Battery module, assembling method thereof, and electric device

Abstract

This invention provides a battery module and its assembly method, as well as an electrical device. The battery module includes: a housing, comprising a bottom and side walls; multiple battery cells, each cell comprising a cylindrical shell, the shell including a side surface, a first end face, and a second end face, with a terminal protruding from the second end face, and explosion-proof markings provided on the second end face; adjacent cells connected by a busbar, the busbar being welded to the terminal of one cell and the second end face of another cell respectively; a cover plate; wherein, the bottom uses a temperature controller to control the temperature of the battery cells, the temperature controller corresponding to the first end face, the temperature controller being installed in a receiving space and connected to the inner surface of the bottom; or, the temperature controller being installed inside the bottom; or, the temperature controller being connected to the outer surface of the bottom. According to the battery module of this invention, by aligning the temperature controller with the first end face, not only can the temperature of the battery cells be controlled, but the temperature control structure can also be simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery module and its assembly method, as well as an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing battery module designs, electrical connection structures and pressure relief structures are typically placed at both ends of the battery cell. For example, one end of a cylindrical battery cell has an electrode post with a busbar welded to it, while the other end has an explosion-proof wire and a pressure relief channel. This serves as a safety measure in case of thermal runaway, directing heat away from adjacent cells and preventing heat propagation. Since both ends of the battery cell are occupied by functional structures, heat exchange plates can only be placed on the sidewalls of the cell for temperature control.

[0003] For cylindrical cells, the outer circumference is arc-shaped, and a heat exchange plate, also arc-shaped, is installed on the side wall of the cell. For a battery module composed of multiple cylindrical cells, the heat exchange plate is an S-shaped serpentine plate.

[0004] The heat exchange plate with the aforementioned shape increases the structural complexity of the battery pack's water-cooling components. At least a serpentine water-cooling plate needs to be arranged between every two rows of cells, and each water-cooling plate requires two or more sealing joints. Therefore, existing cylindrical cell battery modules use several serpentine plates and a large number of joints. This increases component manufacturing costs and module assembly difficulty, resulting in battery modules requiring more space, greater weight, and higher costs, while also exhibiting significant shortcomings in reliability and durability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide a battery module and its assembly method, as well as an electrical device, which can simplify the design of the temperature control structure of the battery module.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a battery module includes: a housing, the housing including a bottom and a sidewall, the sidewall being disposed on the outer periphery of the bottom, the bottom and the sidewall enclosing a receiving space having an opening; a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell being a cylindrical member, one end of each battery cell being a non-terminal end and the other end being a terminal end extending toward the side where the opening is located, each battery cell including a cylindrical housing, the housing including a side surface, a first end face and a second end face, the side surface corresponding to the outer periphery of the battery cell, the first end face corresponding to the non-terminal end, the second end face corresponding to the terminal end, and the second end face extending... The battery cell has a terminal post, and the second end face is provided with explosion-proof markings. The housing and the terminal post have opposite polarities. Two adjacent battery cells are connected by a busbar. The busbar is welded to the terminal post of one battery cell and the second end face of another battery cell, respectively. A cover plate is installed in the opening. The bottom is controlled by a temperature controller, which corresponds to the first end face. The temperature controller is installed in the receiving space and connected to the inner surface of the bottom; or, the temperature controller is installed inside the bottom; or, the temperature controller is connected to the outer surface of the bottom.

[0008] Optionally, the temperature control body is a fluid, and the bottom has an internal channel for accommodating the fluid.

[0009] Optionally, when the temperature controller is installed inside the bottom; or when the temperature controller is connected to the outer surface of the bottom, the first end face and the inner surface of the bottom are in surface-to-surface contact.

[0010] Optionally, the inner surface of the bottom is provided with a mounting groove, and the non-pole end extends into the mounting groove.

[0011] Optionally, the battery module further includes: a limiting plate, the limiting plate being installed within the receiving space, the limiting plate having a through hole, at least a portion of the electrode end extending into the through hole, and the electrode protruding from the through hole.

