A battery module

Abstract

The application discloses a battery module and belongs to the technical field of power batteries, comprising at least two groups of battery units, the side of the battery unit is provided with a pole, and the battery unit is arranged along the direction of the pole; a gap exists between two adjacent battery units, and the poles of the two battery units are located in the gap; the two poles in the gap are each provided with an external connecting piece, the external connecting piece comprises an outgoing pole piece, the outgoing pole piece comprises a first outgoing piece, a transition piece and a second outgoing piece, the first outgoing piece extends into the gap and is connected with the pole, the transition piece is connected with the first outgoing piece and extends to the top position of the battery unit; the second outgoing piece is connected with the transition piece and extends to the outer edge of the battery unit, and the second outgoing pieces of the two adjacent battery units are connected through a connecting piece. The application can connect the poles in the gap of the two adjacent battery units outside the gap through the structure of the external connecting piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] When batteries are used as an energy source in various applications, multiple battery modules are typically integrated into a battery pack. The battery pack protects the internal battery modules while also facilitating their installation, replacement, and maintenance. Within the battery pack, the tabs of adjacent battery modules are connected to achieve series and parallel connections between all battery modules.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent document CN218414953U discloses a square battery and battery module, including a cell pack, a negative electrode tab, a negative electrode adapter, and a negative electrode post. The negative electrode adapter is a copper-aluminum composite sheet composed of aluminum and copper sheets. When connecting these square batteries in series or parallel to form a battery module, it is necessary to connect the tabs of the adjacent square batteries. However, within a limited space, completing the connection process of the tabs, adapter, and post is quite difficult.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent document CN114024081A discloses a power battery, relating to the field of power battery technology. This power battery includes a battery assembly and a busbar assembly. The battery assembly includes multiple cells arranged in an array, with the terminals of each cell located at both ends. The busbar assembly includes a busbar, a flexible circuit board, multiple heat-conducting components, and multiple temperature sensors. The busbar is electrically connected to the terminals of two adjacent cells. Because the terminals of the cells are located on both sides, the cells are usually arranged quite compactly in the battery pack, with the terminals situated in the gaps between two cells. This makes the terminal connection process difficult and affects the efficiency of the assembly work. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module that solves the problem that in the prior art, the arrangement of battery cells in the battery pack is usually quite compact, and the terminals are in the gap space between two battery cells, which makes the terminal connection process difficult.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a battery module comprising at least two sets of battery cells, wherein the battery cells are provided with terminals on their sides and are arranged along the direction of the terminals; a gap exists between two adjacent battery cells, and the terminals of the two battery cells are located in the gap; each of the two terminals in the gap is provided with an external connector, the external connector comprising a lead-out electrode, the lead-out electrode comprising a first lead-out piece, a transition piece, and a second lead-out piece, the first lead-out piece extending into the gap and connecting to the terminal, the transition piece connecting to the first lead-out piece and extending to the top of the battery cell; the second lead-out piece connecting to the transition piece and extending to the outer edge of the battery cell, and the second lead-out pieces of two adjacent battery cells being connected by a connecting piece.

[0007] An external connector allows the terminals in the gap between two adjacent battery cells to be led out of the gap for connection. The terminal connects to the first lead, which extends from the gap to the outside and connects to the transition plate. The transition plate is located at the top of the battery cell for easy observation and subsequent connection procedures. The second lead connects to the transition plate and extends to the outer edge of the battery cell, providing sufficient space for the connection operation. Moreover, the connection operation is located at the outer edge of the battery cell, reducing interference with the battery cell. The connecting piece connects the two second leads, completing the connection of the two battery cells. The connection work is carried out outside the gap, greatly reducing the difficulty of the connection work.

[0008] Furthermore, the first lead-out piece is provided with a first through hole, which is concentrically arranged with the pole post.

[0009] The first through hole serves to facilitate observation, allowing for the observation of the concentricity between the first through hole and the electrode post, thereby ensuring the accurate relative position of the first lead plate and the electrode post and guaranteeing connection precision.

[0010] Furthermore, the first lead-out piece is provided with a snap-fit ​​avoidance area, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the first lead-out piece.

[0011] The thinner thickness of the snap-fit ​​clearance area facilitates assembly and positioning. The contact area between the first lead and the battery terminal has relatively low current draw, and the thinner design of the first lead contributes to lightweight design and material savings.

[0012] Furthermore, the first lead-out piece is provided with a buffer rib, which is arranged along the length direction of the first lead-out piece and is located between the two first through holes.

