Holding device and battery module structure

Abstract

A holding device and a battery cell module structure are disclosed. The holding device includes at least one fixing strap, a first end plate, a second end plate, and at least one pushing element. The fixing strap is sleeved around the battery cell module and has an end space between it and at least one end of the battery cell module. The first end plate is disposed within the end space. The second end plate is disposed between the first end plate and the battery cell module and includes a pressure-receiving surface and a pushing surface disposed opposite to each other. A portion of the pushing element movably abuts against the first end plate, and another portion pushes against the pressure-receiving surface of the second end plate, while the pushing surface of the second end plate pushes against the at least one end of the battery cell module.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a holding device for a cell module and a cell module structure. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Currently, with strong support from the national government, both the new energy vehicle industry and the residential and commercial energy storage industry are developing rapidly. As a crucial basic unit in the entire process, the importance of the battery module structure is self-evident. Existing battery cell modules all require the use of large pressing jigs or automated pressing and assembly using robotic arms, which are typically very expensive. Some small workshops simply wrap multiple cells together with tape to form a module. While this method is low-cost, the excessive expansion force of the cells poses significant safety hazards. Therefore, the current assembly of battery cell modules is costly, requiring external assembly and subsequent hoisting, thus increasing assembly difficulty and time, and requiring substantial land for assembly, which is undoubtedly detrimental to land conservation and widespread adoption. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a holding device that can easily and quickly hold battery cell modules.

[0004] Another object of this application is to provide a cell module structure with built-in pressing function.

[0005] To achieve the above objective, embodiments of this application provide a holding device for holding a battery cell module. The holding device includes at least one fixing strap, a first end plate, a second end plate, and at least one pushing element. The fixing strap is sleeved around the battery cell module and has an end space between it and at least one end of the battery cell module. The first end plate is disposed within the end space and includes a first front side and a first back side, with the first front side abutting against the fixing strap. The second end plate is disposed between the first end plate and the at least one end of the battery cell module and includes a pressure-receiving surface and a pushing surface, with the pressure-receiving surface facing the first back side and the pushing surface facing the at least one end of the battery cell module. A portion of the pushing element movably abuts against the first end plate, and another portion pushes against the pressure-receiving surface of the second end plate, with the pushing surface of the second end plate pushing against the at least one end of the battery cell module.

[0006] Optionally, the first end plate includes at least one through hole that penetrates the first front side and the first back side, and the through hole includes a plurality of positioning grooves, and the pushing element includes a plurality of flanges, wherein the pushing element is movably disposed in the through hole, and the plurality of flanges are engaged in the plurality of positioning grooves.

[0007] Optionally, the plurality of positioning slots of the through hole form an internal thread structure, the plurality of flanges of the pushing element form an external thread structure, and the external thread structure is screwed into the internal thread structure.

[0008] Optionally, the second end plate includes a limiting groove, the limiting groove being provided corresponding to the through hole, and one end of the pushing element being movably abutting against the limiting groove.

[0009] Optionally, the first end plate includes a guide groove located on the first back side and adjacent to the through hole, and the second end plate includes a limiting part protruding from the pressure surface, and a limiting groove located on the limiting part, wherein the limiting part is sleeved in the guide groove, and the limiting part moves within the guide groove according to the action of the pushing element.

[0010] Optionally, there are multiple through holes, and the multiple through holes are distributed at intervals on the first end plate, and the pushing element is provided corresponding to the multiple through holes.

[0011] Optionally, the second end plate is in a pressed position and an unpressed position according to the action of the pushing element, wherein the second end plate has a first gap with the at least one end of the battery cell module when in the unpressed position, and has a second gap with the first end plate when in the pressed position, and contacts and pushes against the at least one end of the battery cell module.

[0012] Optionally, the holding device further includes a protective end plate disposed at the other end of the cell module, and the end of the fixing strap away from the end space abuts against the protective end plate.

[0013] Optionally, the number of fixing straps is multiple and they are spaced apart from each other around the battery cell module.

[0014] This application further provides a battery cell module structure, including multiple battery cells and a holding device. The multiple battery cells are arranged in rows to form a battery cell module. The holding device includes at least one fixing band, a first end plate, a second end plate, and at least one pushing element. The at least one fixing band is sleeved around the multiple battery cells and has an end space between it and one end of the outermost battery cell. The first end plate is disposed within the end space and includes a first front side and a first back side, with the first front side abutting against the fixing band. The second end plate is disposed between the first end plate and the outermost battery cell and includes a pressure-receiving surface and a pushing surface, with the pressure-receiving surface facing the first back side and the pushing surface facing the outermost battery cell. A portion of the pushing element movably abuts against the first end plate, and another portion pushes against the pressure-receiving surface of the second end plate, with the pushing surface of the second end plate pushing against the outermost battery cell.

