Battery, preparation method of battery and electric equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery, a battery preparation method and electric equipment. The battery comprises a first layer of battery cells, a second layer of battery cells and a bracket. The first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are stacked in a first direction. In the first direction, at least a portion of the bracket is located between the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells. Wherein the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are connected to the bracket, and the bracket is used for bearing the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells at the same time. The space utilization rate of the battery in the first direction can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery, a method for preparing the battery, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy technologies, batteries are being used more and more widely. Batteries have high energy density, high safety, long service life and are environmentally friendly. They have been widely used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, electric bicycles, heavy trucks, energy storage facilities, battery swapping stations, engineering manufacturing, and intelligent equipment. They also promote the development and research of technologies in communication terminals, medical devices, and energy development.

[0003] Batteries typically consist of multiple individual cells. Given the limited space available for batteries, optimizing the layout of these cells to improve space utilization is a pressing issue in battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery, a method for manufacturing the battery, and an electrical device, which can effectively improve the space utilization rate of the battery.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery, the battery including a first layer of battery cells, a second layer of battery cells and a support, wherein the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are stacked along a first direction; along the first direction, at least a portion of the support is located between the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells;

[0006] The first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are both connected to the bracket, which is used to simultaneously support the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells.

[0007] In the above technical solution, on the one hand, by stacking the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells along the first direction, the layout of the battery cells is optimized, and the space utilization rate of the battery in the first direction is improved. On the other hand, by having the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells share a single support, the number of supporting components is simplified, thereby increasing the battery energy density.

[0008] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a first colloid, through which the first layer of battery cells is connected to the support; and / or, the battery further includes a second colloid, through which the second layer of battery cells is connected to the support.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the first colloid facilitates the connection between the first layer of battery cells and the bracket, reducing the assembly difficulty of the first layer of battery cells and the bracket. The second colloid facilitates the connection between the second layer of battery cells and the bracket, reducing the assembly difficulty of the second layer of battery cells and the bracket.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first layer of battery cells includes a plurality of first battery cells, and a first electrode terminal is provided at the end of the first battery cell opposite to the second layer of battery cells along the first direction; the second layer of battery cells includes a plurality of second battery cells, and a second electrode terminal is provided at the end of the second battery cell opposite to the first layer of battery cells along the first direction.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the first electrode terminal is set at the end of the first battery cell away from the second battery cell, and the second electrode terminal is set at the end of the second battery cell away from the first battery cell. Thus, the distance between the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal is relatively large, which can reduce the risk of short circuit between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and improve electrical reliability.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support includes a support wall and a pair of side walls. Along the first direction, the support wall is located between the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells, and both the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are connected to the support wall. The pair of side walls are spaced apart along a second direction, and the support wall connects the pair of side walls. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] The above technical solutions can obtain a support with simple structure and high structural strength.

[0014] In some embodiments, the interior of the support wall is formed with a first flow channel for accommodating the heat exchange medium.

[0015] In the above technical solution, a first flow channel is formed inside the support wall to accommodate the heat exchange medium. By adjusting the temperature of the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells through the support wall, the reliability of the battery can be improved.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support wall has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction, the two ends of the sidewalls extending beyond the first surface and the second surface, respectively, and the thickness direction of the support wall is parallel to the first direction; along the second direction, the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are located between a pair of sidewalls.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the two ends of the sidewalls extend beyond the first surface and the second surface respectively, which can obtain a support with high structural strength. The first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are both located between a pair of sidewalls, which can improve the stability of the battery.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first layer of battery cells is connected to a pair of sidewalls on both sides along the second direction, and the second layer of battery cells is connected to a pair of sidewalls on both sides along the second direction.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the first layer of battery cells is connected to a pair of sidewalls on both sides along the second direction, which improves the connection stability between the first layer of battery cells and the support. The second layer of battery cells is also connected to a pair of sidewalls on both sides along the second direction, which improves the connection stability between the second layer of battery cells and the support.

[0020] In some embodiments, a second flow channel for accommodating heat exchange medium is formed inside the sidewall.

[0021] In the above technical solution, a second flow channel is formed inside the sidewall to accommodate the heat exchange medium. By adjusting the temperature of the first or second layer of battery cells through the sidewall, the reliability of the battery can be improved.

[0022] In some embodiments, the support wall is integrally formed with or welded to the side wall.

[0023] In the above technical solutions, integral molding of the support wall and side wall can result in a support structure with high structural strength. Welding the support wall and side wall can reduce the difficulty of support fabrication.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first layer of battery cells includes a first battery module and a second battery module arranged at intervals along the second direction;

[0025] The bracket also includes a first partition beam, which is disposed on the support wall and located between the first battery module and the second battery module.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the first partition beam can improve the installation stability of the first battery module and the second battery module.

[0027] In some embodiments, both the first battery module and the second battery module are connected to the first partition beam.

[0028] In the above technical solution, both the first battery module and the second battery module are connected to the first partition beam, and the connection stability between the first battery module, the second battery module and the bracket is high.

[0029] In some embodiments, a third flow channel for accommodating heat exchange medium is formed inside the first partition beam.

[0030] In the above technical solution, a third flow channel is formed inside the first partition beam to accommodate the heat exchange medium. The temperature of the first battery module and the second battery module is adjusted through the first partition beam, thereby improving battery reliability.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first partition beam is integrally formed with or welded to the support wall.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the first partition beam and the support wall are integrally formed, resulting in a support with higher structural strength. Welding the first partition beam and the support wall reduces the difficulty of support fabrication.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second layer of battery cells includes a third battery module and a fourth battery module arranged at intervals along the second direction;

[0034] The bracket also includes a second partition beam, which is disposed on the support wall and located between the third battery module and the fourth battery module.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the second partition beam can improve the installation stability of the third and fourth battery modules.

[0036] In some embodiments, both the third battery module and the fourth battery module are connected to the second partition beam.

[0037] In the above technical solution, both the third battery module and the fourth battery module are connected to the second partition beam, and the connection stability between the third battery module and the fourth battery module and the bracket is high.

[0038] In some embodiments, a fourth flow channel for accommodating heat exchange medium is formed inside the second partition beam.

[0039] In the above technical solution, a fourth flow channel is formed inside the second partition beam to accommodate the heat exchange medium. Adjusting the temperature of the third battery module and the first battery module through the second partition beam can improve battery reliability.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second partition beam is integrally formed with or welded to the support wall.

[0041] In the above technical solution, the second partition beam and the support wall are integrally formed, resulting in a support with high structural strength. Welding the second partition beam and the support wall reduces the difficulty of support fabrication.

[0042] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a first cover and a second cover: the first cover is connected to a pair of sidewalls; the second cover is connected to a pair of sidewalls; along the first direction, the second cover is disposed opposite to the first cover, the bracket is located between the first cover and the second cover, the first layer of battery cells is located between the first cover and the support wall, and the second layer of battery cells is located between the second cover and the support wall.

[0043] In the above technical solution, the first layer of battery cells is located between the first cover and the supporting wall. The first cover can reduce the impact of external foreign objects on the first layer of battery cells, thereby improving battery reliability. The second layer of battery cells is located between the second cover and the supporting wall. The second cover can reduce the impact of external foreign objects on the second layer of battery cells, thereby improving battery reliability.

[0044] In some embodiments, the battery further includes a pair of end walls, the pair of end walls being spaced apart along a third direction, a support wall being located between the pair of end walls, and the two ends of each end wall being respectively connected to the pair of side walls, the third direction, the second direction and the first direction being perpendicular to each other;

[0045] The first cover is also connected to a pair of the end walls, and the second cover is also connected to a pair of the end walls.

