Battery module using side pole single battery, battery pack comprising battery module and vehicle

Abstract

The battery module includes adjacent battery cells electrically connected using leaf springs. The battery pack comprises one or more battery modules. The vehicle uses one or more battery modules, and / or one or more battery packs. In addition, a method for manufacturing a battery module is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, vehicles for transporting goods and people using electricity as a source of motion have been developed. Such electric vehicles may be cars propelled by an electric motor using energy stored in a rechargeable battery.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background technology and therefore the information discussed in this background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to battery modules, and for example, to battery modules using side-column battery cells having relatively improved connections between adjacent battery cells. Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to battery packs including one or more battery modules. In addition, aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to vehicles using one or more battery modules and / or one or more battery packs. Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to methods for manufacturing battery modules.

[0005] The embodiments according to the present disclosure are defined by the attached claims and their equivalents. The following description is limited thereto. Any disclosure outside the scope of the claims is intended only for illustration and comparison purposes.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes at least one battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row along a stacking direction predefined for the stack. According to some embodiments, each of the battery cells includes a housing having a parallelepiped shape, having a pair of first lateral sides arranged opposite to each other, a pair of second lateral sides arranged opposite to each other and perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides, a first terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, and a second terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides. According to some embodiments, the first terminal side and the second terminal side are arranged opposite to each other. According to some embodiments, each of the first lateral sides has an area greater than the area of ​​each of the second lateral sides and greater than the area of ​​each of the first terminal side and the second terminal side. According to some embodiments, each battery cell includes a first terminal arranged on its first terminal side and a second terminal arranged on its second terminal side. According to some embodiments, in each of the battery cell stacks, when viewed along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, the second terminal side of each battery cell except the last battery cell faces the first terminal side of the battery cell subsequently arranged. According to some embodiments, the battery module further comprises one or more leaf springs made of a conductive elastic material. According to some embodiments, in at least one battery cell stack, at least for a pair of first terminal sides and second terminal sides with the first terminal sides of the pair facing the second terminal sides of the pair, one of the leaf springs is clamped between a first terminal on the first terminal side of the pair and a second terminal on the second terminal side of the pair.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a battery pack includes one or more battery modules.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a vehicle includes at least one battery module.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a method for assembling a battery module, the method includes: providing a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell including a shell having a parallelepiped shape, which has a pair of first lateral sides arranged opposite to each other, a pair of second lateral sides arranged opposite to each other and perpendicular to each first lateral side, a first terminal side perpendicular to each first lateral side and each second lateral side, and a second terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, the first terminal side and the second terminal side being arranged opposite to each other, wherein each of the first lateral sides has an area greater than that of each of the second lateral sides and greater than that of each of the first terminal side and the second terminal side, and each battery cell includes a first terminal arranged on the first terminal side and a second terminal arranged on the second terminal side; The battery cells are grouped into a plurality of battery cell stacks, each stack comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row along a stacking direction predefined for the stack, wherein in each of the battery cell stacks, when viewed along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, the second terminal side of each battery cell except the last battery cell faces the first terminal side of a subsequently arranged battery cell; in at least one battery cell stack, for at least one pair of first terminal side and second terminal side with the first terminal side of the pair facing the second terminal side of the pair, a leaf spring is placed between a first terminal on the first terminal side of the pair and a second terminal on the second terminal side of the pair; each of the battery cell stacks is pressed together along their respective stacking directions; and each of the battery cell stacks is fixed in a battery module while being pressed together.

[0010] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of complex connection technology welding on the single pole can be relatively reduced, and the industrialization and / or manufacturing costs can be relatively reduced.

[0011] Other aspects of embodiments according to the present disclosure can be learned from the appended claims and their equivalents and the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by describing in more detail aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a battery cell is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 A perspective view schematically illustrates a battery cell that may be used in a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 3is a perspective view schematically illustrating a cell-to-cell electrical connection between two adjacent battery cells in a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 4 A schematic exploded view of a battery module according to some embodiments is shown.

[0017] Figure 5A and 5B A leaf spring that may be used in a battery module according to some embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0018] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating further details of a leaf spring according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and methods for implementing the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be more thorough and complete, and the aspects and features of the embodiments according to the present disclosure will be more fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0020] Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not considered necessary for a full understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure by one of ordinary skill in the art may not be described.In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0021] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." In the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a term in the singular may include a plural form.

[0022] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element can be named as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be named as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire element list when it is before the element list, rather than modifying the individual elements in the list.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. In addition, if the term "substantially" is used in combination with a feature that can be expressed using a numerical value, the term "substantially" means a range of + / - 5% of a value centered around that value.

[0024] It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “includes,” “including,” or “comprising,” specify attributes, regions, fixed numbers, steps, processes, elements, parts, and combinations thereof but do not exclude other attributes, regions, fixed numbers, steps, processes, elements, parts, and combinations thereof.

[0025] It will also be understood that when a film, region or element is referred to as being “on” or “over” another film, region or element, it can be directly on the other film, region or element, or intervening films, regions or elements may also be present.

[0026] In this document, the terms "upper" and "lower" are defined according to the z-axis. For example, the upper cover is located at the upper part of the z-axis, and the lower cover is located at the lower part thereof. In the accompanying drawings, the size of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. For example, in the accompanying drawings, the size or thickness of each element may be arbitrarily shown for the purpose of illustration, and thus the embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited thereto.

[0027] In the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms in the singular form may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] Any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an ASIC), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware may be utilized to implement the electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. In addition, the various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. The electrical connections or interconnections described herein may be implemented, for example, by wires or conductive elements on a PCB or another circuit carrier. The conductive elements may include metallization, such as surface metallization and / or pins, and / or may include conductive polymers or ceramics. In addition, electrical energy may be transmitted via a wireless connection (e.g., using electromagnetic radiation and / or light).

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0030] Electric vehicles can be powered by batteries alone, or can be in the form of hybrid vehicles powered by, for example, gasoline generators or hydrogen fuel cells. In addition, the vehicle can include a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Typically, an electric vehicle battery EVB or traction battery is a battery used to power the propulsion of a battery electric vehicle BEV. Electric vehicle batteries are different from starting, lighting and ignition batteries because they are designed to provide power for a sustained period of time. Rechargeable or secondary batteries differ from primary batteries in that they can be repeatedly charged and discharged without damaging the rechargeable battery, while primary batteries can only provide irreversible conversion of chemical quantities to electrical energy. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries can be used as power sources for small electronic devices, such as cellular phones, notebook computers, and portable cameras, for example, while high-capacity rechargeable batteries can be used as power sources for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, for example.

[0031] Typically, a rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. An electrolyte solution may be injected into the housing so that the battery can be charged and discharged via an electrochemical reaction of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte solution. The shape of the housing, such as cylindrical or rectangular, depends on the intended purpose of the battery. Lithium-ion (and similar lithium polymer) batteries, which are widely known through their use in laptop computers and consumer electronics, dominate the field of the latest batch of developed electric vehicles.

[0032] A rechargeable battery may be used as a battery module formed by connecting a plurality of unit battery cells in series and / or in parallel to provide high energy content, particularly for motor driving of hybrid vehicles. That is, a battery module may be formed by interconnecting electrode terminals of a plurality of unit battery cells according to a required amount of electricity to realize a high-power rechargeable battery.

[0033] The battery module can be constructed in a block design or a modular design. In the block design, each battery is connected to a common collector structure and a common battery management system, and its units are arranged in a housing. In the modular design, multiple battery cells are connected to form a submodule, and multiple submodules are connected to form a battery module. In automotive applications, the battery system is typically composed of multiple battery modules connected in series to provide the desired voltage. The battery module may include a submodule having a plurality of stacked battery cells, and each stack includes parallel-connected cells (XpYs) connected in series or series-connected cells (XsYp) connected in parallel.

[0034] A battery pack is a group of any number of (usually identical) battery modules. The battery modules can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to deliver a desired voltage, capacity, or power density. The components of a battery pack include the individual battery modules and the interconnections that provide electrical conductivity between them.

[0035] The battery system may also include a battery management system (BMS), which is any electronic system that manages rechargeable batteries, battery modules, and battery packs, such as by protecting the battery from operating outside its safe operating area, monitoring its status, calculating secondary data, reporting the data, controlling its environment, authenticating it, and / or balancing it. For example, the BMS may monitor the battery status represented by voltage (such as the total voltage of the battery pack or battery module, the voltage of a single cell), temperature (such as the average temperature of the battery pack or battery module, the coolant inlet temperature, the coolant output temperature, or the temperature of a single cell), coolant flow (such as flow rate, cooling liquid pressure), and current.

[0036] In addition, the BMS can calculate values ​​based on the above items, such as minimum and maximum cell voltages, state of charge (SOC) or depth of discharge (DOD) to indicate the battery's charge level, state of health (SOH, variously defined measurements of a battery's remaining capacity as a % of the original capacity), state of power (SOP; the amount of charge available over a defined time interval given current power usage, temperature, and other conditions), state of safety (SOS), maximum charge current as a charge current limit (CCL), maximum discharge current as a discharge current limit (DCL), and the internal impedance of the cell (to determine the open circuit voltage).

