Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The application discloses a battery module and a battery pack. The battery module comprises at least two battery monomers, each of which comprises a shell, and an opening is arranged at a connecting end of the shells of two adjacent battery monomers, a top cover assembly is arranged at the opening, each of the top cover assemblies comprises a base plate and a second insulating piece, the base plate covers the opening, the second insulating piece is arranged on a side of the base plate away from the shell, and the second insulating pieces on two adjacent battery monomers are clamped through a buckle assembly. The battery module is convenient to assemble, has good stability, and has high space utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more particularly to a battery module and a battery pack comprising such a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of electronic technology, battery modules are widely used. Generally, a battery module consists of multiple battery cells. In existing battery packs, the connection between battery cells is usually achieved by welding connecting pieces or bolts. However, the welding connecting piece method has the following drawbacks: the welding process is complex, and the equipment investment or maintenance costs are high; the bolt connection method has the following drawbacks: the actual production assembly time is long, and the production efficiency is low. In addition, whether welding connecting pieces or bolt connections are used, they all require module bracket assembly, resulting in low production efficiency and stability, cumbersome battery assembly process, and low space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module and battery pack that are easy to assemble, have good stability, and have high space utilization.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] On one hand, a battery module is provided, including at least two battery cells, each battery cell including a housing, an opening is provided at one end of the housings of two adjacent battery cells connected together, a top cover assembly is provided at the opening, each top cover assembly includes a base plate and a second insulating member, the base plate covers the opening, the second insulating member is provided on the side opposite to the housing, and the second insulating members on two adjacent battery cells are snapped together by a snap-fit ​​assembly.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution of the battery module, the top cover assembly further includes a terminal post and a first insulating member. The first insulating member is disposed on the side of the substrate near the housing. The terminal post passes through the first insulating member, the substrate and the second insulating member in sequence, and the terminal posts on two adjacent battery cells are connected in series or in parallel.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution for the battery module, the terminals of two adjacent battery cells are laser-welded.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution for the battery module, the buckle assembly includes a first buckle and a second buckle that engages with the first buckle.

[0009] The first latching member is provided on one of the two top cover assemblies that are connected to each other, and the second latching member is provided on the other second insulating member; or, the first latching member and the second latching member are provided at intervals on each second insulating member.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of the battery module, when the terminals on two adjacent battery cells are connected in series, the first latching member includes a first latching body, which protrudes from the side of the second insulating member away from the substrate. The end of the first latching body away from the second insulating member is provided with a latching protrusion. The second latching member includes an insertion hole, which is provided on the second insulating member. The insertion hole is for the first latching body to be inserted into. The inner sidewall of the insertion hole is recessed with a latching groove, and the latching protrusion can be latched into the latching groove.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution for the battery module, the side of the second insulating member away from the substrate is provided with a surrounding wall around the insertion hole.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution for the battery module, a first reinforcing rib is provided at the position where the enclosure connects to the second insulating component.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the battery module, when the terminals on two adjacent battery cells are connected in parallel, the first fastener includes a first fastening body and a fastening hook, and the second fastener includes a second fastening body and a insertion hole. The fastening hook protrudes from the first fastening body, the insertion hole penetrates the second fastening body, and the fastening hook can pass through the insertion hole and hook onto the side of the second fastening body away from the first fastening body.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the battery module, a second reinforcing rib is provided between the first snap-fit ​​body and the second insulating member, and between the second snap-fit ​​body and the second insulating member.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the battery module, the length of the second insulating member is L1, the width of the second insulating member is D1, the length of the substrate is L2, the width of the substrate is D2, L1≥L2, and D1≥D2.

[0016] On the other hand, a battery pack is provided, including the aforementioned battery module.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the second insulating parts of two adjacent battery cells are snapped together by a snap-fit ​​assembly, so that the two adjacent battery cells are tightly connected together, which facilitates the combination of two battery cells. Moreover, no other fasteners are required when combining them. It has the characteristics of high production efficiency and good stability. Unlike the existing technology that uses welded connecting pieces or bolts for connection, since it does not rely on connecting pieces, bolts and module brackets for assembly, it is beneficial to improve the space utilization of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the battery module described in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the top cover assembly described in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the top cover assembly described in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the second insulating component in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the battery module described in the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the top cover assembly described in the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of point C in the middle.