[0046] In the above technical solution, a frame for placing the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells is formed by a pair of end walls and a support, which can obtain a battery with higher structural strength.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first cover, the second cover, the pair of end walls, and the pair of side walls enclose a receiving cavity;

[0048] The supporting wall divides the receiving cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity, with the first layer of battery cells housed in the first cavity and the second layer of battery cells housed in the second cavity.

[0049] In the above technical solution, a first cavity is defined by a first cover, a bracket, and a pair of end walls, and the first cavity is the internal environment for accommodating the first layer of battery cells. A second cavity is defined by a second cover, a bracket, and a pair of end walls, and the second cavity is the internal environment for accommodating the second layer of battery cells.

[0050] In some embodiments, the support has internal channels for accommodating heat exchange medium, and the support is configured to regulate the temperature of the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first direction is parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0052] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device, which includes the aforementioned battery, and the battery is used to supply power to the electrical device.

[0053] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a battery manufacturing method, which includes:

[0054] A support is provided, the support having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other along its thickness direction;

[0055] With the first surface of the bracket facing upwards, the first layer of battery cells is connected to the first surface;

[0056] Flip the bracket so that the second surface of the bracket faces upward;

[0057] The second layer of battery cells is attached to the second surface.

[0058] In the above technical solution, the first layer of battery cells is connected to the first surface of the bracket with the first surface facing upwards. The bracket is then flipped so that the second surface faces upwards, and the second layer of battery cells is connected to the second surface of the bracket. Each layer of battery cells is assembled by connecting it to the bracket from the top, which reduces the assembly difficulty of this battery with double-layer battery cells and improves the assembly efficiency of the battery.

[0059] In some embodiments, attaching the first layer of battery cells to the first surface includes:

[0060] The first layer of battery cells is connected to the first surface, with the electrode terminals of the first layer of battery cells facing upwards;

[0061] The step of connecting the second layer of battery cells to the second surface includes:

[0062] The second layer of battery cells is connected to the second surface, with the electrode terminals of the second layer of battery cells facing upwards.

[0063] In some embodiments, attaching the first layer of battery cells to the first surface includes:

[0064] A colloid is disposed on the first surface;

[0065] The first layer of battery cells is bonded to the first surface using a gel.

[0066] In some embodiments, attaching the second layer of battery cells to the second surface includes:

[0067] A colloid is disposed on the second surface;

[0068] The second layer of battery cells is bonded to the second surface using a gel.

[0069] In some embodiments, after attaching the first layer of battery cells to the first surface and before flipping the support, the battery fabrication method further includes:

[0070] A first cover is provided and connected to the bracket so that the first layer of battery cells is located between the first cover and the first surface.

[0071] In some embodiments, after attaching the second layer of battery cells to the second surface, the battery fabrication method further includes:

[0072] A second cover is provided and connected to the bracket so that the second layer of battery cells is located between the second cover and the second surface. Attached Figure Description

[0073] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0074] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure according to some embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a battery according to some embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to some embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to other embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket according to some embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to some embodiments of this application;

[0080] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket according to other embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a battery according to other embodiments of this application;

[0082] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a battery according to some embodiments of this application;

[0083] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket and end wall in some embodiments of this application;

[0084] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the first cover body of some embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the battery fabrication method of some embodiments of this application;

[0086] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the battery preparation method of some other embodiments of this application.

[0087] icon:

[0088] 10-First layer battery cell; 11-First battery module; 12-Second battery module; 13-Fifth battery module; 14-Sixth battery module; 101-First battery cell; 1011-First electrode terminal; 20-Second layer battery cell; 21-Third battery module; 22-Fourth battery module; 23-Seventh battery module; 24-Eighth battery module; 201-Second battery cell; 2011-Second electrode terminal; 30-First cover; 31-First cover body; 32-First inner layer plate; 33-First buffer layer; 34-First outward flange; 40-Second cover; 41-Second outward flange ; 50-Bracket; 51-Sidewall; 511-Second flow channel; 52-Support wall; 521-First surface; 522-Second surface; 523-First flow channel; 53-First partition beam; 531-Third flow channel; 54-Second partition beam; 541-Fourth flow channel; 55-Third partition beam; 60-First colloid; 70-Second colloid; 80-End wall; 81-Third outer flange; 82-Fourth outer flange; 91-First cavity; 92-Second cavity; 1000-Vehicle; 100-Battery; 200-Motor; 300-Controller; Z-First direction; Y-Second direction; X-Third direction.

[0089] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0090] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0091] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0092] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0093] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0094] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not vertical in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range. "Parallel" is not parallel in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range.

[0095] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0096] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0097] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0098] In this application, the battery cell may include, but is not limited to, lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes. Battery cells are generally classified by packaging method, including cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and pouch battery cells. The battery cell may also be a blade battery.

[0099] For example, a battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell primarily functions by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrodes, with metal ions (e.g., lithium ions) repeatedly inserting and extracting between them. The separator, positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits between them while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0100] The positive electrode sheet includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector. The positive current collector without the positive active material layer protrudes from the positive current collector with the positive active material layer. The positive current collector without the positive active material layer serves as the positive electrode tab.

[0101] Taking lithium-ion batteries as an example, the positive electrode active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The positive electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be aluminum with a silver-plated surface, stainless steel with a silver-plated surface, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming metal materials (aluminum, aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, silver and silver alloys, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0102] The negative electrode sheet includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector without the negative electrode active material layer protrudes from the negative electrode current collector with the negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode current collector without the negative electrode active material layer serves as the negative electrode tab.

[0103] The negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, the metal foil can be made of silver-plated aluminum, silver-plated stainless steel, copper, aluminum, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, or titanium. The negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc.

[0104] To ensure that the electrode does not melt when carrying a large current, multiple positive electrode tabs and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked together. The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. Furthermore, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure.

[0105] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. A battery generally includes a housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing can reduce the influence of liquids or other foreign matter on the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0106] In some embodiments, the battery can be an energy storage device. Energy storage devices include energy storage containers, energy storage cabinets, etc.

[0107] The development of battery technology must take into account multiple design factors, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge-discharge rate and other performance parameters. In addition, the space constraints of batteries in different application scenarios also need to be considered.

[0108] Due to design requirements, batteries typically consist of multiple individual cells arranged in a single layer, which cannot utilize the installation space in the height direction. Furthermore, the more individual cells there are, the larger the outer envelope size of the battery in the length and width directions. In scenarios where the installation space is narrow, the application of this type of battery is limited.

[0109] The installation space refers to the space where the battery is installed. The installation space can be part of the entire vehicle or part of a container, such as the battery compartment.

[0110] In view of this, to address the problem of unutilized vertical space in a single-layer arrangement of multiple battery cells, this application provides a battery comprising a first layer of battery cells, a second layer of battery cells, and a support frame. The first layer of battery cells is positioned above the support frame, and the second layer of battery cells is positioned below the support frame, which simultaneously supports both the first and second layers of battery cells. This double-layer arrangement of multiple battery cells optimizes their layout and improves the vertical space utilization of the battery. Furthermore, by sharing a support frame between the first and second layers of battery cells, the number of supporting components is simplified, thereby increasing the battery's energy density.

[0111] The technical solutions disclosed in this application are applicable to, but not limited to, batteries and electrical devices that use batteries.

