Patent Description:
In the design of a large battery module and a long battery module currently, in a process of assembling the battery module, two side plates and two end plates work together to fit major faces of a plurality of batteries with each other. The side plates and end plates are welded to fix the plurality of batteries into a battery module. The following problems are very likely to occur in a conventional design scheme: the side plates on both sides of the battery module are stand-alone, and the two side plates and the two end plates are welded to form a battery module frame. The battery module frame is very fragile in a thickness direction of the battery module. During impact and vibration of the battery module, a middle part of the side plates is deformed greatly so that the side plate is separated from the battery.

To solve the problem of separation between the side plate and the battery, a conventional method is to apply thicker side plates to increase rigidity of the side plates. However, this increases the weight and cost of the battery module, and loses competitive advantages. Another method is to apply an adhesive to major faces of the battery. For large-sized batteries currently, flatness of the major faces is difficult to control, and a thickness and an area of the adhesive are hardly appropriate. A too thick adhesive layer affects cycle performance. If the adhesive layer is too thin or the adhesive area is insufficient, strength of the adhesive is not enough, and a high rigidity of the battery module is not ensured.

<CIT> provides a battery module, which can decompose the battery expansion force while avoiding the battery turbulence, thereby alleviating the failure of the battery module.

<CIT> relates to a battery module configured by connecting a plurality of rectangular lithium ion secondary batteries enabling charge and discharge.

In view of the defects in existing technologies, an objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module as specified in any of claims <NUM>-<NUM> to enhance overall rigidity of the battery module and improve capabilities of the battery module in resisting vibration and impact.

To achieve the objective, the present invention provides a battery module, including: a plurality of batteries, arranged sequentially along a thickness direction; side plates, disposed on two ends of the plurality of batteries in a width direction; and a composite pad, disposed between two corresponding adjacent batteries along the thickness direction. The composite pad includes a cushion material sheet and a connecting strip disposed around the cushion material sheet. A first bulge is disposed on the connecting strip. A first through-hole is disposed on each side plate. The first through-hole corresponds to the first bulge. The first bulge is inserted into the first through-hole so that the connecting strip is fixedly connected to the side plate. Each side plate includes a main body and a lower bending portion. The lower bending portion extends from a lower side of the main body toward the plurality of batteries along the width direction. The lower bending portion is located on a lower side of the plurality of batteries in a height direction. The first through-hole is disposed on the lower bending portion. The connecting strip includes a lower connecting strip. The lower connecting strip is located on a lower side of the cushion material sheet. The first bulge is formed on the lower connecting strip.

In an embodiment, the connecting strip includes an upper connecting strip. The upper connecting strip is located on an upper side of the cushion material sheet. A third bulge is formed on the upper connecting strip. The battery module further includes a partition plate. The partition plate is located on an upper side of the plurality of batteries in the height direction. A third through-hole is disposed on the partition plate. The third bulge is inserted into the third through-hole so that the upper connecting strip is fixedly connected to the partition plate.

In an embodiment, the composite pad further includes an overlay film layer, laid on two sides of the cushion material sheet and the connecting strip in the thickness direction, and configured to connect the cushion material sheet and the connecting strip together and expose the first bulge. In an embodiment, the composite pad further includes an overlay film layer, laid on two sides of the cushion material sheet and the connecting strip in the thickness direction, and configured to connect the cushion material sheet and the connecting strip together and expose the first bulge and the third bulge.

Beneficial effects of this application are as follows:
In the battery module according to the present invention, the side plates of the battery module are fixedly connected by the composite pad disposed between two adjacent batteries, so as to enhance overall rigidity of the battery module and improve capabilities of the battery module in resisting vibration and impact.

The accompanying drawings show embodiments of this application. Understandably, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of this application, and this application may be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ this application. The embodiments represented by <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are merely for illustration purposes, which is not part of the claimed invention.

