A battery structure capable of being freely connected in series and parallel

Abstract

This invention discloses a battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel. Two busbars are installed on one side of each of the two busbar brackets, and the two busbars are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the battery cell assembly. A cell assembly mounting slot is provided on the bottom shell of the thermally conductive cell, and the cell assembly is installed in the mounting slot. The heat dissipation surface of the cell assembly abuts against the bottom shell, which in turn abuts against the liquid cooling plate. A top cover is installed on the bottom shell outside the mounting slot, abutting against the cell assembly. An insulating top cover patch is installed on the side of the top cover facing away from the cell assembly. The cell assembly includes two connected cells. This invention reduces the overall battery expansion rate, which is beneficial for controlling the overall battery expansion, achieving better heat dissipation, and is advantageous for large module or CTP design layouts, thus reducing the BOM cost of the module or PACK.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of new energy battery module technology, specifically relating to a battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of new energy batteries, battery shapes are generally divided into three types: cylindrical, square, and pouch. Among them, due to the special structure of pouch cells, there are no safety issues such as explosions, so their application is still relatively widespread. However, due to their structural characteristics, pouch cells often cannot be assembled into modules or packs using large modules or CTP methods during the assembly process.

[0003] Meanwhile, when designing soft-pack modules or PACKs, single cells are usually combined in series and parallel to meet the power and voltage requirements, which increases the cost of the entire module or PACK and is not conducive to overall cost control.

[0004] Furthermore, after the pouch cells are assembled, a casing needs to be added to the outside of the battery pack to improve heat conduction and prevent battery expansion. At this point, because there are more pouch cells in the pack, the heat dissipation requirements are higher, necessitating a thinner casing to achieve better heat dissipation. However, the increased number of cells in the pack leads to greater expansion of the entire battery pack, requiring a thicker casing with higher strength. Therefore, there is a conflict between preventing expansion and achieving better heat conduction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel includes a cell assembly, a thermally conductive cell base shell, a top cover, an insulating top cover patch, and busbar brackets respectively installed at both ends of the cell assembly. Each of the two busbar brackets has a busbar installed on one side, and the two busbars are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the cell assembly. The thermally conductive cell base shell has a cell assembly mounting slot, and the cell assembly is installed within this slot, with the heat dissipation surface of the cell assembly abutting against the thermally conductive cell base shell, which in turn abuts against a liquid cooling plate. The top cover is installed on the thermally conductive cell base shell outside the cell assembly mounting slot, and abuts against the cell assembly. An insulating top cover patch is installed on the side of the top cover facing away from the cell assembly. The cell assembly includes two connected cells.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, both ends of the bottom shell of the thermally conductive cell are provided with U-shaped limiting slide rails protruding outwards, and two busbar brackets are respectively slidably connected to both ends of the bottom shell of the thermally conductive cell. The other side of each of the two busbar brackets is provided with a U-shaped sliding groove, and the U-shaped sliding groove is slidably connected to the corresponding U-shaped limiting slide rail. Each of the two busbar brackets is provided with a first through hole, and the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the battery of the cell group pass through the first through hole and are connected to the busbar.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, two first elongated protrusions are provided on the other side of the busbar support, and an electrode limiting groove is provided between the two first elongated protrusions, which is connected to the first through hole.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, a first mounting groove is provided on one side of the busbar bracket, and the busbar is installed in the first mounting groove.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the two battery cells of the battery cell group are connected in series through one battery tab of each cell. The two connected battery tabs are the positive battery tab and the negative battery tab, and the two connected battery tabs are provided with tab protective covers.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the two cells of the battery cell group are connected in parallel through one of their respective battery tabs. Both connected battery tabs are either positive or negative battery tabs, and protective covers are provided on the outside of the two connected battery tabs.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the electrode tab protective cover includes a first electrode tab protective cover and a second electrode tab protective cover. Each end of the first electrode tab protective cover is provided with a buckle, and each end of the second electrode tab protective cover is provided with a slot. Each buckle engages with a slot.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, a limiting post is provided in the middle of the first electrode tab protective cover, and a limiting hole is provided in the middle of the second electrode tab protective cover, with the limiting post being inserted into the limiting hole in a matching manner.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the top cover is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove on the side facing the bottom shell of the heat-conducting battery cell, and the top cover is snapped onto the bottom shell of the heat-conducting battery cell cell through the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the top cover is provided with second through holes at both ends and the middle, each second through hole is provided with a battery tab corresponding to the battery cell assembly, and each second through hole is equipped with an explosion-proof valve; the insulating top cover patch is provided with third through holes at both ends and the middle, each second through hole corresponding to a third through hole.

