A battery structure

Abstract

The application discloses a battery structure, which comprises a shell and a battery cell module. An inner wall at the top of the shell limits the depth of the shell in the depth direction of the shell and is provided with a mounting position. The battery cell module is arranged in the shell and comprises a battery cell group formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells in the thickness direction of the shell, and a pair of end plates clamped at both ends of the battery cell group. The thickness direction of the shell is perpendicular to the depth direction of the shell. The end plates are fixed to the mounting position, so that the battery cell module is supported in the shell in a suspended manner. The technical problem of how to improve the space utilization and the lightweight level of the battery pack is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery structure technology, and in particular to a battery structure. Background Technology

[0002] In existing battery pack structures, a stacked arrangement of dual battery modules is typically used to achieve larger capacity and higher energy density. In existing solutions, the first battery module is usually installed and fixed to the bottom or internal positioning area of ​​the battery pack housing, ensuring a reliable connection between the first battery module and the housing. Subsequently, to place the second battery module on top of the first module, a separate support structure is often added to the top of the first module. This support positions and supports the second battery module. Finally, the second battery module is stacked on top of the first module using this support, thus forming a dual-module stack.

[0003] However, this design approach has several drawbacks. First, the additional support structure occupies installation space, impacting the internal space utilization of the battery pack and hindering the increase of battery capacity within a limited volume. Second, the support, as a separate component, increases the number of parts and assembly steps, making the overall pack structure more complex. Third, the support itself is typically made of metal or composite materials, inevitably increasing the overall weight. Given the increasingly stringent requirements for vehicle lightweighting, this added weight will reduce the vehicle's energy consumption and range performance. Finally, the manufacturing and installation of the support introduce additional costs, increasing both material and manufacturing process costs.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the space utilization and lightweighting of battery packs has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this application is to provide a battery structure that addresses the technical problem of how to improve the space utilization and lightweighting of a battery pack.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a solution as follows: a battery structure including a housing, the inner wall of the top of the housing limiting the depth of the housing in the depth direction and having a mounting position; a cell module disposed within the housing, including a cell group formed by stacking multiple cells along the thickness direction of the housing, and a pair of end plates clamping the two ends of the cell group, the thickness direction of the housing being perpendicular to the depth direction of the housing, the end plates being fixed to the mounting position, so that the cell module is supported in the housing in a suspended manner.

[0007] Optionally, the end plate is arranged parallel to the depth direction of the housing, and a fixing hole is provided on the side near the mounting position. The mounting position includes a through hole coaxial with the fixing hole. The battery structure also includes a fixing member, which passes through the through hole and is connected to the fixing hole.

[0008] Optionally, the number of fixing holes is at least two, and the fixing holes are spaced apart along the side of the end plate.

[0009] Optionally, the number, location, and size of the fixing holes on different end plates are all the same.

[0010] Optionally, the mounting position includes a slot provided on the inner wall of the housing, and the end plate protrudes in the direction of the mounting position to form a snap-fit ​​part, which snaps into the slot.

[0011] Optionally, both the slot and the snap-fit ​​part have trapezoidal cross-sections, and the bottom width of the slot is greater than the opening width. When the snap-fit ​​part is embedded in the slot, the side of the snap-fit ​​part forms a surface contact with the side wall of the slot.

[0012] Optionally, the end plate is arranged parallel to the depth direction of the housing, and an injection groove is provided at the interface between the side near the mounting position and the housing, the injection groove extending along the side of the end plate.

[0013] Optionally, the bottom of the glue injection groove is provided with serrated protrusions, and the ratio of the height of the serrated protrusions to the depth of the glue injection groove is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4.

[0014] Optionally, the battery structure also includes a top plate disposed between the cell module and the inner wall of the top of the casing.

