End plate, battery module and vehicle

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of battery modules, and particularly relates to an end plate, a battery module and a vehicle. The end plate has a first direction and comprises a support plate, a contact plate and a buffer plate. The thickness direction of the support plate is the same as the first direction. The thickness direction of the contact plate is the same as the first direction. The contact plate is fixedly connected with the support plate along the first direction. The contact plate has a first mounting hole. The contact plate is used for being attached to a battery cell. A buffer member is embedded in the first mounting hole. When the battery module is assembled, the contact plate is in contact with the battery cell and applies a pre-tightening force to the battery cell. When the battery cell expands in long-term circulation, the buffer member can absorb the expansion of the battery cell and provide flexible constraint for the expansion of the battery cell. In this way, it is beneficial to ensure that the constraint applied to the battery cell by the end plate and the constraint applied to the battery cell by a thermal insulation pad tend to be consistent, and then it is beneficial to ensure that the forces on both sides of the battery cell are uniform, so as to prevent the cycle life of the battery cell from being affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of battery module technology, specifically relating to an end plate, a battery module, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As the core power supply unit in a vehicle, the battery module's cycle life directly impacts the vehicle's performance and maintenance costs. Existing battery modules typically include end plates, battery cells, rubber frames, and heat insulation pads. There are usually two end plates positioned opposite each other, with multiple battery cells positioned between them. A rubber frame is placed between any two adjacent cells, and a heat insulation pad is installed within the frame's openings. The end plates clamp the battery cells from both sides, and the rubber frame supports the cells to maintain preload. This buffer absorbs the expansion of the cells during long-term use and provides flexible constraint. However, because the constraints applied to the cells by the end plates differ from those applied by the rubber frames and heat insulation pads, the cells adjacent to the end plates experience uneven stress. Over long-term cycling, this can easily affect the cell's cycle life. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above problems, this utility model is proposed to provide an end plate, battery module and vehicle that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an end plate, the end plate having a first direction and comprising: A support plate, wherein the thickness direction of the support plate is in the same direction as the first direction; A contact plate, wherein the thickness direction of the contact plate is in the same direction as the first direction, the contact plate and the support plate are stacked and fixedly connected along the first direction, the contact plate has a first mounting hole, and the contact plate is used to fit with the battery cell; A buffer element is embedded in the first mounting hole.

[0005] Optionally, the end plate has a second direction that intersects with the first direction; Along the second direction, the contact plate has a first frame edge and a second frame edge disposed opposite to each other, the first mounting hole is located between the first frame edge and the second frame edge, and the maximum dimension of the first frame edge along the second direction is greater than the maximum dimension of the second frame edge along the second direction.

[0006] Optionally, along the first direction, the projection of the support plate does not exceed the projection of the battery cell, and the projection of the contact plate does not exceed the projection of the support plate.

[0007] Optionally, the cushioning element includes at least one of a foam pad or an aerogel pad.

[0008] Optionally, the contact plate thickness is H1, and the cell thickness is H0, where 0mm < H1 ≤ 0.05H0.

[0009] Optionally, the thickness of the buffer is H2, where 0 mm < H2 ≤ 1.5 H1.

[0010] Optionally, the thickness of the support plate is H3, where 0.5mm ≤ H3 ≤ 2mm.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery module, the battery module including any of the end plates described in the first aspect.

[0012] Optionally, the battery module further includes a side plate, a cell and a separator assembly, and the battery module has a third direction that intersects with the first direction; Along the first direction, multiple battery cells are provided. Each of the multiple battery cells has an end plate on both sides along the first direction and a side plate on both sides along the third direction. The end plates and the side plates are fixedly connected. A partition assembly is provided between each pair of adjacent battery cells. The partition assembly includes a rubber frame and a heat insulation pad. The rubber frame has a second mounting hole, and the heat insulation pad is embedded in the second mounting hole.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle that includes any of the end plates described in the first aspect, or any of the battery modules described in the second aspect.

