Electric connector and battery pack

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of batteries, and particularly relates to an electric connecting piece and a battery pack, the electric connecting piece comprises an electric connecting piece main body, and the electric connecting piece main body is internally provided with at least one first channel; the first channel extends in the x direction and serves as an insulation heat exchange medium flowing cavity. A plurality of first through holes penetrating through the first channel are formed in the bottom plate of the electric connector main body; the battery pack comprises at least two high-capacity batteries, the first polarity terminals of all the single batteries on one high-capacity battery extend into the first channel through the corresponding first through holes, and the second polarity terminals of all the single batteries on the other high-capacity battery extend into the first channel through the corresponding first through holes; an original structure that the heat exchange channel is isolated from the polarity terminal is optimized into a structure that the polarity terminal is located in the heat exchange channel, the heat exchange path is shortened, and the heat exchange performance of the whole electric connecting piece and the battery pack is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of batteries, specifically an electrical connector and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, common battery packs are constructed by connecting multiple high-capacity batteries (also known as high-capacity batteries or battery modules) together in series using electrical connectors.

[0003] Temperature control of battery packs has always been a hot topic of concern in this field. When the current is too high, it will cause the electrical connectors to overheat, affecting the normal operation of the battery pack. In addition, since the terminals of individual cells in a large-capacity battery are the parts with the most concentrated heat, when the local heat of the terminals is too high, it will also cause the temperature of the electrical connectors connected to them to soar, affecting the normal operation of the battery pack.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, Chinese patent CN221041264U discloses an electrical connector and an energy storage device. Based on the electrical connector, parallel connection of individual cells within the same large-capacity battery and series connection between two adjacent large-capacity batteries are achieved. A heat exchange channel is opened on the electrical connector, allowing the concentrated heat on the electrical connector to be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat transfer medium within the heat exchange channel and then carried away.

[0005] However, in the aforementioned patent, the electrical connector is fixed to the upper surface of the polar terminal of each individual battery cell. The heat concentrated on the polar terminal needs to be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat transfer medium in the heat exchange channel before the heat is carried out. The heat exchange path is relatively long, which affects the heat exchange effect of the polar terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrical connector and a battery pack, which improve the heat exchange performance of the entire electrical connector and battery pack by optimizing the structure of the electrical connector, shortening the heat exchange path.

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention provides an electrical connector for realizing the parallel connection of individual cells within the same large-capacity battery and the series connection between two adjacent large-capacity batteries; in each large-capacity battery, the individual cells are arranged along the x-direction;

[0008] The electrical connector includes an electrical connector body, and the electrical connector body has at least one first channel;

[0009] The first channel extends along the x-direction and serves as a flow cavity for the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0010] The base plate of the electrical connector body has multiple through holes that connect to the first channel.

[0011] Multiple first through holes are arranged in a rectangular array on the base plate of the electrical connector body. In the y direction, they are arranged in two columns. One column of first through holes corresponds one-to-one with the first polarity terminal of all individual cells on a large-capacity battery. The other column of first through holes corresponds one-to-one with the second polarity terminal of all individual cells on another large-capacity battery. The polarities of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are opposite.

[0012] The projected area of ​​the first through hole in the xy plane is slightly larger than the projected area of ​​the first part of the corresponding polarity terminal in the xy plane, ensuring that the first part of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the inner cavity of the first channel through the first through hole.

[0013] This invention optimizes the electrical connector structure by replacing the original structure that isolates the heat exchange channel from the polarity terminal with a structure where the polarity terminal is located within the heat exchange channel. Multiple first through holes are formed in the wall of the heat exchange channel, allowing the polarity terminal of the individual battery cell to extend into the channel. The heat exchange channel mentioned here refers to the aforementioned first channel. That is, a portion of the polarity terminal structure is located within the cavity of the first channel, directly contacting the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0014] Compared to the effect of indirect heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the polar terminal via electrical connectors in Chinese patent CN221041264U, firstly, it has a shorter heat exchange path (shortened from "heat exchange medium - electrical connector - polar terminal" to "heat exchange medium - polar terminal"), which can improve the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium; secondly, it has a larger heat exchange area (increased from "the upper surface of the polar terminal, which is the fixing part between the polar terminal and the electrical connector" to "the part of the structure where the polar terminal is located in the inner cavity of the first channel"), which improves the heat exchange efficiency, and thus can further improve the heat exchange efficiency of such large-capacity batteries and battery packs.

[0015] Furthermore, in this invention, the electrical connector body typically has two or one first channel;

[0016] When two first channels are opened, the two first channels are isolated from each other, and the two columns of first through holes in the y direction are respectively connected to the two first channels.

[0017] Furthermore, the electrical connector is a split component, comprising a first base and two first sealing top plates; two mutually isolated first grooves are formed in the first base; the two first sealing top plates are respectively sealed and fixed to the open ends of the two first grooves, forming two first channels; a first through hole is formed in the first base. By making the electrical connector a split structure, the sealing between the first through hole and the corresponding polarity terminal can be achieved by welding, thereby improving the sealing performance of this part.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one third channel is provided within the main body of the electrical connector, which is located between the two first channels. The third channel extends along the x-direction and serves as a flow cavity for the insulating heat exchange medium. Based on the third channel, the heat exchange performance of the electrical connector can be further improved.