[0015] Optionally, the battery structure also includes a base plate, which is located on the side of the cell module away from the mounting position, and the base plate is connected to a pair of end plates.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0017] Addressing the issue that existing dual- or multi-layer module battery packs typically rely on additional supports for module fixation, resulting in insufficient space utilization and lightweight design, this application addresses this problem by directly fixing the cell module end plate to the mounting position on the top inner wall of the casing. This allows the module to be suspended and supported within the casing, eliminating the need for intermediate supports. This simplifies the structure and frees up space previously occupied by supports between modules, enabling the arrangement of more individual cells within the same volume. Consequently, it significantly improves the space utilization and energy density of the battery pack while reducing overall weight, achieving the goal of lightweight battery pack design. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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 some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is provided by the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a top view of a battery cell module provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged view of another battery structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged view of another battery structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] Explanation of icon numbers: 10. Housing; 11. Mounting position; 111. Through hole; 112. Slot; 20. Cell module; 21. Cell assembly; 211. Cell; 22. End plate; 221. Fixing hole; 222. Snap-fit ​​part; 223. Glue injection groove; 224. Serrated protrusion; 30. Fixing component; 40. Top plate; 50. Bottom plate. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0023] It should also be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may be connected to an intermediary component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or indirectly connected to the other component through an intermediary component.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is provided by the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle.

[0025] The present application provides a battery structure to address the problems of insufficient space utilization and increased weight in existing dual-layer or multi-layer module battery packs.

[0026] The battery structure includes a casing and a cell module. The casing is a hollow frame with an internal cavity for mounting the cell module. A limiting structure is located on the inner wall of the top of the casing along its depth, forming mounting positions to support and secure the cell module. Through this arrangement, the casing not only serves as an external protective component but also directly bears the load-bearing function for the module's installation.

[0027] The battery cell module is housed inside the casing and comprises multiple individual battery cells stacked sequentially along the thickness of the casing. These individual cells together form a battery cell assembly. End plates are located at both ends of the battery cell assembly, clamping and constraining it to ensure structural stability. Furthermore, the two end plates are fixed to mounting positions on the inner top wall of the casing, allowing the entire battery cell module to be suspended from the top of the casing.

[0028] In this embodiment, the load-bearing path of the cell module is changed from the traditional module-bracket-housing to module end plate-housing inner wall, which eliminates the need for additional intermediate brackets, directly reducing the number of parts and avoiding the complexity of the assembly process. At the same time, since there is no longer a need to occupy additional support space between modules, the space inside the housing can be used more efficiently, allowing more individual cells to be arranged in the same volume, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery pack.

[0029] In one implementation method, some optimized embodiments further define the method of fixing the end plate relative to the housing. Specifically, the end plate surface is arranged parallel to the depth direction of the housing, enabling the end plate to form a stable mating relationship with the mounting position on the inner wall of the top of the housing. To achieve reliable fixing, a fixing hole is provided on the side of the end plate near the mounting position. Correspondingly, a through hole coaxial with the fixing hole is also provided on the mounting position of the housing.

[0030] In addition, the battery structure includes a fixing component that can pass through the through hole in the housing mounting position and further connect with the fixing hole on the end plate. Through this connection method, the end plate of the cell module can be directly locked to the top inner wall of the housing, thus allowing the entire cell module to be stably suspended inside the housing in a hanging state.

[0031] In this embodiment, the fasteners, through the coaxial fit between the through holes and the fixing holes, make the installation process more directional and reduce difficulties caused by hole misalignment during assembly. Secondly, the through-hole connection of the fasteners enables point-to-point rigid locking, significantly improving the bonding strength between the end plate and the housing. This ensures the module remains secure and reliable even under vibration and impact conditions during vehicle operation, preventing loosening or displacement. Furthermore, the arrangement of the end plate parallel to the depth direction of the housing allows for a full fit between the module's force-bearing surface and the housing's structural surface, resulting in more efficient force transmission and further improving the stability of the suspension structure.

