End plates, mounting components, battery packs and energy storage devices

Abstract

This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically disclosing an end plate, a fixing assembly, a battery pack, and an energy storage device. The battery pack includes battery cells and fixing members for fixing the battery cells. The end plate is configured to press the end face of the battery cell under the constraint of the fixing members. The direction in which the end plate presses the battery cell is defined as a first direction. The end plate includes a central portion and a plurality of stop arms extending from the central portion perpendicular to the first direction. A hollow area is formed between two adjacent stop arms, and the ends of the plurality of stop arms are all configured to connect to the fixing members so that the central portion and the plurality of stop arms can jointly press the battery cell. In the above-described end plate, the requirement for binding the battery cell can be met by the joint pressing of the battery cell by the stop arms and the central portion. At the same time, the hollow area formed between two adjacent stop arms, that is, the hollowing out between two adjacent stop arms, can reduce the use of sheet metal and help reduce production costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to an end plate, a fixing component, a battery pack, and an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, cell end plates are located at both ends (or the end positions) of the cell stack in a battery module, used to constrain cell expansion, fix the cell stack structure, and provide mechanical protection. However, existing cell end plates often have the problem of material redundancy, resulting in high material and processing costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an end plate, a fixing component, a battery pack, and an energy storage device, which can reduce production costs while stably holding the battery cells.

[0004] One embodiment of this application provides an end plate. Applied to a battery pack, the battery pack includes battery cells and fasteners for securing the battery cells. The end plate is configured to press the end face of the battery cell under the constraint of the fasteners. The direction in which the end plate presses the battery cell is defined as a first direction. The end plate includes a central portion and a plurality of stop arms extending from the central portion perpendicular to the first direction. A hollow area is formed between adjacent stop arms, and the ends of the plurality of stop arms are all configured to connect to the fasteners, so that the central portion and the plurality of stop arms can jointly press the battery cell.

[0005] In the aforementioned end plate, the battery cell is held in place by the stop arms and the central part, thus meeting the requirements for cell restraint. Simultaneously, a hollowed-out area is formed between adjacent stop arms, which reduces the amount of sheet material used and helps lower production costs.

[0006] In some embodiments of this application, the end plate includes a first arm-shaped member and a second arm-shaped member arranged in an X-shape. Along a first direction, the overlapping portion of the first arm-shaped member and the second arm-shaped member forms a central portion, and the separated portion of the first arm-shaped member and the second arm-shaped member forms a corresponding stop arm.

[0007] By arranging the end plate into an X-shaped structure, four symmetrical stop arms can be formed at the end plate. When the end plate presses against the end face of the battery cell, the four symmetrical stop arms can evenly distribute the load from the radial and shear directions. This reduces the risk of damage or deformation of the end plate due to excessive stress concentration, which helps to extend the service life of the end plate and improve the end plate's ability to hold the battery cell.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, both the first arm-shaped member and the second arm-shaped member are constructed as sheet metal parts, and together they form an integral structure.

[0009] By constructing the end plate as a one-piece sheet metal part, firstly, the structural strength of the end plate can be improved, thereby enhancing its pressure resistance and ensuring that the end plate can stably bind the end face of the battery cell; secondly, sheet metal parts are inexpensive and lightweight, which can further reduce production costs and facilitate the lightweight design of the battery pack.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the end plate further includes a dead edge structure, which is constructed by stacking and winding multiple layers of plates, and the dead edge structure is disposed at the end of the stop arm.

[0011] By setting a dead edge structure at the end of the stop arm, the strength and rigidity of the stop arm can be improved, reducing the risk of damage or deformation of the end plate. The sharp edges of the end plate can also be completely wrapped inside the dead edge structure, reducing the risk of burrs from the end plate cutting the battery cell and improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the end plate further includes a flange, which is disposed at the edge of the center portion in the hollow area and extends in the direction toward the end of the stop arm.

[0013] When the battery cell expands, the flange can disperse the load acting on the center, that is, disperse the stress. By setting the flange at the edge of the center, the structural strength and deformation resistance of the end plate can be better improved, thereby ensuring that the end plate can still maintain good restraint on the battery cell after material reduction.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the end plate has a first side and a second side that are disposed opposite to each other, the first side being configured to face the battery cell, and the flange being located on the second side.

[0015] By placing the flange on the side of the end plate away from the battery cell (specifically the second side), direct contact between the flange and the end face of the battery cell can be avoided, reducing the risk of the flange puncturing the battery cell and thus improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the end plate further includes a reinforcing rib, which is disposed at the center and located on the second surface.

