Battery module, battery pack and energy storage device

Abstract

The present application provides a battery module, a battery pack and an energy storage device. The battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells, end plates arranged at two ends of the plurality of battery cells in the arrangement direction, and straps used for bundling the plurality of battery cells and the end plates; each end plate comprises a base plate and a plurality of flange structures; the base plate is stacked with the plurality of battery cells in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of flange structures are arranged around the edge of the base plate and cover the periphery of the base plate in a ring-shaped structure, and the plurality of flange structures are bent from the edge of the base plate and protrude from the surface of the base plate facing away from the battery cells. The present application can solve the problems of high raw material cost and complex process of existing die-cast aluminum end plates, and solve the problems of low structural strength and poor expansion constraint effect of existing sheet metal end plates. By adding foam, plastic parts and ceramic composite tapes and reasonably designing the positions and sizes, the problems of uneven stress, short creepage distance and poor insulation performance can be solved, thereby improving the service life and safety of the battery.

Description

Battery module, battery pack and energy storage device

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202420933760.7, filed on April 29, 2024, entitled "Battery module, battery pack and energy storage device", the whole content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of energy storage, in particular to a battery module, a battery pack and an energy storage device. BACKGROUND

[0003] The battery module is composed of module cells, end plates and straps, etc. The module cells and the end plates are placed side by side, and the module cells are fixed by the end plates and the straps. In the use process, the cells will swell, and the end plates are used to constrain the swelling of the cells. The common end plates of the current battery module are die-cast aluminum end plates, which meet the constraint swelling requirement of the battery module by the high strength of the die-cast aluminum end plates. However, the raw material of the die-cast aluminum end plate is relatively expensive, and the process is relatively complex, resulting in high cost of using the die-cast aluminum end plate. The existing sheet metal end plate has low structural strength and poor swelling constraint effect, and cannot be applied to the battery module with large swelling force. Therefore, how to design an end plate structure with cost competitiveness and strong swelling constraint ability in the current structure architecture is an urgent problem to be solved in the field.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a battery module, a battery pack and an energy storage device to solve the problem that high cost and insufficient strength of the end plate cannot coexist.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a battery module, which includes a plurality of cells, end plates arranged at both ends of the plurality of cells in the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells, and a strap for binding the plurality of cells and the end plates; the end plate includes a base plate and a plurality of flange structures; the base plate is arranged in a stacked manner with the plurality of cells in the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells, the plurality of flange structures are arranged around the edge of the base plate and cover the four sides of the base plate in a ring structure, and the plurality of flange structures are bent from the edge of the base plate and protrude from the surface of the base plate away from the cells.

[0007] In the embodiment, the substrate abuts against the battery cell to constrain the expansion of the battery cell, and the plurality of turn-up structures on the surface of the substrate away from the battery cell can improve the strength of the substrate to improve the ability of the substrate to constrain the expansion of the battery cell, so as to be applied to the battery module in a scene where the demand for the expansion of the battery cell is large. Moreover, since the plurality of turn-up structures cover the four sides of the substrate, the plurality of turn-up structures can support each other, so that the ability of the plurality of turn-up structures to strengthen the substrate is further improved. Compared with the die casting, the material used in the end plate in the embodiment is greatly reduced, and the manufacturing process difficulty of the end plate is reduced, so that the cost of the end plate in the embodiment can be greatly reduced. The end plate in the embodiment can not only reduce the cost, but also obtain sufficient strength. The problem that the high cost and insufficient strength of the end plate cannot coexist is effectively solved.

[0008] In some embodiments, the battery cell adjacent to the end plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite in the height direction of the battery module, the upper surface of the battery cell is provided with a pressure relief port, the end plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite in the height direction of the battery module, the upper surface of the end plate is closer to the upper surface of the battery cell than the lower surface of the end plate, and the upper surface of the end plate is lower than the upper surface of the battery cell in the height direction of the battery module, with the lower surface of the battery cell as a reference surface. The embodiment mainly solves the problem that the position welded on the upper surface of the battery cell provided with the pressure relief port is not high in strength and is prone to cracking. Specifically, since the top plate of the battery cell and the battery cell shell are welded, the welding seam is located at the edge of the upper surface of the battery cell provided with the pressure relief port. When the welding position is too large in extrusion degree, the welding seam is cracked, and the battery cell is damaged. In the embodiment, the upper surface of the end plate is lower than the upper surface of the battery cell, so that the pressure applied by the end plate to the welding position of the top plate of the battery cell is effectively reduced during the expansion of the battery cell, thereby effectively avoiding the cracking of the welding seam of the top plate due to the expansion of the battery cell and the extrusion of the end plate, and the battery cell is effectively protected.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lower surface of the end plate is lower than the lower surface of the battery cell in the height direction of the battery cell, with the upper surface of the battery cell as a reference surface. Thus, after the battery cell in the battery module leaks, the leaked electrolyte cannot easily contact the end plate, thereby effectively reducing the probability of electrical sparking caused by the electrical connection between the end plate and the battery cell through the electrolyte due to the leakage of the battery cell, and effectively reducing the probability of danger of the battery module.