[0037] A BMS can be centralized, with a single controller connected to the battery cells via multiple wires. A BMS can also be distributed, with a BMS board installed at each cell and only a single communication cable between the battery and the controller. Or a BMS can be a modular construction consisting of several controllers, each handling a certain number of cells, with communication between the controllers. A centralized BMS is the most economical, has the least scalability, and suffers from a large number of wires. A distributed BMS is the most expensive, the simplest to install, and provides the cleanest components. A modular BMS offers a compromise between the features and problems of the other two topologies.

[0038] The BMS can protect the battery pack from operating outside its safe operating area. Operation outside the safe operating area can be indicated in the case of overcurrent, overvoltage (during charging), overtemperature, undertemperature, overvoltage, and ground fault or leakage current detection. The BMS can prevent operation outside the safe operating area of ​​the battery by including an internal switch (such as a relay or solid-state device) (the internal switch opens if the battery is operated outside its safe operating area), requesting devices connected to the battery to reduce or even terminate the use of the battery, and actively controlling the environment such as via heaters, fans, air conditioning, or liquid cooling.

[0039] The mechanical integration of such battery packs requires appropriate mechanical connections between the individual components (e.g. battery modules) and between them and the vehicle's supporting structure. These connections must remain functional and economical over the average service life of the battery system. In addition, installation space and interchangeability requirements must be met, especially in mobile applications.

[0040] Mechanical integration of the battery module can be achieved by providing a carrier frame and by positioning the battery module thereon. Fixing the battery cells or battery modules can be achieved by mating recesses in the frame or by mechanical interconnects such as bolts or screws. Alternatively, the battery module can be restrained by fastening side plates to the lateral sides of the carrier frame. In addition, cover plates can be fixed on top and below the battery module.

[0041] The carrier frame of the battery pack is mounted to the load-bearing structure of the vehicle. In case the battery pack should be fixed to the bottom of the vehicle, a mechanical connection can be established from the bottom side, for example by bolts passing through the carrier frame of the battery pack. The frame is usually made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy to reduce the overall weight of the construction.

[0042] Some battery systems, notwithstanding any modular construction, may also include a battery housing that serves as an enclosure to seal the battery system from environmental influences and to provide structural protection for the battery system components. The housed battery system may be installed as a whole into its application environment, such as an electric vehicle. Thus, replacing a defective system component, e.g., a defective battery submodule, may involve disassembling the entire battery system and first removing its housing. Even defects in small and / or inexpensive system components may result in disassembly and replacement of the entire battery system and its individual repair. Since high capacity battery systems are expensive, bulky and heavy, this procedure proves cumbersome and storage of heavy and bulky battery systems, for example in a mechanic's workshop, becomes difficult.

[0043] In order to meet the dynamic power requirements of various electrical consumers connected to the battery system, static control of battery power output and charging may not be sufficient. Therefore, a stable information exchange between the controller of the battery system and the electrical consumers may be required. This information includes the actual charging state, SoC, potential electrical performance, charging capacity and internal resistance of the battery system and the actual or predicted power demand or surplus of the consumer. Therefore, the battery system may include a battery management system BMS for obtaining and processing such information at the system level, and a plurality of battery module managers BMM that are part of the system battery module and obtain and process relevant information at the module level. For example, the BMS can measure the system voltage, the system current, the local temperature at different positions within the system housing, and the insulation resistance between the live parts and the system housing. In addition, the BMS can measure the individual cell voltages and temperatures of the battery cells in the battery module.

[0044] Thus, a BMS / BMU may be provided for managing a battery pack, such as by protecting the battery from operating outside its safe operating area, monitoring its status, calculating secondary data, reporting that data, controlling its environment, authenticating it, and / or balancing it.

[0045] In the event of an abnormal operating state, the battery pack can be disconnected from the load connected to the terminals of the battery pack. Therefore, the battery system may also include a battery disconnect unit BDU, which is electrically connected between the battery module and the battery system terminals. Therefore, the BDU can operate as an interface between the battery pack and the electrical system of the vehicle. The BDU may include an electromechanical switch that disconnects or closes a high current path between the battery pack and the electrical system. The BDU may provide feedback, such as voltage and current measurements, to a battery control unit BCU accompanying the battery module. The BCU may control switches in the BDU using a low current path based on feedback received from the BDU. Therefore, the BDU may be able to control current flow and current sensing between the battery pack and the electrical system. The BDU may also manage additional functions such as external charging and pre-charging.

[0046] In some commercial electrical products with batteries, such as all-electric or hybrid vehicles, these products include a battery box with battery cells that are clamped together and / or connected together with aluminum plates fused to the cell poles. There may be challenges in delivering higher currents, so it may be necessary to prevent loss of electrical contact. In addition, clamping and / or welding the cell poles together during the manufacture of the battery can be useful both in terms of time and cost.

[0047] Thus, some embodiments may include mechanisms that allow for relatively high current delivery compared to alternative systems and solutions for electrical contact loss between battery cells of a battery module. In addition, it may be desirable to simplify the manufacture of the battery module and, for example, simplify the establishment of electrical connections between the terminals (poles) of the individual battery cells.

[0048] Some embodiments may include mechanisms that allow for the delivery of relatively high currents compared to alternative systems and solutions for preventing or reducing electrical contact loss between battery cells of a battery module. Some embodiments may also include a vehicle including the above-described mechanisms or systems. Some embodiments may also include methods for manufacturing the above-described mechanisms or systems, which may provide a relatively less complex manufacturing process compared to alternative systems or mechanisms.

[0049] Some embodiments include a battery cell form / design with side-post battery cells and their electrical connection together. To compensate for thermal expansion and the attendant risk of losing electrical contact from cell-post to cell-post, some embodiments may include a plate designed as a leaf spring made of a conductive material that can be clamped between the cell-post surfaces. This portion (e.g., designed as a leaf spring) can also be used as a contact surface for voltage measurement sensing.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes: at least one battery cell stack, which has a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row along a stacking direction predefined for the stack; each of the battery cells includes a shell having a parallelepiped shape, which has a pair of first lateral sides arranged opposite to each other, a pair of second lateral sides arranged opposite to each other and perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides, a first terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, and a second terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, the first terminal side and the second terminal side being arranged opposite to each other, wherein each of the first lateral sides has an area that is larger than the area of ​​each of the second lateral sides and larger than the first terminal side and the second terminal side. The area of ​​each of the side surfaces; each battery cell includes a first terminal arranged on its first terminal side and a second terminal arranged on its second terminal side; wherein, in each of the battery cell stacks, when viewed along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, the second terminal side of each battery cell except the last battery cell faces the first terminal side of the subsequently arranged battery cell; wherein the battery module also includes one or more leaf springs made of conductive elastic material; wherein in at least one battery cell stack, at least for a pair of first terminal side surfaces and second terminal side surfaces and the first terminal side surfaces of the pair face the second terminal side surfaces of the pair, one of the leaf springs is clamped between the first terminal on the first terminal side surfaces of the pair and the second terminal on the second terminal side surfaces of the pair.

[0051] In the above description of the battery module and hereinafter, the term "plurality" shall mean "at least two".

[0052] In the above description of the battery module and in the following, the term "elasticity" shall denote a material property according to which a material (or more precisely, a body made of such a material) is not only deformable to a certain extent, but also has the ability to resist the influence of deformation and return to its original size and shape when the influence or force is removed. In other words, while any solid object will deform when a sufficiently large load is applied to it, if the material is elastic, the object will return to its original shape and size after the load is removed. This is the opposite of plasticity; in this case, the object will not be able to return to its original shape after the load is removed, and will therefore instead remain in its deformed state.

[0053] Each of the one or more leaf springs may be a leaf spring or a leaf spring, or may be referred to as a "leaf spring" or a "leaf spring".

[0054] For each battery cell, the first terminal may form the positive post of the battery cell and the second terminal may form the negative terminal of the battery cell. Alternatively, for each of the battery cells, the first terminal may form the negative post of the battery cell and the second terminal may form the positive terminal of the battery cell.

[0055] Thus, in a battery module according to some embodiments, any leaf spring clamped between the terminals of two facing terminal sides of two adjacent battery cells in a battery cell stack connects the two battery cells in series.