[0012] Optionally, the battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, and the limiting plate includes: a first limiting part, the extension direction of the first limiting part being parallel to the axial direction of the battery cell, the shape of the first limiting part being arc-shaped, and the first limiting part surrounding at least a portion of the side surface; and a second limiting part, one end of the second limiting part being connected to the first limiting part, the second limiting part being located outside the second end face, and the second limiting part having an opening groove, through which the busbar is connected to the terminal post and the second end face respectively.

[0013] Optionally, the cover plate and the limiting plate are spaced apart to form a pressure relief channel; and / or, heat-insulating potting compound is used to pot the battery cell, the bottom and the limiting plate, or heat-insulating material blocks are used to fill the space between them; and / or, potting compound is provided in the through hole as a shielding layer, and the shielding layer is located on the side of the busbar near the cover plate.

[0014] Optionally, the busbar includes one or more bus sections, each of which is an elongated strip. One end of the bus section is connected to the terminal of one of the battery cells, and the other end of the bus section is connected to the second end face of another battery cell. The middle portion of the bus section is flexible.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electrical device includes any of the battery modules described above, wherein the cover plate of the battery module is located above or below the bottom.

[0016] An assembly method for a battery module according to any of the above-described embodiments of the present invention includes the following steps: positioning the opening of the casing upwards; mounting multiple battery cells on the bottom, wherein the temperature of the battery cells is controlled by a temperature controller corresponding to a first end face; fixing the battery cells and then installing a busbar, welding the busbar to the terminal post of one battery cell and the second end face of another battery cell respectively; and installing a cover plate at the opening position.

[0017] According to the battery module of the present invention, the temperature of the battery cell is controlled by a temperature controller. The temperature controller corresponds to the first end face, which simplifies the design of the temperature control structure. For example, the temperature controller can be a cooling plate, installed on the inner surface of the bottom, with the inner surface of the cooling plate in surface-to-surface contact with the first end face of the battery cell. Alternatively, the temperature controller can be a cooling plate, installed on the outer or inner side of the bottom, with the inner surface of the bottom in surface-to-surface contact with the first end face of the battery cell, allowing cooling of the battery cell through the first end face. Furthermore, the temperature controller can be installed in various ways, such as within a receiving space and connected to the inner surface of the bottom; or inside the bottom; or connected to the outer surface of the bottom. These installation methods can meet different design requirements and simplify the structural complexity of the battery module.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the battery cell and the busbar according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cell arranged inside the casing according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a limiting plate arranged inside the outer shell according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a busbar arranged inside the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a heat insulation layer disposed inside the outer casing according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shielding layer disposed inside the outer casing according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module after being flipped according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Attached icon number Battery module 100; 10 housing; 11 bottom; 111 flow channel; 112 mounting groove; 12 side wall; Battery cell 20; casing 21; side 211; first end face 212; second end face 213; terminal post 22; explosion-proof markings 23; 30. Convergence section; 31. Flexible area; Cover plate 40; Limiting plate 50; First limiting part 51; Channel 511; Second limiting part 52; Opening groove 521; Bending part 53; Pressure relief channel 60; Thermal insulation layer 70; shielding layer 80. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this invention may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 this invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] The battery module 100 of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing 10, a plurality of battery cells 20 and a cover plate 40.

[0028] Specifically, the outer casing 10 includes a bottom 11 and a side wall 12. The side wall 12 is disposed on the outer periphery of the bottom 11. The bottom 11 and the side wall 12 enclose a receiving space with an opening. The battery cell 20 is a cylindrical component. One end of the battery cell 20 is a non-terminal end, and the other end is a terminal end extending towards the side where the opening is located. The battery cell 20 includes a cylindrical housing 21. The housing 21 includes a side surface 211, a first end face 212, and a second end face 213. The side surface 211 corresponds to the outer periphery of the battery cell 20. The first end face 212 corresponds to the non-terminal end, and the second end face 213 corresponds to the terminal end. The battery has an extended terminal post 22, and a second end face 213 with explosion-proof markings 23. The housing 21 has the opposite polarity to the terminal post 22. Two adjacent battery cells 20 are connected by a busbar. The busbar is welded to the terminal post 22 of one battery cell 20 and the second end face 213 of the other battery cell 20, respectively. A cover plate 40 is installed in the opening. The bottom 11 controls the temperature of the battery cell 20 through a temperature controller. The temperature controller corresponds to the first end face 212. The temperature controller is installed in the receiving space and connected to the inner surface of the bottom 11. Alternatively, the temperature controller is installed inside the bottom 11. Alternatively, the temperature controller is connected to the outer surface of the bottom 11.

