Battery unit, battery pack and vehicle

By setting conductors and insulating spacers on the cover plate and pole of the battery cell single unit, forming electrical coupling points and connecting them with external sampling devices, the problems of space utilization and battery cell single unit sampling management during the manufacturing process are solved, and efficient battery pack manufacturing and safety management are achieved.

CN223296947UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-02NIO TECH ANHUI CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422139485.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-30
Publication Date
2025-09-02
Estimated Expiration
2034-08-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the manufacturing process of the prior art, it is difficult to achieve high space utilization and voltage under the constrained box space during the prior art medium-voltage power battery pack, and there are challenges in independent sampling and safety management of battery cells.

Method used

By providing conductors and insulating spacers on the cover plate and pole of the battery cell single, an electrical coupling point is formed and connected to the external sampling device through the connector, the series and insulating fixation of the battery cell single is realized, and combined with the centralized arrangement of explosion-proof valves and pressure relief channels, the space utilization and safety management of the battery cell are improved.

Benefits of technology

The space utilization and manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack are improved, independent sampling and safety management of battery cell singles are realized, and the safety and volume energy density of the battery pack are enhanced.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a battery unit, battery pack and vehicle, the battery unit includes at least two battery cell monomers that are arranged along the first direction and are connected in series with each other, the two opposite end faces of each battery cell monomer along the first direction are provided with a cover plate and poles that protrude from the cover plate and have opposite polarities, the opposite poles with opposite polarities in the first direction of the adjacent battery cell monomers are coupled to form an electric coupling point; a connecting piece is also arranged in a coupling area between the adjacent battery cell monomers and comprises a first conductor, one end of the first conductor is electrically connected to the cover plate of each battery cell monomer, and the other end of the first conductor is used for being connected with a sampling device outside the battery unit; one end of the second conductor is electrically connected to the electric coupling point, and the other end of the second conductor is used for being connected with a sampling device outside the battery unit; and the insulating spacers are respectively propped against the cover plates of the adjacent battery cell monomers so as to keep the adjacent battery cell monomers insulated from each other. The battery unit can improve the space utilization rate and the manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of power batteries and energy storage, and in particular to a battery unit, a battery pack including such a battery unit, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] High-voltage power battery packs, such as 800V battery packs, can be realized by connecting blade batteries in series. During the battery pack manufacturing process, multiple small modules, which are pre-stacked with a certain number of blade batteries, are connected in series to form multiple large modules. After high-voltage series connection and integration, the multiple large modules are placed in a box. At the same time, the multiple small modules need to be precisely placed in the small cavities defined by the crossbars and longitudinal beams of the box.

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

[0004] According to different aspects, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery cell, a battery pack and a vehicle, wherein, for a battery pack assembled from such battery cells, a higher space utilization can be achieved, that is, a higher total voltage can be achieved under limited box space.

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

[0006] First, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by providing a battery unit. Specifically, the battery unit includes at least two battery cells arranged in series along a first direction, wherein a cover plate and poles with opposite polarities protruding from the cover plate are provided on two end surfaces of each battery cell that are opposite to each other along the first direction, and the poles with opposite polarities of adjacent battery cells that are opposite to each other along the first direction are coupled to form an electrical coupling point.

[0007] Wherein, a connector is further provided in the coupling region between adjacent battery cells, which includes:

[0008] a first conductor, one end of which is electrically connected to the cover of each battery cell and the other end of which is used to connect to a sampling device outside the battery cell;

[0009] a second conductor having one end electrically connected to the electrical coupling point and the other end for connecting to a sampling device outside the battery cell;

[0010] The insulating spacers are respectively abutted against the cover plates of the adjacent battery cells to insulate them from each other.

[0011] In the battery cell proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first conductor includes a first section extending on the cover plate of the battery cell and a second section extending on the outer shell of the battery cell, wherein the first section is located between the insulating spacer and the cover plate, and the second section is used to be electrically connected to the sampling device.