[0013] Through the above technical solutions, the buffer ribs can increase the structural strength of the first lead-out piece and prevent stress concentration caused by the expansion of the battery cell and deformation of the first lead-out piece.

[0014] Furthermore, the transition plate is provided with a collection area, and the collection area is provided with a collection unit.

[0015] The acquisition unit in the acquisition area can collect the voltage and temperature of the transition plate area, which facilitates monitoring the internal state of the battery module and increases battery safety.

[0016] Furthermore, the second lead-out piece is connected to the base, the base includes an overlapping portion, and the overlapping portion is provided with an embedded nut; the second lead-out piece is provided with a second through hole, and the second lead-out piece and the connecting piece are connected to the base by fasteners cooperating with the second through hole and the embedded nut.

[0017] The second lead-out piece can be easily connected to the base via fasteners, an embedded nut, and a second through hole. The base provides support for the second lead-out piece. The base is made of plastic and serves as insulation.

[0018] Furthermore, the base has several buckles on one side opposite the overlapping part, and the base also has mounting holes through which a protective cover is installed.

[0019] The clips allow the base to be pressed against the crossbeam of the battery compartment, enabling convenient and reliable installation. The mounting holes on the base facilitate the installation of the protective cover, which conceals exposed components such as busbars, improving safety.

[0020] Furthermore, a second extension and a third extension are respectively provided on the adjacent sides of the protective cover, and a gap is left between the second extension and the third extension.

[0021] The second and third extensions can shield the exposed busbars of the connecting piece, preventing foreign objects from entering and the risk of accidental contact with exposed high-voltage parts. The gap between the second and third extensions allows them to deform more easily under external force, thus making it easier to remove the protective cover.

[0022] Furthermore, the second extension is provided with a protective buckle and a protective protrusion, the protective buckle matching the mounting hole.

[0023] The protective clips and mounting holes make it easy to install the base and protective cover, while the protective protrusions facilitate easy removal of the protective cover after installation. The base and protective cover are painted orange to serve as a high-voltage warning.

[0024] Furthermore, the external connector also includes a tray, in which the lead-out electrode is placed before welding; the tray includes a first support part, a second support part, a first extension part, a tray buckle and a hollow part, the first support part has multiple protrusions extending from the hollow part and is limited by the matching of the tray buckle; the first extension part is located at the edge of the second support part and protrudes from the surface of the second support part.

[0025] The tray is used to hold the lead-out electrode before welding. The cutout allows the lead-out electrode to directly contact and weld with the terminal post. The first extension can shield the exposed busbar of the lead-out electrode, preventing foreign objects from entering and the risk of accidental contact with the exposed high-voltage parts.

[0026] Compared with existing known technologies, the technical solution provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] In a battery module of the present invention, the terminal post is connected to a first lead-out piece, which extends from the gap to the outside of the gap and connects to a transition piece. The transition piece is located at the top of the battery cell, which facilitates observation and subsequent connection processes. The second lead-out piece is connected to the transition piece and extends to the outer edge of the battery cell, so that the second lead-out piece has sufficient space for connection operations. Moreover, the connection operation is located at the outer edge of the battery cell, reducing interference with the battery cell. The connecting piece connects the two second lead-out pieces to complete the connection of the two battery cells. The connection work is carried out outside the gap, which greatly reduces the difficulty of the connection work.

[0028] It is obvious that the elements or features described in the above individual embodiments can be used alone or in combination in other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The dimensions and scales in the accompanying drawings do not represent the actual dimensions and scales of the product. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and some non-essential elements or features have been omitted for clarity.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the battery module and the external connector in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the external connector in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the lead-out electrode and the base in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the separated state structure of the lead-out electrode and the tray in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the combined state of the lead-out electrode and the tray in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 100. Battery cell; 110. Terminal post; 200. Lead-out electrode; 210. First lead-out piece; 211. First through hole; 212. Clip clearance area; 213. Buffer rib; 220. Transition piece; 221. Collection area; 230. Second lead-out piece; 231. Second through hole; 300. Tray; 310. First support part; 320. Second support part; 330. First extension part; 340. Tray clip; 350. Hollowed-out part; 400. Base; 410. Overlapping part; 411. Embedded nut; 420. Mounting hole; 430. Clip; 500. Protective cover; 510. Second extension part; 511. Protective clip; 512. Protective protrusion; 520. Third extension part; 600. Connecting piece. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are merely preferred embodiments of the invention; those skilled in the art can conceive of other ways to implement the invention based on these preferred embodiments, and such other ways also fall within the scope of the invention.