[0112] Electrical equipment can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc.

[0113] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a vehicle as an example of electrical equipment.

[0114] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The diagram below illustrates the structure of a vehicle 1000 according to some embodiments of this application. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000.

[0115] The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 300 and a motor 200. The controller 300 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 200, for example, for the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation and driving.

[0116] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0117] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery 100 in some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application.

[0118] For ease of description, the height direction of battery 100 is defined as the first direction Z, the width direction of battery 100 is defined as the second direction Y, and the length direction of battery 100 is defined as the third direction X.

[0119] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3This application provides a battery 100, which includes a first layer of battery cells 10, a second layer of battery cells 20, and a support 50. The first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 are stacked along a first direction Z. Along the first direction Z, at least a portion of the support 50 is located between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20.

[0120] The first layer of battery cell 10 and the second layer of battery cell 20 are both connected to the bracket 50, which is used to simultaneously support the first layer of battery cell 10 and the second layer of battery cell 20.

[0121] The first layer of battery cells 10 may include multiple first battery cells 101, which may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed configuration. A mixed configuration means that some of the multiple first battery cells 101 are connected in series and others in parallel. The multiple first battery cells 101 may be arranged and fixed to form one or more battery modules 100.

[0122] The second layer of battery cells 20 may include multiple second battery cells 201, which may be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration. A mixed configuration means that some of the multiple second battery cells 201 are connected in series and others in parallel. The multiple second battery cells 201 can be arranged and fixed to form one or more battery modules 100.

[0123] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, multiple first battery cells 101 are arranged and fixed to form four battery modules 100, namely, first battery module 11, second battery module 12, fifth battery module 13 and sixth battery module 14. Multiple second battery cells 201 are arranged and fixed to form four battery modules 100, namely, third battery module 21, fourth battery module 22, seventh battery module 23 and eighth battery module 24.

[0124] In some embodiments, the battery 100 may further include a busbar (not shown), through which multiple first battery cells 101 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration. Multiple second battery cells 201 can also be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed configuration through the busbar.

[0125] Busbar components can be metallic conductors, such as copper, iron, aluminum, steel, aluminum alloys, etc.

[0126] The first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 are stacked along a first direction Z. This means that the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 are stacked along the direction of gravity. The first direction Z can be parallel to the direction of gravity, or it can be a direction that forms a certain angle with the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, when the first direction Z is considered to be parallel to the direction of gravity, one of the first layer of battery cells 100 and the second layer of battery cells 20 is located above the support 50, and the other is located below the support 50. For example, for ease of description, the plurality of battery cells 100 located below the support 50 are defined as the first layer of battery cells 10, and the plurality of battery cells 100 located above the support 50 are defined as the second layer of battery cells 20.

[0127] The bracket 50 is a component that supports and secures the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20. The bracket 50 supports the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 because the weight of both layers is applied to the bracket 50, and the bracket 50 provides a force to overcome gravity for both layers. In some embodiments, a mounting part can be provided on the bracket 50 to facilitate the installation of the battery 100. For example, the bracket 50 can be connected to the sheet metal of the vehicle 100 via the mounting part to install the battery 100. The mounting part includes, but is not limited to, angle iron, handle, sleeve, mounting hole, etc.

[0128] The support 50 can be partially located between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the bracket 50 has an H-shaped structure and includes a support wall 52 and a pair of side walls 51. The support wall 52 is located between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20. In other embodiments, the bracket 50 may also be entirely located between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20. For example, if the bracket 50 is a flat plate, a mounting part can be provided on the side of the flat plate.

[0129] The materials of the support 50 include, but are not limited to, copper, iron, aluminum and their alloys.

[0130] In this embodiment, on the one hand, by stacking the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 along the first direction Z, the layout of the battery cells 100 is optimized, and the space utilization rate of the battery 100 in the first direction Z is improved. On the other hand, by having the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 share a single support 50, the number of supporting components is simplified, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery 100.

[0131] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery 100 according to other embodiments of this application.

[0132] Reference Figure 4In some embodiments, the battery 100 further includes a first colloid 60, through which the first layer of battery cells 10 are connected to the support 50. In some embodiments, the battery 100 further includes a second colloid 70, through which the second layer of battery cells 20 are connected to the support 50.

[0133] The first colloid 60 and the second colloid 70 may be made of the same or different materials. The materials of the first colloid 60 and the second colloid 70 include, but are not limited to, thermally conductive adhesives, resins, synthetic rubber, or water glass. Optionally, both the first colloid 60 and the second colloid 70 may be thermally conductive adhesives.

[0134] The first colloid 60 facilitates the connection between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the bracket 50, reducing the assembly difficulty of the first layer of battery cells 10 and the bracket 50. The second colloid 70 facilitates the connection between the second layer of battery cells 20 and the bracket 50, reducing the assembly difficulty of the second layer of battery cells 20 and the bracket 50.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first layer battery cell 10 includes a plurality of first battery cells 101, and a first electrode terminal 1011 is provided at the end of the first battery cell 101 opposite to the second layer battery cell 20 along the first direction Z. The second layer battery cell 20 includes a plurality of second battery cells 201, and a second electrode terminal 2011 is provided at the end of the second battery cell 201 opposite to the first layer battery cell 10 along the first direction Z.

[0136] In an embodiment where the first direction Z is considered as the direction of gravity, the first electrode terminal 1011 faces downwards and the second electrode terminal 2011 faces upwards.

[0137] The first electrode terminal 1011 is located at the end of the first battery cell 101 that is away from the second battery cell 20, and the second electrode terminal 2011 is located at the end of the second battery cell 201 that is away from the first battery cell 10. Thus, the distance between the first electrode terminal 1011 and the second electrode terminal 2011 is relatively large, which can reduce the risk of short circuit between the first battery cell 10 and the second battery cell 20 and improve electrical reliability.

[0138] Of course, in other embodiments, the first electrode terminal 1011 may also face to the side, and the second electrode terminal 2011 may also face to the side.

[0139] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket 50 in some embodiments of this application.

[0140] Reference Figure 5 and in conjunction with reference Figure 4In some embodiments, the support 50 includes a support wall 52 and a pair of side walls 51. Along the first direction Z, the support wall 52 is located between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20, both of which are connected to the support wall 52. The pair of side walls 51 are spaced apart along the second direction Y, and the support wall 52 connects to the pair of side walls 51. The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction Z. This results in a support 50 with a simple structure and high structural strength. Since both the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 are connected to the support wall 52 along the first direction Z, the close proximity of the first layer of battery cells 100 and the second layer of battery cells 20 optimizes the dimensions of the battery 100 along the first direction Z.

[0141] For example, both the sidewall 51 and the support wall 52 are constructed as rectangular plates.

[0142] The side wall 51 and the supporting wall 52 can be integrally formed, or they can be separately constructed and then fixedly connected. The side wall 51 and the supporting wall 52 can be made of the same or different materials.

[0143] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, the interior of the support wall 52 is formed with a first flow channel 523 for accommodating the heat exchange medium.

[0144] The heat exchange medium, also known as the cooling medium or cooling fluid, can be a liquid or a gas. Temperature regulation refers to heating or cooling multiple battery cells (100 cells). Optionally, the fluid can be circulating to achieve better temperature regulation. Optionally, the fluid can be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or air, etc.

[0145] The first flow channel 523 can be configured with one or more layers; optionally, the first flow channel 523 can be configured with two layers.

[0146] The support wall 52 forms a first flow channel 523 to accommodate the heat exchange medium. By adjusting the temperature of the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 through the support wall 52, the reliability of the battery 100 can be improved.

