Enclosure, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of battery packs, and provides a box, a battery pack and a vehicle, wherein the box comprises a frame, a plurality of side plates, an inner cavity formed in the side plates, a reinforcing part and a first filling material; the plurality of side plates are connected in a head-to-tail mode; the inner cavity of the side plates is provided with the reinforcing part; the reinforcing part comprises a supporting part and the first filling material; the inner part of the supporting part is provided with a cavity; the first filling material is filled in the cavity; and the densities of the supporting part and the first filling material are both smaller than the density of the side plates. According to the technical scheme, the frame can be lightened under the condition of meeting the structural strength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery pack housing technology, and more specifically, to a housing, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The frames of existing battery modules or battery packs are basically made of extruded aluminum profiles. In order to ensure the structural strength of the frame, complex ribs are designed inside the aluminum profile frame. As part of the frame and also made of metal, the complex ribs will increase the overall weight of the frame, thus affecting the vehicle's range. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a housing, battery pack and vehicle that can reduce the weight of the frame while meeting the structural strength requirements.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this application provides a box body, comprising: a frame including a plurality of side panels connected end to end, wherein the side panels have an inner cavity formed inside; a reinforcing member disposed in the inner cavity of the side panels, the reinforcing member including a support portion and a first filling material, wherein the support portion has a cavity formed inside, and the first filling material fills the cavity, wherein the density of the support portion and the first filling material are both less than the density of the side panels.

[0005] In the implementation of the above solution, the housing includes a frame, which includes multiple side plates connected end to end to enclose a cavity that can accommodate a single battery cell or a battery module. The side plates have an internal cavity. The housing also includes a reinforcing member, which is set in the internal cavity of the side plate and can provide structural reinforcement to the side plate. The reinforcing member includes a support part and a first filling material. The support part has a cavity, and the first filling material is filled in the cavity. The density of the support part and the first filling material is less than that of the side plate. Therefore, under the same volume, the weight of the support part and the first filling material is less than that of the side plate. This means that the internal cavity of the side plate in this application does not need to be equipped with ribs for support. Instead, the support part and the first filling material are used to replace them. The support part can support the side plate in the internal cavity, thereby improving the overall structural strength of the side plate. Under bending or axial load, it can effectively share the external force. At the same time, the first filling material filled in the cavity of the support part can absorb impact energy and improve fatigue life. Thus, the frame can be lightweight while taking into account structural strength.

[0006] In one embodiment, the cavity is provided with a plurality of spacers, the spacers being made of the same material as the support and connected to the support. The spacers divide the cavity into a plurality of receiving slots, the receiving slots extending along the extension direction of the side plate, and the first filling material filling each of the receiving slots.

[0007] In the implementation of the above scheme, the cavity is provided with multiple partitions, which are connected to the support. The partitions divide the cavity inside the support into multiple receiving slots, which extend along the extension direction of the side plate. The first filling material is filled into each receiving slot. The partitions divide the cavity into multiple receiving slots, making the entire cavity present a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure can improve the structural strength and absorb energy, converting impact kinetic energy into plastic deformation energy. The partitions and the support are made of the same material, which improves the structural strength while satisfying the requirements of lightweighting. At the same time, each receiving slot is filled with the first filling material, which can absorb impact energy and improve fatigue life.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the receiving groove is formed as a polygon.

[0009] In the implementation of the above solution, the cross-section of the receiving groove is formed as a polygon, which can improve the application scenarios of the product. For different user needs, the cross-section of the receiving groove can be designed as a polygon of different shapes.

[0010] In one embodiment, both the support portion and the spacer portion are glass fiber reinforced composite components.

[0011] In the implementation of the above solution, both the support part and the spacer part are glass fiber reinforced composite components. Under the same volume, the glass fiber reinforced composite component has a lower sealing performance than the aluminum profile. It can achieve the purpose of lightweight frame while meeting the structural strength requirements.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first filler material is polyurethane, epoxy resin, or polypropylene.

[0013] In the implementation of the above scheme, the first filler material is polyurethane, epoxy resin or polypropylene. The above materials have low density, can significantly improve rigidity and energy absorption, and have added value properties such as heat insulation, flame retardancy and electrical insulation. In one embodiment, an adhesive layer is provided between the support portion and the side plate.

