Battery cell support and battery module

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a battery cell bracket and a battery module, and belongs to the technical field of power batteries. The battery cell bracket comprises a bracket body, two groups of mounting positions are respectively arranged on two opposite surfaces of the bracket body along the extension direction, the mounting positions in each group are sequentially arranged along the extension direction of the bracket body, the mounting positions extend towards two opposite sides of the extension direction of the bracket body, and the mounting positions are used for being connected with the side surfaces of the battery cells; the two opposite sides of the support body in the extending direction are used for installing the electric connection assemblies so that the electric connection assemblies can be electrically connected with the battery cells. The battery cell bracket can be mounted and connected with a component from a plurality of different directions, so that the space distribution of the battery cell bracket is more compact and reasonable, the space utilization rate of the battery cell bracket is higher, the occupied space of the battery module is saved, and the effect that the whole structure of the battery module is lighter and simpler is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to a cell support and battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Multiple battery cells can be combined in a certain arrangement and connection method to form a battery module. The battery cells can be cylindrical cells.

[0003] In the prior art, when cylindrical cells are assembled into a battery module, two support members are usually used. The support members are provided with multiple mounting positions that are adapted to the diameter of the cells. The upper and lower ends of the cells are respectively inserted into the mounting positions of the two support members so that the two support members can fix the cells together. Then, electrical connection components are provided at the support members so that the electrical connection components are connected to the ends of the cells to complete the battery module assembly.

[0004] However, this design makes the battery module structure cumbersome. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a cell support and a battery module to make the existing battery module structure lighter and simpler.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell support, comprising:

[0007] The bracket body has two sets of mounting positions on its two opposite surfaces along the extension direction. The mounting positions in each set are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the bracket body, and each mounting position extends toward the opposite sides of the extension direction of the bracket body. The mounting positions are used to connect with the side of the battery cell.

[0008] The bracket body has two opposite sides along its extension direction for mounting electrical connection assemblies so that the electrical connection assemblies are electrically connected to the battery cells.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the battery cell bracket provided in this application embodiment has two sets of mounting positions that are staggered along the extension direction of the bracket body.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the battery cell bracket provided in this application embodiment has an installation position that is an arc-shaped groove adapted to the battery cell, and the arc-shaped groove extends along the axial direction of the battery cell.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the cell support provided in this application has an arc angle of 90° or greater and 180° or less.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the battery cell bracket provided in this application embodiment has a limiting part provided at least at one end of the bracket body corresponding to each mounting position, and the limiting part is used to abut against the battery cell.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the battery cell bracket provided in this application embodiment has a limiting portion that is an edge adapted to the mounting position.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the battery cell bracket provided in this application embodiment has a reinforcing portion provided at least one end of the bracket body along the extending direction, and the reinforcing portion is respectively connected to a mounting position in each of the two groups.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the battery cell support provided in this application embodiment has a boss as the reinforcing part, and a reinforcing rib is provided on the boss.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the battery cell bracket provided in this application embodiment has weight-reducing holes between two adjacent mounting positions.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery module, including a module body and any of the aforementioned cell supports disposed on the module body.

[0018] The battery cell bracket and battery module provided in this application embodiment include a battery body. The battery body has two sets of mounting positions that connect to the sides of the battery cells on opposite sides in the extension direction. The mounting positions are arranged along the extension direction, so that two rows of battery cells can be supported and fixed by one battery cell bracket, saving the number of battery cell support and fixing structures. Furthermore, since each mounting position extends along opposite sides in the extension direction, electrical connection components can be set on opposite sides of the bracket body in the extension direction to connect with the battery cells to form a battery module. This allows the battery cell bracket to be installed and connected to components from multiple different directions, making the spatial distribution of the battery cell bracket more compact and reasonable. This results in higher space utilization of the battery cell bracket and saves space occupied by the battery module, thereby achieving a lighter and simpler overall structure of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the battery module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell support and the battery cell;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell support;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view of AA.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 100 - Bracket body; 110 - Mounting position; 120 - Limiting part; 130 - Reinforcing part;

[0026] 200-cell;

[0027] 300 - Electrical connection assembly; 310 - Electrode; 320 - Circuit board; 330 - Cover plate.

