the end plate, and the second side wall is connected to the bottom plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support beam further comprises a third side wall and a fourth side wall, the third side wall and the second side wall are arranged oppositely, the fourth side wall and the first side wall are arranged oppositely, and the fourth side wall is obliquely connected between the second side wall and the third side wall.

[0011] In some embodiments, the end plate comprises a body and a top edge, the top edge is connected to one end of the body away from the bottom plate, the top edge and the bottom plate are arranged oppositely, and the third side wall is arranged spaced apart from the top edge.

[0012] In some embodiments, the end plate comprises a body and a top edge, the top edge is connected to one end of the body away from the bottom plate, the top edge and the bottom plate are arranged oppositely, and the third side wall is connected to the top edge.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support beam and the end plate are sealed together.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support beam is welded to the end plate and the expansion beam.

[0015] This application provides a battery pack, including:

[0016] As described above, the box has a receiving chamber;

[0017] A battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed within the receiving cavity.

[0018] In some embodiments, the housing includes two end plates, each end plate having its two ends connected to a side plate, the two end plates, the two side plates, and the bottom plate forming the receiving chamber, at least one expansion beam being disposed within the receiving chamber and abutting against the battery module, and a support beam being partially located within the receiving chamber and partially extending outside the receiving chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery module includes multiple rows of batteries arranged in sequence, and the housing includes multiple support beams, each of which corresponds to one of the battery rows.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0021] This application provides a housing and a battery pack. The housing includes an expansion beam, an end plate, and a support beam. The support beam is connected to the side of the expansion beam facing the end plate and passes through a clearance opening in the end plate. The support beam is at least partially connected to the end plate. By connecting the expansion beam and the end plate with the support beam, the pressure concentrated at the weld joint between the expansion beam and the end plate can be dispersed through the connection between the support beam and the end plate, transferring the expansion force of the battery cell to the end plate. This solves the risk of housing fracture and damage during the final expansion stage and improves structural stability. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the box structure provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the housing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 1 the box provided by the exploded view.

[0026] Figure 4 is a top view of a partial structure of the box provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of the box provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0028] Reference signs:

[0029] 100, box;

[0030] 10, expansion beam;

[0031] 20, end plate; 201, avoiding opening; 21, body; 22, top edge;

[0032] 30, support beam; 31, first side wall; 32, second side wall; 33, third side wall; 34, fourth side wall;

[0033] 40, bottom plate;

[0034] 50, side plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all the other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work under the premise of the present application, all belong to the scope of protection of the present application. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present application, and are not used to limit the present application. In the present application, the orientation words such as "upper" and "lower" are generally used to refer to the upper and lower of the device in the actual use or working state, and the specific is the direction of the drawing surface in the drawing; and "inner" and "outer" are used in relation to the outline of the device.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1-3 , Figure 1 is a schematic view of a partial structure of the box 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 , Figure 2 is a front view of the box 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application, Figure 3 is Figure 1An exploded view of the box 100 is shown. For easier observation, only the part of the box 100 provided with the support beam 30 is shown in this application. The box 100 provided in this application includes an expansion beam 10 and two oppositely arranged side plates 50, the two ends of the expansion beam 10 are respectively connected to one of the side plates 50, and the expansion beam 10 can be connected to the two side plates 50 by welding to be fixed between the two side plates 50. It can be understood that during the use of the battery, the volume may change due to chemical reaction and heat, which can cause the battery shell to deform, damage or affect the performance. By arranging the expansion beam 10 in the battery pack, the volume change of the battery during charging and discharging can be absorbed, the stress concentration can be reduced, the battery shell can be prevented from being broken or deformed due to expansion, and the service life of the battery can be prolonged.

[0037] The box 100 further includes an end plate 20 and a support beam 30, and the battery support beam 30 is a structural component for the battery pack, mainly used for supporting and fixing the battery to ensure the stability and safety of the battery during operation. The end plate 20 and the expansion beam 10 are arranged at intervals. The two ends of the end plate 20 are respectively connected to one of the side plates 50, the end plate 20 is machined to remove material at the position corresponding to the support beam 30 to form a avoiding port 201, the support beam 30 is connected to the side of the expansion beam 10 facing the end plate 20, the support beam 30 is arranged in the avoiding port 201, and at least part of the support beam 30 is connected to the end plate 20.