<FIG> is a three-dimensional top view of a battery module; <FIG> is a local detailed three-dimensional view of a part A shown in <FIG>, and shows a manner of fixing a first bulge B1 and a first through-hole P1 in an embodiment of a battery module; <FIG> shows another manner of fixing a first bulge B1 and a first through-hole P1 corresponding to <FIG>; <FIG> is another three-dimensional view of the battery module shown in <FIG>, in which a plurality of batteries <NUM> and insulation shields <NUM> are not shown; <FIG> is another three-dimensional view of the battery module shown in <FIG>, in which side plates <NUM> and a lower plate <NUM> are not shown; <FIG> is a three-dimensional bottom view of the battery module shown in <FIG>; <FIG> is a three-dimensional partial exploded view of the battery module shown in <FIG>; and <FIG> is a three-dimensional view of a partition plate of a battery module.

The battery module according to the present invention includes: a plurality of batteries <NUM>, arranged sequentially along a thickness direction T; side plates <NUM>, disposed on two ends of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in a width direction W; and a composite pad <NUM>, disposed between two corresponding adjacent batteries <NUM> along the thickness direction T. The battery module further includes: a lower plate <NUM>, disposed and fixed on a lower side of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in the height direction H; a partition plate <NUM>, located on an upper side of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in the height direction H; an end plate <NUM>, disposed at either end of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in the thickness direction T; a cushion <NUM>, disposed between corresponding two adjacent batteries <NUM> along the thickness direction T; and an insulation shield <NUM>, disposed between the end plate <NUM> and a battery <NUM> located at either end of the plurality of batteries <NUM>, and configured to insulate and protect an conductive part (such as main output electrodes (a main positive electrode and a main negative electrode) of the battery module)) in the battery module and corresponding electrical connection parts (such as connectors and wires). An interior duct <NUM> available for flow of a temperature control medium is disposed in the lower plate <NUM>. The temperature control medium may be added in the interior duct <NUM> to heat up or cool the battery module.

The battery <NUM> is a hard-case battery (or called a can-shaped battery), and includes an electrode assembly (not shown), a housing <NUM>, a top cover <NUM>, an electrode post <NUM>, and an explosion-proof valve <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes major faces <NUM> and minor side faces <NUM>. An accommodation cavity is formed inside the housing <NUM> to accommodate the electrode assembly and an electrolytic solution. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator that separates the positive electrode plate from the negative electrode plate. The electrode assembly may be formed by winding the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator, or by stacking the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate both include a current collector and an active substance layer disposed on the current collector.

In an example shown in the drawing, a first through-hole P1 is disposed on the side plate <NUM>. Specifically, one first via hole P1 is disposed on one side plate <NUM>. The side plate <NUM> is made of a metal material to improve strength.

In the example shown in the drawing, there is just one composite pad <NUM> arranged between two adjacent batteries <NUM> in the middle of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in the thickness direction T. However, without being limited thereto, the location and quantity of the composite pads <NUM> may be determined according to actual needs. For example, the composite pad <NUM> may be plural in number. The plurality of composite pads may be arranged at equal intervals or variable intervals along the thickness direction T to enhance overall rigidity of the battery module.

Each composite pad <NUM> includes a cushion material sheet <NUM> and a connecting strip <NUM> disposed around the cushion material sheet <NUM>. The composite pad <NUM> may further include an overlay film layer <NUM>. Two first bulges B1 are disposed on the connecting strip <NUM>. The two first bulges B1correspond to the first through-holes P1 of the two side plates <NUM> respectively. The two first bulges B1 are inserted into the two first through-holes P1 respectively so that the connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the two side plates <NUM>. In addition, a second bulge B2 and/or a third bulge B3 described later may be further disposed on the connecting strip <NUM>, which will be described in detail later. The overlay film layer <NUM> is laid on two sides of the cushion material sheet <NUM> and the connecting strip <NUM> in the thickness direction T, and configured to connect the cushion material sheet <NUM> and the connecting strip <NUM> together (for example, by heat bonding) and expose any bulge (for example, the first bulge B1, the second bulge B2, and the third bulge B3 described later), so as to enhance the overall strength of the composite pad <NUM>.

A disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> varies depending on the structure of the side plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a three-dimensional view of a composite pad of the battery module shown in <FIG> according to a non-claimed embodiment; <FIG> is a three-dimensional exploded view of a composite pad of a battery module shown in <FIG>; <FIG> is a three-dimensional view of side plates of the battery module shown in <FIG> according to an non-claimed embodiment; and <FIG> is a local detailed three-dimensional view of a part B shown in <FIG>.

In the non-claimed embodiments shown in <FIG>, each side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and an upper bending portion <NUM>. The upper bending portion <NUM> extends from an upper side of the main body <NUM> toward the plurality of batteries <NUM> along the width direction W. The upper bending portion <NUM> is located on an upper side of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in a height direction H. The first via hole P1 is disposed on the upper bending portion <NUM>. The connecting strip <NUM> includes an upper connecting strip <NUM>. The upper connecting strip <NUM> is located on an upper side of the cushion material sheet <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 are formed on the upper connecting strip <NUM>.

<FIG> is a three-dimensional view of side plates of a battery module according to the embodiment of the claimed invention; and <FIG> is a three-dimensional exploded view of a composite pad of a battery module according to another embodiment.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a lower bending portion <NUM>. The lower bending portion <NUM> extends from a lower side of the main body <NUM> toward the plurality of batteries <NUM> along the width direction W. The lower bending portion <NUM> is located on a lower side of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in the height direction H. The first through-hole P1 is disposed on the lower bending portion <NUM>. The connecting strip <NUM> includes a lower connecting strip <NUM>. The lower connecting strip <NUM> is located on a lower side of the cushion material sheet <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 are formed on the lower connecting strip <NUM>.

<FIG> is a three-dimensional view of side plates of a battery module according to still another non-claimed embodiment; <FIG> is a three-dimensional view of a composite pad of a battery module according to still another non-claimed embodiment; and <FIG> is a three-dimensional exploded view of a composite pad shown in <FIG>.

In the non-claimed embodiments shown in <FIG>, each side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>. The first through-hole P1 is disposed on the main body <NUM>. The connecting strip <NUM> includes two lateral connecting strips <NUM>. Each lateral connecting strip <NUM> is located on a side of the cushion material sheet <NUM> in the width direction W. The two first bulge B1 are formed on the two lateral connecting strips <NUM> respectively.

More than that the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> varies with the structure of the side plate <NUM>, the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> also varies with existence of the lower plate <NUM>. In other words, the structure of the side plate <NUM> and the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> adaptively vary depending on whether the lower plate <NUM> is configured.

Specifically, in a manner, when the lower plate <NUM> is configured, the lower plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, a second through-hole P2 is disposed on the lower plate <NUM>. The side plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and an upper bending portion <NUM>. The upper bending portion <NUM> extends from the upper side of the main body <NUM> toward the plurality of batteries <NUM> along the width direction W. The upper bending portion <NUM> is located on the upper side of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in the height direction H. The first through-hole P1 is disposed on the upper bending portion <NUM>. Each composite pad <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, that is, the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> includes an upper connecting strip <NUM> and a lower connecting strip <NUM>. The upper connecting strip <NUM> is located on the upper side of the cushion material sheet <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 are formed on the upper connecting strip <NUM>. The lower connecting strip <NUM> is located on the lower side of the cushion material sheet <NUM>. The second bulge B2 is formed on the lower connecting strip <NUM>. The second bulge B2 is inserted into the second through-hole P2 so that the lower connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the lower plate <NUM>. As mentioned above, the two first bulges B1 of the connecting strip <NUM> are inserted into the first through-holes P1 of the two side plates <NUM> so that the connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the two side plates <NUM>.

Other than the foregoing manner in which the lower plate <NUM> is configured, a different manner may be applied.