[0014] In the implementation of the above scheme, an adhesive layer is set between the support and the side plate. By setting the adhesive layer, on the one hand, the support and the side plate can be fixed to improve the structural strength, and on the other hand, the adhesive layer can also play a role in absorbing energy.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a bottom plate, the bottom plate being connected to the frame around its perimeter; the housing also includes a liquid cooling plate, the liquid cooling plate having flow channels on one side facing the bottom plate, and the liquid cooling plate being welded to the bottom plate.

[0016] In the implementation of the above solution, the housing also includes a bottom plate, which is connected to the frame on all four sides to support the individual battery cells inside the housing. The housing also includes a liquid cooling plate with flow channels facing the bottom plate. The liquid cooling plate is welded to the bottom plate and the liquid cooling plate cooperates with the bottom plate. The bottom plate fastens to one side of the flow channels so that the heat exchange medium can flow in the flow channels. The heat inside the housing can be transferred to the heat exchange medium through the bottom plate to achieve heat exchange.

[0017] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a bottom protective plate, with the liquid cooling plate located between the bottom protective plate and the lower bottom plate; a second filling material is filled between the bottom protective plate and the liquid cooling plate.

[0018] In the implementation of the above solution, the enclosure also includes a bottom protective plate, with the liquid cooling plate located between the bottom protective plate and the bottom plate; a second filling material is filled between the bottom protective plate and the liquid cooling plate. By setting the bottom protective plate, the liquid cooling plate can be protected, and the second filling material can provide cushioning, thereby ensuring the anti-collision performance of the enclosure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the housing also includes an upper cover plate located on the opposite side of the lower bottom plate, and the upper cover plate is connected to the frame around its perimeter.

[0020] In the implementation of the above solution, the enclosure also includes an upper cover plate, which is located on the opposite side of the lower bottom plate. The upper cover plate is connected to the frame around its perimeter, thereby sealing the top of the frame and protecting the individual battery cells.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bottom plate and the frame are connected by welding.

[0022] In the implementation of the above solution, the bottom plate and the frame are connected by welding, which can ensure strength and sealing.

[0023] Secondly, this application also provides a battery pack, which includes the housing provided in the first aspect.

[0024] Thirdly, this application also provides a vehicle that includes the battery pack described in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of the box structure from different perspectives provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the BB-direction cross-section; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partially enlarged structural diagram; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A partially enlarged structural diagram; Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the box provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Icons: 1-Side plate; 11-Inner cavity; 21-Support part; 22-Separation part; 221-Receiving groove; 3-Lower bottom plate; 4-Liquid cooling plate; 41-Flow channel; 5-Bottom protective plate; 6-Second filling material; 7-Upper cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this application, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] like Figure 1 , 3As shown in Figure 4, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a housing, the housing including a frame, the frame including a plurality of side plates 1, the plurality of side plates 1 being connected end to end to enclose a cavity capable of accommodating a single battery cell or a battery module, the side plates 1 having an inner cavity 11 formed inside; the housing also includes a reinforcing member, the reinforcing member being disposed in the inner cavity 11 of the side plate 1, capable of providing structural reinforcement to the side plate 1, the reinforcing member including a support portion 21 and a first filling material, the support portion 21 having a cavity formed inside, the first filling material filling the cavity, the density of the support portion 21 and the first filling material are both less than the density of the side plate 1, therefore, For the same volume, the weight of the support part 21 and the first filling material is less than that of the side plate 1. This means that in this embodiment, the inner cavity 11 of the side plate 1 does not need to be provided with some ribs for support. Instead, the support part 21 and the first filling material are used instead. The support part 21 can support the side plate 1 in the inner cavity 11, thereby improving the overall structural strength of the side plate 1. Under bending or axial load, it can effectively share the external force. At the same time, the first filling material fills the cavity of the support part 21, which can absorb impact energy and improve fatigue life. Thus, the frame can be lightweight while taking into account structural strength.

[0031] Optionally, the reinforcing member extends along the length of the side plate 1, thereby supporting the inner cavity 11 of the side plate 1 and improving the structural strength.

[0032] Optionally, the frame generally includes four side plates 1. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member may be provided inside the side plate 1 near the front of the vehicle, or the reinforcing member may be provided inside each side plate 1. Of course, some frames also include horizontal and vertical beams, and the reinforcing member may also be provided inside the corresponding horizontal and vertical beams.

[0033] Optionally, the frame in the embodiments of this application can be the frame of a battery module, which includes multiple battery cells, or it can be the frame of a battery pack, which includes multiple battery modules.

