End plate structure, battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model discloses an end plate structure, a battery module and a battery pack, and belongs to the technical field of batteries, the end plate structure is arranged between two adjacent battery packs and comprises two connecting plates and a connecting part, the two connecting plates are arranged at intervals along a first direction, the connecting part is arranged between the two connecting plates, each connecting plate is used for being connected with the adjacent battery pack, and the connecting part is arranged between the two connecting plates. And the two connecting plates and the connecting part are connected into an integral structure. The battery module comprises at least two battery packs and the end plate structure, and the connecting plate is connected with the battery packs through the strap. The battery pack comprises a battery box body and the battery module, the battery module is arranged in the battery box body, and the connecting plate and / or the connecting part are / is connected with the battery box body. The two adjacent battery packs are connected together through the end plate structures, uniform stress is guaranteed, the two connecting plates and the connecting parts are connected into an integrated structure, the number of parts is reduced while the structural strength is guaranteed, and the assembly efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to an end plate structure, a battery module, and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries have advantages such as high energy density, high cycle life, and long storage time, and are widely used in many fields. Existing battery packs include a battery housing and battery modules housed inside the housing. Each battery module comprises multiple batteries and an end plate located on the outside of the batteries. For battery modules containing a large number of batteries, using a single battery module results in a long module with relatively weak central structural strength. Therefore, multiple batteries are usually divided into two battery packs. Some battery packs share a single central end plate and are then secured with straps; however, this central end plate is prone to displacement during use. Other battery packs are set up separately, with each pack having its own end plate, increasing the number of components and reducing assembly efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an end plate structure, a battery module, and a battery pack to solve the technical problems of insufficient structural strength and low assembly efficiency in the prior art.

[0004] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] An end plate structure is provided, which is disposed between two adjacent battery packs, including two connecting plates spaced apart along a first direction and a connecting portion disposed between the two connecting plates. Each connecting plate is used to connect to the adjacent battery pack, and the two connecting plates and the connecting portion are connected to form an integral structure.

[0006] Preferably, the connecting plate is provided with a limiting groove on the side away from the adjacent battery pack, the limiting groove extends through both ends of the connecting plate in a second direction, and a clamp is provided in the limiting groove.

[0007] Preferably, the limiting groove is a U-shaped groove, and the limiting groove has at least four edges extending along the second direction, each edge being provided with a rounded corner.

[0008] Preferably, the two edges of the opening of the limiting groove are designated as the first edges, and the two edges of the bottom of the limiting groove are designated as the second edges. The radius R1 of the fillet provided at the first edge is greater than the radius R2 of the fillet provided at the second edge to guide the hoop.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting plate is hollow inside and has a transverse reinforcing rib at the position corresponding to the limiting groove, and the transverse reinforcing rib is perpendicular to the bottom of the limiting groove.

[0010] Preferably, at least part of the end plate structure has a hollow interior forming a receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting part is disposed at the bottom of the connecting plate, and the two connecting plates are connected to the connecting part to form a U-shaped structure; or, the connecting part is disposed in the middle of the connecting plate, and the two connecting plates are connected to the connecting part to form an H-shaped structure.

[0012] A battery module includes at least two battery packs and an end plate structure as described above, wherein the connecting plate is connected to the battery packs by a clamp.

[0013] Preferably, each battery pack is provided with at least two clamps, which are spaced apart along a third direction. The clamps include steel clamps and plastic clamps, and the steel clamps are wrapped with an insulating layer at the position where they contact the battery pack.

[0014] A battery pack includes a battery housing and a battery module as described above, the battery module being disposed within the battery housing, and the connecting plate and / or the connecting portion being connected to the battery housing.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] The end plate structure proposed in this utility model is disposed between two adjacent battery packs. The end plate structure includes two connecting plates spaced apart along a first direction and a connecting part disposed between the two connecting plates. Each connecting plate is used to connect to the adjacent battery pack, and the two connecting plates and the connecting part are connected to form an integral structure. By connecting two adjacent battery packs together through the end plate structure, uniform stress is ensured. The integral structure of the two connecting plates and the connecting part reduces the number of parts and improves assembly efficiency while ensuring structural strength. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view of an end plate structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 BB-direction sectional view;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point C;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a side view of another end plate structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of point D;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a front view of the battery module provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of point E;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of point F.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction;

[0032] 10. End plate structure; 11. Connecting plate; 111. Limiting groove; 112. Rounded corner; 113. Side; 114. End face; 12. Connecting part; 121. Mounting hole; 13. Reinforcing rib; 131. Transverse reinforcing rib; 132. Inclined reinforcing rib; 133. Longitudinal reinforcing rib;

[0033] 20. Battery pack;

[0034] 30. Hoop; 31. Steel hoop; 32. Plastic hoop; 33. Insulation layer;

[0035] 40. Outer end plate;

