End plate structure and battery pack

Abstract

The application discloses an end plate structure and a battery pack, and belongs to the technical field of batteries. The end plate structure comprises a main plate, two first bending pieces connected to the same side of the main plate and arranged at intervals along the length direction, and a reinforcing piece comprising a body and an extension part. The body is connected to the side of the two first bending pieces away from the main plate, and the extension part is arranged between the two first bending pieces and connected to the edge of the body. The extension part extends towards the main plate. When the body is subjected to a concentrated load, the stress generated by the load is transmitted to the extension part, a part of the stress is borne by the extension part, the stress is evenly dispersed, the stress on the unit area is reduced, the stress is not excessively concentrated, the stress on the unit area is not excessively large, and deformation or damage of the body is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of battery technology, and specifically relates to an end plate structure and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] End plates are an important component of battery modules. They work in conjunction with cable ties to constrain the battery, provide support, ensure the battery's stable position within the battery pack, and prevent displacement, friction, or damage caused by vibrations or collisions during vehicle operation. They also protect the battery from external impacts and provide mounting points for other components. To ensure the strength of the end plates, reinforcing ribs are often incorporated. However, localized stress concentration on these ribs can lead to deformation or damage. Utility Model Content

[0003] Purpose of the utility model: The embodiments of this application provide an end plate structure, which aims to overcome the technical problem of local stress concentration on the reinforcing rib structure.

[0004] Technical solution: An end plate structure according to an embodiment of this application includes:

[0005] Motherboard;

[0006] Two first bending members are connected to the same side of the main board and are arranged at intervals along the length direction;

[0007] The reinforcing member includes a body and an extension. The body is connected to the side of the two first bent members opposite to the motherboard. The extension is disposed between the two first bent members and connected to the edge of the body. The extension extends toward the motherboard.

[0008] In some embodiments, the extension is spaced apart from the motherboard. The extension includes two first side surfaces disposed opposite to each other along the length direction, and a second side surface disposed on one side along the width direction, the width direction intersecting the length direction. The extension also includes two first arcuate surfaces, each of the first side surfaces being connected to the second side surface through one of the first arcuate surfaces.

[0009] In some embodiments, the body has a groove on one side along the height direction, the inner wall of the groove is perpendicular to the width direction, the width direction intersects the height direction, and the extension is connected to the inner wall of the groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner wall has a top wall surface and two side wall surfaces disposed opposite each other along the length direction, the extension being connected to the top wall surface, and the inner wall also has two second arcuate surfaces, each of the side wall surfaces being connected to the top wall surface through one of the second arcuate surfaces.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inner wall further has two third arcuate surfaces, and the body includes two third side surfaces disposed on one side of the height direction, each of the third side surfaces being connected to a side wall surface through one of the third arcuate surfaces.

[0012] In some embodiments, the end plate structure further includes:

[0013] Two second bending members are connected to the side of the main board facing the first bending member and are arranged at intervals along the height direction; two first bending members are located between two second bending members and are respectively connected to the two second bending members.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first bending member has a connecting surface on the side opposite to the motherboard; the second bending member includes:

[0015] A first connecting portion is connected to the motherboard and extends along the width direction, and two first bending members are disposed between the two first connecting portions;

[0016] The second connecting portion is connected to the side of the first connecting portion away from the motherboard and extends along the height direction. The second connecting portion is connected to the connecting surface on each of the first bent parts.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion has a plurality of threaded holes for fixing an insulating component.

[0018] In some embodiments, a limiting groove is formed between the second connecting portion and the body, and the limiting groove is used to limit the cable ties binding the battery module.

[0019] This application embodiment also provides a battery pack, including:

[0020] Battery module;

[0021] The end plate structure as described in any one of the above descriptions is disposed at the end of the battery module;

[0022] Cable ties are provided around the battery module and the two end plate structures for binding the battery module and the two end plate structures.