[0040] Example

[0041] Reference Figures 1-7 This embodiment provides a battery module including at least two sets of battery cells 100. A terminal post 110 is provided on the side of each battery cell 100, and the battery cells 100 are arranged along the direction of the terminal post 110. A gap exists between two adjacent battery cells 100, and the terminal posts 110 of the two battery cells 100 are located within the gap. Each of the two terminal posts 110 in the gap is provided with an external connector, which includes a lead-out electrode 200. The lead-out electrode 200 includes a first lead-out piece 210, a transition piece 220, and a second lead-out piece 230. The first lead-out piece 210 extends into the gap and connects to the terminal post 110. The transition piece 220 connects to the first lead-out piece 210 and extends to the top of the battery cell 100. The second lead-out piece 230 connects to the transition piece 220 and extends to the outer edge of the battery cell 100. The second lead-out pieces 230 of two adjacent battery cells 100 are connected by a connecting piece 600.

[0042] An external connector allows the terminals 110 in the gap between two adjacent battery cells 100 to be extended outside the gap for connection. The terminals 110 are connected to the first lead-out piece 210, which extends from the gap to the outside and connects to the transition piece 220. The transition piece 220 is located at the top of the battery cell 100 for easy observation and subsequent connection procedures. The second lead-out piece 230 is connected to the transition piece 220 and extends to the outer edge of the battery cell 100, providing sufficient space for connection operations. Furthermore, the connection operation is located at the outer edge of the battery cell 100, reducing interference. The connecting piece 600 connects the two second lead-out pieces 230, completing the connection of the two battery cells 100. This connection operation, performed outside the gap, significantly reduces the difficulty of the connection process.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first lead-out piece 210 has a first through hole 211, which is concentrically arranged with the electrode post 110. The first through hole 211 facilitates observation, allowing the observation of the concentricity between the first through hole 211 and the electrode post 110, thus ensuring accurate relative positioning of the first lead-out piece 210 and the electrode post 110 and guaranteeing connection precision. It is understood that the number of first through holes 211 corresponds to the number of electrode posts 110; in this embodiment, there are two of each.

[0044] Furthermore, the contact area between the first lead-out piece 210 and the battery terminal 110 has relatively small overcurrent, and the thickness of the first lead-out piece 210 is designed to be thin, which contributes to lightweight design and material saving. The first lead-out piece 210 is provided with a snap-fit ​​relief area 212, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the first lead-out piece 210. The thinner thickness of the snap-fit ​​relief area 212 facilitates assembly and positioning, and at the same time can prevent displacement caused by battery expansion, reducing the risk of stress pulling on the lead-out electrode 200. The first lead-out piece 210 is provided with a buffer rib 213, which is arranged along the length of the first lead-out piece 210 and located between the two first through holes 211. The buffer rib 213 can increase the structural strength of the first lead-out piece 210 and prevent stress concentration caused by deformation of the first lead-out piece 210 due to the expansion of the battery cell 100.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the transition plate 220 is equipped with a data acquisition area 221, and the data acquisition area 221 is equipped with a data acquisition unit. The data acquisition unit can acquire the voltage and temperature of the transition plate 220 area, facilitating monitoring of the internal state of the battery module and increasing battery power safety. It can be understood that the data acquisition unit is a CCS or FPC. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the second lead-out piece 230 is connected to the base 400. The base 400 includes an overlapping portion 410 with an embedded nut 411. The second lead-out piece 230 has a second through hole 231. Fasteners are used to engage with the second through hole 231 and the embedded nut 411 to secure the second lead-out piece 230, connecting piece 600, and base 400. The fasteners, embedded nut 411, and second through hole 231 facilitate the connection between the second lead-out piece 230 and the base 400, and the base 400 provides support for the second lead-out piece 230. The base 400 is made of plastic material for insulation. It is understood that fasteners can be bolts, with threads matching the threads of the embedded nuts 411. One or more embedded nuts 411 can be provided, and the number of second through holes 231 and fasteners corresponds to the number of embedded nuts 411.

[0046] The base 400 and the second lead plate 230 are designed with an easy-to-disassemble structure, specifically, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the base 400 has several clips 430 on one side opposite the overlapping part 410. These clips 430 allow the base 400 to press against the crossbeam of the battery box, enabling convenient and reliable installation. The base 400 also has mounting holes 420 through which a protective cover 500 is installed. Installing the protective cover 500 through the mounting holes 420 is convenient, and the protective cover 500 can cover exposed components such as busbars, improving safety.

