Battery frame and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model belongs to secondary battery field, concretely provides a kind of battery frame and battery package.The battery frame includes chassis, four support columns respectively located in four corner positions are equipped on chassis, and the crossbeam of N roots along X direction extension, Z direction interval arrangement is connected between two groups of support columns of X direction interval arrangement, to define from below to the module placement space for placing battery module of the 1st layer…N layer, N+1 layer arranged in sequence, N is greater than or equal to 2, the vertical beam of 1st layer…N layer is respectively correspondingly configured along Z direction extension, X direction interval arrangement, and the quantity of vertical beam configured in Z direction adjacent two layers satisfies: the quantity of lower layer vertical beam is greater than the quantity of upper layer vertical beam.The battery package includes above-mentioned battery frame.From below to above, the quantity of vertical beam of battery frame is less in turn, according to the load-bearing relationship of different layers, the quantity of different vertical beam is matched, on the basis of guaranteeing the support ability of each layer, the lightweight level of battery frame is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of secondary batteries, and in particular relates to a battery frame and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle electrification has entered a phase of rapid development, with different electric vehicles using different battery packs. Given the limited space in the X and Y directions but ample space in the Z direction, and the need to accommodate a large number of batteries (cells), the current conventional approach is to stack multiple battery packs vertically (i.e., in the Z direction) to increase the number of batteries. However, this method increases the number of battery housings and connectors between them, resulting in higher costs. Furthermore, since each battery pack housing has components such as a cover and tray, this leads to a larger Z-axis dimension and lower space utilization.

[0003] A search revealed that among the relevant technologies, utility model patent CN220604887U discloses a novel battery system, and utility model patent CN220021442U discloses an integrated battery box. Both patents disclose a method of setting up a battery frame with vertically arranged multi-layer module placement space, in which battery modules are vertically placed in their respective module placement spaces. This method of directly stacking modules can improve the utilization rate of vertical space and reduce the cost of battery packs.

[0004] However, in both patents mentioned above, the battery frame includes a crossbeam extending along the X direction, a longitudinal beam extending along the Y direction, and a vertical beam extending along the Z direction, with the same size and number of vertical beams in different layers. It's easy to understand that since the bottommost vertical beam supports the greatest weight, the number and size of the vertical beams need to be designed to match the requirements of the bottom layer. This approach of configuring the number and size of vertical beams identically in each layer actually provides considerable redundancy in terms of support capacity for the layers above the bottom. While this ensures overall strength, it is detrimental to the lightweighting of the battery frame. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery frame that solves the technical problem that existing battery frames for multi-layer stacked battery modules are not conducive to weight reduction. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a battery pack that solves the same technical problem.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution for the battery frame provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A battery frame includes a chassis with four support columns located at the four corners. N horizontal beams extending in the X direction and spaced in the Z direction are connected between two sets of support columns spaced apart in the X direction to define a module placement space for battery modules in layers 1 through N and N+1 arranged from bottom to top, where N≥2. Each layer 1 through N is equipped with vertical beams extending in the Z direction and spaced apart in the X direction. The number of vertical beams in two adjacent layers in the Z direction satisfies the condition that the number of vertical beams in the lower layer is greater than the number of vertical beams in the upper layer.

[0008] As a further improvement, the outward-facing end faces of the vertical beams on each floor are flush, and the Y-direction width of the vertical beams configured in adjacent floors in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the Y-direction width of the lower vertical beam is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper vertical beam.

[0009] As a further improvement, the X-direction width of the vertical beams configured in two adjacent layers in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the X-direction width of the lower vertical beam is greater than the X-direction width of the upper vertical beam.

[0010] As a further improvement, the outward-facing end faces of each beam are flush, and the Y-direction widths of two adjacent beams in the Z-direction satisfy the following condition: the Y-direction width of the lower beam is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper beam.

[0011] As a further improvement, two or more longitudinal beams extending along the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction are connected between two horizontal beams on the same floor. The X-direction width of the longitudinal beams of two adjacent layers in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the X-direction width of the lower layer longitudinal beam is greater than the X-direction width of the upper layer longitudinal beam.