[0147] In some embodiments, the support wall 52 has a first surface 521 and a second surface 522 disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction, and the two ends of the side wall 51 extend beyond the first surface 521 and the second surface 522, respectively. The thickness direction of the support wall 52 is parallel to the first direction Z. Along the second direction Y, the first layer of battery cell 10 and the second layer of battery cell 20 are located between a pair of side walls 51.

[0148] Understandably, in this embodiment, along the first direction Z, one end of the sidewall 51 protrudes from the first surface 521, and the other end of the sidewall 51 protrudes from the second surface 522. Exemplarily, the support wall 52 and the sidewall 51 are connected to form an H-shaped structure, and along the first direction Z, the distance by which the sidewall 51 extends beyond the first surface 521 is equal to the distance by which the sidewall 51 extends beyond the second surface 522, with the support wall 52 centrally located.

[0149] In this embodiment, the two ends of the sidewall 51 extend beyond the first surface 521 and the second surface 522 respectively, which can obtain a support 50 with high structural strength. The first layer of battery cell 10 and the second layer of battery cell 20 are both located between a pair of sidewalls 51, which can improve the stability of the battery 100.

[0150] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application.

[0151] Reference Figure 12 In other embodiments, along the first direction Z, one end of the sidewall 51 may extend beyond only one of the first surface 521 and the second surface 522, while the other end does not extend beyond the other surface of the first surface 521 and the second surface 522. For example, one end of the sidewall 51 extends beyond the first surface 521, and the other end does not extend beyond the second surface 522. A pair of sidewalls 51 and a support wall 52 are connected end-to-end to form an n-shaped structure. In this case, along the second direction Y, the two sidewalls 51 are located on both sides of the first layer battery cell 10, and the first layer battery cell 10 is located between the pair of sidewalls 51. The second layer battery cell 20 has no sidewalls 51 on either side, and the second layer battery cell 20 is not located between the pair of sidewalls 51.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first layer of battery cell 10 is connected to a pair of sidewalls 51 on both sides along the second direction Y, and the second layer of battery cell 20 is connected to a pair of sidewalls 51 on both sides along the second direction Y.

[0153] The first layer of battery cells 10 and the sidewall 51 can be connected by means of abutment, bonding, welding, etc.

[0154] The second layer of battery cells 20 and the sidewall 51 can be connected by means of abutment, bonding, welding, etc.

[0155] The first layer of battery cells 10 is connected to a pair of sidewalls 51 on both sides along the second direction Y, which improves the connection stability between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the bracket 50. The second layer of battery cells 20 is also connected to a pair of sidewalls 51 on both sides along the second direction Y, which improves the connection stability between the second layer of battery cells 20 and the bracket 50.

[0156] It should be noted that in the embodiment where the first layer of battery cell 10 is connected to the support 50 via the first colloid 60, and the second layer of battery cell 20 is connected to the support 50 via the second colloid 70, at least a portion of the first colloid 60 may be located between the first layer of battery cell 10 and the support wall 52 to connect the first layer of battery cell 10 to the support wall 52, and at least a portion of the first colloid 60 may be located between the first layer of battery cell 10 and the side wall 51 to connect the first layer of battery cell 10 to the side wall 51. Similarly, at least a portion of the second colloid 70 may be located between the second layer of battery cell 20 and the support wall 52 to connect the second layer of battery cell 20 to the support wall 52, and at least a portion of the second colloid 70 may be located between the second layer of battery cell 20 and the side wall 51 to connect the second layer of battery cell 20 to the side wall 51.

[0157] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, a second flow channel 511 for accommodating heat exchange medium is formed inside the sidewall 51.

[0158] When the sidewall 51 extends beyond the first surface 521, the heat exchange medium inside the sidewall 51 can regulate the temperature of the first layer of battery cells 10. When the sidewall 51 extends beyond the second surface 522, the heat exchange medium inside the sidewall 51 can regulate the temperature of the second layer of battery cells 20. When both ends of the sidewall 51 extend beyond the first surface 521 and the second surface 522 respectively, the sidewall 51 can simultaneously regulate the temperature of the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20.

[0159] A second flow channel 511 is formed inside the sidewall 51 to accommodate the heat exchange medium. The temperature of the first layer of battery cell 10 or the second layer of battery cell 20 can be adjusted by the sidewall 51, which can improve the reliability of the battery 100.

[0160] In some embodiments, the support wall 52 and the side wall 51 are integrally formed. The integral forming process includes, but is not limited to, injection molding, extrusion molding, etc.

[0161] The support wall 52 and the side wall 51 are integrally formed to obtain a support 50 with high structural strength.

[0162] In some embodiments, the support wall 52 is integrally formed and welded to the side wall 51. Alternatively, the support frame is welded to the side wall 51 by friction stir welding.

[0163] Welding the support wall 52 to the side wall 51 can reduce the difficulty of fabricating the bracket 50.

[0164] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 4 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first layer of battery cells 10 includes a first battery module 11 and a second battery module 12 arranged at intervals along the second direction Y.

[0165] In some embodiments, the bracket 50 further includes a first partition beam 53, which is disposed on the support wall 52 and located between the first battery module 11 and the second battery module 12.

[0166] The first partition beam 53 is a structural component that assists in the installation of the battery module 100. The first partition beam 53 and the support wall 52 may be made of the same or different materials.

[0167] For example, the first partition beam 53 protrudes from the first surface 521, the first partition beam 53 extends along a third direction X, and the first partition beam 53 is also located between the fifth battery module 13 and the sixth battery module 14.

[0168] The first partition beam 53 can improve the installation stability of the first battery module 11 and the second battery module 12.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first battery module 11 and the second battery module 12 are both connected to the first partition beam 53.

[0170] The first battery module 11 and the first partition beam 53 can be connected by means of bonding, welding, etc. The second battery module 12 and the second partition beam 54 can be connected by means of bonding, welding, etc.

[0171] The first battery module 11 and the second battery module 12 are both connected to the first partition beam 53, and the connection stability between the first battery module 11 and the second battery module 12 and the bracket 50 is high.

[0172] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, a third flow channel 531 for accommodating heat exchange medium is formed inside the first partition beam 53.

[0173] The third flow channel 531 can be configured with one or more layers. Optionally, the third flow channel 531 can be configured with two layers.

[0174] The first partition beam 53 forms a third flow channel 531 to accommodate the heat exchange medium. The temperature of the first battery module 11 and the second battery module 12 is adjusted by the first partition beam 53, thereby improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first partition beam 53 and the support wall 52 are integrally formed. The integral forming process includes, but is not limited to, extrusion molding and injection molding.

[0176] The first partition beam 53 and the support wall 52 are integrally formed to obtain a support 50 with higher structural strength.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first partition beam 53 is welded to the support wall 52. Alternatively, the first partition beam 53 and the support wall 52 are welded by friction stir welding.

[0178] Welding the first partition beam 53 to the support wall 52 can reduce the difficulty of fabricating the bracket 50.

[0179] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 4 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the second layer of battery cells 20 includes a third battery module 21 and a fourth battery module 22 arranged at intervals along the second direction Y.

[0180] The bracket 50 also includes a second partition beam 54, which is disposed on the support wall 52 and located between the third battery module 21 and the fourth battery module 22, to improve the installation stability of the third battery module 21 and the fourth battery module 22.

