Battery module with end plate and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a battery module with an end plate and a vehicle. The battery module with the end plate comprises a battery cell group and a frame. The battery cell group comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked, end plates arranged at both ends of the length direction of the battery cell group, and foam arranged between adjacent battery cells. The frame comprises first support beams arranged at both ends of the length direction of the battery cell group, and the battery cell group is arranged between the two first support beams. The end plate is in limiting abutment with the first support beam, and the foam in the compressed state applies a force to the end plate in abutment with the first support beam. The foam in the compressed state applies an abutting force to the end plate, so that the end plate of the battery cell group and the first support beam are in abutment, thereby realizing the stability of the connection between the battery cell group and the frame. When an abnormality occurs in the battery cell in the battery cell module, the limiting between the end plate of the battery cell group and the first support beam can be released, and the corresponding battery cell can be replaced. The replacement of the battery cell is facilitated, the material is saved, and the after-sales maintenance cost of the battery module is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a battery module with end plates and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, the current assembly methods for power battery system cells on the market are mainly modules or CTP structures. CTP battery modules have been widely adopted and accepted by the market. However, most CTP structures use structural adhesive to bond the cells and frames together to ensure the overall structural strength of the battery module. This design does not allow for the removability of the cells. If a cell in the battery module malfunctions, the cell to be replaced cannot be replaced, resulting in material waste and significantly increasing the after-sales maintenance costs of the battery module. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a battery module with an end plate, which at least solves the problem of high after-sales maintenance costs caused by the inability to replace the battery cells within the battery module. This application also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery module with an end plate.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A battery module with end plates, comprising:

[0006] A battery cell assembly includes multiple stacked battery cells, end plates disposed at both ends of the battery cell assembly along its length, and foam disposed between adjacent battery cells.

[0007] The frame includes first support beams disposed at both ends of the battery cell assembly along its length, and the battery cell assembly is disposed between the two first support beams;

[0008] The end plate is in a limiting contact with the first support beam, and the compressed foam exerts a force on the end plate to press against the first support beam.

[0009] Optionally, at least one of the end plate and the first support beam is provided with a limiting protrusion protruding along the length direction of the battery cell assembly, and at least the other is provided with a limiting groove adapted to the limiting protrusion.

[0010] Optionally, both the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove are spaced apart in the width direction of the battery cell assembly.

[0011] Optionally, in the cell assembly height direction, the first support beam includes a support plate that provides support for the end plate.

[0012] Optionally, at least one of the support plate and the end plate is provided with a positioning rod, and at least the other is provided with a positioning groove adapted to the positioning rod.

[0013] Optionally, in the width direction of the battery cell assembly, the frame includes at least two spaced-apart second support beams, the battery cell assembly is disposed between adjacent second support beams, and the end plates located at both ends of the battery cell assembly are clearance-fitted with the second support beams.

[0014] Optionally, the portion of the end plate near the second support beam is a first guide portion, and the second support beam is provided with a second guide portion that cooperates with the first guide portion; in the direction in which the battery cell assembly is placed into the frame, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide portion gradually decreases, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second guide portion gradually increases.

[0015] Optionally, in the width direction of the cell assembly, both ends of the end plate protrude from the cell.

[0016] Optionally, the gap L between the end plate and the second support beam satisfies: L≤0.8mm.

[0017] A vehicle comprising the battery module described in any of the preceding claims.

[0018] This application provides a battery module with end plates, including a cell assembly and a frame. The cell assembly comprises battery cells, end plates, and foam. Multiple battery cells are stacked, and the end plates are located at both ends of the cell assembly along its length. Foam is placed between adjacent cells. The frame includes first support beams located at both ends of the cell assembly along its length, with the cell assembly positioned between two first support beams. The end plates are positioned in limiting contact with the first support beams, and the compressed foam exerts a force on the end plates to press against the first support beams. Here, by applying a pressing force to the end plates with the compressed foam, the end plates of the cell assembly and the first support beams are pressed together, thereby limiting the cell assembly along its length and ensuring the stability of the connection between the cell assembly and the frame. With this configuration, when a cell in the cell module malfunctions, the cell assembly can be squeezed to release the limiting contact between the end plates and the first support beams, after which the corresponding cell can be replaced. This ensures the overall structural stability of the battery module while facilitating the replacement of cells within the module, saving materials, and significantly reducing after-sales maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module provided in this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the battery cell assembly and the second support beam;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the end plate and the second support beam;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first supporting beam.