[0012] As a further improvement, two or more longitudinal beams extending along the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction are connected between two crossbeams on the same floor. Two or more module supports extending along the X direction and spaced apart in the Y direction are connected between two adjacent longitudinal beams on the same floor. The Y-direction width of two adjacent module supports in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the Y-direction width of the lower module support is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper module support.

[0013] As a further improvement, each layer of the module support is provided with weight reduction holes. The density of weight reduction holes in two adjacent layers of the module support in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the density of weight reduction holes in the lower layer of the module support is less than the density of weight reduction holes in the upper layer of the module support.

[0014] As a further improvement, a reinforcing beam extending in the Y direction is connected between the two sets of support columns spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0015] As a further improvement, each support column is equipped with a lifting ring at its top.

[0016] This utility model is an improved invention, and its beneficial effects are as follows: The battery frame in this utility model also has multi-layer module placement space. In implementation, battery modules can be placed in the corresponding layer's placement space, with each battery module sharing the same housing, thereby improving the utilization rate of vertical space. Unlike the prior art, the number of vertical beams decreases sequentially from bottom to top. The number of vertical beams is matched according to the load-bearing relationship of different layers. While ensuring the support capacity of each layer, the number of vertical beams in the upper layer can be reduced, improving the lightweight level of the battery frame.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution for the battery pack provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0018] A battery pack includes a battery frame and battery modules placed on the battery frame. The battery frame includes a chassis with four support columns located at the four corners. N crossbeams extending in the X direction and arranged at intervals in the Z direction are connected between two sets of support columns spaced apart in the X direction to define the module placement space for the 1st to Nth and N+1th layers arranged from bottom to top, where N≥2. The 1st to Nth layers are respectively equipped with vertical beams extending in the Z direction and arranged at intervals in the X direction. The number of vertical beams configured in two adjacent layers in the Z direction satisfies the condition that the number of vertical beams in the lower layer is greater than the number of vertical beams in the upper layer.

[0019] As a further improvement, the outward-facing end faces of the vertical beams on each floor are flush, and the Y-direction width of the vertical beams configured in adjacent floors in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the Y-direction width of the lower vertical beam is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper vertical beam.

[0020] As a further improvement, the X-direction width of the vertical beams configured in two adjacent layers in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the X-direction width of the lower vertical beam is greater than the X-direction width of the upper vertical beam.

[0021] As a further improvement, the outward-facing end faces of each beam are flush, and the Y-direction widths of two adjacent beams in the Z-direction satisfy the following condition: the Y-direction width of the lower beam is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper beam.

[0022] As a further improvement, two or more longitudinal beams extending along the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction are connected between two horizontal beams on the same floor. The X-direction width of the longitudinal beams of two adjacent layers in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the X-direction width of the lower layer longitudinal beam is greater than the X-direction width of the upper layer longitudinal beam.

[0023] As a further improvement, two or more longitudinal beams extending along the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction are connected between two crossbeams on the same floor. Two or more module supports extending along the X direction and spaced apart in the Y direction are connected between two adjacent longitudinal beams on the same floor. The Y-direction width of two adjacent module supports in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the Y-direction width of the lower module support is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper module support.

[0024] As a further improvement, each layer of the module support is provided with weight reduction holes. The density of weight reduction holes in two adjacent layers of the module support in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the density of weight reduction holes in the lower layer of the module support is less than the density of weight reduction holes in the upper layer of the module support.

[0025] As a further improvement, a reinforcing beam extending in the Y direction is connected between the two sets of support columns spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0026] As a further improvement, each support column is equipped with a lifting ring at its top.

