Battery module protection cover structure and battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery module protection cover structure and a battery module. The protective cover structure comprises a protective cover body which comprises a horizontal part, a first side part and a second side part, the first side part and the second side part are located on the two sides of the horizontal part, and the cross sections of the horizontal part, the first side part and the second side part are U-shaped; the reinforcing structures are arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the horizontal part respectively, the arrangement area of the reinforcing structures on the upper surface of the horizontal part accounts for more than half of the total area of the upper surface, and the arrangement area of the reinforcing structures on the lower surface of the horizontal part accounts for more than half of the total area of the lower surface; the connecting holes are formed in the protective cover body, and the protective cover body is connected to the battery module through the connecting pieces and the connecting holes. Compared with an existing end plate, the protective cover structure disclosed by the scheme is higher in mechanical strength, has insulation and touch protection functions, and can prevent safety risks caused by deformation and damage of the protective cover under the conditions of transportation, installation, maintenance or other dynamic conditions of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery module manufacturing technology, specifically to a battery module protective cover structure and a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Existing battery modules for power applications typically have a cover plate, usually manufactured using a vacuum forming process. This cover plate is less than 1mm thick and made of polypropylene (PP), and is secured to the battery module with clips. Existing protective covers only provide insulation and touch protection; their mechanical strength is very low, contributing almost nothing to the overall mechanical strength of the battery module.

[0003] Furthermore, under transportation, installation, maintenance, or other dynamic conditions, existing battery module covers are prone to deformation, detachment, or breakage due to abnormal operation, leading to safety issues such as failure of the cover's insulation function and damage to the battery cells. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a battery module protective cover structure and a battery module to solve at least one of the problems of low mechanical strength of existing battery module cover plates, easy failure of insulation function, or easy damage to battery cells.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module protective cover structure is provided, the battery module protective cover structure comprising:

[0006] The protective cover body includes a horizontal portion and a first side portion and a second side portion located on both sides of the horizontal portion, and the cross-section of the horizontal portion, the first side portion and the second side portion is U-shaped;

[0007] A reinforcing structure is provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the horizontal part, wherein the area of ​​the reinforcing structure on the upper surface of the horizontal part accounts for more than half of the total area of ​​the upper surface, and the area of ​​the reinforcing structure on the lower surface of the horizontal part accounts for more than half of the total area of ​​the lower surface.

[0008] The protective cover body is provided with multiple connection holes, which are disposed on the protective cover body. The protective cover body is connected to the battery module through the connector and the connection holes.

[0009] In some embodiments, a gap is provided between the first side, the second side and the side plates on both sides of the battery module, and an adhesive block is disposed within the gap; and / or,

[0010] A gap is provided between the first side portion, the second side portion and the side plates on both sides of the battery module, and holes for injecting adhesive into the gap are provided on the first side portion and the second side portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connector includes any of the following: screws, bolts, or rivets; and / or,

[0012] The connector passes through the connection hole and connects to the end plate of the battery module.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery module protective cover is made of a polymer material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery module protective cover is made of any of the following materials: PET material with added glass fibers, PA material with added glass fibers, or PBT material with added glass fibers.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thickness of the protective cover body ranges from 2mm to 4mm; and / or,

[0016] The height of the reinforced structure ranges from 1.5mm to 5mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second reinforcing portion at the lower part of the horizontal portion is adapted to the cell terminal post of the battery module for limiting the cell position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first reinforcing portion on the upper part of the horizontal portion includes reinforcing ribs and reinforcing ribs. The reinforcing ribs are disposed at two ends of the horizontal portion near the battery module end plate. Multiple reinforcing ribs are arranged side-by-side at intervals. The reinforcing ribs are disposed in other areas besides the two ends. Alternatively...

[0019] The first reinforcing part at the upper part of the horizontal section includes reinforcing ribs and reinforcing bars. The reinforcing ribs are in the form of a grid pattern with crisscrossing lines. There are multiple reinforcing bars, which are spaced apart on the sides of the reinforcing ribs. The cross-section of the reinforcing bars is triangular or trapezoidal.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second reinforcing portion at the lower part of the horizontal portion includes reinforcing ribs disposed in the middle region of the lower surface of the horizontal portion and parallel to each other, and reinforcing ribs near the first side portion and the second side portion. The thickness of the reinforcing ribs is greater than the thickness of the reinforcing ribs. The reinforcing ribs abut against the cell terminals of the battery module, thereby limiting the movement of the cell in the vertical direction.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery module is provided, wherein a protective cover is provided on the top of the battery module, and the protective cover adopts the battery module protective cover structure according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have the following advantages:

[0023] The battery module protective cover structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model has higher mechanical strength than the existing cover structure. While ensuring insulation and contact protection functions, it can better protect the battery cell and prevent safety risks caused by end plate deformation or damage during transportation, installation, maintenance or other dynamic conditions.