[0023] Beneficial Effects: The end plate structure of this application embodiment includes: a main board; two first bent members connected to the same side of the main board and arranged at intervals along the length direction; a reinforcing member, including a body and an extension, the body being connected to the side of the two first bent members away from the main board, the extension being disposed between the two first bent members and connected to the edge of the body, the extension extending towards the main board. When the body is subjected to a concentrated load, the stress generated by the load will be transmitted to the extension, which will bear part of the stress, thereby distributing the stress evenly, reducing the stress per unit area, and avoiding excessive stress concentration, which could lead to deformation or damage to the body. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the end plate structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reinforcing member in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main body in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a top sectional view of the end plate structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of the end plate structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate structure, cable ties, and battery module connection in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 10-Main board; 20-First bent component; 21-Connecting surface; 30-Reinforcing component; 31-Body body; 311-Groove; 312-Inner wall; 313-Top wall surface; 314-Side wall surface; 315-Second arc-shaped surface; 316-Third arc-shaped surface; 317-Third side surface; 32-Extension; 321-First side surface; 322-Second side surface; 323-First arc-shaped surface; 40-Second bent component; 41-First connecting part; 411-Threaded hole; 42-Second connecting part; 421-Limiting groove; 50-Battery module; 60-Cable tie; X-Length direction; Y-Width direction; Z-Height direction. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, and "at least one" can mean one, two, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] End plates are an important component of battery modules. They work in conjunction with cable ties to constrain the battery, providing support and ensuring its stable position within the battery pack. This prevents the battery from shifting, rubbing, or being damaged during vehicle operation due to vibration, collisions, or other factors, protecting it from external impacts. They also provide mounting points for other components, such as wiring harnesses. End plates are typically sheet metal structures that need sufficient strength to withstand the tension of the cable ties. To ensure strength, they are often reinforced with ribs. However, if a concentrated load is applied to these ribs, high local stress can occur. This stress concentration can lead to deformation or damage to the ribs, affecting the overall strength of the end plate.

[0036] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an end plate structure to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment of the application, the end plate structure includes a main board 10, two first bending members 20 and a reinforcing member 30.

[0038] Two first bending members 20 are connected to the same side of the motherboard 10 and are arranged at intervals along the length direction X. The reinforcing member 30 includes a body 31 and an extension 32. The body 31 is connected to the side of the two first bending members 20 away from the motherboard 10. The extension 32 is disposed between the two first bending members 20 and connected to the edge of the body 31. The extension 32 extends toward the motherboard 10.

[0039] Understandably, the main board 10 is the main part of the end plate. Two first bending members 20 are respectively provided on both sides along its length direction X. The two first bending members 20 and the main board 10 can be an integral structure. The two first bending members 20 are bent inwards, and one side is connected to the surface of the main board 10, such as by welding. This improves the stability of the connection between the first bending members 20 and the main board 10. The bending structure formed by the first bending members 20 can improve the end plate's resistance to compression in the height direction Z, increasing the overall strength of the end plate. A reinforcing member 30 is also provided on the end plate. The body 31 of the reinforcing member 30 is located on the side of the two first bending members 20 away from the main board 10 and is welded to the two first bending members 20. The body 31 is spaced apart from the main board 10 and extends along the length direction X, which can improve the end plate's resistance to compression in the length direction X, and also improve the end plate's overall resistance to bending.

[0040] Since the portion of the main body 31 between the two first bending members 20 is suspended and not connected to the main board 10 or the first bending members 20, when this portion of the main body 31 is subjected to a concentrated load, excessive local stress may cause deformation or damage to this portion of the main body 31. An extension 32 is connected to the edge of the main body 31; that is, the extension 32 is connected to the edge of the main body 31 along a side perpendicular to the width direction Y, and is positioned between the two first bending members 20, connecting to the suspended portion of the main body 31. The extension direction of the extension 32 intersects the extension direction of the main body 31; preferably, their extension directions are perpendicular to each other. When the middle part of the body 31 is subjected to a concentrated load, the stress generated by the load will be transferred to the extension 32. The extension 32 will bear part of the stress, thereby distributing the stress evenly, reducing the stress per unit area, and avoiding excessive stress concentration. Excessive stress per unit area could lead to deformation or damage to the body 31. Furthermore, since the extension direction of the extension 32 is different from that of the body 31, the direction of the stress acting on the extension 32 will also change, further reducing the impact of local stress on the body 31 and ensuring the overall strength and service life of the end plate.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 In conjunction with the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the extension portion 32 is spaced apart from the motherboard 10. The extension portion 32 includes two first side surfaces 321 arranged opposite to each other along the length direction X, and a second side surface 322 disposed on one side along the width direction Y. The width direction Y intersects the length direction X, and preferably, the width direction Y and the length direction X are perpendicular to each other. The extension portion 32 also includes two first arcuate surfaces 323, and each first side surface 321 is connected to the second side surface 322 through a first arcuate surface 323.