[0019] When a first channel is opened, both rows of first through holes in the y-direction are connected to the first channel. Compared to the structure with two first channels, the heat transfer performance is better, but more heat transfer medium is required.

[0020] Furthermore, the electrical connector is a separate component, comprising a second base and a second sealing top plate; a second groove is formed in the second base; the second sealing top plate is sealed and fixed to the open end of the second groove, forming a first channel; a first through hole is formed on the second base. By making the electrical connector a separate structure, the sealing between the first through hole and the corresponding polarity terminal can be achieved by welding, thereby improving the sealing performance of this part.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least two high-capacity batteries, each high-capacity battery having at least two individual cells, and further comprising an electrical connector; the electrical connector is the aforementioned electrical connector; the first polarity terminals of all individual cells on one high-capacity battery extend into a first channel through corresponding first through holes, and the second polarity terminals of all individual cells on the other high-capacity battery extend into the first channel through corresponding first through holes; each first through hole is sealed to the corresponding first polarity terminal and second polarity terminal, and the electrical connector is conductive to the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal.

[0022] Furthermore, when the electrical connector body is a single piece, the top ends of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are welded to the electrical connector body.

[0023] Furthermore, the main body of the electrical connector is a split component, including a first base and two first sealing top plates; two mutually isolated first grooves are formed in the first base; the two first sealing top plates are respectively sealed and fixed to the open ends of the two first grooves to form two first channels; a first through hole is formed in the first base; the area around each first through hole in the first base is welded and sealed to the corresponding first polarity terminal and second polarity terminal.

[0024] Furthermore, the main body of the electrical connector is a split component, including a second base and a second sealing top plate; a second groove is formed in the second base; the second sealing top plate is sealed and fixed to the open end of the second groove to form a first channel; a first through hole is formed on the second base; the area around each first through hole on the second base is welded and sealed to the corresponding first polarity terminal and second polarity terminal.

[0025] Furthermore, the high-capacity battery also includes a casing; multiple individual cells are arranged along the x-direction in the inner cavity of the casing; the casing has at least one shared chamber, the inner cavity of the shared chamber is connected to the inner cavities of all individual cells; a clearance hole is provided on the top plate of the casing corresponding to the polarity terminal of each individual cell; the polarity terminal of each individual cell extends out of the clearance hole, and the area of ​​the top plate of the casing corresponding to the clearance hole is fixedly sealed to the individual cell casing.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0027] This invention optimizes the electrical connector structure by replacing the original structure that isolates the heat exchange channel from the polarity terminal with a structure where the polarity terminal is located within the heat exchange channel. Multiple first through holes are formed in the wall of the heat exchange channel, allowing the polarity terminal of the individual battery cell to extend into the channel. The heat exchange channel mentioned here refers to the aforementioned first channel. That is, a portion of the polarity terminal structure is located within the cavity of the first channel, directly contacting the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0028] Compared to the effect of indirect heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the polar terminal via electrical connectors in Chinese patent CN221041264U, firstly, it has a shorter heat exchange path (shortened from "heat exchange medium - electrical connector - polar terminal" to "heat exchange medium - polar terminal"), which can improve the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium; secondly, it has a larger heat exchange area (increased from "the upper surface of the polar terminal, which is the fixing part between the polar terminal and the electrical connector" to "the part of the structure where the polar terminal is located in the inner cavity of the first channel"), which improves the heat exchange efficiency, and thus can further improve the heat exchange efficiency of such large-capacity batteries and battery packs. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connector structure in Example 1. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connector structure in Example 1. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in Example 1;

[0032] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an electrical connector with a third channel;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in Example 2;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in Example 3;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in Example 4;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure in Example 5;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack in Example 5;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack in Example 6;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack in Example 7;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack in Example 8;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first type of battery pack in Example 9;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the first type of battery pack in Example 9;

[0043] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of battery pack in Example 9;

[0044] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the second type of battery pack in Example 9;

[0045] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the third type of battery pack in Example 9;

[0046] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth type of battery pack in Example 9;

[0047] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the fourth type of battery pack in Example 9;

[0048] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0049] 1. Outer casing; 11. Top plate of outer casing; 12. Bottom plate of outer casing; 2. Single cell; 21. First polarity terminal; 22. Second polarity terminal; 23. First part of polarity terminal; 24. Annular groove; 25. O-ring seal; 3. High-capacity battery; 4. Electrical connector; 41. Main body of electrical connector; 42. First channel; 43. First through hole; 44. Bottom plate of main body of electrical connector; 45. First base; 46. First sealing top plate; 47. First groove; 48. Second base; 49. Second sealing top plate; 40. Second groove; 5. Electrolyte sharing chamber; 6. Gas sharing chamber; 7. Clearance hole; 8. Sealing connector; 9. Boss; 10. Third channel. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0051] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention 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 of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0053] This invention provides an electrical connector for enabling parallel connection of individual cells within the same large-capacity battery and series connection between two adjacent large-capacity batteries; it also enables heat exchange within the large-capacity battery. This heat exchange can be understood as either heat dissipation or heating of the large-capacity battery. When the temperature of the large-capacity battery exceeds a set threshold, a lower-temperature heat exchange medium is introduced into the electrical connector to cool the battery; when the temperature of the large-capacity battery falls below the set threshold, a higher-temperature heat exchange medium is introduced into the electrical connector to heat the battery. By controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, it can be ensured that the large-capacity battery always operates at its normal operating temperature.