[0010] In some embodiments, the battery cell adjacent to the end plate includes two side surfaces opposite in the width direction of the battery module, and the end plate protrudes from the two side surfaces of the battery cell in the width direction of the battery module. In the embodiment, since the end plate protrudes from the two side surfaces of the battery cell in the width direction of the battery cell, the cable tie can avoid directly extruding the battery cell after being fixed, thereby effectively avoiding the damage of the battery cell.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of the flanging structures comprises an outer side plate and a connecting plate; the outer side plate is bent from the edge of the substrate in a direction away from the plurality of the battery cells and protrudes from the surface of the substrate facing away from the plurality of the battery cells; the connecting plate is used to connect the outer side plate and the substrate, and the outer side plates of the plurality of the flanging structures are connected to form a ring-shaped structure, which surrounds the connecting plates of the plurality of the flanging structures. In this embodiment, the outer side plate is connected at the edge of the substrate, so that the strength of the substrate can be effectively improved by the outer side plate to constrain the expansion of the battery cells. The connecting plate is used to connect the substrate and the outer side plate, so that the connecting plate, the substrate and the outer side plate can support each other. The strength of the connecting plate, the substrate and the outer side plate can be greatly improved. The outer side plates of the plurality of the flanging structures are connected to form a ring-shaped structure, so that the plurality of the outer side plates can support each other, and the strength of the plurality of the outer side plates can be strengthened. After the strength of the plurality of the outer side plates is strengthened, the strength of the substrate connected with the outer side plates can also be strengthened by the outer side plates. The end plate formed by non-pressure casting in this embodiment can also obtain sufficient strength to constrain the expansion of the battery cells. Compared with the pressure casting, the use of the end plate in this embodiment greatly reduces the material of the end plate, and the manufacturing process difficulty of the end plate is reduced, so that the cost of the end plate in this embodiment can be greatly reduced.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of the flanging structures comprises two first flanging structures and two second flanging structures, the two first flanging structures are oppositely arranged in the height direction of the battery module, and the two second flanging structures are oppositely arranged in the width direction of the battery module. In the width direction of the battery module, the connecting plates of the two first flanging structures are connected between the connecting plates of the two second flanging structures. In this embodiment, the connecting plates of the two first flanging structures are connected between the connecting plates of the two second flanging structures, so that the plurality of the connecting plates can support each other to effectively improve the constraint expansion strength of the end plate as a whole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connecting plate is bent from an edge of the outer side plate away from one end of the substrate towards a central portion of the substrate, the connecting plate is arranged spaced apart from the substrate, the flanging structure further comprises an inner side plate, the inner side plate is bent from an edge of the connecting plate away from the outer side plate towards the substrate, the inner side plate is arranged spaced apart from the outer side plate, and the inner side plate is connected between the connecting plate and the substrate. In this embodiment, the outer side plate of the end plate is bent from an edge of the substrate, and the inner side plate is bent from an edge of the connecting plate towards the substrate, that is, the outer side plate, the connecting plate and the inner side plate are all made by the process of sheet metal, which is simple in process and can effectively ensure the connection strength between the outer side plate and the edge of the substrate. In addition, since the substrate and the connecting plate are arranged spaced apart, the connecting plate can reduce the use of the substrate while playing a role in strengthening the strength of the substrate, thereby effectively reducing the cost while ensuring the strength. Moreover, since the inner side plate and the outer side plate are arranged spaced apart, and the inner side plate is connected between the connecting plate and the substrate, the connecting plate can be supported at different positions by the cooperation of the outer side plate and the inner side plate, thereby strengthening the strength of the connecting plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inner side plates of the two first flanging structures are connected between the inner side plates of the two second flanging structures, and the inner side plates of the two first flanging structures, the inner side plates of the two second flanging structures and the substrate enclose a recess. In this embodiment, the support strength of each inner side plate can be improved by the mutual connection between the plurality of inner side plates, so as to strengthen the ability of the connecting plate and the substrate to constrain the expansion of the battery cell. In addition, the battery module can be conveniently transported through the recess.

[0015] In some embodiments, the outer side plate and the inner side plate are both arranged perpendicularly to the substrate. In this embodiment, since the outer side plate and the inner side plate are both arranged perpendicularly to the substrate, the direction of the pulling force of the cable tie on the connecting plate and the direction of the pushing force of the battery cell expansion on the substrate are both the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, that is, the direction perpendicular to the substrate, so that the outer side plate and the inner side plate can more effectively strengthen the strength of the substrate and the connecting plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of flanging structures includes two first flanging structures opposite in the height direction of the battery module and two second flanging structures opposite in the width direction of the battery module, wherein the inner side plate of the first flanging structure has a dimension in the width direction of the battery module smaller than that of the outer side plate of the first flanging structure; the inner side plate of the second flanging structure has a dimension in the height direction of the battery module same as that of the outer side plate of the second flanging structure, and the dimension of the connecting plate of the second flanging structure in the width direction of the battery module is same as the sum of the dimensions of the connecting plates of the first flanging structures in the width direction of the battery module and the dimension of the outer side plate of the first flanging structure in the width direction of the battery module. In this embodiment, since the dimension of the connecting plate of the second flanging structure in the width direction of the battery module is same as the sum of the dimensions of the connecting plates of the first flanging structures in the width direction of the battery module and the dimension of the outer side plate of the first flanging structure in the width direction of the battery module, the outer side plate of the second flanging structure is close to or in contact with the outer side plate of the first flanging structure, thereby facilitating the welding between the outer side plates of the first and second flanging structures.

[0017] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes an insulating partition plate, the insulating partition plate includes a main partition plate and a side partition plate, the main partition plate is arranged between the substrate and the battery cell adjacent to the end plate along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, and the side partition plate is arranged on both sides of the end plate in the width direction of the battery module, the side partition plate is provided with a gap, and the cable tie is wound around the plurality of end plates and passes through the gap. In this embodiment, since the cable tie passes through the gap, the cable tie can be prevented from contacting the side partition plate, thereby preventing the cable tie from wearing the side partition plate and dropping debris and the like, and effectively reducing the risk of the battery cell being punctured and the risk of the battery cell being damaged due to liquid leakage.

[0018] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes an insulating high-temperature-resistant layer, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer includes a first part and a second part, the first part is located between the end plate and the insulating partition plate, and the second part is wrapped on the surface of the end plate bound by the cable tie. The first part in this embodiment is used to separate the end plate and the insulating partition plate, so that the electrical isolation between the end plate and the battery cell can be achieved through the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer after the insulating partition plate is melted, to prevent electrical sparking and further deterioration of the battery module. Through the arrangement of the second part, the cable tie can be prevented from directly contacting the end plate, and the second part can also be prevented from dropping debris that can pierce the battery cell shell, thereby effectively improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery module further comprises a plurality of foam layers, each of which is arranged between two adjacent battery cells along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, and each of which is arranged between the end plate and the battery cell adjacent to the end plate along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells. In this embodiment, the two ends of the battery cell at the two ends of the battery module are each provided with a foam layer, which can effectively ensure that the force between the two large faces of the battery cell in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells is more uniform, and can avoid damage caused by uneven force between the two large faces of the battery cell in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells. In addition, the foam layer is also arranged between the battery cell and the end plate, which can also absorb the expansion force of the battery cell to a certain extent, and can reduce the requirement for the end plate to constrain the expansion of the battery cell to a certain extent, so as to achieve the purpose of reducing the cost of the end plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery module further comprises a hanging plate, which is arranged between two adjacent battery cells along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, and the hanging plate is provided with a lifting part for external connection. In this embodiment, in addition to the end plates at the two ends, the battery module is also provided with a hanging plate, which can effectively solve the problem that the battery cell is easily damaged during transportation by cooperating with the two end plates. Specifically, the hanging plate is connected with the external lifting equipment through the lifting part on the hanging plate.

[0021] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a battery pack, which comprises a shell and the battery module of any one of the first aspect above, and the battery module is arranged in the shell.

