Battery pack, electric equipment and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack, an electrical device, and a method for manufacturing the battery pack, where the battery pack includes a case having cross beams and longitudinal beams, the cross beams defining a plurality of transverse rows, the longitudinal beams defining a plurality of longitudinal columns, the cross beams and the longitudinal beams collectively delimit a plurality of sub-chambers in which battery modules are respectively received, each battery module comprises a plurality of battery rows in the longitudinal direction, each battery row comprises a plurality of battery units in the transverse direction, each battery unit is a single battery monomer or is formed by connecting a plurality of battery monomers in parallel, the longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal beams, and the transverse direction is parallel to the transverse beams; the battery modules in at least one column are electrically connected in a first connection mode, in the same battery module, the multiple battery units in the same battery row are electrically connected in sequence, and the end battery units on the same side of the adjacent battery rows are electrically connected. Therefore, high voltage difference points in the battery module are reduced, the internal space utilization rate of the box body of the battery pack is improved, and the safety of the battery pack is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of power batteries and energy storage technology, and in particular to a battery pack, an electrical device comprising such a battery pack, and a method for manufacturing such a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] Power batteries, such as automotive power batteries, can be composed of a certain number of battery cells stacked on each other in series and parallel. Taking the battery module as a unit, there may be a high voltage difference between the shells or modules of adjacent battery cells, which is not conducive to the operational safety and reliability of the battery pack. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of the battery pack, especially in the design, manufacturing and use of high-voltage battery packs, it is necessary to pay attention to and take necessary measures to reduce the above-mentioned pressure difference value and improve the operational safety of the battery pack.

[0003] It should be noted that the content introduced here only provides background information related to the present disclosure and does not necessarily belong to the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to different aspects, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack, an electric device including the battery pack, and a method for manufacturing the battery pack.

[0005] In addition, the present invention is also intended to solve or alleviate other technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, a battery pack is provided, comprising a box body having a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam, wherein the crossbeam defines a plurality of cross rows, the longitudinal beam defines a plurality of longitudinal columns, the crossbeam and the longitudinal beam jointly limit a plurality of sub-chambers, and battery modules are respectively accommodated in the sub-chambers, wherein each battery module comprises a plurality of battery rows along a longitudinal direction, each battery row comprises a plurality of battery cells along a transverse direction, the battery cells are single battery cells or are formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel, the longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal beam, and the transverse direction is parallel to the crossbeam,

[0007] Among them, at least one vertical column of battery modules is electrically connected in a first connection mode, wherein, in the same battery module, multiple battery cells in the same battery row are electrically connected in sequence and end battery cells on the same side of adjacent battery rows are electrically connected.

[0008] In the battery pack proposed according to the first aspect of the present application, optionally, the number of the multiple vertical columns is an even number, and the battery modules in each vertical column are electrically connected in the first connection manner, wherein the end battery cells of the battery modules in adjacent vertical columns that are on the same side along the longitudinal direction are electrically connected to each other, so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack are on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] In the battery pack proposed according to the first aspect of the present application, optionally, the number of the multiple vertical columns is an odd number, wherein the battery modules in one vertical column are electrically connected in a second connection manner, and the battery modules in the remaining vertical columns are electrically connected in the first connection manner, wherein in the second connection manner, the battery modules in the vertical column are divided into two sub-columns, and the end battery cells of the two sub-columns located on the same side in the longitudinal direction are electrically connected, wherein one of the sub-columns has a battery cell in the transverse direction and is electrically connected in sequence in the longitudinal direction, so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack are on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] In the battery pack proposed according to the first aspect of the present application, optionally, adjacent battery modules are electrically connected via a metal bar spanning a crossbeam or a longitudinal beam of the box body.

[0011] In the battery pack proposed according to the first aspect of the present application, optionally, the metal bar includes a main body and a connecting portion extending from the main body, the main body is retained on the box body, and the connecting portion is electrically connected to the battery cell, wherein an insulating member is provided on the main body or on the box body or between the main body and the box body to form an insulating isolation between the box body and the metal bar.

[0012] In the battery pack according to the first aspect of the present application, optionally, an insulating member is at least partially provided on the side of the box body facing the battery cell.

[0013] Alternatively, the side surface of the box body facing the battery cell is spaced apart from the battery cell by a preset gap to form insulation isolation.