[0029] In other words, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing 10, a plurality of battery cells 20, and a cover plate 40. The housing 10 includes a bottom 11 and sidewalls 12. The sidewalls 12 are located on the outer periphery of the bottom 11. For example, the bottom 11 extends horizontally, and the sidewalls 12 extend vertically. The sidewalls 12 are annular and fitted around the outer periphery of the bottom 11. In this embodiment, the bottom 11 and the sidewalls 12 can be enclosed to form a basin-like structure, i.e., the bottom 11 and the sidewalls 12 enclose an open receiving space, within which the battery cells 20 can be installed. After the battery cells 20 are installed, the cover plate 40 can be installed at the open position.

[0030] The battery cell 20 is a cylindrical component, such as a round battery cell 20. One end of the battery cell 20 is a non-terminal end, and the other end is a terminal end that extends towards the side where the opening is located. For example, the upper end of the battery cell 20 is a terminal end, and the lower end is a non-terminal end. The battery cell 20 includes a cylindrical housing 21, and the housing 21 contains electrode plates, etc.

[0031] The housing 21 includes a side surface 211, a first end face 212, and a second end face 213. For example, the housing 21 includes a side surface 211 extending vertically, and a first end face 212 and a second end face 213 extending horizontally. The first end face 212 is located at the lower end of the annular side surface 211, and the second end face 213 is located at the upper end of the annular side surface 211. That is, the side surface 211 corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 20, the first end face 212 corresponds to the non-terminal end, and the second end face 213 corresponds to the terminal end.

[0032] The other end of the cell 20 is the terminal end, that is, the second end face 213 is provided with a protruding terminal 22. The polarity of the housing 21 of the cell 20 is opposite to that of the terminal 22. For example, the cell 20 is a cylindrical cell 20, the upper end of the cell 20 is provided with the terminal 22, and the housing 21 of the cell 20 has the opposite polarity to the terminal 22.

[0033] The other ends of two adjacent cells 20 are connected via a busbar. The busbar is welded to the terminal 22 of one cell 20 and the second end face 213 of the other cell 20. For example, when assembling the battery module 100, the first end face 212 of the lower end of the cell 20 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the bottom 11, the terminal 22 of the upper end of one cell 20 is welded to one end of the busbar, and the second end face 213 of the upper end of the other cell 20 is welded to the other end of the busbar. Therefore, by welding the busbar, terminal 22, and second end face 213 to the battery module 100, multiple cells 20 can be connected in series or parallel to form a group.

[0034] In this embodiment, the bottom 11 controls the temperature of the battery cell 20 via a temperature controller, which corresponds to the first end face 212. The temperature controller is installed in the receiving space and connected to the inner surface of the bottom 11. For example, the temperature controller is a water-cooled plate, installed on the inner surface of the bottom 11 by adhesive bonding or welding. Alternatively, the temperature controller is installed inside the bottom 11. For example, the bottom 11 is integrally molded to form a flow channel, and the temperature controller is the fluid located within the flow channel. Another example is that the temperature controller is a water-cooled plate installed inside the bottom 11. Or, the temperature controller is connected to the outer surface of the bottom 11. For example, the temperature controller is a water-cooled plate, installed on the outer surface of the bottom 11 by adhesive bonding or welding. Therefore, the temperature controller can be part of the structure of the bottom 11 itself, located inside the bottom 11; or it can be a separate structure adhesively bonded or welded to the outer or inner wall of the bottom 11.

[0035] In this embodiment, the bottom 11 has thermal conductivity. The bottom 11 controls the temperature of the battery cell 20 through a temperature controller. For example, the temperature controller is a cooling plate, and the bottom 11 is connected to the temperature controller. In this case, the bottom 11 can function as a heat sink. The temperature controller can be a solid structure or a fluid. The fluid can be a flowing or non-flowing refrigerant.

