Power battery module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a power battery module which comprises two end plates which are oppositely arranged and at least two rows of module units which are arranged between the two end plates, and each row of module units is formed by a plurality of square module cells which are oppositely stacked and linearly arranged through large surfaces of the cells; a battery cell top brace capable of covering the position of a battery cell explosion-proof valve is arranged at the upper end of each module unit, and a module side brace is arranged on the side surface of the power battery module formed by the module units; the two ends of the battery cell top brace are detachably connected with the top ends of the end plates respectively, and the two ends of the module side brace are detachably connected with the side ends of the end plates respectively. According to the utility model, a large module group form is adopted, and the battery cell top brace, the battery cell shoulder brace and the module side brace are matched for use, so that the effect of higher integration degree can be achieved, and finally, the effect of light weight is obtained.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] To improve the volume utilization of battery packs, there is an increasing trend towards using large and long modules. Existing battery packs often house two or more separate modules, which results in some internal space being allocated to non-cell components, wasting space and reducing volume utilization. Furthermore, existing power battery modules are often fixed to the sides with side panels, which is inconvenient for installation and results in redundant material usage. For example, the square power battery module disclosed in patent CN217562622U uses side panels, module covers, multiple connectors, and multiple external output channels, resulting in poor module integration.

[0003] Therefore, for large or long modules, it is necessary to design modules with higher integration and simpler structure to achieve the goals of easy installation and improved space utilization. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies and provide a power battery module. This power battery module adopts a large-module assembly structure, saving unnecessary components and space occupation, reducing material costs, and increasing the energy density of the battery pack. The module component assembly process is simple, saving labor and equipment costs.

[0005] This utility model is implemented as follows:

[0006] A power battery module includes two oppositely arranged end plates and at least two rows of module units arranged between the two end plates. Each row of module units is formed by multiple square module cells stacked in a straight line with their large surfaces facing each other. Each module unit has a top pull strip at its upper end that covers the position of the cell's explosion-proof valve. The power battery module formed by the module units has side pull strips on its sides. The two ends of each cell top pull strip are detachably connected to the top of one of the end plates, and the two ends of each module side pull strip are detachably connected to the side of one of the end plates.

[0007] Preferably, the top pull strip of the battery cell has a raised structure that bulges towards the battery pack cover; the raised structure is formed along the length direction of the top pull strip of the battery cell, and the two sides of its length direction are battery cell clamping parts; after the top pull strip of the battery cell is fixed, an exhaust channel is formed between the raised structure and the cover plate of the module battery cell, and the exhaust direction of the exhaust channel is consistent with the stacking direction of the module battery cell, which is used for the discharge of gas ejected after thermal runaway of the module battery cell.

[0008] Preferably, the surface of the raised structure facing the battery pack cover has a support material mounting groove for mounting an elastic support material that supports the battery pack cover.

[0009] Preferably, the proximal end plate side of the cell pressing portion on both sides of the raised structure is formed with connection and fixing holes for riveting / bolting with the end plate, and the end plate has a matching top pull strip connection hole.

[0010] Preferably, a battery cell shoulder strap is arranged at the upper end between two adjacent columns of the module units, and each end of the battery cell shoulder strap is detachably connected to the shoulder strap connection part at the upper end of one of the end plates.

[0011] Preferably, the battery cell shoulder pull bar connecting part includes a protrusion protruding from the upper end of the end plate, the upper end of the protrusion having a shoulder pull bar connecting hole for riveting / bolting with the battery cell shoulder pull bar, and the battery cell shoulder pull bar having matching connecting holes arranged near both ends.

[0012] Preferably, the side of the end plate has a side strip connection hole for riveting / bolting with the side strip of the module, and the connection hole near both ends of the side strip of the module mates with the side strip connection hole.

[0013] Preferably, the upper part of the side strip of the module is vertically bent to form a bent portion, which is fastened to the shoulder of the module cell and the shoulder of the end plate it contacts.