[0042] It is understandable that, such as Figure 4As shown, when the extension 32 extends toward the motherboard 10, it can be spaced apart from the motherboard 10 and is not welded to the motherboard 10 (welding between the extension 32 and the motherboard 10 may cause unevenness on the surface of the motherboard 10, affecting the connection between the motherboard 10 and the battery module 50). The extension 32 has a first side 321 and a second side 322. When the stress on the body 31 is transmitted to the extension 32, if the first side 321 and the second side 322 are directly connected, a sharp corner will be formed. When the battery module 50 is secured, the cable ties 60 exert force on the end plate structure. The sharp corner structure on the extension 32 disrupts the stress flow (stress flow is a virtual line whose tangent direction represents the direction of the principal stress at a point within an object, used to visually describe the transmission path and distribution of stress within an object. If the stress flow is disrupted, with sharp turns, interruptions, or dense convergence, such as at sharp corners or gaps, it will lead to localized stress concentration, increasing the risk of structural damage), forcing the stress to bend sharply and concentrate at this point, making it prone to deformation or even damage, affecting the use of the extension 32. Therefore, the first side 321 and the second side 322 on the extension 32 can be connected by the first arc-shaped surface 323, that is, a chamfered structure is provided at the connection between the first side 321 and the second side 322. By setting the first arc-shaped surface 323, the stress can be smoothly transitioned, and the stress flow lines can be redistributed more smoothly (that is, the magnitude, direction and distribution pattern of the stress are redistributed relative to the corner structure), thereby reducing the stress per unit area, allowing a larger area to share the stress, avoiding local stress concentration that could lead to deformation or damage, and providing a certain degree of protection for the extension 32.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In conjunction with the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the body 31 has a groove 311 on one side along the height direction Z. The inner wall 312 of the groove 311 is perpendicular to the width direction Y. The width direction Y intersects the height direction Z and the length direction X respectively. Preferably, the three are perpendicular to each other. The extension 32 is connected to the inner wall 312 of the groove 311.

[0044] It is understandable that a groove 311 is provided on one side of the main body 31 along the height direction Z, making the main body 31 have a C-shaped structure, which is convenient for the staff to grip. At the same time, the extension 32 is connected to the inner wall 312 of the groove 311. When the staff moves the end plate, they can also grip the extension 32. The extension 32 increases the contact area with the hand and increases the gripping position, which is convenient for moving the end plate or battery module 50.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3In conjunction with the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the inner wall 312 has a top wall surface 313 and two side wall surfaces 314 arranged opposite each other along the length direction X. The extension 32 is connected to the top wall surface 313. The inner wall 312 also has two second arcuate surfaces 315. Each side wall surface 314 is connected to the top wall surface 313 through a second arcuate surface 315.

[0046] It is understandable that, such as Figure 3 As shown, within the groove 311, the inner wall surface along the height direction Z is the top wall surface 313, and there is one top wall surface 313. The inner wall surface along the length direction X is the side wall surface 314, and there are two side wall surfaces 314. Each side wall surface 314 is connected to the top wall surface 313 through a second arc-shaped surface 315. Since the top wall surface 313 and the side wall surface 314 are directly connected, a sharp corner will appear at the connection point, resulting in a high concentration of local stress at the connection point. Connecting the top wall surface 313 and the side wall surface 314 through the second arc-shaped surface 315 can smoothly transition the stress, allowing the stress to be distributed over a larger area, reducing the stress per unit area, and preventing excessive local stress concentration on the body 31, which could lead to deformation or damage.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In conjunction with the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the inner wall 312 also has two third arcuate surfaces 316, and the body 31 includes two third side surfaces 317 disposed on one side of the height direction Z, each third side surface 317 being connected to a side wall surface 314 through a third arcuate surface 316.

