WO2023093498A1

WO2023093498A1 - Case and battery pack

Info

Publication number: WO2023093498A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/129786
Authority: WO
Inventors: 王亚雷; 张文辉; 黄海华; 王春晖; 林久标; 施思
Original assignee: 宁德时代新能源科技股份有限公司
Priority date: 2021-11-26
Filing date: 2022-11-04
Publication date: 2023-06-01
Also published as: CN116868424A; CN216389573U

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a case for accommodating a battery module. The case comprises a U-shaped case housing and two limiting members. The U-shaped case housing has an elongation direction and a vertical direction. The two limiting members are separately arranged inside the U-shaped case housing in the extension direction, and each limiting member is provided with a vertical strip section vertically extending along a side wall surface of the U-shaped case housing, such that the battery module is limited between the vertical strip sections of the two limiting members. Further provided in the present application is a battery pack comprising the case.

Description

Case and battery pack

This application claims the priority of Chinese patent application 202122931928.X, filed on November 26, 2021, entitled "Case and Battery Pack", the entire contents of which are incorporated in this application by reference.

technical field

This application relates to a box for accommodating a battery module, and also relates to a battery pack

Background technique

In the battery pack, the battery module is accommodated in the case. In the case of sufficient space, the bottom beam can be arranged in a conventional box, and locked from top to bottom by long screw bolts.

However, the existing locking structure has the problem of low space utilization, which leads to low volumetric energy density of the battery pack.

technical problem

The purpose of the present application is to provide a box body and a battery pack to solve the problem of low space utilization of the existing locking structure and increase the volumetric energy density of the battery pack.

technical solution

In a first aspect, the present application provides a box for accommodating a battery module. The box body includes a U-shaped box shell and two stoppers. The U-shaped box shell has an elongation direction and a vertical direction. Two stoppers are separately arranged in the U-shaped case in the direction of elongation, and each stopper has a vertical section extending vertically along the side wall of the U-shaped case, whereby the battery module The limit is between the vertical strips of the two limiters.

In some embodiments, the U-shaped case also has a lateral direction. Each limiting member also has a transverse strip extending transversely along the bottom wall of the U-shaped case. The battery module and the bottom wall of the U-shaped box are generally bonded by structural glue, and the structural glue between the battery module and the bottom wall of the U-shaped box can be prevented from overflowing by setting horizontal strips.

In some embodiments, each limiting member has two vertical strips, and the two vertical strips are respectively arranged on two side walls of the U-shaped box shell facing each other. In some cases, the battery module and the side wall of the U-shaped box are also bonded by structural glue, and each limiter is provided with two vertical strips, which can prevent the battery module and the U-shaped box. Structural adhesive overflows between side walls.

In some embodiments, the horizontal bar section connects two vertical bar sections and is integrally arranged with the two vertical bar sections, whereby the limiting member is U-shaped. The limiter is U-shaped and fits with the U-shaped box, which can completely prevent the structural glue between the battery module and the U-shaped box from overflowing. Moreover, the limiting part is integrated and can be formed by bending a strip profile, which is convenient to manufacture and low in cost.

In some embodiments, the battery module has a compressed state and an expanded state, and always has a tendency to return to the expanded state, wherein in the compressed state, the battery module has a first length, and in the expanded state, the battery module has A second length greater than the first length. The distance between the two limiters in the elongation direction is set to be between the first length and the second length. The battery module can be in a compressed state by being stressed, and then hoisted into the box in the compressed state. After the external force is removed, since the battery module has a tendency to return to the expanded state, and the distance between the two stoppers is between the first length and the second length, the battery module can be between the compressed state and the expanded state. In the intermediate state between them, and always against the two limiters, it can ensure that the battery module is reliably stuck between the two limiters.

In some embodiments, the separation distance is 5-10 mm larger than the first length; and/or, the separation distance is 3-5 mm smaller than the second length. The above settings can facilitate the battery module to be put into the box, facilitate the assembly of the battery pack, and can also maintain good anti-expansion performance.