[0014] Preferably, the upper end of the module side pull strip has a vertically arranged reinforcing rib that can simultaneously support the battery pack cover, and the reinforcing rib is arranged along the length direction of the module side pull strip.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom plane of the end plate has at least one limiting boss for engaging with the module fixing groove at the bottom of the housing, and the bottom end of the limiting boss has an inclined surface to facilitate assembly, insertion, and guiding engagement.

[0016] This utility model adopts a large module assembly form, and with the use of top pull strips, shoulder pull strips and side pull strips of the battery cell, it can achieve a higher degree of integration and ultimately achieve a lightweight effect.

[0017] The top and shoulder pull strips of this utility model have the dual functions of directional explosion venting and module fixing. They can replace the supporting foam to support the box cover. The side pull strips of the module replace the side plates / steel strips. Through integrated design, materials such as module side plates, top supporting foam, and module top cover are saved, resulting in high integration.

[0018] The module side pull strip and the battery cell top pull strip of this utility model are both extruded profile designs, which can accommodate modules of different lengths without the need for re-molding, and have high compatibility.

[0019] The pull strip structure of the module side pull strip, the cell top pull strip, and the cell shoulder pull strip of this utility model can solve the problem of structural damage caused by stress concentration due to excessive expansion force of large modules. In particular, when the cell expands due to excessive expansion force, by arranging the cell top pull strip and cell shoulder pull strip at the top, the stress concentration caused by the expansion of the side pressure strip / end plate can be reduced, thus reducing the damage caused by the expansion.

[0020] The pressure bar on the top of the battery cell in this invention is located directly above the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell. If the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, it can serve as an exhaust channel to achieve thermal-electric separation and avoid greater impact after thermal runaway. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the power battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the power battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the top pull strip of the battery cell in the power battery module of this utility model embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the top pull bar of the battery cell shown.

[0025] Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of the top pull strip of the battery cell in the power battery module of this utility model embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate of the power battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the side pull strip of the power battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the side pull strip of the module shown.

[0029] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram of the side pull strip of the power battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 10 - Top pull strip of battery cell; 20 - Shoulder pull strip of battery cell; 30 - End plate; 40 - Side pull strip of module; 50 - Module battery cell;

[0032] 101 - Connection and fixing hole; 102 - Support material mounting groove; 103 - Groove;

[0033] 301 - Side pull bar connection hole; 302 - Limiting boss; 303 - Module positive and negative output socket mounting slot; 304 - Shoulder pull bar connection hole; 305 - Through hole; 306 - Top pull bar connection hole;

[0034] 401 - Mounting hole; 402 - Reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] Please see Figure 1-2 As shown in the exemplary embodiment of this application, the power battery module includes two oppositely arranged end plates 30 and at least two rows of module units arranged between the two end plates 30. Each row of module units is formed by multiple square module cells 50 arranged in a straight line with their large surfaces stacked opposite each other. Each module unit has a cell top pull strip 10 at its upper end that can cover the position of the cell explosion-proof valve. The power battery module composed of the module units has module side pull strips 40 arranged on its side. The two ends of the cell top pull strip 10 are detachably connected to the top end of one of the end plates 30, and the two ends of the module side pull strip 40 are detachably connected to the side end of one of the end plates 30.

[0037] The embodiments of this application are applicable to prismatic battery module structures, where multiple rows of cells share a common end plate, saving material and assembly costs. By adding top-stretcher strips to the top of the cells in the module, grouping them during assembly and providing restraint between the two end plates, excessive cell expansion during system charge-discharge cycles can be avoided, preventing stress concentration and damage to the module structure. If a cell begins to expand during system charge-discharge cycles, the top-stretcher strips attached to both sides of the module provide tension, tightening the entire battery module and mitigating the impact of cell expansion.

[0038] Figure 1 , Figure 2 The diagram shows a large module with three rows of cells, sharing a common end plate. In practice, the number of cells in the module can be more than this, but generally no less than two rows.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, a module side strip is used on both sides of the module instead of the traditional steel strip or side plate structure, and it is only set on the side of the cell shoulder, which can save material costs.

