Battery module, battery, electrical equipment, method and device for preparing a battery

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a battery module (100), a battery (10), an electrical device, a method (300) for manufacturing a battery, and a device (400). The battery (10) includes: a battery module (100) and a box body (11), and the battery module (100) is accommodated in the box body (11); the battery module (100) includes: N columns of battery cells (20), each column of battery cells (20) in the N columns of battery cells (20) is arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells (20) are arranged along a second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1; an insulating strip (103), the insulating strip (103) extends along the first direction and is disposed between first walls of the battery cells (20), wherein the size of the insulating strip (103) in a third direction is smaller than the size of the first wall, and the insulating strip (103) is connected to a partial area including a first wall welding area. The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can suppress the expansion space of the welding area of the battery cells and improve the safety performance of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery module, a battery, an electrical device, and a method and device for preparing a battery. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing severity of environmental pollution, the new energy industry has attracted more and more attention. In the new energy industry, battery technology is an important factor in its development.

[0003] In the development of battery technology, safety is also an issue that cannot be ignored. How to improve the safety performance of batteries is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a battery module, a battery, an electrical device, and a method and device for preparing a battery, which can limit the expansion space of the welding area when the battery cell expands, avoid failure of the welding area, and thus improve the safety performance of the battery.

[0005] In a first aspect, a battery module is provided, comprising: N columns of battery cells, each column of the N columns of battery cells comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells being arranged along a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction, and N being an integer greater than 1; an insulating strip, the insulating strip extending along the first direction, the insulating strip being used to connect a first wall of the battery cell, the first wall being the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell, the insulating strip having a size smaller than a size of the first wall in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the connection area between the insulating strip and the first wall comprising a welding area of the first wall.

[0006] In the embodiment of the present application, an insulating strip is connected to the first wall of the battery cell, which has the largest surface area. The connection area between the insulating strip and the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall of the battery cell. In this way, when the battery cell expands during operation, the insulating strip connected to the first wall can act as a stress-bearing member in the welding area of the first wall, limiting the expansion space of the welding area, preventing significant deformation in the welding area, and avoiding failure of the welding area, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the size of the insulating strip in the third direction can be less than 10 mm. Using an insulating strip of this size can serve as a stress-bearing member while also reducing the space occupied in the battery module, ensuring expansion space in the non-welding area.

[0008] In a possible implementation, a battery cell in the battery module includes a housing having an opening; and an end cap for closing the opening to accommodate a battery assembly; the first wall is the wall with the largest surface area in the housing, and the end cap is welded and fixed to the housing at the opening to form the welding area.

[0009] The end cap covers the housing to form a sealed space for accommodating the battery assembly. The welding area of the first wall of the battery cell is the area where the end cap is welded to the housing at the opening. When the battery cell is working, the wall with the largest surface area in the housing has the greatest expansion force. By arranging the insulating strip on the welding area of this wall, the welding area of the end cap and the housing can be effectively protected from significant deformation.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the insulating strip covers the weld between the first wall and the end cap.

[0011] The insulating strip covers the weld between the first wall and the end cap, that is, the insulating strip covers the weld between the housing of the battery cell and the opening of the end cap, which can further strengthen the protection of the insulating strip for the weld and prevent the weld from failing due to the expansion of the battery cell.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the insulating strip protrudes from the end cap in the third direction.

[0013] The insulating strip protruding from the end cap in the third direction, that is, the insulating strip protruding from the welding area of the end cap and the housing, can better limit the expansion of the welding area.

[0014] In some possible ways, the insulating strip includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion is used to connect to the first wall, and the second connecting portion is connected to the end of the first connecting portion away from the battery cell and extends along the second direction. The second connecting portion is used to cover at least part of the end cap.

[0015] The first connecting portion connects to the first wall of the battery cell, and the second connecting portion covers at least part of the end cap. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected. In this way, the insulating strip can completely cover the welding area of the first wall and the end cap. For example, the insulating strip can be L-shaped or T-shaped, which can meet different assembly requirements in production according to process grouping and design space requirements.

[0016] In some possible ways, the second connecting portion is adhesively connected to the end cap.

[0017] The second connecting portion being adhesively connected to the end cap can further enhance the protection effect of the insulating strip on the welding area.

[0018] In some possible implementation manners, the insulating strip is connected to the first wall of the outermost battery cell in the second direction.

[0019] During the working process, the cumulative expansion phenomenon of the battery cell located on the outermost side in the second direction is the most serious. An insulating strip is provided on the first wall of this battery cell, which can better inhibit the expansion of the welding area here, prevent large deformation of the welding area, and thus improve the safety performance of the battery.