[0054] Such high-capacity batteries include multiple individual cells arranged in the same direction; for ease of description, the arrangement direction of the individual cells is defined as the x-direction in this invention; the height direction of the individual cells is defined as the z-direction; and the direction perpendicular to both the x and z directions is defined as the y-direction; consistent with the directions defined in the background art.

[0055] The aforementioned high-capacity battery may also include a casing, with multiple individual cells arranged along the x-direction and placed inside the casing cavity.

[0056] This invention does not specifically limit the shell structure, but at least the following two structures can be adopted:

[0057] The first structure includes a cylindrical body with open ends (i.e., the port parallel to the yz plane is the open end) and end plates fixed to the two open ends of the cylindrical body (i.e., the end plates are parallel to the yz plane).

[0058] The second structure includes a cylinder with open ends at the top and bottom (i.e., the port parallel to the xy plane is the open end) and an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate fixed to the open ends at the top and bottom of the cylinder respectively (i.e., both the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate are parallel to the xy plane, and the lower cover plate can be an integral structure with the cylinder).

[0059] A shared chamber may also be provided within the aforementioned outer shell.

[0060] It should be noted that:

[0061] The aforementioned shared chamber can be an electrolyte sharing chamber, with its inner cavity connected to the inner cavities of each individual battery cell. This shared chamber ensures that each individual battery cell is in a uniform electrolyte environment, guaranteeing electrolyte homogeneity and improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of the large-capacity battery. The electrolyte sharing chamber described here is a liquid channel extending along the length of the casing between the bottom plate of the outer casing and each individual battery cell. This liquid channel can be integrally formed with the bottom plate of the outer casing, or it can be formed by installing a support between the lower cover plate of the individual battery cell and the bottom plate of the outer casing.

[0062] The aforementioned shared chamber can also be a gas-sharing chamber located on the top plate of the outer casing, covering the gas ports on the top of each individual cell in the large-capacity battery. It should be noted that the term "gas port" here has two meanings:

[0063] 1) The gas port is the first through hole directly opened on the top cover of the single cell and penetrating the inner cavity of the single cell;

[0064] At this time, the gas-sharing chamber is connected to the gas region of each individual cell through the gas port. Based on the gas-sharing chamber, the gas regions of each individual cell can be connected to achieve gas balance, so that the gas of each individual cell is shared to ensure the consistency of each individual cell and improve the cycle life of the large-capacity battery to a certain extent. When any individual cell experiences thermal runaway, the flue gas in the inner cavity of that individual cell enters the gas-sharing chamber and is discharged through the gas-sharing chamber, improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0065] 2) The gas port is a vent or explosion-proof port installed on the top cover of the individual battery, and a vent membrane is provided at the vent or explosion-proof port.

[0066] At this time, the gas sharing chamber is used as a venting channel. When the venting membrane at the gas port of any single cell is ruptured by the flue gas in the inner cavity, the inner cavity of that single cell is connected to the gas sharing chamber, and the flue gas inside is discharged through the gas sharing chamber, thereby improving the safety of the large-capacity battery.

[0067] The aforementioned shared chamber can also be a gas-liquid shared chamber. Through a gas-liquid shared chamber, each individual battery cell can be placed in a unified electrolyte environment and gas environment, which improves the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of large-capacity batteries.

[0068] To facilitate the electrical connection of the large-capacity battery with a casing, clearance holes are made on the top plate of the casing (in the first type of casing, the top plate of the casing is the top plate of the cylinder; in the second type of casing, the top plate of the casing is the top cover plate) corresponding to the polarity terminals of each individual battery. Each individual battery polarity terminal extends out of the corresponding clearance hole as the polarity terminal of the large-capacity battery. The area of ​​the top plate of the casing corresponding to the clearance hole is fixedly sealed with the individual battery casing, so that the clearance hole part of the top plate of the casing is sealed.

[0069] It should be noted that the polarity terminal of the single battery mentioned here can be the single battery post. In order to avoid the single battery post not being able to extend smoothly out of the clearance hole or the height of the extension hole not meeting the set requirements, a post adapter can be connected to the single battery post, and the overall structure of the single battery post and the post adapter can be used as the single battery polarity terminal.

[0070] To achieve both parallel connection of individual cells within the same large-capacity battery and series connection between two adjacent large-capacity batteries, as well as heat exchange functionality of the large-capacity battery, this invention adopts a concept similar to Chinese Patent CN221041264U. Part of the electrical connector is electrically connected to the first polarity terminal of all individual cells in one large-capacity battery, while another part is electrically connected to the second polarity terminal of all individual cells in another large-capacity battery (where the polarities of the first and second polarity terminals are opposite). This enables parallel connection of individual cells within the same large-capacity battery and series connection between two adjacent large-capacity batteries. Simultaneously, a heat exchange channel is created in the electrical connector for heat exchange. However, unlike Chinese Patent CN221041264U, this invention optimizes the electrical connector structure and employs a direct heat exchange method, allowing the polarity terminals to directly contact the heat exchange medium, thus achieving heat exchange between the electrical connector and the polarity terminals.

