Connecting plate and extensible module having same

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a connecting plate and an extensible module having same. The connecting plate is used for connecting two adjacent battery modules, and the connecting plate is provided with a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion which are spaced apart from each other, wherein the first connecting portion is connected to one of the two adjacent battery modules, the second connecting portion is connected to the other one of the two adjacent battery modules, and a weight reduction portion is formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The connecting plate of the present application is provided with the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, such that adjacent battery modules form an integral long module; therefore, the connection of the battery modules can be facilitated, and the design freedom of the lengths of the battery modules can also be improved; moreover, the volumes of a plurality of battery modules can be reduced, and the energy density of the extensible module can also be increased.

Description

Connector board and its expandable module

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN202420876119.4, filed on April 24, 2024, entitled "Connecting Plate and Expandable Module Having Therethe", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of scalable module manufacturing technology, and in particular to a connecting board and a scalable module having the same. Background Technology

[0004] In existing scalable modules, to increase the strength and rigidity of the scalable module housing, crossbeams or longitudinal beams are generally designed inside the housing. The module can only be placed within the frame isolated by the crossbeams or longitudinal beams, which restricts the length of the battery module and affects the design freedom of the battery module length.

[0005] Application content

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a connecting plate that can improve the design freedom of the length of the battery module, and also to provide an expandable module having the above-mentioned connecting plate.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a connecting plate for connecting any two adjacent battery modules. The connecting plate has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion arranged at intervals. The first connecting portion is connected to one of the two adjacent battery modules, and the second connecting portion is connected to the other of the two adjacent battery modules. A weight reduction portion is formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0008] Beneficial effects: By setting the first connecting part and the second connecting part, adjacent battery modules can be formed into a whole long module, which can facilitate the connection of battery modules, increase the design freedom of battery module length, reduce the volume of multiple battery modules, and improve the energy density of scalable modules.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the connecting plate includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector being connected to both sides of the second connector, the first connecting portion being formed on one of the two first connectors, and the second connecting portion being formed on the other of the two first connectors.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed as limiting grooves.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, at least one limiting groove is formed on the side surface of the first connector facing away from the battery module, and a protrusion is provided at one end of the limiting groove.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the second connector is in the shape of a straight line or a U-shape, extending along the width direction of the battery module. When the second connector is U-shaped, it includes: a first connecting segment extending horizontally; a second connecting segment extending vertically, connected to both ends of the first connecting segment in the width direction; and a third connecting segment extending horizontally, connected to the end of the second connecting segment away from the first connecting segment, with the end of the third connecting segment near the battery module connected to the first connector.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the weight-reducing portion is formed as a clearance groove, which is defined by the first connecting segment and the two second connecting segments.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the third connecting segment is formed with a through hole that extends through the third connecting segment in the extending direction of the second connector.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the first connecting segment is formed with a mounting hole that extends through the first connecting segment in the thickness direction.

[0016] Secondly, this application also provides a scalable module comprising: at least one of the aforementioned connecting boards and a plurality of battery modules, each of the connecting boards being located between two adjacent battery modules.

[0017] Beneficial effects: By setting the above-mentioned connecting plate, the first connecting part and the second connecting part, adjacent battery modules can be formed into a whole long module, which can facilitate the connection of battery modules, increase the design freedom of battery module length, reduce the volume of multiple battery modules, and improve the energy density of expandable modules.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, the expandable module further includes: an annular fixing strap, which passes through the first connecting portion and binds and fixes the connecting plate and the corresponding battery module, and / or, the annular fixing strap passes through the second connecting portion and binds and fixes the connecting plate and the corresponding battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an expandable module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the scalable module shown in Figure 2 from one angle;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the scalable module shown in Figure 3 from another angle;

[0024] Figure 5 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 4;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of one angle of the connecting plate shown in Figure 5;

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the connecting plate shown in Figure 5 from another angle.

[0027] Numbering in the diagram: 100-Connecting plate; 10-First connector; 11-First connecting part; 12-Second connecting part; 13-Protruding strip; 20-Second connector; 21-First connecting section; 211-Mounting hole; 22-Second connecting section; 23-Third connecting section; 231-Through hole; 24-Allowing groove; 200-Battery cell; 300-Annular fixing band; 400-Heat insulation pad; 500-Buffer material; 600-Separating beam; 700-Box; 1000-Expandable module. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] The connection plate 100 according to an embodiment of this application is described below with reference to Figures 1-7.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, the connecting plate 100 according to an embodiment of this application is used to connect any two adjacent battery modules. The connecting plate 100 has a first connecting portion 11 and a second connecting portion 12 arranged at intervals. The first connecting portion 11 is connected to one of the two adjacent battery modules, and the second connecting portion 12 is connected to the other of the two adjacent battery modules. A weight reduction portion is formed between the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12.