[0020] In some possible implementation manners, the battery module further includes N - 1 partition plates. The partition plates extend along the first direction and are disposed between adjacent two columns of battery cells. The partition plates are fixedly connected to each battery cell in the adjacent two columns of battery cells. Wherein, a fixing structure is provided at the end of the partition plate in the first direction, and the partition plate is fixed to the box body for accommodating the battery module through the fixing structure.

[0021] A partition plate is disposed between adjacent two columns of battery cells in the battery module. The partition plate is fixedly connected to each battery cell in the two columns of battery cells. A fixing structure is provided at the end of the partition plate, and the partition plate is fixed to the box body through the fixing structure. In this way, each battery cell in the battery is fixed to the box body by the partition plate and the fixing structure. Since each battery cell can transfer its load to the box body, the structural strength of the battery is ensured. In this case, side plates may not need to be provided on the outside of the battery module, and structures such as beams do not need to be provided in the box body either, which can greatly improve the space utilization rate inside the battery, thereby improving the energy density of the battery.

[0022] In some possible implementation manners, the fixing structure includes a fixing plate. The fixing plate is fixedly connected to the end of the partition plate and is fixedly connected to the battery cell located at the end of the partition plate.

[0023] In the above solution, the fixing plate is connected to the box body and the partition plate and is fixedly connected to the battery cell located at the end of the partition plate at the same time, which can enhance the fixing effect on the battery cell.

[0024] In a second aspect, a battery is provided, including: the battery module of the first aspect above and a box body for accommodating the battery module.

[0025] In some possible implementation manners, a plurality of the battery modules are provided. The plurality of battery modules are arranged along the second direction, and there is a gap between adjacent two battery modules. At least part of the insulating strip is disposed in the gap.

[0026] When there are multiple battery modules, there is a corresponding expansion gap between each battery module. The insulating strip is arranged in the module gap, which can protect the welding areas of the battery cells on both sides of the gap, thus ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0027] In some possible embodiments, the insulating strip includes two first connecting portions and a third connecting portion. The two first connecting portions are disposed opposite to each other along the second direction, and the two first connecting portions are respectively used for connecting the first walls of the battery cells of two adjacent battery modules; the third connecting portion is located between the two first connecting portions and is used for connecting the first connecting portions.

[0028] Two relatively arranged first connecting portions and a second connecting portion form an insulating strip. Among them, the two first connecting portions are arranged along the second direction, and the third connecting portion is between the two first connecting portions and connects the two first connecting portions. In the case of a relatively large module gap, it is not necessary to provide a relatively thick insulating strip. For example, the insulating strip can be U-shaped or H-shaped, and according to the process grouping and design space requirements, different assembly requirements in production can be met.

[0029] In some possible embodiments, the third connecting portion is located within the gap.

[0030] The two first connecting portions are respectively connected to the first walls of the battery cells of two adjacent battery modules, and the third connecting portion is located within the gap between the two first connecting portions. In this way, the battery cells of two adjacent battery modules can be connected together, so that the insulating strip can simultaneously suppress the expansion of the welding areas of the first walls of these two battery cells, improving the overall safety performance of the battery.

[0031] In a third aspect, an electrical device is provided, including the battery in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the second aspect, and the battery is used to provide electrical energy.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, a method for manufacturing a battery is provided, including: providing a battery module, the battery module includes N columns of battery cells, each column of battery cells in the N columns of battery cells includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells are arranged along a second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1; an insulating strip, the insulating strip extends along the first direction, the insulating strip is used to connect the first walls of the battery cells, the first wall is the wall with the largest surface area among the battery cells, in a third direction, the size of the insulating strip is smaller than the size of the first wall, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the connection area between the insulating strip and the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall; providing a box body; accommodating the battery module in the box body.

[0033] Fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a battery, including: a providing module for providing a battery module and a box body, the battery module including N columns of battery cells, each column of battery cells in the N columns of battery cells including a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells being arranged along a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction, and N being an integer greater than 1; an insulating strip extending along the first direction and used for connecting a first wall of the battery cell, the first wall being the wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell, and in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the size of the insulating strip being smaller than the size of the first wall, and a connection area between the insulating strip and the first wall including a welding area of the first wall; and an installation module for accommodating the battery module in the box body.

[0034] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, by connecting the insulating strip to the first wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell, the connection area between the insulating strip and the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall of the battery cell. In this way, when the battery cell expands during operation, the insulating strip connected to the first wall can serve as a stress-bearing member for the welding area of the first wall, restricting the expansion space of the welding area. Therefore, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application enables the welding area not to undergo large deformation, avoiding the failure of the welding area, and thus improving the safety performance of the battery. Description of the Drawings

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required to be used in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained according to the drawings without creative efforts.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery module in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a battery in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart of a method for preparing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a device for preparing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0046] The following further describes in detail the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the drawings and examples. The detailed description and drawings of the following examples are used to exemplarily illustrate the principle of the present application, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application, that is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0047] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present application belongs; the terms used are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the description, claims and drawings of the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical, but within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the allowable error range.

