Battery module and maintenance method thereof

Abstract

A battery module comprises a shell, an outer cover, a plurality of battery cell components, a circuit board, a plurality of connecting wires and a plurality of conductive components, the shell comprises a top plate and two side plates connected with the two opposite sides of the top plate respectively. Each side plate comprises a plurality of hollowed-out windows arranged in one direction. The outer cover covers the two side plates and forms a cavity with the shell. And the plurality of battery cell components are arranged in the cavity along the direction. The circuit board is arranged on the top plate. The plurality of connecting wires are electrically connected with the circuit board and the plurality of battery cell assemblies. The plurality of conductive assemblies correspond to the positions of the plurality of hollow windows and are electrically connected with two adjacent battery cell assemblies in the plurality of battery cell assemblies. When one or more battery cell components in the battery module are abnormal or damaged, the battery module can be disassembled, only the abnormal or damaged battery cell components are taken out and replaced, and the normal battery cell components can be reserved in the battery module for continuous use, so that the requirements of reutilization and maintenance of the battery module can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a method for repairing the battery module. Background Art

[0002] With the requirements of corporate social responsibility and the green industry for environmental protection, the requirement for the reusability of battery modules is also increasing day by day. The current structure and connection method of battery modules require a lot of time for disassembly and assembly to repair or replace, and it is not easy to reuse. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a reusable battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a battery module. The battery module includes a housing, an outer cover, a plurality of battery cell assemblies, a circuit board, a plurality of connecting wires, and a plurality of conductive components. The housing includes a top plate and two side plates respectively connected to opposite sides of the top plate. Each side plate includes a plurality of hollow windows arranged in a direction. The outer cover covers the two side plates and forms a chamber with the housing. The plurality of battery cell assemblies are arranged in the chamber in this direction. The circuit board is disposed on the top plate. The plurality of connecting wires are electrically connected to the circuit board and the plurality of battery cell assemblies. The plurality of conductive components are located corresponding to the positions of the plurality of hollow windows and electrically connect two adjacent battery cell assemblies among the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0004] In some embodiments, the plurality of connecting wires respectively pass through the plurality of hollow windows to connect the circuit board and the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0005] In some embodiments, the top of each battery cell assembly includes a positioning bump, and the top plate of the housing includes a plurality of positioning holes respectively accommodating the plurality of positioning bumps.

[0006] In some embodiments, each conductive component includes a bus bar and two fixing members. Both ends of the bus bar have through holes. The two fixing members lock the bus bar to two adjacent battery cell assemblies through the two through holes.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of connecting wires are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cell assemblies respectively through the plurality of fixing members.

[0008] In some embodiments, each battery cell assembly includes a battery cell bracket and two conductive sheets. The battery cell bracket accommodates a plurality of battery cells. The two conductive sheets are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery cell bracket and electrically connected to both ends of the plurality of battery cells. The through hole penetrates the conductive sheet and the battery cell bracket. Each fixing member is locked to the battery cell bracket through the through hole and electrically connects the bus bar and the conductive sheet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes fixing columns penetrating the housing and the battery cell assemblies for fixing the battery cell assemblies between the two side plates.

[0010] The present disclosure provides a method for repairing a battery module. The method for repairing the battery module includes the following steps. Detect abnormal battery cell components among a plurality of battery cell components. Remove the outer cover. Remove the connection lines and conductive components connected to the abnormal battery cell components. After separately taking out the abnormal battery cell component from the chamber, place a replacement battery cell component.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method for repairing the battery module further includes identifying an abnormal battery cell among a plurality of battery cells of the abnormal battery cell component. Replacing the abnormal battery cell with a replacement battery cell to form the replacement battery cell component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method for repairing the battery module further includes the following steps. Connect the connection lines to the replacement battery cell component. Connect the conductive components to the replacement battery cell component. Lock the outer cover to the housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery module further includes fixing posts that penetrate the housing and the abnormal battery cell component to fix the abnormal battery cell component between two side plates. The method for repairing the battery module further includes removing the fixing posts before separately taking out the abnormal battery cell component from the chamber and placing the replacement battery cell component.