[0022] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide an energy storage device, which comprises a plurality of stacked battery packs, at least one of the plurality of battery packs comprises a shell and the battery module of any one of the first aspect above, and the battery module is arranged in the shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced below.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a simple structure schematic diagram of an energy storage device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a structure schematic diagram of a battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a partial structure schematic diagram of the battery pack in the embodiment of FIG. 2 after the shell is hidden;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a structure schematic diagram of a battery module in the battery pack in the embodiment of FIG. 2;

[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of the battery module in the embodiment of FIG. 4;

[0029] Fig. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of an end plate in the battery module in the embodiment of Fig. 4;

[0030] Fig. 7 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a partial structure of the battery module in Fig. 4;

[0031] Fig. 8 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the positional relationship between an electric core and an end plate in the battery module in Fig. 4;

[0032] Fig. 9 is a view of the battery module in the length direction thereof;

[0033] Fig. 10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a partial view at A in Fig. 9;

[0034] Fig. 11 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a partial view at B in Fig. 9;

[0035] Fig. 12 is another structural schematic diagram of a battery module that can be applied to the battery pack in Fig. 2.

[0036] Legend: L, arrangement direction of a plurality of electric cores; X, length direction of the battery module; Z, height direction of the battery module; Y, width direction of the battery module; 1, energy storage device; 2, box body; 3, battery pack; 4, outer shell; 5, base; 5a, receiving groove; 6, shell; 7, battery module; 10, electric core; 111, upper surface; 112, lower surface; 12, side surface; 13, explosion vent; 20, end plate; 201, upper surface; 202, lower surface; 21, base plate; 211, side surface; 2111, first side surface; 22, flange structure; 220, groove; 221, outer side plate; 222, connecting plate; 223, inner side plate; 22a, first flange structure; 22b, second flange structure; 23, limiting protrusion; 24, press-in nut; 30, cable tie; 40, insulating partition plate; 41, main partition plate; 42, side partition plate; 421, notch; 422, positioning column; 50, insulating high-temperature-resistant layer; 51, first part; 52, second part; 70, foam layer; 80, side insulating plate; 90, hanging plate; 91, hoisting part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following first explains some terms related to the embodiments of the present application.

[0038] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", and the like in the description and in the claims of the present application and above-mentioned drawings do not necessarily have a specific reference to a particular order, sequence or arrangement of objects, but instead are used to distinguish between like objects. It should be understood that the use of the term data herein to describe an element of an embodiment of the application is not intended to be limiting, and is intended to cover a non- exhaustive list provided herein of processes, methods, systems, products, or apparatuses that can be implemented in the embodiments of the application described herein, for example, in an order other than those described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that comprises a list of steps or units not necessarily limited to the clearly those steps or units, but can include other steps or units not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

[0039] In this specification, the terms "vertical", "parallel" and the like are explained.

[0040] Vertical: The vertical defined in the present application is not limited to the absolute vertical intersection (the angle is 90 degrees) relationship, and allows the relationship that is not the absolute vertical intersection due to factors such as assembly tolerance, design tolerance, and the influence of structure flatness, and allows the existence of a small angle range of error, for example, within the assembly error range of 80 degrees to 100 degrees, which can be understood as a vertical relationship.

[0041] Parallel: The parallel defined in the present application is not limited to absolute parallel, and the definition of this parallel can be understood as substantially parallel, allowing the case that is not absolutely parallel due to factors such as assembly tolerance, design tolerance, and the influence of structure flatness, which will lead to the case that the sliding fit part and the first door plate are not absolutely parallel, but the present application also defines that this case is parallel.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a simple structure schematic diagram of an energy storage device 1 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the energy storage device 1 includes a box body 2 and a plurality of battery packs 3 arranged in the box body 2, and the plurality of battery packs 3 are stacked in the box body 2. The plurality of battery packs 3 can store or output electric energy.

[0044] To facilitate understanding of the energy storage device 1 provided in this application embodiment, its application scenarios are first introduced below. The energy storage device 1 is a system that can store electrical energy through a certain medium and release the stored energy to generate electricity when needed. It can be used as a load balancing device and backup power source in scenarios such as industrial and commercial parks, large ground-based power stations, or photovoltaic-storage systems. The application of the energy storage device 1 will be briefly explained using a photovoltaic-storage system scenario as an example. A photovoltaic-storage system typically includes photovoltaic modules, an energy storage converter, the energy storage device 1, and a grid-connected inverter. The photovoltaic modules can convert light energy into direct current (DC) electrical energy and output it to the grid-connected inverter; the grid-connected inverter can convert the DC electrical energy into alternating current (AC) electrical energy and transmit the AC electrical energy to the power grid, thereby realizing grid connection of the photovoltaic-storage system.

[0045] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery pack 3 provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery pack 3 in the embodiment of Figure 2 after the housing 6 is hidden, and the battery pack in Figure 3 is a view from the rear to the front of the battery pack 3 in the embodiment of Figure 2. The battery pack 3 in the embodiment of Figure 2 can be applied not only to the energy storage device 1 in the embodiment of Figure 1, but also to the automotive field or other fields that require the use of the battery pack 3.

[0046] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the battery pack 3 includes a housing 4 and a battery module 7 housed within the housing 4.

[0047] The housing 4 includes a base 5 and a housing 6 connected to the base 5. The housing 6, after being connected to the base 5, can be used to accommodate the battery module 7.

[0048] In some embodiments, there are multiple battery modules 7 arranged side by side inside the housing 4.

[0049] The base 5 includes a base plate and a side plate connected to the periphery of the base plate. The side plate and the base plate together form a limiting storage groove 5a. The battery module 7 is assembled into the limiting storage groove 5a. After the battery module 7 is assembled into the limiting storage groove 5a, the two ends of the battery module 7 in the length direction X respectively abut against the side plate.

[0050] The battery module 7 includes multiple battery cells 10 arranged together, end plates 20 at both ends of the arrangement direction L of the multiple battery cells 10, and cable ties 30 for binding the multiple battery cells 10 and the end plates 20 at both ends of the arrangement direction L of the multiple battery cells 10. It should be noted that the arrangement direction L of the multiple battery cells 10 is the length direction X of the battery module 7. The multiple battery cells 10 can be bound together by the end plates 20 and the cable ties 30 to facilitate transportation and reduce the gap between adjacent battery cells 10, thereby improving energy density.