[0031] For example, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6, the connecting plate 100 has a first connecting portion 11 and a second connecting portion 12 at both ends. The first connecting portion 11 connects to the battery module on the left, and the second connecting portion 12 connects to the battery module on the right. The battery modules are housed in a housing, and a partition beam 600 separates adjacent battery modules within the housing. Preferably, the connecting plate 100 is made of aluminum alloy, which reduces its weight while maintaining its strength, thereby reducing the weight of the expandable module 1000.

[0032] The connecting plate 100 of this application is provided with a first connecting part 11 and a second connecting part 12. The first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 cooperate to fix adjacent battery modules, thereby forming an integral long module, which facilitates the connection of battery modules. At the same time, the length of the module can be adjusted according to actual needs, thereby increasing the design freedom of the battery module length. In addition, since a single battery module requires corresponding components, such as high-voltage connecting copper busbars and wiring harnesses, connecting adjacent battery modules can reduce the number of components, thereby reducing the volume of multiple battery modules and improving the energy density of the expandable module 1000. Furthermore, the weight-reducing part can avoid the partition beam 600, thereby facilitating the connection of the connecting plate 100 and preventing the connecting plate 100 from affecting the internal structure of the expandable module 1000, thus increasing the design freedom of the expandable module 1000.

[0033] According to the embodiment of this application, the connecting plate 100 is provided with a first connecting part 11 and a second connecting part 12, so that adjacent battery modules are formed into an integral long module, which can facilitate the connection of battery modules, increase the design freedom of battery module length, reduce the volume of multiple battery modules, and improve the energy density of the expandable module 1000.

[0034] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the connecting plate 100 includes a first connecting member 10 and a second connecting member 20. The first connecting member 10 is connected to both sides of the second connecting member 20 (the left and right sides of the second connecting member 20 as shown in Figure 6). A first connecting portion 11 is formed on one of the two first connecting members 10, and a second connecting portion 12 is formed on the other of the two first connecting members 10. Thus, the second connecting member 20 is connected to the two first connecting members 10, making the connecting plate 100 a whole, thereby ensuring the strength of the connecting plate 100. At the same time, this structure is reasonably designed and facilitates the connection of the connecting plate 100 with adjacent battery modules.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, two first connectors 10 are provided, and the two first connectors 10 are provided on the left and right sides of the second connector 20. The first connecting part 11 is formed on the first connector 10 on the left side, and the second connecting part 12 is formed on the first connector 10 on the right side.

[0036] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 6 and 7, both the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12 are formed as limiting grooves. Thus, the limiting grooves can conveniently fix the battery module, thereby facilitating the connection of adjacent battery modules.

[0037] According to some optional embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 6 and 7, at least one limiting groove is formed on the side surface of the first connector 10 facing away from the battery module, and a protrusion 13 is provided at one end of the limiting groove. Thus, the protrusion 13 can increase the stability of the connection between the connector 100 and the battery module, and can effectively prevent the battery module from separating from the connector 100.

[0038] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the protrusion 13 on the right surface of the first connector 10 on the left extends to the right, and the protrusion 13 on the left surface of the first connector 10 on the right extends to the left.

[0039] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the second connector 20 is in the shape of a straight line or a U-shape. The second connector 20 extends along the width direction of the battery module (the front-to-back direction as shown in Figure 6). When the second connector 20 is U-shaped, it includes a first connecting segment 21, a second connecting segment 22, and a third connecting segment 23. The first connecting segment 21 extends horizontally; the second connecting segment 22 extends vertically and connects to both ends of the first connecting segment 21 in the width direction (the left-to-right direction of the first connecting segment 21 as shown in Figure 6); the third connecting segment 23 extends horizontally and connects to the end of the second connecting segment 22 away from the first connecting segment 21 (the lower end of the second connecting segment 22 as shown in Figure 6), and the end of the third connecting segment 23 near the battery module is connected to the first connector 10.