[0048] Referring to "embodiment" in the present application means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears in various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described in the present application may be combined with other embodiments.

[0049] The orientation terms used in the following description are all the directions shown in the figures and do not limit the specific structure of the present application. In the description of the present application, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0050] The term "and / or" in the present application is only a correlation relationship describing the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in the present application generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0051] In the present application, the battery cell may include a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a magnesium-ion battery, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The battery cell can be in the shape of a cylinder, a flat body, a cuboid, or other shapes, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this either. Generally, the battery cells are divided into three types according to the packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and soft-pack battery cells, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this either.

[0052] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application refers to a single physical module including one or more battery cells to provide a higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in the present application may include a battery pack, etc. The battery generally includes a box body for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The box body can prevent liquids or other foreign objects from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0053] The battery cell includes a battery component and an electrolyte. The battery component is composed of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The battery cell mainly operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The current collector without the coated positive electrode active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the coated positive electrode active material layer. The current collector without the coated positive electrode active material layer serves as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive electrode current collector can be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material can be lithium cobaltate, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganate, etc. The negative electrode plate includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The current collector without the coated negative electrode active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the coated negative electrode active material layer. The current collector without the coated negative electrode active material layer serves as the negative electrode tab. The material of the negative electrode current collector can be copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. In order to ensure passing a large current without fusing, the number of positive electrode tabs is multiple and stacked together, and the number of negative electrode tabs is multiple and stacked together. The material of the separator can be polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), etc. In addition, the battery component can be a wound structure or a stacked structure, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0054] To meet different power requirements, the battery can include multiple battery cells. Among them, the multiple battery cells can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection (a hybrid connection means a combination of series and parallel). Optionally, multiple battery cells can first be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid connection to form a battery. That is to say, multiple battery cells can directly form a battery, or can first form a battery module, and then the battery module forms a battery. The battery is further arranged in an electrical device to provide electrical energy for the electrical device.

[0055] With the development of battery technology, while pursuing high energy density, discharge capacity, long cycle life, and charge-discharge rate, the consideration of battery safety performance cannot be ignored. Among them, when the battery cell expands during operation, the welding area thereof may undergo large deformation, resulting in the failure of the welding area and bringing great potential safety hazards to the battery.

[0056] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a technical solution. By connecting an insulating strip to the first wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell, the connection area between the insulating strip and the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall of the battery cell. In this way, when the battery cell expands during operation, the insulating strip connected to the first wall can act as a stress-bearing member for the welding area of the first wall, restricting the expansion space of the welding area, so that the welding area will not undergo large deformation, avoiding the failure of the welding area, and thus being able to improve the safety performance of the battery.

[0057] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to various battery-powered devices. For example, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, battery cars, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, ships, and spacecrafts, etc. For example, spacecrafts include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spaceships, etc.

[0058] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the devices described above, but can also be applicable to all battery-powered devices. However, for the sake of simplicity of description, the following embodiments will be described by taking electric vehicles as an example.

[0059] For example, as Figure 1 shown, it is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 1 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an extended-range vehicle, etc. A motor 40, a controller 30, and a battery 10 can be arranged inside the vehicle 1. The controller 30 is used to control the power supply of the battery 10 to the motor 40. For example, the battery 10 can be arranged at the bottom, the front end, or the rear end of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used for the power supply of the vehicle 1. For example, the battery 10 can be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1 for the circuit system of the vehicle 1, such as the working power consumption requirements for starting, navigating, and running of the vehicle 1. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 can not only be used as the operating power source of the vehicle 1, but also as the driving power source of the vehicle 1, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1.

[0060] To meet different power usage requirements, the battery 10 can include a plurality of battery cells. For example, as Figure 2 shown, it is a schematic structural diagram of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery 10 can include a plurality of battery cells 20. The battery 10 can also include a box body 11. The inside of the box body 11 is a hollow structure, and a plurality of battery cells 20 are accommodated in the box body 11. For example, a plurality of battery cells 20 are placed in the box body 11 after being connected in parallel, in series, or in a mixed connection.

[0061] Optionally, the battery 10 can also include other structures, which will not be elaborated one by one here. For example, the battery 10 can also include a busbar component, which is used to realize the electrical connection between a plurality of battery cells 20, such as in parallel, in series, or in a mixed connection. Specifically, the busbar component can realize the electrical connection between the battery cells 20 by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. Further, the busbar component can be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electrical energy of a plurality of battery cells 20 can be further led out through a conductive mechanism passing through the box body. Optionally, the conductive mechanism can also belong to the busbar component.