[0025] exist Figures 1 to 5 middle:

[0026] 1-Frame, 2-Cell pack;

[0027] 11-First support beam, 12-Second support beam, 21-Battery cell, 22-End plate;

[0028] 111-Limiting protrusion, 112-Support plate, 121-Second guide part, 221-Limiting groove, 222-Positioning rod, 223-First guide part;

[0029] 1121 - Positioning groove. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This application provides a battery module with end plates, which at least solves the problem of high after-sales maintenance costs caused by the inability to replace battery cells within the battery module. This application also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned battery module with end plates.

[0031] 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, this application embodiment provides a battery module with end plates. The battery module with end plates is used in electrical equipment to supply power to the electrical equipment, which can be a vehicle, especially a new energy vehicle. The battery module with end plates mainly includes a cell group 2 and a frame 1. The cell group 2 includes multiple stacked cells 21, end plates 22 disposed at both ends of the length direction of the cell group 2, and foam (not shown in the figure) disposed between adjacent cells 21. The stacked cells 21 are electrically connected to each other. The frame 1 includes first support beams 11 disposed at both ends of the length direction of the cell group 2. The cell group 2 is disposed between two first support beams 11, that is, the frame 1 provides a space for accommodating the cell group 2. The end plates 22 are limited and abut against the first support beams 11, and the foam in a compressed state applies a force to the end plates 22 to press against the first support beams 11. That is, the foam in a compressed state applies a force to the end plates 22 located at both ends of the length direction of the cell group 2 to press against the first support beams 11. Specifically, during the process of placing the battery cell assembly 2 between two adjacent first support beams 11, a compression force needs to be applied to the battery cell assembly 2 along its length using a compression tool (not shown in the figure). Since the foam between the battery cells 21 has a certain elasticity, the compression makes the length of the battery cell assembly 2 less than its initial length. The compressed battery cell assembly 2 is then placed between the two first support beams 11. Afterwards, the compression tool is released, and the rebound force of the foam in the battery cell assembly 2 causes the end plate 22 of the battery cell assembly 2 to abut against the first support beam 11. This arrangement conveniently limits the position of the battery cell assembly 2 along its length, further improving the stability of the connection between the battery cell assembly 2 and the frame 1, and further enhancing the fixing effect of the frame 1 on the battery cell 21.

[0033] It should be noted that the length direction of cell pack 2 refers to... Figure 2 The direction indicated by the double-headed arrow Y.

[0034] The battery module with end plates described above uses compressed foam to apply a clamping force to the end plates 22, causing the end plates 22 of the cell assembly 2 to abut against the first support beam 11. This achieves a limiting effect on the length of the cell assembly 2, ensuring stability of the connection between the cell assembly 2 and the frame 1. With this configuration, when a cell 21 within the cell assembly 21 malfunctions, the cell assembly 2 can be squeezed to release the limiting effect between the end plates 22 and the first support beam 11, after which the corresponding cell 21 can be replaced. This ensures the overall structural stability of the battery module while facilitating the replacement of cells 21 within the cell assembly 21, saving materials and significantly reducing after-sales maintenance costs.

[0035] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 At least one of the end plate 22 and the first support beam 11 is provided with a limiting protrusion 111 protruding along the length direction of the cell assembly 2, and at least the other is provided with a limiting groove 221 adapted to the limiting protrusion 111. Exemplarily, this embodiment provides the following implementation: a limiting protrusion 111 is provided on the end plate 22, and a limiting groove 221 is provided on the first support beam 11; a limiting protrusion 111 is provided on the first support beam 11, and a limiting groove 221 is provided on the end plate 22; a limiting protrusion 111 is provided on the end plate 22, and a limiting groove 221 is provided on the first support beam 11, while simultaneously a limiting protrusion 111 is provided on the first support beam 11, and a limiting groove 221 is provided on the end plate 22. Here, through the aforementioned limiting protrusion 111 and limiting groove 221, after the battery cell assembly 2, which is in a compressed state, is placed between adjacent first support beams 11, the compression of the battery cell assembly 2 by the compression fixture is released. Under the action of the elastic force of the foam in the battery cell assembly 2, the limiting groove 221 in the end plate 22 of the battery cell assembly 2 engages with the limiting protrusion 111 in the first support beam 11, thereby achieving rapid positioning between the end plate 22 and the first support beam 11, improving the stability of the contact between the end plate 22 and the first support beam 11, further improving the fixing effect of the frame 1 on the battery cell assembly 2, and improving the structural stability of the frame 1 in fixing the battery cell assembly 2. Furthermore, by setting the aforementioned limiting protrusion 111 and limiting groove 221, a limiting effect can be achieved during the installation of the battery cell assembly 2 into the frame 1, thereby improving the installation efficiency of the battery cell assembly 2. In addition, by setting the aforementioned limiting protrusion 111 and limiting groove 221, the battery cell assembly 2 can be limited not only in the length direction but also in the width and / or height direction. This setting can further improve the stability of the frame 1 in fixing the battery cell assembly 2, and improve the overall stability of the battery module structure through multi-directional limiting.