[0032] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a top view of a battery cell module provided in an embodiment of this application. Based on this, in a partially optimized embodiment, the end plate has at least two fixing holes near the mounting position, and these fixing holes are spaced apart along the side of the end plate. Because using only a single fixing hole, the end plate is prone to swaying around the fixing point when subjected to external impacts or the weight of the battery cell module itself, leading to positional displacement of the module within the housing. Therefore, by providing at least two fixing holes and distributing them along the side, a multi-point locking effect can be formed after the fixing component is inserted, thereby significantly improving the connection stability between the end plate and the housing.

[0033] In addition, the spaced arrangement of multiple fixing holes not only increases the force coverage area, but also enables uniform force transmission when the module is suspended, avoiding the problem of excessive local stress caused by the load being concentrated at a single fixing point. This effectively reduces the risk of fatigue damage to the end plate material and improves the long-term reliability of the module suspension support.

[0034] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments, the end plates located at both ends of the battery cell assembly adopt a symmetrical arrangement scheme, that is, the number of fixing holes opened on the two end plates is the same, the distribution position of the fixing holes on the side is completely corresponding, and the hole diameter is also consistent.

[0035] The consistent number and location of mounting holes standardize the installation method of the battery cell module within the housing. Regardless of whether the module is installed in the forward or reverse orientation, it can achieve a corresponding fit with the mounting position on the top of the housing, thereby reducing directional requirements in the assembly process and improving production efficiency. Simultaneously, the consistent size of the mounting holes allows for the interchangeability of fasteners between the two end plates, avoiding the need for multiple specifications of fasteners due to different end plate hole diameters, thus simplifying component management and reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. Furthermore, the consistency of the hole positions on both end plates ensures the symmetry of the module under stress. When vibration or impact occurs, the fasteners can evenly bear the load in symmetrical positions, making the battery cell module more stress-balanced, reducing local stress concentration, and extending the service life of the end plates and fasteners.

[0036] Furthermore, this symmetrical and uniform structural design facilitates subsequent maintenance and module replacement. Because the mounting holes are identical in position and size, maintenance personnel can quickly disassemble and assemble modules without needing to distinguish between different end plates, significantly improving the maintainability of the battery pack.

[0037] As another implementation, the mounting position is not limited to a through-hole fit structure. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged view of another battery structure provided in an embodiment of this application. In some optimized embodiments, the mounting position may include a slot structure disposed on the inner wall of the housing. The end plate extends towards the mounting position on the side near the inner wall of the housing and forms a snap-fit ​​portion. The shape of the snap-fit ​​portion is adapted to the slot on the inner wall of the housing, so that the snap-fit ​​portion can be directly embedded in the slot, thereby realizing the snap-fit ​​fixation between the end plate and the housing.

[0038] In this embodiment, through the structural cooperation of the slot and the snap-fit ​​part, the battery cell module can be quickly positioned during installation by insertion and snapping, without the need for additional fasteners. The slot and the snap-fit ​​part form surface or line contact, which, compared to point contact bolt fixing, can distribute the load over a wider area, making the stress on the module suspension support more uniform, thereby effectively reducing the risk of localized stress concentration and material fatigue. Secondly, the snap-fit ​​fixing eliminates the need for traditional bolts or pins, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process. Operators only need to push the battery cell module in along the installation direction to complete the installation, which significantly improves production assembly efficiency, making it particularly suitable for large-scale automated production of battery packs.

[0039] Furthermore, in some optimized embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry of both the slot and the engaging portion is designed as a trapezoidal structure. The slot gradually widens from the opening to the bottom, with the bottom width greater than the opening width, thus forming a narrow-mouthed, wide-bottomed inverted trapezoidal cavity structure. Correspondingly, the engaging portion protruding towards the mounting position on the end plate is also machined into a trapezoidal cross-section adapted to the slot. When the engaging portion is inserted into the slot, its two sides can achieve surface contact with the inner wall of the slot over a large contact area.