[0028] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the top cover assembly described in the second embodiment.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 100. Battery cell; 101. Housing; 200. Top cover assembly; 1. First insulating component; 11. First groove; 12. First hole; 2. Substrate; 21. Second groove; 22. Second hole; 3. Second insulating component; 31. Third groove; 32. Third hole; 33. Hot melt pillar; 4. Riveting block; 41. Fourth hole; 5. Terminal post; 51. Connecting block; 52. Terminal post body; 6. First reinforcing rib; 7. First snap fastener; 71. First snap-fit ​​body; 711. Snap-fit ​​piece; 72. Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 73. Snap-fit ​​hook; 731. Connector; 732. Hook part; 8. Second snap fastener; 81. Second snap-fit ​​body; 82. Insertion hole; 83. Snap-fit ​​groove; 84. Enclosure; 9. Second reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, this embodiment provides a battery module including at least two battery cells 100. An opening is provided at one end of the housing 101 of two adjacent battery cells 100 that is connected. A top cover assembly 200 is provided at the opening. Each top cover assembly 200 includes a substrate 2 and a second insulating member 3. The substrate 2 covers the opening. The second insulating member 3 is disposed on the side of the substrate 2 away from the housing 101. The second insulating members 3 on two adjacent battery cells 100 are snapped together by a snap-fit ​​assembly. The substrate 2 is a smooth aluminum plate.

[0035] The second insulating member 3 of two adjacent battery cells 100 is snapped together by a snap-fit ​​assembly, so that the two adjacent battery cells 100 are tightly connected together, which facilitates the combination of two battery cells 100. No other fasteners are required when combining them. It has the characteristics of high production efficiency and good stability. Unlike the existing technology that uses welded connecting pieces or bolts to assemble battery modules, the battery module in this embodiment does not need to rely on connecting pieces, bolts and module brackets for assembly, which helps to improve the space utilization of the battery module.

[0036] The top cover assembly 200 also includes a terminal post 5 and a first insulating member 1. The first insulating member 1 is disposed on the side of the substrate 2 near the housing 101. The terminal post 5 passes through the first insulating member 1, the substrate 2 and the second insulating member 3 in sequence. The terminal posts 5 on two adjacent battery cells 100 are connected in series or in parallel. In this battery module structure, the terminal posts 5 of two battery cells 100 that are snapped together are connected in series or in parallel. Under the action of the snap-fit ​​assembly, the two battery cells 100 connected in series or in parallel are reliably connected and not easily separated, thus having good stability.

[0037] In this embodiment, the terminals 5 of two adjacent battery cells 100 are laser-welded. This arrangement has two main functions: First, laser welding allows the terminals 5 of two adjacent battery cells 100 to directly contact each other, enabling the two battery cells 100 to be connected in series or in parallel without the need for additional conductive components, which helps reduce costs and the space occupied by the battery module. Second, laser welding strengthens the connection structure of the two battery cells 100, preventing external forces from separating the two adjacent battery cells 100. Specifically, when two adjacent battery cells 100 are connected in series, the ends of the terminals 5 of the two battery cells 100 are laser-welded. When two adjacent battery cells 100 are connected in parallel, the terminals 5 are extended beyond one side of the width direction of the top cover assembly 200 to form a welded part, and then the welded part of the terminals 5 in the two battery cells 100 is laser-welded. In addition, before laser welding the pole posts 5 of two adjacent battery cells 100, the two battery cells 100 can be assisted in positioning and connection by a snap-fit ​​assembly, reducing the difficulty of welding.