[0028] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0030] In the prior art, when cylindrical cells are assembled into a battery module, two support members are usually used. The support members are provided with multiple mounting positions that are adapted to the diameter of the cells. The upper and lower ends of the cells are respectively inserted into the mounting positions of the two support members so that the two support members can fix the cells together. Then, electrical connection components are provided at the support members so that the electrical connection components are connected to the ends of the cells to complete the battery module assembly.

[0031] However, this arrangement, with all components located at the ends of the battery cells, results in low space utilization and a complex structure for the battery module.

[0032] In order to overcome the defects in the prior art, the battery cell bracket and battery module provided in this application embodiment include a battery body. The battery body has two sets of mounting positions connected to the side of the battery cell on two opposite sides in the extension direction. The mounting positions are arranged along the extension direction, so that two rows of battery cells can be supported and fixed by one battery cell bracket, saving the number of battery cell support and fixing structures. In addition, each mounting position extends along the opposite sides in the extension direction.

[0033] Furthermore, electrical connection components can be set on opposite sides of the extension direction of the bracket body to connect with the battery cells to form a battery module. This allows the battery cell bracket to be installed and connected to components from multiple different directions, making the spatial distribution of the battery cell bracket more compact and reasonable. This results in higher space utilization of the battery cell bracket, saving space occupied by the battery module and achieving a lighter and simpler overall structure for the battery module.

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can have a clearer and more detailed understanding of the present invention.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application embodiment provides a battery cell support, including:

[0036] The bracket body 100 has two sets of mounting positions 110 on opposite sides along the extension direction. Each mounting position 110 in each set is arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the bracket body 100, and each mounting position 110 extends toward opposite sides along the extension direction of the bracket body 100. The mounting positions 110 are used to connect with the side of the battery cell 200.

[0037] The bracket body 100 has two opposite sides along its extension direction for mounting electrical connection assemblies 300 so that the electrical connection assemblies 300 are electrically connected to the battery cell 200.

[0038] It should be noted that, Figures 1 to 4 In the three-dimensional space, the X, Y and Z directions are perpendicular to each other. The Z direction corresponds to the two opposite sides of the extension direction of the support body 100, the Y direction corresponds to the extension direction of the support body 100, and the X direction corresponds to the two opposite sides of the extension direction of the support body 100.

[0039] It is understood that the support body 100 provides support and fixation for the battery cell 200, so that the battery cell 200 can be stably electrically connected to the electrical connection assembly 300 to form a battery module. The electrical connection assembly 300 may include an electrode 310, a circuit board 320, and a cover plate 330. The electrode 310 is used to connect to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 200 to convert the chemical energy of the battery cell 200 into electrical energy. The circuit board 320 is connected to the electrode 310 and also connected to electrical devices via wires to realize current and electrical signal transmission between the battery cell 200 and the electrical devices. The cover plate 330 covers the battery cell 200, the electrode 310, and the circuit board 320 to provide physical protection.

[0040] For example, the support body 100 can be made of a mixture of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). This material has low cost and good insulation properties, providing a certain degree of insulation protection for the cylindrical battery cell 200, which carries a weak current in its casing. The circuit board 320 can be made of flexible printed circuit board (FPC), which is flexible, foldable, and rotatable, making it convenient to use.

[0041] Mounting positions 110 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the bracket body 100 along the extension direction (Z direction). The mounting positions 110 are arranged sequentially along the Y direction and extend along the X direction. The mounting positions 110 are used to achieve a stable connection between the bracket body 100 and the battery cell 200. For example, adhesive can be applied to the mounting positions 110 to fix the side of the battery cell 200 to the mounting positions 110 by adhesive bonding.

