Battery pack and electric device

Abstract

The battery pack and the electric device are provided, the battery pack comprises: a box body, a containing cavity is formed in the box body, at least one longitudinal beam is arranged in the containing cavity, and the containing cavity is divided into a plurality of battery compartments arranged in sequence along a second direction; a plurality of battery groups, each battery group comprises a plurality of batteries arranged in sequence along a first direction, and each battery has a bottom end face and a top end face along a third direction, and the bottom end face is fixed to an upper portion of a bottom plate; and a plurality of limiting plates, each limiting plate is fixed to the top end face of at least two batteries; wherein the sum of the maximum dimensions of the longitudinal beams in the second direction is A, the sum of the maximum dimensions of the limiting plates in the first direction in a single battery compartment is B, and 0.2≤A / B≤4.5. Compared with the related art, the overall bending and torsional stiffness of the battery pack is improved, local crushing or shear failure of the longitudinal beam is avoided, and the problem of insufficient horizontal and vertical stiffness of the one-way longitudinal beam structure in the related art is effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery pack and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the battery pack continues to function even if some batteries fail, the trend in battery technology is to divide the battery pack into multiple independently operating battery compartments, each housing the battery pack. Structurally, this approach typically retains only the longitudinal beams (main beams arranged along the vehicle's direction of travel) as the primary load-bearing and force-transmitting components, eliminating the need for transverse reinforcing beams (crossbeams) to save internal space, reduce overall weight, and simplify assembly processes.

[0003] However, the lack of crossbeams significantly reduces the battery pack's lateral and vertical bending and torsional stiffness. Under conditions such as sharp turns, bumpy roads, or asymmetric impacts, the battery pack is prone to frame deformation, weakening the internal structural strength of the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery pack and an electrical device to solve the problem of weakened internal structural strength in battery packs in the related art.

[0005] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a battery pack, comprising: The housing includes a frame and a bottom plate, the bottom plate and the frame forming a receiving cavity, and at least one longitudinal beam is provided in the receiving cavity. The at least one longitudinal beam extends along a first direction and is fixedly connected to the frame to divide the receiving cavity into a plurality of battery compartments arranged sequentially along a second direction. Multiple battery packs are fixedly connected to the base plate, and the multiple battery packs are respectively housed in multiple battery compartments. Each battery pack includes multiple batteries arranged sequentially along the first direction. Each battery has a bottom end face and a top end face along a third direction. The bottom end face is fixed to the upper part of the base plate. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. Multiple limiting plates are provided for fixing to the top surfaces of at least two of the batteries, wherein... The sum of the maximum dimensions of the longitudinal beams in the second direction is A, and the sum of the maximum dimensions of the limiting plates in the first direction within a single battery compartment is B. The units of A and B are both mm, and 0.2 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.5.

[0006] Secondly, this disclosure provides an electrical device including the aforementioned battery pack.

[0007] Compared with related technologies, this disclosure strengthens the battery pack in the second direction by setting limiting plates, and sets the ratio of the maximum sum of the dimensions A of all longitudinal beams in the second direction to the maximum sum of the dimensions B of all limiting plates in the first direction within a single battery compartment to be between 0.2 and 4.5. This improves the overall bending and torsional stiffness of the battery pack, avoids local crushing or shear failure of the longitudinal beams, and effectively solves the problem of weakening of the internal structure of the battery pack due to insufficient lateral and vertical stiffness of the unidirectional longitudinal beam structure in related technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery pack in its concealed cover state according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack provided in the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partially simplified schematic diagram of the provided battery pack.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the limiting plate inside the provided battery pack.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the battery arrangement within the provided battery pack.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the battery pack with its insulating layer inside.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the interaction between the conductive busbar and the limiting plate within the provided battery pack.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the batteries in the provided battery pack being supported on an adhesive layer.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the battery pack in its concealed cover state according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the battery arrangement within the provided battery pack.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the interaction between the conductive busbar and the limiting plate within the provided battery pack.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10-Box body, 11-Receiving cavity, 111-Battery compartment, 112-Electrical compartment, 12-Longitudinal beam, 121-Fourth upper surface, 13-Adhesive layer, 14-Separation beam; 20-Battery pack, 21-Battery, 211-Bottom end face, 212-Top end face, 213-First side face, 214-Second side face, 22-Terminal post, 221-Second upper surface, 23-Insulating layer, 231-Window opening, 24-Conductive busbar, 241-Third upper surface; 30 - Limiting plate, 301 - First upper surface; D1 - First direction; D2 - Second direction; D3-Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated 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 disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0021] To better illustrate the battery pack structure provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, see the following reference: Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, this disclosure defines a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other, and all three directions extend bidirectionally. For example, the first direction D1 can be defined as the +X-axis direction and the -X-axis direction, the second direction D2 can be defined as the +Y-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction, and the third direction D3 can be defined as the +Z-axis direction and the -Z-axis direction. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 together constitute a three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery pack, including a housing 10, a plurality of battery packs 20, and a plurality of limiting plates 30.

[0023] The enclosure 10 is a closed or semi-closed structure made of materials such as metal and plastic. It serves as the physical carrier of the battery pack 20, and its design and manufacturing must meet the safety, reliability, and functionality requirements of the battery pack under different usage scenarios. The enclosure 10 provides installation space for the battery pack 20, battery management system, cooling system, electrical connection components, etc., and through reasonable structural design, fixes these components inside the enclosure 10, ensuring that they maintain a relatively stable position during battery pack operation and preventing damage to components or loosening of connections due to vibration, impact, or other factors. The enclosure 10 can be cast from materials such as steel plates and aluminum alloys, or it can be made of lightweight materials, such as glass fiber reinforced composite materials and carbon fiber reinforced composite materials. The shape of the enclosure can be cylindrical, cuboid, cube, etc.

[0024] The housing 10 has a receiving cavity 11, in which the battery pack 20 and accessories are arranged. In one possible embodiment, the housing 10 includes a frame, a base plate and a lid. The base plate and the frame form the receiving cavity 11. The receiving cavity 11 has an opening on at least one side of the base. The lid is attached to the frame to close the opening.

[0025] The enclosure frame is the structural framework of the box 10, serving a supporting, protective, and connecting function. The enclosure frame can be formed by splicing together multiple beams. In one feasible embodiment, the enclosure frame includes four sub-frames, joined end-to-end to form an enclosed space, which is then sealed by a box lid and a bottom plate to form a receiving cavity 11. The enclosure frame can be made of various materials, such as aluminum alloy, copper alloy, steel, or plastic. The enclosure frame can be rectangular, circular, polygonal, etc., with no specific limitation. The interior of the enclosure frame can be a solid structure or contain cavities.

[0026] The base plate is the main load-bearing component of the battery pack, typically referring to the structural component installed at the bottom of the battery pack, used to support and fix the battery pack 20, battery management system, cooling system, and other components inside the battery pack. The bottom end face 211 of the battery 21 is fixed to the upper part of the base plate by structural adhesive bonding or bolt fastening. A thermally conductive silicone pad (for heat dissipation) or a foam cushioning pad (for shock absorption) can be laid between the battery pack and the base plate. The base plate is located at the bottom of the frame, for example, the base plate is fixed to the bottom of the frame by welding, riveting, screwing, etc. The base plate can be made of various materials, such as high-strength materials such as aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel. The base plate can be rectangular, circular, polygonal, or plate-like; there are no specific limitations, and its size is determined by the number of batteries contained in the battery pack and the size of the batteries.

[0027] The cavity 11 is provided with at least one longitudinal beam 12. The longitudinal beam 12 extends along the first direction D1 (the direction of vehicle travel) and is fixedly connected to the frame to divide the cavity 11 into multiple battery compartments 111 arranged sequentially along the second direction D2 (the transverse direction of the vehicle). The battery compartments 111 are independent of each other, realizing failure isolation and thermal runaway zoning management.

[0028] The longitudinal beam 12 can be made of metal, such as aluminum, or it can be integrally molded by rubber injection molding, plastic injection molding, or molding injection molding. The plastic used in plastic injection molding can be polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, PA, polystyrene, etc. The longitudinal beam 12 can be formed by die casting or other methods such as extrusion molding.

[0029] Each battery pack 20 is housed within a corresponding battery compartment 111. Each battery pack 20 includes multiple batteries 21 arranged sequentially along the first direction D1. (Refer to...) Figure 8 As shown, the battery 21 has a bottom surface 211 and a top surface 212 along the third direction D3 (the direction of gravity), and the bottom surface 211 of the battery 21 is fixed to the upper part of the base plate.