[0181] The second partition beam 54 is a structural component that assists in the installation of the battery module 100. The material of the second partition beam 54 and the support wall 52 can be the same or different. The structure of the second partition beam 54 and the first partition beam 53 can be the same or different.

[0182] For example, the second partition beam 54 protrudes from the second surface 522, extends along a third direction X, and is also located between the seventh battery module 23 and the eighth battery module 24.

[0183] In some embodiments, both the third battery module 21 and the fourth battery module 22 are connected to the second partition beam 54.

[0184] The third battery module 21 and the second partition beam 54 can be connected by means of bonding, welding, etc. The fourth battery module 22 and the second partition beam 54 can be connected by means of bonding, welding, etc.

[0185] The third battery module 21 and the fourth battery module 22 are both connected to the second partition beam 54, and the connection stability between the third battery module 21 and the fourth battery module 22 and the bracket 50 is relatively high.

[0186] It is important to note that in the embodiment where the first layer of battery cells 10 is connected to the support 50 via a first colloid 60, and the second layer of battery cells 20 is connected to the support 50 via a second colloid 70: at least a portion of the first colloid 60 may be located between the first battery module 11 and the first partition beam 53 to connect the first battery module 11 and the first partition beam 53; at least a portion of the first colloid 60 may be located between the second battery module 12 and the first partition beam 53 to connect the second battery module 12 and the first partition beam 53. Alternatively, at least a portion of the second colloid 70 may be located between the third battery module 21 and the second partition beam 54 to connect the third battery module 21 and the second partition beam 54; and at least a portion of the second colloid 70 may be located between the fourth battery module 22 and the second partition beam 54 to connect the fourth battery module 22 and the second partition beam 54.

[0187] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, the interior of the second partition beam 54 is formed with a fourth flow channel 541 for accommodating the heat exchange medium.

[0188] The fourth flow channel 541 can be configured with one or more layers. Optionally, the fourth flow channel 541 can be configured with two layers.

[0189] The interior of the second partition beam 54 forms a fourth flow channel 541 to accommodate the heat exchange medium. By adjusting the temperature of the third battery module 21 and the battery 100 module through the second partition beam 54, the reliability of the battery 100 can be improved.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second partition beam 54 and the support wall 52 are integrally formed. The forming method of the second partition beam 54 and the support wall 52 can refer to the forming method of the first partition beam 53 and the support wall 52.

[0191] The second partition beam 54 and the support wall 52 are integrally formed to obtain a support 50 with high structural strength.

[0192] In some embodiments, the second partition beam 54 is welded to the support wall 52. The welding method of the second partition beam 54 and the support wall 52 can refer to the welding method of the first partition beam 53 and the support wall 52.

[0193] Welding the second partition beam 54 to the support wall 52 can reduce the difficulty of fabricating the bracket 50.

[0194] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket 50 in some other embodiments of this application.

[0195] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 2In some embodiments, the second layer of battery cells 20 includes a third battery module 21 and a seventh battery module 23, which are arranged at intervals along a third direction X. The bracket 50 may also include a third partition beam 55, which is connected to the support wall 52 and located between the third battery module 21 and the seventh battery module 23. For example, the second partition beam 54 and the third partition beam 55 are arranged in a cross shape, dividing the second surface 522 of the support wall 52 into four mounting areas, which are respectively used to place the third battery module 21, the fourth battery module 22, the seventh battery module 23, and the eighth battery module 24.

[0196] Similarly, in some embodiments, the bracket 50 may further include a fourth partition beam (not shown in the figure), which is located between the fifth battery module 13 and the first battery module 11. The arrangement of the fourth partition beam and the first partition beam 53 can refer to the arrangement of the second partition beam 54 and the third partition beam 55, and will not be described again here.

[0197] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the battery 100 according to other embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application.

[0198] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the battery 100 further includes a first cover 30 and a second cover 40. The first cover 30 is connected to a pair of sidewalls 51. The second cover 40 is connected to a pair of sidewalls 51; along a first direction Z, the second cover 40 is disposed opposite to the first cover 30, a support 50 is located between the first cover 30 and the second cover 40, a first layer of battery cells 10 is located between the first cover 30 and the support wall 52, and a second layer of battery cells 20 is located between the second cover 40 and the support wall 52.

[0199] When the first direction Z is the direction of gravity, the first cover 30 can be understood as the lower box cover or bottom cover, and the second cover 40 can be understood as the upper box cover or top cover.

[0200] The first cover 30 can be constructed as a cover structure open on one side, or it can be constructed as a flat plate. The second cover 40 can be constructed as a cover structure open on one side, or it can be constructed as a flat plate. The structure and materials of the first cover 30 and the second cover 40 can be the same or different.

[0201] For example, the first cover 30 is provided with a first outward flange 34, the first outward flange 34 is provided with a threaded hole, and the side wall 51 is provided with a threaded hole. The first cover 30 is connected to the side wall 51 by bolts passing through the threaded holes of the first outward flange 34 and the side wall 51. The second cover 40 is provided with a second outward flange 41, the first outward flange 34 is provided with a threaded hole, and the side wall 51 is provided with a threaded hole. The first cover 30 is connected to the side wall 51 by bolts passing through the threaded holes of the first outward flange 34 and the side wall 51.

[0202] In this embodiment, the first layer of battery cells 10 is located between the first cover 30 and the support wall 52. The first cover 30 can reduce the impact of external foreign objects on the first layer of battery cells 10, thereby improving the reliability of the battery 100. The second layer of battery cells 20 is located between the second cover 40 and the support wall 52. The second cover 40 can reduce the impact of external foreign objects on the second layer of battery cells 20, thereby improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0203] In other embodiments, if the sealing requirements of the battery 100 are not high due to design needs, and in order to meet the lightweight index, either the first cover 30 or the second cover 40 may not be provided, or both the first cover 30 and the second cover 40 may be removed. In this case, both the second battery cell 20 and the second battery cell 20 are exposed to the outside.

[0204] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the battery 100 further includes a pair of end walls 80, which are spaced apart along a third direction X. A support wall 52 is located between the pair of end walls 80. Each end wall 80 is connected at both ends to a pair of side walls 51. The third direction X, the second direction Y, and the first direction Z are perpendicular to each other. A first cover 30 is also connected to the pair of end walls 80, and a second cover 40 is also connected to the pair of end walls 80.

[0205] Understandably, a pair of end walls 80 and a pair of side walls 51 enclose and form the outer structure of the battery 100. Taking a rectangular battery 100 as an example, the side walls 51 and end walls 80 can both be constructed as rectangular plates, and the side walls 51 and end walls 80 are connected end to end to form a rectangular frame.

[0206] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, along the first direction Z, the two ends of the end wall 80 are respectively formed with a third outer flange 81 and a fourth outer flange 82. The third outer flange 81 is used to connect with the first flange of the first cover 30, and the fourth outer flange 82 is used to connect with the second flange of the second cover 40.

[0207] By forming a frame for placing the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 through a pair of end walls 80 and a support 50, a battery 100 with higher structural strength can be obtained.

[0208] Continue to refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first cover 30, the second cover 40, a pair of end walls 80 and a pair of side walls 51 enclose and form a receiving cavity.

[0209] The support wall 52 divides the receiving cavity into a first cavity 91 and a second cavity 92. The first layer of battery cells 10 is received in the first cavity 91, and the second layer of battery cells 20 is received in the second cavity 92.

[0210] Understandably, the first cover 30, the second cover 40, a pair of end walls 80 and a pair of side walls 51 form a box to accommodate the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20.