[0014] In this embodiment, the end plate includes a support plate, a contact plate, and a buffer member, wherein the support plate and the contact plate are stacked along a first direction, and the buffer member is embedded in a first mounting hole in the contact plate. During battery module assembly, the contact plate contacts the battery cell and maintains a preload between the cells. When the battery cell expands during long-term cycling, the buffer member can absorb the expansion and provide flexible constraint. This helps ensure that the constraint applied to the battery cell by the end plate is consistent with the constraint applied to the battery cell by the heat insulation pad, thereby ensuring uniform force on both sides of the battery cell and preventing the cycle life of the battery cell from being affected.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1This is an exploded view of the end plate described in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the end plate described in some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module described in some embodiments of this application along a first direction; Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module described in some embodiments of this application along a third direction; Reference numerals: 1. End plate; 11. Support plate; 12. Contact plate; 121. First mounting hole; 122. First frame edge; 123. Second frame edge; 13. Buffer; 2. Side plate; 3. Battery cell; 4. Partition assembly; 41. Rubber frame; 411. Second mounting hole; 42. Heat insulation pad; Z, First direction; X, Second direction; Y, Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] As the core power supply unit in a vehicle, the battery module's cycle life directly impacts the vehicle's performance and maintenance costs. Specifically, as the number of battery cell cycles increases, the cell capacity decreases, leading to a reduction in the vehicle's driving range. Simultaneously, the internal resistance of the cells increases, affecting the vehicle's power performance and charging speed. The reduced cycle life of the battery module causes problems such as decreased driving range, power degradation, and slower charging speeds to occur earlier, thus affecting the vehicle's long-term performance. During maintenance, the reduced cycle life of the battery module necessitates earlier battery module replacement, thereby increasing the overall maintenance costs throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

[0022] Existing battery modules typically include end plates, battery cells, rubber frames, and thermal insulation pads. There are usually two end plates positioned opposite each other, with multiple battery cells positioned between them, and thermal insulation pads between any two adjacent cells. During assembly, the battery cells are generally subjected to preload applied by external tooling to constrain them. The end plates can clamp all the cells from both sides, and the rubber frames support the cells to maintain the preload. The thermal insulation pads are generally made of elastic materials. As the cells cycle, they are prone to expansion due to internal gas generation, temperature changes, and changes in the internal core volume. At this time, the battery cells on both sides of the thermal insulation pad compress and deform, simultaneously applying flexible constraints to the cells to prevent excessive expansion.

[0023] However, due to the different structures of the end plate, rubber frame, and heat insulation pad, the constraints applied by the end plate to the cell are also different from those applied by the rubber frame and heat insulation pad. This results in uneven stress distribution on both sides of the cell adjacent to the end plate, leading to extremely uneven stress distribution within the cell. Areas with concentrated stress will preferentially experience degradation and damage, while areas with low stress may experience poor contact. This inconsistency causes a sharp deterioration in cell consistency, leading to a decrease in cell cycle life, and consequently a significant decrease in the cycle life of the entire battery module.

[0024] To address the aforementioned technical problems, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an end plate 1.

[0025] refer to Figure 1The end plate 1 has a first direction Z. In some embodiments of this application, the first direction Z is in the same direction as the thickness direction of the end plate 1. The end plate 1 includes a support plate 11, a contact plate 12, and a buffer member 13. The thickness directions of the support plate 11 and the contact plate 12 are both in the same direction as the first direction Z.