[0036] It is understandable that the inner surface of the bottom 11 refers to the surface of the bottom 11 closest to the battery cell 20, and the outer surface refers to the surface of the bottom 11 furthest from the battery cell 20. In other words, a temperature controller can be connected to both the outer and inner sides of the bottom 11, for example, by bonding, mounting, or integrally processing a water-cooling plate.

[0037] Additionally, the second end face 213 is provided with explosion-proof markings 23, meaning the pressure relief port and the terminal post 22 are located on the same side of the cell 20. For example, a terminal post 22 extends from the center of the second end face 213, and an annular explosion-proof markings 23 are provided around the periphery of the terminal post 22. In the event of thermal runaway, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas inside the cell 20 can be released by breaking through the casing 21 through the explosion-proof markings 23. It is understood that the first end face 212 does not have explosion-proof markings 23, and the connection between the first end face 212 and the bottom 11 is maintained during pressure relief.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 100 controls the temperature of the battery cell 20 through a temperature controller. The temperature controller corresponds to the first end face 212, which simplifies the design of the temperature control structure. For example, the temperature controller can be a cooling plate, installed on the inner surface of the bottom 11, with the inner surface of the cooling plate in surface-to-surface contact with the first end face 212 of the battery cell 20. Alternatively, the temperature controller can be a cooling plate, installed on the outer or inner side of the bottom 11, with the inner surface of the bottom 11 in surface-to-surface contact with the first end face 212 of the battery cell 20, allowing cooling of the battery cell 20 through the first end face 212. Furthermore, the temperature controller can be installed in various ways, such as within a receiving space and connected to the inner surface of the bottom 11; or inside the bottom 11; or connected to the outer surface of the bottom 11. These installation methods can meet different design requirements and simplify the structural complexity of the battery module 100.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature control element is a fluid, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the bottom 11 has a flow channel 111 inside to accommodate fluid. For example, the bottom 11 extends horizontally, and multiple baffles spaced apart in the left-right direction are arranged inside the bottom 11. Each baffle extends in the front-back direction. Through the cooperation of the bottom 11 and the baffles, a flow channel 111 extending approximately in the front-back direction can be formed. In this embodiment, by placing the temperature controller inside the bottom 11 and using a fluid as the temperature controller, it has advantages such as easy fluid control and simple structure.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature controller is installed inside the bottom 11; or when the temperature controller is connected to the outer surface of the bottom 11, the first end face 212 and the inner surface of the bottom 11 are in surface-to-surface contact.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the battery cell 20 is installed in the housing space, the first end face 212 and the inner surface of the bottom 11 are in surface-to-surface contact, which can improve installation stability. For example, if the inner surface of the bottom 11 is flat and the first end face 212 is also flat, the contact area can be increased and the heat conduction uniformity can be improved. Optionally, the first end face 212 is bonded to the inner surface of the bottom 11 with structural adhesive, which can ensure that the battery cell 20 fits tightly against the bottom 11 and that the battery cell 20 is closer to the temperature controller connected to the bottom 11.

[0042] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the inner surface of the bottom 11 is provided with a mounting groove 112, into which the non-terminal end extends, improving the positioning effect of the battery cell 20 and enhancing assembly reliability. For example, the upper end surface of the bottom 11 is provided with a mounting groove 112 extending approximately in the vertical direction, and the mounting groove 112 extends inward along the thickness direction of the bottom 11, with the non-terminal end of the lower end of the battery cell 20 inserted into the mounting groove 112. In this embodiment, the mounting groove 112 facilitates the positioning of the battery cell 20. Optionally, an adhesive layer can also be provided on the bottom surface of the mounting groove 112 to facilitate fixing the battery cell 20 by adhesive bonding.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery module 100 also includes a limiting plate 50, which is installed within the receiving space. The limiting plate 50 has a through hole, into which at least a portion of the terminal end of the battery cell 20 extends, and the terminal 22 protrudes. For example, the limiting plate 50 extends generally horizontally, the through hole extends generally vertically, and at least a portion of the terminal end of the battery cell 20 extends, allowing the terminal 22 to protrude, facilitating welding of the busbar to the terminal 22. In this embodiment, the use of the limiting plate 50 facilitates fixing the position of the battery cell 20 and helps to unify the height of the battery cell 20, thus facilitating welding processing.

