Battery box and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery box and a vehicle, and particularly relates to the technical field of batteries. The battery box body comprises a battery cell unit, a box body frame and a plurality of connecting pieces, wherein the battery cell unit is located in the box body frame, the box body frame comprises a plurality of cross beams arranged in the first direction, longitudinal beams arranged in the second direction and two edge beams arranged in the second direction, and the cross beams and the longitudinal beams are arranged on the box body frame in advance and form a main body part. The two ends of each boundary beam in the second direction are mechanically connected with the main body part through connecting pieces, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. Therefore, the cross beams and the longitudinal beams are arranged on the box body frame in advance to form the main body part, and then the edge beams are fixed to the main body part through the connecting pieces in a mechanical connection mode, so that the box-in-box structure is matched with a more complex high-pretightening-force module box-in mode. In addition, the welding amount of the battery box body is greatly reduced, the box body deformation problem caused by welding is effectively improved, and the overall strength of the battery box body is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more particularly to a battery housing and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements and increasing demand for renewable energy, power batteries have been widely applied in numerous fields, including new energy vehicles, renewable energy storage, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. In new energy vehicles, power batteries utilize multiple modules connected in series or parallel to meet the vehicle's power requirements. The battery housing, as a core component of the power battery system, is currently the primary method for integrating power batteries.

[0003] Among them, for cell-to-pack (CTP) power batteries, the initial preload is relatively large, and the size and number of cell units vary, which also prompts the battery box structure to develop in a more flexible and adjustable direction.

[0004] However, in existing battery enclosures, the crossbeams, longitudinal beams, and side beams are typically connected by welding, making them non-removable. Furthermore, the amount of welding involved in the battery enclosure is substantial, which can easily cause deformation. Additionally, the existing battery enclosure structure is simple and fixed, unable to accommodate different types of battery cells, and its versatility needs improvement. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a battery box and a vehicle. Crossbeams and longitudinal beams are pre-installed on the box frame to form the main body. Side beams are then mechanically connected to the main body via connectors, thus adapting to more complex high-preload module installation methods. Furthermore, this significantly reduces the amount of welding required for the battery box, effectively improving the box deformation problem caused by welding and increasing the overall strength of the battery box.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a battery housing, comprising:

[0007] Battery cell unit;

[0008] The battery cell unit is located in the housing frame. The housing frame includes several crossbeams arranged in a first direction, longitudinal beams arranged in a second direction, and two side beams arranged in the second direction. The crossbeams and longitudinal beams are pre-set on the housing frame and form the main body.

[0009] Several connectors are used, and each side beam is mechanically connected to the main body at both ends in the second direction through the connectors.

[0010] The first and second directions are set perpendicularly.

[0011] The battery housing provided in the first aspect of this application includes a battery cell unit, a housing frame, and several connectors. The battery cell unit is located within the housing frame, which includes several crossbeams arranged in a first direction, longitudinal beams arranged in a second direction, and two side beams arranged in the second direction. The crossbeams and longitudinal beams are pre-installed on the housing frame and form the main body. Each side beam is mechanically connected to the main body at both ends in the second direction via connectors, with the first and second directions perpendicular to each other. This method, by pre-installing the crossbeams and longitudinal beams on the housing frame to form the main body, and then mechanically fixing the side beams to the main body via connectors, adapts to more complex high-preload module installation methods. Furthermore, it significantly reduces the amount of welding required for the battery housing, effectively improving the housing deformation problem caused by welding and increasing the overall strength of the battery housing.

[0012] In one possible implementation, each side beam has grooves at both ends in the second direction, and the connectors mate with the grooves.

[0013] After the side beam has a groove, it forms a first side wall and a second side wall that are set vertically. The first side wall, the second side wall and the inner side wall of the side beam form a stepped section.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the connector includes a mounting surface, which is the side of the connector facing the edge beam;

[0015] The mounting surface is fitted to the first side wall, and the connector is fixedly connected to the side beam by fasteners passing through the mounting surface.

[0016] In one possible implementation, it further includes a seal located between the mounting surface and the first sidewall.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the connector further includes an extension;

[0018] The connector has an extension at one end facing the second side wall, and the connector is fixedly connected to the side beam by fasteners passing through the extension.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the connector further includes a protrusion facing the crossbeam, and the connector is fixedly connected to the crossbeam by fasteners passing through the protrusion.