[0051] It can be understood that as the long time charging and discharging of the battery cell 10, the battery cell 10 will expand, and thus the end plate 20 at both ends needs to have a large enough ability to constrain the expansion to meet the constraint expansion requirement, which requires the end plate 20 to have a large enough strength in the expansion direction of the plurality of battery cells 10 to constrain the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0052] Similarly, the tie 30 used to bundle the battery cell 10 also needs to have sufficient strength to constrain the expansion of the battery cell 10. For example, the tie 30 can be a metal tie 30, such as a steel tie 30.

[0053] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the battery module 7 in the battery pack 3 in the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of the battery module 7 in the embodiment of Figure 4.

[0054] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the plurality of battery cells 10 each include opposite upper and lower surfaces 111 and 112, wherein the upper surface 111 is provided with the explosion vent 13, and the explosion vents 13 of the plurality of battery cells 10 are all arranged on the same side. The direction opposite to the upper and lower surfaces 111 and 112 of the battery cell 10 is set as the height direction Z of the battery module 7, and the width direction Y of the battery module 7 is perpendicular to the height direction Z of the battery module 7 and the length direction X of the battery module 7, respectively.

[0055] Based on the need for the end plate 20 to have sufficient strength to constrain the expansion of the battery cell 10, the end plate 20 is usually made of a high-strength metal material, so that when the battery cell 10 directly contacts the end plate 20, it is easy to cause electrical sparking and damage the battery cell 10. Therefore, the battery module 7 in the embodiment further includes an insulating partition plate 40 for preventing electrical connection between the battery cell 10 and the end plate 20, and the insulating partition plate 40 is stacked between the battery cell 10 and the end plate 20, so that the connection between the battery cell 10 and the end plate 20 can be interrupted by the insulating partition plate 40 to avoid electrical sparking between the battery cell 10 and the end plate 20.

[0056] It can be understood that the insulating partition plate 40 is made of an insulating material, such as a plastic material.

[0057] In some embodiments, the insulating partition plate 40 is made of a hard insulating material, so as to facilitate the provision of structural features on the insulating partition plate 40, such as the provision of a limiting column on the insulating partition plate 40 to realize connection with other structural members in the battery pack 3.

[0058] When the battery cell 10 is in an accident during use, the temperature of the battery cell 10 may rise, and liquid leakage may occur. The insulating partition plate 40 is usually made of a plastic material with a low melting point, which is easy to melt under the high temperature of the battery cell 10 or the high temperature of the electrolyte. After the insulating partition plate 40 is melted, the function of the insulating end plate 20 and the battery cell 10 is lost, which is easy to cause electrical sparking and further damage to the battery module 7. In order to solve this problem, in some embodiments, the battery module 7 further comprises an insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 arranged between the battery cell 10 and the end plate 20. Since the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 is arranged between the battery cell 10 and the end plate 20, when the temperature of the battery cell 10 rises or the high-temperature electrolyte in the battery cell 10 flows out, the battery cell 10 and the end plate 20 can still be electrically isolated by the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 to avoid further deterioration of the accident.

[0059] In some embodiments, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 can be made of an insulating and high-temperature-resistant material, such as a ceramic composite material. Of course, in other embodiments, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 can also be made of polytetrafluoroethylene, modified polyformaldehyde, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and ceramic materials.

[0060] In some embodiments, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 is a flexible film structure to facilitate the assembly of the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 and also to reduce the size of the battery module 7 in the length direction X. Of course, in other embodiments, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 can also be made of a hard material.

[0061] In some embodiments, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 is arranged between the insulating partition plate 40 and the end plate 20. After the insulating partition plate 40 is melted, the end plate 20 and the battery cell 10 can still be electrically isolated by the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 to prevent electrical sparking and further deterioration of the battery module 7.

[0062] In other embodiments, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 is arranged between the insulating partition plate 40 and the battery cell 10. In some embodiments, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 can also have a heat insulation function. Through the heat insulation function of the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50, the insulating partition plate 40 can be prevented from being melted by high temperature, so that the insulating partition plate 40 can be stably maintained in a normal state.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery module 7 further comprises a foam layer 70, and the foam layer 70 is arranged between every two adjacent battery cells 10 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10. Since the foam layer 70 has the characteristics of low hardness and high resilience, the foam layer 70 can absorb the stress caused by the expansion of the battery cells 10 and play a buffering role. At the same time, the foam layer 70 has a very low thermal conductivity, which can play a heat insulation role when the battery cells 10 are in thermal runaway, inhibit the spread of heat, and delay the occurrence of accidents. In addition, the foam layer 70 has excellent resilience performance, which can effectively prevent long-term contact friction between the battery cells 10, thereby avoiding damage to the battery cells 10. In addition, the foam layer 70 has flame retardant performance, which can delay the spread of fire when the battery cells 10 catch fire, and increase the time for escape.

[0064] In some embodiments, the foam layer 70 is also arranged between the battery cells 10 adjacent to the end plate 20 and the end plate 20. By arranging the foam layer 70 at both ends of the battery cells 10 in the length direction X of the battery module 7, the stress between the two large faces of the battery cells 10 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10 can be more uniform, and damage caused by uneven stress between the two large faces of the battery cells 10 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10 can be avoided. In addition, the foam layer 70 is also arranged between the battery cells 10 and the end plate 20, which can also absorb the expansion force of the battery cells 10 to a certain extent, and can reduce the requirement for the end plate 20 to constrain the expansion of the battery cells 10 to a certain extent, so as to achieve the purpose of reducing the cost of the end plate 20.

[0065] In some embodiments, the foam layer 70 can be made of PU, EVA, PE, CR, ECR, silica gel foam, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, the foam layer 70 can also be made of new materials such as polyimide foam.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a structural schematic view of the end plate 20 in the battery module 7 in the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 6, the end plate 20 includes a base plate 21 and a plurality of flange structures 22, the base plate 21 is arranged in a stacking manner with the plurality of battery cells 10 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, the plurality of flange structures 22 are arranged around the edge of the base plate 21 and cover the periphery of the base plate 21 in a ring structure, and the plurality of flange structures 22 are bent from the edge of the base plate 21 and protrude from the surface 211 of the base plate 21 away from the battery cells 10. The base plate 21 abuts against the battery cells 10 to constrain the expansion of the battery cells 10, and the plurality of flange structures 22 on the surface 211 of the base plate 21 away from the battery cells 10 can improve the strength of the base plate 21 to improve the ability of the base plate 21 to constrain the expansion of the battery cells 10, so as to be applied to the battery module 7 in a scene where the expansion of the battery cells 10 is required. Moreover, since the plurality of flange structures 22 cover the periphery of the base plate 21, the plurality of flange structures 22 can support each other, thereby further effectively improving the ability of the plurality of flanges to strengthen the strength of the base plate 21.