[0030] To ensure that the multiple battery packs 20 within the battery pack can operate independently and to prevent thermal runaway of one battery compartment 111 from causing heat transfer to adjacent battery compartments 111, thus preventing the battery pack from operating normally, which poses safety risks in existing electric vehicles, electric aircraft, and other applications, the battery pack may fail to start its motor after thermal runaway, leading to safety risks to personnel and the environment. By dividing the battery 21 into independent compartments, the battery packs 20 can be connected in parallel and / or in series. However, this results in the lack of beam reinforcement perpendicular to the longitudinal beam 12 inside the battery. When the battery pack 20 is subjected to vibration, the longitudinal beam 12 is unable to withstand the pressure, leading to a greater risk of vibration deformation of the longitudinal beam 12 and the battery 21. The battery 21 is also prone to detachment from the base plate, and the battery 21 may come off the top. There is also a greater risk of breakage at the connection between the conductive busbar 24 and the terminal post 22 of adjacent batteries 21, affecting the overall safety of the battery. Studies have found that after the battery pack vibrates, the risk of the battery detaching from the top is greater, and the vibration in the Z direction is more severe. A limiting plate 30 is used to limit and reinforce the top of the battery 21. The limiting plate 30 is used to fix the top of at least two batteries 21, achieving top limiting and lateral reinforcement. The limiting plate 30 is fixed to the top surface 212, making the top of the battery 21 a locally rigid whole, suppressing the relative displacement of the battery 21 in the YZ plane. In one feasible embodiment, in the third direction D3, the bottom of the limiting plate 30 is connected to the battery 21, and the top of the limiting plate 30 is connected to the inner surface of the box cover of the housing 10. The box cover constrains the limiting plate 30, pressing down on the battery 21 and limiting the battery 21 to a predetermined position in the battery pack. In another feasible embodiment, the ends of the limiting plate 30 can also be fixed to the frame of the housing 10 and the longitudinal beam 12 respectively to constrain the limiting plate 30.

[0031] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 3 As shown, the sum of the maximum dimensions of the longitudinal beams 12 in the second direction D2 is defined as A. If the housing 10 has only one longitudinal beam 12, then the dimension A of that single longitudinal beam 12 in the second direction D2 is calculated. If there are multiple longitudinal beams 12, then the sum of the maximum dimensions A of all the longitudinal beams 12 in the second direction D2 is calculated. The sum of the maximum dimensions of the limiting plate 30 within a single battery compartment 111 in the first direction D1 is defined as B. The units of A and B are both mm. The formula value of A / B is within a preset range, where 0.2 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.5. The value can be 0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.5. The value can be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.2 and 4.5.

[0032] The formula value of A / B cannot be too small. If it is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the longitudinal beam 12 cannot provide sufficient lateral continuous support, which weakens the bending and shear resistance of the longitudinal beam 12 section in the second direction D2, and reduces the overall lateral bending and torsional stiffness of the battery pack. The longitudinal beam 12 is prone to local buckling or shear failure under stress, which leads to the conduction of adjacent battery packs 20. The adjacent battery packs 20 cannot work independently, which increases the safety risk of thermal runaway of one battery compartment 111 causing thermal runaway of adjacent battery compartments 111.

[0033] The formula value of A / B cannot be too large. If it is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, the constraint force of the limit plate 30 on the battery 21 will decrease, which may lead to the risk that the battery 21 will fall out of the battery pack 20 under the condition of battery pack vibration.

[0034] By reasonably setting the formula values ​​of A / B, the formula values ​​are limited within a preset range, thereby ensuring the bending and shear resistance of the longitudinal beam 12 section in the second direction D2, avoiding local crushing or shear failure of the longitudinal beam 12, improving the internal structural strength of the battery pack, and also ensuring the constraint force of the limiting plate 30 on the battery 21, preventing the battery 21 from coming out.

[0035] In one feasible implementation, the extension direction of a single limiting plate 30 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. This extension direction is the length direction of the limiting plate 30. By setting the limiting plate 30 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal beam 12, the risk of large vibration and impact, increased deformation of the box 10, weak connection between the battery 21 and the bottom plate, and risk of the battery 21 detaching from the bottom plate, damage to the battery structure, and tearing between adjacent conductive bars 24 are avoided.

[0036] The size of a single limiting plate 30 in the second direction D2 is limited to between 400mm and 800mm. The value can be 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 700mm, or 800mm, and can be any value between 400mm and 800mm. If the size of the limiting plate 30 in the second direction D2 is too small, failing to reach the lower limit of the preset range, the exposed area of ​​the top of the battery 21 will be large, making it difficult for the limiting plate 30 to limit and reinforce the top of the battery 21. If the size of the limiting plate 30 in the second direction D2 is too large, exceeding the upper limit of the preset range, the end of the limiting plate 30 will directly hit the frame or longitudinal beam 12, preventing it from being properly positioned. If forcibly installed, it will generate additional assembly stress, causing deformation of the housing 10, significant deformation of the longitudinal beam 12, and crosstalk between adjacent battery compartments 111, preventing them from working independently.

[0037] The dimension of a single limiting plate 30 in the third direction D3 is limited to 0.6mm-12mm, with values ​​of 0.6mm, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, or 12mm. These values ​​can be specifically those listed above or any value between 0.6mm and 12mm. If the dimension of the limiting plate 30 in the third direction D3 is too small, failing to reach the lower limit of the preset range, the limiting plate 30 will be too thin to provide sufficient clamping force, and the battery 21 will easily loosen during vibration. Furthermore, an excessively thin limiting plate 30 is difficult to weld, resulting in poor connection strength and making it difficult to limit and reinforce the top of the battery 21. If the size of the limiting plate 30 on the third-direction D3 is too large, exceeding the upper limit of the preset range, it will encroach on the limited space within the battery compartment 111, resulting in poor space utilization in the height direction of the battery pack. It will also encroach on the passenger compartment space. The limited height of the battery compartment 111 will compress the height of the battery 21 or the top clearance, affecting the selection of battery cells or the space for thermal expansion, and will also directly increase the structural weight, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of the whole vehicle. At the same time, it will also cover the excessive space on top of the battery pack 20, resulting in poor heat dissipation.

[0038] In another feasible implementation, the extension direction of a single limiting plate 30 is parallel to the first direction D1, thereby improving longitudinal stiffness. The longitudinal limiting plate and the longitudinal beam share the longitudinal bending moment, reducing the stress on the individual longitudinal beam. The top of the battery is pressed down by the longitudinal limiting plate along its entire length. Under longitudinal impact of the vehicle (such as rear-end collision or braking), the top of the individual battery has almost no relative slippage, reducing the risk of shear failure of the terminal weld.

[0039] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the sum A of the maximum dimensions of the longitudinal beam 12 in the second direction D2 is within a preset range, wherein 8mm ≤ Amm ≤ 105mm. The value can be 8mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, or 105mm, and can specifically be the values ​​listed above, or any value between 8mm and 105mm.

[0040] The value of dimension A cannot be too small. If the value of dimension A is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the transverse cross-sectional area of ​​the longitudinal beam 12 will be too small, the transverse stiffness will be insufficient, and it will be easy to deform. It will be easy to buckle locally during lateral impact, which will cause the battery pack 20 to shift or loosen.

[0041] The value of dimension A cannot be too large. If the value of dimension A is too large, exceeding the upper limit of the preset range, it will encroach on the limited space inside the battery compartment 111, reduce the battery arrangement density 21, lower the energy density, and directly increase the structural weight, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of the whole vehicle. At the same time, it will also cover too much space on top of the battery pack 20, resulting in poor heat dissipation.

[0042] By keeping dimension A within a preset range, it is ensured that the battery 21 can be effectively fixed, while maintaining structural strength, space utilization, heat dissipation performance and lightweight requirements.

[0043] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the sum B of the maximum dimensions B of the limiting plates 30 within a single battery compartment 111 in the first direction D1 is limited to a preset range, wherein 16mm ≤ Bmm ≤ 250mm. The value can be 16mm, 20mm, 40mm, 60mm, 80mm, 100mm, 120mm, 140mm, 160mm, 180mm, 200mm, 220mm, 240mm, or 250mm. Specifically, the value can be one of the aforementioned values, or any value between 16mm and 250mm.