[0034] As an example, the battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or a battery cell of other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and multi-prismatic batteries, such as hexagonal prismatic batteries. There are no particular limitations in the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Optionally, in this embodiment, the battery cell can be a rechargeable battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged after discharge to activate the active materials and continue to be used. The battery cell can be, but is not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc.

[0036] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" means two or more (including two groups). The battery apparatus mentioned in the embodiments of this application may include one or more battery cell assemblies for providing voltage and capacity. A battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections via a busbar. In some embodiments, a battery cell assembly is typically formed by arranging multiple battery cells; as an example, a battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which is formed by arranging multiple battery cells and fixing them together to form an independent module.

[0037] As an example, a battery module can be formed by bundling multiple battery cells together with cable ties. like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the cavity is provided with multiple partitions 22, which are connected to the support 21. The partitions 22 divide the cavity inside the support 21 into multiple receiving slots 221. The receiving slots 221 extend along the extension direction of the side plate 1. The first filling material is filled into each receiving slot 221. The partitions 22 divide the cavity into multiple receiving slots 221, making the entire cavity present a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure can improve the structural strength and absorb energy, converting impact kinetic energy into plastic deformation energy. The partitions 22 and the support 21 are made of the same material, which improves the structural strength while satisfying the requirements of lightweighting. At the same time, each receiving slot 221 is filled with the first filling material, which can absorb impact energy and improve fatigue life.

[0038] Optionally, the spacer 22 and the support 21 are integrally formed, thereby improving the structural strength of the reinforcement.

[0039] As one implementation, the cross-section of the receiving groove 221 is formed as a polygon, which can improve the application scenarios of the product. For different user needs, the cross-section of the receiving groove 221 can be designed as a polygon of different shapes.

[0040] Optionally, the polygonal structure can be a triangle, rectangle, or hexagon, and in some cases, it can also be a circle.

[0041] In one implementation, both the support portion 21 and the spacer portion 22 are glass fiber reinforced composite components. The glass fiber reinforced composite component has a lower sealing performance than the aluminum profile in the same volume, which can achieve the purpose of lightweight frame while meeting the structural strength requirements.

[0042] Optionally, the support portion 21 and the spacer portion 22 can be made of thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, reinforced with glass fiber, and the molding process can be pultrusion molding, in which glass fiber is continuously impregnated on resin and continuously pultruded through a pultrusion die. The thickness and internal shape can be designed as needed.

[0043] In one implementation, the first filler material is polyurethane, epoxy resin or polypropylene. These materials have low density, can significantly increase rigidity and energy absorption, and also have added value properties such as heat insulation, flame retardancy and electrical insulation.

[0044] Optionally, the foaming density of the first filler material can range from 1.5 to 10 times the required strength. The foaming method can be to inject foaming adhesive into each receiving groove 221 and foam at room temperature or by heating and foaming.

[0045] In one embodiment, an adhesive layer is provided between the support part 21 and the side plate 1. By providing the adhesive layer, on the one hand, the support part 21 and the side plate 1 can be fixed to improve the structural strength, and on the other hand, the adhesive layer can also play a role in absorbing energy.

[0046] Optionally, in some cases, the support 21 can also be connected to the side plate 1 by riveting.

[0047] Optionally, the support 21 can be independently inserted into the inner cavity 11 of the side plate 1 for reinforcement, and then filled with the first filling material, or the first filling material can be filled first and then inserted for reinforcement. The choice is not limited according to the actual strength requirements.

[0048] like Figure 4 and 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the housing also includes a lower base plate 3, which is connected to the frame around its perimeter to support the individual battery cells inside the housing. The housing also includes a liquid cooling plate 4, which has a flow channel 41 facing the lower base plate 3. The liquid cooling plate 4 is welded to the lower base plate 3 and the liquid cooling plate 4 and the lower base plate 3 cooperate with each other. The lower base plate 3 fastens to one side of the flow channel 41 so that a heat exchange medium can flow in the flow channel 41. The heat inside the housing can be transferred to the heat exchange medium through the lower base plate 3 to achieve heat exchange.

[0049] Optionally, the flow channel 41 can be formed by stamping the liquid cooling plate 4.

[0050] Optionally, the lower base plate 3 and the frame can be connected by friction stir welding to ensure strength and sealing; at the same time, the liquid cooling plate 4 and the lower base plate 3 can also be connected by friction stir welding.

