A beam structure for a battery pack

Abstract

This utility model discloses a beam structure for a battery pack, including a trapezoidal beam and a convex beam. The bottom of the trapezoidal beam has a first slot extending through its width, and the top of the convex beam has a second slot extending through its width. The first slot engages with the second slot to form a cross shape. The trapezoidal beam has a hollow interior, and a first partition plate is connected along the length of the trapezoidal beam. Multiple first partition plates are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction, with at least one first partition plate above the first slot. The second slot terminates on the stepped surface of the convex beam. The beneficial effects of this utility model are: ensuring the continuity of beam stiffness performance and greatly enhancing the beam's strength and rigidity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and more particularly to a beam structure for a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] The transverse convex beams of the battery pack are the main load-bearing components, and their stiffness determines the stiffness of the battery pack system. Therefore, the structure and connection of the transverse convex beams are particularly important. Since the transverse convex beams are perpendicular to each other, existing battery packs connect them by breaking up trapezoidal or convex beams. This method results in a lack of continuity in the stiffness of the broken beams. Furthermore, the transverse convex beams of the battery pack are usually directly welded. Due to factors such as welding process, beam structure, and thickness, welding failure is often a risk during vibration and other testing.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of this utility model and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: how to solve the problem that the current connection method of the longitudinal trapezoidal beam in the battery pack has insufficient vibration resistance due to the lack of continuity.

[0005] This utility model solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical means:

[0006] A beam structure for a battery pack includes a trapezoidal beam and a convex beam. The bottom of the trapezoidal beam has a first slot extending through the width, and the top of the convex beam has a second slot extending through the width. The first slot engages with the second slot to form a cross shape. The interior of the trapezoidal beam is hollow, and a first partition is connected along the length of the trapezoidal beam. Multiple first partitions are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction, and at least one first partition is above the first slot. The second slot terminates on the stepped surface of the convex beam.

[0007] In this invention, the first slot does not completely penetrate the trapezoidal beam, and the second slot does not completely penetrate the convex beam. The two beams are interlocked in a groove-like manner. At the same time, the first partition above the first slot ensures that the upper part of the trapezoidal beam has a complete cavity, and the lower part of the second slot also ensures that the convex beam has a complete cavity, thereby ensuring the continuity of the beam's stiffness performance and greatly enhancing the beam's strength performance.

[0008] Preferably, the trapezoidal beam includes a first outer shell and two first partitions. The first outer shell is a long, hollow structure with an inverted trapezoidal vertical cross-section. The two partitions are arranged vertically at intervals. The interior of the trapezoidal beam is divided into three vertically arranged cavities.

[0009] In this invention, the first partition and the first outer shell form a complete cavity, ensuring the rigidity above the first slot and improving the performance of the beam.

[0010] Preferably, the top surface of the convex beam is aligned with the first partition located above the interior of the trapezoidal beam.

[0011] The first diaphragm is flush with the top surface of the convex beam, so that the force transmission path of the weld on the top surface of the convex rib can be transmitted through the horizontal rib on the trapezoidal beam, which greatly reduces the risk of weld failure.

[0012] Preferably, the convex beam includes a second outer shell and a third outer shell. The second outer shell is a long, hollow cavity structure, and the third outer shell is an inverted concave shell with a hollow bottom. The bottoms of the two third shells are welded to the second outer shell, and a second slot is formed between the two third shells.

[0013] Convex beams and trapezoidal beams can be made of aluminum profiles using a one-piece molding process; the first and second slots can be formed as a single piece and then cut at the corresponding positions.

[0014] Preferably, the two third outer shells are arranged along the vertical symmetry plane of the second outer shell.

[0015] Preferably, the length of the first slot is equal to the width of the second outer shell, and the height of the first slot is equal to the height of the second outer shell.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes multiple reinforcing plates, which connect the joints of the trapezoidal beam and the convex beam.