[0062] According to different power demands, the number of battery cells 20 can be set to any value. Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both to achieve a larger capacity or power. Since the number of battery cells 20 included in each battery 10 may be large, for ease of installation, the battery cells 20 can be grouped, and each group of battery cells 20 forms a battery module. The number of battery cells 20 included in a battery module is not limited and can be set according to requirements. A battery can include multiple battery modules, and these battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both.

[0063] As Figure 3 shown, it is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery cell 20 includes one or more battery components 22, a housing 211, and an end cap 212. The housing 211 and the end cap 212 form an outer shell or a battery case 21. The wall of the housing 211 and the end cap 212 are both referred to as the wall of the battery cell 20. For a cuboid-shaped battery cell 20, the wall of the housing 211 includes a bottom wall and four side walls. The housing 211 is determined according to the shape after combining one or more battery components 22. For example, the housing 211 can be a hollow cuboid, cube, or cylinder, and one of the faces of the housing 211 has an opening so that one or more battery components 22 can be placed inside the housing 211. For example, when the housing 211 is a hollow cuboid or cube, one of the flat surfaces of the housing 211 is an open surface, that is, this plane does not have a wall body and makes the inside and outside of the housing 211 communicate. When the housing 211 can be a hollow cylinder, the end face of the housing 211 is an open surface, that is, this end face does not have a wall body and makes the inside and outside of the housing 211 communicate. The end cap 212 covers the opening and is connected to the housing 211 to form a closed cavity for placing the battery components 22. The housing 211 is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolyte solution.

[0064] The battery cell 20 may further include two electrode terminals 214, and the two electrode terminals 214 can be arranged on the end cap 212. The end cap 212 is generally in the shape of a flat plate, and the two electrode terminals 214 are fixed on the flat surface of the end cap 212. The two electrode terminals 214 are respectively a positive electrode terminal 214a and a negative electrode terminal 214b. Each electrode terminal 214 is respectively provided with a connection member 23, or can also be called a current collector member 23, which is located between the end cap 212 and the battery component 22 and is used to electrically connect the battery component 22 and the electrode terminal 214.

[0065] As Figure 3As shown, each battery component 22 has a first tab 221a and a second tab 222a. The first tab 221a and the second tab 222a have opposite polarities. For example, when the first tab 221a is a positive tab, the second tab 222a is a negative tab. The first tabs 221a of one or more battery components 22 are connected to an electrode terminal through a connecting member 23, and the second tabs 222a of one or more battery components 22 are connected to another electrode terminal through another connecting member 23. For example, the positive electrode terminal 214a is connected to the positive tab through a connecting member 23, and the negative electrode terminal 214b is connected to the negative tab through another connecting member 23.

[0066] In the battery cell 20, according to actual usage requirements, the battery components 22 can be set to be single or multiple, such as Figure 3 As shown, there are 4 independent battery components 22 provided in the battery cell 20.

[0067] A pressure relief mechanism 213 can also be provided on the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is used to actuate to release the internal pressure or temperature when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold value.

[0068] The pressure relief mechanism 213 can be various possible pressure relief structures, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be a temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism, and the temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism is configured to be able to melt when the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value; and / or, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism, and the pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism is configured to be able to rupture when the internal air pressure of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value.

[0069] Figure 4 The structural schematic diagram of a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 4 shown, the battery module 100 includes N columns of battery cells 20 and insulating strips 103, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each column of battery cells 20 in the N columns of battery cells 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged along a first direction, and the N columns of battery cells 20 are arranged along a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0070] In the drawings of the present application, N is taken as 2 for illustration, that is, the battery module 100 includes two columns of battery cells 20 and insulating strips 103, but the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. For example, the battery module 100 can also include 3 columns or even more columns of battery cells 20.

[0071] Each column of battery cells 20 in the N columns of battery cells 20 is along the first direction, for example, Figure 4 a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged in the x direction in. The N columns of battery cells 20 are arranged along the second direction, for example,Figure 4 In the y direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. In other words, the first direction is the direction in which the battery cells 20 are arranged in each column of battery cells 20, and the second direction is the direction in which N columns of battery cells 20 are arranged.

[0072] The insulating strip 103 extends in the first direction. The insulating strip 103 is used to connect the first wall of the battery cell 20. The first wall is the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell 20. In the third direction, the size of the insulating strip 103 is smaller than the size of the first wall. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The connection area of the insulating strip 103 on the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall.

[0073] For example, the third direction is Figure 4 the z direction in Figure 4 In the z direction in

[0074] By connecting the insulating strip 103 to the first wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell 20, the connection area of the insulating strip 103 and the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall of the battery cell 20. In this way, when the battery cell 20 expands during operation, the insulating strip 103 connected to the first wall can act as a force-bearing member for the welding area of the first wall, restricting the expansion space of the welding area, preventing the welding area from undergoing large deformation, avoiding the failure of the welding area, and thus improving the safety performance of the battery 10.