[0014] In the battery pack proposed according to the first aspect of the present application, optionally, it also includes a sampling device, which extends along the longitudinal direction and is arranged on both sides of the battery module.

[0015] In the battery pack proposed according to the first aspect of the present application, optionally, the rated voltage level of the battery pack is greater than or equal to 300V.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present application, an electric device is also provided, which includes the battery pack described above.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present application, a method for manufacturing a battery pack is also proposed, wherein the battery pack comprises a box body having a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam, wherein the crossbeam defines a plurality of cross rows, wherein the longitudinal beam defines a plurality of longitudinal columns, wherein the crossbeam and the longitudinal beam jointly limit a plurality of sub-chambers, wherein battery modules are correspondingly accommodated in the sub-chambers, wherein each battery module comprises a plurality of battery rows along a longitudinal direction, wherein each battery row comprises a plurality of battery cells along a transverse direction, wherein the battery cells are single battery cells or are formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel, wherein the longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal beam, and the transverse direction is parallel to the crossbeam,

[0018] Wherein, the method comprises the following steps:

[0019] Electrically connecting the battery modules in each column;

[0020] The end battery cells of the battery modules of adjacent columns that are located on the same side along the longitudinal direction are electrically connected to each other.

[0021] When electrically connecting the battery modules in each vertical column, at least one vertical column of battery modules is electrically connected in a first connection mode, wherein, in the same battery module, multiple battery cells in the same battery row are electrically connected in sequence and the end battery cells on the same side of adjacent battery rows are electrically connected.

[0022] In the method proposed according to the third aspect of the present application, optionally, when electrically connecting the battery modules in each vertical column, if the number of the multiple vertical columns is an even number, the battery modules in each vertical column are electrically connected in the first connection manner so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack are on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] In the method proposed according to the third aspect of the present application, optionally, when electrically connecting the battery modules in each column, if the number of columns of the plurality of columns is an odd number, the battery modules in one column are electrically connected in the second connection manner, and the battery modules in the remaining columns are electrically connected in the first connection manner.

[0024] Among them, in the second connection mode, the battery module of the vertical column is divided into two sub-columns, and the end battery cells of the two sub-columns located on the same side in the longitudinal direction are electrically connected, and one of the sub-columns has a battery cell in the transverse direction and is electrically connected in sequence along the longitudinal direction, so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack are on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] In the battery pack according to the present application, the high voltage difference in the battery pack is reduced, the internal space utilization of the battery pack box is improved, and the operating safety and reliability of the battery pack are improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other features of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 An embodiment of a battery pack according to the present application is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the battery pack according to the present application is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 A flow chart showing an embodiment of the method according to the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] It is easy to understand that according to the technical solution of the present invention, without changing the essential spirit of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can propose a variety of interchangeable structural modes and implementation modes. Therefore, the following specific implementation modes and drawings are only exemplary descriptions of the technical solution of the present invention, and should not be regarded as the whole of the present invention or as a limitation or restriction to the technical solution of the present invention.

[0031] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front, back, top, bottom, etc. mentioned or may be mentioned in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the drawings. They are relative concepts and may change accordingly according to their different positions and different usage states. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. or similar expressions are only used for description and distinction purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the corresponding components.

[0032] In a power battery, a certain number of battery cells are stacked in multiple rows and columns and electrically connected in sequence according to the required voltage level. For example, for high-voltage power batteries with a voltage level of more than 300V, there may be a high voltage difference between the shells of adjacent battery cells in the battery module, which is detrimental to the operational safety and reliability of the battery pack. Usually, the required air insulation is established by increasing the gap between adjacent battery cells at the expense of the internal space utilization of the box, thereby alleviating the operational safety problems caused by the high voltage difference. Alternatively, the insulation is improved by providing an insulating coating on the outer surface of the shell of the battery cell, thereby alleviating the safety problems caused by the high voltage difference, however, this is less advantageous in terms of cost.

[0033] Here, there is an urgent need to provide an improved battery pack that can avoid the operational safety issues caused by the high voltage difference. This is achieved in the present application by providing an improved topological connection method.

[0034] Before the present application is described in detail according to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the battery pack mentioned in the present disclosure may be a vehicle power battery, especially a high-voltage power battery, whose rated voltage level is greater than or equal to 300V, for example, 400V, 600V, 800V or higher. The battery pack has a plurality of battery modules, wherein the battery module is a combination or assembly of a certain number of battery cells electrically connected to each other.