[0017] Preferably, the reinforcing plate includes a first reinforcing plate, a second reinforcing plate, and a third reinforcing plate. The first and second reinforcing plates are symmetrical structures, located on both sides of the convex beam, and the third reinforcing plate is connected to the top surfaces of the first and second reinforcing plates.

[0018] The first, second, and third reinforcing plates further connect the two beams with rivets, greatly enhancing the joint rigidity of the two beams.

[0019] Preferably, it also includes an end plate, the vertical section of which is a right trapezoid, the right-angled surface of which is connected to the battery cell, and the inclined surface of which is connected to the side of the trapezoidal beam.

[0020] Preferably, the distance between the end face of the end plate and the convex beam is 4 to 6 mm.

[0021] The inclined surface of the end plate fits perfectly against the side of the trapezoidal beam, effectively limiting the Z-axis displacement of the assembled cells after they are placed in the pack, thanks to the cell expansion force and the frictional force of the inclined surface. This adds a new Z-axis limiting method to the CTP battery pack housing and the two ends of the assembled cells, avoiding the risk of adhesive failure during Z-axis vibration due to a single adhesive connection.

[0022] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0023] In this invention, the first slot does not completely penetrate the trapezoidal beam, and the second slot does not completely penetrate the convex beam. The two beams are interlocked in a groove-like manner. At the same time, the first partition above the first slot ensures that the upper part of the trapezoidal beam has a complete cavity, and the lower part of the second slot also ensures that the convex beam has a complete cavity, thereby ensuring the continuity of the beam's stiffness performance and greatly enhancing the beam's strength performance.

[0024] The first diaphragm is flush with the top surface of the convex beam, so that the force transmission path of the weld on the top surface of the convex rib can be transmitted through the horizontal rib on the trapezoidal beam, which greatly reduces the risk of weld failure.

[0025] The first, second, and third reinforcing plates further connect the two beams with rivets, greatly enhancing the joint stiffness of the two beams.

[0026] The inclined surface of the end plate fits perfectly against the side of the trapezoidal beam, effectively limiting the Z-axis displacement of the assembled cells after they are placed in the pack, thanks to the cell expansion force and the frictional force of the inclined surface. This adds a new Z-axis limiting method to the CTP battery pack housing and the two ends of the assembled cells, avoiding the risk of adhesive failure during Z-axis vibration due to a single adhesive connection. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the beam structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the beam structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the trapezoidal beam in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a side view of the trapezoidal beam in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the convex beam in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the convex beam in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the convex beam in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the beam structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the beam structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a side view of the beam structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the beam structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the beam structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged view of the beam structure of the battery pack in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0040] Drawing number:

[0041] 1. Trapezoidal beam; 11. First slot; 12. First outer shell; 13. First partition plate;

[0042] 2. Convex beam; 21. Second slot; 22. Second outer shell; 23. Third outer shell;

[0043] 3. First reinforcing plate; 4. Second reinforcing plate; 5. Third reinforcing plate; 6. End plate; 7. Battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0045] Example 1:

[0046] like Figures 1-2 As shown, a beam structure for a battery pack includes a trapezoidal beam 1 and a convex beam 2. The bottom of the trapezoidal beam 1 has a first slot 11 that extends through the width direction, and the top of the convex beam 2 has a second slot 21 that extends through the width direction. The first slot 11 and the second slot 21 are engaged to form a cross-shaped beam structure.

[0047] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the trapezoidal beam 1 includes a first outer shell 12 and a first partition 13. The first outer shell 12 is a long, hollow structure with a trapezoidal vertical cross-section. The top dimension of the first outer shell 12 is larger than the bottom dimension. Two first partitions 13 are connected along the length direction inside the first outer shell 12. The first partitions 13 are arranged parallel to each other along the vertical direction. The two first partitions 13 divide the interior of the trapezoidal beam 1 into three vertically arranged cavities.