[0075] Optionally, adjacent battery cells 20 among the N columns of battery cells 20 can be adhered, but the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The fixation between adjacent battery cells 20 can enhance the fixation effect of the battery cells 20.

[0076] Optionally, the size of the insulating strip 103 in the third direction can be within 10 mm. For example, in an embodiment of the present application, the size of the insulating strip 103 in the third direction can be 2 - 8 mm. Using the insulating strip 103 with this size can not only act as a force-bearing member for the welding area but also reduce the space occupied in the battery module 100 and ensure the expansion space of the non-welding area.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery cell 20 in the battery module 100 further includes a housing 211 with an opening and an end cap 212. The end cap 212 closes the opening of the housing 211 to form a space for accommodating the battery assembly 22. Here, the wall with the largest surface area in the housing 211 is defined as the first wall, and the welding position where the end cap 212 is welded to the housing 211 at the opening is defined as the welding area.

[0078] The housing 211 and the end cover 212 form a space to accommodate the battery assembly 22. Therefore, the wall of the housing 211 with the largest surface area is also the wall of the battery cell 20 with the largest surface area. The insulating strip 103 is fixed to the wall of the housing 211 with the largest surface area, which is equivalent to being fixed to the wall of the battery cell 20 with the largest surface area. During the use of the battery cell 20, the side wall with the largest surface area is often the part with the most serious expansion phenomenon and the largest expansion force compared with other walls. By arranging the insulating strip 103 on the welding area of this wall, the protection of the insulating strip 103 for the welding area can be strengthened.

[0079] By arranging the insulating strip 103 on the wall of the housing 211 with the largest surface area, the welding area between the end cover 212 and the housing 211 can be effectively protected from large deformation.

[0080] Optionally, the battery cell 20 can be a cuboid battery cell 20. The cuboid battery cell 20 includes two opposite first side walls and two opposite second side walls. The area of the first side wall is larger than that of the second side wall. That is, the first side wall is the wide-side wall and the second side wall is the narrow-side wall. In this embodiment, the first side wall with a larger area is used as the first wall, that is, the insulating strip 103 is arranged on the first side wall with a larger surface area.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present application, the insulating strip 103 covers the weld between the first wall and the end cover 212.

[0082] The insulating strip 103 covers the weld between the first wall and the end cover 212, that is, the insulating strip 103 covers the weld at the opening of the housing 211 of the battery cell 20 and the end cover 212, which can further strengthen the protection of the insulating strip 103 for the weld and prevent the weld from failing due to the expansion of the battery cell 20.

[0083] Optionally, the insulating strip 103 and the battery cell 20 can be fixedly connected by adhesion. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0084] Optionally, the insulating strip 103 can be made of any insulating material, such as rubber or polycarbonate, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present application, the insulating strip 103 protrudes from the end cover 212 in the third direction.

[0086] In the third direction, the insulating strip 103 protrudes from the end cover 212, that is, the insulating strip 103 protrudes from the welding area between the end cover 212 and the housing 211. By making the insulating strip 103 protrude from the end cover 212 in the third direction, it can better play the role of a force-bearing member and can better limit the expansion of the welding area.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present application, the insulating strip 103 includes a first connecting portion 1031 and a second connecting portion 1032. The first connecting portion 1031 is used to connect to the first wall, and the second connecting portion 1032 is connected to the end of the first connecting portion 1031 away from the battery cell 20 and extends in the second direction. The second connecting portion 1032 is used to cover at least a part of the end cover 212.

[0088] Optionally, the first connecting portion 1031 and the second connecting portion 1032 form a T-shaped insulating strip 103.

[0089] Optionally, as Figure 4 shown, the first connecting portion 1031 and the second connecting portion 1032 form an L-shaped insulating strip 103.

[0090] As long as the insulating strip 103 can play the role of a force-bearing member, it can meet different assembly requirements under different process grouping requirements and design space requirements through various part forms. For example, when the shape of the insulating strip 103 is L-shaped, it can be installed after the battery module 100 is assembled. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0091] The first connecting portion 1031 is connected to the first wall of the battery cell 20, and the second connecting portion 1032 covers at least a part of the end cover 212. The first connecting portion 1031 and the second connecting portion 1032 are connected. In this way, the insulating strip 103 can completely cover the welding area between the first wall and the end cover 212.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present application, the second connecting portion 1032 in the insulating strip 103 is in close contact with the end cover 212 of the battery cell 20.

[0093] As Figure 4 shown, the first connecting portion 1031 of the insulating strip 103 is connected to the first wall of the battery cell 20, and the second connecting portion 1032 is in close contact with the end cover 212 of the battery cell 20. In this way, the second connecting portion 1032 can act as a force-bearing member for the welding area between the housing 211 and the end cover 212 in the battery cell 20.