[0035] Next, the battery unit mentioned in the present disclosure may be a single battery cell, which includes an external shell and an internal battery cell assembly contained in the shell. The battery cell may be but is not limited to a lithium-ion battery cell, such as a lithium-ion primary battery or a lithium-ion secondary battery. In addition, the battery cell may be but is not limited to a square battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell. Specifically, in the square battery cell, a positive electrode column and a negative electrode column are provided on the same side or the same wall thereof, that is, the two are arranged adjacent to each other. Alternatively, in the square battery cell, the positive electrode column and the negative electrode column are separately provided on two sides or two walls opposite to each other, that is, the two are opposite to each other. In the cylindrical battery cell, the side surface of its shell is a circumferential surface.

[0036] In addition, the battery cell mentioned in the present disclosure may also be a unit formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel, which is electrically connected to adjacent battery cells as a whole compared to a battery cell with a single battery cell. Exemplarily, the battery cell is formed by connecting two or more battery cells in parallel, and as a whole has a positive terminal (analogous to the above-mentioned positive pole) and a negative terminal (analogous to the above-mentioned negative pole).

[0037] In addition, the electrical equipment mentioned in the present disclosure refers to the following equipment, which has an energy storage device and an electrical consumer that needs to be provided with electrical energy by the energy storage device. The electrical equipment can be, but is not limited to, a new energy vehicle, such as a pure electric vehicle.

[0038] In the following, the present application is described in detail for a battery pack consisting of a plurality of battery cells that are single prismatic battery cells, wherein the positive pole and the negative pole of the prismatic battery cells are arranged on the top surface. Here, the contents described for the prismatic battery cells can be transferred to cylindrical battery cells in a similar manner. In addition, the contents described for the battery cells that are single prismatic battery cells can be transferred to the battery cells formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel in a similar manner.

[0039] Figure 1An embodiment of a battery pack according to the present application is schematically shown. The battery pack 100 includes a rectangular box 110, which includes a wall portion 111, a crossbeam 112 and a longitudinal beam 113. The wall portion 111 is externally surrounded to form a rectangular accommodating cavity, the crossbeam 112 defines two horizontal rows extending along the transverse direction Y, and the longitudinal beam 113 defines two longitudinal columns extending along the longitudinal direction X. Here, the crossbeam 112 can also be referred to as a transverse reinforcement rib, and the longitudinal beam 113 can also be referred to as a longitudinal reinforcement rib. The crossbeam 112 and the longitudinal beam 113 are perpendicular to each other and divide the accommodating cavity into four sub-chambers, which are used to accommodate the battery module 120. It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the structure of the box, the structure of the sub-chamber, the number of horizontal rows, and the number of longitudinal columns are not specifically limited, and they can be selected as needed. In addition, the "multiple" mentioned in the present disclosure is greater than or equal to 2 in terms of quantity.

[0040] The box body 110 may be one-piece, wherein the wall 111, the cross beam 112 and the longitudinal beam 113 are integrally formed, for example, integrally formed from metal material. Instead of the one-piece box body, a multi-piece box body 110 is used, that is, it is assembled from multiple independently formed parts.

[0041] The box 110 may only be assigned to the battery pack 100 , that is, after the box 110 , the battery cells 121 contained therein (which are schematically represented by a rectangular frame in the drawing) and other accessories are assembled, the battery pack 100 is installed as a whole on the electrical device.

[0042] It is also possible that the box 110 or a part thereof is formed by an electric device. When the electric device is a car, for example, a part of the car chassis may constitute a part of the box 110, for example, a part of the car floor is a part of the box 110. Here, the battery module or the battery cells contained therein may be bonded to the upper car floor or the lower car floor so as to be supported in the box.

[0043] Figure 1 The battery pack 100 shown includes two vertical columns of battery modules, namely a first vertical column of battery modules on the right and a second vertical column of battery modules on the left, wherein each vertical column of battery modules includes two battery modules 120 arranged along a longitudinal direction X. The battery module 120 includes a plurality of battery rows extending along a transverse direction Y along the longitudinal direction X, and each battery row includes two battery cells 121. Specifically, Figure 1 The upper battery module 120 includes 14 battery cells 121, namely 7 battery rows, each of which includes two battery cells 121. Figure 1 The lower battery module 120 accordingly includes 12 battery cells 121 , ie, 6 battery rows, each of which includes two battery cells 121 .