[0024] Furthermore, compared to the existing snap-on cover design, the protective cover structure disclosed in this embodiment is fixed to the metal end plate of the battery module by self-tapping screws and other connectors, and is connected to the side plate by structural adhesive with high bonding strength. The protective cover and the metal frame of the battery module form an integral structure, which improves the structural strength, impact resistance and vibration resistance of the entire battery module.

[0025] Furthermore, the reinforcing structure inside the protective cover structure provided in this embodiment of the invention is attached to the surface of the battery cell electrode. With the high mechanical strength of the protective cover itself and its tight fixation to the metal frame, it can further prevent the battery cell from shifting due to expansion, thus avoiding safety risks caused by battery cell position displacement and its transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the battery module protective cover structure provided in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the inner (lower) side of the battery module protective cover structure provided in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the battery module protective cover structure and the battery module provided in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the battery module protective cover structure and the overall battery module connection structure provided in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram of a partial square area in the lower right corner;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a top view of the overall structure of the battery module and the battery module protective cover provided in some embodiments of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction;

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A structural diagram of a partial square area in the upper middle part;

[0034] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the assembly relationship of various components within a battery module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Attached image annotations:

[0036] 1. Protective cover body, 11. Horizontal part, 111. Recessed groove, 112. Outlet electrode mounting position, 12. First side part, 13. Second side part, 14. Hole; 2. Reinforcing structure, 21. First reinforcing part, 211. Reinforcing rib, 212. Reinforcing rib, 22. Second reinforcing part, 221. Reinforcing rib, 222. Reinforcing rib, 23. Reinforcing rib groove; 3. Connecting hole; 4. Connector; 5. Adhesive block; 6. Busbar; 7. Busbar bracket; 8. Battery cell, 81. Terminal post; 9. Battery module, 91. End, 92. Side part. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, the reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model.

[0041] See Figure 1-9 As shown, an embodiment of this utility model discloses a battery module protective cover structure, comprising:

[0042] The protective cover body 1 includes a horizontal portion 11 and a first side portion 12 and a second side portion 13 located on both sides of the horizontal portion. The cross-section of the horizontal portion 11, the first side portion 12, and the second side portion 13 is U-shaped, as detailed in [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0043] The reinforcing structure 2 is respectively arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the horizontal part 11. The area of ​​the reinforcing structure 2 on the upper surface of the horizontal part 11 accounts for more than half of the total area of ​​the upper surface, and the area of ​​the reinforcing structure 2 on the lower surface of the horizontal part 11 accounts for more than half of the total area of ​​the lower surface.

[0044] The aforementioned upper and lower surfaces can be virtual planes, such as the projection of the upper or lower part of the horizontal section onto a horizontal plane; of course, they can also be actual existing planes.

[0045] It should be noted that the larger the area of ​​the reinforcing structure 2, the greater the mechanical strength of the protective cover. Therefore, the area of ​​the protective cover can be selected to be more than 70%, preferably 85-95%.

[0046] The protective cover structure also includes connection holes 3, with at least three connection holes 3, and each connection hole 3 is disposed on the protective cover body 11. The protective cover body 1 is connected to the battery module 9 through the connector 4 and the connection holes 3. The battery module 9 can be a square body, including two ends 91 and two sides 92.

[0047] Optional, combined Figures 1-3 As shown, there are four connecting holes 3, which can be respectively located at the four corners of the protective cover body 1. To enhance the connection strength, the connecting holes 3 can also be located in the center of the protective cover body 1. Preferably, see... Figure 1 As shown, the connecting holes 3 are provided on the recesses 111 at the four corners of the horizontal part.

[0048] In some embodiments, the aforementioned reinforcing structure 2 and connecting hole 3 are arranged symmetrically on the horizontal part 1.

[0049] Therefore, the battery module protective cover structure provided by the above embodiments of this utility model has higher mechanical strength than the existing cover structure. Under the premise of ensuring insulation and touch protection functions, it can better protect the battery cell and prevent the battery cell from being damaged due to end plate deformation during transportation, installation, maintenance or other dynamic conditions, thereby avoiding safety risks.

