Box structure and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of battery pack discloses a kind of box structure and battery pack.The box structure includes first wall, second wall, first connecting piece and second connecting piece, first wall and second wall are oppositely arranged, first connecting piece is connected with the first wall, and second connecting piece is connected with the first connecting piece;The second connecting piece is configured to, when the first wall and the second wall have the trend of relatively far away, the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece move along the direction close to the first wall, until the second connecting piece is limit connected on the second wall.When the first wall and the second wall have the trend of relatively far away, by first connecting piece, second connecting piece, the relative fixation between both is formed, thereby limit the phenomenon of relatively far away, can avoid the deformation of bulge.When the box structure is applied to battery pack, the deformation trend of bulge of battery pack can be limited, and the extrusion damage of the whole vehicle structure outside battery pack can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] To address the issue of thermal runaway in battery packs, a pressure relief system (pressure relief port + pressure relief channel + explosion-proof valve * n) is typically designed inside the battery pack. The number of explosion-proof valves is primarily related to the maximum gas production rate when a cell experiences thermal runaway; that is, the total venting rate of the n explosion-proof valves must be greater than the maximum gas production rate when all cells simultaneously experience thermal runaway. However, when the number of cells experiencing thermal runaway is significantly greater than the design value, causing the total venting rate of the n explosion-proof valves to fall below the maximum gas production rate, the internal pressure will increase dramatically. At this point, the battery pack's casing structure will exhibit a tendency to bulge and deform, with the bulging and deformation being more severe at weak points (the top cover). This will lead to a decrease in the structural strength of the casing structure (especially at weak points), and in severe cases, it may even cause the casing structure (especially at weak points) to rupture, resulting in crush damage and high-temperature damage to the vehicle structure outside the battery pack.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a housing structure and battery pack to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a housing structure that can prevent the top cover from bulging and deforming, and protect the vehicle structure outside the battery pack from compression damage and high temperature damage.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The enclosure structure includes:

[0007] The first and second walls are set relative to each other;

[0008] A first connector is connected to the first wall;

[0009] A second connector is connected to the first connector; the second connector is configured such that when the first wall and the second wall tend to move away from each other, the first connector and the second connector move in a direction close to the first wall until the second connector is stopped and connected to the second wall.

[0010] Preferably, the housing structure has an upper cover and a lower shell, the upper cover being configured as one of the first wall and the second wall, and the lower shell being configured as the other of the first wall and the second wall; or...

[0011] The box structure has an upper cover and a lower shell, the upper cover including one of the first wall and the second wall, and the lower shell including the other of the first wall and the second wall.

[0012] Preferably, the second wall has a receiving cavity, and the end of the second connector away from the first wall has an abutment portion. The abutment portion is located in the receiving cavity and is spaced apart from the inner wall of the receiving cavity along a direction close to the first wall.

[0013] The abutment portion is configured such that when the first wall and the second wall tend to move relatively away from each other, the first connector and the second connector move in a direction close to the first wall until the abutment portion abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the preset interval is 0mm, and the abutting part abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity in a direction close to the first wall.

[0015] Preferably, the first connector has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the first wall, the second end is disposed in the receiving cavity, the second connector has a third end and a fourth end, the third end is connected to the second end, and the fourth end is provided with the abutment portion.

[0016] Preferably, the second wall includes a wall body and a structural beam, the structural beam having a receiving cavity, and the structural beam having an opening on the side facing the first wall, the opening communicating with the receiving cavity, and the first connector passing through the opening.

[0017] Preferably, at least two second connectors are connected to one end of the first connector near the second wall, and the at least two second connectors are evenly spaced circumferentially around the axis of the first connector.

[0018] Preferably, the box structure further includes a fixing member, which is installed on the end of the first connector away from the first wall and is connected to the second connector.

[0019] Preferably, the second connector and the first connector are rotatably connected, and the rotation range includes a first preset angle and a second preset angle.