[0014] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] By reading the following detailed description of the embodiments and referring to the drawings, the present disclosure can be more fully understood.

[0016] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a battery cell component, connection lines, conductive components, and fixing posts according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a housing, an outer cover, and a battery cell component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for repairing a battery module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The following will disclose several embodiments of the present disclosure with the accompanying drawings. For the sake of clear illustration, many practical details will be described together in the following narrative. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not used to limit the present disclosure. That is to say, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, these practical details are not necessary. In addition, for the purpose of simplifying the drawings, some conventional structures and components will be shown in a simple schematic manner in the drawings. Additionally, for the convenience of the reader, the dimensions of the components in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0022] Existing battery modules usually take a lot of time to repair or replace abnormal battery cells in the battery module. The repair process is also prone to component damage or short circuits, making it difficult to repair or reuse existing battery modules, and the entire battery module needs to be replaced, which is not environmentally friendly and does not meet economic benefits. In view of the above, the present disclosure provides a battery module. The battery module includes a housing, an outer cover, a plurality of battery cell assemblies, a circuit board, a plurality of connecting wires, and a plurality of conductive components. The housing includes a top plate and two side plates respectively connected to opposite sides of the top plate. Each side plate includes a plurality of hollow windows arranged in a direction. The outer cover covers the two side plates and forms a chamber with the housing. A plurality of battery cell assemblies are arranged in the chamber along this direction. The circuit board is disposed on the top plate. A plurality of connecting wires electrically connect the circuit board and the plurality of battery cell assemblies. A plurality of conductive components are corresponding to the positions of the plurality of hollow windows and electrically connect two adjacent battery cell assemblies among the plurality of battery cell assemblies. When one or more of the battery cell assemblies in the battery module are abnormal or damaged, the battery module can be disassembled, and only the abnormal or damaged battery cell assemblies are taken out and replaced, while the normal battery cell assemblies can be retained in the battery module for continued use. Therefore, the requirements for the reuse and repair of the battery module can be met. The following will illustrate the battery module and the repair method of the battery module of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1 is an exploded view of a battery module 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a battery module 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 1 shown. The battery module 100 includes a housing 110, an outer cover 120, a plurality of battery cell assemblies 130, a circuit board 140, a plurality of connecting wires 150, and a plurality of conductive components 160. The housing 110 includes a top plate 1101 and two side plates 1102 respectively connected to opposite sides of the top plate 1101. Each side plate 1102 includes a plurality of hollow windows W arranged in a direction (X direction). The outer cover 120 covers the two side plates 1102 and forms a chamber with the housing 110. A plurality of battery cell assemblies 130 are arranged in the chamber along this direction (X direction). As Figure 2As shown. The circuit board 140 is disposed on the top plate 1101. A plurality of connection lines 150 are electrically connected to the circuit board 140 and a plurality of battery cell assemblies 130. A plurality of conductive components 160 correspond to the positions of the plurality of hollow windows W and are electrically connected to two adjacent battery cell assemblies 130 among the plurality of battery cell assemblies 130. It should be noted that the housing 110 and the outer cover 120 are used to accommodate the plurality of battery cell assemblies 130 and provide the overall structural strength and insulation ability for the battery module 100. The top plate 1101 of the housing 110 also provides a flat structural surface for disposing the circuit board 140. The plurality of battery cell assemblies 130 are connected in series or in parallel through the conductive components 160. The circuit board 140 detects the voltage of the battery cell assemblies 130 through the connection lines 150. It should be noted that when one or more of the battery cell assemblies 130 in the battery module 100 are abnormal or damaged, the conductive component 160 connected to the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can be disassembled from the hollow window W to release the connection between the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A and the two adjacent battery cell assemblies 130. Remove the outer cover 120 and the connection lines 150. Then the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can be taken out and replaced separately, while the normal battery cell assemblies 130 can be retained in the battery module 100 for continued use. In this way, the entire battery module 100 does not need to be replaced, and the battery module 100 can be repaired and reused.