[0036] 50. Locking components;

[0037] 100. Battery housing; 110. Support beam; 120. Base plate; 130. Side plate. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0042] See Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment provides a battery module including at least two battery packs 20 and an end plate structure 10, wherein the end plate structure 10 is disposed between two adjacent battery packs 20. The end plate structure 10 includes two connecting plates 11 spaced apart along a first direction and a connecting portion 12 disposed between the two connecting plates 11. Each connecting plate 11 is used to connect to an adjacent battery pack 20, and the two connecting plates 11 and the connecting portion 12 are connected to form an integral structure. Connecting adjacent battery packs 20 together through the end plate structure 10 ensures uniform stress distribution. The integral structure of the two connecting plates 11 and the connecting portion 12 ensures structural strength while reducing the number of components and improving assembly efficiency.

[0043] For example, the battery module includes two battery packs 20, which are spaced apart along a first direction, and an end plate structure 10 is disposed between the two battery packs 20. For example, the battery module includes three battery packs 20, which are spaced apart along a first direction, and an end plate structure 10 is disposed between each pair of adjacent battery packs 20.

[0044] The end plate structure 10 is disposed between two adjacent battery packs 20, and its function is not limited to simple physical separation, but also involves multiple functions such as thermal management, mechanical strength, and safety. For example, the end plate structure 10 can be made of insulating material to prevent short circuits or mechanical wear caused by direct contact between the battery packs 20. For example, the end plate structure 10 can be made of flame-retardant material to delay heat propagation in the event of thermal runaway.

[0045] The battery pack 20 includes multiple battery cells, which are stacked along a first direction, the length direction of the battery pack 20. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the middle, X represents the first direction.

[0046] The connecting plate 11 and the battery pack 20 are connected by a clamp 30, which serves to fix the connection and ensure a stable connection. Specifically, the clamp 30 is annular and surrounds the connecting plate 11 and the battery pack 20. The battery module also includes an outer end plate 40, with the end of the battery pack 20 away from the end plate structure 10 connected to the outer end plate 40. The clamp 30 simultaneously connects a battery pack 20 and the connecting plate 11 and the outer end plate 40 distributed on both sides of the battery pack 20 along the first direction. During charging and discharging, the battery pack 20 may experience internal stress due to expansion. The end plate structure 10 provides rigid support to limit excessive deformation of the battery pack 20, maintaining overall structural stability. During use, the battery pack 20 may displace due to vibration. The clamp 30 fixes the connecting plate 11 and the battery pack 20 to prevent the battery pack 20 from falling off or loosening due to vibration.

[0047] A limiting groove 111 is provided on the side of the connecting plate 11 away from the adjacent battery pack 20. The limiting groove 111 extends through both ends of the connecting plate 11 along a second direction, and a clamping strap 30 is installed within the limiting groove 111. The clamping strap 30 can fix the connecting plate 11 to the battery pack 20, and the limiting groove 111 limits the clamping strap 30 to prevent it from shifting, thus making the battery pack 20 more stably fixed. The second direction is the width direction of the battery pack 20. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the middle, Y represents the second direction.

[0048] The connecting plate 11 has two side surfaces 113 arranged opposite each other along a first direction and two end surfaces 114 arranged opposite each other along a second direction. The battery pack 20 is adjacent to the connecting plate 11, that is, the battery pack 20 that contacts or abuts against the side surfaces 113 of the connecting plate 11. The limiting groove 111 is provided on the side surface 113 of the connecting plate 11 away from the battery pack 20 and extends through to the end surface 114 of the connecting plate 11.

[0049] To facilitate assembly, the connecting plate 11 and the battery pack 20 can be bonded together first, and then the clamp 30 can be installed. Specifically, the side 113 of the connecting plate 11 is bonded to the battery pack 20 with structural adhesive.

[0050] Since the two connecting plates 11 are spaced apart along the first direction, an accommodating space is formed between the two connecting plates 11, and the connecting part 12 is disposed within the accommodating space. The limiting groove 111 provided on each connecting plate 11 is also located within the accommodating space. The connecting part 12 and the limiting groove 111 do not interfere with each other so as not to affect the installation of the clamp 30. When installing the clamp 30, the clamp 30 enters from the opening of the accommodating space and slides along the connecting plate 11 into the limiting groove 111.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connecting portion 12 is disposed at the bottom of the connecting plate 11, and the two connecting plates 11 are connected to the connecting portion 12 to form a U-shaped structure. This facilitates the connection of the connecting portion 12 to the components at the bottom of the end plate structure 10. In some embodiments, the connecting portion 12 is disposed in the middle of the connecting plate 11, and the two connecting plates 11 are connected to the connecting portion 12 to form an H-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the connecting portion 12 may be disposed at other locations within the accommodating space.