[0017] Beneficial effects: This invention installs busbar brackets at both ends of the battery cell assembly, and busbars are installed on the busbar brackets. The two busbars are connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the battery cell assembly, respectively, to quickly form a battery structure made of the battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly is installed in the cell assembly mounting slot of the thermally conductive cell bottom shell, allowing the thermally conductive cell bottom shell to participate in the cell expansion process, reducing the overall battery expansion rate and thus helping to control the overall battery expansion. Furthermore, the battery cell assembly can not only transfer heat to the liquid cooling plate through the cell bottom shell for heat dissipation, but the thermally conductive cell bottom shell also has two large side surfaces, which can accelerate the heat dissipation process, thereby achieving better heat dissipation effect; top cover, thermally conductive... The cell bottom case and the busbar bracket work together to further enhance the stability of the cell assembly, which in turn improves the stability of the pouch battery structure. This is beneficial for the design and layout of large modules or CTPs. Then, the insulating top cover patch is installed on the side of the top cover away from the cell assembly for insulation protection. The cell assembly consists of two connected cells, which are connected in parallel or series. This reduces the need for further series and parallel structural designs on the basis of this structure in the module or PACK, which helps to reduce the BOM cost of the module or PACK. Moreover, the above battery structure design can be applied to pouch batteries of any size, which helps to reduce the investment in processes, equipment, and personnel, and can better control costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the bottom shell of the thermally conductive battery cell in this invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the busbar support and the busbar before they are connected in this invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the busbar support structure from a first-view perspective in this invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the busbar support structure from a second perspective in this invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the busbar support structure from a third-view perspective in this invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first electrode tab protective cover in this invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second electrode ear protective cover in this invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1-Cell assembly; 101-Cell; 2-Heat-conducting cell bottom shell; 201-U-shaped limiting slide rail; 3-Top cover; 301-Second through hole; 4-Insulating top cover patch; 401-Third through hole; 5-Busbar bracket; 501-U-shaped slide groove; 502-First through hole; 503-First elongated boss; 504-Electrode tab limiting groove; 505-First mounting groove; 6-Busbar; 7-First electrode tab protective cover; 701-Snap fastener; 702-Limiting post; 8-Second electrode tab protective cover; 801-Slot; 802-Limiting hole; Detailed Implementation

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the present invention will be briefly introduced below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and descriptions of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following description of the structure of the accompanying drawings is only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is for the purpose of helping to understand the present invention, but does not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0028] Example:

[0029] like Figures 1-8 As shown, this embodiment provides a battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel, including a cell assembly 1, a thermally conductive cell bottom shell 2 (made of metal, such as aluminum, which has greater hardness and can absorb part of the expansion rate of the cell assembly 1), a top cover 3, an insulating top cover patch 4, and busbar brackets 5 respectively installed at both ends of the cell assembly 1 to ensure the relative stability of the position between the busbar brackets 5 and the cell assembly 1. Of course, the installation here does not represent a direct connection relationship, but primarily a positional relationship. The two busbar brackets 5 can be directly connected to both ends of the cell assembly 1, or they can be connected to other components (such as the thermally conductive cell bottom shell 2) and then connected to the cell assembly 1 using busbars 6. There are no specific restrictions. Each of the two busbar brackets 5 has a busbar 6 installed on one side. The two busbars 6 are used for the current connection of this battery structure. The two busbars 6 are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the cell assembly 1 to quickly form a battery structure made of the cell assembly 1.