[0048] The bottom of the first slot 11 is empty, and the top of the first slot 11 is at least lower than the first partition 13 above it. That is, the opening of the first slot 11 does not cover the first partition 13 above it, so that the uppermost cavity remains a complete cavity. In this case, the strength of the trapezoidal beam 1 at the top of the first slot 11 can be effectively guaranteed. At the same time, welding is performed at the overlapping part of the two beams, which greatly enhances the welding strength of the joint between the two beams.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first slot 11 is located below the first partition 13', and the trapezoidal beam 1 has two completed cavities above the first slot 11, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the trapezoidal beam 1 at the first slot 11.

[0050] The first slot 11 is located in the middle of the trapezoidal beam 1, and the second slot 21 is located in the middle of the convex beam 2. The entire beam structure is symmetrical and the stress is uniform.

[0051] Of course, this embodiment does not limit the number or location of the first slot 11 and the second slot 12:

[0052] ① The slot position can be adapted according to the number of cells inside the battery pack;

[0053] ② The number of slots can be increased or decreased according to the number of modules inside the battery pack.

[0054] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the convex beam 2 includes a second outer shell 22 and a third outer shell 23. The second outer shell 22 is a rectangular cavity placed horizontally, and the third outer shell 23 is a concave shell with an empty bottom. The two third outer shells 23 are welded to the second outer shell 22 at the empty bottom. The two third outer shells 23 are arranged along the vertical symmetry plane of the second outer shell 22, and the two third outer shells 23 are arranged at intervals to form a second slot 21.

[0055] Thus, the second slot 21 does not penetrate the entire convex beam 2, and the second slot 21 ends at the top surface of the second outer shell 22, so that the second outer shell 22 of the entire convex beam 2 forms a complete cavity, ensuring the strength of the bottom of the convex beam 2 at the second slot 21.

[0056] The length L1 of the first slot 11 is equal to the width W1 of the second outer shell 22, and the height H1 of the first slot 11 is equal to the height H2 of the second outer shell 22, allowing the trapezoidal beam 1 to be snapped onto the outside of the convex beam 2. The two beams are interlocked in a groove-like manner, with both the trapezoidal beam 1 and the convex beam 2 being continuous without interruption, ensuring the continuity of the stiffness performance of all beams and greatly enhancing their strength and rigidity.

[0057] The second slot 21 is an inverted trapezoidal structure, its size matching that of the first slot 11, ensuring that the trapezoidal beam 1 and the convex beam 2 can be snapped together and welded at the alignment point. In this embodiment, refer to... Figure 7 As shown, the top surface of the first partition 13 is flush with the top surface of the third shell 23, i.e., H3 = H4. The force transmission path of the weld on the top surface of the convex rib of the convex beam 2 can be transmitted through the first partition 11 on the trapezoidal beam 1, which greatly reduces the risk of weld failure.

[0058] In this embodiment, the trapezoidal beam 1 and the convex beam 2 can be deformed, as long as the beam can form a complete cavity at the slot.

[0059] The convex beam 2 and the trapezoidal beam 1 can be made of aluminum profiles using a one-piece molding process; the first slot 11 and the second slot 21 can be further cut at corresponding positions after the one-piece molding. This embodiment only provides one process method and is not limited thereto.

[0060] Example 2:

[0061] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, this embodiment, based on embodiment one, also includes multiple reinforcing plates.

[0062] The reinforcing plate includes a first reinforcing plate 3, a second reinforcing plate 4, and a third reinforcing plate 5. The first reinforcing plate 3 and the second reinforcing plate 4 are symmetrical structures, located on both sides of the convex beam 2, and the third reinforcing plate 5 is connected to the top surface of the first reinforcing plate 3 and the second reinforcing plate 4.

[0063] Specifically, the first reinforcing plate 3 includes two vertically connected vertical plates, which are connected at their sides. A square plate is connected to the top of the two vertical plates and to the bottom of the two vertical plates. The square plate is arranged perpendicularly to the vertical plates. The first reinforcing plate 3 is an unclosed rectangular shell with its two vertical sides being open.