[0038] The snap-fit ​​assembly includes a first snap-fit ​​member 7 and a second snap-fit ​​member 8 that engages with the first snap-fit ​​member 7. In this embodiment, each second insulating member 3 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​member 7 and a second snap-fit ​​member 8 at intervals. The engagement of the first snap-fit ​​member 7 and the second snap-fit ​​member 8 facilitates the assembly of two adjacent batteries together, preventing the separation of adjacent batteries from affecting the series or parallel connection between the two battery cells 100. In this battery module structure, the first snap-fit ​​member 7 and the second snap-fit ​​member 8 are staggered on the same second insulating member 3. After two adjacent battery cells 100 are snapped together, it helps to balance the snap-fit ​​force on the two snap-fit ​​second insulating members 3, which helps to maintain the stability of the battery cells 100. In addition, since the first snap-fit ​​member 7 and the second snap-fit ​​member 8 are both provided on the second insulating member 3 of the top cover assembly 200, the first snap-fit ​​member 7 and the second snap-fit ​​member 8 can be directly processed on the second insulating member 3 without affecting the structure of the housing 101. In other examples, a first latching element 7 may be provided on one of the second insulating elements 3 of the two snap-fit ​​top cover assemblies 200, and a second latching element 8 may be provided on the other second insulating element 3.

[0039] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 6 When the terminals 5 on two adjacent battery cells 100 are connected in series, the first latching member 7 includes a first latching body 71, which protrudes from the side of the second insulating member 3 facing away from the substrate 2. A latching protrusion 72 is provided at the end of the first latching body 71 away from the second insulating member 3. The second latching member 8 includes an insertion hole 82, which is located on the second insulating member 3. The insertion hole 82 allows the first latching body 71 to be inserted into it. A latching groove 83 is recessed on the inner wall of the insertion hole 82, allowing the latching protrusion 72 to engage within the latching groove 83. By engaging the latching protrusion 72 with the latching groove 83, the two adjacent battery cells 100 are positioned to securely assemble.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The first snap-fit ​​body 71 includes multiple snap-fit ​​tabs 711, with adjacent snap-fit ​​tabs 711 spaced apart. Each snap-fit ​​tab 711 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 72 at the end away from the second insulating member 3. Since there is a gap between adjacent snap-fit ​​tabs 711, this gap provides space for elastic deformation. In specific design, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first snap-fit ​​body 71 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion hole 82. External force inserts all the snap-fit ​​tabs 711 on the first snap-fit ​​body 71 into the insertion hole 82. At this time, the snap-fit ​​tabs 711 undergo slight elastic deformation inside the insertion hole 82. Under the action of the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​tabs 711, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 72 is locked in the snap-fit ​​groove 83, which facilitates the assembly of two battery cells 100. In this embodiment, the multiple snap-fit ​​pieces 711 are arranged in a ring. Of course, the arrangement of the multiple snap-fit ​​pieces 711 is not limited to this. The multiple snap-fit ​​pieces 711 can also be arranged in a rectangle or a polygon. The arrangement of the multiple snap-fit ​​pieces 711 is not listed here.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 The second insulating member 3, on its side away from the substrate 2, is provided with a surrounding wall 84 around the insertion hole 82. The surrounding wall 84 can extend the length of the insertion hole 82. A longer insertion hole 82 facilitates the insertion of the first snap-fit ​​body 71 and prevents the insertion direction of the first snap-fit ​​body 71 from shifting. It should be noted that the shape of the surrounding wall 84 corresponds to the arrangement of the snap-fit ​​pieces 711 in the first snap-fit ​​body 71. When the arrangement of the snap-fit ​​pieces 711 in the first snap-fit ​​body 71 is different, the shape of the surrounding wall 84 is also different.

[0042] When the first snap-fit ​​body 71 is inserted into the insertion hole 82, the first snap-fit ​​body 71 may collide with the enclosure wall 84. The enclosure wall 84 is provided with a first reinforcing rib 6 at the position where it connects with the second insulating member 3. When the first snap-fit ​​body 71 collides with the enclosure wall 84, the first reinforcing rib 6 can prevent the first snap-fit ​​body 71 from breaking at the position where it connects with the second insulating member 3.