[0038] In the related art, a separate expansion beam 10 is welded to the frame of the box 100. As the expansion force of the battery gradually increases in the later stage of use, the expansion force of the multiple rows of battery cells will eventually be applied to the expansion beam 10, and there is a high risk of failure and fracture at the welded connection between the expansion beam 10 and the side plate 50. In this application, the support beam 30 is connected to the end plate 20 and the expansion beam 10. Compared with the support beam 30 being connected to only the end plate 20 or only the expansion beam 10, the support beam 30 connects the expansion beam 10 and the end plate 20, which can disperse the stress concentrated at the connection between the expansion beam 10 and the side plate 50 through the connection between the support beam 30 and the end plate 20, reduce the deformation of the expansion beam 10, solve the risk of easy fracture and damage of the box 100 in the later stage of expansion, and improve the structural stability.

[0039] In some embodiments, the support beam 30 includes multiple side walls. When the avoiding port 201 and the support beam 30 are completely matched in size, the multiple side walls of the support beam 30 can be connected to the end plate 20. When the avoiding port 201 has a certain amount of activity, the support beam 30 can also be connected to the end plate 20 by part of the side walls, and a gap is provided between part of the side walls and the end plate 20.

[0040] In some embodiments, the support beam 30 and the expansion beam 10 can be metal pieces, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, stainless steel, copper, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged inside the expansion beam 10, and cavities are arranged between the plurality of reinforcing ribs, and the plurality of reinforcing ribs can be deformed when subjected to the expansion pressure from the battery, and can better disperse and resist the pressure.

[0042] In some embodiments, the box 100 further comprises a bottom plate 40, the support beam 30, the end plate 20 and the expansion beam 10 are located on the same side of the bottom plate 40, the support beam 30 comprises a first side wall 31 and a second side wall 32 connected to each other, the first side wall 31 is connected to one side of the expansion beam 10 facing the end plate 20, and the second side wall 32 is connected to the bottom plate 40.

[0043] Specifically, the support beam 30 can be welded with the expansion beam 10, the bottom plate 40 and the side plate 50 first, then threaded through the avoiding opening and welded with the end plate 20, and the support beam 30 is partially located inside the box 100 and partially located outside the box 100, so as to make full use of the space inside and outside the battery pack box 100 and avoid occupying too much space inside the box 100. Compared with the conventional way of setting an inclined rib for reinforcement, the application increases the connection with the end plate 20 and the bottom plate 40, so that the support beam 30, the end plate 20 and the bottom plate 40 can be firmly connected together to form an integral structure, which is suitable for smaller space and greater expansion force.

[0044] In some embodiments, the expansion beam 10 and the bottom plate 40, and the support beam 30 and the bottom plate 40 can be connected by riveting, bolting and bonding, etc., as long as the support beam 30, the expansion beam 10 and the bottom plate 40 can be firmly connected, and the specific connection mode is not limited in the application.

[0045] In some embodiments, the bottom plate 40 partially protrudes from the side of the end plate 20 away from the expansion beam 10, the expansion beam 10 is connected perpendicularly to the bottom plate 40, the first side wall 31 is connected perpendicularly to the second side wall 32, the first side wall 31 is connected to the expansion beam 10, and the second side wall 32 is connected to the bottom plate 40, and the whole forms an L-shaped structure. The support beam 30 and the bottom plate 40 are connected, which is used to further disperse the stress through the support of the bottom plate 40, so as to avoid the expansion beam 10 being pressed and squeezed by the side plate 50, which causes the battery pack to crack on both sides.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 4-5 , Figure 4 is a top view of a partial structure of the box 100 provided by the embodiments of the application, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of the box 100 provided by the embodiments of the application.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fourth side wall 34 is connected between the second side wall 32 and the third side wall 33 in an inclined manner, and a projection of the third side wall 33 on a plane in which the second side wall 32 is located is located in the second side wall 32, that is, the length of the third side wall 33 is less than that of the second side wall 32, so that the support beam 30 as a whole forms a trapezoidal structure, and the shape of the trapezoidal structure can effectively disperse the load and provide good stability to provide support.

[0048] In some embodiments, the distance between the support beam 30 and the expansion beam 10 is equal to the width of the third side wall 33, and the part of the support beam 30 located away from the expansion beam 10 of the end plate 20 is in a triangular structure. The width of the third side wall 33 can be greater than the distance between the support beam 30 and the expansion beam 10, which is not limited in the present application.

[0049] In some embodiments, the third side wall 33 and the second side wall 32 are oppositely and parallelly arranged, and the fourth side wall 34 and the first side wall 31 are oppositely and parallelly arranged, so that the support beam 30 as a whole forms a rectangular structure, and the avoiding opening 201 is a rectangular opening. The rectangular structure facilitates processing and can improve the processing efficiency.

