Battery module

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a battery module which comprises a shell and at least one battery module, any battery module comprises a battery cell assembly and an end plate, and the end plate is arranged at one end of the battery cell assembly in the first preset direction; the shell is provided with an area which is recessed towards the interior; wherein the projection of at least one end plate along the first preset direction is overlapped with the projection of the concave area of the shell along the first preset direction, and the end plate is named as a first end plate; the first end plate comprises a main body area and a matching area, the projection of the matching area and the projection of the concave area are overlapped in the first preset direction, and the thickness of the matching area is smaller than that of the main body area. Compared with the prior art, the end plates are designed to be different in thickness, the area with small thickness can effectively avoid the concave area, facing the interior, of the shell, and the area with large thickness can provide high strength, so that the battery cell can be well protected in the transportation or use process.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, battery modules generally consist of a housing and a battery module, with the battery module housed inside the housing. To facilitate handling, the housing is equipped with recessed handle mounting areas. To avoid these recessed areas, the end plate of the battery module needs to be thinned to accommodate the aforementioned structure. This results in a reduction in the strength of the battery module, which may lead to damage during transportation or use. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a battery module that, to a certain extent, solves the technical problem in the prior art where, in order to avoid the recessed area on the housing used for installing the handle, the end plate of the battery module needs to be thinned as a whole, which will lead to a reduction in the strength of the battery module and may cause damage to the battery module during transportation or use.

[0004] This application provides a battery module, including: a housing and at least one battery module disposed within the housing; wherein each of the battery modules includes a cell assembly and an end plate, and the end plate is disposed at one end of the cell assembly along a first preset direction; the housing forms a region recessed toward its interior; wherein at least a portion of the projection of at least one of the end plates along the first preset direction overlaps with at least a portion of the projection of the recessed region of the housing along the first preset direction, and this end plate is named the first end plate;

[0005] The first end plate includes a main body area and a mating area. Along the first preset direction, the projection of the mating area overlaps with the projection of the recessed area of ​​the outer shell. The thickness of the mating area is less than the thickness of the main body area, so as to avoid the recessed area.

[0006] In the above technical solution, further, along the height direction of the first end plate, the main body area is disposed above the mating area.

[0007] In any of the above technical solutions, the first end plate further includes a first substrate and a plurality of first reinforcing ribs; wherein, each part of the first substrate along its height direction is provided with equal thickness; the plurality of first reinforcing ribs are all disposed on the side of the first substrate along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly, and along the thickness direction of the first substrate, the width of the first reinforcing rib located in the mating area is smaller than the width of the first reinforcing rib located in the main body area.

[0008] In any of the above technical solutions, further, a portion of the plurality of first reinforcing ribs are first transverse reinforcing ribs that extend along the length direction of the first substrate, and another portion are first longitudinal reinforcing ribs that extend along the height direction of the first substrate. The plurality of first transverse reinforcing ribs are arranged sequentially at intervals along the height direction of the substrate, and the plurality of first longitudinal reinforcing ribs are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the substrate.

[0009] In any of the above technical solutions, the first end plate further includes a first square frame and a first support protrusion; wherein, the first substrate is a square plate, the first square frame is disposed on the side of the first substrate along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly, and the length direction and width direction of the first square frame are the same as the length direction and width direction of the first substrate, respectively; the first reinforcing rib is disposed inside the first square frame.

[0010] The first support protrusion is disposed on the side of the first substrate along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly, and the first support protrusion is disposed on the outside of the first square frame; the cell assembly is connected to the first end plate by a first strap, and a first arc-shaped mating surface is formed on the outside of the first support protrusion away from the first substrate, and the first arc-shaped mating surface mates with the first strap.

[0011] In any of the above technical solutions, the first end plate further includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are disposed on the side of the first substrate along its thickness direction and away from the battery cell assembly, and the two are spaced apart along the height direction of the first substrate, so that the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion respectively limit the two sides of the first strap.

[0012] In any of the above technical solutions, the top plate of the first square frame is flush with the top of the substrate, and the bottom plate of the first square frame is flush with the bottom of the substrate.

[0013] In any of the above technical solutions, the top of the first end plate is formed with a first mounting through hole and a first clearance cavity located below and connected to the first mounting through hole. The battery module further includes a first riveting member, which is fixed in the first mounting through hole by a riveting process, and a portion of the structure of the first riveting member extends into the first clearance cavity. The first riveting member is formed with a first threaded hole, and the first riveting member is connected to the outer casing by a first fastening member installed in the first threaded hole.