[0211] The first cover 30 and the supporting wall 52 form a first cavity 91, and the second cover 40 and the supporting wall 52 form a second cavity 92. Along the first direction Z, the first cavity 91 and the second cavity 92 are located on opposite sides of the supporting wall 52. The first cavity 91 and the second cavity 92 are two independent cavities, not connected, which can mitigate the impact of thermal runaway propagation from one cavity on the other. Of course, in other embodiments, the first cavity 91 and the second cavity 92 can also be connected to each other to equalize the temperature inside the battery 100.

[0212] In this embodiment, a first cavity 91 is defined by a first cover 30, a support 50, and a pair of end walls 80, which serves as the internal environment for accommodating the first layer of battery cells 10. A second cavity 92 is defined by a second cover 40, a support 50, and a pair of end walls 80, which serves as the internal environment for accommodating the second layer of battery cells 20.

[0213] It should be noted that, taking the battery 100 used in the vehicle 1000 as an example, since the bracket 50 supports the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20, the first cover 30 and the second cover 40 do not need to bear the weight of the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 when the battery 100 is installed by connecting it to the body sheet metal or other structures through the bracket 50. That is, the first cover 30 and the second cover 40 can be free from force, and the first cover 30 or the second cover 40 can be in no contact with other connection points of the body. For example, the first cover 30 can be suspended relative to the body.

[0214] In some embodiments, the interior of the support 50 is formed with a flow channel for accommodating heat exchange medium, and the support 50 is configured to regulate the temperature of the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20.

[0215] It should be noted that in embodiments where the battery 100 includes a pair of end walls 80, an inlet and an outlet (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the end walls 80 to achieve circulating flow of the heat exchange medium. The inlet and outlet can be located on the same end wall 80, or they can be located on two different end walls 80.

[0216] In some embodiments, there is a gap between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the first cover 30. Understandably, the first layer of battery cells 10 is suspended relative to the first cover 30, the first layer of battery cells 10 does not contact the first cover 30, and the first cover 30 does not directly support the first layer of battery cells 10, but can support the first layer of battery cells 10 through other walls of the housing body.

[0217] The first battery cell 101 and the first cover 30 are separated by a gap, which provides a buffer space for the deformation of the first cover 30. When the first cover 30 is subjected to external impact, the first cover 30 absorbs or disperses the external impact force, so that the external impact force acts less or not at all on the first layer of battery cells 10, reducing the risk of damage to the first layer of battery cells 10 and improving the reliability of the battery 100.

[0218] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the first cover 30 of some embodiments of this application.

[0219] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the first cover 30 includes a first cover body 31 and a first inner layer plate 32 stacked together. The first inner layer plate 32 is disposed on the side of the first cover body 31 facing the first battery cell 10, and there is a gap between the first inner layer plate 32 and the first battery cell 101.

[0220] The first inner layer plate 32 can be constructed as a circle, rectangle, or irregular shape. For example, the first inner layer plate 32 is constructed as a rectangular plate. The first inner layer plate 32 can be made of insulating material to prevent short circuits between the first battery units 100 and to protect the interior of the casing from corrosion. To improve the structural uniformity of the casing, sheet metal stamping can also be used to form the first inner layer plate 32 by depositing an insulating layer on the sheet metal surface.

[0221] The first cover body 31 is the outer structure of the first cover body 30. The first cover body 31 can be constructed as a cover structure with one side open, or it can be constructed as a plate.

[0222] Since the first cover 30 is located at the bottom of the battery 100, bottom protection needs to be considered. Therefore, the first cover body 31 can adopt an impact-resistant structure and be equipped with reinforcing ribs to improve the structural strength of the first cover 30.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first cover body 31 may be made of steel plate by stamping to improve the structural strength of the first cover body 30.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first cover body 31 may be made of a lightweight alloy material, such as aluminum alloy, to meet the requirements of a lightweight design.

[0225] The first cover 30 includes a first cover body 31 and a first inner layer plate 32, which can improve the maintainability of the first cover 30.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first cover 30 further includes a first buffer layer 33, which is disposed between the first cover body 31 and the first inner layer plate 32.

[0227] The first buffer layer 33 is an elastic component. The first buffer layer 33 is an interlayer between the first cover body 31 and the first inner layer plate 32. The material of the first buffer layer 33 includes, but is not limited to, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, foam, etc. Optionally, the first buffer layer 33 is made of hard rubber, which has good elasticity, durability and cushioning ability.

[0228] The first buffer layer 33 can absorb or disperse external impact forces, further reducing the risk of damage to the first layer of battery cells 10.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first buffer layer 33 is bonded to the first inner layer 32. The bonding materials include, but are not limited to, double-sided tape, structural adhesive, etc.

[0230] The first buffer layer 33 is bonded to the first inner layer plate 32, which improves the connection stability between the first buffer layer 33 and the first inner layer plate 32, and the connection method is simple.

[0231] Depending on specific design requirements, the structure of the second cover 40 may be the same as or different from that of the first cover 30. For example, taking the battery 100 as an example for use in a vehicle 1000, since the first cover 30 faces the bottom wall and needs to resist external impacts, the use of the first cover 30 can improve the protective performance of the bottom wall of the housing. The second cover 40 is located at the top, and its probability of being impacted is lower. Therefore, the second cover 40 can be made of materials such as plastic that meet lightweight requirements.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first direction Z is parallel to the direction of gravity. In this embodiment, the first layer of battery cell 10 can be understood as the lower layer of battery cell 100, and the second layer of battery cell 20 can be understood as the upper layer of battery cell 100.

[0233] This application provides an electrical device, which includes the battery 100 described above, and the battery 100 is used to supply power to the electrical device.

[0234] The above description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates the battery 100 provided in this application. The following description, in conjunction with 10 and... Figure 13 This application describes the method for preparing the battery 100. It is understood that the technical solutions related to the preparation method of the battery 100 in the following embodiments correspond to the technical solutions related to the battery 100 in the above embodiments. Specific details can be found in the relevant descriptions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated upon further below.

[0235] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the preparation method of battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application.

[0236] This application provides a method for preparing a battery 100, which includes the following steps.

[0237] S100: A support 50 is provided, the support 50 having a first surface 521 and a second surface 522 opposite to each other along its thickness direction;

[0238] S200: With the first surface 521 of the bracket 50 facing upward, the first layer of battery cell 10 is connected to the first surface 521;

[0239] S300: Flip the bracket 50 so that the second surface 522 of the bracket 50 faces upward;

[0240] S400: Connect the second layer of battery cell 20 to the second surface 522.

[0241] In step S200, the first layer of battery cells 10 can be connected to the first surface 521 by an adhesive. This can be done by first coating the support 50 with adhesive and then connecting the first layer of battery cells 10 to the first surface 521 with adhesive, or by first placing the first layer of battery cells 10 on the first surface 521 and then injecting adhesive into the gap between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the support 50, or by first coating the first surface 521 with adhesive and then connecting the first layer of battery cells 10 to the support 50 with adhesive, and then injecting additional adhesive into other gaps between the first layer of battery cells 100 and the support 50.

[0242] It should be noted that in embodiments where flow channels are formed inside the support 50, the first layer of battery cells 10 can be connected to the first surface 521 by thermally conductive adhesive.

[0243] With the first surface 521 of the bracket 50 facing upwards, the first layer of battery cells 10 is connected to the first surface 521. The bracket 50 is then flipped so that the second surface 522 faces upwards, and the second layer of battery cells 20 is connected to the second surface 522 of the bracket 50. Each layer of battery cells 100 is connected to the bracket 50 from the top for assembly, which reduces the assembly difficulty of this battery 100 with double-layer battery cells 100 and improves the assembly efficiency of the battery 100.