[0044] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the battery unit 121 is a square battery cell, wherein all the square battery cells are sequentially connected in series to achieve the rated voltage of the battery pack.

[0045] It is also feasible that the battery unit 121 is a unit formed by two or more battery cells connected in parallel, wherein all the battery units are sequentially connected in series to achieve the rated voltage of the battery pack.

[0046] It is also feasible that a portion of the battery cells 121 are square battery cells and another portion are cells formed by connecting two or more battery cells in parallel, and the battery cells of these two structural forms are sequentially connected in series to achieve the rated voltage of the battery pack. Specifically, in a battery module, the structural form of the battery cells is selected in units of battery rows, for example, a portion of the battery rows contain battery cells each consisting of a single square battery cell, and the remaining battery rows contain battery cells each consisting of multiple square battery cells connected in parallel.

[0047] It should be understood that the embodiments of the number of battery cells, the number of battery modules, the arrangement of battery cells, and the number of battery cells contained in the battery pack are only exemplary and not restrictive, and can be modified as needed. Among them, the total number of battery cells is associated with the required voltage level of the battery pack; the number of battery modules is associated with the box structure; and the arrangement of battery cells is associated with the box structure or the structure of the battery cells themselves.

[0048] Reference again Figure 1, wherein the black solid line represents the electrical connection path, i.e., the current path, and the battery cells contained in the first vertical column battery module on the right are connected in series with each other in a first connection mode (i.e., an S-type connection mode). Specifically, in the same battery module 120, the multiple battery cells 121 of the same battery row have the same polarity orientation and are connected in series in an end-to-end manner, for example, electrically connected by a metal bar (e.g., a copper bar or an aluminum bar) running parallel to the transverse direction Y. In the same battery module 120, the battery cells 121 of adjacent battery rows have opposite polarities, so that the end battery cells 121 on the same side (i.e., the battery cells located on the far left or the far right) can be connected in series in an end-to-end manner, for example, electrically connected by a metal bar (e.g., a copper bar or an aluminum bar) running parallel to the longitudinal direction X. The polarities of the two end battery cells 121 of adjacent battery modules (i.e., the last battery cell of the previous battery module and the first battery cell of the next battery module along the current path) are opposite, so that they can be directly electrically connected in an end-to-end manner. In addition, like the first column of battery modules on the right, the second column of battery modules on the left are electrically connected in the first connection manner.

[0049] The metal bar used for the electrical connection of the end battery cells 121 of adjacent battery modules spans the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 of the box body, which can also be called a bridging metal bar. The bridging metal bar can be a single-layer hard metal row or a multi-layer soft metal row. Here, the bridging metal bar can be fixed to the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 of the box body, for example, it can be adhered thereto by an insulating tape, or it can be clipped thereto by an insulating buckle. In addition, it is also feasible that the bridging metal bar spans over the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113, but is not fixed on the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113, for example, it is held on the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 by the fixing action with the battery cell.

[0050] Observing the battery module as a unit, through the first connection method, the pressure difference between the shells of adjacent battery cells (when the battery cell is a single battery cell, it is the shell of the battery cell, and when the battery cell is composed of multiple battery cells connected in parallel, it is the shell of the battery cell at the end) is small, which reduces the high-voltage difference points in the battery pack and improves the overall safety and reliability of the battery pack. Then, due to the reduction of high-voltage difference points and the reduction of the above-mentioned pressure difference, the insulation requirements are reduced, so the preset gap between adjacent battery cells can be reduced accordingly, improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the box. In addition, through the first connection method, the battery cells with higher pressure differences in the battery pack may be separated by the longitudinal beams of the box, so it is convenient to operate by taking insulation protection measures on the longitudinal beams of the box to avoid safety problems caused by higher pressure differences.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the bridging metal bar includes a main body and two connecting parts extending from the main body, wherein the main body is retained on the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 of the box, and the connecting parts are electrically connected to the poles (or terminals) of the battery cell 121. Exemplarily, the main body is fixed to the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113; or, the main body is retained on the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 by virtue of the connection between the connecting parts and the battery cell, wherein the main body is in contact with the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 or is not in contact with the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 (i.e., suspended). Insulating parts are provided on the main body and on the areas of the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 of the box that are used to contact the main body, so as to form an insulating isolation between the box and the metal bar.

