Power battery cell, power battery series structure and battery pack

Abstract

This application discloses a power battery unit, a power battery series structure, and a battery pack. The power battery unit includes a power battery, and at least one end of the power battery is provided with a first connector for series connection with other power batteries. The first connector includes a first base plate portion and a connector portion integrally extending from the first base plate portion. The first base plate portion is disposed at the end of the power battery and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the power battery. The end face of the connector portion away from the first base plate portion is inclined relative to the first base plate portion. The connector portion has a slot extending through the end face. The first connector is configured to be inserted into a second connector at the end of other power batteries through the slot to achieve electrical connection. Based on the inclination of the end face of the connector portion, non-linear series connection between power batteries can be achieved, thereby making it easier for the battery pack including the power battery unit to be assembled to adapt to the curves of the vehicle's streamlined architecture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a power battery cell, a power battery series structure, and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries are gradually becoming mainstream products in the new energy industry due to their high energy density, good capacity consistency, and ability to support high-rate charging and discharging, accounting for the largest share of installed capacity in the new energy vehicle sector. However, the following common problems exist:

[0003] When assembling modules for new energy vehicles, high battery pack voltage is required. This is typically achieved by connecting multiple individual power batteries in series to form a battery pack. Current series-connected power battery structures require not only conductive components to connect adjacent power batteries but also specialized limiting structures to ensure stable and shock-resistant connections. In other words, the conductive components in this existing series-connected power battery structure are insufficient for effectively limiting the interconnected power batteries. Furthermore, the simultaneous installation of both conductive and limiting structures complicates the battery assembly process and reduces assembly efficiency.

[0004] In addition, when cylindrical power battery modules are assembled in scenarios such as bicycles, the modules are difficult to assemble when they are curved along the streamlined structure of the vehicle body, which also leads to lower energy density of the modules. This also puts forward a structural requirement for the modules to be connected in a non-linear series with the vehicle body structure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a power battery unit, a power battery series structure, and a battery pack, which can solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a power battery unit, which includes a power battery. At least one end of the power battery is provided with a first connector for connecting in series with other power batteries. The first connector includes a first base plate portion and a connector portion integrally extending from the first base plate portion. The first base plate portion is disposed at the end of the power battery and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the power battery. The end face of the connector portion away from the first base plate portion is inclined relative to the first base plate portion. The connector portion has a slot extending through the end face. The first connector is configured to be plugged into a second connector at the end of other power batteries through the slot to achieve electrical connection.

[0007] Optionally, the insertion portion extends obliquely from the first substrate portion.

[0008] Optionally, the slot is provided with a first snap-fit ​​structure, and the slot is engaged with the plug portion of the second connector through the first snap-fit ​​structure.

[0009] Optionally, one end of the power battery is provided with the first connector, and the other end of the power battery is provided with the second connector.

[0010] Optionally, the power battery is provided with terminals, the first substrate portion is attached and fixed to the end face of the terminals, and the first connector is electrically connected to the terminals.

[0011] Optionally, the power battery is provided with terminals, which constitute the first substrate portion of the first connector.

[0012] Optionally, one end of the power battery has a shell bottom or a cover, the first substrate portion is attached and fixed to the shell bottom or the cover, and the first connector is electrically connected to the shell or the cover.

[0013] Optionally, the first connector is integrally formed from a metal part.

[0014] Optionally, the power battery is a cylindrical power battery.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a power battery series structure, including at least one power battery unit as described above, and a second connector is provided at the corresponding end of the power battery adjacent to the power battery unit. The second connector includes a plug portion, and the plug portion and the slot are inserted to electrically connect the first connector and the second connector and to form an angle between the corresponding power batteries.

[0016] Optionally, the second connector includes a second base plate portion and a plug portion extending vertically from the second base plate portion.

[0017] Optionally, the end face of the insertion portion is attached to the second substrate portion.

[0018] Optionally, the plug and the slot are engaged by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a battery pack, including at least one power battery series structure as described above.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first connector is fixed to the first base plate portion at the end of the power battery and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the power battery. The end face of the connector portion extending integrally from the first base plate portion is inclined relative to the first base plate portion. Therefore, when the connector is inserted into the second connector portion at the end of other power batteries using the slot through the end face, the inclination of the end face of the connector portion enables non-linear series connection (with an included angle) between power batteries, thereby making the corresponding battery pack easier to assemble according to the curve of the vehicle body streamline architecture. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the power battery unit according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the series connection structure of the power battery according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first connector in the embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second connector in the embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the third connector in the embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cover, pole, and first connector in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first connector and pole integrated in the embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cover and the second plug (pole post) in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the second connector (pole post).