[0044] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4As shown, the battery cell 20 is a cylindrical battery cell 20. The limiting plate 50 includes: a first limiting part 51 and a second limiting part 52. The extension direction of the first limiting part 51 is parallel to the axial direction of the battery cell 20. The shape of the first limiting part 51 is arc-shaped. The first limiting part 51 surrounds at least a part of the side surface 211, that is, the first limiting part 51 is provided with a channel. The second limiting part 52 is connected to one end of the first limiting part 51. The second limiting part 52 is located outside the second end face 213. The second limiting part 52 has an opening groove 521. The busbar is connected to the pole post 22 and the second end face 213 through the opening groove 521 respectively. The through hole on the limiting plate 50 includes the channel 511 corresponding to the first limiting part 51 and the opening groove 521 corresponding to the second limiting part 52. For example, the first limiting part 51 extends vertically, and its cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction is arc-shaped. The first limiting part 51 facilitates the limiting of the arc-shaped outer circumference of the cylindrical battery cell 20. The second limiting part 52 is located on the side of the first limiting part 51 near the terminal end of the battery cell 20. For example, the second limiting part 52 extends approximately horizontally, is located above the first limiting part 51, and is also located above the second end face 213 of the battery cell 20. The second limiting part 52 has an opening slot 521, into which a busbar can be installed. The terminal 22 of one battery cell 20 and the second end face 213 of another battery cell 20 are exposed from the opening slot 521, and the busbar is connected to the terminal 22 and the second end face 213, respectively. Optionally, a temperature probe can also be installed at the opening slot 521 to facilitate the detection of the internal temperature of the battery module 100.

[0045] Optionally, the limiting plate 50 also includes a bending portion 53, which can be disposed between the outer edge of the second limiting portion 52 and the side wall 12. For example, the bending portion 53 extends approximately in the vertical direction, and the side wall 12 also extends approximately in the vertical direction, which facilitates the connection between the bending portion 53 and the side wall 12 and helps to improve the overall stability of the limiting plate 50.

[0046] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 11 As shown, the cover plate 40 and the limiting plate 50 are spaced apart to form a pressure relief channel 60. That is, a certain space can be reserved between the limiting plate 50 and the cover plate 40 as a pressure relief channel 60, improving safety performance. Furthermore, the pressure relief port of the battery cell 20 can be positioned facing the pressure relief channel 60; for example, the pressure relief port of the battery cell 20 and the terminal post 22 can be located on the same side of the battery cell 20, thereby enabling timely and efficient pressure relief and further improving safety performance. Moreover, by placing the pressure relief port of the battery cell 20 and the terminal post 22 on the same side of the battery cell 20, the first end face 212 and the bottom 11 can maintain surface-to-surface contact during pressure relief, thus maintaining the temperature control effect on the battery cell 20.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 9 As shown, a heat-insulating layer 70 is formed by encapsulating the space between the battery cell 20, the bottom 11, and the limiting plate 50 with heat-insulating potting compound or by filling it with heat-insulating material blocks. In other words, after the battery cell 20 is installed in the housing space, the space between the bottom 11 and the limiting plate 50 can be encapsulated with heat-insulating potting compound, filled with pre-formed heat-insulating material blocks of suitable shape, or bonded and fixed with structural adhesive. These measures can improve the overall strength of the battery module 100, protect the battery cell 20, and prevent the heat generated during thermal runaway of a single battery cell 20 from causing thermal runaway of adjacent battery cells 20.