In some embodiments, the vertical strips are welded on the side wall of the U-shaped case. The connection mode of the limiting member and the U-shaped box shell is welding, and the connection between the two is reliable, convenient to manufacture, and low in cost.

In some embodiments, the limiting member is made of aluminum. The commonly used U-shaped box shell is made of aluminum, and the limit piece is made of aluminum, which can facilitate the welding of the two.

In some embodiments, the limiting member is disposed between two end surfaces of the U-shaped case in the elongation direction. That is, the limiting member is neither flush with the end surface nor protruding from the end surface, so that it is not easy to interfere with the subsequent assembled sealing plate.

In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery module with a lengthwise direction, and also includes a box body according to the first aspect, and the battery module group is arranged between two limit pieces of the box body in the length direction.

In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, in the battery pack, stoppers with vertical strips are provided on both sides of the U-shaped case along the length direction, and the vertical strips on both sides can replace the existing locks. The structure plays the role of expansion and positioning. Compared with the existing locking structure, in the above-mentioned box, the limiting parts on both sides take up less space, so the space utilization rate can be improved, and then the volumetric energy density of the battery pack can be increased. Moreover, the vertical strips extend along the side wall of the U-shaped box shell, so the limiter can be supported by the side wall of the U-shaped box shell, which can ensure structural strength and structural reliability.

The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to better understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented according to the contents of the description, and in order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and understandable , the following specifically cites the specific implementation manner of the present application.

Beneficial effect

In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, stoppers with vertical strips are respectively provided on both sides of the U-shaped case along the elongation direction, and the vertical strips on both sides can replace the existing locking structure to play a role Expansion positioning effect. Compared with the existing locking structure, in the above-mentioned box, the limiting parts on both sides take up less space, so the space utilization rate can be improved, and the volumetric energy density in the U-shaped box shell can be increased. At the same time, the vertical strips on both sides can also play a role in positioning and guiding the battery module into the box. Moreover, the vertical strips extend along the side wall of the U-shaped box shell, so the limiter can be supported by the side wall of the U-shaped box shell, which can ensure structural strength and structural reliability.

Description of drawings

Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be considered as limiting the application. Also, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components throughout the drawings. In the attached picture:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the battery module has not been put into the box.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the battery module is being boxed.

Reference signs:

10-box body, 20-battery module; 1-U-shaped box shell, 2-limiting parts; 11-side wall surface, 12-bottom wall surface, 13-end surface, 15-side box wall, 16-bottom box wall; 21-vertical section, 22-horizontal section; L1-elongation direction, V1-vertical, C1-horizontal.

Embodiments of the present invention

Embodiments of the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following examples are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present application more clearly, and therefore are only examples, rather than limiting the protection scope of the present application.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field of the application; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to To limit this application; the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the description of the above drawings are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion.

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "first", "second" and so on are only used to distinguish different objects, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, A specific order or primary-secondary relationship.

Reference herein to an "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The occurrences of this phrase in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood explicitly and implicitly by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

In the description of the embodiment of the present application, the term "and/or" is only a kind of association relationship describing associated objects, which means that there may be three kinds of relationships, such as A and/or B, which may mean: A exists alone, and A exists at the same time and B, there are three cases of B alone. In addition, the character "/" in this article generally indicates that the contextual objects are an "or" relationship.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two), similarly, "multiple groups" refers to two or more groups (including two), and "multiple pieces" refers to More than two pieces (including two pieces).

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear" , "Left", "Right", "Vertical", "Horizontal", "Top", "Bottom", "Inner", "Outer", "Clockwise", "Counterclockwise", "Axial", " The orientation or positional relationship indicated by "radial", "circumferential", "vertical", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the embodiment of the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying The devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present application.

In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation", "connection", "connection" and "fixation" should be interpreted in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection or a fixed connection. Disassembled connection, or integration; it can also be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediary, and it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application according to specific situations.

At present, in the battery pack, the conventional box can be arranged with a bottom beam when there is sufficient space, and it can be locked from top to bottom through long screw bolts. The battery module is constrained by side plates or steel straps to achieve expansion positioning.