[0244] In some embodiments, connecting the first layer of battery cells 10 to the first surface 521 includes: connecting the first layer of battery cells 10 to the first surface 521 and making the electrode terminals of the first layer of battery cells 10 face upward.

[0245] Connecting the second layer of battery cell 20 to the second surface 522 includes: connecting the second layer of battery cell 20 to the second surface 522 and making the electrode terminals of the second layer of battery cell 20 face upward.

[0246] It is understandable that, through the above steps, the electrode terminals of the first layer of battery cell 10 face downwards, and the electrode terminals of the second layer of battery cell 20 face downwards.

[0247] In some embodiments, connecting the first layer of battery cells 10 to the first surface 521 includes:

[0248] A colloid is disposed on the first surface 521;

[0249] The first layer of battery cells 10 is bonded to the first surface 521 by a gel.

[0250] In order to improve the connection stability and reduce the risk of the first layer of battery cells 10 detaching from the bracket 50 after the bracket 50 is flipped, the bracket 50 can be flipped after the adhesive has cured.

[0251] In the embodiment where the bracket 50 includes a first partition beam 53, a second partition beam 54, a support wall 52, and a pair of side walls 51, after the first layer of battery cells 10 is connected to the support wall 52 with adhesive and before the bracket 50 is flipped, adhesive can also be filled between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the side walls 51, between the first partition beam 53 and the first battery module 11, and between the first partition beam 53 and the second battery module 12. It should be noted that the three steps of filling the space between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the side walls 51, between the first partition beam 53 and the first battery module 11, and between the first partition beam 53 and the second battery module 12 are not sequential.

[0252] In some embodiments, connecting the second layer of battery cell 20 to the second surface 522 includes:

[0253] A colloid is disposed on the second surface 522;

[0254] The second layer of battery cell 20 is bonded to the second surface 522 by a gel.

[0255] In the embodiment where the support 50 includes a first partition beam 53, a second partition beam 54, a support wall 52, and a pair of sidewalls 51, after the first layer battery 100 cells are connected to the support wall 52 with adhesive, adhesive can also be filled between the second layer battery cells 20 and the sidewalls 51, between the second partition beam 54 and the third battery module 21, and between the second partition beam 54 and the fourth battery module 22. It should be noted that the three steps of filling the space between the second layer battery cells 20 and the sidewalls 51, between the second partition beam 54 and the third battery module 21, and between the second partition beam 54 and the fourth battery module 22 are not sequential.

[0256] In some embodiments, to improve assembly efficiency, the curing of the colloid can be accelerated and the waiting time shortened by means of airflow circulation. For example, the colloid can be heated by a fan or dried by an infrared lamp.

[0257] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the preparation method of battery 100 according to other embodiments of this application.

[0258] Reference Figure 13 In some embodiments, after the first layer of battery cells 10 is attached to the first surface 521 and before the flip-up bracket 50, the battery 100 preparation method further includes the following steps.

[0259] S500: Provide a first cover 30 and connect the first cover 30 to the bracket 50 so that the first layer of battery cell 10 is located between the first cover 30 and the first surface 521.

[0260] Specifically, the first cover 30 can be connected to the side wall 51. In embodiments where the battery 100 includes an end, the first cover 30 can also be connected to the end wall 80.

[0261] In some embodiments, after the first layer of battery cell 10 is connected to the support 50 and before the first cover 30 is connected to the support 50, the battery 100 manufacturing method may further include installing components such as a busbar and a temperature sampling component on the first layer of battery cell 10.

[0262] Continue to refer to Figure 13 In some embodiments, after attaching the second layer of battery cell 20 to the second surface 522, the battery 100 fabrication method further includes the following steps:

[0263] S600: Provide a second cover 40 and connect the second cover 40 to the bracket 50 so that the second battery cell 20 is located between the second cover 40 and the second surface 522.

[0264] This application embodiment also provides a battery 100, which includes a first layer of battery cells 10, a second layer of battery cells 20, a support 50, a first cover 30, a second cover 40, and a pair of end walls 80.

[0265] The first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 are stacked along a first direction Z, which is parallel to the direction of gravity. The first layer of battery cells 10 includes multiple first battery cells 101, which are fixedly integrated into four battery modules 100, namely a first battery module 11, a second battery module 12, a fifth battery module 13, and a sixth battery module 14. The first battery module 11 and the second battery module 12 are arranged along a second direction Y, and the fifth battery module 13 and the sixth battery module 14 are also arranged along the second direction Y. Along a third direction X, the first battery module 11 corresponds to the fifth battery module 13, and the second battery module 12 corresponds to the sixth battery module 14.

[0266] The second-layer battery cell 20 includes multiple second battery cells 201, which are fixedly integrated into four battery modules 100, namely a third battery module 21, a fourth battery module 22, a seventh battery module 23, and an eighth battery module 24. The third battery module 21 and the fourth battery module 22 are arranged along the second direction Y, and the seventh battery module 23 and the eighth battery module 24 are also arranged along the second direction Y. Along the third direction X, the third battery module 21 corresponds to the seventh battery module 23, and the fourth battery module 22 corresponds to the eighth battery module 24.

[0267] The support 50 includes a support wall 52, a pair of side walls 51, a first partition beam 53, and a second partition beam 54, all integrally formed. The support wall 52 is located between the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20. The pair of side walls 51 are spaced apart along a second direction Y, with the support wall 52 positioned between them. The support wall 52 has a first surface 521 and a second surface 522 along its thickness direction, with the first surface 521 being the lower surface and the second surface 522 being the upper surface. Along the first direction Z, the two ends of the first side walls 51 extend beyond the first surface 521 and the second surface 522, respectively. The interior of the support wall 52 forms a first flow channel 523 for accommodating heat exchange medium; the interior of the side walls 51 forms a second flow channel 511 for accommodating heat exchange medium; the interior of the first partition beam 53 forms a third flow channel 531 for accommodating heat exchange medium; and the interior of the second partition beam 54 forms a fourth flow channel 541 for accommodating heat exchange medium.

[0268] The first layer of battery cells 10 is bonded to the first surface 521 and the sidewall 51 using thermally conductive adhesive. The second layer of battery cells 20 is bonded to the second surface 522 and the sidewall 51 using thermally conductive adhesive. Along the second direction Y, both the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20 are located between a pair of sidewalls 51.

[0269] The first partition beam 53 extends in the third direction X, is connected to the support wall 52 and protrudes from the first surface 521, and is located between the first battery module 11 and the second battery module 12, and between the fifth battery module 13 and the sixth battery module 14. The first battery module 11, the second battery module 12, the fifth battery module 13 and the sixth battery module 14 are all bonded to the first partition beam 53 with thermally conductive adhesive.

[0270] The second partition beam 54 extends in the third direction X, is connected to the support wall 52 and protrudes from the second surface 522, and is located between the third battery module 21 and the fourth battery module 22, and between the seventh battery module 23 and the eighth battery module 24. The third battery module 21, the fourth battery module 22, the seventh battery module 23 and the eighth battery module 24 are all bonded to the second partition beam 54 with thermally conductive adhesive.