[0040] In some embodiments, the top strap 10 of the battery cell has a raised structure that bulges towards the battery pack lid. Relative to the side of the module battery cell, it appears as a groove 103, and the direction facing the battery pack lid can be a planar raised structure to achieve support for the battery pack lid.

[0041] In some embodiments, the raised structure is formed along the length direction of the top strap of the battery cell. On both sides of its length direction are the battery cell pressing parts, forming a structure similar to a "ji" character. After the top strap of the battery cell is fixed, an exhaust channel can be formed between the groove 103 of the raised structure and the cover plate of the module battery cell. The exhaust direction of the exhaust channel is consistent with the stacking direction of the module battery cells, and is used for discharging the gas ejected after the thermal runaway of the module battery cells.

[0042] After the thermal runaway of the battery cell, the ejected gas is discharged from here to both sides of the box body, avoiding the high-temperature gas and particles generated after the thermal runaway from diffusing around the bus bar, generating thermoelectric coupling, and causing a more extensive out-of-control situation with greater harm.

[0043] In some embodiments, on the surface of the raised structure facing the battery pack lid, there is a support material mounting groove 102 for mounting elastic support materials, such as foam materials or similar materials, to support the battery pack lid. By setting a support structure, such as foam, on the raised structure at the upper end of the top strap of the battery cell, with a relatively small distance from the battery pack lid, it can be used to support the battery pack lid, avoid the deformation and subsidence of the lid during use, and have an impact on the battery module, thereby reducing the impact caused by the compression at the top of the system.

[0044] In some embodiments, both the top strap of the module and the side strap of the module are designed as extruded profiles, which can accommodate modules of different lengths, eliminating the need for retooling, having high compatibility, and reducing subsequent usage costs.

[0045] Among them, in some preferred embodiments, connection and fixing holes 101 for riveting / bolting to the end plate are formed on the proximal end plate side of the battery cell pressing parts on both sides of the raised structure. There are corresponding top strap connection holes 306 on the end plate for riveting / bolting the top strap of the battery cell to the end plate. In this way, the top pressing strip of the battery cell can be bolted / riveted and fixed to the module end plates on both sides of the battery module through the bolt connection points.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments, a battery cell shoulder strap 20 is arranged at the upper end between two adjacent columns of the module units. Both ends of the battery cell shoulder strap are detachably connected to the shoulder strap connection parts at the upper end of one of the end plates. By arranging the battery cell shoulder strap and cooperating with the top strap of the battery cell and the side strap of the module, the binding force on the module can be enhanced, especially the binding force at the upper end of the battery cell, to prevent the impact caused by the expansion of the module.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the battery cell shoulder pull strip connecting part includes a protrusion protruding from the upper end of the end plate. The upper end of the protrusion has a shoulder pull strip connecting hole 304 for riveting / bolting with the shoulder pull strip. The battery cell shoulder pull strip has matching connecting holes arranged near both ends. The battery cell shoulder pull strip and the upper end of the protrusion protruding from the upper end of the end plate have riveting / bolting connecting holes, which can realize the riveting / bolting of the battery cell shoulder pull strip to the end plate. Specifically, in implementation, the two ends of the battery cell shoulder pull strip can be stacked on top of the riveting / bolting connecting holes on the upper end of the protrusion protruding from the upper end of the end plate, so that the two holes face each other and are riveted / bolted together.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the side of the end plate connects to the side pull strip connection hole 301 for riveting / bolting the module side pull strip, and the mounting holes 401 near both ends of the module side pull strip mate with the side pull strip connection hole, such as two holes spaced vertically apart. After fixing, the inner side of the module side pull strip contacts the side of the end plate and the side of the module cell.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the upper part of the side strip of the module is vertically bent to form a bent portion, forming an inverted L-shaped structure. The bent portion is fastened to the shoulder of the module cell and the shoulder of the end plate it contacts, which can limit the upper shoulder of the cell in the vertical direction.

[0050] In some preferred embodiments, the upper end of the module side pull strip 40 has a reinforcing rib 402. The reinforcing rib is arranged along the length direction of the module side pull strip and is perpendicular to its upper end face. The reinforcing rib 402 improves the strength of the side pull strip. At the same time, the use of the reinforcing rib 402 can also serve to support the battery pack cover.