[0068] The plurality of flange structures 22 are connected in sequence around the edge of the base plate 21. By connecting the plurality of flange structures 22 in sequence, the plurality of flange structures 22 can support each other, thereby further effectively improving the ability of the plurality of flanges to strengthen the strength of the base plate 21 to meet the requirement of constraining the expansion of the battery cells 10.

[0069] In some embodiments, the base plate 21 includes two surfaces 211 opposite in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10 and a plurality of connecting surfaces connected between the two surfaces 211, for the convenience of description, the surface 211 of the base plate 21 provided with the flange structure 22 is set as a first surface 2111, and the first surface 2111 has a plurality of edges, and the plurality of edges of the first surface 2111 are respectively connected to the plurality of connecting surfaces.

[0070] In some embodiments, a flange structure 22 is provided at a position corresponding to each edge of the first surface 2111 to more evenly improve the strength of the base plate 21 to solve the problem of insufficient strength of the base plate 21 in different areas.

[0071] In some embodiments, the base plate 21 is substantially in a rectangular plate structure, and the first surface 2111 is substantially in a rectangular shape. Of course, in other embodiments, the base plate 21 can also be in other polygonal plate structures.

[0072] In other embodiments, the plurality of flange structures 22 can not be connected in sequence, for example, the first flange structure 22 and the last flange structure 22 can not be directly connected.

[0073] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of the flanging structures 22 comprises an outer side plate 221 bent from an edge of the substrate 21 and a connecting plate 222 connecting the outer side plate 221 and the substrate 21, and the plurality of the flanging structures 22 are connected in sequence. It should be noted that the edge of the substrate 21 refers to the position of the plurality of connecting surfaces of the substrate 21, and the edge of the first surface 2111 can also be regarded as the edge of the substrate 21. In the present embodiment, the outer side plate 221 is bent from the edge of the substrate 21 in a direction away from the plurality of the battery cells 10 and protrudes from the surface 211 of the substrate 21 facing away from the plurality of the battery cells 10, so that the strength of the substrate 21 for constraining the expansion of the battery cells 10 can be effectively improved through the outer side plate 221, and the connecting plate 222, the substrate 21 and the outer side plate 221 can support each other through the connecting plate 222 connecting the substrate 21 and the outer side plate 221, so that the strength of the connecting plate 222, the substrate 21 and the outer side plate 221 can be greatly improved, so that the end plate 20 formed by non-pressure casting can also obtain sufficient strength to constrain the expansion of the battery cells 10, but compared with the pressure casting, the use of material of the end plate 20 in the present embodiment is greatly reduced, and the manufacturing process difficulty of the end plate 20 is reduced, so that the cost of the end plate 20 in the present embodiment can be greatly reduced.

[0074] In some embodiments, the outer side plate 221 of the end plate 20 is formed by bending from the edge of the substrate 21, that is, the outer side plate 221 is manufactured by sheet metal process, which is simple in process and can effectively ensure the connection strength between the outer side plate 221 and the edge of the substrate 21.

[0075] In order to further improve the strength of the outer side plate 221 and the strengthening effect of the outer side plate 221 on the strength of the substrate 21, in some embodiments, the outer side plates 221 of the plurality of the flanging structures 22 are connected in sequence and the connecting plates 222 of the plurality of the flanging structures 22 are surrounded. In the present embodiment, first, the outer side plates 221 of the plurality of the flanging structures 22 are connected in sequence to form a ring structure, so that the plurality of the outer side plates 221 can support each other, so that the strength of the plurality of the outer side plates 221 can be strengthened, and after the strength of the plurality of the outer side plates 221 is strengthened, the strength of the substrate 21 connected with the outer side plate 221 can also be strengthened by the outer side plate 221 to constrain the expansion of the battery cells 10.

[0076] In some embodiments, the connection between the plurality of the outer side plates 221 can be welding to reduce the process difficulty. In the present embodiment, the plurality of the outer side plates 221 can be first bent at a certain angle with the substrate 21, and then the plurality of the outer side plates 221 formed by bending are connected together by welding.

[0077] In some embodiments, the outer side plate 221 is substantially perpendicular to the base plate 21. In the present embodiment, the base plate 21 is mainly subjected to the thrust of the battery cell 10 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, and the outer side plate 221 is mainly subjected to the tension of the cable 30 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10. The main force acting on the base plate 21 and the plurality of outer side plates 221 is the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10. When the battery cell 10 expands, the base plate 21 and the outer side plate 221 are not easily bent relative to the base plate 21 when subjected to the force in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, that is, the angle between the outer side plate 221 and the base plate 21 is not easily changed. Thus, when the outer side plate 221 and the base plate 21 are substantially perpendicular, the end plate 20 can effectively constrain the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0078] In some embodiments, the connecting plate 222 is bent from the edge of the outer side plate 221. Specifically, the connecting plate 222 is bent from the edge of the outer side plate 221 away from the base plate 21 towards the center of the base plate 21. That is, the connecting plate 222 is also formed by a bending process, so as to effectively ensure the connection strength of the outer side plate 221 and the connecting plate 222, and also to simplify the connection process between the connecting plate 222 and the outer side plate 221.

[0079] It can be understood that the connection between the connecting plate 222 and the base plate 21 can be direct connection or indirect connection, such as direct connection with the first surface 2111 of the base plate 21 by welding. For example, the connecting plate 222 is indirectly connected to the base plate 21 by other components.

[0080] In some embodiments, the two opposite longest edges of the outer side plate 221 can be connected to the base plate 21 and the connecting plate 222 respectively, so as to effectively increase the connection area between the connecting plate 222 and the outer side plate 221 without increasing the size of the end plate 20 in the direction of the plurality of battery cells 10, so as to effectively increase the strength between the connecting plate 222, the outer side plate 221 and the base plate 21.

[0081] In some embodiments, the flange structure 22 further comprises an inner side plate 223 spaced apart from the outer side plate 221, the connecting plate 222 is spaced apart from the base plate 21, and the inner side plate 223 is connected between the connecting plate 222 and the base plate 21. In this embodiment, since the base plate 21 and the connecting plate 222 are spaced apart, the connecting plate 222 can not only strengthen the strength of the base plate 21, but also reduce the use of the base material, thereby effectively reducing the cost while ensuring the strength. Moreover, since the inner side plate 223 is spaced apart from the outer side plate 221, and the inner side plate 223 is connected between the connecting plate 222 and the base plate 21, the connecting plate 222 can be supported at different positions through the cooperation of the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223, thereby strengthening the strength of the connecting plate 222.