[0015] In the holding device and cell module structure provided in this application embodiment, the double-layer end plate structure of the first end plate and the second end plate, together with the use of the fixing strap and the pushing element, can produce a pushing and pressing effect, so that the second end plate can press the cell module according to the action of the pushing element. The required assembly and pressing process is simple and fast, without the need for large pressing jigs outside, or automated pressing assembly followed by hoisting. No additional pressing jigs or equipment are required, reducing equipment investment and lowering the entry barrier. Secondly, the holding device and cell module structure of this application can be directly placed into the battery pack box for assembly, saving time and equipment for assembly and transportation, and significantly reducing the assembly space, saving production land, which is also conducive to promotion. It can also meet the needs of cell modules of different sizes, effectively solving the problems of high assembly cost of traditional cell modules, and the need to use a large amount of land outside for assembly and hoisting, which increases the assembly difficulty and time and is not conducive to saving land and promotion.

Implementation Method

[0017] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical features, content and advantages of this application and the effects it can achieve, this application is described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in the form of embodiments. The drawings used are only for illustration and auxiliary explanation and may not be the actual proportions and precise configurations after the implementation of this application. Therefore, the proportions and configurations shown in the drawings should not be interpreted or limited to the scope of rights of this application in actual implementation.

[0018] The following descriptions of embodiments are with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating specific embodiments in which this application can be implemented. Directional terms used in this application, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "level," and "vertical," are merely for reference to the illustrations. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative and understanding purposes only, and not for limiting the application. Throughout the specification and claims, unless explicitly specified, the terms "a" and "described" encompass a description including "a or at least one" of the stated elements or components. Furthermore, as used in this application, the singular article also includes descriptions of multiple elements or components unless clearly apparent from the specific context.

[0019] The following description, with reference to the relevant figures, illustrates various embodiments of this application. For ease of understanding, the same elements in the following embodiments are indicated by the same symbols. It should be noted that the combination of the various elements in this application preferably forms the above-described multiple embodiments, but this should not be construed as a limitation of this application. That is, the various elements in this application may have more combinations, and are not limited to the above-described multiple embodiments.

[0020] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, this application provides a holding device 1 for holding a battery cell module 2, wherein the battery cell module 2 includes a plurality of battery cells 21 arranged in rows with each other. In some embodiments, a buffer cotton or flame-retardant pad (not shown) may be provided between adjacent battery cells 21, and the battery cells 21 are rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the holding device 1 includes two fixing straps 10, a first end plate 11, a second end plate 12, and a plurality of pushing elements 13. Preferably, the fixing straps 10 are made of a material with high hardness, such as steel or alloy steel, and may be integrally formed by stamping die. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the two fixing straps 10 are respectively sleeved around the battery cell module 2 and have an end space 101 between them and at least one end 201 of the battery cell module 2. Specifically, one end 201 of the cell module 2 refers to the end of the outermost cell 21 arranged in the cell module 2, and the length of the fixing strap 10 surrounding it is greater than the side length of the cell module 2 along its long axis, so that the fixing strap 10 and one end 201 of the cell module 2 form an end space 101 for the placement of the first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12. In some embodiments, the retaining device 1 further includes a protective end plate 14, which is disposed at the other end 202 of the cell module 2, that is, between the end of the fixing strap 10 away from the end space 101 and the cell module 2. Specifically, the fixing strap 10 abuts against the protective end plate 14 to protect the other outermost cell 21.

[0021] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, and in conjunction with Figure 2, Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the process of assembling the retaining device 1 onto the cell module 2. First, as shown in Figure 5A, before the fixing strap 10 is fitted onto the cell module 2, multiple cells 21, the first end plate 11, the second end plate 12, and the protective end plate 14 are arranged in a row, with the second end plate 12 positioned between the first end plate 11 and one end 201 of the cell module 2, and the protective end plate 14 positioned at the other end 202 of the cell module 2. Next, as shown in Figure 5B, two fixing straps 10 are respectively fitted around the cell module 2, the first end plate 11, the second end plate 12, and the protective end plate 14, with the first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12 positioned within the end space 101. This completes the initial assembly of the retaining device 1 and the cell module 2, but at this point, the cell module 2 has not yet been pressed and fixed. Referring to Figure 6, preferably, the two fixing straps 10 after assembly are positioned opposite each other at the top and bottom near the first end plate 11 to evenly fix the battery cell module 2 and achieve a better holding effect.