[0056] According to some embodiments, in a battery module, the housings of all battery cells may be identically shaped.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the first terminal sides of all battery cells are congruent and the second terminal sides of all battery cells are congruent, while the area of ​​the first lateral side may vary between battery cells and / or the area of ​​the second lateral side may vary between battery cells.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the battery module, the housings of all battery cells have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In other words, according to some embodiments, any two adjacent sides of any housing used in the battery module are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0059] According to some embodiments of the battery module, for any battery cell stack included in the battery module, there is at least one pair of first terminal sides and second terminal sides, the first terminal sides belonging to a battery cell in the battery cell stack, and the second terminal sides belonging to an adjacent battery cell in the battery cell stack, wherein the first terminal sides of the pair face the second terminal sides of the pair, and one of the leaf springs is clamped between a first terminal on the first terminal side of the pair and a second terminal on the second terminal side of the pair.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the battery module, for each pair of first terminal sides and second terminal sides with the first terminal sides of the pair facing the second terminal sides of the pair, one of the leaf springs is clamped between the first terminal on the first terminal sides of the pair and the second terminal on the second terminal sides of the pair.

[0061] According to some embodiments, each pair of adjacent battery cells is connected in series by a leaf spring.Thus, according to some embodiments, in each of the battery cell stacks, all battery cells of the stack are connected in series by a leaf spring.

[0062] According to some embodiments of the battery module, at least some leaf springs arranged between a first terminal on a first terminal side and a second terminal on a second terminal side (where the first terminal side faces the second terminal side) are pre-compressed relative to a stacking direction of a battery cell stack including the corresponding leaf springs.

[0063] When the leaf spring is pre-compressed between a pair of first terminal and second terminal sides facing each other, the widening of the gap or gap between the first terminal side and the second terminal side can be compensated to a certain level by the leaf spring inserted therebetween, because the leaf spring will extend in the direction of the battery cell stacking so as to return to its (original) uncompressed state.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the battery module, for each of the battery cell stacks, there is at least one pair of adjacent battery cells included in the stack, wherein for the paired facing terminal sides of the pair of battery cells, a leaf spring is arranged and pre-compressed between a first terminal on a first terminal side of the pair of terminal sides and a second terminal on a second terminal side of the pair of terminal sides. Thus, each pre-compressed leaf spring is pre-compressed relative to the stacking direction of the corresponding battery cell stack including the leaf spring.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the battery module, the battery module includes at least one group of battery cell stacks; each group of battery cell stacks includes a plurality of battery cell stacks; the battery module also includes one or more partitions; for each group, the stacking direction of each battery cell stack of the group is parallel or anti-parallel to each other; for each group, the battery cell stacks of the group are arranged adjacent to each other on a virtual plane along a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cell stacks of the group; and for each group, a partition is arranged between any two adjacent battery cell stacks.

[0066] In other words, for each group of battery cell stacks arranged side by side on a virtual plane and parallel or anti-parallel to each other, the battery cell stacks themselves are stacked alternately with the separators in a direction perpendicular to their stacking direction.

[0067] In this context, the term "parallel" with respect to any two directions shall mean that the angle between the two directions is 0°. Note that even when two straight lines (and oriented lines) do not intersect or touch each other, it is always possible to define an angle between these lines. Furthermore, the term "antiparallel" with respect to any two directions shall mean that the angle between the two directions is 180°.

[0068] According to some embodiments, a battery module may include only a single group of battery cell stacks, however, wherein the group of battery cell stacks includes all of the battery cell stacks included in the battery module.

[0069] According to some embodiments, a battery module may include several groups of battery cell stacks that are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0070] According to some embodiments of the battery module, at least one separator is a structural part of the battery module.

[0071] The term “structural component” in relation to a certain component of the battery module shall in this context particularly denote that the component provides mechanical stability to the battery module and / or holds in place other components fixed to the component.

[0072] According to some embodiments of the battery module, at least one separator is made of an electrically insulating material.

[0073] According to some embodiments, each partition is made of an electrically insulating material.

[0074] According to some embodiments of the battery module, at least one separator is made of a heat insulating material.

[0075] According to some embodiments, each partition is made of a thermally insulating material.

[0076] According to some embodiments of the battery module, for any pre-compressed leaf spring, two battery cells adjacent to the leaf spring with respect to a stacking direction of a battery cell stack including adjacent battery cells are adhered to at least one adjacent separator.

[0077] According to some embodiments, all of the battery cells are adhered to at least one separator.

[0078] According to some embodiments, each battery cell is adhered to each separator adjacent to the battery cell.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the battery module includes at least two battery cell stacks. For each of these battery cell stacks, when viewed along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, a first battery cell stack terminal is formed by a first terminal of a first battery cell arranged in the battery cell stack, and a second battery cell stack terminal is formed by a second terminal of a last battery cell arranged in the battery cell stack. In addition, the battery module also includes at least one connecting plate; each connecting plate electrically connects a group of at least two battery cell stacks, because for each battery cell stack in the group of at least two battery cell stacks, a first battery cell stack terminal or a second battery cell stack terminal is fixed or fastened to the connecting plate.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the fixing of at least one connecting plate to at least one battery cell stack terminal may be achieved by welding, such as fusion welding. According to some embodiments, the fixing of at least one connecting plate to at least one battery cell stack terminal may be achieved by using nuts. According to some embodiments, the fixing may allow electrical connection between the connecting plate and the terminal to which the connecting plate is connected.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the individual battery cell stacks included in the battery module can be electrically connected in series. According to some embodiments, each connection plate connects only two battery cell stacks to each other because the connection plate is fixed to the second battery cell stack terminal of one of the battery cell stacks and is also fixed to the first battery cell stack terminal of another of the battery cell stacks. Then, if the battery module includes a total of N battery cell stacks, N-1 connection plates are required to connect the N battery cell stacks in series.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the individual battery cell stacks included in the battery module can be electrically connected in parallel. According to some embodiments, two connection plates are required, i.e., a first connection plate and a second connection plate. Thus, the first connection plate can be fixed to the first battery cell stack terminal of each of the battery cell stacks, and the second connection plate can be fixed to the second battery cell stack terminal of each of the battery cell stacks.

[0083] According to some embodiments of the battery module, at least one of the leaf springs is formed as a substantially planar plate or a substantially planar disk having at least one recess.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the area of ​​each recess of the plate or disk of the leaf spring may be smaller than the area of ​​the first terminal and / or the second terminal of the battery cell between which the leaf spring is clamped.

[0085] According to some embodiments, all leaf springs are formed as a substantially planar plate or a substantially planar disk having at least one recess.

[0086] According to some embodiments of the battery module, at least one of the leaf springs is made of aluminum or copper.

[0087] In an embodiment, all leaf springs are made of aluminum, or all leaf springs are made of copper.

[0088] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery pack includes one or more battery modules.

[0089] According to some embodiments, the battery pack further comprises a voltage measurement circuit; wherein the voltage measurement circuit comprises at least one electrical wire; and wherein at least one of the leaf springs is electrically connected to the electrical wire.

[0090] Then, when measuring (e.g., by a voltmeter), the potential difference between the potential of a wire of a voltage measurement circuit connected to a leaf spring and a reference potential (e.g., the potential of another wire of the voltage measurement circuit or the potential of one of the first and second battery cell stack terminals of one of the battery cell stacks) can be monitored.

[0091] According to some embodiments of the battery pack, each leaf spring may be electrically connected to a wire of the voltage measurement circuit. In an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the voltage measurement circuit may further include further wires, wherein each of the first and second battery cell stack terminals is electrically connected to one of the further wires.

[0092] This allows for close-network monitoring of the voltage state of individual battery cells comprised in the stack, since the voltage (ie the potential difference) between the first and second terminals of each battery cell can then be measured.

[0093] According to some embodiments, the ends of the wires of the voltage measurement circuit can be bundled in a plug or socket. This allows a simple connection of the measurement circuit to an (external) device for monitoring the voltage state of the battery pack and / or its battery cells. The device for monitoring the voltage state can be a BMU or a BMS, or integrated in a BMU or a BMS.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the battery pack may further include a device for monitoring the voltage status of the battery pack and / or its battery cells.

[0095] In addition, the battery pack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be included in a battery system, wherein the battery system includes a device for monitoring the voltage state of the battery pack and / or its battery cells. According to some embodiments of such a battery system, the device for monitoring the voltage state is a BMU or a BMS, or is integrated in a BMU or a BMS.

[0096] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes at least one battery module and / or at least one battery system as described herein.

[0097] The vehicle may be a hybrid vehicle or a fully electric vehicle.

[0098] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for assembling a battery module, the method comprising one or more of the following: providing a plurality of battery cells, each of the battery cells comprising a shell having a parallelepiped shape, the shell having a pair of first lateral sides arranged opposite to each other, a pair of second lateral sides arranged opposite to each other and perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides, a first terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, and a second terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, the first terminal side and the second terminal side being arranged opposite to each other, wherein each of the first lateral sides has an area greater than that of each of the second lateral sides and greater than that of each of the first terminal side and the second terminal side, and each battery cell comprising a first terminal arranged on the first terminal side and a second terminal arranged on the second terminal side. two terminals; grouping the battery cells into a plurality of battery cell stacks, each stack comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row along a stacking direction predefined for the stack, wherein in each of the battery cell stacks, when viewed along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, the second terminal side of each battery cell except the last battery cell faces the first terminal side of a subsequently arranged battery cell; in at least one battery cell stack, for at least one pair of first terminal side and second terminal side and wherein the first terminal side of the pair faces the second terminal side of the pair, placing a leaf spring between a first terminal on the first terminal side of the pair and a second terminal on the second terminal side of the pair; pressing each of the battery cell stacks together along their respective stacking directions; fixing each of the battery cell stacks in the battery module while being pressed together according to step d).