[0030] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cover and the third connector (pole post) in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the third connector (pole post). Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 11 This application discloses a power battery unit, which includes a power battery 1. At least one end of the power battery 1 is provided with a first connector 2 for connecting in series with other power batteries 1. The first connector 2 includes a first base plate portion 21 and a connector portion 22 integrally extending from the first base plate portion 21. The first base plate portion 21 is disposed at the end of the power battery 1 and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the power battery 1. The end face 221 of the connector portion 22 away from the first base plate portion 21 is inclined relative to the first base plate portion 21 (forming an angle). The connector portion 22 has a slot 222 that penetrates the end face 221. The first connector 2 is configured to be plugged into a second connector 3 at the end of other power batteries 1 through the slot 222 to achieve electrical connection. The second connector 3 includes a plug portion 32 that can extend from the second base plate portion 31. The second connector 3 can be fixedly disposed at the end of the power battery 1 through the second base plate portion 31.

[0034] It should be noted that the power battery 1 connected in series with the aforementioned power battery unit may or may not belong to the power battery unit including the first connector 2, for example... Figure 2 The two power batteries are located in the lower middle part.

[0035] Specifically, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are both integrally formed from metal parts.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first connector 2 is fixed to the first base plate portion 21 at the end of the power battery 1 and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the power battery 1. The end face 221 of the connector portion 22, which extends integrally from the first base plate portion 21, is inclined relative to the first base plate portion 21. Therefore, when the connector is inserted into the second connector 3 at the end of other power batteries 1 using the slot 222 that passes through the end face 221, the inclination of the end face 221 of the connector portion 22 enables non-linear series connection (with an included angle) between the power batteries 1, thereby allowing the battery pack including the power battery unit to be assembled according to the curve of the vehicle body streamline architecture.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7In some embodiments, the insertion portion 22 extends obliquely from the first substrate portion 21. That is, the end face 221 of the insertion portion 22 is oblique relative to the first substrate portion 21 because the insertion portion 22 extends obliquely from the first substrate portion 21, and the end face 221 of the insertion portion 22 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the insertion portion 22. Of course, the obliqueness of the end face 221 of the insertion portion 22 relative to the first substrate portion 21 is not limited to the above-described manner. For example, the insertion portion 22 may extend perpendicularly from the first substrate portion 21, so that the end face 221 of the insertion portion 22 is not perpendicular to the extension direction of the insertion portion 22.

[0038] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the slot 222 is provided with a first snap-fit ​​structure, which enables the slot 222 to engage with the plug portion 32 of the second connector 3. Correspondingly, the plug portion 32 is provided with a second snap-fit ​​structure. When the slot 222 and the plug portion 32 are inserted, the first snap-fit ​​structure and the second snap-fit ​​structure engage with each other, thereby enabling the engagement of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3. Based on the snap-fit ​​structure, in addition to using the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 to achieve series connection of the power battery 1, the engagement of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can also be used to limit the relative positions of the power batteries 1. This eliminates the need for a dedicated limiting structure, allowing the series connection structure of the power batteries to have a certain degree of stability and shock resistance. Furthermore, by engaging the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 between the power batteries 1, series assembly of the power batteries 1 can be achieved, which is beneficial for rapid assembly.

[0039] Please see Figures 2 to 4 Specifically, the middle portions of the opposite side walls of the slot 222 of the first connector 2 are respectively provided with recessed slots 223 (first snap-fit ​​structure). The middle portions of the opposite side walls of the plug portion 32 of the second connector 3 are respectively arched outward to form snap protrusions 321 (second snap-fit ​​structure). After the plug portion 32 is inserted into the slot 222, the snap protrusions 321 are respectively engaged in the corresponding slots 223. When the plug portion 32 is inserted into the slot 222, the front end of the plug portion 32 is first inserted into the entrance end of the slot 222, and then the snap protrusions 321 on both sides push outward against the side walls of the slot 222 and slide into the slot 222. When the plug portion 32 is in place, the snap protrusions 321 on both sides of the plug portion 32 are respectively engaged in the slots 223 on both sides of the slot 222, so that the plug portion 32 is fastened in the slot 222, thereby realizing a stable connection and electrical connection between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3. It can be understood that the form of the snap-fit ​​structure is not limited to this.

[0040] The first connector 2 can be integrally formed on the corresponding structure of the power battery 1, or it can be fixedly disposed on the corresponding structure of the power battery 1. Similarly, the second connector 3 can be integrally formed on the corresponding structure of the power battery 1, or it can be fixedly disposed on the corresponding structure of the power battery 1. In addition, the embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations on the specific structural form of the power battery 1 or the specific structure of the first connector 2 / second connector 3, as long as the first connector 2 / second connector 3 can realize a non-linear series connection between the power batteries 1.