[0012] In the battery unit provided according to the first aspect of the present invention, the cover plate and the outer shell of the battery cell are electrically connected to each other, and the first conductor is a part of the outer shell.

[0013] In the battery cell according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second conductor has a first section for connecting to the electrical coupling point and a second section for connecting to the sampling device, wherein the second section is led out of the coupling area from the same side as the first conductor.

[0014] In the battery unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, the connector further includes a third conductor, which is used to electrically connect the poles of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities that are opposite to each other along the first direction.

[0015] Wherein, the third conductor is a flexible connecting piece;

[0016] Alternatively, the third conductor is a receiving box open at both sides, wherein poles of adjacent battery cells are respectively embedded in the receiving box from both sides and are electrically connected to the receiving box.

[0017] In the battery unit proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention, adhesive layers are respectively provided on opposite end faces of the insulating spacer along the first direction, and the battery cells adjacent to each other along the first direction are fixed by the adhesive layers.

[0018] In the battery cell according to the first aspect of the present invention, the insulating spacer is an insulating block, which is respectively arranged between two adjacent battery cells;

[0019] Alternatively, the insulating spacer is an insulating strip extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so as to simultaneously insulate adjacent battery cells of a plurality of battery units arranged along the second direction.

[0020] In the battery unit proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention, the battery cell is also provided with an explosion-proof valve, and the explosion-proof valve of at least one of the adjacent battery cells is arranged in the coupling area, and a pressure relief channel is also provided in the coupling area, wherein the gas from the explosion-proof valve can flow into the pressure relief channel.

[0021] In the battery unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, the poles of the battery cells each have a positioning structure, wherein the positioning structures of the poles of two battery cells adjacent in the first direction with opposite polarities are form-fitted.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is further provided, which includes a plurality of such battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells are stacked along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0023] Finally, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is also provided, which includes the battery pack described above.

[0024] The battery unit according to the present disclosure can improve the space utilization and manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack and enable independent sampling of battery cells, which is beneficial to battery safety management. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other features of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a battery unit according to a first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A partial illustration of the coupling area of ​​the battery cell in FIG.

[0028] Figure 3 Shows the corresponding Figure 2 Exploded view of

[0029] Figure 4 shows a partial exploded view of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a second embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 shows a partial exploded view of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a third embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 Shown by Figure 5 A partial diagram of a battery pack formed by stacking battery cells;

[0032] Figure 7 shows a partial illustration of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a fourth embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8 Shows the corresponding Figure 7 Exploded view of

[0034] Figure 9 shows a partial exploded view of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a fifth embodiment;

[0035] Figure 10 An embodiment of a battery pack according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It is easy to understand that according to the technical solution of the present invention, without changing the essential spirit of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can propose a variety of interchangeable structural methods and implementation methods. Therefore, the following specific embodiments and drawings are only illustrative of the technical solution of the present invention and should not be regarded as the entire present invention or as a limitation or restriction of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0037] The terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "front," "back," "top," and "bottom" mentioned or potentially mentioned in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the accompanying drawings. They are relative concepts and may vary depending on their location or usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," and similar expressions are used only for descriptive and distinguishing purposes and should not be understood to indicate or imply the relative importance of the corresponding components.

[0038] In the present disclosure, a battery cell is a cell having an internal pole core, an external cover plate, and an outer shell. For example, the battery cell can be, but is not limited to, a short blade battery.

[0039] Next, in the present disclosure, a battery pack has a certain number of electrically connected battery cells, and the battery pack is a high-voltage battery pack. For example, the battery pack can be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate blade battery pack with a high voltage level of 800V.

[0040] In addition, in the present disclosure, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are directions perpendicular to each other. Figure 10 In the coordinate system drawn in, the first direction is parallel to the x-axis, and the battery cells of the same battery unit are arranged along the first direction; the second direction is parallel to the y-axis, and multiple battery cells are stacked along the second direction during the manufacturing process of the battery pack; the third direction is parallel to the z-axis, and it can also be regarded as the height direction of the battery cell.