[0030] The thermally conductive cell base shell 2 is provided with a cell assembly mounting slot. The cell assembly 1 is installed in the cell assembly mounting slot of the thermally conductive cell base shell 2. The thermally conductive cell base shell 2 can improve the stability of the cell assembly 1, that is, improve the stability of the soft-pack battery structure, which is beneficial to the design layout of large modules or CTP. The thermally conductive cell base shell 2 can participate in the expansion process of the cell, reducing the expansion rate of the entire battery, which is beneficial to controlling the expansion of the entire battery. The heat dissipation surface of the cell assembly 1 abuts against the thermally conductive cell base shell 2, and the thermally conductive cell base shell 2 abuts against the liquid cooling plate. In the prior art, the heat dissipation surface of the cell assembly 1 is directly abutting against the liquid cooling plate. For example, the end of the cell assembly 1 that contacts the thermally conductive cell base shell 2 is the heat dissipation surface, and the heat dissipation surface of the cell assembly 1 is relatively small. However, after installing the thermally conductive cell base shell 2, the cell assembly 1 can not only transfer heat to the liquid cooling plate through the cell base shell 2 for heat dissipation, but the thermally conductive cell base shell 2 also has The two large side surfaces can also accelerate the heat dissipation process, thereby achieving a better heat dissipation effect. The top cover 3 is installed on the heat-conducting cell bottom shell 2 outside the cell assembly mounting slot, and the top cover 3 abuts against the cell assembly 1. The top cover 3, the heat-conducting cell bottom shell 2, and the busbar bracket 5 work together to further enhance the stability of the cell assembly 1. The insulating top cover patch 4 is installed on the side of the top cover 3 away from the cell assembly 1 for insulation protection. The cell assembly 1 includes two connected cells 101. The connection here can be series or parallel, without restriction. The corresponding parallel or series combination between the cells 101 reduces the need for further series and parallel structural designs on the basis of this structure in the module or PACK, which is conducive to reducing the BOM cost of the module or PACK. Moreover, the above battery structure design can be applied to any size soft pack battery, which is conducive to reducing the investment in processes, equipment, personnel, etc., and can better control costs.

[0031] This invention installs busbar brackets 5 at both ends of the battery cell assembly 1, and busbars 6 are installed on the busbar brackets 5. The two busbars 6 are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the battery cell assembly 1 to quickly form a battery structure made of the battery cell assembly 1. The battery cell assembly 1 is installed in the battery cell assembly mounting groove of the thermally conductive battery cell bottom shell 2, so that the thermally conductive battery cell bottom shell 2 can participate in the expansion process of the battery cell, reducing the overall expansion rate of the battery, thereby helping to control the expansion of the entire battery. Moreover, the battery cell assembly 1 can not only transfer heat to the liquid cooling plate through the battery cell bottom shell 2 for heat dissipation, but the thermally conductive battery cell bottom shell 2 also has two large side areas, which can accelerate the heat dissipation process, thereby achieving a better heat dissipation effect; top cover 3, thermally conductive battery cell. The bottom shell 2 and the busbar bracket 5 work together to further enhance the stability of the cell pack 1, that is, to improve the stability of the soft-pack battery structure, which is beneficial to the design layout of large modules or CTP. Then, the insulating top cover patch 4 is installed on the side of the top cover 3 away from the cell pack 1 for insulation protection. The cell pack 1 includes two connected cells 101, which are connected in parallel or series. This reduces the need for further series and parallel structural designs on the basis of this structure in the module or PACK, which helps to reduce the BOM cost of the module or PACK. Moreover, the above battery structure design can be applied to soft-pack batteries of any size, which helps to reduce the investment in processes, equipment, personnel, etc., and can better control costs.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, it should be further explained that both ends of the thermally conductive cell bottom shell 2 are provided with U-shaped limiting slide rails 201 protruding outwards. The two busbar brackets 5 are respectively slidably connected to both ends of the thermally conductive cell bottom shell 2, and the other side of each of the two busbar brackets 5 is provided with a U-shaped sliding groove 501. The U-shaped sliding groove 501 is slidably connected with the corresponding U-shaped limiting slide rail 201. The U-shaped limiting slide rail 201 and the U-shaped limiting slide rail cooperate with each other to ensure the basic stability of the busbar bracket 5. Then, the top cover 3 can be used to further limit the busbar bracket 5 to ensure the stability of the busbar bracket 5, thereby ensuring the stable connection between the cell assembly 1 and the busbar 6. Both busbar brackets 5 are provided with a first through hole 502. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the battery of the cell assembly 1 pass through the first through hole 502 and are connected to the busbar 6. This ensures the stable connection of the structure and the stable connection between the cell assembly 1 and the busbar 6.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, it should be further explained that two first elongated protrusions 503 are provided on the other side of the busbar bracket 5, and a tab limiting groove 504 is provided between the two first elongated protrusions 503. The tab limiting groove 504 is connected to the first through hole 502. The positive and negative tabs of the battery of the cell assembly 1 are just confined within the tab limiting groove 504, and then pass through the first through hole 502 and connect to the busbar 6, thus reserving sufficient space for the positive and negative tabs of the battery of the cell assembly 1, thereby ensuring the stability of the structure. It should be noted that in practice, the first elongated protrusions 503 can also be used to limit the battery assembly 1 at both ends, further enhancing the stability of the battery assembly 1.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, it should be further explained that a first mounting groove 505 is provided on one side of the busbar bracket 5, and the busbar 6 is installed in the first mounting groove 505, which forms a snap-fit ​​limiting effect on the busbar 6, thereby enhancing the stability of the busbar 6 in a simple way.