[0040] In this way, the second connector 20 and the first connector 10 form an elastically deformable structure. When the expansion force of the battery module is large, the battery module can compress the first connector 10 towards the second connector 20, increasing the expansion space of the battery module and thus increasing the service life of the battery module. At the same time, the first connecting segment 21, the second connecting segment 22, and the third connecting segment 23 can connect the two first connectors 10, thereby making the connecting plate 100 a whole. This connection method can ensure the connection strength between the second connector 20 and the first connector 10, thus preventing damage to the connecting plate 100. Furthermore, this structure is reasonably designed, which can ensure the structural strength of the second connector 20 and effectively prevent damage to the second connector 20.

[0041] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second connecting member 20 extends in the front-to-back direction, the first connecting segment 21 is horizontally arranged in the left-to-right direction, the second connecting segment 22 is vertically arranged in the up-down direction, the upper ends of the two second connecting segments 22 are respectively connected to the left and right ends of the first connecting segment 21, the first connecting segment 21 is horizontally arranged in the left-to-right direction, and two third connecting segments 23 are provided. The left end of the third connecting segment 23 on the left is connected to the first connecting member 10, the right end of the third connecting segment 23 on the left is connected to the lower end of the second connecting segment 22, the right end of the third connecting segment 23 on the right is connected to the first connecting member 10, and the left end of the third connecting segment 23 on the right is connected to the lower end of the second connecting segment 22.

[0042] According to some optional embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the weight-reducing portion is formed as a clearance groove 24, which is defined by the first connecting segment 21 and two second connecting segments 22. Therefore, there is no need to additionally provide the clearance groove 24, thereby reducing processing steps and lowering production costs.

[0043] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first connecting segment 21 and the two second connecting segments 22 define a U-shaped relief groove 24 with the opening facing downward, and the upper end of the partition beam 600 is engaged in the relief groove 24.

[0044] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the third connecting segment 23 is formed with a through hole 231, which extends through the third connecting segment 23 in the extending direction of the second connecting member 20. Thus, the through hole 231 can reduce the weight of the third connecting segment 23, thereby reducing the weight of the connecting plate 100, and further facilitating the installation and removal of the connecting plate 100.

[0045] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a rectangular through hole 231 is formed on the third connecting segment 23, and the through hole 231 penetrates the third connecting segment 23 in the front-back direction.

[0046] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG6, a mounting hole 211 is formed in the first connecting segment 21. The mounting hole 211 penetrates the first connecting segment 21 in the thickness direction (vertical direction of the first connecting segment 21 as shown in FIG6). Thus, the mounting hole 211 can fix the connecting plate 100 and the partition beam 600, thereby preventing the connecting plate 100 from separating from the partition beam 600, and further preventing the battery module from separating from the casing.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 6, mounting holes 211 penetrate the first connecting section 21 in the vertical direction. Multiple mounting holes 211 are provided, and the multiple mounting holes 211 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction on the first connecting section 21.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the connecting plate 100 is provided with lifting holes (not shown in the figure). The lifting holes facilitate the lifting operation of the connecting plate 100, thereby facilitating the lifting of the battery module. At the same time, lifting the connecting plates 100 on both sides of the battery module can make the battery module bear the force evenly, thereby reducing the deformation of the battery module.

[0049] The expandable module 1000 according to a second aspect embodiment of this application, referring to Figures 1 and 2, includes: at least one connecting plate 100 of the first aspect of this embodiment and a plurality of battery modules. That is, the expandable module 1000 may include one, two, three or more connecting plates 100, each connecting plate 100 being located between two adjacent battery modules. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of battery cells 200 are stacked in a left-right direction to form a battery module, and a connecting plate 100 is provided between adjacent battery modules.

[0050] According to the embodiments of this application, the expandable module 1000, by setting the connecting plate 100 of the first aspect embodiment above, and setting the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12, makes adjacent battery modules form an integral long module, thereby facilitating the connection of battery modules, increasing the design freedom of battery module length, reducing the volume of multiple battery modules, and improving the energy density of the expandable module 1000.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the expandable module 1000 includes a housing 700 having a receiving cavity in which the battery module is disposed. Thus, the housing 700 can protect the battery module, thereby preventing damage to the battery module.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, a heat insulation pad 400 is provided between the first connector 10 of the connecting plate 100 and the battery module. This can prevent the heat emitted by the battery module from being transferred to the connecting plate 100, thereby effectively preventing the connecting plate 100 from deforming due to heat.

[0053] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 1 and 5, a buffer pad is provided between adjacent battery cells 200. When the expandable module 1000 shakes, the buffer pad can provide cushioning for the adjacent battery cells 200, preventing the adjacent battery cells 200 from colliding and being damaged.