[0017] By adding reinforcing ribs, the structural strength of the end plate can be improved, reducing the risk of damage or deformation due to excessive stress concentration, and improving the end plate's ability to hold the battery cell.

[0018] One embodiment of this application provides a fixing assembly. It is applied to a battery pack, which includes battery cells. The fixing assembly includes a fixing member for fixing the battery cells, and an end plate as described in any of the above embodiments. The end plate has a stop arm whose end is connected to the fixing member so that the end plate can press against the end face of the battery cell.

[0019] The aforementioned fixing components utilize the end plate described above. The end plate, through the stop arms and the central portion, jointly presses down on the battery cell, thus fulfilling the requirements for cell restraint. Simultaneously, a hollowed-out area is formed between adjacent stop arms; that is, a hollowing-out process is performed between adjacent stop arms, which reduces the amount of sheet metal used and helps lower production costs.

[0020] One embodiment of this application provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes battery cells and the aforementioned fixing components, which are mounted on the battery cells.

[0021] The aforementioned battery pack utilizes the aforementioned fixing components. The end plate, through the stop arms and the central portion, jointly presses down on the battery cells, thus meeting the requirements for cell restraint. Simultaneously, a hollowed-out area is formed between adjacent stop arms; that is, a hollowing-out process is performed between adjacent stop arms, which reduces the amount of sheet metal used and helps lower the production cost of the battery pack.

[0022] One embodiment of this application provides an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a housing and the aforementioned battery pack, with the battery pack mounted on the housing.

[0023] The aforementioned energy storage device uses the aforementioned battery pack. The end plate, through the stop arms and the center section, jointly holds the battery cells, which can meet the requirements for cell confinement. At the same time, a hollow area is formed between two adjacent stop arms, that is, a hollowing-out process is performed between two adjacent stop arms, which can reduce the amount of sheet metal used and help reduce the production cost of the energy storage device. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the battery pack.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the end plate in the battery pack.

[0028] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0029] 100. Battery pack; 101. Battery cell; 102. Fixing component; 103. End plate; 1031. Center part; 1032. Stop arm; 1033. Hollowed-out area; 1034. First arm-shaped component; 1035. Second arm-shaped component; 1036. Dead edge structure; 1037. Flanged edge; 1038. First surface; 1039. Second surface; X, First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0032] In related technologies, cell end plates are located at both ends (or the end positions) of the cell stack in a battery module, used to constrain cell expansion, fix the cell stack structure, and provide mechanical protection. However, existing cell end plates often have the problem of material redundancy, resulting in high material and processing costs.

[0033] One embodiment of this application provides an end plate. Applied to a battery pack, the battery pack includes battery cells and fasteners for securing the battery cells. The end plate is configured to press the end face of the battery cell under the constraint of the fasteners. The direction in which the end plate presses the battery cell is defined as a first direction. The end plate includes a central portion and a plurality of stop arms extending from the central portion perpendicular to the first direction. A hollow area is formed between adjacent stop arms, and the ends of the plurality of stop arms are all configured to connect to the fasteners, so that the central portion and the plurality of stop arms can jointly press the battery cell.

[0034] In the aforementioned end plate, the battery cell is held in place by the stop arms and the central part, thus meeting the requirements for cell restraint. Simultaneously, a hollowed-out area is formed between adjacent stop arms, which reduces the amount of sheet material used and helps lower production costs.

[0035] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0036] One embodiment of this application provides an energy storage device (not shown). The energy storage device has the functions of storing and discharging electricity for use as backup power for homes, production units, outdoor work, and outdoor recreation.

[0037] In some embodiments, the energy storage device includes a battery pack 100 and a housing (not shown). The battery pack 100 is used for energy storage and power supply of the energy storage device. The battery pack 100 can also be used as a standalone device to output DC power, or it can be stacked together with an inverter module. The battery pack 100 is mounted in the housing. The housing isolates the battery pack 100 from the external environment, which helps to protect the battery pack 100.

[0038] In some embodiments, the energy storage device includes a power conversion module (not shown) electrically connected to the battery pack 100. The power conversion module is used to control the AC / DC conversion of the output current of the battery pack 100. The energy storage device equipped with the power conversion module can be a small portable power bank, a residential energy storage power supply, an industrial or commercial energy storage power supply, or a containerized energy storage power supply, etc.