[0043] In another embodiment, refer to Figures 7 to 10 When the terminals 5 on two adjacent battery cells 100 are connected in parallel, the first fastener 7 includes a first fastening body 71 and a fastening hook 73, and the second fastener 8 includes a second fastening body 81 and a insertion hole 82. The fastening hook 73 protrudes from the first fastening body 71, and the insertion hole 82 passes through the second fastening body 81. The fastening hook 73 can pass through the insertion hole 82 and hook onto the side of the second fastening body 81 away from the first fastening body 71. In this embodiment, the two adjacent battery cells 100 are limited by hooking the fastening hook 73 and the second fastening body 81 so that the two adjacent battery cells 100 are fastened together.

[0044] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9Each first fastener 7 includes two hooks 73, each hook 73 corresponding to a insertion hole 82. By increasing the number of hooks 73, the locking force between the first fastener 7 and the second fastener 8 is enhanced. In other embodiments, the specific number of hooks 73 on the first fastener 7 can be flexibly set as needed, for example, the first fastener 7 may include one hook 73 or three hooks 73, etc.

[0045] Reference Figure 9 The snap hook 73 consists of two hook units. Each hook unit includes a connector 731 and a hook part 732. One end of the connector 731 is connected to the first snap body 71. The hook part 732 is located at the end of the connector 731 away from the first snap body 71 and protrudes from one side of the connector 731. The two hook parts 732 in the same snap hook 73 face opposite directions. The snap hook 73 with this structure hooks the two hook parts 732 facing opposite directions to hook onto the sides of the opposite ends of the insertion hole 82, thereby enhancing the hooking force of the snap hook 73 on the second snap body 81 and making the two adjacent battery units 100 more securely assembled together.

[0046] To enhance the connection strength between the latching component and the second insulating component 3, second reinforcing ribs 9 are provided between the first latching body 71 and the second insulating component 3, and between the second latching body 81 and the second insulating component 3. The second reinforcing ribs 9 prevent the latching component from breaking at the connection point with the second insulating component 3, thereby improving the battery module's resistance to external forces.

[0047] Among them, reference Figure 4 and Figure 10The top cover assembly 200 also includes a riveting block 4. A first boss protrudes from the first insulating member 1 towards the inside of the battery, and a first groove 11 is recessed on the side of the first boss near the second insulating member 3. A second boss protrudes from the side of the substrate 2 towards the first insulating member 1, and a third boss protrudes from the side of the second insulating member 3 towards the substrate 2. The first, second, and third bosses, facing away from the inside of the battery cell 100, are respectively recessed with a first groove 11, a second groove 21, and a third groove 31. The second boss is pressed into the first groove 11, the third boss is pressed into the second groove 21, and the riveting block 4 is riveted into the third groove 31. The pole post 5 includes a connecting block 51 and a pole post body 52 protruding from the connecting block 51. The first boss, the second boss, the third boss, and the riveting block 4 are respectively provided with a first hole 12, a second hole 22, a third hole 32, and a fourth hole 41. The pole post body 52 passes through the first hole 12, the second hole 22, the third hole 32, and the fourth hole 41 in sequence and extends to the outside of the battery cell 100. In specific assembly, the first insulating component 1, the substrate 2, the second insulating component 3, the riveting block 4, and the pole post 5 are combined to form a structural component by pressure. Then, the second insulating component 3 is combined with the substrate 2 by ultrasonic welding process to strengthen the bonding strength between the two.

[0048] In order to reserve welding space for the second insulating component 3, the length of the riveting block 4 is less than half of the total length of the second insulating component 3.

[0049] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 10 The second insulating member 3 has at least two hot melt pillars 33 protruding from one side near the substrate 2. The at least two hot melt pillars 33 are spaced apart along the length of the second insulating member 3, and the third boss is located between the at least two hot melt pillars 33. The first insulating member 1, the substrate 2, the second insulating member 3, the riveting block 4 and the electrode 5 are assembled to form a structural component. The hot melt pillars 33 are melted and bonded to the substrate 2 by ultrasonic welding process, which enhances the bonding strength between the second insulating member 3 and the substrate 2 and prevents the second insulating member 3 from detaching from the substrate 2 due to external force pulling on the interlocking battery cells 100.