[0052] For an end plate structure 10, one, two, or more connecting parts 12 can be provided. When multiple connecting parts 12 are provided, the multiple connecting parts 12 are spaced apart along a third direction. The third direction is the height direction of the battery pack 20. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the middle, Z represents the third party.

[0053] The connecting part 12 can extend along the first direction or extend at an angle relative to the first direction, as long as the connecting part 12 and the two connecting plates 11 are connected as a single structure. The height of the connecting part 12 along the third direction can be set according to actual needs. The connecting part 12 and the two connecting plates 11 can be connected as a single structure by profile extrusion molding, injection molding, welding, etc.

[0054] The number of limiting grooves 111 provided on each connecting plate 11 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, each connecting plate 11 is provided with two limiting grooves 111 at intervals along a third direction, and the distance between the two limiting grooves 111 can be set according to actual needs.

[0055] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the limiting groove 111 is a U-shaped groove with at least four edges extending along the second direction, each edge having a rounded corner 112. By setting the rounded corner 112, stress concentration is avoided, and damage to the hoop 30 is also avoided.

[0056] In this design, the two edges of the opening of the limiting groove 111 serve as the first edges, and the two edges of the bottom of the limiting groove 111 serve as the second edges. Both the first and second edges extend along a second direction, and both the first and second edges are provided with rounded corners 112. The rounded corners 112 of the first edges facilitate the entry of the clamp 30 into the limiting groove 111 during installation, and the rounded corners 112 of the second edges facilitate the disengagement of the clamp 30 from the limiting groove 111 during removal.

[0057] In some embodiments, the radius R1 of the rounded corner 112 provided at the first edge is greater than the radius R2 of the rounded corner 112 provided at the second edge, which facilitates the entry of the hoop 30 into the limiting groove 111 while preventing the hoop 30 from falling off after entering the limiting groove 111.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, for each limiting groove 111, the radius R1 of the fillet 112 provided at the first edge near the opening of the accommodating space is greater than the radius R2 of the fillet 112 provided at the other first edge. The fillet 112 with radius R1 can guide the strap 30, facilitating its smooth sliding into the limiting groove 111. The fillet 112 with radius R2 can prevent the strap 30 from falling out of the limiting groove 111 and can also improve its demolding speed during production. The radius of the fillet 112 provided at the two second edges can be R2 for ease of processing and production. Exemplarily, the radius of the fillet 112 provided at the first edge not near the opening of the accommodating space can also be R3, where R3 < R1.

[0059] The depth of the limiting groove 111 can be set according to actual needs. For example, the depth of the limiting groove 111 is greater than or equal to the thickness of the hoop 30, so that the hoop 30 can be fully inserted into the limiting groove 111, ensuring the limiting of the hoop 30 and preventing the hoop 30 from falling off.

[0060] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4At least a portion of the end plate structure 10 has a hollow interior forming a receiving cavity, within which reinforcing ribs 13 are installed. This reduces structural weight while maintaining structural strength. The number, location, and inclination angle of the reinforcing ribs 13 can be set according to actual needs.

[0061] For example, the connecting plate 11 is hollow inside and a transverse reinforcing rib 131 is provided at the position corresponding to the limiting groove 111. The transverse reinforcing rib 131 is perpendicular to the bottom of the limiting groove 111. The transverse reinforcing rib 131 is provided to prevent the opening of the limiting groove 111 from affecting the overall structural strength. Transverse reinforcing ribs 131 can also be provided at other positions inside the connecting plate 11. The transverse reinforcing rib 131 extends along a first direction. The thickness of the connecting plate 11 along the first direction can be set according to actual needs.

[0062] For example, the connecting plate 11 is provided with inclined reinforcing ribs 132 inside, which are arranged at an angle to the first direction to further increase the structural strength. Some of the inclined reinforcing ribs 132 are disposed between two adjacent transverse reinforcing ribs 131.

[0063] For example, the connecting portion 12 is hollow inside and provided with longitudinal reinforcing ribs 133 to ensure structural strength. The longitudinal reinforcing ribs 133 extend in a third direction. For example, the longitudinal reinforcing ribs 133 are disposed opposite to the accommodating space between the two connecting plates 11, and the number of longitudinal reinforcing ribs 133 can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0064] The aforementioned end plate structure 10 is reusable, reducing costs. The reinforcing ribs 13 increase structural strength, providing a basis for recycling. The end plate structure 10 is a symmetrical structure in the middle, ensuring uniform stress distribution.

[0065] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each battery pack 20 is provided with at least two clamps 30, which are spaced apart along a third direction. Each clamp 30 includes a steel clamp 31 and a plastic clamp 32. An insulating layer 33 is wrapped around the steel clamp 31 where it contacts the battery pack 20. The combination of steel clamps 31 and plastic clamps 32 ensures structural strength while reducing costs. The insulating layer 33 at the contact point between the steel clamp 31 and the battery pack 20 ensures insulation, preventing electric shock due to leakage from the battery pack 20, and also avoids mechanical wear between the steel clamp 31 and the battery pack 20.