[0039] In some embodiments, the power conversion module may be omitted. Energy storage devices without a power conversion module can be used independently. Energy storage devices without a power conversion module typically only output DC power. When used independently, energy storage devices without a power conversion module can be used in conjunction with energy storage devices that have a power conversion module as a power system providing additional battery capacity.

[0040] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 includes a cell 101 and a fixing assembly (not shown), the fixing assembly being mounted on the cell 101.

[0041] Specifically, the fixing component includes a fixing member 102 and an end plate 103. The fixing member 102 is installed on the battery cell 101, and the end plate 103 is located at both ends (or the end position) of the battery cell 101. The end plate 103 is pressed against the end face of the battery cell 101 under the constraint of the fixing member 102.

[0042] The cooperation between the fastener 102 and the end plate 103 not only fixes the battery cell 101, but also constrains the expansion of the battery cell 101 and provides mechanical protection for the battery cell 101.

[0043] For example, the fixing member 102 is a hoop, which is sleeved on the battery cell 101. The end plate 103 is disposed at both ends of the battery cell 101, and the end plate 103 is at least partially inserted between the hoop and the battery cell 101.

[0044] In other embodiments, the fastener 102 may also be other suitable fastening structures such as the battery cell 101 bracket. This application does not limit the specific fastener, and those skilled in the art can choose according to the actual situation.

[0045] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments, the direction in which the end plate 103 presses against the battery cell 101 is defined as a first direction X. The end plate 103 includes a central portion 1031 and a plurality of stop arms 1032 extending from the central portion 1031 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0046] A hollow area 1033 is formed between two adjacent stop arms 1032, and the ends of multiple stop arms 1032 are connected to the fixing member 102 so that the central part 1031 and multiple stop arms 1032 can jointly press the battery cell 101.

[0047] The end plate 103 provided in this application holds the battery cell 101 together with the stop arm 1032 and the center part 1031, which can meet the requirements for binding the battery cell 101. At the same time, a hollow area 1033 is formed between two adjacent stop arms 1032, that is, the space between two adjacent stop arms 1032 is hollowed out, which can reduce the use of sheet metal and help reduce production costs.

[0048] For example, the stop arm 1032 and the center portion 1031 are formed by punching from the end of a plate. The punching process helps to improve production efficiency and the dimensional consistency of multiple stop arms 1032. In other embodiments, the stop arms 1032 and the center portion 1031 in the end plate 103 may also be manufactured using other suitable processes. This application does not limit this, and those skilled in the art can choose according to the actual situation.

[0049] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the end plate 103 includes a first arm-shaped member 1034 and a second arm-shaped member 1035 arranged in an X-shape.

[0050] Along the first direction X, the overlapping portion of the first arm-shaped member 1034 and the second arm-shaped member 1035 forms the central portion 1031, and the separated portion of the first arm-shaped member 1034 and the second arm-shaped member 1035 forms the corresponding stop arm 1032.

[0051] By setting the plate end to an X-shaped structure, four symmetrical stop arms 1032 can be formed at the plate end. When the plate end presses against the end face of the cell 101, the four symmetrical stop arms 1032 can evenly distribute the load from the radial direction and the shear direction.

[0052] This reduces the risk of damage or deformation of the end plate 103 due to excessive stress concentration, thereby improving the binding ability of the end plate 103 on the cell 101 and extending the service life of the end plate 103.

[0053] In other embodiments, the plate end may also be "Y-shaped" or "grid-shaped". This application does not limit this, and those skilled in the art can choose according to the actual situation.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first arm-shaped member 1034 and the second arm-shaped member 1035 are both constructed as sheet metal parts, and together they form an integral structure.

[0055] By constructing the end plate 103 as a one-piece sheet metal part, firstly, the structural strength of the end plate 103 can be improved, thereby enhancing the pressure-bearing capacity of the end plate 103 and ensuring that the end plate 103 can stably bind the end face of the battery cell 101; secondly, the sheet metal part is inexpensive and lightweight, which can better reduce production costs and facilitate the lightweight design of the battery pack 100.

[0056] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the end plate 103 further includes a dead edge structure 1036, which is constructed by stacking and winding multiple layers of plates, and the dead edge structure 1036 is disposed at the end of the stop arm 1032.

[0057] For example, the end of the stop arm 1032 is bent and wound to form a multi-layer plate structure, in which each layer of the plate interlocks with the others. An external pressing device presses the multi-layer plate structure to form a dead edge structure 1036, which has a smooth outer edge.