[0050] Preferably, the length of the second insulating member 3 is L1, the width of the second insulating member 3 is D1, the length of the substrate 2 is L2, the width of the substrate 2 is D2, L1≥L2, and D1≥D2. In the prior art, the size of the second insulating member 3 is relatively small, so the second insulating member 3 cannot completely cover the side of the substrate 2 away from the first insulating member 1. Therefore, an additional insulating film needs to be provided on the side of the second insulating member 3 away from the substrate 2 to prevent external conductors from contacting the substrate 2 and causing a short circuit in the battery module. In this embodiment, the size of the second insulating member 3 is set to be relatively large, so that the second insulating member 3 can completely cover the surface of the substrate 2 away from the first insulating member 1. There is no need to provide an additional insulating film to cover the surface of the substrate 2 away from the first insulating member 1, which is beneficial to reducing the production cost of the battery.

[0051] In this embodiment, a battery pack is provided, which includes battery modules of any of the above-described structures. This type of battery pack is characterized by easy assembly, good stability, and high space utilization.

[0052] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0053] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0055] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that... The battery cell includes at least two battery cells (100), each of which includes a housing (101). An opening is provided at one end of the housing (101) of two adjacent battery cells (100) that are connected. A top cover assembly (200) is provided at the opening. Each top cover assembly (200) includes a base plate (2) and a second insulating member (3). The base plate (2) covers the opening. The second insulating member (3) is provided on the side of the base plate (2) away from the housing (101). The second insulating members (3) on two adjacent battery cells (100) are snapped together by a snap-fit ​​assembly. The top cover assembly (200) further includes a terminal post (5) and a first insulating member (1). The first insulating member (1) is disposed on the side of the substrate (2) near the housing (101). The terminal post (5) passes through the first insulating member (1), the substrate (2) and the second insulating member (3) in sequence. The terminal posts (5) on two adjacent battery cells (100) are connected in series or in parallel. The buckle assembly includes a first buckle (7) and a second buckle (8) that engages with the first buckle (7). The first latching member (7) is provided on one of the two top cover assemblies (200) of the second insulating member (3), and the second latching member (8) is provided on the other second insulating member (3); or, the first latching member (7) and the second latching member (8) are provided at intervals on each second insulating member (3). The length of the second insulating member (3) is L1, the width of the second insulating member (3) is D1, the length of the substrate (2) is L2, the width of the substrate (2) is D2, L1≥L2, and D1≥D2.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminals (5) of two adjacent battery cells (100) are laser welded together.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the terminals (5) on two adjacent battery cells (100) are connected in series, the first latching member (7) includes a first latching body (71), the first latching body (71) protrudes from the side of the second insulating member (3) away from the substrate (2), and a latching protrusion (72) is provided at the end of the first latching body (71) away from the second insulating member (3). The second latching member (8) includes an insertion hole (82), the insertion hole (82) is provided on the second insulating member (3), the insertion hole (82) is for the first latching body (71) to be inserted, and a latching groove (83) is provided in the inner sidewall of the insertion hole (82), and the latching protrusion (72) can be latched in the latching groove (83).

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second insulating member (3) has a surrounding wall (84) on one side away from the substrate (2) surrounding the insertion hole (82).

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first reinforcing rib (6) is provided at the position where the enclosure (84) connects with the second insulating member (3).

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the terminals (5) on two adjacent battery cells (100) are connected in parallel, the first latching member (7) includes a first latching body (71) and a latching hook (73), and the second latching member (8) includes a second latching body (81) and a plug hole (82). The latching hook (73) protrudes from the first latching body (71), and the plug hole (82) penetrates the second latching body (81). The latching hook (73) can pass through the plug hole (82) and hook onto the side of the second latching body (81) away from the first latching body (71).

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second reinforcing rib (9) is provided between the first snap-fit ​​body (71) and the second insulating member (3) and between the second snap-fit ​​body (81) and the second insulating member (3).

8. A battery pack, characterized in that, Includes the battery module as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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