[0041] A common structural form of the power battery 1 includes a casing and a top cover. The casing contains a core or similar structure, and terminals are located on the top cover or the bottom of the casing. Of course, it is possible that terminals are located on both the bottom and the top cover, or that neither terminal is present. Furthermore, the power battery 1 is not limited to a casing plus a top cover; for example, it is possible that there are covers at both ends, with one cover containing a terminal. It is also possible that both covers contain terminals, or that neither cover contains terminals. Depending on the embodiment, the first connector / second connector can be located on the terminals, the bottom of the casing, or the covers (including the top cover).

[0042] In some embodiments, one end of the power battery 1 of the power battery unit is provided with a first connector 2, and the other end is provided with a second connector 3. Of course, this is not a limitation. It is not excluded that both ends of the power battery 1 are provided with the first connector 2, nor is it excluded that the other end of the power battery 1 is not provided with a connector. For example, it can be connected in series with an adjacent power battery 1 through other connection structures, or when the power battery unit is located at the outer end of the power series structure (if the power series structure has only two power batteries 1, then the power battery unit must be located at the outer end), the outer end of the power battery 1 of the power battery unit may not be provided with a connector or may be provided with other forms of connection structures to electrically connect with the external structure.

[0043] In some embodiments, one end of the power battery 1 has a shell bottom or cover, and the first substrate portion 21 of the first connector 2 is attached and fixed to the shell bottom or cover (it can be fixed by laser welding). The first connector 2 is electrically connected to the shell or cover. Typically, the other end of the power battery 1 is provided with a terminal post. The terminal post can be provided with the first connector 2, the second connector 3, the third connector 4, or other connection structures, or no other structures, as needed. Of course, the other end of the power battery 1 may not be provided with a terminal post. The first connector 2, the second connector 3, the third connector 4, or other connection structures can be provided (it can be fixed to the cover or shell bottom by laser welding), or no other structures, as needed. Here, the third connector 4 is a structure for a linear series power battery 1. The third connector 4 may include a third substrate portion 41 installed at the end of the power battery 1. The third substrate portion 41 extends out of the connector portion 42. The end face 421 of the connector portion 42 is parallel to the third substrate portion 41. The connector portion 42 forms a slot 422 that penetrates its end face 421. The third connector 4 can be inserted into the slot 222 and the plug portion 32 of the second connector 3. The middle of the opposite side walls of the slot 422 of the third connector 4 can be respectively provided with outward recesses 423 to cooperate with the protrusions 321 of the second connector 3. The third connector 4 can be integrally formed from a metal part.

[0044] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, one end of the power battery 1 has a bottom shell 11 and the other end has a top cover 12. The bottom shell 11 has an electrode post 13 and the first substrate portion 21 is attached and fixed to the top cover 12.

[0045] Please see Figure 6 In some embodiments, the power battery 1 is provided with a terminal post 13, and a first substrate portion 21 is attached and fixed to the end face of the terminal post 13. The first connector 2 is electrically connected to the terminal post 13. Specifically, the first substrate portion 21 can be fixed to the terminal post 13 by laser welding. Typically, one end of the power battery 1 is provided with a terminal post 13, and the other end is not provided with a terminal post 13. Of course, it is not excluded that both ends of the power battery 1 are provided with terminals 13, and at least one terminal post 13 is provided with a first connector 2.

[0046] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, the power battery 1 is provided with a terminal post 13, which constitutes the first substrate portion 21 of the first connector 2. That is, the terminal post 13 and the first connector 2 are an integral structure, or the same component, which simultaneously serves as both the terminal post 13 and the first connector 2. Typically, one end of the power battery 1 is provided with a terminal post 13, while the other end is not. Of course, it is not excluded that both ends of the power battery 1 are provided with terminals, and at least one terminal post can constitute the first substrate portion 21 of the first connector 2.

[0047] Understandably, the arrangement of the second connector 3 / third connector 4 is not specifically limited, as long as it can be connected in series at the end of the power battery 1.

[0048] In some embodiments, the power battery 1 is a cylindrical power battery.

[0049] This application also discloses a series structure of a power battery, including at least one power battery unit as described above. The corresponding end of the power battery 1 adjacent to the power battery unit is provided with a second connector 3. The second connector 3 includes a plug portion 32. The plug portion 32 and the slot 222 are plugged in to make the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 electrically connected and to form an angle between the corresponding power batteries 1.