[0035] As a preferred embodiment of this example, it should be further explained that the two battery cells 101 of the battery cell group 1 are connected in series through one battery tab of each cell. The two connected battery tabs are the positive battery tab and the negative battery tab, respectively, so that the battery cell group 1 forms a basic series structure of battery cells 101. Based on this structure, further series and / or parallel connections can be made, reducing the need for further series and parallel connection structure designs on the basis of this structure in the module or PACK. This helps to reduce the BOM cost of the module or PACK. In addition, the two connected battery tabs are provided with tab protective covers, which provide basic protection for the connection position and enhance the stability of the connection position.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment of this example, it should be further explained that the two cells 101 of the cell group 1 are connected in parallel through their respective battery tabs. Both connected battery tabs are either positive or negative battery tabs, so that the cell group 1 forms a basic parallel structure of cell 101. Based on this structure, further series and / or parallel connections can be made, reducing the need for further series and parallel connection designs on the basis of this structure in the module or PACK. This helps to reduce the BOM cost of the module or PACK. In addition, the two connected battery tabs are provided with tab protective covers, which provide basic protection for the connection position and enhance the stability of the connection position.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment of this example, it should be further explained that the electrode tab protective cover includes a first electrode tab protective cover 7 and a second electrode tab protective cover 8. Each end of the first electrode tab protective cover 7 is provided with a buckle 701, and each end of the second electrode tab protective cover 8 is provided with a slot 801. Each buckle 701 engages with a slot 801, making the engagement method simple and convenient. The two buckles 701 are located at the upper and lower ends of the battery electrode tabs, and preferably the two buckles 701 are symmetrically arranged on the first electrode tab protective cover 7, and the two slots 801 are symmetrically arranged on the second electrode tab protective cover 8. This makes the engagement of the first electrode tab protective cover 7 and the second electrode tab protective cover 8 simpler and more convenient.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, it should be further explained that a limiting post 702 is provided in the middle of the first electrode tab protective cover 7, and a limiting hole 802 is provided in the middle of the second electrode tab protective cover 8. The limiting post 702 is inserted into the limiting hole 802. The technology in this embodiment is a preferred solution. Some battery electrodes have holes provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the limiting post 702 is set at this time, which can pass through the hole on the battery tab and then cooperate with the limiting hole 802 to further enhance the protection effect.