[0044] The value of dimension B cannot be too small. If the value of dimension B is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the limiting plate 30 will be too short and unable to effectively fix the top of the battery 21, causing the battery pack 20 to easily shift or loosen during vibration or collision. In addition, the contact area between the limiting plate 30 and the top of the battery 21 is small, and the pressure is concentrated at a local point, which may damage the top of the battery 21 or the sealing structure.

[0045] The value of dimension B cannot be too large. If the value of dimension B is too large, exceeding the upper limit of the preset range, it will encroach on the limited space inside the battery compartment 111, reduce the battery arrangement density 21, lower the energy density, and directly increase the structural weight, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of the whole vehicle. At the same time, it will also cover too much space on top of the battery pack 20, resulting in poor heat dissipation.

[0046] By keeping the size B within a preset range, it is ensured that the battery 21 can be effectively fixed, while maintaining structural strength, space utilization, heat dissipation performance and lightweight requirements.

[0047] In one feasible implementation, the maximum dimension of the limiting plate 30 in the second direction D2 is less than or equal to the maximum dimension of a single battery compartment 111 in the second direction D2. That is, the limiting plate 30 will not exceed the space of the battery compartment 111, and each battery compartment 111 is equipped with an independent limiting plate 30, ensuring that the limiting plate 30 is fully accommodated within the battery compartment 111, avoiding structural interference, improving space utilization, and ensuring assembly stability. If the maximum dimension of the limiting plate 30 in the second direction D2 exceeds the maximum dimension of the battery compartment 111, it will structurally interfere with the side beams or longitudinal beams 12 of the battery compartment 111, thus preventing it from being embedded within the battery compartment 111.

[0048] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 3 As shown, the maximum dimension of the battery pack 20 within a single battery compartment 111 in the second direction D2 is C, with a value ranging from 400mm to 800mm. The maximum dimension of the limiting plate 30 in the second direction D2 is D, with a value ranging from 400mm to 800mm. Both C and D are in mm. The formula value of C / D is within a preset range, where 0.2 ≤ C / D ≤ 1.2. The value can be 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, or 1.2, and can specifically be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.2 and 1.2.

[0049] The C / D ratio cannot be too small. If the C / D ratio is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the limiting plate 30 will be too short relative to the battery 21 and will not be able to effectively cover the top of the battery 21, causing the battery 21 to easily loosen or become misaligned during vibration or impact. The contact area between the top surface 212 of the battery 21 and the limiting plate 30 is small, resulting in local stress concentration, which may crush the battery 21 casing or sealing structure.

[0050] The C / D formula value cannot be too large. If the C / D formula value is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, it will encroach on the limited space inside the battery compartment 111, reduce the battery 21 arrangement density, reduce energy density, and directly increase the structural weight, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of the whole vehicle. At the same time, it will cover too much space on the top of the battery pack 20, resulting in poor heat dissipation.

[0051] By keeping the C / D formula value within a preset range, it is ensured that the battery 21 can be effectively fixed, while maintaining structural strength, space utilization, heat dissipation performance and lightweight requirements.

[0052] In one feasible implementation, the limiting plate 30 does not extend beyond the battery pack 20, thereby avoiding interference with other components within the battery compartment 111 and reducing the risk of short circuits or thermal runaway. In another feasible implementation, the limiting plate 30 extends beyond the battery pack 20 to facilitate connection with the side beams or longitudinal beams 12 of the battery compartment 111, enhancing structural strength.

[0053] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, a single limiting plate 30 fixes at least two batteries 21, and the maximum dimension b of the single limiting plate 30 in the first direction D1 is limited to a preset range, where 8 ≤ bmm ≤ 25mm. The value can be 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm or 25mm, and can be any value between 8mm and 25mm, specifically the values ​​listed above.

[0054] The value of dimension b cannot be too small. If the value of dimension b is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the limiting plate 30 will be too short and unable to effectively press the top surfaces 212 of the two batteries 21 simultaneously. The batteries 21 may easily loosen or become misaligned under vibration. The value of dimension b cannot be too large. If the value of dimension b is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, it will cover too much space on the top of the battery pack 20, resulting in poor heat dissipation. By keeping dimension b within a preset range, it is ensured that the batteries 21 can be effectively fixed, and the structural strength can be guaranteed while also taking into account the heat dissipation requirements.

[0055] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the limiting plate 30 and the top surface 212 of the battery 21 are at least partially overlapped. The bottom surface 211 of the battery 21 is connected to the bottom plate or cooling plate of the housing 10 to form a lower support point, and the limiting plate 30 is at least partially connected to the top surface 212 of the battery 21 to form an upper support point. The battery 21 is clamped and fixed. The entire battery pack 20 and the wall panel of the housing 10 together form a closed box-shaped cross section. The limiting plate 30 will function as a traditional crossbeam without the need for additional transverse structural members, thereby improving the overall bending and torsional stiffness of the battery pack and preventing local crushing or shearing damage to the longitudinal beam 12.

[0056] The limiting plate 30 cannot completely cover the top surface 212 of the battery 21. If the limiting plate 30 completely covers the top surface 212 of the battery 21, it is equivalent to forming a cover with extremely high rigidity. Although the vertical stiffness is the highest, it will concentrate all the expansion force of the battery 21 and the torsional stress of the casing 10 onto the limiting plate 30, resulting in an increase in plate thickness, encroaching on the limited space of the battery pack, and also increasing the structural weight. At the same time, it will cover too much space on the top of the battery pack 20, resulting in poor heat dissipation. If a single battery 21 thermally runs away, the limiting plate 30 will also spread the ejected material along the entire plate to adjacent batteries 21, shortening the heat spread time and easily causing thermal runaway in the battery compartment 111.

[0057] At this point, the formula value of A / B can be further defined. Since the limiting plate 30 is directly connected to the top surface of the battery 21, the fixation of the battery 21 is more secure. Therefore, the sum B of the maximum dimensions of the limiting plates 30 in the first direction D1 within a single battery compartment 111 can be reduced. The formula value of A / B is within the range of 0.25 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.5. The value can be 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.5. The value can be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.25 and 4.5.

[0058] The area of ​​the limit plate 30 projected onto the top surface 212 is m1, and the area of ​​the top surface 212 of the battery 21 is m2. Both m1 and m2 are in mm. 2 The formula value of m1 / m2 is within a preset range, where 0.1≤m1 / m2≤0.5. The value can be 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5, and can be any value between 0.1 and 0.5, specifically the values ​​listed above.

[0059] The formula value of m1 / m2 cannot be too small. If the formula value of m1 / m2 is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the connection area between the limiting plate 30 and the top surface 212 of the battery 21 will be too small. The constraint force of the limiting plate 30 on the battery 21 will decrease, which may lead to the risk that the battery 21 will detach from the battery pack 20 under battery pack vibration conditions. Furthermore, if the contact area is too small, the pressure per unit area will be too high, which may damage the top of the battery 21 or the sealing structure.

[0060] The formula value of m1 / m2 cannot be too large. If the formula value of m1 / m2 is too large, exceeding the upper limit of the preset range, the connection area between the limiting plate 30 and the top surface 212 of the battery 21 will be too large. The limiting plate 30 will need to be thickened accordingly, which will encroach on the limited space inside the battery compartment 111 and directly increase the structural weight, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of the whole vehicle. At the same time, it will also cover too much space on the top of the battery pack 20, resulting in poor heat dissipation. If a single battery 21 thermally runs away, the high proportion of contact surface will also spread the ejected material along the limiting plate 30 to the adjacent battery 21, shortening the heat spread time and easily causing thermal runaway inside the battery compartment 111.

[0061] By keeping the formula value of m1 / m2 within a preset range, it is ensured that the battery 21 can be effectively fixed, and while ensuring structural strength, space utilization, heat dissipation performance and lightweight requirements can also be taken into account.

[0062] In one feasible implementation, the projections of the limiting plate 30 and the top surfaces of the two adjacent batteries 21 at least partially overlap. The limiting plate 30 is a plate structure, with its large surface abutting against at least a portion of the top surfaces 212 of the two adjacent batteries 21. The top surfaces 212 of the adjacent batteries 21 are spanned by the same limiting plate 30, forming a series of short-span beam structures along the first direction D1. The lateral shear force transmitted from the housing 10 or the longitudinal beam 12 can be quickly distributed to the top of the adjacent batteries 21 through these limiting plates 30, and then transmitted downward to the bottom plate, forming a closed force-bearing ring, thereby improving the overall lateral bending and torsional stiffness of the battery pack.