[0020] When the second connector is at the first preset angle, portions of the second connector and the first connector can enter the receiving cavity.

[0021] When the second connector rotates from the first preset angle to the second preset angle, the distance between the abutment portion and the axis of the first connector increases.

[0022] When the second connector is at the second preset angle and the first wall and the second wall tend to move away from each other, the abutting part can move in a direction close to the first wall until it abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity.

[0023] Preferably, the housing structure further includes a conversion component and a positioning post. The positioning post is connected between the first connector and the second connector to rotatably connect the first connector and the second connector. The conversion component is connected between the second connectors and can drive the second connector to rotate toward the second preset angle.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the box structure of this utility model are as follows:

[0025] This housing structure allows for the fixation of the first and second walls when they tend to move apart due to external or internal forces. The first and second connectors effectively prevent this separation, thus avoiding bulging or deformation in either wall. When applied to a battery pack, this structure limits bulging and deformation, reducing pressure damage to the vehicle's external structure and minimizing the risk of breakage and high-temperature damage.

[0026] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a battery pack that can prevent the top cover from bulging and deforming, and protect the vehicle structure outside the battery pack from compression damage and high temperature damage.

[0027] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0028] The battery pack includes the aforementioned housing structure.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the battery pack of this utility model are: the battery pack has excellent anti-bulging performance, so that the first wall can still maintain its shape integrity when the internal pressure of the battery pack is large, avoiding the phenomenon of bulging and deformation, and avoiding squeezing damage and high temperature damage to the vehicle structure outside the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first connection between the first connector and the second connector provided in this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2This is an assembly drawing of the box structure provided in this utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a second connection diagram of the first connector and the second connector provided in this utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the torsion spring in this utility model.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 10. Top cover; 200. Wall body; 201. Structural beam;

[0036] 1. First connecting piece; 11. Shaft mounting hole; 2. Second connecting piece; 3. Connecting bolt; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Positioning pin; 6. Torsion spring; 7. Fixing piece. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," "fixed," and "abutting" 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0041] The following is based on the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 The present invention provides a box structure and battery pack through multiple embodiments.

[0042] Example 1:

[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in the first embodiment of this utility model, the box structure mainly includes a first wall, a second wall, a first connecting member 1, and a second connecting member 2. The first wall and the second wall are arranged opposite to each other. One end of the first connecting member 1 is connected to the first wall, and one end of the second connecting member 2 is movably connected to the other end of the first connecting member 1, while the other end of the second connecting member 2 is limitedly connected to the second wall.

[0044] The first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are disposed between the first wall and the second wall, and are capable of applying force to the second connector 2. Specifically, when the first wall and the second wall tend to move away from each other, the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 move in a direction close to the first wall until the second connector 2 is limited to be connected to the second wall, thereby restricting the phenomenon of relative distance between the first wall and the second wall.