[0020] In one possible implementation, a cavity is provided between at least two crossbeams and at least two connectors, the cavity being used to house a number of electrical components.

[0021] In one possible implementation, it further includes: a liquid cooling plate;

[0022] The liquid cooling plate is located at the bottom of the housing frame, and the liquid cooling plate has flow channels for liquid to flow.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the side beam is bolted to the main body.

[0024] A second aspect of this application provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery housing.

[0025] It should be understood that the second aspect of this application corresponds to the technical solution of the first aspect of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0026] In addition to the technical problems solved by this application, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions as described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the battery box and vehicle provided by this application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further explained in detail in the specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments of this application. These drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of this application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery housing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the main body of the battery housing provided in the embodiments of this application; a partially enlarged schematic diagram;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a partially exploded view of the battery housing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the battery housing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the battery box provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 100 - Battery housing;

[0035] 200-Box frame; 210-Crossbeam; 220-Longitudinal beam; 230-Side beam; 231-Groove; 232-First side wall; 233-Second side wall; 234-Step section; 240-Main body section; 250-Cavity; 260-Structural cavity;

[0036] 300 - Connector; 310 - Mounting surface; 320 - Extension; 330 - Protrusion;

[0037] 400 - Seals;

[0038] 500-Liquid Cooling Plate. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] As described in the background section, in existing battery enclosures, the crossbeams, longitudinal beams, and side beams are typically connected by welding, making them non-removable. Furthermore, the amount of welding involved in the battery enclosure is substantial, which can easily cause deformation. Additionally, existing battery enclosure structures are simple and fixed, unable to accommodate different types of battery cells, and their versatility needs improvement.

[0041] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the first aspect of this application provides a battery housing. The battery housing includes a cell unit, a housing frame, and several connectors. The cell unit is located within the housing frame, which includes several crossbeams arranged in a first direction, longitudinal beams arranged in a second direction, and two side beams arranged in the second direction. The crossbeams and longitudinal beams are pre-installed on the housing frame and form the main body. Each side beam is mechanically connected to the main body at both ends in the second direction via connectors, with the first and second directions perpendicular to each other. This method, by pre-installing the crossbeams and longitudinal beams on the housing frame to form the main body, and then mechanically fixing the side beams to the main body via connectors, adapts to more complex high-preload module installation methods. Furthermore, it significantly reduces the amount of welding required for the battery housing, effectively improving the housing deformation problem caused by welding and increasing the overall strength of the battery housing.

[0042] A second aspect of this application provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes the battery housing described above.

[0043] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] This application provides a battery box and a vehicle. Crossbeams and longitudinal beams are pre-installed on the box frame to form the main body. The side beams are then mechanically connected to the main body via connectors, thus adapting to more complex high-preload module installation methods. Furthermore, the amount of welding in the battery box is significantly reduced, effectively improving the box deformation problem caused by welding and increasing the overall strength of the battery box. The specific structure of the battery box and vehicle provided in this application embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 This application provides a battery housing 100 in a first aspect. The battery housing 100 may include battery cell units (not shown), a housing frame 200, and a plurality of connectors 300. In one possible implementation, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the housing frame 200 can be a rectangular structure overall, and the shape of the housing frame 200 is not limited in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the battery cell unit can be located in the housing frame 200, so that the housing frame 200 can protect the battery cell unit.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Based on the above embodiments, the box frame 200 may include crossbeams 210, longitudinal beams 220, and two side beams 230. In one possible implementation, the number of crossbeams 210, longitudinal beams 220, and connecting members 300 can be several, and this application embodiment does not limit this. In this application embodiment, an example is given with four crossbeams 210, two longitudinal beams 220, and four connecting members 300. The four crossbeams 210 can be arranged in a first direction, and the four crossbeams 210 are arranged sequentially and parallel to each other. The two longitudinal beams 220 can be arranged in a straight line in a second direction, and the longitudinal beams 220 can be located between the two crossbeams 210 and at the middle position of the crossbeams 210. It is understood that, as... Figure 2 As shown, four crossbeams 210 and two longitudinal beams 220 can be pre-installed and fixed to form the main body 240 of the box frame 200.