[0063] Reference Figure 5 As shown, excluding the batteries 21 at both ends, each battery 21 has a limiting plate 30 on each opposite side of its top surface 212 along the first direction D1. Each limiting plate 30 covers a portion of the top surface 212, providing uniform constraint force. When a single battery 21 thermally runs away and expands, the two limiting plates 30 will detach one after the other due to uneven force. The other side that does not detach still provides constraint, preventing the entire row of batteries 21 from experiencing chain displacement. At the same time, the fracture surface cuts off the heat conduction path, prolonging the heat propagation time.

[0064] Preferably, the overlap dimension of the top surfaces of each battery along the first direction of the limiting plate is not less than 2mm, and the value can be 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm or other values. The value can be specifically the values ​​listed above, or any value greater than or equal to 2mm, to ensure that an effective constraint is formed.

[0065] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 9As shown, the top surface 212 of the battery 21 is provided with at least one terminal post 22. The terminal post 22 serves as the output terminal of the battery 21 current and is used to transmit the current of the battery 21 to the outside. On the third direction D3, the side of the limiting plate 30 away from the top surface 212 of the battery 21 forms a first upper surface 301, and the side of the terminal post 22 away from the top surface 212 of the battery 21 forms a second upper surface 221. The second upper surface 221 is further away from the top surface 212 of the battery 21 than the first upper surface 301.

[0066] The second upper surface 221 of the terminal post 22 is welded to the conductive bus 24, which electrically connects the terminals 22 of at least two batteries to achieve series or parallel connection of multiple batteries 21. The conductive bus 24 is made of metals such as copper, aluminum, tungsten, and manganese, or alloys such as copper-aluminum composite materials, which have good electrical conductivity.

[0067] After the conductive busbar 24 is welded to the pole post 22, the weld seam remains higher than the limiting plate 30 to avoid interference from the limiting plate 30. At the same time, because the pole post 22 is higher than the plate surface of the limiting plate 30, it retains sufficient heat dissipation space. The area on the side of the pole post 22 that was originally covered by the limiting plate 30 is now completely exposed to the air. The heat exchange area changes from a single top surface to "a second upper surface 221 + four surrounding vertical surfaces", ensuring effective heat dissipation of the pole post 22.

[0068] In one feasible implementation, on the third direction D3, the distance between the first upper surface 301 and the second upper surface 221 is defined to be within a preset range, wherein this distance is between 0.1mm and 2mm. The value can be 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm, or 2mm, and the value can specifically be one of the aforementioned values, or any value between 0.1mm and 2mm.

[0069] The distance between the first upper surface 301 and the second upper surface 221 cannot be too small. If the distance between the first upper surface 301 and the second upper surface 221 is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the gap between the first upper surface 301 of the limiting plate 30 and the second upper surface 221 of the pole post 22 will be too small, reducing the heat dissipation space. Furthermore, when the battery 21 expands, the limiting plate 30 may touch the conductive busbar 24 when it is lifted, causing mechanical damage to the conductive busbar 24 or causing a short circuit.

[0070] The distance between the first upper surface 301 and the second upper surface 221 cannot be too large. If the distance between the first upper surface 301 and the second upper surface 221 is too large, exceeding the upper limit of the preset range, the gap between the first upper surface 301 of the limiting plate 30 and the second upper surface 221 of the pole post 22 will be too large, causing the overall outline of the battery pack 20 to be forced to rise, encroaching on the limited space inside the battery compartment 111. At the same time, if the limiting plate 30 is too thin, it cannot provide sufficient clamping force, and the battery 21 is prone to loosening during vibration. Moreover, the limiting plate 30 is too thin and difficult to weld, resulting in poor connection strength.

[0071] By keeping the distance between the first upper surface 301 and the second upper surface 221 within a preset range, it is ensured that the battery 21 can be effectively fixed, and while ensuring structural strength, space utilization and heat dissipation performance can also be taken into account.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the battery 21 includes two terminals 22, namely a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The positive terminal is used to be electrically connected to the positive electrode plate of the battery 21, and the negative terminal is used to be electrically connected to the negative electrode plate. The two terminals 22 are arranged at intervals along the second direction D2.

[0073] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the limiting plate 30 extends along the second direction D2, connecting two adjacent batteries 21. The limiting plate 30 connects the area between two adjacent terminals 22 on the two adjacent batteries 21. In the first direction D1, the shortest distance between the terminal 22 and the limiting plate 30 is greater than 0.8mm. The value can be 0.8mm, 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, or other values. The value can specifically be one of the aforementioned values, or any value greater than or equal to 0.8mm. The shortest distance between the terminal 22 and the limiting plate 30 cannot be too small. If the shortest distance between the terminal 22 and the limiting plate 30 is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the gap between the terminal 22 and the limiting plate 30 will be too small, reducing the heat dissipation space.

[0074] In another feasible implementation, refer to Figure 9 as well as Figure 10As shown, the limiting plate 30 extends along the first direction D1 and connects multiple batteries 21. The limiting plate 30 connects the area between two terminals 22 on the same battery 21. In the second direction D2, the shortest distance between the terminal 22 and the limiting plate 30 is greater than 0.8mm. The value can be 0.8mm, 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, or other values. The value can be any value greater than or equal to 0.8mm, specifically the values ​​listed above. The shortest distance between the terminal 22 and the limiting plate 30 cannot be too small. If the shortest distance between the terminal 22 and the limiting plate 30 is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the gap between the terminal 22 and the limiting plate 30 will be too small, reducing the heat dissipation space. At the same time, since the coverage area of ​​the limiting plate 30 is too large, it may interfere with the pressure relief component, blocking the pressure relief path and causing thermal runaway.

[0075] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the battery 21 has a cuboid structure. The outer surface of the battery 21 includes two first side surfaces 213 spaced apart along a first direction D1 and two second side surfaces 214 spaced apart along a second direction D2. The extension directions of the first side surfaces 213 and the second side surfaces 214 are both parallel to the third direction D3, that is, the first side surfaces 213 and the second side surfaces 214 are both perpendicular to the base plate. The area of ​​the first side surface 213 is larger than the area of ​​the second side surface 214. The first side surface 213 is the large surface of the battery 21, and the second side surface 214 is the small surface of the battery 21.

[0076] The battery 21 can be arranged in various ways in the battery compartment 111. In one arrangement, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the battery compartment 111 contains a single row of batteries 21. In the first direction D1, the two first side faces 213 of adjacent batteries 21 are arranged opposite each other, with the large faces of the two batteries 21 facing each other. In the second direction D2, there are no adjacent batteries 21. In another arrangement, refer to... Figure 10 As shown, the battery 21 has at least two rows of batteries 21. In the second direction D2, the two second side surfaces 214 of two adjacent batteries 21 are arranged opposite each other. In the first direction D1, the large surfaces of two adjacent batteries 21 are opposite each other, and in the second direction D2, the small surfaces of two adjacent batteries 21 are opposite each other.

[0077] The area ratio of the first side surface 213 and the second side surface 214 is limited to between 1.3 and 10. The value can be 1.3, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10, and can specifically be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 1.3 and 10. If the ratio is too small, the lateral reinforcement effect is weakened; if the ratio is too large, the large surface area of ​​the battery 21 expands significantly, adjacent batteries 21 deform considerably, and the risk of thermal runaway increases.

[0078] Reference Figure 6As shown, the battery 21 includes a metal casing. The top surface 212 and the bottom surface 211 of the battery 21 are formed on opposite sides of the metal casing along the third direction D3. An insulating layer 23 is provided on the top surface 212 of the battery 21. The insulating layer 23 is used to achieve insulation between various components such as adjacent metal casings, metal casings and conductive busbars 24, metal casings and housing 10, and metal casings and limiting plates 30.

[0079] Insulating layer 23 may include an insulating film or an insulating coating. The insulating film may be made of polyester film (PET, Polyethylene Terephthalate), polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE). The insulating coating may be composed of (1) modified epoxy resin; (2) polyacrylate; (3) polyethylene phthalate (PET); (4) oil-based or water-based insulating resins, etc., wherein the main insulating resins include epoxy resin, acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, hydroxyl acrylic resin, and other polyfunctional resins; (5) polyimide coating or an insulating coating formed by polymers such as polyimide (PI) and epoxy resin; and (6) styrene-butadiene rubber emulsion.