[0052] Exemplarily, the insulating member may be an insulating film, which is bonded to the main body or the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113. The insulating film may be, but is not limited to, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film, a PP (polypropylene) film or a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film.

[0053] For example, it is also feasible that the insulating member is an insulating coating, which may involve but is not limited to acrylic resin, epoxy resin or polyurethane resin. The insulating coating can be applied to the main body or the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 by spraying, inkjet printing or 3D printing the insulating material.

[0054] Exemplarily, it is also feasible that the insulating member is an insulating adhesive including a substrate layer and a UV adhesive layer stacked on each other, wherein the UV adhesive layer is bonded to the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 of the main body or the box. Here, the substrate layer of the insulating adhesive may involve but is not limited to PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film, PI (polyimide) film, PP (polypropylene) film, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film, PE (polyethylene) film, PC (polycarbonate) film. The components of the UV adhesive layer of the insulating adhesive may include epoxy resin, photoinitiator and optionally existing dye, and these materials are coated on the above-mentioned substrate layer to form the UV adhesive layer in a UV light activated manner or UV light cured manner or any other feasible manner.

[0055] In addition, it is also feasible to additionally provide an insulating member between the main body of the bridging metal bar and the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 of the box body, which is, for example, an insulating sheet and is fixed to the crossbeam 112 or the longitudinal beam 113 of the box body.

[0056] In the battery pack 100 according to the present application, in addition to the insulation protection measures taken for the jumper point, an insulating member is also provided on the side of the box body 110 facing the battery cell 121 to improve the insulation performance between the box body and the battery cell. For example, the insulating members described above are respectively provided on the inner side of the wall portion 111 of the box body 110, on both sides of the cross beam 112 facing the battery cell 121, and on both sides of the longitudinal beam 113 facing the battery cell 121.

[0057] In a feasible implementation, the insulating member described above covers, for example, a portion of the wall 111, the cross beam 112, and the longitudinal beam 113 of the box body 110, and the portion corresponds to the insulation weak area of ​​the battery unit. Specifically, when the battery unit is a square battery cell, the insulation weak area is, for example, a transition area between the top and side surfaces of the battery cell or a transition area between the side and bottom surfaces of the battery cell.

[0058] In another feasible embodiment, exemplarily, the side of the box body 110 facing the battery cell 121 is separated from the battery cell by a preset gap, that is, there is the preset gap between the side of the box body and the outer surface of the battery cell facing the side, so as to form an insulating isolation protection between the box body and the battery cell.

[0059] In another feasible embodiment, exemplarily, the insulating member is selected based on the actual gap between the box body 110 and the battery cell 121 contained therein, wherein when the actual gap is lower than a certain value (for example, less than 12 mm), the insulating member described above is provided on the side of the box body 110 facing the battery cell 121 to establish insulating isolation protection.

[0060] from Figure 1 It can also be seen that the two vertical columns of battery modules are electrically connected in the first connection mode, and the positive output terminal (indicated by "+" in the figure) and the negative output terminal (indicated by "-" in the figure) of the battery pack 100 are located on the same side of the box body 110, that is, they are both located on the upper side along the longitudinal direction X in the figure. This configuration scheme of the same-side output of the battery pack has a smaller high-voltage circuit area, which improves safety and facilitates reliable connection with the power supply port of the electrical equipment.

[0061] In summary, if the battery pack 100 includes an even number of vertical columns, each vertical column of battery modules is electrically connected using the first connection method, so that the positive and negative output terminals of the battery pack 100 are located on the same side, thereby ensuring the operational safety of the battery pack while taking into account application flexibility.

[0062] Figure 2Another embodiment of the battery pack according to the present application is shown. The battery pack 100 includes three vertical columns of battery modules, namely a first vertical column of battery modules located on the right, a second vertical column of battery modules located in the middle, and a third vertical column of battery modules located on the left. The first vertical column of battery modules and the second vertical column of battery modules are electrically connected in the first connection mode (i.e., S-type connection mode), and the third vertical column of battery modules are electrically connected in the second connection mode, so that the positive and negative output terminals of the battery pack 100 are on the same side in the longitudinal direction X. In the second connection mode, the third vertical column of battery modules is divided into two sub-columns, each sub-column contains only one battery cell 121 in the transverse direction Y, and the battery cells of each sub-column are electrically connected in sequence along the longitudinal direction X, and the end battery cells 121 of the two sub-columns located on the same side along the longitudinal direction X are electrically connected.