[0048] Understandably, the main body 31 also has two third side surfaces 317 along the height direction Z on one side. Each of the two third side surfaces 317 is connected to its corresponding side wall surface 314 via a third arc-shaped surface 316, avoiding direct connection between the third side surface 317 and the corresponding side wall surface 314, which would create a sharp corner. The third arc-shaped surface 316 allows for a smooth stress transition at the connection point between the third side surface 317 and the side wall surface 314, distributing stress over a larger area, reducing stress per unit area, and preventing excessive local stress concentration on the main body 31, which could lead to deformation or damage.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 In conjunction with the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the end plate structure further includes two second bending members 40.

[0050] Two second bending members 40 are connected to the side of the main board 10 facing the first bending member 20 and are arranged at Z intervals along the height direction; two first bending members 20 are located between the two second bending members 40 and are respectively connected to the two second bending members 40.

[0051] Understandably, two second bending members 40 are also provided on the end plate structure. These two second bending members 40 are connected to both sides of the main plate 10 along the height direction Z, and the two second bending members 40 and the main plate 10 can be an integral structure. The two second bending members 40 are bent inwards and located on the same side of the main plate 10 as the first bending member 20. The two second bending members 40 are spaced apart along the height direction Z, and each second bending member 40 extends along the length direction X, which can improve the end plate structure's resistance to compression in the length direction X, thereby improving the overall strength of the end plate structure. Two first bending members 20 are positioned between the two second bending members 40, and the two ends of the first bending members 20 along the height direction Z are connected to the corresponding second bending members 40, such as by welding, thereby connecting the two first bending members 20 and the two second bending members 40 into a whole, further improving the strength of the end plate structure.

[0052] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 5 In conjunction with the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the first bending member 20 has a connecting surface 21 on the side opposite to the motherboard 10. The second bending member 40 includes a first connecting portion 41 and a second connecting portion 42.

[0053] The first connecting portion 41 is connected to the motherboard 10 and extends along the width direction Y. Two first bending members 20 are disposed between the two first connecting portions 41. The second connecting portion 42 is connected to the side of the first connecting portion 41 away from the motherboard 10 and extends along the height direction Z. The second connecting portion 42 is connected to the connecting surface 21 on each of the first bending members 20.

[0054] Understandably, when the first bent component 20 is bent, a connecting surface 21 is formed on the side facing away from the main board 10. The connecting surface 21 is flat, facilitating the connection of both ends of the body 31 to the corresponding connecting surface 21. The first connecting portion 41 on the second bent component 40 extends horizontally and is located at the end of the first bent component 20, facilitating connection with the end face of the first bent component 20. The second connecting portion 42 on the second bent component 40 extends vertically and is located on the side of the first bent component 20 facing away from the main board 10, facilitating connection with the connecting surface 21 on the first bent component 20. The first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 on the two second bent components 40 are respectively connected to the corresponding first bent components 20, ensuring high connection reliability between the second bent components 40 and the first bent components 20, thereby ensuring the overall strength of the end plate structure.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 In conjunction with the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the first connecting part 41 has a plurality of threaded holes 411, which are used to fix the insulating component.

[0056] It is understandable that the first connecting part 41 has multiple threaded holes 411 extending along the height direction Z. The insulating part can be provided with threads that match the threaded holes 411, so that the insulating part can be directly connected to the threaded holes 411 (originally, the end plate structure was provided with multiple through holes, the press-fit nut was fixed in the corresponding through hole, and then the insulating part was connected to the press-fit nut). It is not necessary to use the press-fit nut to connect to the insulating part, which reduces the use of parts and simplifies the structure.

[0057] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In conjunction with the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the second connecting part 42 and the body 31 form a limiting groove 421, which is used to limit the cable ties 60 of the battery module 50.

[0058] It is understandable that, since the second connecting portions 42 on both second bent members 40 are connected to the connecting surface 21, with the two second connecting portions 42 respectively connected to the top and bottom positions of the connecting surface 21, and the body 31 connected to the middle position of the connecting surface 21, a limiting groove 421 can be formed between the body 31 and one of the second connecting portions 42. The end plate structure has two limiting grooves 421, thereby limiting the two cable ties 60. Figure 6 As shown, when the end plate structure and the cable tie 60 are connected, one end of the cable tie 60 can be embedded into the corresponding limiting groove 421 to prevent the cable tie 60 from moving up and down and to ensure the stability of the cable tie 60 during use.