[0050] In some embodiments, the support beam 30 is in a triangular structure, the projection of the expansion beam 10 on a plane in which the end plate 20 is located is greater than the size of the avoiding opening, one of the right angles of the triangular structure is connected to the expansion beam 10, and the other right angle is connected to the bottom plate 40. The oblique side of the triangular structure is the support beam 30 which is arranged from one side of the expansion beam 10 to the end plate 20. The triangular structure is stable and can effectively disperse and transfer the load. In the box body connecting structure, the required strength can be achieved with less material.

[0051] In some embodiments, the end plate 20 comprises a body 21 and a top edge 22, the top edge 22 is connected to one end of the body 21 away from the bottom plate 40, and the top edge 22 and the bottom plate 40 are oppositely arranged, and the third side wall 33 is arranged in a spaced manner from the top edge 22.

[0052] Specifically, the top edge 22 is arranged in an extending manner away from the expansion beam 10 and is parallel to the bottom plate 40. The top edge 22 is used to be connected with a top cover of a battery pack. When the height of the support beam 30 is equal to the height of the body, the third side wall 33 is connected to the top edge 22. At this time, the support beam 30 can support the entire end surface of the end plate 20.

[0053] In some embodiments, the top edge 22 is connected to one end of the body 21 away from the bottom plate 40, and the top edge 22 and the bottom plate 40 are oppositely arranged, and the third side wall 33 is connected to the top edge 22.

[0054] Specifically, when the height of the support beam 30 is less than the height of the body 21, the third side wall 33 and the top edge are spaced apart, and at this time, the support beam 30 is smaller in volume, thereby reducing the processing cost while ensuring the support strength.

[0055] It can be understood that if the height of the support beam 30 is too small, the support capacity of the expansion beam 10 cannot be guaranteed, and if the height of the support beam 30 is too large, the overall height of the box body 100 will be increased, which affects the use of the battery pack. In practical applications, the height of the support beam 30 can be set according to the height of the expansion beam 10, and the application does not limit the height of the support beam 30.

[0056] In some embodiments, the support beam 30 and the end plate 20 are sealingly connected. The sealing connection can improve the overall structural strength of the connection part and enhance the carrying capacity of the system.

[0057] In some examples, the support beam 30 and the end plate 20 can be bonded together by applying an adhesive to the avoidance opening 201, and a sealing structure is formed as a whole.

[0058] In some examples, a sealing ring, such as a rubber sealing ring, can be provided at the avoidance opening 201 to reduce the gap between the support beam 30 and the end plate 20.

[0059] In some examples, the support beam 30 and the end plate 20 are sealingly connected by welding, that is, by heating the two components to the melting point and then cooling and solidifying to form a permanent sealing connection.

[0060] In some embodiments, the support beam 30 is welded to the end plate 20 and the expansion beam 10. The welded structure is usually stronger than other connection methods and can withstand greater loads, ensuring the safety of the structure. In addition, there is no need to provide bolts or other fasteners between the support beam 30 and the expansion beam 10, which can reduce the number of parts and improve the space utilization.

[0061] In some examples, the support beam 30 and the expansion beam 10 and the support beam and the end plate 20 can be welded by laser welding, spot welding, hot pressure welding, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0062] In some embodiments, the support beam 30 and the end plate 20 are integrally formed. Compared with welding or bonding, integrally forming can reduce the connection points of the product, the overall structure is more solid, and the durability and reliability of the box body 100 are improved. In addition, the process of integrally forming can usually reduce the assembly time and steps, which is suitable for mass production.

[0063] The application also provides a battery pack (not shown in the figure), which can be applied to an electrical equipment such as an electric vehicle, an electric tool, an electric bicycle, an energy storage system, a drone, a mobile device, etc. The battery pack includes a battery module and the box 100 as described above, which is provided with a containing chamber, and the battery module is arranged in the containing chamber. The battery module is an assembly combined by a plurality of battery cells, which is used to improve energy storage and provide power. The battery module material can be a lithium ion battery module, a sodium ion battery module, a nickel-hydrogen battery module, a lead-acid battery module, a polymer battery module, etc., and the shape of the battery module can be a rectangular module, a cylindrical module, a square module, etc. In addition, the battery module can be a single-layer module, or a double-layer or multi-layer module.