[0026] refer to Figure 2 The support plate 11 is a structural component that provides support and a mounting base for the contact plate 12 and the buffer 13. In some embodiments of this application, the support plate 11 is preferably made of a material with good strength. For example, the support plate 11 can be a plate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, or it can be PCM (Prepainted steel sheet), etc. The shape of the support plate 11 can be determined according to actual needs. In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell 3 adapted to the end plate 1 is cubic in shape. Therefore, preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the support plate 11 along the thickness direction is rectangular, so that the shape of the battery cell 3 is adapted to the support plate 11.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 The contact plate 12 is a structural component used to contact the battery cell 3. The contact plate 12 and the support plate 11 are stacked along the first direction Z, and the contact plate 12 and the support plate 11 can be fixedly connected by means of adhesive bonding or other methods. In use, the contact plate 12 contacts the battery cell 3 to maintain the preload on the battery cell 3. The shape of the contact plate 12 can also be determined according to actual needs. In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell 3 adapted to the end plate 1 is cubic in shape. Therefore, preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the contact plate 12 along the thickness direction is rectangular, so that the shape of the battery cell 3 adapts to the contact plate 12. (Reference) Figure 3 In some embodiments of this application, a rubber frame 41 is generally provided between the battery cells 3, and the material of the contact plate 12 is consistent with that of the rubber frame 41 so that the battery cells 3 adjacent to the end plate 1 can be subjected to the same force. Furthermore, the contact plate 12 is preferably made of hard rubber. This ensures the hardness of the contact plate 12 while also giving it a certain degree of elasticity. In use, the contact plate 12 is sandwiched between the battery cell 3 and the support plate 11, and the contact plate 12 can undergo small compressive deformation. At this time, the contact plate 12 can apply a certain elastic reaction force to the battery cell 3 to better maintain the preload between the battery cells 3. In some embodiments of this application, the contact plate 12 can also be a foam board or a polyester board.

[0028] refer to Figure 2The contact plate 12 has a first mounting hole 121, the depth direction of which is preferably in the same direction as the first direction Z. The first mounting hole 121 can be a blind hole, in which case the first mounting hole 121 is opened on the side of the contact plate 12 used for contacting the battery cell 3. The first mounting hole 121 can also be a through hole, in which case the first mounting hole 121 penetrates the contact plate 12 along the first direction Z. The buffer member 13 is embedded in the first mounting hole 121 and is bonded to the contact plate 12 and / or the support plate 11 by adhesive bonding. When the battery cell 3 expands during long-term cycling, the expanded part of the battery cell 3 will squeeze the buffer member 13. Under the support of the support plate 11, the buffer member 13 undergoes compression deformation, and at the same time, it will also apply a flexible constraint to the battery cell 3 to avoid excessive expansion of the battery cell 3. This helps to ensure that the constraint applied to the battery cell 3 by the end plate 1 is consistent with the constraint applied to the battery cell 3 by the rubber frame and the heat insulation pad 42, thereby ensuring that the force on both sides of the battery cell 3 is uniform. This ensures that the stress generated inside cell 3 due to external constraints remains consistent, thus preventing the cycle life of cell 3 from being affected.

[0029] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the end plate 1 has a second direction X, which intersects with the first direction Z. The first direction Z and the second direction X can be in a general intersecting relationship, i.e., the angle between them is acute or obtuse. In some embodiments of this application, preferably, the first direction Z and the second direction X are orthogonal, i.e., the angle between them is a right angle. When the end plate 1 is a rectangular plate, and the first direction Z is in the same direction as the thickness direction of the end plate 1, the second direction X can be in the same direction as the length or width direction of the end plate 1.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 Along the second direction X, the contact plate 12 has a first frame edge 122 and a second frame edge 123 arranged opposite to each other, and a first mounting hole 121 is located between the first frame edge 122 and the second frame edge 123. The maximum dimension of the first frame edge 122 along the second direction X is greater than the maximum dimension of the second frame edge 123 along the second direction X. This means that along the second direction X, the first mounting hole 121 is eccentrically positioned on the contact plate 12. The size change of the core is the main reason for the expansion of the battery cell 3. Inside the battery cell 3, the position of the core is also eccentrically positioned. Specifically, along the direction of gravity, the distance from the core to the bottom of the battery cell 3 housing is less than the distance from the core to the top of the battery cell 3 housing. When the second direction X is in the same direction as the direction of gravity, the first mounting hole 121 is eccentrically positioned on the contact plate 12 along the second direction X, which makes the position of the first mounting hole 121 more matched with the position of the core, thus helping to ensure that the buffer 13 and the core inside the battery cell 3 are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction Z. This allows the buffer 13 to fully absorb the expansion of the battery cell 3, which helps to ensure the flexible limiting of the expansion of the battery cell 3 by the buffer 13.