[0099] According to some embodiments of the method, the method also includes, in all battery cell stacks, for at least one pair of first terminal sides and second terminal sides and wherein the first terminal sides of the pair face the second terminal sides of the pair, placing a leaf spring between a first terminal on the first terminal side of the pair and a second terminal on the second terminal side of the pair.

[0100] According to some embodiments of the method, the method further includes placing a leaf spring between a first terminal on the first terminal side of the pair and a second terminal on the second terminal side of the pair for each of the first terminal side and the second terminal side of the pair in all battery cell stacks and wherein the first terminal side of the pair faces the second terminal side of the pair.

[0101] According to some embodiments of the method, the method further comprises pre-compressing at least one leaf spring.

[0102] According to some embodiments of the method, the method further comprises arranging battery cell stacks one after another on a virtual plane, wherein the battery cell stacks are arranged one after another relative to a predetermined direction perpendicular to each stacking direction. According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise: placing a first carrier in front of a first battery cell stack when viewed along a predetermined direction, such that the first carrier abuts against the first battery cell stack. According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise: placing a second carrier behind a last battery cell stack when viewed along a predetermined direction, such that the second carrier abuts against the last battery cell stack. In addition, a separator may be placed between any two adjacent battery cell stacks.

[0103] According to some embodiments of the method, the method may further include adhering some or each of the battery cells with at least one of their respective first lateral sides to one of the first carrier or the second carrier and / or to one of the separators.

[0104] According to some embodiments, the method may include pressing the battery cells together onto the cell post surface and securing the battery cells in position.

[0105] Figure 1 2 shows a perspective view of a battery cell 210 used in a battery module for an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, for example. Figure 1 A Cartesian coordinate system with axes x, y and z is also depicted in FIG. The battery cell 210 shown has a prismatic (parallelepiped) shape substantially defined by a housing 210a. For example, the housing 210a is constructed of a can including six planar (or substantially planar) outer sides. The can or housing 210a includes a pair of congruent or parallel first lateral sides (in the pair, Figure 1 Only the side 14 facing the y direction is shown), and each first lateral side is perpendicular to the y-axis. In addition, the shell 210a includes a pair of equal or parallel second lateral sides arranged relative to each other (in this pair, only the side 16 facing the z direction is shown), and each second lateral side is perpendicular to the z-axis. Finally, the shell 210a includes a pair of equal or parallel third lateral sides arranged relative to each other (in this pair, only the side 11 facing the x direction is shown), and each third lateral side is perpendicular to the x-axis. In the example shown, the first lateral side has the largest area compared to the remaining sides of the shell 210a. In various embodiments, the size or area of ​​the first lateral side, the second lateral side, and the third lateral side may vary depending on the design of the battery cell 210.

[0106] The pair of second lateral sides includes a lower side or bottom side facing (against) the z-direction, and an upper side or top side 16 facing (into) the z-direction. On the upper side 16 of the housing 210a, a first terminal T1 and a second terminal T2 are arranged. The terminals T1 and T2 allow electrical connection of the battery cell 210. The first terminal T1 can be, for example, a positive terminal (positive electrode column) of the battery cell 210, and the second terminal T2 can be, for example, a negative terminal (negative electrode column) of the battery cell 210. In addition, between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2, an exhaust outlet V is arranged on the upper side 16. Therefore, in the following description, the upper side 16 will be referred to as the "exhaust side" of the battery cell 210 or its housing 210a.

[0107] In the event of a thermal event (such as thermal runaway) within the battery cell 210, exhaust gas may be ejected or discharged from the battery cell 210 through the exhaust outlet V. Within the battery cell 210, a valve may be installed upstream of the exhaust outlet V, the valve being configured to open based on the gas pressure within the battery cell 210 exceeding a value (e.g., a set or predetermined value) or a threshold pressure, otherwise, for example, when the gas pressure within the battery cell 210 is lower than the value (e.g., a set or predetermined value) or the threshold pressure, and remain in a closed state. Therefore, before being output via the exhaust outlet V, the exhaust gas may pass through the exhaust valve disposed inside the battery cell 210.

[0108] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates a battery module 100 (see Figure 4 ) is a perspective view of a battery cell 10 used in the present invention. The battery cell 10 includes the battery cell 10 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The housing 210a of the battery cell 210 described above is similar to the housing 10a. Therefore, except for the positions of the terminals T1 and T2, Figure 3 The structure and function of the battery cell 10 depicted in FIG. 1 correspond to those described above in FIG. Figure 1 structure and function explained in the context of Figure 1 The battery cell 210 shown is opposite. Figure 2 The battery cell 10 shown includes third lateral sides 11, 12 (i.e., perpendicular to the sides of the housing 10a). Figure 2 The first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 are arranged on the side of the housing 10a facing the x direction (i.e., the side perpendicular to the z direction) instead of on the second lateral side 16, 17 (i.e., the side perpendicular to the z direction). For example, the first terminal T1 is arranged on the first terminal side 11 of the housing 10a facing (against) the x direction, and the second terminal T2 is arranged on the second terminal side 12 of the housing 10a facing (into) the x direction (i.e., on the side opposite to the first terminal side 11). Therefore, according to some embodiments, as Figure 2As shown, the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 may be located on lateral sides (eg, relatively narrow lateral sides 11 and 12 ) of the battery cell 10 instead of the upper side 16 .

[0109] Note that in this battery cell form, the first lateral sides 14, 15 have the largest area compared to the remaining sides 11, 12, 16, 17 of the housing 10a, and the third lateral sides 11, 12 (on which the terminals T1, T2 are mounted) have the smallest area compared to the remaining sides 14, 15, 16, 17 of the housing 10a. Figure 3 The battery cell form shown in may be referred to as a “side-terminal battery cell.” Furthermore, the side 11 facing against the x-direction will be referred to as a “first terminal side,” and the opposite side 12 facing into the x-direction will be referred to as a “second terminal side.”

[0110] According to some embodiments of the side-electrode battery cell 10, the second terminal T2 may have a shape that is the same as the mirror image shape of the first terminal T1, the mirror image being performed relative to the yz plane of the coordinate system. In other embodiments, the second terminal T2 may have a shape that is different from the shape of the first terminal T1. However, in some embodiments, each of the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 presents a flat shape extending in a region of a plane parallel to the yz plane. When viewed along the x-direction, the first terminal T1 and / or the second terminal T2 may have a rectangular shape, such as a square.

[0111] According to some embodiments of the side-terminal battery cell 10, the battery cell 10 has an appearance that is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the battery cell 10 on a first virtual plane parallel to the yz plane of the coordinate system (where the first virtual plane is positioned at the center between the first terminal side surface 11 and the second terminal side surface 12 with respect to the x direction). In addition, the appearance of the battery cell 10 may be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the battery cell 10 on a second virtual plane parallel to the xz plane (where the second virtual plane is positioned at the center between the pair of first lateral side surfaces with respect to the y direction), and / or may be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the battery cell 10 on a third virtual plane parallel to the xy plane m (where the third virtual plane is positioned at the center between the pair of second lateral side surfaces with respect to the z direction), except for the exhaust outlet V.

[0112] Figure 3 Including (a) and (b), perspective views are shown schematically showing two adjacent battery cells 10 of a battery stack as may be implemented in an embodiment of a battery module according to the present disclosure. i and 10 i+1 Between the leaf spring 90 i Example of a cell-to-cell electrical connection. Figure 3, (b) provides an enlarged view of the cut-out portion W of (a). For example, Figure 3 Shown is a cell-to-cell connection using a "leaf spring" that compensates for compressive forces and thermal expansion.

[0113] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the i-th battery cell 10 i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 can be stacked along the x direction so that the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal side surface 12 i Facing the adjacent (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first battery side ( Figure 3 According to some embodiments, the battery cell stack may include further battery cells which are arranged in a corresponding manner after the i-th battery cell 10 when viewed in the x-axis direction of the coordinate system. i Before and (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 Thus, when a stack of battery cells contains a total number of N battery cells (where N is an integer and N ≥ 2), the pair of adjacent battery cells shown may be any pair of subsequent battery cells in the stack, i.e., the index i may be any number i∈{1,…,N–1}.