[0024] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 Regarding the number of the hollow windows W, the battery cell assemblies 130, the connection lines 150 and the conductive components 160, it is not limited to that shown in the figure. In some embodiments, the conductive component 160 can be made of a conductive material, such as metal, more specifically copper and nickel, etc. In some embodiments, the housing 110 and the outer cover 120 can be made of plastic materials respectively.

[0025] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the top of each battery cell assembly 130 (along the Z direction) includes a positioning bump B, and the top plate 1101 of the housing 110 includes a plurality of positioning holes H for accommodating the plurality of positioning bumps B respectively. So that the battery cell assemblies 130 can be stably arranged in the housing 110.

[0026] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the battery module further includes a plurality of hooks or embedded elements for locking the circuit board 140 to the top plate 1101 of the housing 110, or for locking the outer cover 120 to the two side plates 1102 of the housing 110.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2. In some embodiments, a plurality of connection lines 150 respectively pass through a plurality of hollow windows W to connect the circuit board 140 and the plurality of battery cell assemblies 130. When one or more of the battery cell assemblies 130 in the battery module 100 are abnormal or damaged, the connection line 150 connected to the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can be disassembled from the hollow window W to disconnect the connection between the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A and the circuit board 140, without disassembling the entire circuit board 140. Short circuit or damage of the circuit board 140 during disassembly can be avoided.

[0028] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 . Figure 3 is an exploded view of the battery cell assembly 130, the connection line 150, the conductive component 160, and the fixing post 170 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The structure of the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can refer to the structure of the battery cell assembly 130 (as Figure 3 shown). In some embodiments, each conductive component 160 includes a bus bar 1601 and two fixing members 1602. Both ends of the bus bar 1601 (along the X direction) each have a perforation T. The two fixing members 1602 lock the bus bar 1601 (along the Y direction) to two adjacent battery cell assemblies 130 (along the X direction) through the two perforations T. When one or more of the battery cell assemblies 130 in the battery module 100 are abnormal or damaged, the bus bar 1601 and the fixing members 1602 connected to the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can be disassembled to disconnect the connection between the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A and the two adjacent battery cell assemblies 130, so that the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can be taken out separately.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 3 . In some embodiments, each battery cell assembly 130 includes a battery cell bracket 1301 and two conductive sheets 1302. The battery cell bracket 1301 houses a plurality of battery cells 1303. Regarding the number of the battery cells 1303, it is not limited to that shown in the figure. The long axis of the battery cells 1303 extends along the Y direction. The two conductive sheets 1302 are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery cell bracket 1301 and electrically connected to both ends (i.e., the positive or negative electrode) of the plurality of battery cells 1303. The perforation T (along the Y direction) penetrates the conductive sheet 1302 and the battery cell bracket 1301. Each fixing member 1602 is locked to the battery cell bracket 1301 through the perforation T and electrically connects the bus bar 1601 and the conductive sheet 1302. When one or more of the battery cells 1303 in the battery cell assembly 130 are abnormal or damaged, the fixing member 1602 can be disassembled to disconnect the connection between the conductive sheet 1302 and the battery cell bracket 1301, so that the battery cells 1303 housed in the battery cell bracket 1301 can be taken out.

[0030] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3。In some embodiments, a plurality of connection lines 150 are electrically connected to a plurality of battery cell assemblies 130 through a plurality of fixing members 1602 respectively. When one or more of the battery cell assemblies 130 in the battery module 100 are abnormal or damaged, the fixing member 1602 connected to the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can be disassembled to release the connection between the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A and the connection line 150.

[0031] Please also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 2 。In some embodiments, the battery module 100 further includes fixing posts 170 (along the Y direction) passing through the housing 110 and the battery cell assemblies, for fixing the battery cell assemblies 130 between the two side plates 1102, so that the battery cell assemblies 130 can be stably arranged in the housing 110.