[0022] In some embodiments, the retaining device 1 may not be provided with a protective end plate 14, but instead the fixing strap 10 is directly sleeved on the other end 202 of the battery cell module 2, or a protective sleeve (not shown) is provided on the other end 202 of the battery cell module 2 corresponding to the fixing strap 10, so as to reduce the overall length of the battery cell module 2 and the retaining device 1 after assembly.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1, 6, and 7, specifically, the first end plate 11 includes a first front face 111 and a first back face 112 disposed opposite to each other, and a plurality of through holes 113. The plurality of through holes 113 are distributed at intervals between each other on the first end plate 11 and penetrate the first front face 111 and the first back face 112. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, preferably, four through holes 113 are respectively disposed on the four periphery near the first front face 111 and located between the two fixing bands 10. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 6, and 7, the first end plate 11 also includes a plurality of guide grooves 114 and reinforcing ribs 115. The guide grooves 114 are disposed corresponding to the through holes 113 and are recessed on the first back face 112 and adjacent to the through holes 113. Specifically, the opening area of ​​the guide grooves 114 is larger than the opening area of ​​the through holes 113. In this embodiment, each through hole 113 includes a plurality of positioning grooves 1131, and the plurality of positioning grooves 1131 form an internal thread structure. As shown in Figure 1, reinforcing ribs 115 are formed on the first front side 111 and are arranged in an interlaced manner to improve the structural strength of the first end plate 11, and through holes 113 are formed at the intersection of reinforcing ribs 115 to enhance the structural strength of through holes 113.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the second end plate 12 includes a pressure-receiving surface 121 and a pushing surface 122 disposed opposite to each other, a plurality of limiting grooves 123 and a plurality of limiting portions 124. Specifically, the pressure-receiving surface 121 faces the first back surface 112 of the first end plate 11, and the pushing surface 122 faces one end 201 of the cell module 2. In some embodiments, the limiting portion 124 protrudes from the pressure-receiving surface 121 toward the first end plate 11, and the limiting groove 123 is recessed from the limiting portion 124 (as shown in FIG. 7). In detail, the radial length of the limiting portion 124 is less than or equal to the radial length of the guide groove 114. In addition, the second end plate 12 also has reinforcing ribs 125, which are arranged in an alternating manner to improve the structural strength of the second end plate 12. In this embodiment, the limiting portion 124 is disposed at the intersection of the reinforcing ribs 125 to strengthen the structural strength of the limiting portion 124.

[0025] Referring again to FIG1, the number of pushing elements 13 is multiple and corresponding to the through holes 113, and they are movably inserted through the through holes 113. Specifically, the pushing element 13 includes a rod 131 and an operating part 132. The outer surface of the rod 131 has multiple flanges 1311, and the multiple flanges 1311 form an external thread structure. The operating part 132 is located at the end of the rod 131 away from the second end plate 12. Preferably, the shape of the operating part 132 is adapted to be rotated to drive the pushing element 13 to pivot. In this embodiment, the operating part 132 is a polygonal nut. In other embodiments, the operating part 132 may be a wing nut (not shown) or a cross-shaped groove or a slotted groove adapted to a screwdriver. It should be noted that the length of the rod 131 is greater than the depth of the through hole 113 of the first end plate 11, so that the rod 131 can movably penetrate the through hole 113 and contact the limiting groove 123 of the second end plate 12.

[0026] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the operation diagram of the holding device 1 holding the battery cell module. As shown in Figure 7, during the process of holding the battery cell module 2 by the holding device 1, firstly, the limiting part 124 of the second end plate 12 is sleeved in the guide groove 114 of the first end plate 11 to provide longitudinal positioning of the second end plate 12. At this time, the second end plate 12 is in an unpressed position and has a first gap G1 between it and one end 201 of the battery cell module 2, and the flange 1311 of the pushing element 13 is engaged in the positioning groove 1131 of the through hole 113, that is, the external thread structure of the pushing element 13 is screwed into the internal thread structure of the through hole 113. As shown in Figure 8, by rotating the pushing element 13, it is advanced towards the second end plate 12 until one end of the rod 131 abuts against the limiting groove 123. At the same time, the limiting part 124 of the second end plate 12 moves within the guide groove 114 according to the action of the pushing element 13, and the first front surface 111 of the first end plate 11 abuts against the fixing band 10. By continuously tightening the pushing element 13, the pushing surface 122 of the second end plate 12 pushes against one end 201 of the cell module 2, thereby pressing the cell 21 and fixing the cell module 2 through the second end plate 12. At this time, the second end plate 12 is in the pressed position and forms a second gap G2 between it and the first end plate 11, and there is no first gap G1 between the second end plate 12 and one end 201 of the cell module 2.