[0082] In some embodiments, the inner side plate 223 is formed by bending from the edge of the end of the connecting plate 222 away from the outer side plate 221 towards the base plate 21, and the inner side plate 223 is formed by a bending process, thereby effectively ensuring the connection strength of the inner side plate 223 and the connecting plate 222, and also simplifying the connection process between the connecting plate 222 and the inner side plate 223.

[0083] In some embodiments, the cable tie 30 is bound on the connecting plate 222 and the outer side plate 221 of the end plate 20, so that the connecting plate 222 will be subjected to the tension of the cable tie 30 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10 during the expansion of the battery cell 10. In this embodiment, the inner side plate 223 and the outer side plate 221 are spaced apart, which can support the connecting plate 222 at different positions, thereby effectively improving the ability of the connecting plate 222 to constrain the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0084] In some embodiments, in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 are located between the connecting plate 222 and the base plate 21. In this embodiment, since the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 are located between the connecting plate 222 and the base plate 21 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 mainly play the role of connecting and supporting the connecting plate 222 and the base plate 21, and the inner side plate 223 is connected to the end of the connecting plate 222 away from the outer side plate 221, that is, the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 are connected to the opposite ends of the connecting plate 222, thereby better supporting the connecting plate 222, and facilitating the manufacture of the inner side plate 223. For example, the inner side plate 223 can be formed by bending from the end of the connecting plate 222 away from the outer side plate 221.

[0085] In some embodiments, the inner side plate 223 is welded to the base plate 21.

[0086] In some embodiments, the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 are both arranged perpendicularly to the base plate 21. Since the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 are both arranged perpendicularly to the base plate 21, the direction of the pulling force of the cable tie 30 on the connecting plate 222 and the direction of the pushing force of the expansion of the battery cell 10 on the base plate 21 are both the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, that is, the direction perpendicular to the base plate 21, so that the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 can more effectively strengthen the strength of the base plate 21 and the connecting plate 222. It can be understood that the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 are both substantially perpendicular to the base plate 21, for example, the included angle between the outer side plate 221 and the inner side plate 223 and the base plate 21 can be 80-100 degrees.

[0087] In some embodiments, the two opposite flanging structures 22 in the height direction Z of the battery module 7 are first flanging structures 22a, wherein the size of the inner side plate 223 of the first flanging structure 22a in the width direction Y of the battery module 7 is smaller than the size of the outer side plate 221 in the width direction Y of the battery module 7. The two opposite flanging structures 22 in the width direction Y of the battery module 7 are second flanging structures 22b, wherein the size of the inner side plate 223 of the second flanging structure 22b in the height direction Z of the battery module 7 and the size of the outer side plate 221 in the height direction Z of the battery module 7 are substantially the same.

[0088] In some embodiments, in the width direction Y of the battery module 7, the connecting plates 222 of the two first flanging structures 22a are both connected between the connecting plates 222 of the two second flanging structures 22b. In this embodiment, since the connecting plates 222 of the two first flanging structures 22a are both connected between the connecting plates 222 of the two second flanging structures 22b, the plurality of connecting plates 222 can be supported by each other to effectively improve the overall anti-expansion strength of the end plate 20.

[0089] The inner side plates 223 of the two first flanging structures 22a are both connected between the inner side plates 223 of the two second flanging structures 22b, and the inner side plates 223 of the two first flanging structures 22a, the inner side plates 223 of the two second flanging structures 22b and the base plate 21 form a groove 220. In this embodiment, by connecting the plurality of inner side plates 223, the support strength of each inner side plate 223 can be improved to strengthen the ability of the connecting plate 222 and the base plate 21 to constrain the expansion of the battery cell 10. In addition, the groove 220 can also facilitate the transportation of the battery module 7.

[0090] Specifically, the dimension of the connecting plate 222 of the second flange structure 22b in the width direction Y of the battery module 7 is substantially the same as the sum of the dimension of the connecting plate 222 of the first flange structure 22a in the width direction Y of the battery module 7 and the dimension of the outer side plate 221 of the first flange structure 22a in the width direction Y of the battery module 7. In the present embodiment, since the dimension of the connecting plate 222 of the second flange structure 22b in the width direction Y of the battery module 7 is substantially the same as the sum of the dimension of the connecting plate 222 of the first flange structure 22a in the width direction Y of the battery module 7 and the dimension of the outer side plate 221 of the first flange structure 22a in the width direction Y of the battery module 7, the outer side plate 221 of the second flange structure 22b and the outer side plate 221 of the first flange structure 22a are very close or in contact, thereby facilitating the welding between the outer side plate 221 of the second flange structure 22b and the outer side plate 221 of the first flange structure 22a. Of course, in other embodiments, the outer side plate 221 of the second flange structure 22b and the outer side plate 221 of the first flange structure 22a can also be connected by other connecting members.

[0091] Through the design of the end plate 20 in the present embodiment, the outer side plate 221, the connecting plate 222 and the inner side plate 223 of the second flange structure 22b can be bent first, then the inner side plate 223 is welded with the base plate 21, then the outer side plate 221, the connecting plate 222 and the inner side plate 223 of the first flange structure 22a are bent, then the connecting plate 222 of the second flange structure 22b and the connecting plate 222 of the first flange structure 22a are welded, the inner side plate 223 of the second flange structure 22b and the inner side plate 223 of the first flange structure 22a are welded, the inner side plate 223 of the first flange structure 22a is welded with the base plate 21, and the outer side plate 221 of the second flange structure 22b and the outer side plate 221 of the first flange structure 22a are welded. The end plate 20 in the present embodiment can simplify the bending and welding process difficulty. Moreover, through the structure of the end plate 20 in the present embodiment, the connecting plate 222, the outer side plate 221, the inner side plate 223 and the edge of the base plate 21 are all connected and supported, thereby improving the overall strength of the end plate 20, and having sufficient strength to constrain the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0092] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the base plate 21 and the connecting plate 222 are arranged at an angle. For example, the base plate 21 and the connecting plate 222 are directly welded together, for example, the base plate 21, the outer side plate 221 and the connecting plate 222 form a triangular structure, which also has high strength to constrain the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0093] In other embodiments, the connecting plate 222 and the base plate 21 are also arranged at a right angle. For example, the connecting plate 222 is connected to the outer side plate 221 and the connecting plate 222 perpendicularly.

[0094] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the angle between the outer side plate 221 and the base plate 21 can also not be a right angle, such as an acute angle.