Specifically, when the lower plate <NUM> is configured, the lower plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, a second through-hole P2 is disposed on the lower plate <NUM>. The side plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>. The first through-hole P1 is disposed on the main body <NUM>. Each composite pad <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> includes two lateral connecting strips <NUM> and a lower connecting strip <NUM>. Each lateral connecting strip <NUM> is located on a side of the cushion material sheet <NUM> in the width direction W. The two first bulges B1 are formed on the two lateral connecting strips <NUM> respectively. The lower connecting strip <NUM> is located on the lower side of the cushion material sheet <NUM> and connected between the two lateral connecting strips <NUM>. The second bulge B2 is formed on the lower connecting strip <NUM>. The second bulge B2 is inserted into the second through-hole P2 so that the lower connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the lower plate <NUM>. As mentioned above, the two first bulges B1 of the connecting strip <NUM> are inserted into the first through-holes P1 of the two side plates <NUM> so that the connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the two side plates <NUM>.

Based on the foregoing two connection manners of the lower plate <NUM>, the side plate <NUM>, and each composite pad <NUM>, the two first bulges B1 of the connecting strip <NUM> are inserted into and fixedly connected to the first through-holes P1 of the two side plates <NUM>, and the second bulge B2 of the lower connecting strip <NUM> is inserted into and fixedly connected to the second through-hole P2 on the lower plate <NUM>. In this way, the lower plate <NUM>, the side plate <NUM>, and each composite pad <NUM> are connected together, and the overall rigidity of the battery module is further enhanced.

Likewise, more than that the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> varies with the structure of the side plate <NUM>, the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> also varies with existence of the partition plate <NUM>. In other words, the structure of the side plate <NUM> and the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> adaptively vary depending on whether the partition plate <NUM> is configured.

Specifically, in a manner, when the partition plate <NUM> is configured, the partition plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, a third through-hole P3 is disposed on the partition plate <NUM>. The side plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a lower bending portion <NUM>. The lower bending portion <NUM> extends from the lower side of the main body <NUM> toward the plurality of batteries <NUM> along the width direction W. The lower bending portion <NUM> is located on the lower side of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in the height direction H. The first through-hole P1 is disposed on the lower bending portion <NUM>. Each composite pad <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> includes an upper connecting strip <NUM> and a lower connecting strip <NUM>. The lower connecting strip <NUM> is located on the lower side of the cushion material sheet <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 are formed on the lower connecting strip <NUM>. The upper connecting strip <NUM> is located on the upper side of the cushion material sheet <NUM>. The third bulge B3 is formed on the upper connecting strip <NUM>. The third bulge B3 is inserted into the third through-hole P3 so that the upper connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the partition plate <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 of the connecting strip <NUM> are inserted into the first through-holes P1 of the two side plates <NUM> so that the connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the two side plates <NUM>.

Other than the foregoing manner in which the partition plate <NUM> is configured, a different manner may be applied.

<FIG> is a three-dimensional view of a composite pad of the battery module shown in <FIG> according to still another non-claimed embodiment; and <FIG> is a three-dimensional exploded view of a composite pad shown in <FIG>.

When the partition plate <NUM> is configured, the partition plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, a third through-hole P3 is disposed on the partition plate <NUM>. The side plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>. The first through-hole P1 is disposed on the main body <NUM>. Each composite pad <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> includes two lateral connecting strips <NUM> and an upper connecting strip <NUM>. Each lateral connecting strip <NUM> is located on a side of the cushion material sheet <NUM> in the width direction W. The two first bulges B1 are formed on the two lateral connecting strips <NUM> respectively. The upper connecting strip <NUM> is located on the upper side of the cushion material sheet <NUM> and connected between the two lateral connecting strips <NUM>. The third bulge B3 is formed on the upper connecting strip <NUM>. The third bulge B3 is inserted into the third through-hole P3 so that the upper connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the partition plate <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 of the connecting strip <NUM> are inserted into the first through-holes P1 of the two side plates <NUM> so that the connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the two side plates <NUM>.