[0063] exist Figure 2 In the battery pack 100 shown, the pressure difference between the shells of adjacent battery cells in the first and second longitudinal columns of battery modules is significantly smaller, and the number of high pressure difference points is reduced. For the slightly higher pressure difference in the third longitudinal column of battery modules (which is between the shells of two battery cells adjacent to the positive output terminal of the battery pack), the following measures can be taken: replace the insulating film on the outer surface of the shell of the two battery cells 121 with an insulating coating with better insulation, or increase the width of the sub-chamber of the third longitudinal column of battery modules and the gap between adjacent battery cells in the lateral direction Y accordingly. Here, only part of the box or part of the battery module needs to be modified, which can improve the overall operating safety of the battery pack at a reasonable cost.

[0064] exist Figure 2 In a modified solution, the first vertical column battery modules on the right are electrically connected in the second connection mode, while the second vertical column battery modules in the middle and the third vertical column battery modules on the left are connected in the first connection mode. It is also feasible that the second vertical column battery modules in the middle are electrically connected in the second connection mode, while the first vertical column battery modules on the right and the third vertical column battery modules on the left are connected in the first connection mode.

[0065] In general, if the battery pack 100 includes an odd number of vertical columns, the battery modules in one vertical column are electrically connected in the second connection method, and the battery modules in the remaining vertical columns are electrically connected in the first connection method, so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack 100 are located on the same side along the longitudinal direction X.

[0066] In another possible implementation, different from Figure 2The three vertical battery modules of the battery pack 100 are all electrically connected using the first connection method, with the negative output terminal located at the upper side along the longitudinal direction X, and the positive output terminal located at the lower side opposite to the positive output terminal along the longitudinal direction X. Here, the positive output terminal located at the lower side can be led to the upper side, or vice versa, through an additional conductive member.

[0067] In the battery pack 100 according to the present application, a sampling device is also provided, which is used to measure the relevant parameters of the battery cell 121 (such as the temperature and voltage of the battery cell). The sampling device can be a sampling harness or a flexible circuit board, which extends along the longitudinal direction X and is arranged on both sides of the battery module 120, that is, adjacent to the box 110 or its longitudinal beam 113, thereby realizing a short-distance sampling line connection and making full use of the internal space of the box 110. Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The sampling wire bundle as the sampling device is routed in a straight line, which is adjacent to the longitudinal beam 113 and the part of the wall portion 111 extending along the longitudinal direction X.

[0068] According to the second aspect of the present application, an electric device is also proposed, which includes the battery pack described above. The electric device may be, but is not limited to, the new energy vehicle mentioned above. Here, the electric device according to the present application can especially derive the advantages and features described for the battery pack according to the present application, and reference may be made to the description made for the battery pack according to the present application accordingly.

[0069] In addition, according to a third aspect of the present application, a method for manufacturing a battery pack, in particular a battery pack according to any one of the embodiments described above, is also provided. Figure 3 , which comprises the following steps:

[0070] S100: electrically connecting the battery modules in each column;

[0071] S200: electrically connecting the end battery cells of the battery modules of adjacent columns that are located on the same side along the longitudinal direction to each other,

[0072] When electrically connecting the battery modules in each vertical column, at least one vertical column of battery modules is electrically connected in a first connection mode, wherein, in the same battery module, multiple battery cells in the same battery row are electrically connected in sequence and the end battery cells on the same side of adjacent battery rows are electrically connected.

[0073] Here, exemplarily, if the battery cells included in the battery module are single battery cells, the battery cells are directly connected in series in step S100; if at least a portion of the battery cells included in the battery module are units formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel, then in step S100 the battery cells in the battery cells are first connected in parallel and then the battery cells are connected in series.

[0074] In a feasible implementation, in the step S100, if the number of the plurality of columns is an even number, the battery modules in each column are electrically connected in the first connection manner. For this, reference may be made to the above description of the battery pack according to the present application, which will not be repeated here.

[0075] In another feasible implementation, in step S100, if the number of columns of the plurality of columns is an odd number, the battery modules in one column are electrically connected in the second connection mode, and the battery modules in the remaining columns are electrically connected in the first connection mode. For this, please refer to the above description of the battery pack according to the present application, which will not be repeated here.