[0080] Since the shear strength of the insulation layer 23 is much lower than the connection strength between the limiting plate 30 and the battery 21, it is prone to becoming a weak point during vibration. If the limiting plate 30 is directly bonded to the insulation layer 23, the fixing effect on the battery 21 will not be obvious. When the battery pack vibrates, the limiting plate 30 may tear the insulation layer 23. Therefore, material is partially removed from the insulation layer 23 to form a window 231. The window 231 exposes the metal shell. At least part of the limiting plate 30 is fixedly connected to the top surface 212 of the battery 21 through the window 231. The limiting plate 30 is in direct contact with the battery 21, eliminating the risk of failure of the insulation layer 23 as an intermediate layer, and achieving a more secure fixation between the limiting plate 30 and the battery 21.

[0081] In one feasible implementation, the ratio of the area of ​​the window portion 231 to the area of ​​the top surface 212 of the battery 21 is within a preset range, wherein the ratio is between 0.15 and 0.5. The value can be 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5, and the value can specifically be one of the aforementioned values, or any value between 0.15 and 0.5.

[0082] The ratio of the area of ​​the window portion 231 to the area of ​​the top surface 212 of the battery 21 cannot be too small. If the ratio of the area of ​​the window portion 231 to the area of ​​the top surface 212 of the battery 21 is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the limiting plate 30 will only directly contact the battery 21 through a very small window area, resulting in insufficient effective bonding / welding area, weak connection strength, and easy fixation failure.

[0083] The ratio of the area of ​​the window 231 to the area of ​​the top surface 212 of the battery 21 should not be too large. If the ratio of the area of ​​the window 231 to the area of ​​the top surface 212 of the battery 21 is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, it may cause insulation failure and short circuit when the battery 21 casing contacts the terminal 22 or the conductive busbar 24.

[0084] By maintaining the ratio of the area of ​​the window portion 231 to the area of ​​the top surface 212 of the battery 21 within a preset range, it is ensured that both effective insulation is achieved and effective fixation is formed between the limiting plate 30 and the battery 21.

[0085] In one feasible embodiment, a window portion 231 is disposed at at least one end of the battery 21. The area of ​​the window portion 231 is S1. In a third direction D3, the orthographic projection of the limiting plate 30 on the top surface 212 of the battery 21 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the window portion 231 on the top surface 212 of the battery 21. The overlapping area is the effective area connecting the limiting plate 30 and the battery 21. The area of ​​the overlapping area is S2. The units of S1 and S2 are both mm. 2 The S2 / S1 formula value is limited to a preset range, where 0.5 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 0.9. The value can be 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 or 0.9, and can be any value between 0.5 and 0.9, specifically the values ​​listed above.

[0086] The formula value of S2 / S1 cannot be too small. If the formula value of S2 / S1 is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the contact area between the limiting plate 30 and the battery 21 will be too small, and the constraint force of the limiting plate 30 on the battery 21 will decrease. This will lead to the risk that the battery 21 may detach from the battery pack 20 under battery pack vibration conditions. Furthermore, an excessively small contact area will result in excessively high pressure per unit area, which may damage the top of the battery 21 or the sealing structure.

[0087] The formula values ​​of S2 / S1 cannot be too large. If the formula values ​​of S2 / S1 are too large and exceed the upper limit of the preset range, the contact area between the limiting plate 30 and the battery 21 will be too large, covering too much space on the top of the battery pack 20, resulting in poor heat dissipation. If a single battery 21 thermally runs away, the high proportion of the contact surface will also spread the ejected material along the limiting plate 30 to the adjacent battery 21, shortening the heat spread time and easily causing thermal runaway in the battery compartment 111.

[0088] By keeping the formula values ​​of S2 / S1 within a preset range, it is ensured that the battery 21 can be effectively fixed, and while ensuring structural strength, space utilization, heat dissipation performance and lightweight requirements can also be taken into account.

[0089] In one feasible embodiment, the window portion 231 is disposed at at least one end along the length of the top surface 212 of the battery 21, and the distance between the window portion 231 and the edge along the length of the top surface 212 of the battery 21 is ≤120mm. The value can be 120mm, 100mm, 80mm, 60mm, or other values, specifically those listed above, or any value less than or equal to 120mm. If the window portion 231 is too far from the end along the length direction, the battery 21 will experience greater deformation under stress along the length direction, and the end will be prone to warping. Therefore, if the window portion 231 is too far from the end, it is difficult to effectively limit the battery's position.

[0090] Reference Figure 7 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the battery pack also includes a conductive busbar 24, which is used to electrically connect several batteries 21. The positive and negative terminals of the multiple batteries 21 are connected in series or in parallel to form a high-voltage or high-current circuit.

[0091] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 11 As shown, in the third direction D3, the orthographic projection of the limiting plate 30 onto the top surface 212 of the battery 21 is offset from the orthographic projection of the conductive busbar 24 onto the top surface 212 of the battery 21. The limiting plate 30 extends along the first direction D1, and the limiting plate 30 and the conductive busbar 24 are offset, thereby preventing the conductive busbar 24 from being covered by the limiting plate 30, reducing the obstruction of the heat conduction path, and ensuring that the conductive busbar 24 is directly exposed to the top surface 212 of the battery 21. The heat of the conductive busbar 24 can be directly diffused outward through the top surface 212 of the battery 21, and the limiting plate 30 has little impact on the heat dissipation of the conductive busbar 24.

[0092] In another feasible implementation, refer to Figure 7 As shown, on the third direction D3, the orthographic projection of the limiting plate 20 onto the top surface 212 of the battery 21 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the conductive busbar 24 onto the top surface 212 of the battery 21.

[0093] The top surface of the battery 21 is limited by the conductive busbar 24. Therefore, the sum of the maximum dimensions B of all the limiting plates 30 in the first direction D1 within a single battery compartment 111 needs to be increased, where 0.2 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.3. The value can be 0.2, 0.6, 1, 1.4, 1.8, 2.2, 2.6, 3, 3.4, 3.8, or 4.3. The value can be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.2 and 4.3.

[0094] Furthermore, since the limiting plate 30 affects the heat dissipation of the conductive busbar 24, a limiting plate 30 with better thermal conductivity should be selected so that the heat of the conductive busbar 24 can be dissipated through the limiting plate 30. However, the thermal conductivity of the limiting plate 30 cannot be too high. If a single battery 21 experiences thermal runaway due to an internal short circuit or external impact, the limiting plate 30 with high thermal conductivity will quickly conduct the local high temperature to adjacent batteries 21, causing thermal runaway. Preferably, the thermal conductivity of the limiting plate 30 is between 0.1 W / (m•K) and 15 W / (m•K). The value can be 0.1 W / (m•K), 2 W / (m•K), 4 W / (m•K), 6 W / (m•K), 8 W / (m•K), 10 W / (m•K), 12 W / (m•K), 14 W / (m•K), or 15 W / (m•K). The value can be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.1 W / (m•K) and 15 W / (m•K).

[0095] On the third direction D3, the conductive busbar 24 forms a third upper surface 241 on the side opposite to the battery 21. The limiting plate 30 is at least partially connected to the third upper surface 241, and the battery 21 is limited by the conductive busbar 24. When the limiting plate 30 is directly connected to the conductive busbar 24, the sum of the maximum dimensions B of all the limiting plates 30 in the first direction D1 within a single battery compartment 111 needs to be increased to better fit the conductive busbar 24, where 0.2≤A / B≤4.3. The value can be 0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.3. The value can be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.2 and 4.3.

[0096] The minimum distance between the limiting plate 30 and the weld joint between the electrode post 22 and the conductive busbar 24 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 is ≤20mm. This distance can be 20mm, 16mm, 12mm, 8mm, or other values, specifically those listed above, or any value less than or equal to 20mm. The closer this distance, the more directly the limiting plate can constrain the weld joint between the electrode post 22 and the conductive busbar 24 during vibration, thus better strengthening the weld joint, significantly reducing bending moment and shear force, and preventing the battery 21 from being subjected to vibration and causing the weld line between the electrode post 22 and the conductive busbar 24 to tear, resulting in the conductive busbar 24 losing its mechanical connection and the connection between multiple batteries 24 becoming detached.

[0097] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, at least a portion of the limiting plate 30 is made of insulating material. It is not required that the entire plate be an insulator; only the areas that may come into contact with the battery 21 or form an electrical path need to be insulated. Partial insulation can be achieved through methods such as partial coating or partial inserts. The limiting plate 30 is preferably made of insulating materials, such as epoxy resin sheets, SMC, BMC, phenolic resin, PPS, PC / ABS, and other engineering plastics that meet the requirements for strength and insulation. Metal plates, such as aluminum, steel, and magnesium alloys, can also be used to obtain higher structural rigidity, thermal conductivity, or cost advantages, but insulation treatment is required in the contact areas to block the electrical path between the metal plate and the battery 21 casing / terminal 22 to prevent short circuits.