[0114] For example, a stack of battery cells may include N battery cells arranged in a row along a certain direction. Figure 3 In the example, the battery cells are stacked in the x-axis direction of the coordinate system. Figure 3 In the context of , the x direction may also be referred to as the “stacking direction”. Note that for the i-th battery cell 10 i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 Any one of the terminal sides (i.e., Figure 3 The battery cell 10 is arranged perpendicular to the x-axis. i , 10 i+1 The side surface) has a smaller surface than each first lateral side surface (ie, the battery cell 10 arranged perpendicular to the y-axis) i , 10 i+1 ) and each second lateral side (ie, the battery cell 10 arranged perpendicular to the y-axis i , 10 i+1 In addition, in the example shown, the i-th battery cell 10 i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The same shape.

[0115] As in Figure 3 As can be further seen in (a), the i-th battery cell 10i The second terminal T 2,i Arranged in the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal side surface 12 i Similarly, the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 Arranged at the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal side ( Figure 3 For example, the ith battery cell 10 i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 Each of the cells is a "side-column cell", i.e., it has Figure 2 The battery cell form of the battery cell shown is similar to the battery cell form. Note that in Figure 3 In the EMBODIMENTS, a first index (designating a terminal of a certain battery cell) and a second index (designating a battery cell in the stack according to the order along the stacking direction) are separated by a comma in the reference numerals of the terminals to avoid misunderstandings, such as confusion with multiplication.

[0116] According to some embodiments, with respect to the stacking direction (x direction), at the ith battery cell 10 i The second terminal side surface 12 i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 There is a gap or gap G between the sides of the first terminal i The second terminal T 2,i and the first terminal T 1,i+1 Each protrudes from opposite directions into the gap or clearance G i middle.

[0117] refer to Figure 3 , the second terminal T 2,i It can be the i-th battery cell 10 i The negative terminal (i.e., the electrically negative column), and the first terminal T 1,i+1 It can be the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 More generally, when the battery cell 10 shown is included, i , 10 i+1 The battery cell stack contains more than 10 battery cells as depicted. i and 10 i+1 With more battery cells, the second terminal of each of the battery cells (ie, each of the terminals facing the x-direction) may be a negative terminal, and the first terminal of each of the battery cells (ie, each of the terminals facing the x-direction) may be a positive terminal.

[0118] However, according to some embodiments, the second terminal T 2,1It can be the i-th battery cell 10 i The positive terminal (i.e., the electrically positive column) and the first terminal T 1,i+1 It can be the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 According to some embodiments, when the battery cell 10 shown is included, i , 10 i+1 The battery cell stack contains more than 10 battery cells as depicted. i and 10 i+1 With more battery cells, the second terminal of each of the battery cells (ie, each of the terminals facing the x-direction) may be a positive terminal, and the first terminal of each of the battery cells (ie, each of the terminals facing the x-direction) may be a negative terminal.

[0119] The i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 Both are shaped as flat rectangular areas extending parallel to the sides of the corresponding terminals on which they are arranged. i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 are arranged on their respective terminal sides so that the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 Relative to the gap or gap G between the battery cells shown i Positioned relative to each other.

[0120] According to the above arrangement of the terminals, the leaf spring 90 i Can be clamped or clipped to the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 between terminals T as shown in 1,i+1 and T 2,i A magnified view of the surrounding area Figure 3 This can be best seen in (b). Leaf spring 90 i Made of elastic and conductive material. For example, leaf spring 90 i It can be made of aluminum or copper. Therefore, when the leaf spring 90 i is clamped or clamped between two terminals T 1,i+1 and T 2,ibetween and therefore with terminal T 1,i+1 and T 2,i When each mechanical contact is made in i The second terminal T 2,i Can be achieved by leaf spring 90 i Electrically connected to the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 .

[0121] Leaf spring 90 i The leaf spring 90 has a planar shape (or a substantially planar shape), however, it includes one or more regions 94i protruding to and / or against the normal direction (i.e., the vertical direction) relative to the virtual plane. i The planar shape (or substantially planar shape) of the leaf spring 90 extends along the virtual plane. i is configured to be placed in the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 between the leaf spring 90 i The basic planar shape is parallel to the terminal arrangement.

[0122] The following will refer to Figures 5 and Figure 6 A more detailed description of Figure 3 The leaf spring 90 depicted in i In any case, the leaf spring 90 i When arranged in the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 When the two terminals are pressed toward each other with a force large enough, they are compressed (i.e., deformed). In other words, due to the action of the two terminals on the leaf spring 90 i Force on leaf spring 90 i On the other hand, due to the leaf spring 90 i The elasticity of the material (see above), leaf spring 90 i The restoring force tries to restore the leaf spring to its original shape (i.e., the leaf spring 90 that is not subjected to the load). i shape), thus exerting a force on each of the two terminals so as to press the two components away from each other.

[0123] Therefore, when the battery cell 10 shown i , 10 i+1The gap or clearance G between the opposing terminal sides i Reduce (for example, due to the battery cell 10 i , 10 i+1 thermal expansion or due to mechanical shock), the leaf spring 90 i In the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 between the compressed (or, if the leaf spring 90 i has been pre-compressed, it will enter a more compressed state). Therefore, the leaf spring 90 i Ensure that the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 The electrical connection between them is maintained even when there is a gap or a gap G i The battery cell 10 shown i ,10 i+1 The predefined optimal distance or nominal distance between the opposite terminal sides can be reduced or temporarily reduced compared to the predefined optimal distance or nominal distance between the opposite terminal sides. The predefined optimal distance or nominal distance can be when the properly functioning battery module drives a predefined electrical load while being in an environment with a set or predefined temperature, the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal side surface 12 i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 Alternatively, the predefined optimal distance or nominal distance may be the distance between the sides of the first terminals of the i-th battery cell 10 when the battery module is not operating and is again located in an environment with a set or predefined temperature. i The second terminal side surface 12 i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The distance between the side surfaces of the first terminal.

[0124] In the battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal side surface 12 i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 When the distance between the side surfaces of the first terminals is the predefined optimal distance or nominal distance as described above, the battery cell 90 i In the pre-compression state. Figure 3 In (a), two arrows P1 and P2 are indicated, and the arrows P1 and P2 should respectively represent the action on the i-th battery cell 10 i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1The battery cells 10 are pushed toward each other by the force (in opposite directions) on the battery cells 10. i ,10 i+1 The same force transmitted by the (rigid) housing then acts on the terminal T 1,i+1 and T 2,i on, thereby pre-compressing the terminal T 1,i+1 and T 2,i Leaf spring 90 i It should be understood that this can be applied accordingly to the arrangement of the battery cell 10 shown. i and 10 i+1 Then, during the manufacture of embodiments of a battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery cell stack can be implemented into a battery module such that one or more pre-compressed leaf springs are then arranged between corresponding pairs of (opposite terminals of) adjacent battery cells of the stack.

[0125] Therefore, according to some embodiments, when the battery cell 10 shown i , 10 i+1 The gap or clearance G between the opposing terminal sides i Reduce (for example, due to the battery cell 10 i , 10 i+1 thermal expansion or due to mechanical shock), the leaf spring 90 i In the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 Therefore, the leaf spring 90 i It can be operated to ensure that the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 The electrical connection between them is maintained even when there is a gap or a gap G i The battery cell 10 shown i , 10 i+1 The predefined optimal distance or nominal distance between the opposing terminal sides can be reduced or temporarily decreased when compared.

[0126] On the other hand, when the battery cell 10 shown i , 10 i+1 The gap or clearance G between the opposing terminal sides i Increase (e.g., due to cooling of the battery cell 10 i , 10 i+1When the thermal expansion is reduced or due to mechanical shock), the leaf spring 90 i The i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 and thus maintains contact with the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 Mechanical contact (as long as the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 The distance between the leaf spring 90 does not become greater than when it is in its uncompressed state, i.e., not subjected to any mechanical load. i The extension length in the x direction is sufficient). Therefore, the leaf spring 90 i Can operate to ensure or maintain the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i With the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 The electrical connection between them is maintained even when there is a gap or a gap G i The battery cell 10 shown i ,10 i+1 The predefined optimum distance or nominal distance between the opposing terminal sides can be increased or temporarily increased when compared.

[0127] As will be referenced below Figure 5A , 5B and Figure 6 Described in more detail, the leaf spring 90 i may include a leaf spring configured to i The i-th battery cell 10 is clamped, compressed or clamped i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 The portion that protrudes between the terminals.

[0128] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the leaf spring 90 i The first part of 92a i is clamped or clamped on the i-th battery cell 10 i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T1,i+1 Between, and leaf spring 90 i The second part of 92b i The second portion 92 protrudes downward from between the two terminals (relative to the z-axis). i Can be configured to be used as a connector for electrical wires or electrical conduits. That is, the second portion 92 i Then, the voltage between the leaf spring 901 and a reference potential (eg, the potential of another leaf spring arranged between another pair of battery cells or the potential of one of the first and second battery cell stack terminals of one of the battery cell stacks) can be measured.