[0045] This housing structure allows for the fixation of the first and second walls when they tend to move apart due to external or internal forces. The first connector 1 and the second connector 2 prevent this separation, thus avoiding bulging or deformation of either wall. When applied to a battery pack, this structure limits bulging and deformation, reducing pressure damage to the vehicle's external structure and minimizing breakage, thereby reducing high-temperature damage to the vehicle's external structure.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 2As shown, when this housing structure is used to assemble a battery pack, according to the installation direction of the housing structure shown in the figure, the first wall is located above the second wall. Therefore, the first wall is defined as the upper cover 10 or a part of the upper cover 10, and the second wall is defined as the lower housing or a part of the lower housing. Alternatively, the upper cover 10 can be defined as a part of the first wall, and the lower housing can be defined as a part of the second wall. Of course, in some embodiments, the housing structure can also be arranged according to... Figure 2 Installed in the vehicle in the opposite direction, the second wall can be defined as the upper cover 10 or a part of the upper cover 10, and the first wall can be defined as the lower housing or a part of the lower housing. Alternatively, the upper cover 10 can be defined as a part of the second wall, and the lower housing as a part of the first wall. Therefore, in some specific embodiments of this utility model, the upper cover 10 refers to the first wall, and the lower housing refers to the second wall. This is merely a definition for ease of description in specific embodiments, and not a strict limitation on the relative positions of the first wall and the second wall in this utility model. Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the first wall may also be located on one side of the second wall in the horizontal direction, that is, both the first wall and the second wall are side walls of the battery pack.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a receiving cavity is provided within the second wall. The end of the second connector 2 away from the first wall has an abutment portion, which is located within the receiving cavity. Along a direction close to the first wall, the abutment portion and the inner wall of the receiving cavity have a predetermined distance. When the abutment portion is located within the receiving cavity, and the first and second walls tend to move away from each other, the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 move along a direction close to the first wall until the abutment portion moves past the predetermined distance and abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity, thereby limiting the phenomenon of relative distance between the first and second walls. Optionally, in some embodiments, the predetermined distance can be 0 mm, meaning the abutment portion can directly abut against the inner wall of the receiving cavity, or contact the inner wall of the receiving cavity in a pressureless manner, which can also achieve the effect of limiting the relative distance between the first and second walls, and is also within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0048] Specifically, in the first embodiment of this utility model, the second wall includes a wall body 200 and a structural beam 201, which strengthens the structural strength of the box structure. The structural beam 201 has an opening on the side facing the first wall, which communicates with the receiving cavity. A first connecting member 1 passes through the opening, and a second connecting member 2 is located inside the receiving cavity. For example, refer to... Figure 2 As shown, the first connector 1 has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first wall and the second end being disposed within the receiving cavity. The second connector 2 has a third end and a fourth end, the third end being connected to the second end and the fourth end being provided with the aforementioned abutment portion.

[0049] More specifically, when the casing structure is used to assemble a battery pack, the upper cover 10 is often thinner than the lower casing due to considerations such as weight reduction, making it structurally weaker. In this case, when the battery cells housed within the casing experience thermal runaway, the pressure inside the casing increases, causing the walls of the casing to bulge and deform. The upper cover 10, being a weak point, is particularly prone to significant bulging deformation. When the upper cover 10 exhibits a tendency to bulge, it also tends to move away from the lower casing. Because the second connector 2 forms an abutment with the structural beam 201 under the action of the abutment portion, the second connector 2 cannot pass through the opening, thus restricting the movement of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 away from the lower casing. The end of the first connector 1 is fixedly connected to the upper cover 10, allowing the first connector 1 to exert a tensile force on the upper cover 10. This tensile force restricts the upper cover 10 from moving away from the lower casing, thereby limiting the bulging deformation of the upper cover 10.

[0050] More specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the second connector 2 is rotatably connected to the first connector 1, and the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 have a first connection state and a second connection state. When the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 are in the first connection state, parts of the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 can pass through the opening and enter the receiving cavity; when the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 are in the second connection state, the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 can be connected at a certain angle and achieve limiting contact with the structural beam 201.

[0051] Specifically, the second end of the first connector 1 is provided with a shaft mounting hole 11, and a positioning pin 5 is provided in the shaft mounting hole 11. The third end of the second connector 2 and the second end of the first connector 1 are rotatably connected by a rotating shaft, and the rotation range includes a first preset angle and a second preset angle. When the second connector 2 is at the first preset angle, the distance between the fourth end of the second connector 2 and the axis of the first connector 1 is small, and parts of the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 can pass through the opening together into the receiving cavity, that is, the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 are connected in a first connection state. When the second connector 2 rotates from the first preset angle to the second preset angle, the distance between the fourth end of the second connector 2 and the axis of the first connector 1 increases, so that when the second connector 2 rotates to the second preset angle, and the first wall and the second wall tend to move away from each other, the abutting part located at the fourth end can move in a direction close to the upper cover 10 until it abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity. At this time, the second connector 2 and the first connector 1 are connected in the second connection state, so that the first connector 1 can apply a pulling force toward the lower shell to the upper cover 10, thereby achieving the effect of resisting bulging deformation.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the box structure also includes a connecting bolt 3. Correspondingly, the end of the first connecting member 1 is provided with a threaded hole, and the upper cover 10 is provided with a through hole. The connecting bolt 3 can pass through the through hole and be installed into the threaded hole, thereby fixing the first connecting member 1 and the upper cover 10 together.