[0050] In the power battery series structure of this application embodiment, the first connector 2 is fixed to the first base plate portion 21 at the end of the power battery 1 and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the power battery 1. The end face 221 of the connector portion 22 integrally extended from the first base plate portion 21 is inclined relative to the first base plate portion 21. Therefore, when the connector 222 through the end face 221 is inserted into the second connector 3 at the end of the adjacent power battery 1, the non-linear series connection (with an angle) between the power batteries 1 can be realized based on the inclination of the end face 221 of the connector portion 22. Therefore, the battery pack including this power battery series structure can be assembled to adapt to the curve of the vehicle body streamline architecture.

[0051] In a series-connected power battery structure, all power batteries 1 can be equipped with a first connector 2 to form the aforementioned power battery unit. Alternatively, only some power batteries 1 can be equipped with the first connector 2 to form a power battery unit, depending on actual needs. When the series-connected power battery structure includes multiple power batteries 1, there can be power batteries 1 connected in a straight line. The included angle between adjacent power batteries 1 connected in a non-straight line can be adjusted as needed using different first connectors 2 (with different inclinations) to adapt to different usage scenarios.

[0052] exist Figure 2 The example of the series-connected power battery structure includes only one power battery unit, which is located at one end. The two ends of the middle power battery 1 are respectively connected to a second connector 3 and a third connector 4. The second connector 3 is connected to the first connector 2 of the power battery unit, and the third connector 4 is connected to the second connector 3 at the corresponding end of another power battery 1. In this example, each power battery 1 has a terminal post 13 at one end and a casing bottom 11 at the other end. The first connector 2 and the third connector 4 are both located on the top cover 12, and the second connector 3 is located on the terminal post 13.

[0053] Please see Figure 4In some embodiments, the second connector 3 includes a second substrate portion 31 and a plug portion 32 extending vertically from the second substrate portion 31.

[0054] Please combine Figure 2 Specifically, when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are inserted, the end face 221 of the connector 22 is attached to the second substrate 31, which facilitates the stable insertion of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3.

[0055] Please see Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the plug portion 32 and the slot 222 are engaged by a snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure may be the snap protrusion 321 and the slot 223 as described above, but is not limited to this specific form.

[0056] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 It shows an example of the second connector 3 and the pole post 13 being a single integrated structure, with Figure 4 The main difference in the example is that the second connector 3 and the pole post 13 are an integral structure. The integral structure of the second connector 3 and the pole post 13 can be set in the top cover 12.

[0057] Please see Figure 10 and Figure 11 It shows an example of the third connector 4 and the pole post 13 being a single integrated structure, with Figure 5 The main difference in the example is that the third connector 4 and the pole post 13 are an integral structure. The integral structure of the third connector 4 and the pole post 13 can be set in the top cover 12.

[0058] This application also discloses a battery pack including at least one power battery connected in series as described above. The battery pack of this application can be assembled to conform to the curves of the vehicle's streamlined architecture.

[0059] The above-disclosed examples are merely preferred embodiments of this application, intended to facilitate understanding and implementation by those skilled in the art. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the scope of this application are still within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A series connection structure for a power battery, characterized in that, The device includes at least one power battery unit, the power battery unit including a power battery, at least one end of the power battery having a first connector for series connection with other power batteries, the first connector including a first base plate portion and a connector portion integrally formed with the first base plate portion and extending obliquely, the first base plate portion being disposed at the end of the power battery, the first base plate portion being perpendicular to the extension direction of the power battery, the end face of the connector portion away from the first base plate portion being oblique relative to the first base plate portion, the connector portion having a slot penetrating the end face, the corresponding end of the power battery adjacent to the power battery unit having a second connector, the second connector including a second base plate portion and a plug portion extending vertically from the second base plate portion, the plug portion and the slot being inserted to electrically connect the first connector and the second connector and to form an angle between the corresponding power batteries.

2. The power battery series structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot is provided with a first snap-fit ​​structure, and the slot is engaged with the plug portion of the second connector through the first snap-fit ​​structure.

3. The power battery series structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the power battery is provided with the first connector, and the other end of the power battery is provided with the second connector.

4. The power battery series structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power battery is provided with terminals, the first substrate is attached and fixed to the end face of the terminals, and the first connector is electrically connected to the terminals.

5. The power battery series structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power battery is provided with terminals, which constitute the first substrate portion of the first connector.

6. The power battery series structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the power battery has a shell bottom or a cover, the first substrate portion is attached and fixed to the shell bottom or the cover, and the first plug-in is electrically connected to the shell bottom or the cover.

7. The power battery series structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector is integrally formed from a metal part.

8. The power battery series structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power battery is a cylindrical power battery.

9. The power battery series structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end face of the plug portion is attached to the second substrate portion.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, It includes at least one power battery series structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images