[0129] For example, a voltmeter (via wires connected to the leaf spring 90 i The second part of 92b i The voltage can be measured by a suitable monitoring device (such as a BMU or BMS). i and another potential (eg, arranged in a pair of battery cells 10 shown in FIG. i , 10 i+1 A first terminal of a first battery cell in a battery cell stack, or a first terminal of a predetermined battery cell of the entire battery module, for example, Figure 4 The first battery cell 10 of the battery module 100 is shown 11 The first terminal T 1,11 ) can provide a voltage different from the maximum voltage of the battery module.

[0130] Figure 4 A schematic exploded view of a battery module 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The battery module 100 includes three battery cell stacks 110, 120, 130, each battery cell stack including a row of four individual battery cells, which are arranged sequentially or arranged sequentially aligned with each other in a manner parallel or anti-parallel to the x-direction of the coordinate system. That is, according to some embodiments, multiple battery cell stacks 110, 120 and 130 can be arranged adjacent to each other and aligned parallel to each other.

[0131] For example, the first battery cell stack 110 includes a first battery cell 10 11 , second battery cell 10 21 , third battery cell 10 31 and the fourth battery cell 10 41 , which are arranged in the x-axis direction in the order mentioned above. 11 , 10 21 , 1031 and 10 41 Each of the above references is designed similarly to Figure 2 The side-terminal battery cell described. Battery cell 10 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 and 10 41 Each of the first terminals is oriented so that its first terminal side (its first terminal T 1,11 , T 1,21 , T 1,31 , T 1,41 arranged thereon) faces the x direction, and its second terminal side (its second terminal is arranged thereon; the second terminal of the battery cell of the first battery cell stack 110 is at Figure 4 Therefore, the battery cell 10 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 and 10 41 The battery cells are stacked such that, for any pair of adjacent battery cells, the second terminal of one of the adjacent battery cells (i.e., the battery cell arranged before the other battery cell in the pair of battery cells when viewed from the x-direction) is arranged to be opposite to and face the first terminal of the other battery cell in the pair of battery cells. However, for any pair of adjacent battery cells, the leaf spring is arranged between their facing pair of terminals, as described above with reference to Figure 3 Already described.

[0132] refer to Figure 4 , first leaf spring 90 11 Arranged in the first battery cell 10 11 The second terminal and the second battery cell 10 21 The first terminal T 1,21 Similarly, the second leaf spring 90 21 Arranged in the second battery cell 10 21 The second terminal of the third battery cell 10 31 The first terminal T 1,31 and the third leaf spring 90 31 Arranged in the third battery cell 10 31 The second terminal of the fourth battery cell 10 41 The first terminal T 1,41 Therefore, if Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of leaf springs 90 may be positioned or sandwiched between adjacent aligned ones of the battery cells of the first battery cell stack 110 , which are aligned and electrically connected in parallel to provide electrical connection between adjacent battery cells.

[0133] In order to stack the battery cells 10 of the first battery cell stack 11011 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 The first battery cell stack 110 is held in place relative to the y direction and is placed between the first carrier 41 and the first separator 51. Each of the first carrier 41 and the first separator 51 extends parallel to the xz plane of the coordinate system. In the assembled state of the battery module 100, the first carrier 41 abuts against the battery cells 10. 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 Each first lateral side of the battery cell 10 is facing the y direction, and the first separator 51 is against the battery cell 10 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 The first carrier 41 and the first separator 51 are structural components of the battery module 100, i.e., they provide mechanical stability for the battery module 100. The battery module 100 includes a second carrier 42 and a further (or second) separator 52, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0134] Although in Figure 4 The first battery cell stack 110 is shown in an exploded manner, but its components (ie, the four battery cells 10 described above) are 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 and three leaf springs 90 11 , 90 21 , 90 31 ) are actually adjacent to each other and compressed against each other in the assembled state, so that the first leaf spring 90 11 、Second leaf spring 90 21 and the third leaf spring 90 31 Any one of the first and second terminals of the two battery cells arranged near the corresponding leaf springs is sandwiched between them. In addition, the first battery cell stack 110 is implemented into the battery module 100 in a compressed state relative to the x direction. Figure 4 The arrows X1 and X2 represent the first battery cell 10 acting on the first battery cell stack 110. 11 and the last (fourth) battery cell 10 41 force in the opposite direction.

[0135] Such a force may be established, for example, by implementing a pair of end plates in the battery module 100, each end plate extending parallel to the yz plane and one end plate abutting (directly or indirectly) against the first battery cell 10.11 The other end plate (directly or indirectly) abuts against the last (fourth) battery cell 10. 41 When these forces pass through the battery cell 10 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 When the housing passes through the entire first battery cell stack 110, each elastic leaf spring is deformed and clamped between a corresponding pair of adjacent terminals.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally, the battery cells 10 of the first battery cell stack 110 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 Each or at least some of the housings may be formed by their respective first lateral sides (i.e., parallel to Figure 4 At least one of their large sides arranged in the xz plane in the embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the first carrier 41 and / or the first partition plate 51. Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the battery cell 10 of the first battery cell stack 110 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 Any one of them passes through the corresponding adhesive layer 20 11 , 20 21 , 20 31 , 20 41 The battery cells 10 of the first battery cell stack 110 are also glued to the first carrier 41. 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 Any of the first battery cells 10 may be glued or otherwise mechanically fixed to the first separator 51, for example, by a corresponding adhesive layer or adhesive material (or other mechanical coupling mechanism). 11 The housing can be formed by the first adhesive layer 20 11 Glued to the first carrier 41, the first adhesive layer 20 11 Arranged in the first battery cell 10 11 The first battery cell 10 is disposed between the first lateral side surface facing (against) the y direction and the side surface of the first carrier 41 facing (into) the y direction. 11 The housing of the battery cell 10 may be glued to the first separator 51 by another adhesive layer, which is arranged on the first battery cell 10 11The remaining second, third and fourth battery cells 10 of the first battery cell stack 110 are located between the first lateral side surface of the first separator 51 facing into the y direction and the side surface of the first separator 51 facing against the y direction. 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 The fixing or fastening of each of the battery cells is achieved in a corresponding manner. 11 , 10 21 , 10 31 , 10 41 (At least the first battery cell 10 11 and the fourth battery cell 10 41 ) is fixed or fastened to the first carrier 41 and / or the first partition plate 51, then the end plate may not be utilized or required.

[0137] Acting on leaf spring 90 11 , 90 21 , 90 31 The force on the leaf spring can also 11 , 90 21 , 90 31 Each of the leaf springs 90 is held in position relative to the y-direction and / or the z-direction. Alternatively or additionally, the leaf spring 90 11 , 90 21 , 90 31 Can be fixed or fastened in other ways to avoid the leaf spring 90 11 , 90 21 , 90 31 displaced parallel to the yz plane (eg by gluing their parts to a part of at least one adjacent terminal).

[0138] The arrangement of the second battery cell stack 120 and the third battery cell stack 130 (ie, the assembly of their respective battery cells and leaf springs) is similar to the arrangement of the first battery cell stack 110 explained above. For example, the second battery cell stack 120 includes four individual battery cells 10 12 , 10 22 , 10 32 , 10 42 and three additional leaf springs, and the third battery cell stack 130 includes four individual battery cells 10 13 , 10 23 , 10 33 , 10 43 However, it should be noted that the battery stacking direction of the second battery cell stack 120 is opposite to that of the first battery cell stack 110, that is, for each battery cell 10 included in the second battery cell stack 120, 12 , 10 22, 10 32 , 10 42 Each of the battery cells 100 includes a first terminal side of the battery cell stack 130 and a second terminal side of the battery cell stack 130. The first terminal side of the battery cell stack 130 includes a first terminal side of the battery cell stack 130 and a second terminal side of the battery cell stack 130. The first terminal side of the battery cell stack 130 includes a first terminal side of the battery cell stack 130 and a second terminal side of the battery cell stack 130. 13 , 10 23 , 10 33 , 10 43 In each of the MOSFETs, the corresponding first terminal side surface and the corresponding first terminal face (against) the x-direction, and the corresponding second terminal side surface and the corresponding second terminal face (into) the x-direction.

[0139] The battery cell 10 of the second battery cell stack 120 12 , 10 22 , 10 32 , 10 42 Each of the battery cells 10 is sandwiched between the first separator 51 and the second separator 52. 13 , 10 23 , 10 33 , 10 43 Each of the second carrier 42 and the second separator 52 extends parallel to the xz plane of the coordinate system. Therefore, the battery cells 10 of the second battery cell stack 120 12 , 10 22 , 10 32 , 10 42 and the battery cell 10 of the third battery cell stack 130 13 , 10 23 , 10 33 , 10 43 Each is held in position relative to the y-direction, ie they are protected against movement in or against the y-direction. The second carrier 42 as well as the second separator 52 are structural components of the battery module 100 , ie they provide mechanical stability to the battery module 100 .

[0140] Together with the first carrier 41 and the first separator 51, the second carrier 42 and the second separator 52, the entire battery module 100 is stabilized, and each of the first, second and third battery cell stacks 110, 120, 130 is protected from displacement in the Y direction. The first carrier 41 can be implemented into the battery module 100 so that it will direct a specific force in the y direction (in Figure 4The battery module 100 is applied to the first battery cell stack 110 and thus to the entirety of the battery cell stacks included in the battery module 100.