[0094] By connecting the first connecting portion 1031 of the insulating strip 103 to the first wall of the battery cell 20 and the second connecting portion 1032 to be in close contact with the end cover 212, the protection effect of the insulating strip 103 on the welding area can be further enhanced.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present application, the insulating strip 103 is connected to the first wall of the outermost battery cell 20 in the second direction.

[0096] In the battery module 100, the expansion forces borne by the battery cells 20 at different positions are different, and the cumulative expansion of the battery cells 20 on the outermost side in the second direction is the most serious. By connecting the insulating strip 103 to the first wall of the battery cell 20 on the outermost side in the second direction, the expansion of the welding area here can be better suppressed, preventing large deformation of the welding area here, and thus improving the safety performance of the battery 10.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present application, the battery module 100 further includes N - 1 rows of partition plates 101, and the N - 1 partition plates are arranged between N rows of battery cells 20. That is to say, the partition plates 101 are arranged inside the battery module 100, and no partition plates 101 are arranged outside the battery module 100. For example, one partition plate 101 is arranged between two rows of battery cells 20, and two partition plates 101 are arranged between three rows of battery cells 20, and so on. Through such an arrangement, each battery cell 20 in the battery module 100 can be fixedly connected by the partition plates 101 with fewer partition plates.

[0098] The partition plate 101 is provided with a fixing structure 102 at the end in the first direction, and the partition plate is fixed to the box body 11 through the fixing structure 102. Please continue to refer to Figure 4 , the fixing structure 102 is arranged at both ends of the partition plate 101 in the x direction. The partition plate 101 is fixed to the box body 11 through the fixing structure 102, thereby realizing the fixation of the battery module 100 to the box body 11. As described above, each battery cell 20 in the battery module 100 is fixedly connected by the partition plate 101, and through the fixing structure 102, the fixation connection between each battery cell 20 and the box body 11 can be realized.

[0099] In the above solution, a partition plate 101 is arranged between two adjacent rows of battery cells 20 in the battery module 100, and the partition plate 101 is fixedly connected to each battery cell 20 in the two rows of battery cells 20. A fixing structure 102 is arranged at the end of the partition plate 101, and the partition plate 101 is fixed to the box body 11 through the fixing structure 102. In this way, each battery cell 20 in the battery module 100 is fixed to the box body 11 by the partition plate 101 and the fixing structure 102, so that each battery cell 20 can transfer its load to the box body 11, ensuring the structural strength of the battery 10; in this case, side plates may not be arranged outside the battery module 100, and structures such as beams do not need to be arranged in the middle of the box body 11, which can greatly improve the space utilization rate inside the battery module 100, thereby improving the energy density of the battery module 100. Therefore, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application can ensure the safety performance of the battery module 100 while improving the energy density of the battery module 100, thereby improving the performance of the battery.

[0100] Optionally, the partition 101 can be fixedly connected to each of the two adjacent columns of battery cells 20 by bonding. For example, in an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 6 shown, the partition 101 can be bonded to each of the two adjacent columns of battery cells 20 by a structural adhesive 110, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0101] Optionally, the partition 101 can be a metal plate. For example, it can be a steel plate or an aluminum plate, or it can also be a plastic plate. The material of the partition 101 can also be a composite material. For example, other materials are coated on the surface of the metal plate. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present application, the fixing structure 102 can include a fixing plate 104. The fixing plate 104 is fixedly connected to the end of the partition 101 and is fixedly connected to the battery cell 20 located at the end of the partition 101. For example, for a cuboid battery cell 20, the fixing plate 104 can be vertically connected to the partition 101 and is respectively connected to two adjacent side walls of the cuboid battery cell 20 by the partition 101, so as to further enhance the fixing effect on the battery cell 20.

[0103] Optionally, the fixing plate 104 can be made of the same material as the partition 101. For example, metal, plastic or composite material. The thickness of the fixing plate 104 can also be the same as that of the partition 101. The material or thickness of the fixing plate 104 can also be different from that of the partition 101. For example, the fixing plate 104 can be set with higher strength or thickness, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0104] Optionally, the connection manner between the partition 101 and the fixing plate 104 can be connection manners such as resistance welding, resistance riveting, locking bolts or clamping; the fixing plate 104 can also be fixed to the box body by connection manners such as resistance welding, resistance riveting, locking bolts or clamping, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0105] Optionally, the fixing plate 104 and the battery cell 20 can be fixedly connected by bonding. For example, by bonding with a structural adhesive, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0106] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 5 shown, the battery 10 includes a battery module 100 and a box body 11. The box body 11 is used to accommodate the battery module 100.

[0107] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, multiple battery modules 100 are arranged in the battery 10 in the second direction, with a gap between two adjacent battery modules 100, and the insulating strip 103 is at least partially disposed in the gap between the two battery modules 100.