[0095] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the plurality of outer side plates 221 can also not be connected. Or the plurality of connecting plates 222 can also not be connected, or the plurality of inner side plates 223 can also not be connected. As long as at least one of the three is connected, the connection of the plurality of flanging structures 22 can be achieved.

[0096] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the outer side plate 221 and the base plate 21 can also be connected together by welding.

[0097] Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic view of part of the structure of the battery module 7 in Figure 4.

[0098] Referring to Figures 4-7, in some embodiments, the connecting plate 222 of the first flanging structure 22a is provided with a plurality of limiting protrusions 23, which are used to limit the position of the cable tie 30 relative to the connecting plate 222 of the first flanging structure 22a, and can also prevent the cable tie 30 from moving relative to the end plate 20. For example, limiting protrusions 23 are provided on both sides of the cable tie 30 in the width direction of the cable tie 30, so as to limit the movement of the cable tie 30 in the height direction Z of the battery module 7.

[0099] In some embodiments, the connecting plate 222 is arranged parallel to the base plate 21, so that the cable tie 30 can better fit the connecting plate 222, so as to better fix the battery cell 10.

[0100] In some embodiments, the connecting plate 222 of the second flanging structure 22b is provided with a press-in nut 24, and the press-in nut 24 on the connecting plate 222 of the second flanging structure 22b can facilitate the connection and interlocking between a plurality of battery modules 7.

[0101] Referring to Figures 4-7, in some embodiments, the insulating partition plate 40 includes a main partition plate 41 arranged between the base plate 21 and the battery cell 10 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, a side partition plate 42 located on both sides of the end plate 20 in the width direction Y of the battery module 7, and a side partition plate 42 located on both sides of the end plate 20 in the height direction Z of the battery module 7. Since the plurality of side partition plates 42 cover the side surfaces of the end plate 20 in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, the creepage distance between the battery cell 10 adjacent to the end plate 20 and the end plate 20 can be effectively increased.

[0102] In order to prevent the side separator plate 42 from being worn by the cable tie 30 to drop debris and the like, causing the battery cell 10 to be punctured. In some embodiments, the side separator plate 42 located on both sides of the end plate 20 in the width direction Y of the battery module 7 is provided with a notch 421, and the cable tie 30 is tied on the end plate 20 at both ends of the plurality of battery cells 10 in the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10 and passes through the notch 421. Since the cable tie 30 is arranged through the notch 421, the cable tie 30 can be prevented from contacting the side separator plate 42, thereby preventing the cable tie 30 from wearing the side separator plate 42 to drop debris and the like, and effectively reducing the risk of the battery cell 10 being punctured, thereby effectively reducing the risk of the battery cell 10 being damaged by liquid leakage.

[0103] In some embodiments, the main separator plate 41 and the plurality of side separator plates 42 are integrally formed. In order to improve the strength of the insulating separator plate 40 and simplify the process of the insulating separator plate 40.

[0104] In some embodiments, the side separator plate 42 in the height direction Z of the battery module 7 is provided with a positioning column 422, which is used to install other parts in the battery pack 3, such as a liquid cooling plate and the like. Since the positioning column 422 is arranged on the side separator plate 42, the cost of the end plate 20 can be effectively reduced, and the process of arranging the positioning column 422 on the side separator plate 42 is relatively simple, such as being integrally formed with the insulating separator plate 40.

[0105] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the insulating separator plate 40 can also be only the side separator plate 42 in the height direction Z of the battery module 7, and not directly provided with the side separator plate 42 in the width direction Y of the battery module 7.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, in some embodiments, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50 includes a first part 51 and a second part 52, the first part 51 is located between the substrate 21 and the insulating separator plate 40, and the second part 52 is wrapped on the surface of the end plate 20 tied by the cable tie 30. The first part 51 in the present embodiment is used to separate the end plate 20 and the insulating separator plate 40, so that after the insulating separator plate 40 is melted, the electrical isolation between the end plate 20 and the battery cell 10 can still be achieved through the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer 50, to prevent electrical sparking and further deterioration of the battery module 7. Through the arrangement of the second part 52, the cable tie 30 can be prevented from directly contacting the end plate 20, and the second part 52 can also be prevented from dropping debris and the like that can pierce the battery cell 10 shell, thereby effectively improving the safety performance of the battery module 7.

[0107] FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic view of the positional relationship between the battery cell 10 and the end plate 20 in the battery module 7 of FIG. 4.

[0108] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the end plate 20 includes an upper surface 201 and a lower surface 202 opposite to each other along the height direction Z of the battery module 7. The upper surface 201 of the end plate 20 is closer to the upper surface 111 of the battery cell 10 than the lower surface 202 of the end plate 20. Taking the lower surface 112 of the battery cell 10 as a reference plane, in the height direction Z of the battery module 7, the upper surface 201 of the end plate 20 is lower than the upper surface 111 of the battery cell 10. That is, in the height direction Z of the battery module 7, the end plate 20 is lower than the upper surface 111. This embodiment mainly solves the problem that the weld strength at the position where the upper surface 111 of the battery cell 10 with the explosion vent 13 is not high enough, making it prone to cracking. Specifically, since the top plate of the battery cell 10 and the battery cell 10 shell are welded together, the weld is located at the edge of the upper surface 111 of the battery cell 10 with the explosion vent 13. When the pressure at the weld position is too great, the weld will crack, causing damage to the battery cell 10. In this embodiment, since the upper surface 201 of the end plate 20 is lower than the upper surface 111 of the cell 10, the pressure exerted by the end plate 20 on the weld position of the top plate of the cell 10 during the expansion of the cell 10 is effectively reduced. This effectively prevents the weld of the top plate from cracking due to the expansion of the cell 10 and the compression of the end plate 20, thereby effectively protecting the cell 10.

[0109] In some embodiments, with the upper surface 111 of the cell 10 as the base plane, in the height direction Z of the battery module 7, the lower surface 202 of the end plate 20 is lower than the lower surface 112 of the cell 10. Therefore, after the cell 10 in the battery module 7 leaks electrolyte, the leaked electrolyte will not easily come into contact with the end plate 20. This can effectively reduce the probability of electrical arcing caused by the leakage of the cell 10 between the end plate 20 and the cell 10 through the electrolyte electrical connection, and effectively reduce the probability of the battery module 7 being in danger.

[0110] In some embodiments, the lower surface 112 is used as the base surface, and in the height direction Z of the battery module 7, the insulating separator 40 is lower than the upper surface 111 of the cell 10.

[0111] Figure 9 is a view of the battery module 7 from the front along the length direction X in Figure 4; Figure 10 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point A in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point B in Figure 9.