[0050] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, a gap is provided between the first side portion 12, the second side portion 13 and the side plates on both sides of the battery module, and an adhesive block 5 is disposed within the gap. Optionally, the adhesive block 5 is formed by injecting adhesive, preferably structural adhesive.

[0051] In order to make the structural adhesive filling in the gap more uniform, a plurality of holes 14 for injecting adhesive into the gap are provided on the first side 12 and the second side 13. The holes 14 are evenly distributed on the first side 12 and the second side 13 and are located in the middle of the first side 12 and the second side 13.

[0052] according to Figure 3 As shown, the connector can be any of the following: self-tapping screw, standard bolt or rivet, and the horizontal part 11 is connected to the metal end plate of the battery module 9 through the connector 4 passing through the connecting hole 3.

[0053] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the battery module protective cover is made of a polymer material, which can be plastic, rubber, etc. In this embodiment, the specific type of plastic and rubber is not limited, and all polymer materials are within its protection scope.

[0054] In some optional embodiments, the material of the battery module protective cover includes any of the following: PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material with added glass fibers, PA (polyamide fiber, also known as nylon) material with added glass fibers, or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) material with added glass fibers.

[0055] In some embodiments, the thickness of the protective cover body 1 is greater than 2mm, and can be selected as 2mm-4mm.

[0056] Furthermore, based on the requirements of mechanical strength, the height of the reinforcing structure 2 ranges from 1.5mm to 5mm, preferably from 3mm to 4mm.

[0057] Combination Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the second reinforcing part 22 at the lower part of the horizontal section is adapted to the terminal post of the cell 8 of the battery module 9. Multiple cells 8 arranged in parallel can be disposed within the battery module 9. The cells 8 can be either circular or square. Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, gaps are provided between the square battery cells 8, and an insulating film can be provided between the gaps.

[0058] Optionally, in some embodiments, the lower second reinforcing part 22 can abut against the terminal post 81 of the battery cell 8, thereby pressing the battery cell; in other embodiments, a groove for accommodating the terminal post 81 of the battery cell 8 is provided on the lower second reinforcing part 22, the groove being adapted to the shape and size of the terminal post 81, thereby limiting the battery cell 8.

[0059] In some specific embodiments, see Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 6, the first reinforcing part 21 of the upper part of the horizontal part includes reinforcing ribs 211 and reinforcing ribs 212. The reinforcing ribs 212 are disposed at two ends 91 of the horizontal part near the end plate of the battery module 9. There are multiple reinforcing ribs 212, which are arranged side by side at intervals. The reinforcing ribs 211 are disposed in other areas outside the two ends 91.

[0060] In some other embodiments, the first reinforcing part 21 at the upper part of the horizontal part includes reinforcing ribs 211 and reinforcing ribs 212. The reinforcing ribs 211 are crisscrossing squares and have multiple reinforcing rib grooves 23. There are multiple reinforcing ribs 212, each of which is located on the side of the reinforcing rib 211. The cross-section of the reinforcing rib 212 is triangular or trapezoidal.

[0061] In some embodiments, the battery cell 8 is a square battery cell, and multiple square battery cells are connected in series. The terminals 81 of the square battery cells are respectively disposed on both sides of the same end of the square battery cell. Figure 9 As shown, the electrode post 81 protrudes from the main body of the square battery cell.

[0062] Correspondingly, combined Figure 2 As shown, the second reinforcing part 22 at the lower part of the horizontal part includes mutually parallel reinforcing ribs 222 disposed in the middle region of the lower surface of the horizontal part. Optionally, the reinforcing ribs 222 are parallel to the end 91.

[0063] Furthermore, the lower second reinforcing part 22 also includes a reinforcing rib 221 near the first side and the second side. The position of the reinforcing rib 221 corresponds to the position of the battery cell, and the reinforcing rib 221 abuts against the battery cell electrode.

[0064] Specifically, the thickness of the reinforcing rib 221 in the lower second reinforcing part 22 is greater than the thickness of the reinforcing rib 222. The reinforcing rib 221 abuts against the terminal post of the battery cell 8 of the battery module 9, thereby limiting the movement of the battery cell 8 in the vertical direction.

[0065] See Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, a busbar 6 is welded to the terminal post 81 of the battery cell 8. The busbar 6 is mounted on the busbar support 7, connecting multiple battery cells 8 in series. The upper part of the busbar 6 abuts against the reinforcing rib 221 in the lower second reinforcing part 22. The busbar 6 also has a fold in the area between two battery cells 8, forming an annular protrusion, which allows the busbar 6 to have good expandability. In addition, combined with Figure 9 It is known that it also includes a lead electrode mounting position 112, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the reinforcing rib 221, thus reserving mounting space for the lead electrode, and combined with Figure 2 It can be seen that the lead-out electrodes are installed at both ends of the battery module 9.