[0031] Specifically, in some embodiments of this application, the contact plate 12 is a rectangular plate structure, and the first mounting hole 121 is a rectangular hole. In this case, the contact plate 12 has a rectangular frame structure, with the first frame edge 122 and the second frame edge 123 positioned opposite each other along the second direction X on both sides of the first mounting hole 121. The distance from the side of the first frame edge 122 facing away from the first mounting hole 121 to the side of the first frame edge 122 located inside the first mounting hole 121 along the second direction X is the maximum dimension of the first frame edge 122 along the second direction X. Similarly, the distance from the side of the second frame edge 123 facing away from the first mounting hole 121 to the side of the second frame edge 123 located inside the first mounting hole 121 along the second direction X is the maximum dimension of the second frame edge 123 along the second direction X. The specific maximum dimensions of the first frame edge 122 and the second frame edge 123 along the second direction X can be determined according to the actual position of the winding core inside the battery cell 3, and will not be elaborated here.

[0032] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments of this application, optionally, along the first direction Z, the projection of the support plate 11 does not exceed the projection of the battery cell 3; Reference Figure 2 The projection of the contact plate 12 does not exceed the projection of the support plate 11. In other words, the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z can be the same as the projection of the cell 3 along the first direction Z, to facilitate alignment between the support plate 11 and the cell 3. Alternatively, the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z can be smaller than the projection of the cell 3 along the first direction Z, to facilitate the installation of the support plate 11. Specifically, in the battery module, the end plate 1 is generally connected to the side plates 2 arranged on opposite sides of the cell 3 by adhesive bonding. Since the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z is smaller than the projection of the cell 3 along the first direction Z, sufficient space can be left between the support plate 11 and the side plates 2 for applying adhesive. This ensures sufficient adhesive between the support plate 11 and the side plates 2 to guarantee connection strength.

[0033] The projection of the contact plate 12 along the first direction Z can be the same as the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z, to facilitate alignment between the support plate 11 and the contact plate 12. Alternatively, the projection of the contact plate 12 along the first direction Z can be smaller than the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z, to facilitate connection between the support plate 11 and the contact plate 12. In some embodiments of this application, preferably, the contact plate 12 and the support plate 11 are the same size, that is, the projection of the contact plate 12 along the first direction Z is the same as the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z; simultaneously, the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z is smaller than the projection of the battery cell 3 along the first direction Z, to facilitate installation of the support plate 11 and the contact plate 12.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the buffer 13 optionally includes at least one of a foam pad or an aerogel pad. In other words, the buffer 13 can be a foam pad, an aerogel pad, or a combination of both. This allows the buffer 13 to have good compressibility, providing good flexible constraint for the battery cell 3 when it expands. Simultaneously, the foam pad and aerogel pad also have heat insulation and electrical insulation capabilities, which helps ensure the insulation and heat insulation effects between the end plate 1 and the battery cell 3. The compressibility of the buffer 13 can be set according to actual needs. In some embodiments of this application, preferably, the compression ratio of the buffer 13 at a pressure of 0.7 MPa needs to be greater than 15%. This prevents the expansion of the battery cell 3 from being over-constrained and avoids an increase in internal stress in the battery cell 3. Therefore, this helps prevent damage to the internal structure of the battery cell 3 due to excessive stress and helps ensure the cycle life of the battery cell 3.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the contact plate 12 has a thickness of H1, and the battery cell 3 has a thickness of H0. The thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 is greater than 0 and less than 0.05 times the thickness H0 of the battery cell 3. For example, when the thickness H0 of the battery cell 3 is 100mm, the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 can be 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, etc. When the thickness H0 of the battery cell 3 is 20mm, the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 can be 0.25mm, 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1mm, etc. This prevents the contact plate 12 from being too thick, which helps to ensure the arrangement density and integration efficiency of the battery cell 3. At the same time, this also avoids unnecessary material waste, which helps to reduce the material cost of the battery module and reduce the spatial size of the battery module.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the thickness of the buffer 13 is H2. The thickness H2 of the buffer 13 is greater than 0 and less than 1.5 times the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12. For example, when the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 is 1 mm, the thickness H2 of the buffer 13 can be 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, etc. When the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 is 2 mm, the thickness H2 of the buffer 13 can be 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, etc. This ensures that the buffer 13 has sufficient thickness to provide flexible constraint for the battery cell 3, which helps prevent excessive expansion of the battery cell 3 and thus helps ensure the cycle life of the battery cell 3.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the thickness of the support plate 11 is H3. The thickness H3 of the support plate 11 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm. Specifically, the thickness H3 of the support plate 11 can be 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2 mm, etc. When the thickness of the support plate 11 is less than 0.5 mm, the strength of the support plate 11 is too low and it cannot effectively provide support. As the cell 3 expands, the support plate 11 is prone to deformation. This will affect the constraint effect of the buffer 13 on the cell 3, making it easy for the expansion of the cell 3 to lose its constraint, thereby reducing the cycle life of the cell 3. When the thickness of the support plate 11 is greater than 2 mm, it will cause unnecessary material waste, thereby increasing the material cost of the battery module. An excessively thick support plate 11 will also increase the thickness of the end plate 1, thereby increasing the spatial size of the battery module. This is not conducive to the assembly of the battery module, nor is it conducive to ensuring the arrangement density and integration efficiency of the cell 3.