[0112] Referring to Figures 9-11, in some embodiments, the battery cell 10 includes two opposing side surfaces 12 along the width direction of the battery cell 10, and an end plate 20 protrudes from the two side surfaces 12 of the battery cell 10 in the width direction. Because the end plate 20 protrudes from the two side surfaces 12 of the battery cell 10 in the width direction, the cable tie 30, after fixing, can avoid directly squeezing the battery cell 10, thereby effectively preventing damage to the battery cell 10.

[0113] In some embodiments, a gap is provided between the battery cell 10 and the cable tie 30.

[0114] In some embodiments, the gap between the battery cell 10 and the cable tie 30 is provided with a side insulation plate 80, so as to prevent electrical connection between the battery cell 10 and the cable tie 30.

[0115] FIG. 12 is another structural schematic diagram of the battery module 7 that can be applied to the battery pack 3 in FIG. 2.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the battery module 7 further comprises a hanging plate 90, which is arranged between two adjacent battery cells 10 along the arrangement direction L of the plurality of battery cells 10, and the hanging plate 90 is provided with a lifting part 91 for external lifting. For the battery module 7 with a large number of battery cells 10, the length of the battery module 7 is relatively long, and only the end plates 20 at both ends are used for lifting and carrying, which can cause the battery cells 10 in the middle part of the length direction X of the battery module 7 to easily sag, and can easily cause damage to the battery module 7 during carrying. In the present embodiment, in addition to the end plates 20 at both ends, the battery module 7 is further provided with the hanging plate 90, and the cooperation of the hanging plate 90 and the end plates 20 at both ends can effectively solve the problem that the battery cells 10 are easily damaged during carrying. Specifically, the hanging plate 90 is connected with the external lifting equipment through the lifting part 91 on the hanging plate 90.

[0117] In some embodiments, the lifting part 91 is a lifting hole, which can reasonably and effectively avoid the hanging plate 90 protruding from the battery cell 10, and the overall battery module 7 is more flat. It can be understood that the hanging plate 90 can also be connected with the external lifting equipment through other ways.

[0118] In some embodiments, the hanging plate 90 is arranged in the middle part of the length direction X of the battery module 7, so as to make the battery module 7 more balanced during lifting.

[0119] The above merely provides a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells, end plates arranged at both ends of the plurality of battery cells in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, and a strap for bundling the plurality of battery cells and the end plates; The end plate comprises a base plate and a plurality of flange structures; The base plate is arranged in a stacked manner with the plurality of battery cells in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, the plurality of flange structures are arranged around the edge of the base plate and cover the periphery of the base plate, and the plurality of flange structures are bent from the edge of the base plate and protrude from the surface of the base plate away from the battery cells.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The battery cell adjacent to the end plate comprises an upper surface and a lower surface opposite in the height direction of the battery module, the upper surface of the battery cell is provided with a vent, and the end plate comprises an upper surface and a lower surface opposite in the height direction of the battery module, the lower surface of the battery cell is taken as a reference surface, and the upper surface of the end plate is lower than the upper surface of the battery cell in the height direction of the battery module.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, The lower surface of the end plate is lower than the lower surface of the battery cell in the height direction of the battery cell, with the upper surface of the battery cell taken as a reference surface.

4. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The battery cell adjacent to the end plate comprises two side surfaces opposite in the width direction of the battery module, and the end plate protrudes from the two side surfaces of the battery cell in the width direction of the battery module.

5. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of flange structures each comprise an outer side plate and a connecting plate; the outer side plate is bent from the edge of the base plate in a direction away from the plurality of battery cells and protrudes from the surface of the base plate away from the plurality of battery cells; the connecting plate is used to connect the outer side plate and the base plate, the outer side plates of the plurality of flange structures are connected to form an annular structure, and the annular structure surrounds the connecting plates of the plurality of flange structures.

6. The battery module of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The plurality of flange structures comprise two first flange structures and two second flange structures, the two first flange structures are arranged opposite in the height direction of the battery module, the two second flange structures are arranged opposite in the width direction of the battery module, and the connecting plates of the two first flange structures are connected between the connecting plates of the two second flange structures in the width direction of the battery module.

7. The battery module of claim 6, wherein, The connecting plate is bent from the edge of one end of the outer side plate away from the base plate towards the central part of the base plate, the connecting plate is arranged in a spaced manner with the base plate, the flange structure further comprises an inner side plate, the inner side plate is bent from the edge of one end of the connecting plate away from the outer side plate towards the base plate, and the inner side plate is arranged in a spaced manner with the outer side plate, and the inner side plate is connected between the connecting plate and the base plate.

8. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, The inner side plates of the two first flange structures are connected between the inner side plates of the two second flange structures, and the inner side plates of the two first flange structures, the inner side plates of the two second flange structures and the base plate enclose a groove.

9. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, The outer side plate and the inner side plate are arranged perpendicularly with the base plate.

10. The battery module of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The battery module further comprises an insulating partition plate, the insulating partition plate comprises a main partition plate and a side partition plate, the main partition plate is arranged between the substrate and the cell adjacent to the end plate along the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells, and the side partition plate is arranged on both sides of the end plate in the width direction of the battery module, the side partition plate is provided with a gap, and the cable tie is bound on the plurality of end plates and passes through the gap.

11. The battery module of claim 10, wherein, The battery module further comprises an insulating high-temperature-resistant layer, the insulating high-temperature-resistant layer comprises a first part and a second part, the first part is arranged between the end plate and the insulating partition plate, and the second part is wrapped on the surface of the end plate bound by the cable tie.

12. The battery module of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The battery module further comprises a plurality of foam layers, the foam layer is arranged between every two adjacent cells along the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells, and the foam layer is arranged between the cell adjacent to the end plate and the end plate along the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells.

13. The battery module of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The battery module further comprises a hanging plate, the hanging plate is arranged between every two adjacent cells along the arrangement direction of the plurality of cells, and the hanging plate is provided with a hoisting part for external connection.

14. A battery pack, characterized by The battery pack comprises a shell and the battery module according to any one of claims 1-13, and the battery module is arranged in the shell.

15. An energy storage device, characterized by, The energy storage device comprises a plurality of stacked battery packs, at least one battery pack in the plurality of battery packs comprises a shell and the battery module according to any one of claims 1-13, and the battery module is arranged in the shell. The energy storage device comprises a plurality of stacked battery packs, at least one battery pack in the plurality of battery packs comprises a shell and the battery module according to any one of claims 1-13, and the battery module is arranged in the shell.

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