In the foregoing two manners, the two first bulges B1 of the connecting strip <NUM> are inserted into and fixedly connected to the first through-holes P1 of the two side plates <NUM>, and the third bulge B3 of the upper connecting strip <NUM> is inserted into and fixedly connected to the third through-hole P3 on the partition plate <NUM>. In this way, the partition plate <NUM>, the side plate <NUM>, and each composite pad <NUM> are connected together, and the overall rigidity of the battery module is further enhanced. Likewise, more than that the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> varies with the structure of the side plate <NUM>, the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> also varies with coexistence of the lower plate <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM>. In other words, the structure of the side plate <NUM> and the disposition manner of the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> adaptively vary depending on whether the lower plate <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM> are configured.

Specifically, in a manner, when both the lower plate <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM> are configured, the lower plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, a second through-hole P2 is disposed on the lower plate <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, a third through-hole P3 is disposed on the partition plate <NUM>. The side plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>, and the first through-hole P1 is disposed on the main body <NUM>. Each composite pad <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> may include two lateral connecting strips <NUM>, an upper connecting strip <NUM>, and a lower connecting strip <NUM>. Each lateral connecting strip <NUM> is located on a side of the cushion material sheet <NUM> in the width direction W. The two first bulges B1 are formed on the two lateral connecting strips <NUM> respectively. The lower connecting strip <NUM> is located on the lower side of the cushion material sheet <NUM> and connected between the two lateral connecting strips <NUM>. The second bulge B2 is formed on the lower connecting strip <NUM>. The upper connecting strip <NUM> is located on the upper side of the cushion material sheet <NUM> and connected between the two lateral connecting strips <NUM>. The third bulge B3 is formed on the upper connecting strip <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 are inserted into the two first through-holes P1 respectively so that the connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the two side plates <NUM>. The second bulge B2 is inserted into the second through-hole P2 so that the lower connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the lower plate <NUM>. The third bulge B3 is inserted into the third through-hole P3 so that the upper connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the partition plate <NUM>. In this way, the two side plates <NUM>, the lower plate <NUM>, and the partition plate <NUM> are connected together, and the overall rigidity of the battery module is further enhanced.

Other than the foregoing manner in which the lower plate <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM> are configured, a different manner may be applied.

<FIG> is a three-dimensional view of a composite pad of the battery module shown in <FIG> according to the embodiment of the claimed invention; and <FIG> is a three-dimensional exploded view of a composite pad shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, in another manner, when both the lower plate <NUM> and the partition plate <NUM> are configured for the battery module, the lower plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, a second through-hole P2 is disposed on the lower plate <NUM>. The partition plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, a third through-hole P3 is disposed on the partition plate <NUM>. The side plate <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the side plate <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a lower bending portion <NUM>. The lower bending portion <NUM> extends from the lower side of the main body <NUM> toward the plurality of batteries <NUM> along the width direction W. The lower bending portion <NUM> is located on the lower side of the plurality of batteries <NUM> in the height direction H. The first through-hole P1 is disposed on the lower bending portion <NUM>. Each composite pad <NUM> adopts the structure shown in <FIG>, that is, the connecting strip <NUM> of each composite pad <NUM> includes an upper connecting strip <NUM> and a lower connecting strip <NUM>. The upper connecting strip <NUM> is located on the upper side of the cushion material sheet <NUM>, and the lower connecting strip <NUM> is located on the lower side of the cushion material sheet <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 are formed on the lower connecting strip <NUM>. The second bulge B2 is formed on the lower connecting strip <NUM>, and the third bulge B3 is formed on the upper connecting strip <NUM>. The two first bulges B1 are inserted into the two first through-holes P1 respectively so that the connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the two side plates <NUM>. The second bulge B2 is inserted into the second through-hole P2 so that the lower connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the lower plate <NUM>. The third bulge B3 is inserted into the third through-hole P3 so that the upper connecting strip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the partition plate <NUM>. In this way, the two side plates <NUM>, the lower plate <NUM>, and the partition plate <NUM> are connected together, and the overall rigidity of the battery module is further enhanced.