[0071] Based on this inventive concept, the present invention adjusts the structure of the electrical connector, optimizing the original structure of isolating the heat exchange channel from the polarity terminal to a structure in which the polarity terminal is located within the heat exchange channel. Specifically, the electrical connector of the present invention includes an electrical connector body, and the electrical connector body is provided with at least one first channel; the first channel extends along the x-direction and serves as an insulating heat exchange medium flow cavity; the two ends of the first channel serve as an inlet end and an outlet end.

[0072] The electrical connector body base plate has multiple through holes that pass through the first channel; the multiple through holes are arranged in a rectangular array on the electrical connector body base plate, arranged in multiple rows in the x direction, where the number of rows is the same as the number of first polarity terminals or second polarity terminals in the large-capacity battery; arranged in two columns in the y direction, one column of first through holes corresponds one-to-one with the first polarity terminals of all individual cells in a large-capacity battery; the other column of first through holes corresponds one-to-one with the second polarity terminals of all individual cells in another large-capacity battery; wherein the polarities of the first polarity terminals and the second polarity terminals are opposite;

[0073] In addition, the orthographic projection area of ​​the first through hole in the xy plane is slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the first part of the corresponding polarity terminal in the xy plane, ensuring that the first part of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the inner cavity of the first channel through the first through hole.

[0074] It should be noted that:

[0075] 1. The first part of the polarity terminal mentioned above is the part of the polarity terminal that extends into the first channel. In some cases, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first part of the polarity terminal and the other parts are exactly the same. Therefore, it can be considered that as long as "the orthogonal projection area of ​​the first through hole in the xy plane is slightly larger than the orthogonal projection area of ​​the corresponding polarity terminal in the xy plane", it can be ensured that the first part of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the first channel.

[0076] 2. Typically, the shape of the first through hole matches the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal. If the first through hole is circular, the cross-section of the polarity terminal is circular, and the diameter of the first through hole needs to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first part of the polarity terminal. If the first through hole is square, the cross-section of the polarity terminal is square, and similarly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole needs to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first part of the polarity terminal. Of course, the shape of the first through hole and the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal do not have to match, as long as it ensures that the first part of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the inner cavity of the first channel through the first through hole.

[0077] 3. The first or second polarity terminals of all individual cells in a large-capacity battery must be set on the same side;

[0078] After the above-mentioned electrical connector is fixed on the top of the two high-capacity batteries, each of the first polarity terminals of one high-capacity battery extends into the inner cavity of the first channel through the corresponding first through hole, and each of the second polarity terminals of the other high-capacity battery extends into the inner cavity of the first channel through the corresponding first through hole. Each polarity terminal is sealed to the first through hole, and at the same time, the electrical connector is conductive to the polarity terminals.

[0079] This invention enables parallel connection of individual cells within a single large-capacity battery pack, and also allows for series connection between two adjacent large-capacity cells. This simplifies and simplifies the electrical connections between individual cells and between large-capacity cells when multiple large-capacity batteries are assembled into a battery pack. Furthermore, a first channel is formed within the electrical connector, and the inner cavity of this first channel serves as a flow chamber for the heat exchange medium. Heat concentrated on the electrical connector can be transferred from the connector to the heat transfer medium within the first channel and then carried away. In addition, part of the polar terminal structure is located in the inner cavity of the first channel and is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium. Compared with the effect of indirect heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the polar terminal through the electrical connector in Chinese patent CN221041264U, firstly, it has a shorter heat exchange path (shortened from "heat exchange medium-electrical connector-polar terminal" to "heat exchange medium-polar terminal"), which can improve the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium; secondly, it has a larger heat exchange area (increased from "the upper end face of the polar terminal, which is the fixing part between the polar terminal and the electrical connector" to "part of the structure of the polar terminal located in the inner cavity of the first channel"), which improves the heat exchange efficiency, and can further improve the heat exchange efficiency of such large-capacity batteries and battery packs.

[0080] It should be noted that:

[0081] 1. Because the polar terminals of this invention are in direct contact with the heat exchange medium, an ideal heat exchange medium should possess characteristics such as good insulation, high specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity, good flame retardancy, low cost, suitable operating temperature, long service life, and non-corrosiveness. In this invention, the heat exchange medium is a common insulating heat exchange medium in the prior art, which can be, but is not limited to, insulating oil and fluorinated liquid.

[0082] 2. The electrical connector is made of a metal material with good conductivity.

[0083] 3. The electrical connector should be insulated from the top of the high-capacity battery. Usually, there is a certain gap between the two. In some cases, an insulating pad, insulating film or insulating varnish can be added between the top of the high-capacity battery and the electrical connector to achieve insulation between the two.

[0084] Electrical connectors can take different structural forms. The following describes in detail the electrical connectors with different structures and their corresponding battery packs with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0085] Example 1

[0086] This embodiment is an electrical connector 4, specifically as follows: Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, the electrical connector 4 in this embodiment includes an electrical connector body 41. The electrical connector body 41 has two mutually isolated first channels 42, and multiple first through holes 43 that penetrate the first channels 42 are opened on the bottom plate 44 of the electrical connector body.