[0036] Since the extrusion fixture that applies extrusion force to the battery cell assembly 2 along its length is typically a clamp, after the extruded battery cell assembly 2 is placed into the frame 1 by the clamp, the clamp needs to be removed from the frame 1. During the removal process, the clamp will interfere with the frame 1. Therefore, in some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5The limiting protrusions 111 and limiting grooves 221 are spaced apart along the width of the cell assembly 2. This arrangement allows the clamping jaws of the extrusion fixture to easily hold the extruded cell assembly 2 within the frame 1 after it has been placed into the frame 1, as the gaps between the limiting protrusions 111 facilitate placement. Furthermore, it allows the clamping jaws to easily move out of the gaps between the limiting protrusions 111 after the cell assembly 2 has been placed in the frame 1. This design improves the efficiency of placing and removing the cell assembly 2 from the frame 1, thereby increasing the assembly efficiency of the battery module.

[0037] It should be noted that the limiting protrusion 111 on the end plate 22 corresponds to the limiting groove 221 on the first support beam 11, and the limiting groove 221 on the end plate 22 corresponds to the limiting protrusion 111 on the first support beam 11.

[0038] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the height direction of the cell pack 2, the first support beam 11 includes a support plate 112 that provides support for the end plate 22. That is, after the cell pack 2 is placed into the frame 1, the bottom of the end plate 22 will abut against the support plate 112 of the first support beam 11. By setting the support plate 112 to provide support for the end plate 22, the stability of the support for the cell pack 2 can be improved, and the overall stability of the battery module structure can be improved.

[0039] It should be noted that the height direction of cell pack 2 refers to... Figure 2 The direction indicated by the double-headed arrow Z.

[0040] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 A positioning rod 222 is provided in at least one of the support plate 112 and the end plate 22, and a positioning groove 1121 adapted to the positioning rod 222 is provided in at least the other. An exemplary embodiment in this case provides the following implementation: a positioning rod 222 is provided on the support plate 112 and a positioning groove 1121 is provided on the end plate 22; a positioning groove 1121 is provided on the end plate 22 and a positioning rod 222 is provided on the support plate 112; a positioning rod 222 is provided on the support plate 112 and a positioning groove 1121 is provided on the end plate 22, and simultaneously a positioning groove 1121 is provided on the end plate 22 and a positioning rod 222 is provided on the support plate 112. With the above settings, during the assembly of the battery module by placing the battery cell group 2 into the frame 1, the positioning rod 222 and the positioning groove 1121 can limit the installation position of the battery cell group 2 in the battery module, improve the accuracy of positioning the battery cell 21, prevent the battery cell group 2 from shifting relative to the frame 1, and thus improve the stability of the overall structure of the battery module.

[0041] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 In the width direction of the battery cell assembly 2, the frame 1 includes at least two spaced-apart second support beams 12. The battery cell assembly 2 is positioned between adjacent second support beams 12. The end plates 22 at both ends of the battery cell assembly 2 are clearance-fitted with the second support beams 12 to limit the battery cell assembly 2 in the width direction. Clearance fit connection is a movable connection method in mechanical engineering, characterized by a gap between the assembled components, allowing for slight relative movement while maintaining connection stability. Here, the installation position of the battery cell assembly 2 is limited in the width direction by two adjacent second support beams 12, and the clearance fit between the second support beams 12 and the battery cell assembly 2 is used to limit its movement. This arrangement facilitates the limitation of the battery cell assembly 2 in the width direction, thereby improving the stability of the limitation.

[0042] It should be noted that the width direction of cell pack 2 refers to... Figure 2 The direction indicated by the double-headed arrow X.

[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The end plate 22 near the second support beam 12 has a first guide portion 223, and the second support beam 12 has a second guide portion 121 that cooperates with the first guide portion 223. Specifically, by setting the aforementioned cooperating first guide portion 223 and second guide portion 121, the battery cell assembly 2 can be guided during the placement of the battery cell assembly 2 into the frame 1, preventing collisions between the first guide portion 223 and the second guide portion 121, thus protecting the battery cell assembly 2. Furthermore, by setting the aforementioned first guide portion 223 and second guide portion 121, the efficiency of placing the battery cell assembly 2 into the frame 1 can be improved, thereby increasing the assembly efficiency of the battery cell 21. In the direction in which the battery cell assembly 2 is placed into the frame 1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide portion 223 gradually decreases, while the cross-sectional area of ​​the second guide portion 121 gradually increases. That is to say, the gap fit between the first guide portion 223 and the second guide portion 121 achieves the limitation of the battery cell assembly 2 in the width direction.