[0014] In any of the above technical solutions, a first handle is further formed at the top of the first end plate along its height direction.

[0015] In any of the above technical solutions, the first end plate is further provided with a first positioning protrusion or a positioning hole.

[0016] In any of the above technical solutions, the battery module further includes a limiting member, and the limiting member abuts against the inner wall of the housing and the end plate of the battery module.

[0017] In any of the above technical solutions, the outer shell further includes a main shell and a cover; wherein the main shell is hollow inside and open at the top, and a snap-fit ​​notch is formed at the top of the side wall of the main shell parallel to the first preset direction; the cover is hollow inside and open at the bottom, and a buckle with an opening facing downward is formed on the inner side of the side wall of the cover parallel to the first preset direction, and the buckle is snapped together with the snap-fit ​​notch.

[0018] In any of the above technical solutions, the buckle further includes a connecting part and a limiting part connected together, and the connecting part is connected to the side wall of the cover parallel to the first preset direction. The limiting part extends along the height direction of the battery cell assembly or in a direction at an acute angle to the height direction. The limiting part is used to abut against the outer peripheral structure of the snap-fit ​​notch.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0020] The end plate in this application is designed with different thicknesses. The thinner areas can effectively avoid the recessed areas of the outer casing facing inward, while the thicker areas can provide higher strength, so that the strength of the end plate meets the usage requirements. Thus, it can provide better protection for the battery cell during transportation or use, making it safer and more reliable. It can be seen that the problem of low strength caused by the overall thinning of the end plate structure in the prior art will not occur.

[0021] The end plate in this application is also provided with a riveting component. When the end plate is fixedly connected to the structure on the outer shell later, there is no need to install bolt holes. Bolts can be directly installed in the threaded holes of the riveting component, which makes the operation simpler, more convenient, time-saving, and labor-saving, and greatly improves the assembly efficiency. In addition, the first end plate is usually made of aluminum. If threads are tapped directly on it, the thread strength is poor and the life is short. However, since the first riveting component is installed on the second end plate by riveting in this application, the second riveting component can be made of steel, which has a long life and good strength. Furthermore, the second mounting hole on the second end plate for installing the second riveting component can be integrally die-cast, which is more process-friendly.

[0022] In addition, the battery module will expand along the first preset direction, which will cause the side of the main housing perpendicular to the first preset direction to shrink inward. In this way, the outer peripheral structure of the notch on the main housing can tightly abut against the limiting part of the buckle on the cover. This makes the main housing and the cover fit more tightly in the direction perpendicular to the first preset direction, and the sealing effect is better. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the battery module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the battery module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A sectional view along section AA;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged structural diagram;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the outer casing provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 9 Another structural schematic diagram of the first end plate provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the outer casing provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 11 A partial structural schematic diagram of the main housing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cap provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified structural diagram at point B;

[0037] Figure 14 Another schematic diagram of the battery module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A sectional view along section CC;

[0039] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A magnified structural diagram at point D.

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] 1-Outer shell, 11-Main shell, 111-First sidewall, 112-Snap-fit ​​notch, 12-Cap, 121-Second sidewall, 122-Snap-fit, 1221-Connecting part, 1222-Limiting part, 13-Recessed area, 14-Handle, 2-Battery module, 21-Cell assembly, 22-First end plate, 221-Main body area, 222-Matching area, 223-First substrate, 224-First reinforcing rib plate, 2 241-First transverse reinforcing rib, 2242-First longitudinal reinforcing rib, 225-First square frame, 226-First supporting protrusion, 2261-First arc-shaped mating surface, 227-First limiting part, 228-Second limiting part, 229-First clearance cavity, 230-First riveting component, 231-First handle, 232-Positioning hole, 23-First strap, 3-Limiting component, a-First preset direction. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0043] The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application.