[0141] Accordingly, the second carrier 42 can be implemented into the battery module 100 so that it will direct a certain force against the y direction (at Figure 4 The forces provided by the first carrier 41 and the second carrier 42 can provide pressure against thermal expansion of each of the individual battery cells along the y-direction, and thus can protect the individual battery cells from deformation (or excessive deformation) (i.e., from deformation that would disperse, move, or damage the corresponding battery cells).

[0142] Similar to the first battery cell stack 110, the second battery cell stack 120 and the third battery cell stack 130 are each implemented in the battery module 100 while being in a compressed state. 11 , 90 21 , 90 31 ) may be transferred to the second battery cell stack 120 and the third battery cell stack 130 (and implemented into the corresponding leaf springs in the first battery cell stack 120 and the second battery cell stack 130) in a corresponding manner.

[0143] Furthermore, compression of the first battery cell stack 110 and the second battery cell stack 120 may be achieved in the assembled battery module 100 by end plates placed at respective ends of these battery cell stacks. Alternatively or additionally, the individual battery cells 10 of the second battery cell stack 120 may be compressed. 12 , 10 22 , 10 32 , 10 42 Each of the battery cells 10 of the second battery cell stack 120 may be fixed or fastened to the first separator 51 and / or the second separator 52 by at least one of their respective first lateral sides of their housing. The fixing or mechanical fastening may be achieved by an adhesive layer (or other suitable mechanical connection or fastening mechanism), similar to the manner explained above with respect to the first battery cell stack 110. 12 , 10 22 , 10 32 , 10 42 Fixed to the first baffle plate 51 and / or the second baffle plate 52, the end plates may not be used or required.

[0144] In addition, each battery cell 10 of the third battery cell stack 13013 , 10 23 , 10 33 , 10 43 Each of the battery cells 10 of the third battery cell stack 130 may be fixed to the second separator 52 and / or the second carrier 42 via at least one of their respective first lateral sides of their housing. The fixing may be achieved by an adhesive layer (or other suitable mechanical connection or fastening mechanism), similar to the manner explained above with respect to the first battery cell stack 110. 13 , 10 23 , 10 33 , 10 43 secured to the second spacer 52 and / or the second carrier 42, then no end plates may be used or required.

[0145] As explained above, the cell stacking directions of the three battery cell stacks 110, 120, 130 arranged subsequently in the y direction are alternating. 41 The second terminal of the battery cell 10 can be connected to the battery cell 10 via the first connecting plate 61 made of conductive material. 12 The first terminal is electrically connected to the battery cell 10 12 The first terminal of the second battery cell stack 110 has a first position in the second battery cell stack 120 relative to the stacking direction of the second battery cell stack 120 (i.e., opposite to the direction of the x-axis). For example, the first connecting plate 61 may be welded to the above-mentioned terminal. 41 and the first battery cell 10 of the second battery cell stack 120 12 Arranged adjacent to each other with respect to the y-direction, the size of the first connecting plate 61 can be relatively small.

[0146] Accordingly, the battery cell 10 42 The second terminal T having a last (fourth) position in the second battery cell stack 120 relative to the stacking direction of the second battery cell stack 120 (ie, opposite to the direction of the x-axis) 2,42 The battery cell 10 can be connected to the second connecting plate 62 made of a conductive material. 13 The first terminal T having a first position in the third battery cell stack 130 relative to the stacking direction of the third battery cell stack 130 (ie, the direction of the x-axis) 1,13 For example, the second connecting plate 62 may be welded to the above-mentioned terminals. 42 and the first battery cell 10 of the third battery cell stack 130 13 Arranged adjacent to each other with respect to the y-direction, the size of the second connecting plate 62 can be only small.

[0147] It should be understood that, as mentioned above Figure 4 The arrangement of the battery cell stacks and the concept of the arrangement of the individual battery cells included in these battery cell stacks explained by the embodiment of the battery module 100 shown can be generalized. For example, instead of using four individual battery cells per battery cell stack, the total number N (where N is an integer, N ≥ 2 and N ≠ 4) of battery cells per battery stack can be changed according to various embodiments and according to the design of the battery module 100.

[0148] Moreover, the number of battery cell stacks employed can be varied. That is, in embodiments of battery modules according to the present disclosure, any total number M of battery cell stacks (where M ≥ 1) can be used. In embodiments where only a total number M of battery cell stacks are employed, a total number M-1 of separators can be used. Thus, when only a single battery cell stack is used, no separator is required, as the single battery cell stack can then be held in place by a pair of carriers, with the single battery cell stack sandwiched between the pair of carriers.

[0149] In such an embodiment, in which a total number of M pairs of battery cell stacks (and therefore, each individual battery cell) are electrically connected in series, it is desirable that the battery cell stacks be arranged one after another in alternating stacking directions (or stacking orientations), such as Figure 4 The present invention is described in the context of a battery module 100 including M=3 battery cell stacks.

[0150] However, according to some embodiments, in which battery cell stacks should be connected in parallel (while for each stack, the individual battery cells included in the stack are still connected in series), the battery cell stacks can be arranged one after another with the same stacking direction. Then, the outermost first terminals of all battery cell stacks point in the same direction, and the outermost second terminals of all battery cell stacks point in the opposite direction. Therefore, the outermost first terminals of all battery cell stacks can be connected using a single first bus bar, and correspondingly, the outermost second terminals of all battery cell stacks can be connected using a single second bus bar.

[0151] As referenced above Figure 3 As already indicated, at least one of the leaf springs arranged between the pairs of facing terminals can be equipped with a portion serving as a connector for an electric wire or electrical conduit. Thus, for each of these connectors (i.e., as shown below in FIGS. 5 and 6 ), Figure 6 The voltage between the connector and the reference potential can be measured and monitored. In addition, when a different leaf spring and another potential (e.g., the first battery cell 10 of the first battery cell stack 110) are connected, the voltage between the connector and the reference potential can be measured and monitored. 11 The first terminal T 1,11or the last battery cell 10 of the third battery cell stack 130 43 When tapping the voltage between the second terminal of the battery module 100, the battery module 100 can provide different voltages.

[0152] Figure 4 The above description can be summarized as follows. Figure 4 An exploded view of an example of a short module with a carrier and partitions is schematically shown. For the leaf springs, fusion welding may not be used or required. According to some embodiments, fusion-welded bus bars 61, 62 may be used only for the electrical connections at the ends of the battery cell stacks 110, 120, 130. All battery cell stacks and leaf springs can be pre-compressed together and fixed in their positions by gluing to form a module. The partitions 51, 52 have two functions in the battery module: (i) separating the individual battery cells to prevent heat propagation, and (ii) providing structural components in the battery module 100.

[0153] Figure 5A and 5B An example of a leaf spring 90 that may be used in an embodiment of a battery module according to the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 5A A perspective view of leaf spring 90 is provided, and Figure 5B It is along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the same leaf spring 90 taken parallel to the xz plane along the dashed line AA. The leaf spring 90 includes a body 92 formed as a substantially planar rectangular plate made of a conductive and mechanically elastic material. The material may be aluminum or copper. In FIG. 5 , the body 92 extends parallel to the yz plane of the coordinate system. However, the body 92 includes a recessed area 94 that protrudes from the remaining area of ​​the body 92 in the opposite direction to the x-direction. The leaf spring 90 is made of a piece of material. That is, according to some embodiments, the leaf spring 90 may be formed of a single molded conductive material or component. Figure 5A and 5B In the example shown, the recessed area 94 itself is formed as or at least comprises a planar area B.

[0154] The leaf spring 90 may be configured to clamp or grip between two terminals of two adjacent battery cells (e.g., Figure 3 The i-th battery cell 10 shown i The second terminal T 2,i and the (i+1)th battery cell 10 i+1 The first terminal T 1,i+1 ), each of the two terminals has a substantially flat or planar surface that also extends parallel to the yz plane of the coordinate system. Since the material of the leaf spring 90 is conductive, when the leaf spring 90 is clamped between the two terminals, the leaf spring 90 establishes an electrical connection between the two terminals.

[0155] exist Figure 5A and 5B , the leaf spring 90 is shown as being in an uncompressed state. However, when the leaf spring 90 is clamped or compressed between the two terminals facing each other, the leaf spring 90 may become relatively deformed compared to its uncompressed state. The leaf spring 90 may be deformed between the two terminals so that the recessed area 94 is pushed into the x-direction, so that the total extension of the leaf spring 90 along the x-direction becomes smaller than that in the uncompressed state. However, because the material of the leaf spring 90 may be elastic (or have a spring stiffness or resistance to compression), the leaf spring 90 may expand again to a certain extent relative to the x-direction (i.e., the extension of the uncompressed leaf spring 90 along the x-direction). In this way, the leaf spring 90 can achieve a safe and reliable electrical connection between the two terminals, provided that the gap does not exceed the extension of the leaf spring 90 in its uncompressed state.