[0047] refer to Figure 3Based on the above embodiments, additionally, the two side beams 230 can be arranged in the second direction, and the side beams 230 can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal beam 220. In this embodiment, the two side beams 230 can be located at both ends of the transverse beam 210 in the first direction, and a connecting member 300 can be provided at the junction of the side beams 230 and the transverse beam 210. It is understood that, combined with Figure 2 As can be seen, each side beam 230 can be fixed at both ends in the second direction by mechanical connection with the main body 240 through four connectors 300, thereby forming the complete structure of the box frame 200.

[0048] It should be noted that, for ease of description, in this embodiment, the first direction can be the length direction of the beam 210, i.e. Figure 3 The x-direction. The second direction can be the length direction of the longitudinal beam 220, i.e. Figure 3 The y-direction in the equation. It's understandable that the first direction can be set perpendicular to the second direction.

[0049] refer to Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, each side beam 230 may have grooves 231 formed at both ends in the second direction. The connector 300 can mate with the grooves 231. In one possible implementation, after the grooves 231 are formed, the side beam 230 can form a first sidewall 232 and a second sidewall 233, which are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the first sidewall 232, the second sidewall 233, and the inner sidewall of the side beam 230 can form a step 234, allowing the connector 300 to mate with the step 234, facilitating the connection of the side beam 230 to the main body 240 via the connector 300.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, the connector 300 may include a mounting surface 310. The mounting surface 310 may be the side of the connector 300 facing the side beam 230. In one possible implementation, the mounting surface 310 may be fitted against the first side wall 232. Thus, the connector 300 can be fixedly connected to the side beam 230 by fasteners passing through the mounting surface 310.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, the battery housing 100 may further include a sealing element 400. The sealing element 400 may be located between the mounting surface 310 and the first sidewall 232. It is understood that the sealing element 400 is used to maintain the sealing performance of the battery housing 100. Additionally, the sealing element 400 can also maintain the internal pressure of the battery housing 100, ensuring that the battery housing 100 can operate normally under predetermined preload conditions.

[0052] refer to Figure 5 Based on the above embodiments, the connector 300 may further include an extension 320. In one possible implementation, it is combined with... Figure 4 As can be seen, the end of the connector 300 facing the second side wall 233 may have an extension 320. It is understood that the extension 320 can overlap with the side beam 230, so that the connector 300 can be fixedly connected to the side beam 230 by fasteners passing through the extension 320.

[0053] Continue to refer to Figure 5 Based on the above embodiments, the connector 300 may further include a protrusion 330. The protrusion 330 may be disposed towards the crossbeam 210, and the protrusion 330 may correspond to the crossbeam 210. It is understood that the protrusion 330 may engage with the crossbeam 210, thereby enabling the connector 300 to be fixedly connected to the crossbeam 210 by fasteners passing through the protrusion 330.

[0054] Based on the above embodiments, each crossbeam 210, longitudinal beam 220, and side beam 230 may have a structural cavity 260 inside. In one possible implementation, the number of structural cavities 260 can be several, and this application embodiment does not limit this. In this application embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 330 can be inserted into the structural cavity 260 in the crossbeam 210, thereby realizing the engagement of the protrusion 330 and the crossbeam 210, which facilitates the fixed connection between the connector 300 and the main body 240.

[0055] Understandably, by creating structural cavities 260 inside the crossbeams 210, longitudinal beams 220, and side beams 230, the amount of material used can be reduced, thereby lightening the overall weight of the box frame 200. The structural cavities 260 also enable the box frame 200 to have higher strength and rigidity.

[0056] Continue to refer to Figure 1Based on the above embodiments, a cavity 250 can be provided between at least two crossbeams 210 and at least two connectors 300, wherein the cavity 250 can be used to house several electrical components. In one possible implementation, an example is given with two crossbeams 210 and two connectors 300. The two crossbeams 210 can be arranged parallel to each other at one end in the second direction of the battery housing 100, and each connector 300 can have two protrusions 330, with each protrusion 330 corresponding to one of the two crossbeams 210. The protrusions 330 on each connector 300 are inserted into the structural cavity 260 of the crossbeam 210, thereby forming a whole with the two crossbeams 210 and the two connectors 300, and the cavity 250 is provided between them. It is understood that several electrical components can be housed in the cavity 250, thereby facilitating the electrical components to ensure the safety and reliability of the battery housing 100.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Based on the above embodiments, the battery housing 100 may further include a liquid cooling plate 500. The liquid cooling plate 500 may be located at the bottom of the housing frame 200, or below the battery cell unit, and may have flow channels for liquid flow. It is understood that the liquid cooling plate 500 can be used to dissipate heat from the battery cell unit.