[0064] Specifically, the battery pack includes two end plates 20, two side plates 50 and a bottom plate 40, the two end plates 20, the two side plates 50 and the bottom plate 40 form a containing chamber, the box 100 includes two end plates 20, two ends of each end plate 20 are connected to one side plate 50 respectively, the two end plates 20, the two side plates 50 and the bottom plate 40 surround to form the containing chamber, at least one expansion beam 10 is arranged in the containing chamber and abuts against the battery module for limiting the battery module generating expansion. The support beam 30 is partially located in the containing chamber and partially extends out of the containing chamber.

[0065] In some examples, the expansion beams 10 are a plurality of expansion beams 10, which are sequentially and spacedly arranged along the length direction of the box 100. The plurality of expansion beams 10 can adaptively adjust the deformation of the battery when the battery deforms due to thermal expansion and cold contraction, thereby reducing the deformation pressure between the batteries of the battery module. The end plate 20 includes a front end plate and a rear end plate, and the expansion beam 10 includes a front expansion beam and a rear expansion beam, two expansion beams 10 are arranged at the front end and the rear end of the battery pack respectively, that is, the front end plate 20 and the rear end plate 20 are each provided with an expansion beam 10, and each end plate 20 is provided with a avoiding opening 201 for the support beam 30 to pass through, and the support beam 30 is arranged at both ends of the battery pack, which can enhance the structural strength of both ends of the battery pack.

[0066] In some embodiments, the battery module includes a plurality of battery columns arranged in sequence, the plurality of battery columns can be connected in series or in parallel, the box 100 includes a plurality of support beams 30, and each support beam 30 corresponds to one battery column.

[0067] In some examples, the battery columns are three columns, the box 100 includes six support beams 30, each support beam 30 corresponds to one battery column, three support beams 30 and the front expansion beam 10 and the front end plate 20 are connected, and are sequentially and spaced apart along the width direction of the box, three support plates and the rear expansion beam 10 and the rear end plate 20 are connected, and are sequentially and spaced apart along the width direction of the box, the number of battery columns can also be four, five, six, and the number of support beams 30 can be increased accordingly, and the number of battery columns and the number of support beams 30 are not limited in the present application.

[0068] The above describes the embodiments of the present application in detail, and the principles and implementation manners of the present application are described by applying specific examples; the above embodiment descriptions are only used to help understand the method of the present application and its core idea; meanwhile, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of the present application, the specific implementation manners and application ranges can be changed, and the above descriptions should not be understood as limiting the present application.

Claims

1. A case characterized by comprising: The box comprises: two side plates arranged oppositely; an expansion beam, one end of which is connected to one of the side plates; an end plate, which is arranged apart from the expansion beam and connected to one of the side plates, the end plate being provided with a clearance; a support beam, which is connected to the side of the expansion beam facing the end plate, the support beam being arranged in the clearance and at least partially connected to the end plate.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein, The box further comprises a bottom plate, the support beam, the end plate and the expansion beam being arranged on the same side of the bottom plate, the support beam comprising a first side wall and a second side wall connected to each other, the first side wall being connected to the side of the expansion beam facing the end plate, and the second side wall being connected to the bottom plate.

3. The case of claim 2, wherein, The support beam further comprises a third side wall and a fourth side wall, the third side wall being arranged oppositely to the second side wall, and the fourth side wall being arranged oppositely to the first side wall and being obliquely connected between the second side wall and the third side wall.

4. The case of claim 3, wherein, The end plate comprises a body and a top edge, the top edge being connected to one end of the body away from the bottom plate, and the top edge being arranged oppositely to the bottom plate, the third side wall being arranged apart from the top edge.

5. The case of claim 3, wherein, The end plate comprises a body and a top edge, the top edge being connected to one end of the body away from the bottom plate, and the top edge being arranged oppositely to the bottom plate, the third side wall being connected to the top edge.

6. The case according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The support beam and the end plate are sealingly connected.

7. The case according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The support beam is welded to the end plate and the expansion beam.

8. A battery pack, characterized by, The box comprises: The box of any one of claims 1-7, the box being provided with a containing chamber; a battery module, the battery module being arranged in the containing chamber.

9. The battery pack of claim 8, wherein, The box comprises two end plates, one end of each of the end plates being connected to one of the side plates, the two end plates, the two side plates and the bottom plate forming the containing chamber, at least one expansion beam being arranged in the containing chamber and abutting against the battery module, the support beam being partially arranged in the containing chamber and partially extending out of the containing chamber.

10. The battery pack of claim 8, wherein, The battery module comprises a plurality of battery columns arranged in sequence, and the box comprises a plurality of support beams, each of the support beams corresponding to one of the battery columns.

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