[0047] The protective cover 500 provides insulation protection, but it also needs to be easy to disassemble. In some embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, a second extension 510 and a third extension 520 are respectively provided on adjacent sides of the protective cover 500, with a gap between the second extension 510 and the third extension 520. The second extension 510 and the third extension 520 can cover the exposed busbar of the connecting piece 600, preventing the risk of foreign objects entering and accidental contact with the exposed high-voltage parts. The gap between the second extension 510 and the third extension 520 allows the second extension 510 and the third extension 520 to be more easily deformed under external force, thereby achieving the effect of effortless disassembly of the protective cover 500.

[0048] Furthermore, the second extension 510 is equipped with a protective buckle 511 and a protective protrusion 512. The protective buckle 511 matches the mounting hole 420. The protective buckle 511, in conjunction with the mounting hole 420, facilitates the installation of the base 400 and the protective cover 500, while the protective protrusion 512 allows for easy removal of the installed protective cover 500 by personnel. The surfaces of the base 400 and the protective cover 500 can be painted orange by applying a film or adding dyeing material, serving as a high-pressure warning.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the external connector further includes a tray 300, in which the lead-out electrode 200 is placed before welding. The tray 300 includes a first support portion 310, a second support portion 320, a first extension portion 330, a tray buckle 340, and a cutout portion 350. The first support portion 310 has multiple protrusions extending from the cutout portion 350, which are matched and limited by the tray buckle 340. The first extension portion 330 is located at the edge of the second support portion 320 and protrudes from the surface of the second support portion 320. The tray 300 is used to place the lead-out electrode 200 before welding, and the cutout portion 350 allows the lead-out electrode 200 to directly contact and weld with the electrode post 110. The first extension portion 330 can shield the exposed busbar of the lead-out electrode 200, preventing the risk of foreign objects entering and accidental contact with the exposed high-voltage parts.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] The scope of protection of this invention is defined only by the claims. Thanks to the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that alternative structures to the structures disclosed herein can be used as feasible alternative implementations, and that the implementations disclosed herein can be combined to produce new implementations, which also fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising at least two sets of battery cells (100), wherein the battery cells (100) have terminals (110) disposed on their sides, and the battery cells (100) are arranged along the direction of the terminals (110); a gap exists between two adjacent battery cells (100), and the terminals (110) of the two battery cells (100) are located in the gap; characterized in that, Each of the two terminals (110) in the gap is provided with an external connector. The external connector includes a lead-out electrode (200). The lead-out electrode (200) includes a first lead-out piece (210), a transition piece (220), and a second lead-out piece (230). The first lead-out piece (210) extends into the gap and connects with the terminal (110). The transition piece (220) connects with the first lead-out piece (210) and extends to the top of the battery cell (100). The second lead-out piece (230) connects with the transition piece (220) and extends to the outer edge of the battery cell (100). The second lead-out pieces (230) of two adjacent battery cells (100) are connected by a connecting piece (600).

2. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first lead-out piece (210) is provided with a first through hole (211), and the first through hole (211) is concentrically arranged with the pole post (110).

3. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first lead-out piece (210) is provided with a snap-fit ​​avoidance area (212), the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the first lead-out piece (210).

4. A battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first lead-out piece (210) is provided with a buffer rib (213), which is arranged along the length of the first lead-out piece (210) and is located between two first through holes (211).

5. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transition plate (220) is provided with a collection area (221), and the collection area (221) is provided with a collection unit.

6. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second lead-out piece (230) is connected to the base (400), the base (400) includes an overlapping part (410), the overlapping part (410) is provided with an embedded nut (411); the second lead-out piece (230) is provided with a second through hole (231), and the second lead-out piece (230) and the connecting piece (600) are connected to the base (400) by fasteners cooperating with the second through hole (231) and the embedded nut (411).

7. A battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base (400) has several buckles (430) on one side opposite the overlapping part (410), and the base (400) also has mounting holes (420). A protective cover (500) is mounted on the base (400) through the mounting holes (420).

8. A battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The protective cover (500) has a second extension (510) and a third extension (520) on its adjacent sides, with a gap between the second extension (510) and the third extension (520).

9. A battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second extension (510) is provided with a protective buckle (511) and a protective protrusion (512), wherein the protective buckle (511) matches the mounting hole (420).

10. A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external connector also includes a tray (300), in which the lead-out electrode (200) is placed before welding; the tray (300) includes a first support part (310), a second support part (320), a first extension part (330), a tray buckle (340) and a hollow part (350), the first support part (310) has multiple protrusions extending from the hollow part (350) and being matched and limited by the tray buckle (340); the first extension part (330) is located at the edge of the second support part (320) and protrudes from the surface of the second support part (320).

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