[0038] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery module, which includes any of the end plates 1 described in the first aspect.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the battery module further includes a side plate 2, a battery cell 3, and a separator assembly 4. The battery module has a third direction Y, which intersects with a first direction Z. The third direction Y and the first direction Z can be a general intersection, that is, the angle between the third direction Y and the first direction Z is an acute angle or an obtuse angle. Preferably, in some embodiments of this application, the third direction Y and the first direction Z are orthogonal, that is, the angle between the third direction Y and the first direction Z is a right angle.

[0040] Multiple battery cells 3 are arranged along the first direction Z. Each battery cell 3 has an end plate 1 on both sides along the first direction Z, and a side plate 2 on both sides along the third direction Y. The end plates 1 and side plates 2 are fixedly connected by adhesive bonding. A partition assembly 4 is provided between each pair of adjacent battery cells 3. In some embodiments of this application, the battery cells 3 can be bonded to the contact plate 12 of the end plate 1, the side plate 2, and the partition assembly 4 by adhesive bonding. The partition assembly 4 includes a rubber frame 41 and a heat insulation pad 42. The rubber frame 41 has a second mounting hole 411, and the heat insulation pad 42 is embedded in the second mounting hole 411.

[0041] When cell 3 expands during long-term cycling, the expanded portion of cell 3 will compress the buffer 13. Supported by the support plate 11, the buffer 13 undergoes compression deformation, simultaneously applying a flexible constraint to cell 3 to prevent excessive expansion. This helps ensure that the constraint applied to cell 3 by end plate 1 is consistent with the constraints applied to cell 3 by rubber frame 41 and heat insulation pad 42, thereby ensuring uniform force on both sides of cell 3. This keeps the stress generated inside cell 3 due to external constraints consistent, helping to prevent the cycle life of cell 3 from being affected, and thus helping to ensure the cycle life of the battery module.