The inventors of the present application found that, given a certain amount of space, the space utilization rate of the existing locking structure is low, that is, the efficiency of volume grouping is low, which causes the problem of low volumetric energy density of the battery pack.

In order to solve the problem of low volumetric energy density of the existing locking structure, the inventor has designed a box after in-depth research, which can cancel the installation beam and the bolt locking structure, and realize the entry of the battery module under the limit of space utilization. The positioning guidance of the box and the anti-expansion effect of the cell significantly increase the volumetric energy density of the battery pack in the same space.

According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the present application provides a box body 10 for accommodating a battery module 20 . The box body 10 includes a U-shaped box shell 1 and two stoppers 2 . The U-shaped case 1 has an elongation direction L1 and a vertical direction V1. The two limiters 2 are separately arranged in the U-shaped case 1 along the elongation direction L1. Each limiting member 2 has a vertical strip 21 extending vertically along the side wall surface 11 of the U-shaped case 1, whereby the battery module 20 is limited between the vertical strips 21 of the two limiting members 2 between.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 only show one limiting member 2 located on one side P1 in the elongation direction L1. It can be understood that another limiting member 2 is provided on the other side P2 in the elongation direction L1.

The U-shaped case 1, that is, the case with a U-shaped cross section, includes two side case walls 15 and a bottom case wall 16 forming a U-shape. The elongation direction L1 of the U-shaped case 1 is also the direction perpendicular to the U-shaped cross-section or the direction in which the U-shaped cross-section extends, and the vertical direction V1 is also the depth direction of the U-shaped case 1 . The side wall surface 11 is also the inner wall surface of the side box wall 15 , while the inner wall surface of the bottom box wall 16 can be called the bottom wall surface 12 .

A strip is ie a part or portion extending along a predetermined direction, wherein the dimension extending in the predetermined direction is significantly greater than the cross-sectional dimension. For example, the extended dimension is greater than twice the cross-sectional dimension.

The battery module 20 can be regarded as a module in which a plurality of single cells are connected in series and/or in parallel, wherein the single cells are also called cells. The battery module 20 can be equipped with a single battery monitoring and management device. In the battery module 20, there may be buffer pads between adjacent cells.

The vertical strip section 21 extends vertically along the side wall surface 11 of the U-shaped box shell 1, that is, the extension direction of the vertical strip section 21 is vertical V1, and the vertical strip section 21 protrudes beyond the U-shaped box shell 1. The side walls are arranged on the surface 11 .

In the above box 10, by setting the limiters 2 on both sides of the U-shaped case 1 along the elongation direction L1, the vertical strips 21 of the limiters 2 on both sides can limit the battery module 20 therebetween. , so as to replace the existing locking structure, and play the role of expansion and positioning, that is, when the battery module 20 expands (to be further described in detail later), it can play a role of positioning or limiting the battery module 20 . The limiting parts 2 on both sides, especially the vertical strips 21 occupy a small space, freeing up space for accommodating the battery module 20 , thus improving the space utilization rate, and then increasing the volumetric energy density in the U-shaped case 1 . Moreover, the vertical strips 21 on both sides can also play the role of positioning and guiding the battery module into the box, which can be seen in FIG. 2 . The vertical bar section 21 can be supported by the side wall surface 11 of the U-shaped case 1, which can ensure structural strength and structural reliability.

The U-shaped case 1 also has a transverse direction C1. According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , each limiting member 2 may also have a transverse strip 22 extending transversely along the bottom wall surface 12 of the U-shaped case 1 .

Generally, the battery module 20 and the bottom wall 12 of the U-shaped case 1 need to be bonded with structural adhesive. The structural glue between the battery module 20 and the bottom wall 12 of the U-shaped box 10 can be prevented from overflowing by providing the transverse strips 22 .

According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, each limiting member 2 may have two vertical strips 21, and the two vertical strips 21 are respectively arranged on the two facing sides of the U-shaped case 1. side wall surface 11. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 only show one side wall surface 11 of the U-shaped case 1 and the vertical bar section 21 provided on the one side wall surface 11 .