[0098] The elastic modulus of the limiting plate 30 is within a preset range, wherein the elastic modulus is between 1 GPa and 10 GPa. The value can be 1 GPa, 2 GPa, 4 GPa, 6 GPa, 8 GPa or 10 GPa, and the value can be specifically the values ​​listed above, or any value between 1 GPa and 10 GPa.

[0099] The elastic modulus cannot be too small. If the elastic modulus is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the constraint force of the limiting plate 30 will decrease, and it will produce large deformation under the expansion force or vibration load of the battery 21. It will be unable to provide the battery 21 with a continuous and uniform clamping force, causing the battery 21 to shake.

[0100] The elastic modulus cannot be too large. If the elastic modulus is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, the limiting plate 30 will hardly deform with the expansion of the battery 21, and will transfer all the expansion load to the box 10, which may easily cause the box 10 to crack or the weld to fatigue.

[0101] By keeping the elastic modulus within a preset range, it is ensured that the battery 21 can be effectively fixed, and while ensuring structural strength, the entire load is avoided from being transferred to the housing 10.

[0102] In one feasible implementation, at least one end of the limiting plate 30 is fixedly connected to the longitudinal beam 12 and / or the housing 10, thereby further improving the overall strength of the battery pack. Preferably, if the limiting plate 30 extends along the first direction D1, the opposite ends of the limiting plate 30 can be respectively connected to the side beam of the housing 10; if the limiting plate 30 extends along the second direction D2, one end of the limiting plate 30 is connected to the side beam of the housing 10, and the other end of the limiting plate 30 is connected to the longitudinal beam 12.

[0103] Since the limiting plate 30 is connected to the housing 10 or the longitudinal beam 12, the sum B of the maximum dimensions of all limiting plates 30 in the first direction D1 within a single battery compartment 111 can be reduced, where 0.25 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.5. The value can be 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.5, and can specifically be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.25 and 4.5.

[0104] Along the second direction D2, the limiting plate 30 and the longitudinal beam 12 are spaced apart. Deformation of the longitudinal beam 12 will not be immediately and rigidly transmitted to the limiting plate 30, and vice versa. The distance between the limiting plate 30 and the longitudinal beam 12 is within a preset range, specifically between 2mm and 20mm. The value can be 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, or 20mm; it can be any value between 2mm and 20mm, specifically those listed above.

[0105] The spacing distance cannot be too small. If the spacing distance is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the distance between the longitudinal beam 12 and the limiting plate 30 will be too small. Once the longitudinal beam 12 deforms slightly, it will immediately hit the limiting plate 30, causing the limiting plate 30 to be lifted or partially bent, thereby reducing the constraint force on the battery 21.

[0106] The spacing should not be too large. If the spacing is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, the distance between the longitudinal beam 12 and the limiting plate 30 will be too large. When the battery 21 expands or is impacted, it will lack lateral support and is prone to overall slippage.

[0107] By maintaining the distance between the limiting plate 30 and the longitudinal beam 12 within a preset range, it is ensured that the battery 21 can be effectively fixed, and the structural strength can be guaranteed, while also preventing the deformation of the longitudinal beam 12 from being immediately and rigidly transmitted to the limiting plate 30.

[0108] On the third direction D3, a first upper surface 301 is formed on the side of the limiting plate 30 away from the top surface 212. The first upper surface 301 and the cover can be fixedly connected by means of adhesive, welding or screwing. This further fixes the limiting plate 30. The limiting plate 30 is constrained by the cover, which can achieve more stable fixation, further enhance the constraint of the battery 21, reduce the vibration displacement of the battery 21 in the third direction D3, and at the same time, the limiting plate 30 can transfer the load to the cover. The cover and the limiting plate 30 work together to resist torsion, vibration and impact, and improve the strength of the battery pack.

[0109] Since the limiting plate 30 is connected to the cover, the sum B of the maximum dimensions of all limiting plates 30 in the first direction D1 within a single battery compartment 111 can be reduced. In this case, the lower limit of the preset range of A / B increases, where 0.3 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.5. The value can be 0.3, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.5. The value can specifically be one of the aforementioned values, or any value between 0.3 and 4.5.

[0110] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, the maximum dimension 'a' of a single longitudinal beam 12 in the second direction D2 is between 8 mm and 35 mm. The value can be 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, or 35 mm, and can specifically be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 8 mm and 35 mm.

[0111] The width of the longitudinal beam 12 cannot be too small. If the width of the longitudinal beam 12 is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the bending stiffness will be insufficient, and the battery pack will undergo plastic deformation or even tear the weld when it is torn or subjected to lateral impact.

[0112] The width of the longitudinal beam 12 cannot be too large. If the width of the longitudinal beam 12 is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, it will occupy too much space in the housing cavity 11, reduce the battery 21 arrangement density, reduce energy density, and directly increase the structural weight, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of the whole vehicle.

[0113] By keeping the width of the longitudinal beam 12 within a preset range, the box 10 can be ensured to have sufficient structural strength without occupying too much space in the receiving cavity 11.

[0114] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2 as well as Figure 8 As shown, on the third direction D3, the top of the longitudinal beam 12 is further away from the bottom plate than the top surface 212 of the battery 21. A fourth upper surface 121 is formed on the side of the longitudinal beam 12 away from the bottom surface 211, and the fourth upper surface 121 is further away from the bottom surface 211 than the top surface 212. Each battery compartment 111 is separated at the top to isolate adjacent battery compartments 111, ensuring that the battery pack 20 in each battery compartment 111 can work independently. If the battery 21 in one battery compartment 111 experiences thermal runaway, the longitudinal beam 12 can slow down or prevent the spread to other battery compartments 111.

[0115] On the third direction D3, the top of the longitudinal beam 12 is further away from the bottom plate than the top of the limiting plate 30, and the minimum distance between the top of the longitudinal beam 12 and the top of the limiting plate 30 is between 3mm and 15mm. The value can be 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm or 15mm, and the value can be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 3mm and 15mm.

[0116] The minimum distance between the top of the longitudinal beam 12 and the top of the limiting plate 30 should not be too small. If the distance is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the height difference between the longitudinal beam 12 and the limiting plate 30 will be small, and the longitudinal beam 12 will be unable to effectively isolate each battery compartment 111.

[0117] The minimum distance between the top of the longitudinal beam 12 and the top of the limiting plate 30 should not be too large. If the distance is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, the height difference between the longitudinal beam 12 and the limiting plate 30 will be large, the longitudinal beam 12 will be subjected to greater deformation, which will cause the vibration of the housing 10 to be aggravated, and the connection strength between the limiting plate 30 and the battery pack 20 will be weak.

[0118] By keeping the minimum distance between the top of the longitudinal beam 12 and the top of the limiting plate 30 within a preset range, it is possible to effectively isolate each battery compartment 111 and ensure sufficient connection strength between the limiting plate 30 and the battery pack 20.

[0119] Preferably, the longitudinal beam 12 is provided with a sealing element, which is continuously arranged along the entire length of the longitudinal beam 12. The housing 10 also includes a cover, which is fixedly connected to the sealing element to seal two adjacent battery compartments 111. The sealing element is used to isolate each battery compartment 111. The longitudinal beam 12 serves not only as a structural beam but also as a sealing beam. If a battery 21 in one of the battery compartments 111 experiences thermal runaway, the longitudinal beam 12 can block the lateral migration of high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by the thermal runaway, preventing coolant or electrolyte leakage across compartments and enabling independent operation between the battery compartments 111.

[0120] Furthermore, a cavity is formed within the longitudinal beam 12. The maximum dimension of both the cavity and the longitudinal beam 12 in the second direction D2 is greater than 9 mm. These values ​​can be 9 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 18 mm, or other values, specifically those listed above, or any value greater than or equal to 9 mm. Where 0.23 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.5. The values ​​can be 0.23, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.5, specifically those listed above, or any value between 0.23 and 4.5. By providing a compressible space, the cavity absorbs energy through plastic deformation when impacted by the third direction D3 or the second direction D2, providing a buffer. The size of the cavity should not be too small, as this would negate its energy absorption purpose. Conversely, the size of the cavity should not be too large, as this could lead to deformation and failure of the longitudinal beam 12.