[0076] Here, the electric consumer according to the present application can in particular obtain the advantages and features already explained with respect to the battery pack according to the present application, and in this regard, reference can be made to the explanations made with respect to the battery pack according to the present application.

[0077] It should be understood that all the above preferred embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive, and various modifications, variations, or combinations made by those skilled in the art to the specific embodiments described above under the concept of the present invention should be within the legal protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising a box having a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam, wherein the crossbeam defines a plurality of cross rows, the longitudinal beam defines a plurality of longitudinal columns, the crossbeam and the longitudinal beam together define a plurality of sub-chambers, wherein battery modules are respectively contained in the sub-chambers, wherein: Each battery module includes a plurality of battery rows along the longitudinal direction, and each battery row includes a plurality of battery cells along the transverse direction. The longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal beam, and the transverse direction is parallel to the transverse beam. The battery cell is a single battery cell or is formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel. It is characterized in that at least one vertical column of battery modules is electrically connected in a first connection mode, wherein, in the same battery module, multiple battery cells in the same battery row are electrically connected in sequence and end battery cells on the same side of adjacent battery rows are electrically connected.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the multiple vertical columns is an even number, and the battery modules in each vertical column are electrically connected in the first connection manner, wherein the end battery cells of the battery modules in adjacent vertical columns that are on the same side in the longitudinal direction are electrically connected to each other, so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack are on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of columns of the multiple vertical columns is an odd number, wherein the battery modules of one vertical column are electrically connected in a second connection manner, and the battery modules of the remaining vertical columns are electrically connected in the first connection manner, wherein in the second connection manner, the battery modules of the vertical column are divided into two sub-columns, and the end battery cells of the two sub-columns located on the same side in the longitudinal direction are electrically connected, wherein one of the sub-columns includes a battery cell in the transverse direction and is electrically connected in sequence in the longitudinal direction, so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack are on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: Adjacent battery modules are electrically connected via metal bars that span the crossbeams or longitudinal beams of the box.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The metal bar includes a main body and a connecting portion extending from the main body, wherein the main body is retained on the box body and the connecting portion is electrically connected to the battery cell, wherein an insulating member is provided on the main body or on the box body or between the main body and the box body to form an insulating isolation between the box body and the metal bar.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: An insulating member is at least partially provided on the side of the box body facing the battery cell. Alternatively, the side surface of the box body facing the battery cell is spaced apart from the battery cell by a preset gap to form insulation isolation.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sampling device, which extends along the longitudinal direction and is arranged on both sides of the battery module.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rated voltage level of the battery pack is greater than or equal to 300V.

9. An electrical device, characterized in that: It comprises the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for manufacturing a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a box having a cross beam and a longitudinal beam, the cross beam defining a plurality of cross rows, the longitudinal beam defining a plurality of longitudinal columns, the cross beam and the longitudinal beam together defining a plurality of sub-chambers, wherein battery modules are respectively contained in the sub-chambers, wherein: Each battery module includes a plurality of battery rows along the longitudinal direction, and each battery row includes a plurality of battery cells along the transverse direction. The battery cells are single battery cells or multiple battery cells connected in parallel. The longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal beam, and the transverse direction is parallel to the transverse beam. Characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: Electrically connecting the battery modules in each column; The end battery cells of the battery modules of adjacent columns that are located on the same side along the longitudinal direction are electrically connected to each other. When electrically connecting the battery modules in each vertical column, at least one vertical column of battery modules is electrically connected in a first connection mode, wherein, in the same battery module, multiple battery cells in the same battery row are electrically connected in sequence and the end battery cells on the same side of adjacent battery rows are electrically connected.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that When electrically connecting the battery modules in each column, if the number of the multiple columns is an even number, the battery modules in each column are electrically connected in the first connection manner so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack are on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that When the battery modules in each column are electrically connected, if the number of the plurality of columns is an odd number, the battery modules in one column are electrically connected in the second connection manner, and the battery modules in the remaining columns are electrically connected in the first connection manner. Among them, in the second connection mode, the battery module of the vertical column is divided into two sub-columns, and the end battery cells of the two sub-columns located on the same side in the longitudinal direction are electrically connected, and one of the sub-columns has a battery cell in the transverse direction and is electrically connected in sequence along the longitudinal direction, so that the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the battery pack are on the same side in the longitudinal direction.

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