[0044] Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] The following reference Figures 1 to 16 This application describes a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0048] See Figures 1 to 9 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a battery module, including: a housing 1 and at least one battery module 2 disposed within the housing 1; wherein, each battery module 2 includes a cell assembly 21 and an end plate, and the end plate is disposed at one end of the cell assembly 21 along a first preset direction a; the housing 1 forms a region recessed toward its interior; wherein at least a portion of the projection of at least one end plate along the first preset direction a overlaps with at least a portion of the projection of the recessed region 13 of the housing 1 along the first preset direction a, and this end plate is named the first end plate 22;

[0049] The first end plate 22 includes a main body area 221 and a mating area 222. Along the first preset direction a, the projection of the mating area 222 overlaps with the projection of the recessed area 13 of the outer shell 1. The thickness of the mating area 222 is less than the thickness of the main body area 221, so as to avoid the recessed area 13.

[0050] As can be seen from the structure described above, the end plate in this application is designed with different thicknesses. The thinner areas can effectively avoid the recessed area 13 of the outer shell 1 facing inward, while the thicker areas can provide higher strength, so that the strength of the end plate meets the usage requirements. Thus, it can play a better protective role for the battery cell during transportation or use, making it safer and more reliable. It can be seen that the problem of low strength caused by the overall thinning of the end plate structure in the prior art will not occur.

[0051] Furthermore, preferably, the first preset direction a is perpendicular to the large side of the battery cell, which is a conventional setting in the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0052] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the recessed area 13 on the outer shell 1 is recessed relative to the outer wall surface, that is, it is a groove structure. A rotatable handle 14 is installed in this groove structure. Of course, it is not limited to this. Other structures can also be installed in this recessed area 13, which will not be described in detail here.

[0053] It should also be noted that the recessed area 13 on the outer shell 1 is raised relative to the inner wall surface.

[0054] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, along the height direction of the first end plate 22, the main body area 221 is located above the mating area 222, and is divided into the aforementioned two areas according to the height direction. This partitioning is more regular, facilitates processing and manufacturing, and ensures that the mating area 222 corresponds to the actual recessed area 13 of the outer shell 1.

[0055] It should be noted that when the position of the recessed area of ​​the outer shell 1 changes, the corresponding positions of the mating area 222 and the main body area 221 of the first end plate 22 will also change accordingly, depending on the actual needs.

[0056] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the first end plate 22 includes a first substrate 223 and a plurality of first reinforcing ribs 224; wherein, each part of the first substrate 223 along its height direction is provided with equal thickness; the plurality of first reinforcing ribs 224 are all provided on the side of the first substrate 223 along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly 21, and along the thickness direction of the first substrate 223, the width of the first reinforcing rib 224 located in the mating area 222 is smaller than the width of the first reinforcing rib 224 located in the main body area 221.

[0057] As can be seen from the structure described above, the first end plate 22 is designed as a base plate and a reinforcing rib, which makes the first end plate 22 contribute to lightweight design while ensuring strength. Moreover, in this application, the variable thickness of the first end plate 22 is achieved by designing different rib widths along the first preset direction a, which makes the design and manufacturing relatively easy.

[0058] It should be noted that the structure of the first end plate 22 is not limited to the above, and other structures can also be adopted. For example, it may only include a substrate without setting a reinforcing rib on the substrate, and thus the substrate may be designed to have different thicknesses. The specific design depends on the actual needs.

[0059] In addition, it should be noted that during actual assembly, the thickness direction of the substrate is the same as the first preset direction a.

[0060] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, a portion of the plurality of first reinforcing ribs 224 are first transverse reinforcing ribs 2241 that extend along the length direction of the first substrate 223, and another portion are first longitudinal reinforcing ribs 2242 that extend along the height direction of the first substrate 223. The plurality of first transverse reinforcing ribs 2241 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the substrate, and the plurality of first longitudinal reinforcing ribs 2242 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the substrate.

[0061] As can be seen from the structure described above, using multiple horizontally and vertically distributed reinforcing ribs to form a grid-like reinforcing structure results in better reinforcement, a more stable and reliable structure, and the regularity of the structure facilitates processing and manufacturing.

[0062] It should be noted that: it is not limited to the above-mentioned horizontal and vertical reinforcing structures. Other reinforcing structures may also be used, such as only using the first horizontal reinforcing rib 2241, or only using the first longitudinal reinforcing rib 2242, or using reinforcing ribs set in other directions. The specific choice depends on the actual needs.