[0054] According to some optional embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 1 and 5, the expandable module 1000 may further include: an annular fixing strap 300, which passes through the first connecting portion 11 and binds and fixes the connecting plate 100 and the corresponding battery module, and / or, the annular fixing strap 300 passes through the second connecting portion 12 and binds and fixes the connecting plate 100 and the corresponding battery module.

[0055] In this way, the annular fixing strap 300 can fix multiple battery cells 200, thereby effectively preventing one battery cell 200 from separating from other battery cells 200, thus ensuring the stability of the battery module. At the same time, the annular fixing strap 300 can provide a connection position for the connecting plate 100, facilitating the connection between the connecting plate 100 and adjacent battery modules, thereby ensuring the connection strength between the connecting plate 100 and adjacent battery modules.

[0056] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the annular fixing band 300 is formed into a ring and is wound around the circumference of the battery module. At the middle position of adjacent battery modules, the annular fixing band 300 of the left battery module binds the first connector 10 on the left side to the annular fixing band 300, and the annular fixing band 300 of the right battery module binds the first connector 10 on the right side to the annular fixing band 300.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, there are two annular fixing straps 300, which are arranged at intervals along the top and bottom. This ensures the strength of the annular fixing straps 300 in fixing the battery module and effectively prevents one battery cell 200 from separating from the other battery cells 200.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the battery module on the left is provided with two annular fixing straps 300. The upper annular fixing strap 300 is fixed in the upper limiting groove of the first connector 10 on the left, and the lower annular fixing strap 300 is fixed in the lower limiting groove of the first connector 10 on the left. The battery module on the right is provided with two annular fixing straps 300. The upper annular fixing strap 300 is fixed in the upper limiting groove of the first connector 10 on the right, and the lower annular fixing strap 300 is fixed in the lower limiting groove of the first connector 10 on the right.

[0059] Preferably, the upper annular fixing strap 300 is made of steel. This ensures the strength of the upper annular fixing strap 300 in fixing the battery module and also prevents the annular fixing strap 300 from breaking. Furthermore, the lower annular fixing strap 300 is made of plastic. Since the lower end of the battery module is bonded to the casing, the battery module can be fixed by using the plastic annular fixing strap 300, thereby reducing the production cost of the expandable module 1000.

[0060] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the appended claims. Industrial applicability

[0061] The connecting board and expandable module provided in this application, by setting a first connecting part and a second connecting part on the connecting board, make adjacent battery modules form a whole long module, which can facilitate the connection of battery modules, increase the design freedom of battery module length, reduce the volume of multiple battery modules, and improve the energy density of expandable modules.

Claims

1. A connecting plate for connecting any two adjacent battery modules, characterized in that, The connecting plate has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion arranged at intervals. The first connecting portion is connected to one of the two adjacent battery modules, and the second connecting portion is connected to the other of the two adjacent battery modules. A weight reduction portion is formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

2. The connecting plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plate includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is connected to both sides of the second connector. The first connecting portion is formed on one of the two first connectors, and the second connecting portion is formed on the other of the two first connectors.

3. The connecting plate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are formed as limiting grooves.

4. The connecting plate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connector has at least one limiting groove formed on the side surface opposite to the battery module, and one end of the limiting groove is provided with a protrusion.

5. The connecting plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector is either straight or in a U-shape, extending along the width direction of the battery module. When the second connector is U-shaped, it includes: The first connecting segment extends horizontally; The second connecting segment extends vertically and connects to both ends of the first connecting segment in the width direction; The third connecting segment extends horizontally and is connected to the end of the second connecting segment away from the first connecting segment. The end of the third connecting segment near the battery module is connected to the first connector.

6. The connecting plate according to claim 5, characterized in that, The weight-reducing section is formed as a clearance groove, and the first connecting section and the two second connecting sections define the clearance groove.

7. The connecting plate according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third connecting segment has a through hole that extends through the third connecting segment in the extending direction of the second connecting member.

8. The connecting plate according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting segment has a mounting hole that extends through the first connecting segment in the thickness direction.

9. A scalable module, characterized in that, include: At least one connecting plate according to any one of claims 1-8 and a plurality of battery modules, wherein each connecting plate is located between two adjacent battery modules.

10. The scalable module according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: An annular fixing strap is inserted into the first connecting portion to bind and fix the connecting plate and the corresponding battery module, and / or the annular fixing strap is inserted into the second connecting portion to bind and fix the connecting plate and the corresponding battery module.

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