[0051] like Figure 4 and 6As shown, in one embodiment, the enclosure also includes a bottom protective plate 5, with the liquid cooling plate 4 located between the bottom protective plate 5 and the lower bottom plate 3; a second filling material 6 is filled between the bottom protective plate 5 and the liquid cooling plate 4. By setting the bottom protective plate 5, the liquid cooling plate 4 can be protected, and the second filling material 6 can provide cushioning, thereby ensuring the anti-collision performance of the enclosure.

[0052] Optionally, after the liquid cooling plate 4 is welded to the bottom plate 3, the second filler material 6 is poured into the side of the liquid cooling plate 4 facing the bottom protective plate 5, and then the bottom protective plate 5 is covered. After the second filler material 6 is foamed, it is directly bonded to the liquid cooling plate 4 and the bottom protective plate 5 to form a whole, which ensures both sealing and installation strength.

[0053] Optionally, the second filler material 6 is polyurethane, epoxy resin or polypropylene. The above materials have low density, can significantly improve rigidity and energy absorption, and have added value properties such as heat insulation, flame retardancy and electrical insulation.

[0054] like Figure 1 and 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the housing also includes an upper cover plate 7, which is located on the opposite side of the lower bottom plate 3. The upper cover plate 7 is connected to the frame around its perimeter, thereby sealing the top of the frame and protecting the battery cells.

[0055] Optionally, the battery cells are housed within a casing, which provides space for the battery cells. The casing can have various structures. Optionally, in some cases, the casing may also include a first sub-casing and a second sub-casing, which overlap each other, jointly defining a space for accommodating the battery cells. The second sub-casing may be a hollow structure with one open end, while the first sub-casing may be a plate-like structure. The first sub-casing covers the open side of the second sub-casing, so that the first and second sub-casings jointly define the accommodating space. Alternatively, both the first and second sub-casings may be hollow structures with one open side, with the open side of the first sub-casing overlapping the open side of the second sub-casing.

[0056] As one implementation method, the bottom plate 3 is connected to the frame by welding, which can ensure strength and sealing.

[0057] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a battery pack, which includes the housing provided in the first aspect.

[0058] In some embodiments, the battery device may be a battery pack, which includes a housing and one or more individual battery cells housed within the housing.

[0059] As an example, the battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which can be housed in a housing by fixing the battery module in the housing.

[0060] As an example, battery cell assemblies can also be housed in a housing by directly fixing multiple battery cells to the housing.

[0061] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a vehicle that includes the battery pack provided in the second aspect.

[0062] In some embodiments, the housing may be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For example, a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's floor, or a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0063] Optionally, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device that uses a battery pack as a power source. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, an electric motorcycle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, etc.

[0064] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0065] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0066] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

Claims

1. A box, characterized in that, include: The frame includes multiple side panels connected end to end, and each side panel has an internal cavity. A reinforcing member is disposed in the inner cavity of the side plate. The reinforcing member includes a support portion and a first filling material. A cavity is formed inside the support portion, and the first filling material fills the cavity. The density of the support portion and the first filling material is less than the density of the side plate.

2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with multiple partitions, the partitions are made of the same material as the support and are connected to the support. The partitions divide the cavity into multiple receiving slots, the receiving slots extend along the extension direction of the side plate, and the first filling material fills each of the receiving slots.

3. The housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the receiving groove is polygonal.

4. The housing according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Both the support portion and the spacer portion are fiberglass reinforced composite components.

5. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first filler material is polyurethane, epoxy resin or polypropylene.

6. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, An adhesive layer is provided between the support portion and the side plate.

7. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The enclosure also includes a bottom plate, the bottom plate being connected to the frame around its perimeter; The housing also includes a liquid cooling plate with flow channels facing the lower base plate, and the liquid cooling plate is welded to the lower base plate.

8. The housing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The enclosure also includes a bottom protective plate, and the liquid cooling plate is located between the bottom protective plate and the lower bottom plate; A second filler material is filled between the bottom protective plate and the liquid cooling plate.

9. The housing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The enclosure also includes an upper cover plate, which is located on the opposite side of the lower base plate, and the upper cover plate is connected to the frame around its perimeter.

10. The housing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom plate is connected to the frame by welding.

11. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes the housing as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the battery pack as described in claim 11.

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