[0042] Since the bracket body 100 is provided with a set of mounting positions 110 on both opposite sides along the Z direction, after the two sets of mounting positions 110 are connected to the battery cell 200, the two sets of battery cells 200 can clamp the bracket body 100 in it, so that the two sets of battery cells 200 can be fixed by one battery cell bracket, which makes the space utilization of the battery cell bracket higher and the support and fixing structure of the battery cell 200 more stable.

[0043] Both sets of mounting positions 110 are arranged along the Y direction of the bracket body 100, so that the size of the bracket body 100 along the Y direction can be flexibly set according to the number of battery cells 200 of the battery module to be assembled, so that the number of mounting positions 110 on the bracket body 100 matches the number of battery cells 200.

[0044] The bracket body 100 is configured to be connected to the electrical connection assembly 300 on opposite sides in the X direction, so that the electrical connection assembly 300 can be provided on opposite sides in the X direction of the bracket body 100. Since each mounting position 110 also extends in the X direction, after the battery cell 200 is connected to the mounting position 110, the electrical connection assembly 300 can be adjacent to both ends of the battery cell 200, so that the electrical connection assembly 300 can be connected to the end of the battery cell 200 from the X direction.

[0045] Furthermore, in specific implementation, at least two bracket bodies 100 can be connected along the X direction to electrically connect the cells 200 on each mounting position 110, thereby increasing the energy storage limit and size specifications of the battery module. Electrical connection components 300 are provided on the sides of the two outermost bracket bodies 100 along the X direction to be connected to the cells 200. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0046] In this way, each battery cell 200 can be distributed on opposite sides of the bracket body 100 in the Z direction and arranged sequentially along the Y direction. The electrical connection components 300 connected to the battery cells 200 are located on opposite sides of the bracket body 100 in the X direction. This allows other components connected to the bracket body 100 to be distributed in different directions, rather than all components being located at the ends of the battery cells 200. This makes the spatial distribution of the bracket body 100 and its components reasonable and compact, with a high space utilization rate.

[0047] Therefore, the battery cell bracket provided in this application embodiment includes a battery body. The battery body has two sets of mounting positions 110 connected to the side of the battery cell 200 on opposite sides in the Z direction, so that each set of mounting positions 110 is arranged in the Y direction. This realizes the use of one battery cell bracket to support and fix two rows of battery cells 200, saving the number of support and fixing structures for the battery cells 200, and making each mounting position 110 extend in the X direction.

[0048] This allows each cell 200 to be positioned along the X-direction, and then electrical connection components 300 can be installed on opposite sides of the bracket body 100 in the X-direction to connect with the cells 200 to form a battery module. This allows the cell bracket to be installed and connected to components from multiple different directions, making the spatial distribution of the cell bracket more compact and reasonable. This results in higher space utilization of the cell bracket, saving space occupied by the battery module, and achieving a lighter and simpler overall structure for the battery module.

[0049] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the mounting positions 110 in the two groups are staggered along the extension direction (Y direction) of the bracket body (100).

[0050] It is understandable that by setting two sets of mounting positions 110 distributed along the Z direction and staggering them along the Y direction, any mounting position 110 in one set can be located between two adjacent mounting positions 110 in the other set. This results in a staggered distribution of the two sets of mounting positions 110 and makes the thickness of the bracket body 100 more uniform at all positions. This minimizes the problem of weak strength caused by excessive thickness or thinness in some parts of the bracket body 100, effectively ensuring the structural strength of the bracket body 100 and thus ensuring the support effect of the bracket body 100 on the battery cell 200.

[0051] In specific implementation, refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the mounting position 110 is an arc-shaped groove adapted to the battery cell 200, and the arc-shaped groove runs through the axial direction (X direction) of the battery cell 200.