[0032] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 。 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing 110, the outer cover 120 and the battery cell assemblies 130 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is Figure 1 a perspective view from bottom to top. When assembling the battery module 100, the housing 110 can be placed with the opening facing upward, a plurality of battery cell assemblies 130 can be placed into the housing 110, and the outer cover 120 can be covered. In some embodiments, when one or more of the battery cell assemblies 130 in the battery module 100 are abnormal or damaged, the housing 110 can be placed with the opening facing upward, the outer cover 120 can be removed, and after disassembling the conductive component 160 and the connection line 150 connected to the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A, the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can be taken out separately.

[0033] The present disclosure provides a method for repairing a battery module. Although a series of operations or steps are used hereinafter to illustrate the method disclosed herein, the order shown by these operations or steps should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. For example, certain operations or steps can be performed in a different order and / or simultaneously with other steps. In addition, it is not necessary to perform all the illustrated operations, steps and / or features to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, each operation or step described herein may include several sub - steps or actions.

[0034] Please also refer to Figure 5 and Figure 1 。 Figure 5It is a flowchart of a maintenance method for the battery module 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The maintenance method for the battery module 100 includes steps S02 to S14. In step S02, an abnormal battery cell component 130A among a plurality of battery cell components 130 is detected. In step S04, the outer cover 120 is removed. In step S06, the connection line 150 and the conductive component 160 connected to the abnormal battery cell component 130A are removed. In step S08, after the abnormal battery cell component 130A is separately taken out from the chamber, a replacement battery cell component is placed. It should be noted that when one or more of the battery cell components 130 in the battery module 100 are abnormal or damaged, the abnormal battery cell component 130A can be separately taken out and replaced, while the normal battery cell components 130 can be retained in the battery module 100 for continued use. In this way, the entire battery module 100 does not need to be replaced, and the battery module 100 can be repaired and reused. In some embodiments, steps S02, S04, and S06 are sequentially executed. In some embodiments, steps S04, S02, and S06 are sequentially executed. In some embodiments, steps S02 and S04 are first executed simultaneously, and then step S06 is executed.

[0035] Please continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 1 . In some embodiments, the maintenance method for the battery module 100 further includes the following steps. In step S10, the connection line 150 is connected to the replacement battery cell component so that the circuit board 140 is electrically connected to the replacement battery cell component. In step S12, the conductive component 160 is connected to the replacement battery cell component so that the replacement battery cell component is connected in series or in parallel with the adjacent battery cell components 130. In step S14, the outer cover 120 is locked to the housing 110 so that all the battery cell components 130 are accommodated in the chamber formed by the outer cover 120 and the housing 110. In some embodiments, steps S10 and S12 are first executed simultaneously, and then step S14 is executed. In some embodiments, step S14 is first executed, and then steps S10 and S12 are executed simultaneously.

[0036] Please refer to simultaneously Figure 5 and Figure 3 . The structure of the abnormal battery cell component 130A can refer to the structure of the battery cell component 130 (such as Figure 3As shown. In some embodiments, the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A has a plurality of battery cells 1303. The method for repairing the battery module 100 further includes, when performing step S08, separately taking out the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A from the chamber, finding the abnormal battery cell 1303 among the plurality of battery cells 1303 of the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A, and replacing the abnormal battery cell 1303 with a replacement battery cell 1303 to form a replacement battery cell assembly. Placing the replacement battery cell assembly in the chamber. It should be noted that when one or more battery cells 1303 of the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A in the battery module 100 are abnormal or damaged, the abnormal battery cells 1303 can be separately taken out and replaced, while the normal battery cells 1303 can be retained in the battery cell assembly 130 and continue to be used.

[0037] Please also refer to Figure 5 , Figure 1 and Figure 2 . In some embodiments, the battery module 100 further includes a fixing post 170 that penetrates the housing 110 and the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A to fix the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A between the two side plates 1102. The method for repairing the battery module 100 further includes removing the fixing post 170 before performing step S08. In this way, the connection between the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A and the housing 110 can be released, so that the abnormal battery cell assembly 130A can be separately taken out from the chamber.