[0053] Preferably, in this embodiment, the first connecting member 1 is connected to four second connecting members 2, which are evenly arranged circumferentially around the axis of the first connecting member 1. This ensures that when a tensile force is applied, the axis of the first connecting member 1 remains perpendicular to the upper cover 10, preventing the first connecting member 1 from tilting or flipping. Of course, in some other embodiments, two, three, or more second connecting members 2 may be provided, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0054] Furthermore, the outer side of the abutting part has an abutting surface, which can abut against the inner wall of the opening when the second connector 2 is inserted into the opening, and drive the second connector 2 to rotate toward the first preset angle, thereby simplifying the assembly process of the box structure.

[0055] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the box structure also includes a conversion component, which can be a torsion spring 6, a spring or the like, and is connected to the second connecting component 2 in a transmission manner, and can drive the second connecting component 2 to rotate toward a second preset angle, thereby further facilitating the assembly process of the box structure.

[0056] For example, when installing the aforementioned housing structure, the housing structure can first be installed on the upper cover 10 using connecting bolts 3, and then the upper cover 10 can be closed onto the lower housing. During the closing process, the contact surface will automatically cause the second connecting member 2 to rotate towards the first preset angle, facilitating the second connecting member 2 to pass through the opening. After passing through, under the action of gravity or the conversion component, the second connecting member 2 rotates towards the second preset angle, thereby allowing the second connecting member 2 to abut against the inner wall of the receiving cavity, limiting the connection between the housing structure and the structural beam 201. When it is necessary to separate the upper cover 10 and the lower housing, the first connecting member 1 and the upper cover 10 can be separated by removing the connecting bolts 3, thus avoiding any negative impact on the disassembly of the battery pack. Therefore, by setting corresponding openings and through holes in the existing battery pack's structural beam 201 and upper cover 10, the housing structure can be conveniently installed, avoiding large-scale modifications to the existing battery pack.

[0057] Compared to directly connecting the upper cover 10 and the lower shell using studs, this enclosure structure is easier to install. Furthermore, the connection surface between the upper cover 10 and the first connecting piece 1 does not need to be too large, reducing the risk of pressure leakage. Multiple such structures can be arranged on a single structural beam, occupying less space. In contrast, directly connecting the upper cover 10 and the lower shell using studs is affected by factors such as sealing design dimensions (a single-sided sealing distance of 8mm + locking hole from the edge is required, and the sealing size needs to be approximately 24mm), structural strength (the width of the structural beam 201 is generally between 30 and 50mm; larger openings will affect the overall structural strength, generally requiring a through-hole design), and riveting dimensions (the rivet size of the locking bolts is not large). This method generally requires larger studs to penetrate the structural beam 201 to form a connection structure, followed by stud connection. It also requires a sealing design, and custom tools are needed for installation or disassembly. This results in more structural components and a more cumbersome installation process.

[0058] Example 2:

[0059] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in the second embodiment provided by this utility model, the difference from the first embodiment is that the box structure further includes an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is disposed between the first connector 1 and the upper cover 10, and can adhesively connect the first connector 1 and the upper cover 10 facing the lower housing, thereby increasing the force-bearing area between the first connector 1 and the upper cover 10, allowing the tensile force to be applied more evenly to the upper cover 10, and facilitating the installation of the first connector 1 onto the upper cover 10. Optionally, the end of the first connector 1 is provided with an adhesive portion, which extends perpendicular to the axis of the first connector 1, and can increase the bonding area between the first connector 1 and the upper cover 10, thereby further ensuring that the tensile force is applied evenly to the upper cover 10.