[0044] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide portion 223 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second guide portion 121 are equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide portion 223 and the second guide portion 121. Figure 4 The cross section in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow B.

[0045] It should be noted that the orientation of the battery cell pack 2 when placed into frame 1 is... Figure 4 The direction indicated by the middle arrow C.

[0046] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4In the width direction of the cell assembly 2, both ends of the end plate 22 protrude beyond the cell 21. That is, in the width direction of the cell assembly 2, the width of the cell 21 is less than the width of the end plate 22. This prevents unavoidable collisions between the cell assembly 2 and the frame 1 during the process of placing the cell assembly 2 into the frame 1, thus protecting the cell 21. It should be noted that the portion of the end plate 22 protruding beyond the cell 21 is not limited here. This portion can be the first guide portion 223 mentioned in the above embodiment, or it can be a separate protruding structure, as long as it serves to protect the cell 21.

[0047] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The gap L between the end plate 22 and the second support beam 12 satisfies: L≤0.8mm. This ensures that the gap between the end plate 22 and the second support beam 12 is within the aforementioned range, which in turn ensures that the gap fit between the battery cell assembly 2 and the second support beam 12 meets the aforementioned range. This prevents the gap from being too large and failing to effectively limit the battery cell assembly 2, thereby improving the stability of the second support beam 12 in limiting the battery cell assembly 2 in the width direction.

[0048] For example, the gap between the end plate 22 and the second support beam 12 can be, that is, the amount of gap fit between the battery cell assembly 2 and the second support beam 12 can be: 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 Both the second support beam 12 and the first support beam 11 are hollow frame structures. By making the second support beam 12 and the first support beam 1 hollow frame structures, the weight of the second support beam 12 and the first support beam 11 can be reduced while ensuring the structural strength of the second support beam 12 and the first support beam 11. In turn, while ensuring the structural strength of the battery module, the overall weight of the battery module is reduced, thereby achieving the lightweight development of the battery module, reducing the weight of the vehicle equipped with the battery module, and ultimately improving the vehicle's driving range.

[0050] This application provides a vehicle including a battery module with an end plate as described in the above embodiments. The battery includes the aforementioned battery module. Compressed foam applies a clamping force to the end plate 22, causing the end plate 22 of the cell assembly 2 to abut against the first support beam 11, thereby limiting the cell assembly 2 along its length and ensuring stability of the connection between the cell assembly 2 and the frame 1. With this configuration, when a cell 21 within the cell assembly 21 malfunctions, the cell assembly 2 can be compressed to release the constraint between the end plate 22 and the first support beam 11, after which the corresponding cell 21 can be replaced. This ensures the overall structural stability of the battery module while facilitating the replacement of cells 21 within the cell assembly 21, saving materials and significantly reducing after-sales maintenance costs.

[0051] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0052] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0053] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0054] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0055] It should be understood that the qualifiers “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0056] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A battery module with end plates, characterized in that, include: A battery cell assembly includes multiple stacked battery cells, end plates disposed at both ends of the battery cell assembly along its length, and foam disposed between adjacent battery cells. The frame includes first support beams disposed at both ends of the battery cell assembly along its length, and the battery cell assembly is disposed between the two first support beams; The end plate is in a limiting contact with the first support beam, and the compressed foam exerts a force on the end plate to press against the first support beam.

2. The battery module with end plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the end plate and the first support beam is provided with a limiting protrusion protruding along the length direction of the battery cell assembly, and at least the other is provided with a limiting groove adapted to the limiting protrusion.

3. The battery module with end plates according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the limiting protrusions and the limiting grooves are spaced apart in the width direction of the battery cell assembly.

4. The battery module with end plates according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the height direction of the battery cell assembly, the first support beam includes a support plate that provides support for the end plate.

5. The battery module with end plates according to claim 4, characterized in that, A positioning rod is provided in at least one of the support plate and the end plate, and a positioning groove adapted to the positioning rod is provided in at least the other.

6. The battery module with end plates according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, In the width direction of the battery cell assembly, the frame includes at least two spaced-apart second support beams, the battery cell assembly is disposed between adjacent second support beams, and the end plates located at both ends of the battery cell assembly are clearance-fitted with the second support beams.

7. The battery module with end plates according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end plate near the second support beam is a first guide portion, and the second support beam is provided with a second guide portion that cooperates with the first guide portion; in the direction in which the battery cell assembly is placed into the frame, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide portion gradually decreases, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second guide portion gradually expands.

8. The battery module with end plates according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the width direction of the battery cell assembly, both ends of the end plate protrude from the battery cell.

9. The battery module with end plates according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gap L between the end plate and the second support beam satisfies: L≤0.8mm.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The battery module having end plates as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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