[0087] The main body 41 of the electrical connector of this invention is plate-shaped or column-shaped, and its cross-sectional shape is not specifically limited. Since the electrical connector 4 in this embodiment is placed on top of the planar high-capacity battery 3, considering the regularity of the structure, it can be seen from the figure that the main body 41 of the electrical connector in this embodiment is a rectangular plate. In some other embodiments, other structural forms of columns can also be used. The main body 41 of the electrical connector is made of a metal material with good electrical and thermal conductivity, such as silver, copper, aluminum, etc. However, considering the cost and the comprehensive thermal and electrical conductivity, aluminum is generally chosen as the material of the main body 41 of the electrical connector.

[0088] The aforementioned first channel 42 is a channel opened along the length direction of the electrical connector body 41. In this invention, after the electrical connector body 41 is fixed to the top of the large-capacity battery 3, the length direction of the electrical connector body 41 is consistent with the arrangement direction of the individual battery cells 2 (i.e., the x-direction). Therefore, it can be considered that the first channel 42 extends along the x-direction. The inner cavity of the first channel 42 serves as a heat exchange medium flow channel, and the two ends of the first channel 42 serve as the liquid inlet and liquid outlet.

[0089] In this embodiment, the axis of the first channel 42 is parallel to the axis of the electrical connector body 41 along its length, extends along the length of the electrical connector body 41, and penetrates the electrical connector body 41. In some other embodiments, the first channel 42 may be serpentine, S-shaped, or other curved, but these are more difficult to manufacture than in this embodiment.

[0090] The aforementioned multiple first through holes 43 are formed on the bottom plate 44 of the electrical connector body and communicate with the first channel 42. As can be seen from the figure, this embodiment includes a total of 20 first through holes 43, which are arranged in a matrix array, with 2 columns in the y direction and 10 rows in the x direction. One column of first through holes 43 in the y direction corresponds one-to-one with the first polarity terminal 21 of all individual cells 2 on a large-capacity battery 3; the other column of first through holes 43 corresponds one-to-one with the second polarity terminal 22 of all individual cells 2 on another large-capacity battery 3; wherein the polarities of the first polarity terminal 21 and the second polarity terminal 22 are opposite.

[0091] The number of first through holes 43 is the same as the number of polar terminals of individual cells 2 in the large-capacity battery 3. In some other embodiments, the number of first through holes 43 can be adjusted according to the number of polar terminals of individual cells 2 in the large-capacity battery 3.

[0092] In order to ensure that the first part 23 of the polarity terminal of each individual battery 2 can smoothly extend into the first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43, the orthogonal projection area of ​​the first through hole 43 in the xy plane in this embodiment is slightly larger than the orthogonal projection area of ​​the first part 23 of the corresponding polarity terminal in the xy plane, so as to ensure that the first part 23 of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the first channel 42 through the first through hole 43.

[0093] In this embodiment, the shape of the first through hole 43 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the first part 23 of the polarity terminal. The shape of the first through hole 43 is circular, and the cross-section of the first part 23 of the polarity terminal is also circular. The diameter of the first through hole 43 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first part 23 of the polarity terminal. In other embodiments, the shape of the first through hole 43 and the cross-sectional shape of the first part 23 of the polarity terminal may be different, as long as it is ensured that the first part 23 of the polarity terminal can be inserted into the first channel 42 through the first through hole 43.

[0094] To further improve heat exchange efficiency, adjustments can be made based on actual conditions, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a third channel 10, isolated from the two first channels, can also be opened in the main body 41 of the electrical connector. The third channel 10 is located between the two first channels and serves as a heat exchange channel.

[0095] The third channel can be connected to the two first channels mentioned above in parallel or in series.

[0096] Example 2

[0097] This embodiment is also an electrical connector 4. Unlike embodiment 1, the main body 41 of the electrical connector in this embodiment is a split part, and its structure is as follows: Figure 5 As shown.

[0098] exist Figure 5 In the middle, the electrical connector body 41 includes a first base 45 and two first sealing top plates 46; a first through hole 43 is opened on the first base 45, and two first grooves 47 extending in the x direction and arranged in the y direction are opened on the first base 45, and the two first sealing top plates 46 are respectively sealed and fixed to the top open ends of the two first grooves 47 to form two first channels 42.

[0099] With the split design, the edge of the first through hole 43 on the electrical connector 4 (i.e., the area around the first through hole on the first base 45) and the corresponding polarity terminal can be sealed and fixed by welding, as can be seen in Embodiment 6.

[0100] Example 3

[0101] This embodiment uses an electrical connector 4 with a different structure than embodiment 1, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the electrical connector body 41 of this embodiment is provided with a first channel 42; that is, in this embodiment, the first polarity terminals 21 of all individual cells 2 on a large-capacity battery 3 and the second polarity terminals 22 of all individual cells 2 on another large-capacity battery 3 are located in the same first channel 42.

[0102] In this embodiment, sealing plates can be added to both ends of the first channel 42, with holes made in the sealing plates to serve as the liquid inlet and liquid outlet, respectively.