[0027] This utility model is an improved invention, and its beneficial effects are as follows: The battery frame of this utility model also has multi-layered module placement spaces, with each layer of battery modules placed in its corresponding layer. All battery modules share the same housing, thus improving the utilization of vertical space. Unlike existing technologies, the number of vertical beams in the battery frame decreases sequentially from bottom to top. The number of vertical beams is matched according to the load-bearing relationship of different layers. While ensuring the support capacity of each layer, the number of vertical beams in the upper layer can be reduced, improving the lightweight level of the battery frame. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the battery pack in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the battery pack hidden behind the battery compartment.

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the battery frame inside the battery pack is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The main view of the battery frame is shown below;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The side view of the battery frame shown;

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the battery frame shown;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the battery pack in this utility model (with the battery box hidden).

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 1. Chassis; 2. Housing; 3. Lifting ring; 4. Housing cover; 5. Support column; 6. Crossbeam; 7. Vertical beam; 8. Longitudinal beam; 9. Reinforcing beam; 10. Module connecting piece; 11. Module bracket; 100. Battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In response to the problems pointed out in the background art, the basic technical concept of this utility model is to configure different numbers of vertical beams for different layers according to the load-bearing relationship of different layers, wherein the number of vertical beams in the lower layer is greater than the number of vertical beams in the upper layer, so as to achieve the lightweighting of the battery pack while meeting the support capacity of each layer.

[0038] Based on the above concept, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to some embodiments.

[0039] Specific embodiments of the battery pack provided by this utility model:

[0040] The battery pack provided in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack includes a battery box, inside which is a battery frame. The battery box specifically includes a box body 2 and a box cover 4. The box body 2 mainly consists of four side panels, and the box cover 4 is sealed and installed on the box body 2. The battery frame is used to support the battery module 100, specifically supporting three or more vertically stacked battery modules 100. The battery module 100 includes multiple battery cells arranged in a predetermined direction; the specific structure is existing technology and will not be specifically limited here. Since the battery pack has an overall cubic shape, for ease of understanding, a spatial rectangular coordinate system including the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, known in the art, is used to represent the different directions. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the up-down direction.

[0041] Specifically, in some implementations, such as Figures 2-6 As shown, the battery frame includes a chassis 1, with a support column 5 at each of the four corners of the chassis 1, extending in the Z direction. Depending on the arrangement direction of the support columns 5, the four support columns 5 can be divided into different groups. Specifically, in the X direction, the support columns 5 can be divided into two groups, each group consisting of two support columns 5 spaced apart along the X direction; similarly, in the Y direction, the support columns 5 can also be divided into two groups, each group consisting of two support columns 5 spaced apart along the Y direction.

[0042] Two X-direction beams, which extend in the X direction and are spaced apart in the Z direction, are connected between two sets of support columns 5 arranged at intervals in the X direction. These beams can be defined as crossbeams 6. The two crossbeams 6, together with the chassis 1, define a module placement space for three layers of battery modules 100. The module placement spaces are, from bottom to top, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer. The first layer and the second layer are respectively equipped with a certain number of vertical beams 7 that extend in the Z direction and are spaced apart in the X direction, so as to support the crossbeams 6. The two ends of the vertical beams 7 in the first layer are connected to the chassis 1 and the crossbeams 6 in the first layer, respectively. The two ends of the vertical beams 7 in the second layer are connected to the crossbeams 6 in the two layers, respectively.

[0043] The vertical beams 7 of the first layer support all the battery modules 100 of the second layer and above, while the vertical beams 7 of the second layer support the battery modules 100 of the third layer. Specifically, the number of vertical beams 7 in the first layer is greater than the number of vertical beams 7 in the second layer. The first layer bears a heavier load, and setting more vertical beams 7 can ensure the load-bearing capacity of the lower layer. On the other hand, reducing the number of vertical beams 7 in the upper layer can reduce the weight of the battery frame while meeting the load-bearing capacity requirements, thus meeting the requirements for lightweight battery frames.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, there are 10 vertical beams 7 in the first layer (only 5 are visible on one side in the diagram), and 8 vertical beams 7 in the second layer (only 4 are visible on one side in the diagram). It should be noted that the number of vertical beams 7 shown here is only the number implemented for a specific battery pack model. The number of vertical beams 7 in different layers of other battery pack models may be different, but the general principle is that the number of vertical beams 7 in the lower layer is greater than the number of vertical beams 7 in the upper layer.