Sometimes the battery module 20 and the side wall surface 11 of the U-shaped case 1 also need to be bonded with structural adhesive. Each limiting member 2 is provided with two vertical strips 21 , which can prevent the structural adhesive between the battery module 20 and the side wall 11 of the U-shaped box 10 from overflowing. Moreover, the two vertical strips 21 can prevent the U-shaped box 10 from deflecting.

According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the horizontal bar section 22 may connect two vertical bar sections 21 and be integrally provided with the two vertical bar sections 21, whereby the limiting member 2 is U-shaped .

The limiting member 2 is in a U-shape, which can make the outer dimension of the limiting member 2 match the U-shaped case 1 , so as to be compatible with the U-shaped case 1 . In this way, the structural adhesive between the battery module 20 and the U-shaped box 10 can be completely prevented from overflowing. Moreover, the limiting member 2 is integrated, and can be formed by bending a strip profile, which is convenient to manufacture and low in cost.

According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the battery module 20 has a compressed state and an expanded state, and always has a tendency to return to the expanded state. In the compressed state, the battery module 20 has a first length, and in the expanded state, the battery module 20 has a second length greater than the first length. The distance between the two limiters 2 in the elongation direction L1 is set to be between the first length and the second length.

The separation distance is between the first length and the second length, that is, if the separation distance is set as g0, the first length is d1, and the second length is d2, then d1<g0<d2. As mentioned above, the battery module 20 can have a cushion between the cells, the battery module 20 can rely on the cushion between the cells, the battery module 20 can be compressed when it is clamped, and it can recover when the external force is removed. tendency to expand. The battery module 20 can be hoisted into the case in this compressed state. After the external force is removed, since the battery module 20 has a tendency to return to the expanded state, the battery module 20 can be in an intermediate state between the compressed state and the expanded state, and always abut against the two stoppers 2, which can ensure The battery module 20 is securely clamped between the two limiting members 2 .

According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the separation distance may be greater than the first length by 5-10mm, that is, 5mm≤g0-d1≤10mm. Optionally, the separation distance may be smaller than the second length by 3-5mm, that is, 3mm≤d2-g0≤5mm. The spacing distance is greater than the first length by 5-10mm, which can facilitate the battery module 20 to be put into the box under the compressed state, that is, to facilitate the assembly of the battery pack. And the separation distance is smaller than the second length by 3-5 mm, which can maintain good anti-expansion performance.

According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the vertical strip section 21 may be disposed on the side wall surface 11 of the U-shaped case 1 by welding. Further, the vertical bar section 21 can be fixed to the U-shaped box shell 1 through fillet welding.

The connection mode between the limiting member 2 and the U-shaped box shell 1 is welding, and the connection between the two is reliable, convenient to manufacture, and low in cost. Welding is further for fillet welding, which can be more convenient to operate.

According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the limiting member 2 may be made of aluminum. In the battery pack, the commonly used U-shaped case 1 is made of aluminum, and the limiting member 2 is made of aluminum, which can facilitate the welding of the two. In one embodiment, the limiting member 2 can also be made of steel, that is, the limiting member 2 can be a steel bar.

According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the limiting member 2 may be disposed between two end surfaces 13 of the U-shaped case 1 along the elongation direction L1. That is, the limiting member 2 is inside the end surface 13 of the U-shaped case 1 , and there is a certain distance between the end surface 13 and the end surface 13 . The limiter 2 is not flush with the end face 13 of the U-shaped box shell 1, let alone protruding from the end face 13, so that it is not easy to interfere with the subsequent assembly of the sealing plate. The sealing plate is assembled on the outside of the end face 13 to provide a sealing interface. The limiting member 2 is located inside the end surface 13 to provide a bearing interface. The sealing interface is separated from the load-bearing interface to ensure the sealing of the battery pack while ensuring the structural strength, so that the battery pack can meet the requirements of IP67, which is the dustproof and waterproof protection level of the battery pack.