[0048] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10 As shown, a potting compound is provided inside the through hole as a shielding layer 80, and the shielding layer 80 is located on the side of the busbar near the cover plate 40. For example, a low-strength heat-resistant potting compound is potted as a shielding layer 80 in the space on the limiting plate 50 corresponding to the busbar. In this embodiment, by setting the shielding layer 80, the electrical safety of the battery module 100 can be improved, high-voltage arcing can be avoided, and the flames ejected from a single battery during thermal runaway can be rebounded by the cover plate 40 and impact the nearby battery cell 20.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the busbar includes one or more busbar sections 30. That is, the busbar can be a busbar structure composed of a single busbar section 30, or it can be a combined structure composed of multiple elongated busbar sections 30.

[0050] The current collector 30 is a long strip-shaped component. One end of the current collector 30 is connected to the terminal 22 of one battery cell 20, and the other end is connected to the second end face 213 of another battery cell 20. The middle portion of the current collector 30 is flexible. For example, the left end of the current collector 30 is welded to the terminal 22, and the right end of the current collector 30 is welded to the second end face 213. The middle portion of the current collector 30 is a flexible component, and the left and right ends of the current collector 30 are connected by a flexible connection, for example... Figure 5 The flexible region 31 in the middle. On the one hand, the middle part of the busbar 30 adopts a flexible structure, which can effectively prevent the solder joint failure caused by vibration; on the other hand, when a pressure relief port is set at the terminal end of the battery cell 20, the part of the busbar 30 near the pressure relief port can be set as a flexible connection, so that the busbar 30 can avoid obstructing the opening of the pressure relief port when the battery cell 20 is thermally runaway and pressure is released.

[0051] This invention also discloses an electrical device, including a battery module 100 according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the cover plate 40 of the battery module 100 is located above or below the bottom 11. It is understood that during assembly, the opening can be kept facing upwards for ease of assembly; during use, it can be inverted so that the opening faces downwards. Therefore, even if the battery module 100 is installed at the bottom of the vehicle and is in an inverted state, the battery module 100 provided by this embodiment still maintains good safety. Furthermore, when the battery module 100 of this embodiment is used inverted, the pressure relief of the battery cell 20 faces downwards, and a temperature controller isolates the passenger compartment and the battery cell 20 from above, which can greatly improve the safety of the battery module 100 in the event of thermal runaway.

[0052] The present invention also discloses an assembly method for a battery module 100, which can be used to assemble the battery module 100 of any of the above embodiments. The assembly method includes the following steps: With the opening of the outer casing 10 facing upwards; Multiple battery cells 20 are installed on the bottom 11. The bottom 11 controls the temperature of the battery cells 20 through a temperature controller, which corresponds to the first end face 212. After fixing the battery cell 20, install the busbar and weld the busbar to the terminal post 22 of one battery cell 20 and the second end face 213 of the other battery cell 20 respectively. Install a cover plate 40 at the opening.

[0053] It is understood that in the assembly method of the battery module 100 in this embodiment, the opening is kept facing upwards during the assembly process to facilitate assembly; during use, it can be selectively inverted so that the opening faces downwards.

[0054] In some embodiments, the assembly method of the battery module 100 includes the following assembly steps: S1, such as Figure 6 As shown, the battery cell 20 is arranged and fixed on the bottom 11 through the preset slot inside the receiving space of the outer shell 10, while ensuring that the battery cell 20 is accurately positioned. S2, such as Figure 7 As shown, the mounting limit plate 50 fixes the battery cell 20, so that the height of the top welding surface of the battery cell 20 is consistent. S3, such as Figure 8 As shown, install and solder the busbar, acquisition line, etc.; optionally, if CCS (CellsContact System, integrated busbar) is used, the limiting plate 50 and the busbar, acquisition line and other functional structures are integrated into one unit. In this case, steps S2 and S3 can be combined together for installation. S4, such as Figure 9As shown, insulating and heat-insulating structural adhesive is used to pot the space between the limiting plate 50 and the cover plate 40 to ensure the insulation and heat-insulating performance between the cells 20 and increase the overall strength of the battery module 100. S5, such as Figure 10 As shown, a shielding layer 80 is formed by potting high-temperature resistant insulating and heat-insulating glue at the busbar and pressure relief port on the limiting plate 50; S6, such as Figure 11 As shown, after the potting compound has cured, the cover plate 40 is installed and the battery module 100 is flipped over to complete the assembly.