[0040] Compared to straight-walled or rectangular cross-section slots, the trapezoidal opening creates a self-locking effect, meaning that once the locking part is inserted, it is less likely to fall off along the thickness or depth direction, effectively preventing the battery cell module from loosening under vibration or impact conditions and improving connection reliability. Simultaneously, the wide bottom and narrow opening of the slot also provides a guiding function during assembly. When the operator pushes the battery cell module into the housing, the locking part is gradually guided into the slot by the narrowing edge. Furthermore, the trapezoidal cross-section structure also has a certain anti-loosening function. Under long-term thermal expansion and contraction or dynamic operating conditions, rectangular slots are prone to loosening due to gap changes, while trapezoidal slots, relying on their structural narrowing effect, maintain stable limiting constraints, thereby improving the long-term reliability of the module fixation.

[0041] Additionally, please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged view of another battery structure provided in the embodiments of this application. In some optimized embodiments, the end plate and the housing can be fixedly connected in another way. Specifically, the end plate is arranged parallel to the depth direction of the housing, and a glue injection groove is provided at the interface between its side near the mounting position and the inner wall of the housing. The glue injection groove extends continuously or intermittently along the side direction of the end plate.

[0042] In actual assembly, the injection groove serves as a channel for filling sealant or structural adhesive. By injecting adhesive into the injection groove, the adhesive forms a continuous cured layer after curing, thus establishing a stable connection between the end plate and the inner wall of the housing. Unlike mechanical fasteners such as bolts and clips, this injection connection not only possesses sufficient structural strength but also provides sealing and cushioning. The presence of the injection groove allows the adhesive to be evenly distributed at the joint interface, avoiding gaps or discontinuous areas. This effectively prevents impurities such as dust, moisture, or electrolyte from entering the area around the module, enhancing the overall environmental adaptability of the battery pack. Simultaneously, the cured adhesive layer retains a certain degree of flexibility, providing cushioning under vehicle vibration, impact, or thermal expansion and contraction conditions, reducing hard contact impact between the end plate and the housing, and extending the service life of the module and housing.

[0043] Furthermore, in some optimized embodiments, the bottom of the injection groove is provided with serrated protrusions. These serrated protrusions are arranged along the extension direction of the injection groove, with multiple protrusions spaced apart on the bottom surface of the groove. The presence of these serrated protrusions transforms the smooth interface of the groove bottom into a multi-toothed surface. When the adhesive flows into the injection groove, it fills the spaces between the protrusions, thus forming an interlocking relationship with the bottom of the groove. This interlocking structure between the adhesive and the protrusions effectively improves the bonding strength between the adhesive layer and the end plate surface, preventing the adhesive layer from peeling off under long-term load, vibration, or thermal cycling conditions.

[0044] Preferably, the ratio of the height of the serrated protrusions to the overall depth of the injection groove is limited to between 0.2 and 0.4, achieving a balance between adhesive strength and filler flowability. If the serrated protrusions are too low (less than 0.2 times the groove depth), the protrusions do not adequately restrict the embedding of the adhesive, resulting in limited interlocking and difficulty in significantly enhancing adhesive strength. If the protrusions are too high (greater than 0.4 times the groove depth), they will hinder the flow of the adhesive, easily leading to incomplete filling or air bubble accumulation, thus reducing structural reliability. By reasonably controlling the ratio of protrusion height to groove depth, it can be ensured that the adhesive is uniformly filled in the groove and forms a high-quality adhesive layer. In addition, the serrated geometry itself has directionality. When the battery module is subjected to loads or impacts in different directions during operation, the adhesive layer is forced to slide along the groove, and the serrated protrusions can resist the sliding direction, thereby further enhancing the shear resistance and peel resistance of the adhesive layer.

[0045] Additionally, in some embodiments, the battery structure also includes a top plate disposed between the cell module and the inner wall of the top of the housing, thereby forming an isolation structure between the module and the housing, thus optimizing the contact and force transmission between the module and the housing in the vertical direction.