[0063] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the first end plate 22 further includes a first square frame 225 and a first support protrusion 226; wherein, the first substrate 223 is a square plate, the first square frame 225 is disposed on the side of the first substrate 223 along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly 21, and the length direction and width direction of the first square frame 225 are the same as the length direction and width direction of the first substrate 223, respectively; the first reinforcing rib plate 224 is disposed inside the first square frame 225;

[0064] The first support protrusion 226 is disposed on the side of the first substrate 223 along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly 21, and the first support protrusion 226 is disposed on the outside of the first square frame 225; the cell assembly 21 and the first end plate 22 are connected by the first strap 23, and the outer side of the first support protrusion 226 away from the first substrate 223 forms a first arc-shaped mating surface 2261, and the first arc-shaped mating surface 2261 mates with the first strap 23.

[0065] As can be seen from the structure described above, since the substrate is relatively thin, the top plate of the first square frame 225 can serve as the main body for installing and supporting other components. The side plates and the substrate of the first square frame 225 enclose the area for setting the first support protrusion 226. The first support protrusion 226 with the first arc-shaped mating surface 2261 can be set in this area, so as not to wear the strap and to make the strap more secure and stable for binding the battery cell assembly 21 and the first end plate 22.

[0066] Furthermore, preferably, the top plate of the first square frame 225 is flush with the top of the substrate, increasing the area of ​​the top region, which facilitates the installation and support of other components, and ensures the flatness of the top of the first end plate 22, avoiding the formation of protruding edges.

[0067] The bottom plate of the first square frame 225 is flush with the bottom of the substrate, and the bottom of the first end plate 22 is flat to avoid the formation of protruding edges. This increases the contact area between the first end plate 22 and the bottom of the outer shell 1, making the first end plate 22 more stable.

[0068] Of course, it is not limited to the above. The top plate of the first square frame 225 may not be flush with the top of the substrate, and the bottom plate of the first square frame 225 may not be flush with the bottom of the substrate. The specific choice depends on the actual needs.

[0069] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the first end plate 22 also includes a first limiting part 227 and a second limiting part 228, and the first limiting part 227 and the second limiting part 228 are disposed on the side of the first substrate 223 along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly 21, and the two are spaced apart along the height direction of the first substrate 223, so that the first limiting part 227 and the second limiting part 228 respectively limit the two sides of the first strap 23.

[0070] As can be seen from the structure described above, the first limiting part 227 and the second limiting part 228 respectively limit the upper and lower surfaces of the strap, so that the strap will not shift, thus ensuring the stability and firmness of the battery module 2 after assembly.

[0071] Furthermore, preferably, the first limiting part 227 is a block and the second limiting part 228 is a plate with a certain curvature on its outer edge; of course, it is not limited to this.

[0072] Furthermore, preferably, the aforementioned substrate, first reinforcing rib 224, first square frame 225, first supporting protrusion 226, first limiting part 227 and second limiting part 228 are integral structures, which are easy to form and have high overall strength. Of course, this is not the only benefit.

[0073] It should be noted that the first limit part 227 and the second limit part 228 may not be provided, depending on the actual needs.

[0074] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the top of the first end plate 22 has a first mounting through hole and a first clearance cavity 229 located below and connected to the first mounting through hole. The battery module also includes a first rivet member 230, which is fixed in the first mounting through hole by a rivet process. Part of the structure of the first rivet member 230 extends into the first clearance cavity 229. That is, the top plate, side plate, first transverse reinforcing rib plate 2241 and first longitudinal reinforcing rib plate 2242 of the first square frame 225 form the aforementioned multiple first clearance cavities 229, some of which are selected to avoid multiple first rivet members 230. The first rivet member 230 has a first threaded hole, and the first rivet member 230 is connected to the outer shell 1 by a first fastening member, such as a screw or bolt, installed in the first threaded hole.

[0075] As can be seen from the structure described above, a first rivet member 230 is provided on the top of the first end plate 22. When the first end plate 22 is fixedly connected to the structure on the outer shell 1 later, there is no need to install bolt holes. Bolts can be directly installed in the first threaded hole of the first rivet member 230. The operation is simpler and more convenient, saving time and effort, and greatly improving the assembly efficiency. Moreover, the battery module 2 is connected to the outer shell 1 as a whole through the first fastening member, making the battery module 2 more robust and stable, improving the module's vibration resistance and reducing the amplitude.

[0076] In addition, the first end plate 22 is usually made of aluminum. If threads are tapped directly on it, the threads will have poor strength and short life. However, since the first rivet member 230 is installed on the first end plate 22 by riveting in this application, the first rivet member 230 can be made of steel, which has a long life and good strength.