[0045] Of course, the battery frame is not limited to Figures 2-3 The three-layer frame shown is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the battery frame can be a four-layer frame. In this case, there are three crossbeams 6 connecting the X-direction support columns 5, which define the module placement space for the four layers of battery modules 100 arranged from bottom to top: the first, second, third, and fourth layers. The number of vertical beams 7 in the first layer is greater than the number of vertical beams 7 in the second layer, and the number of vertical beams 7 in the second layer is greater than the number of vertical beams 7 in the third layer. Specifically, there are 10 vertical beams 7 in the first layer (only 5 on one side are visible in the figure), 8 vertical beams 7 in the second layer (only 4 on one side are visible in the figure), and 4 vertical beams 7 in the third layer (only 2 on one side are visible in the figure).

[0046] In general, N crossbeams 6 are connected between the two sets of support columns 5 arranged in the X direction, where N≥2, which can define the placement space of the modules of the 1st layer...Nth layer and the N+1th layer arranged from bottom to top. The 1st layer...Nth layer are respectively configured with vertical beams 7 extending in the Z direction and arranged at intervals in the X direction. The number of vertical beams 7 configured in two adjacent layers in the Z direction satisfies that the number of vertical beams 7 in the lower layer is greater than the number of vertical beams 7 in the upper layer.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, regardless of the number of layers of module placement space in the battery frame, the Y-direction width of the lower crossbeam 6 is greater than that of the upper crossbeam 6. This design reduces the weight of the upper crossbeam 6 while ensuring load-bearing strength, further improving the lightweighting level. At the same time, the outward-facing end faces of each crossbeam 6 are flush, which allows for a larger Y-direction space in the upper layer of the battery frame's internal space. After the battery module 100 is placed, there is more space between the battery module 100 and the crossbeam 6 for personnel or tools to enter, facilitating the connection of wiring harnesses and other accessories.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, reference is also made to Figure 6 The outward-facing ends of each crossbeam 6 are flush, and the Y-direction widths of two adjacent crossbeams 6 in the Z-direction satisfy the condition that the Y-direction width of the lower crossbeam 6 is greater than that of the upper crossbeam 6. This not only improves the overall weight reduction level but also allows for more space between the battery module 100 and the crossbeams 6, facilitating the connection of wiring harnesses and other accessories.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the X-direction width of the vertical beams 7 arranged in adjacent layers along the Z-direction satisfies the following condition: the X-direction width of the lower vertical beam 7 is greater than that of the upper vertical beam 7. Similarly, this reduces the weight of the upper vertical beam 7, further improving the lightweighting level. Of course, specifically, even the X-direction widths of different vertical beams 7 on the same layer can be different; the X-direction width of the vertical beams 7 near the edge can be appropriately widened.

[0050] In order to stably support the battery module 100, such as Figures 2-6 As shown, two horizontal beams 6 located on the same floor are connected by a longitudinal beam 8 extending along the Y direction. At least two longitudinal beams 8 should be provided (the figure shows the case of three longitudinal beams 8 on the same floor), and they are arranged at intervals along the X direction so that the battery module 100 can be mounted on the longitudinal beam 8.

[0051] For the longitudinal beam 8, in order to improve the lightweight level of the battery pack, in some embodiments, the X-direction width of two adjacent longitudinal beams 8 in the Z direction satisfies the following: the X-direction width of the lower longitudinal beam 8 is greater than the X-direction width of the upper longitudinal beam 8.

[0052] In some embodiments, between two adjacent longitudinal beams 8 on the same layer, there are connected more than two module brackets 11 extending in the X direction and arranged at intervals in the Y direction, and the battery module 100 can be placed on the module brackets 11. In the Z direction, the Y-direction width of two adjacent layers of module brackets 11 satisfies that the Y-direction width of the lower-layer module bracket 11 is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper-layer module bracket 11.