[0121] Because the longitudinal beam 12 has a cavity inside, it can be made larger, thus achieving both energy absorption and weight reduction. In this case, the increase in the sum A of the maximum dimensions of all longitudinal beams 12 in the second direction D2 increases the lower limit of the preset range of the A / B formula value.

[0122] In the embodiments provided in this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 8 As shown, an adhesive layer 13 is provided between the bottom end face 211 of the battery 21 and the base plate. The adhesive layer 13 serves to bond and buffer, fixing the battery 21 to the bottom of the housing 10 and preventing the battery 21 from shifting during vibration or impact. On the third direction D3, the ratio of the maximum size of the adhesive layer 13 to the maximum size of the limiting plate 30 is limited to a preset range, wherein the ratio is between 0.4 and 12. The value can be 0.4, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12, and can specifically be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.4 and 12.

[0123] The ratio of the maximum size of the adhesive layer 13 to the maximum size of the limiting plate 30 should not be too small. If the ratio is too small and does not reach the lower limit of the preset range, the adhesive layer 13 will be too thin, the bonding area will be reduced, the buffering effect will be weakened, the battery 21 may be locally lifted due to vibration, the top surface 212 of the battery 21 will not make good contact with the limiting plate 30, the limiting plate 30 will not be able to effectively fix the top of the battery 21, causing the battery pack 20 to be easily displaced or loosened during vibration or collision.

[0124] The ratio of the maximum size of the adhesive layer 13 to the maximum size of the limiting plate 30 should not be too large. If the ratio is too large and exceeds the upper limit of the preset range, the adhesive layer 13 will be too thick, encroaching on the space inside the battery compartment 111. The space at the top of the battery pack 20 will be too small, resulting in poor heat dissipation.

[0125] By keeping the ratio of the maximum size of the adhesive layer 13 to the maximum size of the limiting plate 30 within a preset range, the battery 21 can be effectively fixed while avoiding affecting heat dissipation.

[0126] In one feasible implementation, a terminal post 22 is provided on the top surface 212 of the battery 21, and a pressure relief component is provided on the bottom surface 211 of the battery 21. The pressure relief component is typically an explosion-proof valve, a scored thin plate, or an elastic diaphragm. When the internal gas pressure of the battery 21 rises abnormally (such as thermal runaway), it will rupture or open, releasing high-pressure gas in a directional manner. The pressure relief component vents downwards, preventing high-temperature and high-pressure gas from directly impacting adjacent batteries 21, reducing the risk of cascading thermal runaway. At the same time, the pressure relief component is arranged separately from the battery 21 to avoid heat concentration, disperse heat, and prevent damage to electrical connections when the pressure relief component releases pressure.

[0127] At this point, the lower limit of the sum of the maximum dimensions B of all the limiting plates 30 in the first direction D1 within a single battery compartment 111 can be increased. This increases the contact area between the limiting plate 30 and the top surface 212 of the battery 21, improving the mechanical strength of the welding or adhesive bonding and enhancing the connection strength of the battery pack 20. Specifically, 30mm ≤ B ≤ 250mm. The value can be 30mm, 40mm, 60mm, 80mm, 100mm, 120mm, 140mm, 160mm, 180mm, 200mm, 220mm, 240mm, or 250mm. The value can be any value between 30mm and 250mm, specifically those listed above.

[0128] In one feasible implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack also includes a partition beam 14, which extends along the second direction D2. The partition beam 14 is welded or bolted to the left and right sidewalls of the receiving cavity 11 at both ends. The partition beam 14 can form a T-shaped layout with the longitudinal beam 12, dividing the receiving cavity 11 into an electrical compartment 112 and multiple battery compartments 111. The electrical compartment 112 is used to house electrical components in the battery pack, including high-voltage relays, fuses, the BMS main control board, high and low voltage connectors, etc.

[0129] Preferably, the electrical compartment 112 and the battery compartment 111 are sealed and isolated from each other. The sealed isolation enables separate compartment operation. In the event of failure or thermal runaway in the battery compartment 111, the partition beam 14 and the longitudinal beam 12 together form an isolation wall to delay or prevent the spread of thermal runaway to the electrical compartment 112.

[0130] Furthermore, the multiple battery compartments 111 are sealed and isolated from each other. The failure of a single battery compartment 111 will not affect the normal operation of other battery compartments 111. If the battery 21 in one of the battery compartments 111 experiences thermal runaway, the longitudinal beam 12 can block the lateral migration of the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by the thermal runaway, prevent the leakage of coolant or electrolyte across compartments, and achieve independent operation between battery compartments 111.

[0131] In one feasible implementation, the battery packs 20 in the multiple battery compartments 111 are connected in series and / or in parallel. In a series connection, the positive terminal of one battery pack 20 is connected to the negative terminal of another battery pack 20, resulting in voltage superposition and unchanged capacity, thus achieving the required voltage for the battery pack. In a parallel connection, the positive terminal of one battery pack 20 is connected to the positive terminal of another battery pack 20, and the negative terminal is connected to the negative terminal, resulting in capacity superposition and unchanged voltage, thus increasing the capacity of the battery pack. A mixed connection involves either series followed by parallel or parallel followed by series, with the battery pack selected for series or parallel connection according to the required specifications.

[0132] Since the partition beam 14 and the longitudinal beam 12 intersect to form a "spatial grid," the torsional stiffness of the housing 10 is improved. Therefore, the sum B of the maximum dimensions of all limiting plates 30 in the first direction D1 within a single battery compartment 111 can be reduced. In this case, 0.3 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.5. The value can be 0.3, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.5. The value can be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.3 and 4.5.

[0133] Since the storage space is divided into multiple battery compartments 111, it is necessary to improve the overall bending and torsional stiffness of the battery pack. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the sum of the maximum dimensions B of all limiting plates 30 in the first direction D1 within a single battery compartment 111. In this case, 0.2 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.3. The value can be 0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.3. The value can be one of the values ​​listed above, or any value between 0.2 and 4.3.

[0134] For each embodiment and comparative example, a certain number of batteries are taken, and the sum of the maximum dimensions of the longitudinal beam 12 in the second direction D2 is set according to Table 1 below, the sum of the maximum dimensions of the limiting plate 30 in the single battery compartment 111 in the first direction D1 is set, and the formula value of A / B is used. Apart from this, all other characteristics of the batteries are the same.

[0135] Table 1 The sum of the maximum dimensions A of the longitudinal beam 12 in the second direction D2 ranges from 8mm to 105mm. The sum of the maximum dimensions B of the limiting plate 30 inside the single battery compartment 111 in the first direction D1 ranges from 16 to 250mm. The formula value of A / B ranges from 0.2 to 4.5.

[0136] Analysis of the table above shows that, due to the batteries in Examples 1-6, the sum of the maximum dimensions A of the longitudinal beam 12 in the second direction D2, the sum of the maximum dimensions B of the limiting plate 30 in the single battery compartment 111 in the first direction D1, and the A / B formula value of both are controlled within the limited range. Therefore, the maximum offset distance of the longitudinal beam 12 and the connection strength of the pole post 22 and the adapter plate (used to connect the pole tab and the pole post 22) are all qualified and meet the design requirements.

[0137] In Examples 7 and 1, the maximum offset distance of the longitudinal beam 12 was close to the acceptable threshold due to the low value of A. In Examples 8 and 2, the connection strength between the pole post 22 and the adapter piece was just within the acceptable threshold due to the low value of B. The formula values ​​of A / B in Examples 7 and 8 were within the specified range. The formula values ​​of A / B in Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were not within the specified range.

[0138] In this application, the test methods for the maximum offset distance of the longitudinal beam 12 and the connection strength between the pole post 22 and the adapter plate are not limited. Specifically, in one feasible embodiment, this disclosure provides a test method for the maximum offset distance of the longitudinal beam 12 and the connection strength between the pole post 22 and the adapter plate.

[0139] The test subject was a battery pack. For each embodiment and comparative example, 200 square-shell batteries 21 were taken and grouped together, then fixed to the bottom plate of the battery box 10 with longitudinal beams 12. An original center line was drawn at the top of the longitudinal beams 12, along the center of the width direction of the longitudinal beams 12. A reinforcing plate 30 was installed on the top of the battery 21, and conductive busbars 24 were welded to the battery terminals 22. After installation, the box cover was closed and secured.