[0058] Based on the above embodiments, the side beam 230 is mechanically connected to the main body 240. In one possible implementation, the side beam 230 can be bolted to the main body 240; however, this embodiment does not impose such limitations.

[0059] Understandably, in related technologies, especially in solid-state batteries, the initial preload and expansion force of the cell units are very large, making it impossible to use the normal CTP power battery packing method.

[0060] Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, firstly, as Figure 2 As shown, the crossbeam 210 and longitudinal beam 220 are pre-installed and fixed to form the main body 240 of the housing frame 200. The connector 300 can be pre-fixed to the main body 240 by screwing or welding, and then the battery cell unit is placed on the main body 240 of the housing frame 200. Finally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the side beam 230 is connected to the connector 300 by bolts, further connected to the main body 240, and sealed by the sealant 400 to form the entire housing frame 200. It is understood that the battery housing 100 provided in this embodiment can be adapted to CTP power batteries with a large initial preload.

[0061] Based on the above embodiments, in one possible implementation, the box frame 200 can be made of steel. In this embodiment, the box frame 200 can be manufactured by roll forming and then welded together as a whole. It is understood that the box frame 200 made of steel has high strength and other characteristics, which enhances the service life of the box frame 200.

[0062] This application provides a vehicle (not shown in the figures) in a second aspect. The vehicle may include the battery housing 100 described above.

[0063] In this embodiment, the battery box 100 provided can pre-install crossbeams 210 and longitudinal beams 220 on the box frame 200 to form the main body 240, and then fix the side beams 230 to the main body 240 by means of connectors 300, thereby adapting to more complex high preload module installation methods. In addition, the amount of welding in the battery box 100 is greatly reduced, effectively improving the box deformation problem caused by welding and increasing the overall strength of the battery box 100.

[0064] The various embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0065] It should be noted that phrases such as "in specific implementations," "in some embodiments," "in this embodiment," and "exemplarily" in the specification indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] It should be readily understood that “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest manner, 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).

[0068] 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 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein, and is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery housing, characterized in that, include: Battery cell unit; A housing frame, in which the battery cell unit is located, the housing frame includes several crossbeams arranged in a first direction, longitudinal beams arranged in a second direction, and two side beams arranged in the second direction. The crossbeams and the longitudinal beams are pre-installed on the housing frame and form the main body. A plurality of connectors, wherein each end of the side beam in the second direction is mechanically connected to the main body via the connectors; The first direction and the second direction are set perpendicularly.

2. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the side beams has a groove at both ends in the second direction, and the connector mates with the grooves; After the groove is formed in the side beam, a first side wall and a second side wall are vertically arranged. The first side wall, the second side wall and the inner side wall of the side beam form a stepped portion.

3. The battery housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector includes a mounting surface, which is the side of the connector facing the edge beam; The mounting surface and the first side wall are fitted together, and the connector is fixedly connected to the side beam by fasteners passing through the mounting surface.

4. The battery housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: A seal is located between the mounting surface and the first sidewall.

5. The battery housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector further includes: an extension; The connector has an extension at one end facing the second sidewall, and the connector is fixedly connected to the side beam by fasteners passing through the extension.

6. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector further includes a protrusion facing the crossbeam, and the connector is fixedly connected to the crossbeam by fasteners passing through the protrusion.

7. The battery housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, A cavity is provided between at least two of the beams and at least two of the connectors, the cavity being used to house a number of electrical components.

8. The battery housing according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Also includes: Liquid cooling plate; The liquid cooling plate is located at the bottom of the housing frame, and the liquid cooling plate has flow channels for liquid to flow.

9. The battery housing according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The side beam is bolted to the main body.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The battery housing includes any one of claims 1-9.

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