[0064] Riveting holes are provided on both the vertical plate and the square plate. Riveting holes are also provided on the side and bottom of the first reinforcing plate 3, which are riveted to the side of the trapezoidal beam 1, the top surface of the second outer shell 22 on the convex beam 2, and the side of the third outer shell 23 on the convex beam 2, respectively. The first reinforcing plate 3 and the second reinforcing plate 4 are mirror images of the third outer shell 23.

[0065] The third reinforcing plate 5 is a bent plate with an included angle of 90°, and its bottom plate and side plate are provided with riveting holes. The side plate of the third reinforcing plate 5 is riveted to the side of the trapezoidal beam 1, and the bottom surface of the third reinforcing plate 5 is riveted to the top surface of the first reinforcing plate 3, the top surface of the second reinforcing plate 4, and the top surface of the convex beam 2.

[0066] The first reinforcing plate 3, the second reinforcing plate 4, and the third reinforcing plate 5 further connect the two beams with rivets, greatly enhancing the joint rigidity of the two beams.

[0067] Example 3:

[0068] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, this embodiment adds an end plate 6 based on embodiment one or embodiment two.

[0069] End plate 6 is a solid structure with a right-angled trapezoidal cross-section. The right-angled side of end plate 6 is glued to the battery cell 7, and the hypotenuse of end plate 6 is completely flush with the side of trapezoidal beam 1. When the battery cells, consisting of end plate 6 and battery cell 7, are placed into the box, the distance between battery cell 7 and the side of the second outer shell 22 of convex beam 2 is controlled at 4-6mm.

[0070] In this embodiment, the inclined side of the end plate 6 is completely fitted with the side of the trapezoidal beam 1, so that after the battery cells are installed in the box, the expansion force of the battery cells and the friction force of the inclined surface can effectively limit the Z-direction displacement of the battery cells. This adds a new Z-direction limiting method to the CTP battery pack box and the two ends of the battery cells, which can avoid the risk of adhesive failure due to Z-direction vibration caused by a single adhesive connection.

[0071] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A beam structure of a battery pack, characterized by, It includes a trapezoidal beam and a convex beam. The bottom of the trapezoidal beam has a first slot that runs through the width direction, and the top of the convex beam has a second slot that runs through the width direction. The first slot is engaged with the second slot to form a cross shape. The interior of the trapezoidal beam is hollow. A first partition is connected along the length of the trapezoidal beam. Multiple first partitions are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. There is at least one first partition above the first slot. The second slot ends on the stepped surface of the convex beam.

2. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trapezoidal beam includes a first outer shell and two first partitions. The first outer shell is a long, hollow structure with an inverted trapezoidal vertical cross-section. The two partitions are arranged vertically at intervals. The interior of the trapezoidal beam is divided into three cavities arranged vertically.

3. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 2, wherein The top surface of the convex beam is aligned with the first partition inside the trapezoidal beam located above it.

4. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 1, wherein The convex beam includes a second shell and a third shell. The second shell is a long, hollow cavity structure, and the third shell is an inverted concave shell with an empty bottom. The bottoms of the two third shells are welded to the second shell, and a second slot is formed between the two third shells.

5. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 4, wherein Two third shells are arranged along the vertical symmetry plane of the second shell.

6. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 4, wherein The length of the first slot is equal to the width of the second outer shell, and the height of the first slot is equal to the height of the second outer shell.

7. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 1, wherein It also includes multiple reinforcing plates, which connect the joints between the trapezoidal beam and the convex beam.

8. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reinforcing plate includes a first reinforcing plate, a second reinforcing plate, and a third reinforcing plate. The first and second reinforcing plates are symmetrical structures and are located on both sides of the convex beam. The third reinforcing plate is connected to the top surface of the first and second reinforcing plates.

9. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes end plates, the vertical section of which is a right trapezoid. The right-angled surface of the end plate is connected to the battery cell, and the inclined surface of the end plate is connected to the side of the trapezoidal beam.

10. The beam structure of a battery pack according to claim 9, wherein The distance between the end face of the end plate and the convex beam is 4-6mm.

Images