[0052] It is possible to set the mounting position 110 as an arc-shaped groove, which makes it easier for the mounting position 110 to fit the cylindrical cell 200, and easily increases the contact area between the mounting position 110 and the cylindrical cell 200, so that the mounting position 110 and the cylindrical cell 200 fit more closely, ensuring the reliability of the connection between the cell 200 and the mounting position 110, so that the two rows of cells 200 can be connected together more fully and stably.

[0053] The arc-shaped groove extends along the X direction, that is, it extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical cell 200, so that the arc-shaped groove can be adapted to some longer cylindrical cells 200. Even if the axial dimension of the cylindrical cell 200 is larger than the dimension of the arc-shaped groove in the X direction, the cell 200 can be fixed by the bracket body 100, thus improving the versatility of the mounting position 110.

[0054] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the arc angle of the arc groove is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 180°.

[0055] Understandably, this design ensures that the circumferential area of ​​the cylindrical cell 200 connected to the arc-shaped groove is greater than or equal to one-quarter of the circumference and less than or equal to one-half the circumference. This guarantees a stable and reliable connection between the arc-shaped groove and the cylindrical cell 200, while also preventing the arc angle of the arc-shaped groove from being too large, which would make it difficult for the cylindrical cell 200 to approach or move away from the side of the arc-shaped groove. This makes it convenient and quick to assemble and disassemble the cylindrical cell 200 and the arc-shaped groove.

[0056] For example, in this embodiment, the arc angle of the arc groove is set to 180°. In other embodiments, the arc angle of the arc groove can also be set to 150°, 120°, 90° or other suitable angle values. This application does not limit this.

[0057] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bracket body 100 is provided with a limiting part 120 at at least one end of each mounting position 110, and the limiting part 120 is used to abut against the battery cell 200.

[0058] It is understood that the limiting part 120 can be provided at one end of the mounting position 110, or at both ends. By providing the limiting part 120, the limiting part 120 is located on opposite sides of the mounting position 110 in the X direction. Specifically, the two limiting parts 120 correspond to the two ends of the battery cell 200, respectively. When the battery cell 200 is bonded to the mounting position 110 with adhesive, the end face or the peripheral surface near the end face of the battery cell 200 can abut against the limiting part 120, and the limiting part 120 limits the adhesive to prevent the adhesive from overflowing. This would prevent the adhesive from overflowing to the end of the battery cell 200 and affecting the welding and fixing of the electrode 310, nickel sheet, and circuit board 320 to the battery cell 200.

[0059] In practice, the limiting part 120 is an edge that is adapted to the mounting position 110.

[0060] It is understandable that setting the limiting part 120 to be an edge that is compatible with the mounting part, i.e., the limiting part 120 is an arc-shaped edge, can make the overall structure of the limiting part 120 more compact, reduce the space occupied by the cell bracket, and improve the space utilization of the cell bracket and battery module.

[0061] In other embodiments, the limiting part 120 may also be provided as a stop or a stop bar located at both ends of the mounting position 110 in the X direction, so that the limiting part 120 has a better blocking and limiting effect on the battery cell 200.

[0062] Furthermore, in some embodiments, reference is made to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a reinforcing part 130 is provided at least one end of the bracket body 100 along the extension direction, and the reinforcing part 130 is connected to a mounting position 110 in each of the two groups.

[0063] It is understandable that, since the two sets of mounting positions 110 are staggered along the Y direction of the bracket body 100, the outermost mounting positions 110 in each set are staggered, resulting in one of the two mounting positions 110 on the same side protruding relative to the other. To enhance the structural strength between these two mounting positions 110, a reinforcing part 130 can be provided at least at one end of the bracket body 100 in the Y direction, connecting the reinforcing part 130 to the mounting position 110. Specifically, the reinforcing part 130 can be provided at one end of the bracket body 100, or at both ends of the bracket body 100.

[0064] For example, the reinforcing part 130 is a boss, and a reinforcing rib is provided on the boss.