[0103] Example 4

[0104] Unlike Embodiment 3, the main body 41 of the electrical connector in this embodiment is a separate component, and its structure is as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0105] Figure 7 In the middle, the electrical connector body 41 includes a second base 48 and a second sealing top plate 49; a first through hole 43 is opened on the second base 48, and at the same time, a second groove 40 is opened on the second base 48 along the x direction; the second sealing top plate 49 is sealed and fixed to the open end of the second groove 40, forming a first channel 42.

[0106] With the split design, the first through hole 43 in the electrical connector 4 can also be sealed and fixed with the corresponding polarity terminal by welding, as can be seen in Embodiment 8.

[0107] Example 5

[0108] This embodiment is a battery pack, including an electrical connector 4 and at least two high-capacity batteries 3, wherein the electrical connector 4 is the electrical connector 4 in embodiment 1.

[0109] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 The figure shows a schematic diagram and cross-sectional view of the battery pack in this embodiment, with the battery pack having two high-capacity batteries 3 as an example.

[0110] As shown in the figure, the high-capacity battery 3 in this embodiment includes 10 individual battery cells 2 arranged along the x-direction. In this embodiment, the individual battery cells 2 are prismatic cells, and each individual battery cell 2 has an electrolyte region and a gas region inside. In other embodiments, the number of individual battery cells 2 can be adjusted according to actual needs, and the shape of the individual battery cells 2 can also be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0111] Electrical connector 4 is disposed on top of two large-capacity batteries 3. The first polarity terminals 21 of all individual cells 2 on one large-capacity battery 3 extend into the corresponding first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43, and the second polarity terminals 22 of all individual cells 2 on the other large-capacity battery 3 extend into the first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43.

[0112] from Figure 9 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the tops of the first polarity terminal 21 and the second polarity terminal 22 are both in contact with the electrical connector body 41 in the first channel 42. In order to improve the stability between the two, in this embodiment, the electrical connector body 41 can be welded to the tops of the first polarity terminal 21 and the second polarity terminal 22 from the outer surface of the electrical connector. Welding can further improve the conductivity between the electrical connector and the polarity terminal.

[0113] Because the heat exchange medium flows within the first channel 42, the sealing between the first through hole 43 and the corresponding polarity terminals (including the first polarity terminal 21 and the second polarity terminal 22) is particularly important. Figure 9 As can be seen, in this embodiment, annular grooves 24 extending circumferentially are formed on each polarity terminal; and O-rings 25 are embedded in the annular grooves 24. The outer peripheral surface of the O-rings 25 is pressed against the electrical connector body 41 area around the first through hole 43 to achieve a seal between the first through hole 43 and the corresponding polarity terminal.

[0114] In addition, this embodiment can also provide an electrolyte sharing chamber at the bottom of the large-capacity battery 3, connecting the electrolyte areas of all individual battery cells 2 to achieve electrolyte sharing. This electrolyte sharing chamber can be a hollow component located at the bottom of the large-capacity battery 3, with through holes formed in both the hollow component and the lower cover plate of the individual battery cells 2, enabling electrolyte sharing based on these through holes.

[0115] In some other embodiments, a gas sharing chamber can be provided on the top of the large-capacity battery 3 to connect the gas areas inside the chambers of all individual batteries 2, thereby achieving a gas balance effect.

[0116] For specific structures of the electrolyte sharing chamber and gas sharing chamber, please refer to the first hollow component and the second hollow component described in Chinese Patent CN117477186A, and the electrolyte sharing channel described in CN115275453A.

[0117] Example 6

[0118] This embodiment is also a battery pack, but unlike embodiment 5, this embodiment uses the electrical connector 4 described in embodiment 2.

[0119] like Figure 10As shown, it includes the electrical connector 4 described in Embodiment 2 and two high-capacity batteries 3;

[0120] The structure of the high-capacity battery 3 is the same as that in Example 5, and will not be described again here.

[0121] In this embodiment, a seal is achieved by welding the edge of the first through hole 43 (the area surrounding the first through hole 43 on the first base 45) to the corresponding first polarity terminal 21 and second polarity terminal 22. (Welding can also improve the stability of the electrical connector 4 on the polarity terminal, thereby improving the conductivity between them.) This can be achieved through the following process:

[0122] First, the first base 45 is positioned on top of the two large-capacity batteries 3, so that the first polarity terminals 21 of all individual cells 2 on one large-capacity battery 3 extend into the corresponding first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43, and the second polarity terminals 22 of all individual cells 2 on the other large-capacity battery 3 extend into the corresponding other first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43.

[0123] Secondly, the welding head is inserted from the open end of the first groove 47 into the edge of the first through hole 43, and the edge of each first through hole 43 is welded to the outer wall of the corresponding polarity terminal to achieve a seal; Figure 10 The area shown in Figure a is the welding area.

[0124] Finally, the two first sealing top plates 46 are respectively sealed and welded to the open ends of the two first grooves 47. In some other embodiments, screw connections or other connection methods can also be used to seal and fix the first sealing top plates 46 to the open ends of the first grooves 47.

[0125] In this embodiment, the welding head is inserted from the open end of the first groove 47 without any obstruction, which can complete the sealing welding of the first through hole 43 and the corresponding polarity terminal in one go. The process is simple and the sealing effect is good.