[0059] Please see Figure 5 This application also provides a battery pack, including a battery module 50, a cable tie 60, and the end plate structure described above.

[0060] Two end plate structures are installed at both ends of the battery module 50, providing support and ensuring the stability of the multiple individual cells within the module. This prevents displacement, friction, or damage to the individual cells due to vibration, collisions, or other factors during vehicle operation. Furthermore, during the charge-discharge cycles of the individual cells, they expand to varying degrees. The end plate structures can withstand and manage this expansion force, maintaining appropriate preload through proper design and material selection to prevent excessive compression or loosening between cells. Cable ties 60 are installed around the battery module 50 and the two end plate structures to secure them together, ensuring a firm connection and preventing loosening.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0062] The end plate structure and battery pack provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above, and specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the technical solutions and core ideas of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these 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. An end plate structure characterized by, include: Motherboard (10); Two first bending members (20) are connected to the same side of the main board (10) and are arranged at intervals along the length direction (X); The reinforcing member (30) includes a body (31) and an extension (32). The body (31) is connected to the side of the two first bending members (20) away from the main board (10). The extension (32) is disposed between the two first bending members (20) and connected to the edge of the body (31). The extension (32) extends toward the main board (10).

2. The end plate structure of claim 1, wherein The extension (32) is spaced apart from the motherboard (10). The extension (32) includes two first side surfaces (321) arranged opposite to each other along the length direction (X) and a second side surface (322) arranged on one side along the width direction (Y). The width direction (Y) intersects the length direction (X). The extension (32) also includes two first arc-shaped surfaces (323). Each first side surface (321) is connected to the second side surface (322) through a first arc-shaped surface (323).

3. The end plate structure of claim 1, wherein The main body (31) has a groove (311) on one side along the height direction (Z). The inner wall (312) of the groove (311) is perpendicular to the width direction (Y). The width direction (Y) intersects with the height direction (Z). The extension (32) is connected to the inner wall (312) of the groove (311).

4. The end plate structure of claim 3, wherein The inner wall (312) has a top wall surface (313) and two side wall surfaces (314) arranged opposite each other along the length direction (X). The extension (32) is connected to the top wall surface (313). The inner wall (312) also has two second arcuate surfaces (315). Each side wall surface (314) is connected to the top wall surface (313) through one of the second arcuate surfaces (315).

5. The end plate structure of claim 4, wherein The inner wall (312) also has two third arcuate surfaces (316), and the body (31) includes two third side surfaces (317) disposed on one side of the height direction (Z), each of the third side surfaces (317) being connected to a side wall surface (314) through a third arcuate surface (316).

6. The end plate structure of claim 1, wherein The end plate structure also includes: Two second bending members (40) are connected to the side of the main board (10) facing the first bending member (20) and are arranged at intervals along the height direction (Z); the two first bending members (20) are located between the two second bending members (40) and are respectively connected to the two second bending members (40).

7. The end plate structure of claim 6, wherein The first bending member (20) has a connecting surface (21) on the side opposite to the main board (10); the second bending member (40) includes: The first connecting part (41) is connected to the main board (10) and extends along the width direction (Y), and the two first bending members (20) are disposed between the two first connecting parts (41); The second connecting part (42) is connected to the side of the first connecting part (41) away from the motherboard (10) and extends along the height direction (Z). The second connecting part (42) is connected to the connecting surface (21) on each of the first bending members (20).

8. The end plate structure of claim 7, wherein The first connecting part (41) has a plurality of threaded holes (411) for fixing the insulating part.

9. The end plate structure of claim 7, wherein The second connecting part (42) and the body (31) form a limiting groove (421), which is used to limit the cable ties (60) of the battery module (50).

10. A battery pack, characterized by, include: Battery module (50); The end plate structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the end plate structure is disposed at the end of the battery module (50); Cable ties (60) are provided around the battery module (50) and the two end plate structures for binding the battery module (50) and the two end plate structures.

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