[0042] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The end plate 1 has a first direction Z. In some embodiments of this application, the first direction Z is in the same direction as the thickness direction of the end plate 1. The end plate 1 includes a support plate 11, a contact plate 12, and a buffer member 13. The thickness directions of the support plate 11 and the contact plate 12 are both in the same direction as the first direction Z.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 The support plate 11 is a structural component that provides support and a mounting base for the contact plate 12 and the buffer 13. In some embodiments of this application, the support plate 11 is preferably made of a material with good strength. For example, the support plate 11 can be a plate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, or it can be PCM (Prepainted steel sheet), etc. The shape of the support plate 11 can be determined according to actual needs. In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell 3 adapted to the end plate 1 is cubic in shape. Therefore, preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the support plate 11 along the thickness direction is rectangular, so that the shape of the battery cell 3 is adapted to the support plate 11.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 The contact plate 12 is a structural component used to contact the battery cell 3. The contact plate 12 and the support plate 11 are stacked along the first direction Z, and the contact plate 12 and the support plate 11 can be fixedly connected by means of adhesive bonding or other methods. In use, the contact plate 12 contacts the battery cell 3 to maintain the preload on the battery cell 3. The shape of the contact plate 12 can also be determined according to actual needs. In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell 3 adapted to the end plate 1 is cubic in shape. Therefore, preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the contact plate 12 along the thickness direction is rectangular, so that the shape of the battery cell 3 adapts to the contact plate 12. (Reference) Figure 3In some embodiments of this application, a rubber frame 41 is generally provided between the battery cells 3, and the material of the contact plate 12 is consistent with that of the rubber frame 41 so that the battery cells 3 adjacent to the end plate 1 can be subjected to the same force. Furthermore, the contact plate 12 is preferably made of hard rubber. This ensures the hardness of the contact plate 12 while also giving it a certain degree of elasticity. In use, the contact plate 12 is sandwiched between the battery cell 3 and the support plate 11, and the contact plate 12 can undergo small compressive deformation. At this time, the contact plate 12 can apply a certain elastic reaction force to the battery cell 3 to better maintain the preload between the battery cells 3. In some embodiments of this application, the contact plate 12 can also be a foam board or a polyester board.

[0045] refer to Figure 2 The contact plate 12 has a first mounting hole 121, the depth direction of which is preferably in the same direction as the first direction Z. The first mounting hole 121 can be a blind hole, in which case the first mounting hole 121 is formed on the side of the contact plate 12 used for contacting the battery cell 3. The first mounting hole 121 can also be a through hole, in which case the first mounting hole 121 penetrates the contact plate 12 along the first direction Z. The buffer member 13 is embedded in the first mounting hole 121 and is bonded to the contact plate 12 and / or the support plate 11 by adhesive bonding.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the end plate 1 has a second direction X, which intersects with the first direction Z. The first direction Z and the second direction X can be in a general intersecting relationship, i.e., the angle between them is acute or obtuse. In some embodiments of this application, preferably, the first direction Z and the second direction X are orthogonal, i.e., the angle between them is a right angle. When the end plate 1 is a rectangular plate, and the first direction Z is in the same direction as the thickness direction of the end plate 1, the second direction X can be in the same direction as the length or width direction of the end plate 1.

[0047] refer to Figure 2Along the second direction X, the contact plate 12 has a first frame edge 122 and a second frame edge 123 arranged opposite to each other, and a first mounting hole 121 is located between the first frame edge 122 and the second frame edge 123. The maximum dimension of the first frame edge 122 along the second direction X is greater than the maximum dimension of the second frame edge 123 along the second direction X. This means that along the second direction X, the first mounting hole 121 is eccentrically positioned on the contact plate 12. The size change of the core is the main reason for the expansion of the battery cell 3. Inside the battery cell 3, the position of the core is also eccentrically positioned. Specifically, along the direction of gravity, the distance from the core to the bottom of the battery cell 3 housing is less than the distance from the core to the top of the battery cell 3 housing. When the second direction X is in the same direction as the direction of gravity, the first mounting hole 121 is eccentrically positioned on the contact plate 12 along the second direction X, which makes the position of the first mounting hole 121 more matched with the position of the core, thus helping to ensure that the buffer 13 and the core inside the battery cell 3 are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction Z. This allows the buffer 13 to fully absorb the expansion of the battery cell 3, which helps to ensure the flexible limiting of the expansion of the battery cell 3 by the buffer 13.