[0271] A pair of end walls 80 are spaced apart along a third direction X, and a support wall 52 is located between the pair of end walls 80. Each end wall 80 is connected to a pair of side walls 51 at both ends. A first cover 30 is connected to the pair of end walls 80 and the pair of end walls 80, and a second cover 40 is connected to the pair of end walls 80 and the pair of side walls 51. The first cover 30, the second cover 40, the pair of end walls 80, and the pair of side walls 51 enclose a receiving cavity. The support wall 52 divides the receiving cavity into a first cavity 91 and a second cavity 92. The first layer of battery cells 10 is received in the first cavity 91, and the second layer of battery cells 20 is received in the second cavity 92.

[0272] The bracket 50 is used to simultaneously support the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20. The bracket 50 is also configured to regulate the temperature of the first layer of battery cells 10 and the second layer of battery cells 20.

[0273] The first battery cell 101 has a first electrode terminal 1011 at its end away from the support 50, and the first electrode terminal 1011 is located at the bottom of the first battery cell 101. The second battery cell 201 has a second electrode terminal 2011 at its end away from the support 50, and the second electrode terminal 2011 is located at the top of the second battery cell 201. The first layer battery cell 10 and the second layer battery cell 20 are mirror images of each other, and the mirror surfaces of the first layer battery cell 10 and the second layer battery cell 20 are parallel to the plane formed by the second direction Y and the third direction X.

[0274] The first cover 30 includes a first cover body 31, a first inner layer plate 32, and a first buffer layer 33. The first inner layer plate 32 is disposed on the side of the first cover body 31 facing the first battery cell 101, and there is a gap between the first inner layer plate 32 and the first battery cell 101. The first buffer layer 33 is disposed between the first cover body 31 and the first inner layer plate 32. The first buffer layer 33 is a rubber layer. The first cover body 31 is formed by sheet metal stamping, the first inner layer plate 32 is formed by sheet metal stamping, and the first inner layer plate 32 is welded to the first cover body 31.

[0275] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0276] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized by, Comprise; a first layer of battery cells and a second layer of battery cells, the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells being arranged in a stack along a first direction; a support, at least a portion of the support being located between the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells along the first direction; wherein the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are both connected to the support, the support being configured to simultaneously support the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells.

2. The battery of claim 1, wherein, The battery further comprises a first adhesive, the first layer of battery cells being connected to the support via the first adhesive; and / or, The battery further comprises a second adhesive, the second layer of battery cells being connected to the support via the second adhesive.

3. The battery of claim 1, wherein, The first layer of battery cells comprises a plurality of first battery cells, an end of each of the first battery cells facing away from the second layer of battery cells being provided with a first electrode terminal along the first direction; The second layer of battery cells comprises a plurality of second battery cells, an end of each of the second battery cells facing away from the first layer of battery cells being provided with a second electrode terminal along the first direction.

4. The battery of claim 1, wherein, The support comprises: a support wall, the support wall being located between the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells along the first direction, the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells being connected to the support wall; a pair of side walls, the pair of side walls being spaced apart along a second direction, the support wall connecting the pair of side walls, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The battery of claim 4, wherein, The support wall has a first flow channel formed therein for accommodating a heat exchange medium.

6. The battery of claim 4, wherein, The support wall has a first surface and a second surface oppositely arranged along a thickness direction of the support wall, two ends of the side wall extending beyond the first surface and the second surface respectively, the thickness direction of the support wall being parallel to the first direction; The first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells are located between the pair of side walls along the second direction.

7. The battery of claim 6, wherein, The first layer of battery cells is connected to the pair of side walls on both sides thereof along the second direction, and the second layer of battery cells is connected to the pair of side walls on both sides thereof along the second direction.

8. The battery of claim 4, wherein, The side wall has a second flow channel formed therein for accommodating a heat exchange medium.

9. The battery of claim 4, wherein, The support wall and the side wall are integrally formed or welded.

10. The battery of claim 4, wherein, The first layer of battery cells comprises a first battery module and a second battery module arranged in a stack along the second direction; The support further comprises: a first partition beam arranged on the support wall and located between the first battery module and the second battery module.

11. The battery of claim 10, wherein, The first battery module and the second battery module are both connected to the first partition beam.

12. The battery of claim 10, wherein, The first partition beam has a third flow channel formed therein for accommodating a heat exchange medium.

13. The battery of claim 10, wherein, The first partition beam and the support wall are integrally formed or welded.

14. The battery of any one of claims 10-13, wherein, The second layer of battery cells comprises a third battery module and a fourth battery module arranged in a stack along the second direction; The support further comprises: a second partition beam arranged on the support wall and located between the third battery module and the fourth battery module.

15. The battery of claim 14, wherein, The third battery module and the fourth battery module are both connected to the second partition beam.

16. The battery of claim 14, wherein, The second partition beam is internally formed with a fourth flow channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium.

17. The battery of claim 14, wherein, The second partition beam is integrally formed with or welded to the support wall.

18. The battery of claim 4, wherein, The battery further comprises: a first cover connected to the pair of side walls; a second cover connected to the pair of side walls; In the first direction, the second cover is oppositely arranged to the first cover, the support frame is located between the first cover and the second cover, the first layer of battery cells is located between the first cover and the support wall, and the second layer of battery cells is located between the second cover and the support wall.

19. The battery of claim 18, wherein, The battery further comprises: a pair of end walls, the pair of end walls being spaced apart in a third direction, the support wall being located between the pair of end walls, and each end wall being connected to the pair of side walls at two ends thereof, the third direction, the second direction and the first direction being perpendicular to each other; The first cover is further connected to the pair of end walls, and the second cover is further connected to the pair of end walls.

20. The battery of claim 19, wherein, The first cover, the second cover, the pair of end walls and the pair of side walls enclose an accommodating cavity; The support wall divides the accommodating cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity, the first layer of battery cells being accommodated in the first cavity, and the second layer of battery cells being accommodated in the second cavity.

21. The battery of claim 1, wherein, The support frame is internally formed with a flow channel for accommodating a heat exchange medium, and is configured to adjust the temperature of the first layer of battery cells and the second layer of battery cells.

22. The battery of claim 1, wherein, The first direction is parallel to the direction of gravity.

23. An electrical device, comprising: The battery comprises any one of claims 1-22.

24. A method for manufacturing a battery, characterized in that, The battery comprises: providing a support frame having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a thickness direction of the support frame; connecting a first layer of battery cells to the first surface with the first surface facing upward; turning over the support frame to have the second surface facing upward; connecting a second layer of battery cells to the second surface.

25. The battery production method according to claim 24, wherein The connecting of the first layer of battery cells to the first surface comprises: connecting the first layer of battery cells to the first surface with electrode terminals of the first layer of battery cells facing upward; The connecting of the second layer of battery cells to the second surface comprises: connecting the second layer of battery cells to the second surface with electrode terminals of the second layer of battery cells facing upward.

26. The battery production method of claim 24, wherein, The connecting of the first layer of battery cells to the first surface comprises: providing a gel on the first surface; connecting the first layer of battery cells to the first surface through the gel.

27. The battery production method of claim 24, wherein, The connecting of the second layer of battery cells to the second surface comprises: providing a gel on the second surface; connecting the second layer of battery cells to the second surface through the gel.

28. The battery production method according to any one of claims 24-27, wherein, After the connecting of the first layer of battery cells to the first surface and before the turning over of the support frame, the battery manufacturing method further comprises: providing a first cover and connecting the first cover to the support frame so that the first layer of battery cells is located between the first cover and the first surface.

29. The battery production method of claim 28, wherein, After the connecting of the second layer of battery cells to the second surface, the battery manufacturing method further comprises: A second cover is provided and coupled to the support such that the second layer of battery cells is positioned between the second cover and the second surface.

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