[0126] It should be noted that the welding head mentioned here refers to the component that the welding equipment extends into the part to be welded. If electric arc welding or argon arc welding is used, then the welding head here refers to the end of the welding rod. If laser welding is used, then the welding head here refers to the laser beam.

[0127] Example 7

[0128] This embodiment is also a battery pack, but unlike embodiment 5, this embodiment uses the electrical connector 4 described in embodiment 3.

[0129] like Figure 11 As shown, it includes the electrical connector 4 described in Embodiment 3 and two high-capacity batteries 3;

[0130] The structure of the high-capacity battery 3 is the same as that in Example 5, and will not be described again here.

[0131] Electrical connector 4 is disposed on top of two large-capacity batteries 3. The first polarity terminals 21 of all individual cells 2 on one large-capacity battery 3 extend into the first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43. The second polarity terminals 22 of all individual cells 2 on the other large-capacity battery 3 also extend into the same first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43. The sealing method between each polarity terminal and the first through hole 43 is the same as in embodiment 5, and will not be described again here.

[0132] from Figure 11 As can be seen, similar to Embodiment 5, the tops of the first polarity terminal 21 and the second polarity terminal 22 in this embodiment are in contact with the electrical connector body 41 in the first channel 42. In order to improve the stability between the two, in this embodiment, the electrical connector body 41 can be welded to the tops of the first polarity terminal 21 and the second polarity terminal 22 from the outer surface of the electrical connector. Welding can further improve the conductivity between the electrical connector and the polarity terminal.

[0133] Example 8

[0134] This embodiment is also a battery pack, but unlike embodiment 7, this embodiment uses the electrical connector 4 described in embodiment 4.

[0135] like Figure 12 As shown, it includes the electrical connector 4 described in Embodiment 4 and two high-capacity batteries 3;

[0136] The structure of the high-capacity battery 3 is the same as that in Example 5, and will not be described again here.

[0137] Similar to Embodiment 6, this embodiment achieves a seal between the first through hole 43 (the area surrounding the first through hole 43 on the second base 48) and the corresponding first polarity terminal 21 and second polarity terminal 22 by welding (welding can also improve the stability of the electrical connector 4 on the polarity terminal, thereby improving the conductivity between them). Specifically, this can be achieved through the following process:

[0138] First, the second base 48 is positioned on top of the two large-capacity batteries 3, so that the first polarity terminals 21 of all individual cells 2 on one large-capacity battery 3 extend into the first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43, and the second polarity terminals 22 of all individual cells 2 on the other large-capacity battery 3 extend into the first channel 42 through the corresponding first through hole 43.

[0139] Next, the welding head is inserted from the open end of the second groove 40 into the edge of the first through hole 43, and the edge of each first through hole 43 is welded to the outer wall of the corresponding polarity terminal to achieve a seal; Figure 12The area shown in b is the welding area.

[0140] Finally, the second sealing top plate 49 is sealed and welded to the open end of the second groove 40. In some other embodiments, the second sealing top plate 49 may also be sealed and fixed to the open end of the second groove 40 by means of screw connection or other methods.

[0141] In this embodiment, the welding head is inserted from the open end of the second groove 40 without any obstruction, which can complete the sealing welding of the first through hole 43 and the corresponding polarity terminal in one go. The process is simple and the sealing effect is good.

[0142] It should be noted that the welding head mentioned here refers to the component that the welding equipment extends into the part to be welded. If electric arc welding or argon arc welding is used, then the welding head here refers to the end of the welding rod. If laser welding is used, then the welding head here refers to the laser beam.

[0143] Example 9

[0144] This embodiment is another type of battery pack. Unlike embodiments 5 to 8, the high-capacity battery 3 in this embodiment also has a casing 1, the specific structure of which is as follows: Figures 13 to 19 As shown.

[0145] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Taking the addition of a casing 1 to the large-capacity battery 3 in Example 5 as an example;

[0146] Figure 15 and Figure 16 Taking the addition of a casing 1 to the large-capacity battery 3 in Example 6 as an example;

[0147] Figure 17 Taking the addition of a casing 1 to the large-capacity battery 3 in Example 7 as an example;

[0148] Figure 18 and Figure 19 Taking the addition of a casing 1 to the large-capacity battery 3 in Example 8 as an example;

[0149] As can be seen from the above figures, this embodiment adds a casing 1 to the large-capacity battery 3 of embodiments 5 to 8, arranging each individual battery cell 2 inside the casing 1. The top plate 11 of the casing has clearance holes 7 that allow the polarity terminals of each individual battery cell 2 to extend. In this embodiment, the polarity terminals of the individual battery cell 2 are terminal posts, which have a higher height than conventional terminal posts. Each polarity terminal of the individual battery cell 2 extends out of the corresponding clearance hole 7, and a sealing connector 8 is added between the clearance hole 7 and the polarity terminal to achieve a fixed seal between the area of ​​the top plate 11 of the casing corresponding to the clearance hole 7 and the casing of the individual battery cell 2.