[0038] In summary, the present disclosure provides a battery module. When one or more battery cell assemblies in the battery module are abnormal or damaged, the battery module can be disassembled, and only the abnormal or damaged battery cell assemblies are taken out and replaced, while the normal battery cell assemblies can be retained in the battery module and continue to be used. In this way, the entire battery module does not need to be replaced, and the battery module can be repaired and reused.

[0039] Although the present disclosure has been described in considerable detail with reference to various embodiments, there may be other embodiments. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

[0040] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the structure of the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0041]

Symbol Description

[0042] 100: Battery module

[0043] 110: Housing

[0044] 1101: Top plate

[0045] 1102: Side plate

[0046] 120: Outer cover

[0047] 130: Battery cell assembly

[0048] 130A: Abnormal battery cell assembly

[0049] 140: Circuit board

[0050] 150: Connecting wire

[0051] 160: Conductive component

[0052] 1601: Bus bar

[0053] 1602: Fixing part

[0054] 170: Fixing post

[0055] W: Hollow window

[0056] B: Positioning bump

[0057] H: Positioning hole

[0058] T: Perforation

[0059] S02~S14: Steps

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing, comprising: A top plate; and Two side plates, respectively connected to opposite sides of the top plate, wherein each of the side plates includes a plurality of hollow windows arranged in one direction; An outer cover, covering the two side plates, forming a chamber with the housing; A plurality of battery cell assemblies, arranged in the chamber along the direction; A circuit board, disposed on the top plate; A plurality of connecting wires, electrically connecting the circuit board and the plurality of battery cell assemblies; and A plurality of conductive assemblies, corresponding to the positions of the plurality of hollow windows, electrically connecting two adjacent battery cell assemblies among the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Wherein the plurality of connecting wires respectively pass through the plurality of hollow windows to connect the circuit board and the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Wherein the top of each of the battery cell assemblies includes a positioning bump, and the top plate of the housing includes a plurality of positioning holes respectively accommodating the plurality of positioning bumps.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Wherein each of the conductive assemblies includes: A busbar, each end of the busbar having a through hole; and Two fixing members, locking the busbar to two adjacent battery cell assemblies through the two through holes.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, Wherein the plurality of connecting wires are respectively electrically connected to the plurality of battery cell assemblies through the plurality of fixing members.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, Wherein each of the battery cell assemblies includes: A battery cell bracket, accommodating a plurality of battery cells; and Two conductive sheets, respectively disposed on both sides of the battery cell bracket, electrically connecting both ends of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the through hole penetrates the conductive sheet and the battery cell bracket, and each of the fixing members is locked to the battery cell bracket through the through hole, electrically connecting the busbar and the conductive sheet.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising at least one fixing column, penetrating the housing and the battery cell assembly, for fixing the battery cell assembly between the two side plates.

8. A maintenance method for the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Comprising: Detecting an abnormal battery cell assembly among the plurality of battery cell assemblies; Removing the outer cover; Removing the connecting wire and the conductive assembly connected to the abnormal battery cell assembly; and After separately taking out the abnormal battery cell assembly from the chamber, placing a replacement battery cell assembly.

9. The maintenance method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Further comprising: Finding an abnormal battery cell among the plurality of battery cells of the abnormal battery cell assembly; and Replacing the abnormal battery cell with a replacement battery cell to form the replacement battery cell assembly.

10. The maintenance method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Further comprising: Connecting the connecting wire to the replacement battery cell assembly; Connecting the conductive assembly to the replacement battery cell assembly; And Locking the outer cover to the housing.

11. According to the repair method described in claim 8, characterized in that, Wherein the battery module further includes at least one fixing column penetrating the housing and the abnormal battery cell assembly, for fixing the abnormal battery cell assembly between the two side plates, and the repair method further includes: before separately taking out the abnormal battery cell assembly from the chamber and placing a replacement battery cell assembly, removing the at least one fixing column.

Images