[0060] Optionally, in this embodiment, the housing structure further includes a sealing element for sealing the connection between the first connector 1 and the upper cover 10. The sealing element may be a sealing ring 4, which can be fitted onto the connecting bolt 3 and abut against the first connector 1 and the upper cover 10, thereby achieving a seal between the first connector 1 and the upper cover 10 and preventing water, dust, etc. from entering the battery pack through the holes in the upper cover 10.

[0061] Alternatively, the adhesive portion is welded to the first connector 1 using a plate welding method, and a mounting groove is formed between the plate or the plate and the first connector 1. The mounting groove can be used to limit the installation of the sealing ring 4. Of course, in some embodiments, the adhesive layer can also be used as a sealing element to achieve a similar sealing effect.

[0062] Example 3:

[0063] A third embodiment of this utility model provides a battery pack, which includes any of the aforementioned housing structures, the housing structure of which can accommodate battery cells. This battery pack has excellent anti-bulging performance, ensuring that the first wall maintains its shape integrity even under high internal pressure, preventing bulging and deformation, and avoiding crushing damage and high-temperature damage to the vehicle structure outside the battery pack.

[0064] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0065] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A box structure, characterized by, include: The first and second walls are set relative to each other; The first connector (1) is connected to the first wall; The second connector (2) is connected to the first connector (1); the second connector (2) is configured such that when the first wall and the second wall tend to move away from each other, the first connector (1) and the second connector (2) move in a direction close to the first wall until the second connector (2) is limited to the second wall.

2. The box structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing structure has an upper cover (10) and a lower housing, the upper cover (10) being configured as one of the first wall and the second wall, and the lower housing being configured as the other of the first wall and the second wall; or, The box structure has an upper cover (10) and a lower shell, the upper cover (10) including one of the first wall and the second wall, and the lower shell including the other of the first wall and the second wall.

3. The box structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second wall has a receiving cavity, and the end of the second connector (2) away from the first wall has an abutment portion. The abutment portion is located in the receiving cavity and is in a direction close to the first wall. The abutment portion and the inner wall of the receiving cavity have a predetermined distance. The abutting portion is configured such that when the first wall and the second wall tend to move relatively away from each other, the first connector (1) and the second connector (2) move in a direction close to the first wall until the abutting portion abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity.

4. The box structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The preset interval is 0mm, and the abutting part abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity in a direction close to the first wall.

5. The box structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connector (1) has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the first wall, the second end is disposed in the receiving cavity, the second connector (2) has a third end and a fourth end, the third end is connected to the second end, and the fourth end is provided with the abutting part.

6. The box structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second wall includes a wall body (200) and a structural beam (201). The structural beam (201) has a cavity, and the structural beam (201) has an opening on the side facing the first wall. The opening communicates with the cavity, and the first connector (1) passes through the opening.

7. The box structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box structure also includes a fixing member (7), which is installed on the end of the first connector (1) away from the first wall and is connected to the second connector (2).

8. The box structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connector (2) and the first connector (1) are rotatably connected, and the rotation range includes a first preset angle and a second preset angle. When the second connector (2) is at the first preset angle, portions of the second connector (2) and the first connector (1) can enter the receiving cavity. When the second connector (2) rotates from the first preset angle to the second preset angle, the distance between the abutment portion and the axis of the first connector (1) increases. When the second connector (2) is at the second preset angle and the first wall and the second wall tend to move away from each other, the abutting part can move in a direction close to the first wall until it abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity.

9. The box structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The housing structure also includes a conversion component and a positioning post (5). The positioning post (5) is connected between the first connecting component (1) and the second connecting component (2) to rotatably connect the first connecting component (1) and the second connecting component (2). The conversion component is connected between the second connecting components (2) and can drive the second connecting component (2) to rotate toward the second preset angle.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes the box structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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