[0140] According to GB / T2423.43, the test object was mounted on a vibration table. The test procedure was carried out according to GB / T2423.56. Random and fixed-frequency vibration loads were applied in each direction, and the loading sequence should preferably be random z-axis, fixed-frequency z-axis, random y-axis, fixed-frequency y-axis, random x-axis, fixed-frequency x-axis (the first direction D1 is the z-axis direction, the second direction D2 is the x-axis direction, and the third direction D3 is the z-axis direction). The vibration frequency, power spectral density (PSD), vibration time, etc., are shown in Table 2 below.

[0141] Table 2 After the test, remove the battery pack cover and use the line connecting the midpoints of both ends of the longitudinal beam 12 as the baseline. Use calipers to measure the maximum deviation between the original center line and the baseline in the width direction of the longitudinal beam 12. A maximum deviation greater than or equal to 3mm is considered unqualified.

[0142] After the test, remove battery 21 and observe whether the solder joints on the terminal 22 and the bottom of the adapter are broken. If the total number of broken solder joints exceeds 10%, it is considered unqualified.

[0143] Secondly, this disclosure provides an electrical appliance that includes the aforementioned battery pack.

[0144] By way of example only, electrical equipment can be, but is not limited to, vehicles, ships, aircraft, household appliances, and industrial equipment. For example, vehicles can be passenger cars, trucks, construction vehicles, etc.

[0145] In addition, electrical equipment can also be used for the storage, conversion, and release of recyclable electrical energy.

[0146] The above description, based on the embodiments shown in the figures, details the structure, features, and effects of this disclosure. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, but this disclosure does not limit the scope of implementation to what is shown in the figures. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of this disclosure, or modifications to equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, that do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and figures, should be within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a frame and a bottom plate, the bottom plate and the frame forming a receiving cavity, and at least one longitudinal beam is provided in the receiving cavity. The at least one longitudinal beam extends along a first direction and is fixedly connected to the frame to divide the receiving cavity into a plurality of battery compartments arranged sequentially along a second direction. Multiple battery packs are fixedly connected to the base plate, and the multiple battery packs are respectively housed in the multiple battery compartments. Each battery pack includes multiple batteries arranged sequentially along the first direction. Each battery has a bottom end face and a top end face along the third direction. The bottom end face of the battery is fixed to the upper part of the base plate. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. as well as Multiple limiting plates are provided for fixing to the top surfaces of at least two of the batteries, wherein... The sum of the maximum dimensions of the longitudinal beams in the second direction is A, and the sum of the maximum dimensions of the limiting plates in the first direction within a single battery compartment is B. The units of A and B are both mm, and 0.2 ≤ A / B ≤ 4.

5.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of a single limiting plate is perpendicular to the first direction, the size of a single limiting plate in the second direction is between 400mm and 800mm, and / or the size of a single limiting plate in the third direction is between 0.6mm and 12mm.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of a single limiting plate is parallel to the first direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: 8mm≤Amm≤105mm, and / or, 16mm≤Bmm≤250mm.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The maximum dimension of the limiting plate in the second direction is less than or equal to the maximum dimension of a single battery compartment in the second direction.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The maximum dimension of the battery pack in the second direction within a single battery compartment is C, and the maximum dimension of the limiting plate in the second direction is D. The units of C and D are both mm, where 0.2 ≤ C / D ≤ 1.

2.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting plate is at least partially overlapped with the top surface of the battery. The orthographic projection area of ​​the limiting plate onto the top surface is m1, and the area of ​​the top surface is m2. Both m1 and m2 are in mm. 2 Where 0.1≤m1 / m2≤0.

5.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The projections of the limiting plate and the top surfaces of the two adjacent batteries are at least partially overlapped, and the overlap dimension of the limiting plate along the first direction for each top surface of the battery is not less than 2mm.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The top surface of the battery is provided with at least one terminal post. On the third direction, the side of the limiting plate away from the top surface of the battery forms a first upper surface, and the side of the terminal post away from the top surface of the battery forms a second upper surface. The second upper surface is further away from the top surface of the battery than the first upper surface.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that: In the direction of the third party, the distance between the first upper surface and the second upper surface is between 0.1mm and 2mm.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery includes two terminals, which are spaced apart along a second direction.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, characterized in that: The shortest distance between the pole and the limiting plate is greater than 0.8 mm.

13. The battery pack according to claim 11, characterized in that: The limiting plate is connected to the area between the two terminals on the same battery.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the battery includes two first side surfaces spaced apart along a first direction and two second side surfaces spaced apart along a second direction, wherein the area of ​​the first side surfaces is larger than the area of ​​the second side surfaces. In the first direction, the two first sides of two adjacent batteries are arranged opposite each other, and / or, in the second direction, the two second sides of two adjacent batteries are arranged opposite each other, with the area ratio of the first side and the second side ranging from 1.3 to 10.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery includes a metal casing, and the top surface and the bottom surface of the battery are formed on opposite sides of the metal casing along the third direction. An insulating layer is provided on the top surface of the battery.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, characterized in that: The insulating layer has a window portion to expose the metal casing, and at least a portion of the limiting plate is fixedly connected to the top surface of the battery through the window portion.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, characterized in that: The ratio of the area of ​​the window opening to the area of ​​the top surface is between 0.15 and 0.

5.

18. The battery pack according to claim 16, characterized in that: The area of ​​the window portion is S1. In the third direction, the orthographic projection of the limiting plate onto the top surface of the battery and the orthographic projection of the window portion onto the top surface of the battery overlap. The area of ​​the overlapping area is S2. Both S1 and S2 are in mm. 2 Where 0.5≤S2 / S1≤0.

9.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that: The window is located at at least one end of the top surface of the battery along its length, and the distance between the window and the edge of the top surface of the battery along its length is ≤120mm.

20. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a conductive busbar for electrically connecting at least two adjacent batteries.

21. The battery pack according to claim 20, characterized in that: From the third-party upward direction, the orthographic projection of the limiting plate onto the top surface of the battery is offset from the orthographic projection of the conductive bar onto the top surface of the battery.

22. The battery pack according to claim 20, characterized in that: From the third-party upward direction, the orthographic projection of the limiting plate onto the top surface of the battery at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the conductive bar onto the top surface of the battery.

23. The battery pack according to claim 22, characterized in that: 0.2≤A / B≤4.

3.

24. The battery pack according to claim 22, characterized in that: The thermal conductivity of the limiting plate is between 0.1 W / (m•K) and 15 W / (m•K), and / or the reinforcing plate is made of insulating material, and / or the elastic modulus of the limiting plate is between 1 GPa and 10 GPa.

25. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1-24, characterized in that: At least one end of the limiting plate is fixedly connected to the longitudinal beam and / or the box body.

26. The battery pack according to claim 25, characterized in that: 0.25≤A / B≤4.

5.

27. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the second direction, the limiting plate and the longitudinal beam are spaced apart, and the distance between the limiting plate and the longitudinal beam is between 2mm and 20mm.

28. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the direction of the third direction, the top end of the longitudinal beam is further away from the bottom plate than the top surface of the battery.

29. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the third direction, the top end of the longitudinal beam is further away from the bottom plate than the top end of the limiting plate, and the minimum distance between the top end of the longitudinal beam and the top end of the limiting plate is between 3mm and 15mm.

30. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided on the longitudinal beam, and the box body also includes a box cover, which is fixedly connected to the sealing element to seal the two adjacent battery compartments.

31. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cavity is formed inside the longitudinal beam. The maximum dimension of the cavity in the second direction and the maximum dimension of the longitudinal beam in the second direction are both greater than 9 mm, wherein 0.23≤A / B≤4.

5.

32. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, An adhesive layer is provided between the bottom surface of the battery and the base plate. In the third direction, the ratio of the maximum size of the adhesive layer to the maximum size of the limiting plate is between 0.4 and 12.

33. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery has a terminal post on its top surface and a pressure relief component on its bottom surface, wherein 30mm≤Bmm≤250mm.

34. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack also includes a partition beam extending along the second direction, which divides the housing into an electrical compartment and a plurality of battery compartments.

35. The battery pack according to claim 34, characterized in that, 0.3≤A / B≤4.

5.

36. The battery pack according to claim 34, characterized in that, The electrical compartment and the battery compartment are sealed and isolated from each other.

37. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple battery compartments are sealed and isolated from each other.

38. The battery pack according to claim 37, characterized in that, The individual battery packs in the multiple battery compartments are connected in series and / or in parallel.

39. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, The battery pack includes any one of claims 1-38.

Images