[0027] When unloading the retaining device 1, the process of retaining the battery cell module 2 by the retaining device 1 is reversed. Specifically, the retaining element 13 is rotated in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the tightening retaining element 13, so that the retaining element 13 moves backward toward the first front side 111, thereby releasing the second end plate 12 from pressing against the battery cell module 2. Afterward, the first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12 can be removed by removing the retaining strap 10.

[0028] Referring to FIG9, FIG9 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a first end plate 11 and a second end plate 12 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the first end plate 11 does not have a guide groove 114, and the second end plate 12 does not have a limiting part 124. In detail, as shown in FIG9, the first end plate 11 includes a guide protrusion 116, which protrudes from the first back surface 112 toward the second end plate 12, and a through hole 113 passes through the guide protrusion 116 from the first front surface 111. The limiting groove 123 of the second end plate 12 is formed directly from the pressure surface 121 toward the pushing surface 122. The guide protrusion 116 can engage with the limiting groove 123 to provide longitudinal positioning of the second end plate 12 relative to the first end plate 11, and the pushing element 13 is movably disposed in the through hole 113 and abuts against the limiting groove 123 of the second end plate 12.

[0029] Referring to FIG10, in this embodiment, the first end plate 11 does not have a guide groove 114, and the second end plate 12 does not have a limiting groove 123 and a limiting part 124. Specifically, the through hole 113 of the first end plate 11 penetrates from the first front side 111 to the first back side 112. The pushing element 13 is movably disposed in the through hole 113 and abuts against the pressure surface 121 of the second end plate 12.

[0030] Referring to FIG11, in this embodiment, the holding device 1 includes only a single fixing strap 10. As shown in FIG11, the fixing strap 10 is positioned at the middle relative to the battery cell module 2, and multiple pushing elements 13 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the fixing strap 10 to form a uniform pressing and fixing effect on the battery cell module 2.

[0031] Referring to Figure 12, this application embodiment further provides a cell module structure 100, which can be applied to new energy vehicle battery packs, electric vehicle battery packs, bus battery packs, home energy storage products, commercial energy storage products, special operation equipment energy storage products, etc. As shown in Figure 12, the cell module structure 100 includes a holding device 1 and a cell module 2. Specifically, the holding device 1 includes at least one fixing strap 10, a first end plate 11, a second end plate 12, and a plurality of pushing elements 13, and the cell module 2 includes a plurality of adjacently arranged cells 21. The first end plate 11, the second end plate 12, and the pushing elements 13 are assembled at one end 201 of the cell module 2. It should be noted that the structures of the holding device 1 and the battery module 2 of the battery module structure 100 provided in this application embodiment are the same as those of the holding device 1 and the battery module 2 in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 10. Therefore, the components and structural relationships of the holding device 1 and the battery module 2 of the battery module structure 100 will not be described in detail here.

[0032] In summary, in the holding device and cell module structure provided in the embodiments of this application, the double-layer end plate structure of the first end plate and the second end plate, in conjunction with the use of the fixing strap and the pushing element, can produce a pushing and pressing effect, so that the second end plate can press the cell module according to the action of the pushing element. The required assembly and pressing process is simple and fast, without the need for large pressing jigs, or automated pressing assembly followed by hoisting. No additional pressing jigs or equipment are required, reducing equipment investment costs and lowering the entry barrier. Secondly, the holding device and cell module structure of this application can be directly placed into the battery pack box for assembly, saving time and equipment for assembly and transportation, and significantly reducing the assembly space, saving production space, which is also conducive to promotion, and can also meet the needs of cell modules of different sizes.

[0033] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the technical solutions and core ideas of this application. Those who are skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0016] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the holding device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the holding device and the cell module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the holding device and the cell module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 is another perspective view of the holding device and the cell module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5A is a process diagram of assembling the holding device of the embodiment of this application into the cell module. Figure 5B is another process diagram of assembling the holding device of the embodiment of this application into the cell module. Figure 6 is a side view of Figure 2. Figure 7 is an operation diagram of the holding device of Figure 1 holding the cell module. Figure 8 is another operation diagram of the holding device of Figure 1 holding the cell module. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first end plate and the second end plate according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first end plate and the second end plate according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the holding device and the cell module according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cell module structure according to an embodiment of this application.