[0150] The sealing connector 8 includes a hollow component; the bottom of the hollow component is used for a sealed connection with a first region of the single cell 2, and the top of the hollow component is sealed to a second region of the top plate 11 of the outer casing; wherein the first region is the region surrounding any polar terminal on the top cover of any single cell 2; wherein the region surrounding the polar terminal is the region surrounding the insulating sealing gasket on the polar terminal. The insulating sealing gasket is a part on the single cell 2 used to insulate between the polar terminal and the top cover of the single cell 2. The second region is the region of the top plate 11 corresponding to any one of the clearance holes 7. The region of the top plate 11 corresponding to the clearance hole 7 is the region surrounding any one of the clearance holes 7 on the outer surface of the top plate 11; or the region of the top plate 11 corresponding to the clearance hole 7 is the wall of the clearance hole 7.

[0151] A liquid channel extending in the x-direction is provided between the bottom plate 12 of the outer casing and each individual battery cell 2, serving as a shared electrolyte chamber 5.

[0152] Figures 13 to 19 In the case, a boss 9 extending in the x direction is provided on the top plate 11 of the outer casing. A gas channel is opened on the boss 9. The gas channel is connected to the inner cavity of the outer casing 1 and serves as a gas sharing chamber 6, which is connected to the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each individual battery cell 2. When gas is generated in the inner cavity of the individual battery cell 2, the inner cavity of the gas channel can also serve as a gas containing cavity to alleviate the problem of the outer casing 1 bulging caused by gas generation.

[0153] In some other embodiments, only an electrolyte shared chamber 5 or a gas shared chamber 6 may be provided.

[0154] The electrical connector 4 is positioned above the top plate 11 of the outer casing of the two high-capacity batteries 3, and there is a certain gap between it and the top plate 11.

Claims

1. An electrical connection, characterised in that: The parallel connection of single cells in the same large capacity battery and the series connection between two adjacent large capacity batteries are realized; in each large capacity battery, the single cells are arranged along the x direction; The electrical connector comprises an electrical connector body, and at least one first channel is arranged in the electrical connector body; The first channel extends along the x direction and serves as an insulation heat exchange medium flow cavity; A plurality of first through holes are formed in the bottom plate of the electrical connector body and penetrate the first channel; The plurality of first through holes are arranged in a rectangular array on the bottom plate of the electrical connector body, and in the y direction, one column of first through holes corresponds to all the first polarity terminals of the single cells of one large capacity battery, and the other column of first through holes corresponds to all the second polarity terminals of the single cells of the other large capacity battery; the polarity of the first polarity terminal is opposite to that of the second polarity terminal; The first through hole has a projection area on the xy plane that is slightly larger than that of the first part of the corresponding polarity terminal on the xy plane, so that the first part of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the first channel through the first through hole.

2. The electrical connection of claim 1, wherein: Two first channels are arranged in the electrical connector body and are isolated from each other; the two columns of first through holes penetrate the respective first channels.

3. An electrical connection as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that: The electrical connector body is a split part and comprises a first base and two first sealing top plates; two first grooves are formed in the first base; the two first sealing top plates are sealingly fixed at the open ends of the two first grooves, respectively, to form the two first channels; and the first through holes are formed in the first base.

4. An electrical connection as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that: At least one third channel is further formed in the electrical connector body; the third channel is located between the two first channels; the third channel extends along the x direction and serves as an insulation heat exchange medium flow cavity.

5. The electrical connection of claim 1, wherein: One first channel is arranged in the electrical connector body; and the two columns of first through holes penetrate the first channel.

6. An electrical connection as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that: The electrical connector body is a split part and comprises a second base and a second sealing top plate; a second groove is formed in the second base; the second sealing top plate is sealingly fixed at the open end of the second groove to form the first channel; and the first through holes are formed in the second base.

7. A battery pack comprising at least two high capacity batteries, each high capacity battery having at least two single batteries therein, characterized by: The electrical connector is the electrical connector according to any one of claims 1-6; the first polarity terminals of all the single cells of one large capacity battery extend into the first channel through the corresponding first through holes, and the second polarity terminals of all the single cells of the other large capacity battery extend into the first channel through the corresponding first through holes; the first through holes are sealingly connected with the corresponding first polarity terminals and second polarity terminals, and the electrical connector is electrically connected with the first polarity terminals and second polarity terminals.

8. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein: The top ends of the first polarity terminals and second polarity terminals are welded to the electrical connector body.

9. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein: The electrical connector body is a split part and comprises a first base and two first sealing top plates; two first grooves are formed in the first base; the two first sealing top plates are sealingly fixed at the open ends of the two first grooves, respectively, to form the two first channels; and the first through holes are formed in the first base. The regions around the first through holes on the first base are sealingly welded to the corresponding first polarity terminals and second polarity terminals.

10. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein: The electric connection body is a split part, comprising a second base and a second sealing top plate; a second groove is formed in the second base; the second sealing top plate is sealingly fixed at the open end of the second groove to form a first channel; a first through hole is formed in the second base; the area around each first through hole on the second base is sealingly connected with the corresponding first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal by welding.

11. The battery pack of any one of claims 7-10, wherein: The large-capacity battery further comprises a shell; a plurality of single batteries are arranged in the shell cavity along the x direction; The shell is provided with at least one shared chamber, and the shared chamber cavity and all single battery cavities are through; The shell top plate is provided with a relief hole corresponding to the polarity terminal of each single battery; the polarity terminal of each single battery extends out of the relief hole, and the area of the shell top plate corresponding to the relief hole is fixed and sealed with the single battery shell.

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