[0048] Specifically, in some embodiments of this application, the contact plate 12 is a rectangular plate structure, and the first mounting hole 121 is a rectangular hole. In this case, the contact plate 12 has a rectangular frame structure, with the first frame edge 122 and the second frame edge 123 positioned opposite each other along the second direction X on both sides of the first mounting hole 121. The distance from the side of the first frame edge 122 facing away from the first mounting hole 121 to the side of the first frame edge 122 located inside the first mounting hole 121 along the second direction X is the maximum dimension of the first frame edge 122 along the second direction X. Similarly, the distance from the side of the second frame edge 123 facing away from the first mounting hole 121 to the side of the second frame edge 123 located inside the first mounting hole 121 along the second direction X is the maximum dimension of the second frame edge 123 along the second direction X. The specific maximum dimensions of the first frame edge 122 and the second frame edge 123 along the second direction X can be determined according to the actual position of the winding core inside the battery cell 3, and will not be elaborated here.

[0049] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments of this application, optionally, along the first direction Z, the projection of the support plate 11 does not exceed the projection of the battery cell 3; Reference Figure 2The projection of the contact plate 12 does not exceed the projection of the support plate 11. In other words, the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z can be the same as the projection of the cell 3 along the first direction Z, to facilitate alignment between the support plate 11 and the cell 3. Alternatively, the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z can be smaller than the projection of the cell 3 along the first direction Z, to facilitate the installation of the support plate 11. Specifically, in the battery module, the end plate 1 is generally connected to the side plates 2 arranged on opposite sides of the cell 3 by adhesive bonding. Since the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z is smaller than the projection of the cell 3 along the first direction Z, sufficient space can be left between the support plate 11 and the side plates 2 for applying adhesive. This ensures sufficient adhesive between the support plate 11 and the side plates 2 to guarantee connection strength.

[0050] The projection of the contact plate 12 along the first direction Z can be the same as the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z, to facilitate alignment between the support plate 11 and the contact plate 12. Alternatively, the projection of the contact plate 12 along the first direction Z can be smaller than the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z, to facilitate connection between the support plate 11 and the contact plate 12. In some embodiments of this application, preferably, the contact plate 12 and the support plate 11 are the same size, that is, the projection of the contact plate 12 along the first direction Z is the same as the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z; simultaneously, the projection of the support plate 11 along the first direction Z is smaller than the projection of the battery cell 3 along the first direction Z, to facilitate installation of the support plate 11 and the contact plate 12.

[0051] In some embodiments of this application, the buffer 13 optionally includes at least one of a foam pad or an aerogel pad. In other words, the buffer 13 can be a foam pad, an aerogel pad, or a combination of both. This allows the buffer 13 to have good compressibility, providing good flexible constraint for the battery cell 3 when it expands. Simultaneously, the foam pad and aerogel pad also have heat insulation and electrical insulation capabilities, which helps ensure the insulation and heat insulation effects between the end plate 1 and the battery cell 3. The compressibility of the buffer 13 can be set according to actual needs. In some embodiments of this application, preferably, the compression ratio of the buffer 13 at a pressure of 0.7 MPa needs to be greater than 15%. This prevents the expansion of the battery cell 3 from being over-constrained and avoids an increase in internal stress in the battery cell 3. Therefore, this helps prevent damage to the internal structure of the battery cell 3 due to excessive stress and helps ensure the cycle life of the battery cell 3.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the contact plate 12 has a thickness of H1, and the battery cell 3 has a thickness of H0. The thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 is greater than 0 and less than 0.05 times the thickness H0 of the battery cell 3. For example, when the thickness H0 of the battery cell 3 is 100mm, the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 can be 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, etc. When the thickness H0 of the battery cell 3 is 20mm, the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 can be 0.25mm, 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1mm, etc. This prevents the contact plate 12 from being too thick, which helps to ensure the arrangement density and integration efficiency of the battery cell 3. At the same time, this also avoids unnecessary material waste, which helps to reduce the material cost of the battery module and reduce the spatial size of the battery module.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the thickness of the buffer 13 is H2. The thickness H2 of the buffer 13 is greater than 0 and less than 1.5 times the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12. For example, when the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 is 1 mm, the thickness H2 of the buffer 13 can be 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, etc. When the thickness H1 of the contact plate 12 is 2 mm, the thickness H2 of the buffer 13 can be 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, etc. This ensures that the buffer 13 has sufficient thickness to provide flexible constraint for the battery cell 3, which helps prevent excessive expansion of the battery cell 3 and thus helps ensure the cycle life of the battery cell 3.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the thickness of the support plate 11 is H3. The thickness H3 of the support plate 11 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm. Specifically, the thickness H3 of the support plate 11 can be 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2 mm, etc. When the thickness of the support plate 11 is less than 0.5 mm, the strength of the support plate 11 is too low and it cannot effectively provide support. As the cell 3 expands, the support plate 11 is prone to deformation. This will affect the constraint effect of the buffer 13 on the cell 3, making it easy for the expansion of the cell 3 to lose its constraint, thereby reducing the cycle life of the cell 3. When the thickness of the support plate 11 is greater than 2 mm, it will cause unnecessary material waste, thereby increasing the material cost of the battery module. An excessively thick support plate 11 will also increase the thickness of the end plate 1, thereby increasing the spatial size of the battery module. This is not conducive to the assembly of the battery module, nor is it conducive to ensuring the arrangement density and integration efficiency of the cell 3.