[0156] According to some embodiments, the dimensions of the leaf spring 90 with respect to the y-direction and / or the z-direction can be larger than the area of ​​the terminal between which the leaf spring 90 is intended to be placed. For example, the area of ​​the terminal can correspond to the area of ​​the first portion 92a of the leaf spring 90 (the portion of the body 92 above the dotted line XX in Figure 5). The recessed area 94 is arranged on the first portion 92a. Then, when the leaf spring 90 is clamped or compressed between two terminals, only the first portion 92a can be clamped between the terminals, while the remaining second portion 92b of the leaf spring 90 (the portion of the body 92 below the dotted line XX) protrudes from between the terminals. Therefore, the second portion 92b can be used as a connector for electrical wires (such as wires, bus bars, etc.). This allows monitoring or tapping the voltage between the potential of the leaf spring 90 and a reference potential, as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Already explained.

[0157] If the leaf spring 90 is configured such that the two terminals sandwiched or clamped therebetween exhibit a flat or planar shape extending parallel to the yz plane of the depicted coordinate system, the leaf spring 90 is configured to be arranged between these terminals in a certain orientation so that the planar (or substantially planar) body 92 also extends parallel to the yz plane, as shown in FIG. 5. However, in this case, the recessed area 94 may also protrude into the x-direction instead of protruding from the surrounding portion of the body 92 against the x-direction (as shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 5B shown).

[0158] Furthermore, the number and / or shape of the recessed portions used in the leaf spring embodiments may vary. For example, Figure 6 Schematically shows a cross section of another embodiment of a leaf spring 90', which may be implemented in a battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar to the leaf spring 90 of FIG. 5, Figure 6The leaf spring 90' includes a body 92 extending along the yz plane relative to the coordinate system shown. Similarly, the body 92 includes a first portion 92a and a second portion 92b, the first portion 92a being configured to be sandwiched or clamped between two facing terminals of a pair of adjacent battery cells, and the second portion 92b being configured to serve as a connector for wires or electrical conduits. However, compared to the leaf spring 90 shown in FIG. 5 which includes only a single recessed area 94, Figure 6 The leaf spring 90' comprises four recesses 941, 942, 943, 944 which protrude from the body 92 against the x-direction and are arranged in a corrugated or wavy region 94' of the body 92. The corrugated or wavy region 94' is arranged only on the first portion 92a.

[0159] Various aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted only in a general and descriptive sense, and not for limiting purposes. In some cases, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when submitting this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, the features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with the features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0160] Description of some reference symbols

[0161] 10 Battery Cells

[0162] 10 i , 10 ij Battery cell (where i and j represent integers)

[0163] 10a Housing

[0164] 11 Side of the first terminal

[0165] 12 i Second terminal side 14 One of the two opposite first transverse sides 16 One of the two opposite second transverse sides 20 ij Adhesive layer

[0166] 41 First Carrier

[0167] 42 Second carrier

[0168] 51 First partition

[0169] 52 Second partition

[0170] 61 First connecting plate

[0171] 62 Second connecting plate

[0172] 90,90' Leaf Spring 90 i ,90 ij Leaf spring (where i and j represent natural numbers)

[0173] 92,92 i The main body of the leaf spring

[0174] 92a, 92a i Part I

[0175] 92b, 92b i Part 2

[0176] 94 Recessed Area 94' Wrinkled or corrugated area 94'

[0177] 100 Battery Module

[0178] 110 First battery cell stack

[0179] 120 Second battery cell stack

[0180] 130 Third battery cell stack

[0181] 210 Battery Cell

[0182] 210a Housing

[0183] 941,942,943,944 Recessed

[0184] AA Dashed Line

[0185] B plane area

[0186] G i Gap or gap

[0187] P1,P2 Arrow

[0188] T1 first terminal

[0189] T 1,i ,T 1,ij First terminal (where i and j represent integers)

[0190] T2 Second terminal

[0191] T 2,i ,T 2,ij Second terminal (where i and j represent integers)

[0192] V Exhaust outlet

[0193] W Cut out

[0194] XX dotted line

[0195] X1, X2 arrows

[0196] Y1, Y2 arrows

[0197] x,y,z axes of the Cartesian coordinate system

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: at least one battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row along a stacking direction predefined for the stack; Each of the battery cells includes a housing having a parallelepiped shape, which has a pair of first lateral sides arranged opposite to each other, a pair of second lateral sides arranged opposite to each other and perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides, a first terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, and a second terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, the first terminal side and the second terminal side being arranged opposite to each other, wherein each of the first lateral sides has an area greater than that of each of the second lateral sides and greater than that of each of the first terminal side and the second terminal side; Each battery cell includes a first terminal disposed on a first terminal side thereof and a second terminal disposed on a second terminal side thereof; wherein, in each of the battery cell stacks, when viewed along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, the second terminal side surface of each battery cell except the last battery cell faces the first terminal side surface of the subsequently arranged battery cell; Wherein, the battery module further comprises one or more leaf springs made of conductive elastic material; Wherein, in at least one battery cell stack, at least for a pair of first terminal sides and second terminal sides and wherein the first terminal side of the pair faces the second terminal side of the pair, one of the leaf springs is clamped between the first terminal on the first terminal side of the pair and the second terminal on the second terminal side of the pair.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein for each pair of first terminal side surfaces and second terminal side surfaces and wherein the first terminal side surfaces of the pair face the second terminal side surfaces of the pair, one of the leaf springs is clamped between the first terminal on the first terminal side surfaces of the pair and the second terminal on the second terminal side surfaces of the pair.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: At least some of the leaf springs arranged between the first terminal on the first terminal side and the second terminal on the second terminal side and wherein the first terminal side faces the second terminal side are pre-compressed relative to the stacking direction of the battery cell stack including corresponding ones of the leaf springs.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The battery module includes at least one stack of battery cells; Wherein, each group of battery cell stacks includes a plurality of battery cell stacks; Wherein, the battery module further comprises one or more separators; Wherein, for each group, the stacking directions of each battery cell stack of the group are parallel or anti-parallel to each other; wherein, for each group, the battery cell stacks of the group are arranged adjacent to each other on a virtual plane along a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cell stacks of the group; For each group, a separator is arranged between any two adjacent battery cell stacks.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: At least one separator is a structural part of the battery module.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the separators is made of an electrically insulating material.

7. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: At least one partition is made of a thermally insulating material.

8. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: For any pre-compressed leaf spring, two battery cells adjacent to the leaf spring with respect to a stacking direction of the battery cell stack including the adjacent battery cells are adhered to at least one adjacent separator.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, in, The battery module includes at least two battery cells stacked; wherein, for each of the battery cell stacks, when viewed along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, a first battery cell stack terminal is formed by the first terminal of the first battery cell arranged in the battery cell stack, and a second battery cell stack terminal is formed by the second terminal of the last battery cell arranged in the battery cell stack; Wherein, the battery module further comprises at least one connecting plate; Therein, each of the connection plates electrically connects a group of at least two battery cell stacks, because for each battery cell stack in the group of at least two battery cell stacks, the first battery cell stack terminal or the second battery cell stack terminal is fixed to the connection plate.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the leaf springs is formed as a substantially planar plate or a substantially planar disk having at least one recess.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the leaf springs is made of aluminum or copper. 12 . A battery pack comprising one or more battery modules according to claim 1 .

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, Also included is a voltage measurement circuit; wherein the voltage measurement circuit comprises at least one wire; and At least one of the leaf springs is electrically connected to an electrical wire.

14. A vehicle comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for assembling a battery module, the method comprising: A plurality of battery cells are provided, each of the battery cells comprising: a housing having a parallelepiped shape and having a pair of first lateral sides arranged opposite to each other, a pair of second lateral sides arranged opposite to each other and perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides, a first terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, and a second terminal side perpendicular to each of the first lateral sides and each of the second lateral sides, the first terminal side and the second terminal side being arranged opposite to each other, wherein each of the first lateral sides has an area greater than that of each of the second lateral sides and greater than that of each of the first terminal side and the second terminal side, and each of the battery cells comprises a first terminal arranged on the first terminal side and a second terminal arranged on the second terminal side; grouping the battery cells into a plurality of battery cell stacks, each of the battery cell stacks comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row along a stacking direction predefined for the stack, wherein in each of the battery cell stacks, when viewed along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, the second terminal side of each battery cell except the last battery cell faces the first terminal side of a subsequently arranged battery cell; In at least one battery cell stack, for at least one pair of first terminal side and second terminal side with the first terminal side of the pair facing the second terminal side of the pair, placing a leaf spring between the first terminal on the first terminal side of the pair and the second terminal on the second terminal side of the pair; pressing each of the battery cell stacks together along their respective stacking directions; Each of the battery cell stacks is fixed in the battery module while being pressed together.

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