[0077] In addition, the first mounting hole on the first end plate 22 for mounting the first rivet member 230 can be integrally die-cast, making the process more user-friendly.

[0078] Furthermore, preferably, the number of first rivet members 230 is four, and they are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the first end plate 22. Of course, this is not a limitation; there may be fewer than four or more than four, depending on the actual needs.

[0079] Furthermore, preferably, the battery module also includes an adapter component, which can be connected to the outer casing 1 and the aforementioned first fastening component respectively, serving as an adapter. Preferably, the adapter component and the outer casing 1 can also be detachably connected by bolts, but of course, it is not limited to this.

[0080] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, a first handle 231 is formed on the top of the first end plate 22 along its height direction.

[0081] As described above, a first handle 231 is provided on the top of the first end plate 22 to facilitate movement of the first end plate 22. Furthermore, during assembly with other components, the first end plate 22 can be lifted by hand or by a robotic arm to maintain its vertical installation, making assembly easier. Of course, this handle may not be provided; the choice depends on actual needs.

[0082] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the first end plate 22 has a positioning hole 232, which can be used as a positioning structure in the assembly process to improve assembly accuracy and ease of assembly.

[0083] Furthermore, preferably, a column is provided on the substrate, and a positioning hole 232 is formed on the column.

[0084] It should be noted that: the positioning hole 232 is not limited to the above-mentioned positioning hole 232 on the first end plate 22, the first positioning protrusion can also be provided on the first end plate 22, depending on the actual needs.

[0085] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figures 10 to 16 As shown, the outer casing 1 includes a main casing 11 and a cover 12; wherein, the main casing 11 is a hollow structure with an open top, and a snap-fit ​​notch 112 is formed on the top of the side wall of the main casing 11 parallel to the first preset direction a, i.e., the first side wall 111; the cover 12 is a hollow structure with an open bottom, and a snap-fit ​​part 122 with an opening facing downward is formed on the inner side of the side wall of the cover 12 parallel to the first preset direction a, i.e., the second side wall 121, and the snap-fit ​​part 122 is snapped together with the snap-fit ​​notch 112.

[0086] As can be seen from the structure described above, the cover 12 and the main housing 11 are connected by a snap-fit ​​122, which makes the assembly process more convenient.

[0087] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 13 and Figure 16 As shown, the buckle 122 includes a connecting part 1221 and a limiting part 1222 connected together. The connecting part 1221 is connected to the side wall of the cover 12 parallel to the first preset direction a. The limiting part 1222 extends along the height direction of the cell assembly 21 or in a direction at an acute angle to the height direction. The limiting part 1222 is used to abut against the outer peripheral structure of the snap notch 112.

[0088] As can be seen from the structure described above, the battery module 2 will expand along the first preset direction a, which will cause the side of the main housing 11 perpendicular to the first preset direction a to contract inward. In this way, the outer peripheral structure of the notch on the main housing 11 can tightly abut against the limiting part 1222, so that the main housing 11 and the cover 12 fit more tightly in the direction perpendicular to the first preset direction a, and the sealing effect is better.

[0089] It should be noted that the mating structure of the buckle 122 and the snap-fit ​​notch 112 is not limited to the above, and the structure of the ordinary buckle 122 and the slot in the prior art can also be adopted.

[0090] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the battery module also includes a limiting member 3, which abuts against the inner wall of the outer casing 1 and the end plate of the battery module 2.

[0091] As can be seen from the structure described above, the limiting component 3 plays the role of limiting the overall position of the battery module 2, making it more secure and stable inside the outer shell 1, preventing it from shifting, and making the structure safer and more reliable.

[0092] Furthermore, preferably, the limiting member 3 can adopt a cuboid structure. Of course, it is not limited to this and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0093] Furthermore, preferably, the limiting member 3 can be attached to the inner wall and / or bottom wall of the outer shell 1, depending on actual needs.

[0094] In this embodiment, preferably, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, there are two battery modules 2. The recessed area 13 of the outer shell 1 is generally located in the middle of the corresponding side. Therefore, along the first preset direction a, the projections of the end plates of the two battery modules 2 overlap with the recessed area 13 of the outer shell 1. Therefore, the end plates of the two battery modules 2 need to be made with different thicknesses. Preferably, both end plates are first end plates 22. Since handles 14 are provided on both sides of the outer shell 1, the end plates at both ends of each battery module 2 need to adopt the structure of the first end plate 22. That is to say, in this embodiment, the structure of the four end plates is the same, and they are all designed as first end plates 22.