[0055] In this embodiment, the insulation, waterproofing and safety performance of the battery module 100 are greatly improved by potting insulating adhesive.

[0056] In summary, the battery module 100 and its assembly method according to embodiments of the present invention simplify the structure of the battery module 100 and the related assembly process, and significantly reduce the cost of the battery module 100, i.e., the assembly process is simple and the automation cost is low.

[0057] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module (100), characterized in that, include: The outer shell (10) includes a bottom (11) and a side wall (12), the side wall (12) being disposed on the outer periphery of the bottom (11), the bottom (11) and the side wall (12) enclosing and forming a receiving space with an opening; Multiple battery cells (20), each battery cell (20) is a cylindrical component, with one end of the battery cell (20) being a non-terminal end and the other end being a terminal end extending toward the side where the opening is located. Each battery cell (20) includes a cylindrical housing (21), which includes a side surface (211), a first end face (212), and a second end face (213). The side surface (211) corresponds to the outer periphery of the battery cell (20), and the first end face (212) corresponds to the non-terminal end. The second end face (213) corresponds to the pole end, and the pole (22) extends from the second end face (213). The second end face (213) is provided with explosion-proof markings (23). The polarity of the housing (21) and the pole (22) is opposite. Two adjacent cells (20) are connected by a busbar. The busbar is welded to the pole (22) of one cell (20) and the second end face (213) of the other cell (20) respectively. A cover plate (40) is installed in the opening; The bottom (11) controls the temperature of the battery cell (20) through a temperature control body, which corresponds to the first end face (212). The temperature control body is installed in the receiving space and connected to the inner surface of the bottom (11); or, the temperature control body is installed inside the bottom (11); or, the temperature control body is connected to the outer surface of the bottom (11).

2. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control body is a fluid, and the bottom (11) has a flow channel (111) inside to accommodate the fluid.

3. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the temperature controller is installed inside the bottom (11); or when the temperature controller is connected to the outer surface of the bottom (11), the first end face (212) and the inner surface of the bottom (11) are in surface-to-surface contact.

4. The battery module (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner surface of the bottom (11) is provided with a mounting groove (112), and the non-pole end extends into the mounting groove (112).

5. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A limiting plate (50) is installed in the receiving space. The limiting plate (50) has a through hole. At least a portion of the pole end extends into the through hole, and the pole (22) protrudes from the through hole.

6. The battery module (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The battery cell (20) is a cylindrical battery cell, and the limiting plate (50) includes: The first limiting part (51) extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the battery cell (20), and the first limiting part (51) is arc-shaped and surrounds at least a portion of the side surface (211). The second limiting part (52) is connected to one end of the first limiting part (51). The second limiting part (52) is located outside the second end face (213). The second limiting part (52) has an opening groove (521). The busbar is connected to the pole post (22) and the second end face (213) through the opening groove (521).

7. The battery module (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover plate (40) and the limiting plate (50) are spaced apart to form a pressure relief channel (60); and / or, The space between the battery cell (20), the bottom (11) and the limiting plate (50) is filled with heat-insulating potting compound or filled with heat-insulating material blocks; And / or, the through hole is provided with potting compound as a shielding layer (80), and the shielding layer (80) is located on the side of the busbar near the cover plate (40).

8. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The busbar includes one or more bus sections (30), each bus section (30) is a long strip, one end of the bus section (30) is connected to the terminal (22) of one of the battery cells (20), the other end of the bus section (30) is connected to the second end face (213) of another battery cell (20), and the middle part of the bus section (30) is flexible.

9. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the cover plate (40) of the battery module (100) is located above or below the bottom (11).

10. An assembly method for a battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The opening of the outer casing (10) should face upwards; Multiple battery cells (20) are mounted on a bottom (11), the bottom (11) controlling the temperature of the battery cells (20) by a temperature controller, the temperature controller corresponding to the first end face (212); After fixing the battery cell (20), install the busbar and weld the busbar to the terminal post (22) of one battery cell (20) and the second end face (213) of the other battery cell (20); Install a cover plate (40) at the opening location.

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