In the foregoing embodiments, the first bulge B1 may be fixed in the first through-hole P1 by welding. Specifically, referring to the manner of fixing the first bulge B1 to the first through-hole P1 shown in <FIG>, a pad ring (not shown) may be disposed between the first bulge B1 and the corresponding first through-hole P1. After being melted by a high temperature, the pad ring fixes the first bulge B1 into the first through-hole P1. Alternatively, referring to the manner of fixing the first bulge B1 to the first through-hole P1 shown in <FIG>. The first bulge B1 is fixed in the first through-hole P1 by being inserted into the first through-hole P1 and being welded in an everted way. To ensure reliable fixing between the first bulge B1 and the first through-hole P1, a sealing ring (not shown) is disposed between the first bulge B1 and the first through-hole P1.

The manner of fixing between the second bulge B2 and the second through-hole P2 is identical to that between the first bulge B1 and the first through-hole P1. The second bulge B2 may be fixed in the second through-hole P2 by welding. Specifically, a pad ring (not shown) may be disposed between the second bulge B2 and the second through-hole P2. After being melted by a high temperature, the pad ring fixes the second bulge B2 into the second through-hole P2. The second bulge B2 may also be fixed in the second through-hole P2 by being inserted into the second through-hole P2 and being welded in an everted way. To ensure reliable fixing between the second bulge B2 and the second through-hole P2, a sealing ring is disposed between the second bulge B2 and the second through-hole P2.

The third bulge B3 may be fixed in the third through-hole P3 by hot-melting the partition plate <NUM> at the third through-hole P3. Specifically, the third bulge B3 is fixed in the third through-hole P3 by being inserted into the third through-hole P3 and being turned outward.

Two ends of the main body <NUM> of each side plate <NUM> in the thickness direction T are fixed to the corresponding two ends of the two end plates <NUM> in the width direction W by welding. Further, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, each side plate <NUM> may further include two third bending portions <NUM> extending from the two ends of the main body <NUM> in the thickness direction T toward the plurality of batteries <NUM> along the width direction W respectively. Each third bending portion <NUM> of each side plate <NUM> is fixed to an end of the corresponding end plate <NUM> in the width direction W by welding, so as to strengthen the overall rigidity of the battery module frame that includes the side plates <NUM> and the end plates <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A battery module, wherein the battery module comprises:
a plurality of batteries (<NUM>), arranged sequentially along a thickness direction (T);
side plates (<NUM>), disposed on two ends of the plurality of batteries (<NUM>) in a width direction (W); and
a composite pad (<NUM>), disposed between two corresponding adjacent batteries (<NUM>) along the thickness direction (T), wherein the composite pad (<NUM>) comprises a cushion material sheet (<NUM>) and a connecting strip (<NUM>) disposed around the cushion material sheet (<NUM>), and a first bulge (B1) is disposed on the connecting strip (<NUM>);
a first through-hole (P1) is disposed on each side plate (<NUM>), and the first through-hole (P1) corresponds to the first bulge (B1); and
the first bulge (B1) is inserted into the first through-hole (P1) so that the connecting strip (<NUM>) is fixedly connected to the side plate (<NUM>)
wherein each side plate (<NUM>) comprises a main body (<NUM>) and a lower bending portion (<NUM>), the lower bending portion (<NUM>) extends from a lower side of the main body (<NUM>) toward the plurality of batteries (<NUM>) along the width direction (W), the lower bending portion (<NUM>) is located on a lower side of the plurality of batteries (<NUM>) in a height direction (H), and the first through-hole (P1) is disposed on the lower bending portion (<NUM>); and
the connecting strip (<NUM>) comprises a lower connecting strip (<NUM>), the lower connecting strip (<NUM>) is located on a lower side of the cushion material sheet (<NUM>), and the first bulge (B1) is formed on the lower connecting strip (<NUM>).