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, the module side pull strip 40 can replace the side plate and steel strip structure commonly used in current module assembly, reducing material costs. In addition, assembly is simpler with this structure, which can be fixed with bolts / rivet screws. During the system charge and discharge cycle, if the cell begins to expand, the module side pull strips installed on both sides of the module will provide tension to tighten the entire power battery module and reduce the impact of cell expansion.

[0052] In some embodiments, the bottom plane of the end plate 30 has at least one limiting boss 302 for engaging with the module fixing groove at the bottom of the box. The figure shows three limiting bosses. The bottom end of the limiting boss has an inclined surface that facilitates assembly, insertion, and guiding engagement. By tilting at a certain angle, it is convenient for the module to enter the box.

[0053] In some embodiments, the top side of the end plate 30 has a mounting groove 303 for mounting the positive and negative output sockets of the module, and a through hole 305 is reserved at the top of the end plate for fixing the power battery module to the housing with long bolts.

[0054] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic features of this utility model.

[0055] Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended to encompass all variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims within the present invention.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A power battery module, characterized in that, The module includes two oppositely arranged end plates and at least two rows of module units arranged between the two end plates. Each row of module units is formed by multiple square module cells stacked in a straight line with their large surfaces facing each other. Each module unit has a top pull strip at its upper end that covers the position of the cell explosion-proof valve. The power battery module composed of the module units has side pull strips on its sides. The two ends of each cell top pull strip are detachably connected to the top of one of the end plates, and the two ends of each module side pull strip are detachably connected to the side of one of the end plates.

2. The power battery module of claim 1, wherein, The top pull strip of the battery cell has a raised structure that bulges towards the battery pack cover; the raised structure is formed along the length of the top pull strip of the battery cell, and the two sides of its length direction are the battery cell pressing parts; after the top pull strip of the battery cell is fixed, an exhaust channel is formed between the raised structure and the cover plate of the module battery cell, and the exhaust direction of the exhaust channel is consistent with the stacking direction of the module battery cells, which is used for the discharge of gas ejected after thermal runaway of the module battery cell.

3. The power battery module of claim 2, wherein, The raised structure has a support material mounting groove on the surface facing the battery pack cover for mounting elastic support material that supports the battery pack cover.

4. The power battery module of claim 2, wherein, The proximal end plate side of the cell pressing part on both sides of the raised structure has connection and fixing holes for riveting / bolting with the end plate, and the end plate has matching top pull strip connection holes.

5. The power battery module of claim 1, wherein, A battery cell shoulder strap is arranged at the upper end between two adjacent columns of the module units. Each end of the battery cell shoulder strap is detachably connected to the shoulder strap connection part at the upper end of one of the end plates.

6. The power battery module of claim 5, wherein, The battery cell shoulder pull bar connecting part includes a protrusion protruding from the upper end of the end plate. The upper end of the protrusion has a shoulder pull bar connecting hole for riveting / bolting with the battery cell shoulder pull bar. The battery cell shoulder pull bar has matching connecting holes arranged near both ends.

7. The power battery module of claim 1, wherein, The side of the end plate has side pull strip connection holes for riveting / bolting with the side pull strip of the module, and the connection holes near the two ends of the side pull strip of the module mate with the side pull strip connection holes.

8. The power battery module of claim 1, wherein, The upper part of the side strip of the module is vertically bent to form a bend, which is fastened to the shoulder of the module cell and the shoulder of the end plate that it contacts.

9. The power battery module of claim 1, wherein, The upper end of the side pull strip of the module has a vertically arranged reinforcing rib that can simultaneously support the battery pack cover. The reinforcing rib is arranged along the length of the side pull strip of the module.

10. The power battery module of claim 1, wherein, The end plate has at least one limiting boss on its bottom plane for engaging with the module fixing groove at the bottom of the housing. The bottom end of the limiting boss has an inclined surface to facilitate assembly, insertion, and guiding engagement.

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