[0095] It should be noted that the number of battery modules 2 is not limited to two, but can also be one or more, such as three, four or five, etc. In general, the recessed area 13 of the outer shell 1 is set in the middle of the corresponding side wall. Generally, the end plate of the battery module 2 located in the middle position can be designed according to the first end plate 22. For the other end plates, they can be designed according to the structure of the first end plate 22, but made into a structure of equal thickness, or they can also directly adopt the structure of the first end plate 22, depending on the actual needs.

[0096] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application 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 application.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, include: The housing and at least one battery module disposed within the housing; wherein each of the battery modules includes a cell assembly and an end plate, and the end plate is disposed at one end of the cell assembly along a first preset direction; the housing has a region recessed toward its interior; At least one of the end plates has at least a partial projection along the first preset direction that overlaps with at least a partial projection along the first preset direction of the recessed area of ​​the outer shell, and is named the first end plate. The first end plate includes a main body area and a mating area. Along the first preset direction, the projection of the mating area overlaps with the projection of the recessed area of ​​the outer shell. The thickness of the mating area is less than the thickness of the main body area, so as to avoid the recessed area.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the height direction of the first end plate, the main body area is positioned above the mating area.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first end plate includes a first substrate and a plurality of first reinforcing ribs; wherein, each part of the first substrate along its height direction is of equal thickness; the plurality of first reinforcing ribs are all disposed on the side of the first substrate along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly, and along the thickness direction of the first substrate, the width of the first reinforcing rib located in the mating area is smaller than the width of the first reinforcing rib located in the main body area.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, A portion of the plurality of first reinforcing ribs are first transverse reinforcing ribs that extend along the length direction of the first substrate, and another portion are first longitudinal reinforcing ribs that extend along the height direction of the first substrate. The plurality of first transverse reinforcing ribs are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the substrate, and the plurality of first longitudinal reinforcing ribs are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the substrate.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end plate further includes a first square frame and a first support protrusion; wherein, the first substrate is a square plate, the first square frame is disposed on the side of the first substrate along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly, and the length direction and width direction of the first square frame are the same as the length direction and width direction of the first substrate, respectively; the first reinforcing rib is disposed inside the first square frame. The first support protrusion is disposed on the side of the first substrate along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly, and the first support protrusion is disposed on the outside of the first square frame; the cell assembly is connected to the first end plate by a first strap, and a first arc-shaped mating surface is formed on the outside of the first support protrusion away from the first substrate, and the first arc-shaped mating surface mates with the first strap.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first end plate further includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, wherein the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are disposed on the side of the first substrate along its thickness direction and away from the cell assembly, and are spaced apart along the height direction of the first substrate, so that the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion respectively limit the two sides of the first strap; and / or The top plate of the first square frame is flush with the top of the substrate, and the bottom plate of the first square frame is flush with the bottom of the substrate.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the first end plate has a first mounting through hole and a first clearance cavity located below and connected to the first mounting through hole. The battery module also includes a first riveting member, which is fixed in the first mounting through hole by a riveting process, and a portion of the structure of the first riveting member extends into the first clearance cavity. The first rivet member has a first threaded hole, and the first rivet member is connected to the housing via a first fastening member installed in the first threaded hole; and / or A first handle is formed at the top of the first end plate along its height direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end plate is formed with a positioning protrusion or a positioning hole; and / or The battery module further includes a limiting member, which abuts against the inner wall of the housing and the end plate of the battery module.

9. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The outer casing includes a main shell and a cover; wherein, the main shell is hollow inside and open at the top, and a snap-fit ​​notch is formed at the top of the side wall of the main shell parallel to the first preset direction; the cover is hollow inside and open at the bottom, and a buckle with an opening facing downward is formed on the inner side of the side wall of the cover parallel to the first preset direction, and the buckle is snapped together with the snap-fit ​​notch.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The buckle includes a connecting part and a limiting part connected together. The connecting part is connected to the side wall of the cover parallel to the first preset direction. The limiting part extends along the height direction of the battery cell assembly or in a direction at an acute angle to the height direction. The limiting part is used to abut against the outer peripheral structure of the snap-fit ​​notch.

Images