[0055] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle, the vehicle including any of the end plates 1 described in the first aspect, or including any of the battery modules described in the second aspect.

[0056] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the vehicle may include small cars, medium-sized cars, sedans, trucks, trailers, CDVs (Car Derived Vans), MPVs (multi-Purpose Vehicles), SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), etc. The specific type of vehicle is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0057] Using the end plate 1 described in the first aspect helps ensure the cycle life of the battery cell 3, and thus helps ensure the cycle life of the entire battery module. This can prevent problems such as reduced vehicle range, power degradation, and slower charging speed from occurring prematurely, thereby ensuring the vehicle's performance over long-term use. It also avoids the need to replace the battery module prematurely, thus reducing maintenance costs throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

[0058] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0059] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An end plate, characterized in that, The end plate has a first direction (Z) and includes: Support plate (11), the thickness direction of the support plate (11) is in the same direction as the first direction (Z); The contact plate (12) has a thickness direction that is in the same direction as the first direction (Z). The contact plate (12) and the support plate (11) are stacked and fixedly connected along the first direction (Z). The contact plate (12) has a first mounting hole (121). The contact plate (12) is used to fit with the battery cell (3). A buffer (13) is embedded in the first mounting hole (121).

2. The end plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate has a second direction (X) that intersects with the first direction (Z); Along the second direction (X), the contact plate (12) has a first frame edge (122) and a second frame edge (123) disposed opposite to each other, the first mounting hole (121) is located between the first frame edge (122) and the second frame edge (123), and the maximum dimension of the first frame edge (122) along the second direction (X) is greater than the maximum dimension of the second frame edge (123) along the second direction (X).

3. The end plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the first direction (Z), the projection of the support plate (11) does not exceed the projection of the battery cell (3), and the projection of the contact plate (12) does not exceed the projection of the support plate (11).

4. The end plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cushioning element (13) includes at least one of a foam pad or an aerogel pad.

5. The end plate according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The thickness of the contact plate (12) is H1, and the thickness of the battery cell (3) is H0, where 0mm < H1 ≤ 0.05H0.

6. The end plate according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the buffer (13) is H2, 0mm < H2 ≤ 1.5H1.

7. The end plate according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The thickness of the support plate (11) is H3, 0.5mm≤H3≤2mm.

8. A battery module, characterized in that, The battery module includes the end plate (1) as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery module also includes a side plate (2), a battery cell (3) and a separator assembly (4), and the battery module has a third direction (Y), which intersects with the first direction (Z); Along the first direction (Z), multiple battery cells (3) are provided. Each of the multiple battery cells (3) has an end plate (1) on both sides along the first direction (Z) and a side plate (2) on both sides along the third direction (Y). The end plate (1) and the side plate (2) are fixedly connected. A partition assembly (4) is provided between two adjacent battery cells (3). The partition assembly (4) includes a rubber frame (41) and a heat insulation pad (42). The rubber frame (41) has a second mounting hole (411), and the heat insulation pad (42) is embedded in the second mounting hole (411).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes the end plate (1) as described in any one of claims 1-7, or the battery module as described in claim 8 or 9.

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