[0039] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, it should be further noted that the top cover 3 has a snap-fit ​​groove on the side facing the bottom shell 2 of the heat-conducting cell. The top cover 3 is snapped onto the bottom shell 2 of the heat-conducting cell through the snap-fit ​​groove. This simple limiting mechanism makes the installation of the top cover 3 easier and more convenient. It should be noted that the snap-fit ​​groove design is just one design method; in practice, screw connections, etc., can also be added, without specific limitations.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, it should be further explained that the top cover 3 is provided with second through holes 301 at both ends and the middle, each second through hole 301 is provided with a corresponding battery tab of the cell assembly 1, and each second through hole 301 is equipped with an explosion-proof valve 9; the insulating top cover patch 4 is provided with third through holes 401 at both ends and the middle, each second through hole 301 is corresponding to a third through hole 401, so as to ensure that the battery structure can be more conveniently connected to external devices, and thus be combined into a more complete structure.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel, characterized in that, The device includes a battery cell assembly (1), a thermally conductive battery cell base shell (2), a top cover (3), an insulating top cover patch (4), and busbar brackets (5) installed at both ends of the battery cell assembly (1). Each of the two busbar brackets (5) has a busbar (6) installed on one side, and the two busbars (6) are connected to the positive and negative electrode tabs of the battery cell assembly (1), respectively. The thermally conductive battery cell base shell (2) is provided with a battery cell assembly mounting groove, and the battery cell assembly (1) is installed in the battery cell assembly mounting groove of the thermally conductive battery cell base shell (2), and the heat dissipation surface of the battery cell assembly (1) is in contact with the thermally conductive battery cell base shell (2). The bottom shell (2) of the battery cell abuts against each other, and the bottom shell (2) of the thermally conductive battery cell abuts against the liquid cooling plate; the top cover (3) is installed on the bottom shell (2) of the thermally conductive battery cell outside the battery cell assembly mounting slot, and the top cover (3) abuts against the battery cell assembly (1), and the insulating top cover patch (4) is installed on the side of the top cover (3) away from the battery cell assembly (1); the battery cell assembly (1) includes two connected battery cells (101); both ends of the bottom shell (2) of the thermally conductive battery cell are provided with U-shaped limiting slide rails (201) protruding outward, and two busbar brackets (5) are slidably connected to the thermally conductive battery cell. Both ends of the core bottom shell (2) and the other side of the two busbar brackets (5) are provided with U-shaped grooves (501), and the U-shaped grooves (501) are slidably connected to the corresponding U-shaped limiting slide rails (201); both busbar brackets (5) are provided with first through holes (502), and the positive and negative electrode tabs of the battery of the battery pack (1) pass through the first through holes (502) and are connected to the busbar (6); the other side of the busbar brackets (5) is provided with two first elongated protrusions (503), and the two first elongated protrusions (503) are provided with... A tab limiting groove (504) is provided between the two ends of the top cover (3) and the middle part of the top cover (3). Each second through hole (301) is provided with a corresponding battery tab of the cell assembly (1), and each second through hole (301) is equipped with an explosion-proof valve (9). Each second through hole (301) is provided with a third through hole (401) at both ends and the middle part of the insulating top cover patch (4). Each second through hole (301) corresponds to a third through hole (401).

2. The battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The busbar (5) has a first mounting groove (505) on one side, and the busbar (6) is installed in the first mounting groove (505).

3. The battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two cells (101) of the cell group (1) are connected in series through one of their respective battery tabs. The two connected battery tabs are the positive battery tab and the negative battery tab, and the two connected battery tabs are provided with tab protection covers.

4. The battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two cells (101) of the cell group (1) are connected in parallel through one of their respective battery tabs. Both connected battery tabs are either positive or negative battery tabs, and the two connected battery tabs are provided with tab protection covers.

5. A battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The electrode tab protection cover includes a first electrode tab protection cover (7) and a second electrode tab protection cover (8). Each end of the first electrode tab protection cover (7) is provided with a buckle (701), and each end of the second electrode tab protection cover (8) is provided with a slot (801). Each buckle (701) engages with a slot (801).

6. A battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first electrode ear protective cover (7) has a limiting post (702) in the middle, and the second electrode ear protective cover (8) has a limiting hole (802) in the middle. The limiting post (702) is inserted into the limiting hole (802).

7. A battery structure that can be freely connected in series and parallel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover (3) has a snap-fit ​​groove on the side facing the bottom shell (2) of the heat-conducting cell, and the top cover (3) is snapped onto the bottom shell (2) of the heat-conducting cell through the snap-fit ​​groove.

Images