[0046] The top plate can be made of rigid or semi-rigid materials, and its thickness and rigidity can be designed according to the module weight and shell structure requirements. Structurally, the top plate can cover the upper surface of the battery cell module and form a close fit or spaced arrangement with the inner wall of the top of the shell, so that the load when the module is suspended is evenly distributed to the inner wall of the top of the shell through the top plate, reducing the local stress concentration of the end plate and fixing parts, thereby enhancing the overall stability of the suspension and fixing structure.

[0047] In addition, the top plate also serves as an isolation and protection mechanism. On the one hand, the top plate isolates the battery cell module from the top of the housing, effectively preventing the module surface from being scratched or damaged during assembly, transportation, or operation. On the other hand, the top plate can act as a buffer under vibration or impact conditions, absorbing some of the impact energy and reducing the direct force on the module, thereby extending the service life of the battery cell and end plate.

[0048] In some embodiments, the battery structure further includes a base plate. This base plate is disposed on the side of the cell module away from the mounting position, and connects to the end plates at both ends of the module, providing lateral constraint and clamping fixation to the end plates, thereby further enhancing the overall structural stability of the cell module. The reinforcement of the base plate prevents the end plates from deforming or loosening due to excessive local loads.

[0049] Furthermore, the base plate can also be designed as a structure with integrated functions. Space can be reserved on it for mounting auxiliary components such as temperature sensors, cooling pipes, or electrical components. By integrating functional components inside or on the surface of the base plate, not only is the use of additional brackets or mounting hardware reduced, but the internal space layout of the battery pack is also optimized, improving overall space utilization. At the same time, while providing functional integration, the base plate also provides a certain degree of protection for the cell modules, preventing damage to components beneath the modules during vibration or impact.

[0050] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the content of this application's specification and drawings under the concept of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery structure, characterized in that, include: A housing, wherein the inner wall at the top of the housing limits the depth of the housing in the depth direction and is provided with a mounting position; A battery cell module is disposed within the housing, comprising a battery cell assembly formed by stacking multiple battery cells along the thickness direction of the housing, and a pair of end plates clamping the two ends of the battery cell assembly. The thickness direction of the housing is perpendicular to the depth direction of the housing, and the end plates are fixed to the mounting position, so that the battery cell module is supported in the housing in a suspended manner.

2. The battery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate is arranged parallel to the depth direction of the housing, and a fixing hole is provided on the side near the mounting position. The mounting position includes a through hole coaxial with the fixing hole. The battery structure also includes a fixing member, which passes through the through hole and is connected to the fixing hole.

3. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of fixing holes is at least two, and the fixing holes are spaced apart along the side of the end plate.

4. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number, position, and size of the fixing holes on the different end plates are all the same.

5. The battery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting position includes a slot disposed on the inner wall of the housing, and the end plate protrudes toward the mounting position to form a snap-fit ​​portion, which snaps into the slot.

6. The battery structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the slot and the connecting part have trapezoidal cross-sections, and the bottom width of the slot is greater than the opening width. When the connecting part is inserted into the slot, the side of the connecting part forms a surface contact with the side wall of the slot.

7. The battery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate is arranged parallel to the depth direction of the housing, and a glue injection groove is provided at the interface between the side of the end plate and the housing near the mounting position. The glue injection groove extends along the side of the end plate.

8. The battery structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the glue injection groove is provided with serrated protrusions, and the ratio of the height of the serrated protrusions to the depth of the glue injection groove is in the range of 0.2 to 0.

4.

9. The battery structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The battery structure also includes a top plate, which is disposed between the cell module and the inner wall of the top of the housing.

10. The battery structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The battery structure also includes a base plate, which is disposed on the side of the cell module away from the mounting position, and the base plate is connected to a pair of end plates.

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