[0053] Furthermore, weight-reducing holes are provided on each layer of module brackets 11. In the Z direction, the density of the weight-reducing holes of two adjacent layers of module brackets 11 satisfies that the density of the weight-reducing holes of the lower-layer module bracket 11 is less than the density of the weight-reducing holes of the upper-layer module bracket 11. This can reduce the weight of the upper-layer module and improve the lightweight level of the battery pack.

[0054] In order to improve the overall strength of the battery frame, in some embodiments, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, a strengthening beam 9 extending in the Y direction is connected between two groups of support columns 5 arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The strengthening beam 9 is essentially also a longitudinally extending beam. According to the actual height of the support column 5, multiple strengthening beams 9 can be connected at intervals in the Z direction. For example, for Figure 7 the four-layer frame shown at the position, two strengthening beams 9 can be provided on one side.

[0055] The chassis 1 as a whole has a "mouth" - shaped structure, and a module bracket 11 is connected at the middle position according to actual needs, which can support the bottom - layer battery module 100.

[0056] In addition, a lifting ring 3 is provided at the top of each support column, and a lifting device can be connected through the lifting ring 3 to lift the battery module 100. A module connecting piece 10 is also connected to the battery frame to play an auxiliary role in restricting the position of the module. When assembling the battery pack, an insulating board or an insulating pad can be installed as required according to actual insulation needs, which will not be specifically described here.

[0057] The specific embodiments of the battery frame in the present utility model:

[0058] The embodiments of the battery frame are the battery frames described in the embodiments of the above battery pack, which will not be specifically described here.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above - mentioned are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, for those skilled in the art, they can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative efforts, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery frame, comprising a chassis, four support columns located at the four corners of the chassis, and N horizontal beams extending in the X direction and spaced apart in the Z direction connecting two sets of support columns spaced apart in the X direction, thereby defining module placement spaces for battery modules in layers 1 through N and N+1 arranged from bottom to top, wherein N≥2, and vertical beams extending in the Z direction and spaced apart in the X direction are respectively configured in layers 1 through N, characterized in that... The number of vertical beams configured in two adjacent layers along the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the number of vertical beams in the lower layer is greater than the number of vertical beams in the upper layer.

2. The battery frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outward-facing ends of the vertical beams on each floor are flush. The Y-direction width of the vertical beams configured in adjacent floors in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the Y-direction width of the lower vertical beam is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper vertical beam.

3. The battery frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The X-direction width of the vertical beams configured in two adjacent layers in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the X-direction width of the lower vertical beam is greater than the X-direction width of the upper vertical beam.

4. The battery frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outward-facing ends of each beam are flush. The width of adjacent beams in the Z direction in the Y direction satisfies the following condition: the width of the lower beam in the Y direction is greater than the width of the upper beam in the Y direction.

5. The battery frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Two horizontal beams located on the same floor are connected by two or more longitudinal beams extending along the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction. The X-direction width of two adjacent longitudinal beams in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the X-direction width of the lower longitudinal beam is greater than the X-direction width of the upper longitudinal beam.

6. The battery frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Two or more longitudinal beams extending along the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction are connected between two cross beams on the same floor. Two or more module supports extending along the X direction and spaced apart in the Y direction are connected between two adjacent longitudinal beams on the same floor. The Y-direction width of two adjacent module supports in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the Y-direction width of the lower module support is greater than the Y-direction width of the upper module support.

7. The battery frame according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each module support is equipped with weight reduction holes. The density of weight reduction holes in two adjacent module supports in the Z direction satisfies the following condition: the density of weight reduction holes in the lower module support is less than the density of weight reduction holes in the upper module support.

8. The battery frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A reinforcing beam extending along the Y direction connects two sets of support columns spaced apart in the Y direction.

9. The battery frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each support column is equipped with a lifting ring at its top.

10. A battery pack, comprising a battery frame and a battery module disposed on the battery frame, characterized in that, The battery frame is the battery frame as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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