For example, the battery module 20 can be clamped by means of a clamping tool or a clamp to provide a clamping force, and then the battery module 20 clamped by the clamp can be lifted by a lifting tool or a hanger, and the battery module 20 can automatically Hoist from top to bottom and enter the box body 10. At this time, the limiting member 2 serves as a box-entry positioning structure or a box-entry guiding structure. After the battery module 20 is put into the box body 10 , the clamp is removed, and the battery module 20 will expand to the stopper 2 and push against the stopper 2 . At this time, that is, after the battery module 20 is put into the box, the limiting member 2 serves as a bearing structure against the expansion force of the cell. Afterwards, a sealing plate is assembled outside the box body 10 to seal the battery module 20 .

The present application also provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery module 20 and also includes the box body 10 as mentioned above. The battery module 20 has a length direction. The battery module 20 is disposed between the two limiting members 2 of the box body 10 in the length direction.

The battery pack can also be called an electric box, which is an assembled assembly of the battery module 20 and the box body 10 . The length direction of the battery module 20 is also the direction in which the batteries in the battery module 20 are arranged. In the above-mentioned battery pack, the elongation direction L1 of the box 10 is also the length direction of the battery module 20, the vertical direction V1 of the box 10 is also the height direction of the battery module 20, and the transverse direction C1 of the box 10 is also the direction of the battery module. Set of 20 in the width direction.

Limiting members 2 are arranged on both sides along the length direction of the battery module 20, and the vertical strips 21 of the limiting members 2 on both sides can replace the existing locking structure and play the role of expansion and positioning. Compared with the existing locking structure, in the above-mentioned case 10, the space-limiting parts 2 on both sides take up less space, so the space utilization rate can be improved, and then the volumetric energy density of the entire battery pack can be increased. Moreover, the vertical strip section 21 extends along the side wall surface 11 of the U-shaped box shell 1, so the limiting member 2 can be supported by the side wall surface 11 of the U-shaped box shell 1, which can ensure structural strength and structural reliability.

The above-mentioned limiting parts in the box and the battery pack can realize the positioning and guiding of the battery module in the box, and can also play a load-bearing role against the expansion of the battery cell, which can replace the existing locking structure, and has a volume grouping rate The advantage of high thus volumetric energy density.

Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than limiting them; although the application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: It is still possible to modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application. All of them should be covered by the scope of the claims and description of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

A box for accommodating a battery module, including:

a U-shaped box shell, having a direction of elongation and a vertical direction; and

Two stoppers are separately arranged in the U-shaped case in the direction of elongation, each stopper has a vertical section extending vertically along the side wall of the U-shaped case, by Here, the battery module is limited between the vertical strips of the two limiting members.
The box body according to claim 1, wherein the U-shaped box shell also has a transverse direction;

Each limiting member also has a transverse strip extending transversely along the bottom wall of the U-shaped case.
The box body according to claim 2, wherein each limiting member has two vertical strip sections, and the two vertical strip sections are respectively arranged on two sides of the U-shaped box shell facing each other wall.
The box body according to claim 3, wherein the horizontal bar section connects the two vertical bar sections and is integrally arranged with the two vertical bar sections, whereby the limiting member is U-shape.
The box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the battery module has a compressed state and an expanded state, and always has a tendency to return to the expanded state, wherein, in the compressed state, the the battery module has a first length, and in the expanded state, the battery module has a second length greater than the first length;

The distance between the two limiters in the elongation direction is set to be between the first length and the second length.
The box as claimed in claim 5, wherein,

The separation distance is 5-10mm greater than the first length; and/or

The separation distance is 3-5mm smaller than the second length.
The box body according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vertical strip section is arranged on the side wall surface of the U-shaped box shell by welding.
The box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the limiting member is made of aluminum.
The box body according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the limiting member is arranged between two end faces of the U-shaped box shell in the direction of elongation.
A battery pack, comprising a battery module with a lengthwise direction, further comprising the box body according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the battery module group is arranged on the side of the box body in the length direction between the two limiters.