[0065] The reinforcing part 130 is a boss structure to further enhance the structural strength of the support body 100. The boss structure may be hollow inside, and reinforcing ribs may be provided in the hollow portion of the boss structure. These reinforcing ribs are arranged in a crisscross pattern to ensure that the reinforcing part 130 has good structural strength and is lightweight.

[0066] In addition, in some embodiments, the support body 100 is at least partially hollowed out.

[0067] It is understandable that by making the bracket body 100 hollow, the overall weight of the bracket body 100 can be reduced, making the cell bracket and battery module lighter and saving the material cost of the cell bracket.

[0068] For example, a weight-reducing hole is provided between two adjacent mounting positions 110 in each group. A triangular prism-shaped weight-reducing hole structure can be provided along the X direction on the thicker part between two adjacent mounting positions 110. This can reduce the weight of the bracket body 100 and form an airflow channel between each battery cell 200, which can facilitate air circulation in the airflow channel and promote heat dissipation of the battery cell 200.

[0069] In other embodiments, the bracket body 100 may also be configured with other hollow structures, such as hollow round through holes or hollow strip through holes in the Z direction between two adjacent mounting positions 110 as weight reduction holes, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a battery module, including a module body and a cell support as described in any of the above embodiments disposed on the module body.

[0071] The cell support provided in this application has been described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0072] This application provides a battery module. By setting a cell bracket, the battery body has two sets of mounting positions 110 connected to the side of the cell 200 on opposite sides in the Z direction. The mounting positions 110 are arranged in the Y direction, so that two rows of cells 200 can be supported and fixed by one cell bracket, saving the number of supporting and fixing structures for the cells 200, and each mounting position 110 extends in the X direction.

[0073] This allows each cell 200 to be positioned along the X-direction, and then electrical connection components 300 can be installed on opposite sides of the bracket body 100 in the X-direction to connect with the cells 200 to form a battery module. This allows the cell bracket to be installed and connected to components from multiple different directions, making the spatial distribution of the cell bracket more compact and reasonable. This results in higher space utilization of the cell bracket, saving space occupied by the battery module, and achieving a lighter and simpler overall structure for the battery module.

[0074] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0075] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.

[0076] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this application should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on something” but also “on something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0077] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90° or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0078] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery cell support, characterized in that, include: The bracket body (100) has two sets of mounting positions (110) respectively on its two opposite surfaces along the extension direction. Each mounting position (110) in each set is arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the bracket body (100), and each mounting position (110) extends toward the opposite sides of the extension direction of the bracket body (100). The mounting position (110) is used to connect with the side of the battery cell (200). The support body (100) is used to mount electrical connection assemblies (300) on opposite sides along the extending direction so that the electrical connection assemblies (300) are electrically connected to the battery cell (200); The bracket body (100) is provided with a limiting part (120) at at least one end corresponding to each of the mounting positions (110), and the limiting part (120) is used to abut against the battery cell (200); The support body (100) is provided with a reinforcing part (130) at at least one end along the extension direction, and the reinforcing part (130) is connected to one of the mounting positions (110) in each of the two groups.

2. The cell support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting positions (110) in the two groups are staggered in sequence along the extension direction of the bracket body (100).

3. The cell support according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting position (110) is an arc-shaped groove adapted to the battery cell (200), and the arc-shaped groove extends along the axial direction of the battery cell (200).

4. The cell support according to claim 3, characterized in that, The arc angle of the arc groove is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 180°.

5. The cell support according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting part (120) is an edge that is adapted to the mounting position (110).

6. The cell support according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reinforcing part (130) is a boss, and a reinforcing rib is provided on the boss.

7. The cell support according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A weight-reducing hole is provided between two adjacent mounting positions (110).

8. A battery module, characterized in that, It includes a module body and a cell support as described in any one of claims 1-7, which is disposed on the module body.

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