[0066] For example, the connecting part 12 is disposed at the bottom of the connecting plate 11, and the two connecting plates 11 are connected to the connecting part 12 to form a U-shaped structure. Each connecting plate 11 has two limiting grooves 111 spaced apart along a third direction. The steel hoop 31 is located in the limiting groove 111 away from the connecting part 12, and the plastic hoop 32 is located in the limiting groove 111 close to the connecting part 12. The steel hoop 31 has high tensile strength but low toughness, while the plastic hoop 32 has medium tensile strength but high toughness. Therefore, the plastic hoop 32 has a certain degree of elasticity. By setting the steel hoop 31 away from the connecting part 12 and the plastic hoop 32 close to the connecting part 12, installation is facilitated, assembly efficiency is improved, and structural strength is guaranteed.

[0067] See Figures 11 to 13 and combined Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment provides a battery pack, including a battery housing 100 and the aforementioned battery module. The battery module is disposed inside the battery housing 100, and the connecting plate 11 and / or connecting part 12 are connected to the battery housing 100 to fix the end plate structure 10 to the battery housing 100, so as to prevent the battery pack 20 from shifting during use.

[0068] The battery housing 100 has a mounting cavity, within which a support beam 110 is disposed. At least two battery packs 20 are distributed along a first direction on both sides of the support beam 110. Exemplarily, the end plate structure 10 is connected to the support beam 110. Specifically, the connecting part 12 is connected to the support beam 110 via a locking member 50, which is a bolt.

[0069] The battery housing 100 includes a base plate 120 and a side plate 130, which together form a mounting cavity. The end plate structure 10 can be connected and fixed to the support beam 110, or the locking member 50 can pass through the support beam 110 and be fixed to the base plate 120. Exemplarily, the connecting portion 12 is provided with a mounting hole 121, and the locking member 50 passes through the mounting hole 121. The support beam 110 is provided with a threaded hole or through hole corresponding to the mounting hole 121 to accommodate the locking member 50.

[0070] In other embodiments, a mounting plate may be provided on the connecting plate 11 to fix it to the side plate 130, thereby fixing the end plate structure 10 to the battery box 100. In other embodiments, extension plates may be provided at both ends of the connecting portion 12 along the second direction to fix it to the side plate 130, thereby fixing the end plate structure 10 to the battery box 100.

[0071] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An end plate structure, characterized in that, The end plate structure is disposed between two adjacent battery packs (20), including two connecting plates (11) spaced apart along a first direction and a connecting part (12) disposed between the two connecting plates (11). Each connecting plate (11) is used to connect with the adjacent battery pack (20), and the two connecting plates (11) and the connecting part (12) are connected to form an integral structure.

2. The end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plate (11) is provided with a limiting groove (111) on the side away from the adjacent battery pack (20). The limiting groove (111) extends through both ends of the connecting plate (11) in a second direction. The limiting groove (111) is used to provide a hoop (30).

3. The end plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting groove (111) is a U-shaped groove, and the limiting groove (111) has at least four edges extending along the second direction, and each edge is provided with a rounded corner (112).

4. The end plate structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two edges of the opening of the limiting groove (111) are the first edges, and the two edges of the bottom of the limiting groove (111) are the second edges. The radius R1 of the rounded corner (112) set at the first edge is greater than the radius R2 of the rounded corner (112) set at the second edge to guide the hoop (30).

5. The end plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting plate (11) is hollow inside and has a transverse reinforcing rib (131) at the position corresponding to the limiting groove (111). The transverse reinforcing rib (131) is perpendicular to the bottom of the limiting groove (111).

6. The end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least part of the end plate structure has a hollow interior forming a receiving cavity, and a reinforcing rib (13) is provided inside the receiving cavity.

7. The end plate structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The connecting part (12) is disposed at the bottom of the connecting plate (11), and the two connecting plates (11) are connected to the connecting part (12) to form a U-shaped structure; Alternatively, the connecting part (12) is disposed in the middle of the connecting plate (11), and the two connecting plates (11) are connected to the connecting part (12) to form an H-shaped structure.

8. A battery module, characterized in that, It includes at least two battery packs (20) and an end plate structure as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the connecting plate (11) is connected to the battery packs (20) by a clamp (30).

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the battery packs (20) is provided with at least two of the bands (30), which are spaced apart along a third direction. The bands (30) include steel bands (31) and plastic bands (32). The position where the steel band (31) contacts the battery pack (20) is covered with an insulating layer (33).

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery includes a battery housing (100) and a battery module as described in claim 9, wherein the battery module is disposed within the battery housing (100), and the connecting plate (11) and / or the connecting part (12) are connected to the battery housing (100).

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