[0058] By setting a dead edge structure 1036 at the end of the stop arm 1032, the strength and rigidity of the stop arm 1032 can be improved, reducing the risk of damage or deformation of the end plate 103. The sharp edges of the end plate 103 can also be completely wrapped inside the dead edge structure 1036, reducing the risk of the burrs of the end plate 103 cutting the cell 101, which is beneficial to improving the safety of the battery pack 100.

[0059] In some embodiments, the end plate 103 further includes a flange 1037, which is disposed at the edge of the central portion 1031 in the hollowed-out area 1033 and extends in the direction toward the end of the stop arm 1032. When the cell 101 expands, the flange 1037 can disperse the load acting on the central portion 1031, that is, disperse the stress.

[0060] By providing a flange 1037 at the edge of the central part 1031, the structural strength and deformation resistance of the end plate 103 can be better improved, thereby ensuring that the end plate 103 can still maintain better restraint on the cell 101 after material reduction.

[0061] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the end plate 103 is specifically disposed with a first surface 1038 and a second surface 1039 opposite to each other, the first surface 1038 being configured to face the battery cell 101, and the flange 1037 being located on the second surface 1039.

[0062] By setting the flange 1037 on the side of the end plate 103 away from the cell 101 (specifically the second side 1039), direct contact between the flange 1037 and the end face of the cell 101 can be avoided, reducing the risk of the flange 1037 puncturing the cell 101 and improving the safety of the battery pack 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, the end plate 103 further includes reinforcing ribs (not shown), which are disposed at the center 1031 and located on the second surface 1039. By providing reinforcing ribs, the structural strength of the end plate 103 can be better improved, the risk of damage or deformation of the end plate 103 due to excessive stress concentration can be reduced, and the binding ability of the end plate 103 on the battery cell 101 can be better improved.

[0064] It should also be noted that by setting the reinforcing rib on the side of the end plate 103 away from the cell 101 (specifically the second side 1039), the direct contact between the reinforcing rib and the end face of the cell 101 can also be avoided, reducing the risk of the reinforcing rib puncturing the cell 101 and thus improving the safety of the battery pack 100.

[0065] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the essential spirit and scope of this application fall within the scope of this application's disclosure.

Claims

1. An end plate applied to a battery pack including a battery cell and a fixing member for fixing the battery cell, characterized by, The end plate is configured to press the end face of the battery cell against the constraint of the fastener, and the direction in which the end plate presses the battery cell is defined as a first direction; The end plate includes a central portion and a plurality of stop arms extending from the central portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. A hollow area is formed between two adjacent stop arms. The ends of the plurality of stop arms are configured to be connected to the fixing member so that the central portion and the plurality of stop arms can jointly press the battery cell.

2. The end plate of claim 1, wherein The end plate includes a first arm-shaped member and a second arm-shaped member arranged in a cross configuration, the first arm-shaped member and the second arm-shaped member being X-shaped; Along the first direction, the portion where the first arm-shaped member overlaps with the second arm-shaped member forms the central portion, and the portion where the first arm-shaped member separates from the second arm-shaped member forms the corresponding stop arm.

3. The end plate of claim 2, wherein Both the first arm-shaped member and the second arm-shaped member are constructed as sheet metal parts, and together they form an integral structure.

4. The end plate of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The end plate also includes a dead edge structure, which is constructed by stacking and winding multiple layers of plates, and the dead edge structure is located at the end of the stop arm.

5. The end plate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The end plate also includes a flange, which is located at the edge of the center portion in the hollowed-out area and extends toward the end of the stop arm.

6. The end plate of claim 5, wherein The end plate has a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite to each other, the first side being configured to face the battery cell, and the flange being located on the second side.

7. The end plate of claim 6, wherein The end plate also includes a reinforcing rib, which is disposed at the center and located on the second surface.

8. A fixing assembly applied to a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a battery cell, characterized in that, The fixing assembly includes a fixing member for fixing the battery cell, and an end plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the end of the stop arm in the end plate is connected to the fixing member so that the end plate can press against the end face of the battery cell.

9. A battery pack, characterized by, It includes a battery cell and a fixing component as described in claim 8, wherein the fixing component is mounted on the battery cell.

10. An energy storage device, characterized in that, It includes a housing and a battery pack as described in claim 9, wherein the battery pack is mounted on the housing.

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