[0066] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery module is provided, wherein a protective cover is provided on the top of the battery module, and the protective cover adopts the battery module protective cover structure according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0067] In summary, the battery module protective cover structure disclosed in this utility model embodiment can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0068] The battery module protective cover structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model has higher mechanical strength than the existing cover structure. While ensuring insulation and contact protection functions, it can better protect the battery cell and prevent the battery cell from being damaged due to end plate deformation during transportation, installation, maintenance or other dynamic conditions, thereby causing safety risks.

[0069] Furthermore, compared to the existing snap-on cover design, the protective cover structure disclosed in this embodiment is fixed to the metal end plate of the battery module by self-tapping screws, etc., and connected to the side plate by high-strength structural adhesive. The protective cover and the metal frame of the battery module form an integral structure, which improves the structural strength, impact resistance and vibration resistance of the entire battery module.

[0070] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this utility model, the reinforcing structure inside the protective cover structure is attached to the surface of the battery cell electrode post. With the high mechanical strength of the protective cover itself and its tight fixation to the metal frame, the displacement of the battery cell due to expansion can be further prevented, thus avoiding safety risks caused by battery cell position displacement and its transmission.

[0071] It should be noted that although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module protective cover structure, characterized in that, The battery module protective cover structure includes: The protective cover body includes a horizontal portion and a first side portion and a second side portion located on both sides of the horizontal portion, and the cross-section of the horizontal portion, the first side portion and the second side portion is U-shaped; A reinforcing structure is provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the horizontal part, wherein the area of ​​the reinforcing structure on the upper surface of the horizontal part accounts for more than half of the total area of ​​the upper surface, and the area of ​​the reinforcing structure on the lower surface of the horizontal part accounts for more than half of the total area of ​​the lower surface. The protective cover body is provided with multiple connection holes, which are disposed on the protective cover body. The protective cover body is connected to the battery module through the connector and the connection holes.

2. The battery module cover structure according to claim 1, wherein A gap is provided between the first side, the second side and the side plates on both sides of the battery module, and an adhesive block is provided in the gap; or, A gap is provided between the first side portion, the second side portion and the side plates on both sides of the battery module, and holes for injecting adhesive into the gap are provided on the first side portion and the second side portion.

3. The battery module cover structure according to claim 1, wherein The connector includes any of the following: screws, bolts, or rivets; and / or, The connector passes through the connection hole and connects to the end plate of the battery module.

4. The battery module cover structure according to claim 1, wherein The battery module protective cover is made of polymer material.

5. The battery module cover structure according to claim 1, wherein The battery module protective cover is made of any of the following materials: PET material with added glass fiber, PA material with added glass fiber, or PBT material with added glass fiber.

6. The battery module cover structure according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the protective cover body ranges from 2mm to 4mm; and / or, The height of the reinforced structure ranges from 1.5mm to 5mm.

7. The battery module cover structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The second reinforcing part at the lower part of the horizontal section is adapted to the cell terminal post of the battery module and is used to limit the cell position.

8. The battery module cover structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, The first reinforcing part at the upper part of the horizontal section includes reinforcing ribs and reinforcing ribs. The reinforcing ribs are disposed at two ends of the horizontal section near the battery module end plate. There are multiple reinforcing ribs arranged side-by-side at intervals. The reinforcing ribs are disposed in other areas besides the two ends; or... The first reinforcing part at the upper part of the horizontal section includes reinforcing ribs and reinforcing bars. The reinforcing ribs are in the form of a grid pattern with crisscrossing lines. There are multiple reinforcing bars, which are spaced apart on the sides of the reinforcing ribs. The cross-section of the reinforcing bars is triangular or trapezoidal.

9. The battery module cover structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, The second reinforcing part at the lower part of the horizontal part includes reinforcing ribs that are parallel to each other and disposed in the middle area of ​​the lower surface of the horizontal part, and reinforcing ribs that are close to the first side and the second side. The thickness of the reinforcing ribs is greater than the thickness of the reinforcing ribs. The reinforcing ribs abut against the cell terminals of the battery module, thereby limiting the movement of the cell in the vertical direction.

10. A battery module, wherein a protective cover is provided on the top of the battery module, characterized in that, The protective cover adopts the battery module protective cover structure according to any one of claims 1-9.

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