Claims

1. A holding device for holding a battery cell module, the holding device comprising: At least one fixing strap is sleeved around the battery cell module and has an end space between it and at least one end of the battery cell module; a first end plate is disposed within the end space and includes a first front side and a first back side, with the first front side abutting against the fixing strap; a second end plate is disposed between the first end plate and the at least one end of the battery cell module and includes a pressure-receiving surface and a pushing surface, with the pressure-receiving surface facing the first back side and the pushing surface facing the at least one end of the battery cell module; and at least one pushing element, a portion of which is movably abutting against the first end plate and another portion pushing against the pressure-receiving surface of the second end plate, with the pushing surface of the second end plate pushing against the at least one end of the battery cell module.

2. The holding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end plate includes at least one through hole penetrating the first front side and the first back side, and the through hole includes a plurality of positioning slots, and the pushing element includes a plurality of flanges, wherein the pushing element is movably disposed in the through hole, and the plurality of flanges are engaged in the plurality of positioning slots.

3. The retaining device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of positioning slots of the through hole form an internal thread structure, the plurality of flanges of the pushing element form an external thread structure, and the external thread structure is screwed into the internal thread structure.

4. The holding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second end plate includes a limiting groove corresponding to the through hole, and one end of the pushing element is movably abutting against the limiting groove.

5. The holding device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first end plate includes a guide groove located on the first back surface and adjacent to the through hole, and the second end plate includes a limiting portion protruding from the pressure surface, and a limiting groove located on the limiting portion, wherein the limiting portion is sleeved in the guide groove, and the limiting portion moves within the guide groove according to the action of the pushing element.

6. The holding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the number of through holes is plurality, and the plurality of through holes are distributed at intervals between each other on the first end plate, and the pushing element is provided corresponding to the plurality of through holes.

7. The holding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second end plate is in a pressed position and an unpressed position according to the actuation of the pushing element, wherein the second end plate has a first gap with the at least one end of the cell module in the unpressed position, and has a second gap with the first end plate in the pressed position, and contacts and pushes against the at least one end of the cell module.

8. The retaining device as claimed in claim 1 further includes a protective end plate disposed at the other end of the cell module, and the end of the retaining strap away from the end space abuts against the protective end plate.

9. The retaining device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the number of retaining straps is plurality and spaced apart from each other around the cell module.

10. A battery cell module structure, comprising: Multiple battery cells are arranged in rows to form a battery cell module; The device includes: at least one fixing strap, sleeved around the plurality of battery cells and having an end space between it and one end of the outermost battery cell; a first end plate disposed within the end space, including a first front side and a first back side, wherein the first front side abuts against the fixing strap; a second end plate disposed between the first end plate and the outermost battery cell, including a pressure-receiving surface and a pushing surface, wherein the pressure-receiving surface faces the first back side and the pushing surface faces the outermost battery cell; and at least one pushing element, a portion of which movably abuts against the first end plate and another portion of which pushes against the pressure-receiving surface of the second end plate, wherein the pushing surface of the second end plate pushes against the outermost battery cell.

11. The cell module structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first end plate includes at least one through hole penetrating the first front side and the first back side, and the through hole includes a plurality of positioning slots, and the push element includes a plurality of flanges, wherein the push element is movably disposed in the through hole, and the plurality of flanges are engaged in the plurality of positioning slots.

12. The cell module structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of positioning slots of the through hole form an internal thread structure, the plurality of flanges of the push element form an external thread structure, and the external thread structure is screwed into the internal thread structure.

13. The cell module structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second end plate includes a limiting groove corresponding to the through hole, and one end of the pushing element is movably abutting against the limiting groove.

14. The cell module structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first end plate includes a guide groove located on the first back side and adjacent to the through hole, and the second end plate includes a limiting portion protruding from the pressure surface, and a limiting groove located on the limiting portion, wherein the limiting portion is sleeved in the guide groove, and the limiting portion moves within the guide groove according to the action of the pushing element.

15. The cell module structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the number of through holes is plurality, and the plurality of through holes are distributed at intervals between each other on the first end plate, and the push-off element is provided corresponding to the plurality of through holes.

16. The cell module structure of claim 11, wherein the second end plate is in a pressed position and an unpressed position according to the action of the pushing element, wherein the second end plate has a first gap with the first end plate in the pressed position and contacts and pushes against the at least one end of the cell module, and the second end plate has a second gap with the at least one end of the cell module in the unpressed position.

17. The cell module structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the retaining device further includes a protective end plate disposed at one end of the plurality of cells away from the end space, and the end of the retaining strap away from the end space abuts against the protective end plate.

18. The cell module structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the number of fixing strips is plurality and spaced apart from each other around the cell module.

Images