[0108] The battery 10 includes multiple battery modules 100, and there are corresponding expansion regions between each battery module 100. Therefore, the weld seams between the housing 211 and the end cap 212 in each battery cell 20 may be deformed due to the expansion of the battery cell 20. By arranging the insulating strip 103 in the gaps between different battery modules 100, the welding areas of the battery cells 20 in the multiple battery modules 100 can be protected, further improving the overall safety performance of the battery.

[0109] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 7 shown, the insulating strip 103 includes two first connection portions 1031, the two first connection portions 1031 are oppositely arranged along the second direction on the first wall of the battery cell 20 in the battery module 100, and further includes a third connection portion 1033, and the third connection portion 1033 is located between the two first connection portions 1031 and connects the two first connection portions 1031.

[0110] The insulating strip 103 composed of two first connection portions 1031 and a third connection portion 1033 can be in an H shape or a U shape, or can be in other shapes, as long as the insulating strip 103 can function as a force-bearing member to protect the weld seam between the end cap 212 and the housing 211 of the battery cell 20 from excessive deformation, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. In this way, in the case of a large module gap, it is not necessary to provide a relatively thick insulating strip 103.

[0111] Under different process grouping requirements and design requirements, different battery 10 assembly requirements can be achieved through various part forms.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present application, the third connection portion 1033 is disposed in the gap between the two battery modules 100.

[0113] The two first connection portions 1031 are respectively connected to the first walls of the battery cells 20 of two adjacent battery modules 100, and the third connection portion 1033 is located in the gap between the two first connection portions 1031, so that the battery cells 20 of the two adjacent battery modules 100 can be connected together, enabling the insulating strip 103 to simultaneously suppress the expansion of the welding areas of the first walls of these two battery cells 20 and improving the overall safety performance of the battery 10.

[0114] It should be understood that the relevant parts in the embodiments of the present application can be referred to each other, and will not be elaborated again for the sake of brevity.

[0115] The embodiments of the present application further provide an electrical device, which may include the battery 10 in the foregoing embodiments. Optionally, the electrical device may be a vehicle 1, a ship, a spacecraft, etc., but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0116] The battery 10 and the electrical device of the embodiments of the present application are described above. Next, the method and device for preparing the battery of the embodiments of the present application will be described. For the parts not described in detail, reference may be made to the foregoing embodiments.

[0117] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart of a method 300 for preparing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0118] As Figure 8 shown, the method 300 may include:

[0119] 310. Provide a plurality of battery modules 100. The battery module 100 includes: N columns of battery cells 20. Each column of battery cells 20 in the N columns of battery cells 20 includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction. The N columns of battery cells are arranged along a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1; an insulating strip 103. The insulating strip 103 extends along the first direction. The insulating strip 103 is used to connect the wall with the largest surface area among the battery cells 20. In a third direction, the size of the insulating strip 103 is smaller than the size of the first wall. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The connection area between the insulating strip 103 and the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall.

[0120] 320. Provide a box 11;

[0121] 330. Accommodate the battery module 100 in the box 11, wherein the partition 101 is fixed to the box 11 through a fixing structure 102.

[0122] Figure 9 A schematic block diagram of a device 400 for preparing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 9 shown, the device 400 for preparing a battery may include: a providing module 410 and an installing module 420.

[0123] A providing module 410 is configured to provide a battery module 100 and a housing 11. The battery module 100 includes: N columns of battery cells 20, each column of the N columns of battery cells 20 is arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells 20 are arranged along a second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1; an insulating strip 103 extending along the first direction, the insulating strip 103 is configured to connect a first wall of the battery cell 20, the first wall being the wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell 20, in a third direction, the size of the insulating strip 103 is smaller than the size of the first wall, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the connection area between the insulating strip 103 and the first wall includes a welding area of the first wall.

[0124] A mounting module 420 is configured to accommodate the battery module 100 in the housing 11.

[0125] Although the present application has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components thereof can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any manner. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module (100), characterized in that, Comprising: N columns of battery cells (20), each column of battery cells (20) in the N columns of battery cells (20) includes a plurality of battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells (20) are arranged along a second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, N is an integer greater than 1, and the plurality of battery cells (20) are electrically connected through a busbar component; An insulating strip (103), the insulating strip (103) extends along the first direction, the insulating strip (103) is used to connect the first wall of the battery cell (20), the first wall is the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell (20), in a third direction, the size of the insulating strip (103) is smaller than the size of the first wall, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the connection area between the insulating strip (103) and the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall; The battery cell (20) includes: A housing (211) having an opening; An end cap (212) for closing the opening to accommodate a battery assembly (22); The first wall is the wall with the largest surface area in the housing (211), and the end cap (212) is welded and fixed to the housing (211) at the opening to form the welding area; The insulating strip (103) includes a first connecting portion (1031) and a second connecting portion (1032), the first connecting portion (1031) is used to connect to the first wall, the second connecting portion (1032) is connected to the end of the first connecting portion (1031) away from the battery cell (20) and extends along the second direction, and the second connecting portion (1032) is used to cover at least a part of the end cap (212); The second connecting portion (1032) is adhesively connected to the end cap (212).

2. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating strip (103) covers the weld between the first wall and the end cap (212).

3. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating strip (103) protrudes from the end cap (212) in the third direction.

4. The battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The insulating strip (103) is connected to the first wall of the battery cell (20) located on the outermost side in the second direction.

5. The battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The battery module (100) further includes: N - 1 partitions (101), the partitions (101) extend along the first direction and are arranged between adjacent two columns of battery cells (20), and the partitions (101) are fixedly connected to each battery cell (20) in the adjacent two columns of battery cells (20); Wherein, a fixing structure (102) is provided at the end of the partition (101) in the first direction, and the partition (101) is fixed to a box body (11) for accommodating the battery module (100) through the fixing structure (102).

6. The battery module (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixing structure (102) includes a fixing plate (104), the fixing plate (104) is fixedly connected to the end of the partition (101), and is fixedly connected to the battery cell (20) located at the end of the partition (101).

7. A battery (10), characterized in that, Comprising: The battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A housing (11) for accommodating the battery module (100).

8. The battery (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, A plurality of the battery modules (100) are provided, and the plurality of battery modules (100) are arranged along the second direction. There is a gap between two adjacent battery modules (100), and at least a part of the insulating strip (103) is disposed in the gap.

9. The battery (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The insulating strip (103) includes: Two first connecting portions (1031) that are oppositely disposed along the second direction, and the two first connecting portions (1031) are respectively used for connecting the first walls of the battery cells (20) of two adjacent battery modules (100). A third connecting portion (1033) that is located between the two first connecting portions (1031) and is used for connecting the two first connecting portions (1031).

10. The battery (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third connecting portion (1033) is located in the gap.

11. An electrical device, characterized in that, Including the battery (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, and the battery (10) is used for providing electric energy.

12. A method (300) for preparing a battery, characterized in that, Including: Providing a battery module (100), the battery module (100) includes N columns of battery cells (20), each column of battery cells (20) in the N columns of battery cells (20) includes a plurality of battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells (20) are arranged along a second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1; an insulating strip (103), the insulating strip (103) extends along the first direction, the insulating strip (103) is used for connecting the first walls of the battery cells (20), the first wall is the wall with the largest surface area in the battery cell (20), in a third direction, the size of the insulating strip (103) is smaller than the size of the first wall, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the connection area between the insulating strip (103) and the first wall includes the welding area of the first wall. Providing a housing (11); Accommodating the battery module (100) in the housing (11); Wherein, the battery cell (20) includes: A housing (211) having an opening; An end cap (212) for closing the opening to accommodate a battery assembly (22); The first wall is the wall with the largest surface area in the housing (211), and the end cap (212) is welded and fixed to the housing (211) at the opening to form the welding area; The insulating strip (103) includes a first connecting portion (1031) and a second connecting portion (1032), the first connecting portion (1031) is used for connecting with the first wall, and the second connecting portion (1032) is connected to the end of the first connecting portion (1031) away from the battery cell (20) and extends along the second direction, and the second connecting portion (1032) is used for covering at least a part of the end cap (212); The second connecting portion (1032) is in fitting connection with the end cap (212).

13. An apparatus (400) for preparing a battery, characterized in that, Including: Providing module, configured to provide a battery module (100) and a box body (11), the battery module (100) comprising N columns of battery cells (20), each column of battery cells (20) among the N columns of battery cells (20) comprising a plurality of battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells (20) being arranged along a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction, N being an integer greater than 1; an insulating strip (103), the insulating strip (103) extending along the first direction, the insulating strip (103) being configured to connect a first wall of the battery cell (20), the first wall being the wall with the largest surface area of the battery cell (20), in a third direction, the size of the insulating strip (103) being smaller than the size of the first wall, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, a connection area between the insulating strip (103) and the first wall comprising a welding area of the first wall; Mounting module, configured to accommodate the battery module (100) within the box body (11); Wherein, the battery cell (20) comprises: A housing (211) having an opening; An end cap (212), configured to close the opening to accommodate a battery assembly (22); The first wall is the wall with the largest surface area of the housing (211), the end cap (212) being welded and fixed to the housing (211) at the opening to form the welding area; The insulating strip (103) comprises a first connection portion (1031) and a second connection portion (1032), the first connection portion (1031) being configured to connect with the first wall, the second connection portion (1032) being connected to an end of the first connection portion (1031) away from the battery cell (20) and extending along the second direction, the second connection portion (1032) being configured to cover at least a part of the end cap (212); The second connection portion (1032) is adhesively connected to the end cap (212).

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