[0041] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 To illustrate a first embodiment of the battery cell according to the present invention, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a battery cell in an assembled state; Figure 2 A partial diagram of the coupling region of the battery cell is shown; Figure 3 Shows the corresponding Figure 2 Exploded diagram of .

[0042] The battery unit 100 includes two battery cells 110, which are arranged along a first direction and connected in series with each other, wherein the first direction can be the length direction of the battery cells. Here, the number of battery cells contained in each battery cell may depend on the total voltage of the battery pack, for example, it can include three battery cells or more battery cells. A cover plate 111 and a pole 112 protruding therefrom are respectively provided on the two end faces opposite to each other along the first direction of each battery cell 110. Specifically, the battery cell is provided with a positive pole on the first end face and a negative pole on the second end face opposite to the first end face along the first direction. The poles and cover plates on the same end face of the same battery cell are electrically insulated from each other. The cover plates of the battery cells are conductive and can preferably be welded to the outer shell of the battery cell. Here, for the sake of clarity, only the poles and cover plates located in the coupling area are provided with reference numerals.

[0043] In the battery unit 100 , two poles of two adjacent battery cells that are opposite in polarity and face each other along a first direction are coupled, in particular, coupled in series, to form an electrical coupling point.

[0044] In this disclosure, an "electrical coupling point" is understood to mean a location at which a voltage equal to the voltage resulting from coupling, in particular connecting in series, two poles of opposite polarity of two adjacent battery cells is present. For example, this electrical coupling point can belong to the two poles themselves, or it can also belong to an intermediate component (i.e., a third conductor, which will be described in more detail below) used to couple the two poles.

[0045] In order to achieve this end-to-end series connection of the battery cells in the battery unit, a connector 120 is further provided in the coupling area between adjacent battery cells, which includes a first conductor 121, a second conductor 122 and an insulating spacer 123. One end of the first conductor 121 is electrically connected to the cover plate 111 of the battery cell 110, and the other end is used to connect to a sampling device outside the battery cell 100. One end of the second conductor 122 is electrically connected to the electrical coupling point of the pole, and the other end is used to connect to the external sampling device. The insulating spacers 123 respectively abut the cover plates 111 of adjacent battery cells 110 to keep the two adjacent cover plates insulated from each other.

[0046] Here, the "coupling area between adjacent battery cells" in the present disclosure refers to the following area, in which two adjacent battery cells are coupled, in particular electrically coupled, in particular connected in series, and this area is limited by two opposing cover plates of the adjacent battery cells or, if necessary, also by the plane in which the outer shells of the two battery cells are located.

[0047] Furthermore, in this disclosure, a "sampling device" refers to a device that is part of a battery pack and is used to collect relevant state parameters, such as voltage and current parameters, at the level of individual cells, battery units, or the entire battery pack. For example, the sampling device may include a common sampling module (e.g., a battery information collector (BIC)) and a circuit board (e.g., a flexible printed circuit (FPC)).

[0048] By pre-connecting the battery cells end-to-end in series along a first direction, particularly the length, to form a battery unit, the following possibilities are provided: during the battery pack manufacturing process, the battery units have continuity along the length or width of the box (which is used to accommodate multiple such battery cells), and the overall dimensions of the battery units match the length or width of the box. This can improve the manufacturability and volumetric energy density of the high-voltage module-free battery pack (abbreviated as CTP, Cell To Pack). This is particularly advantageous for vehicles, where the volume of the battery pack box is generally limited.

[0049] Furthermore, by pre-connecting the battery cells end-to-end in series along a first direction, particularly along the length, to form a battery unit, the following possibilities are also provided: Due to the shortened dimensional chain during the manufacturing process, the precision control requirements for relevant dimensions, such as the flatness, straightness, and positional accuracy of the casing, can be reduced. Furthermore, during battery pack manufacturing, a certain number of these battery cells can be stacked directly into the casing, eliminating the problem of small or large modules potentially rubbing against the casing during battery pack manufacturing according to prior art techniques, thereby improving battery pack manufacturing efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, establishing an electrical connection between the battery cell and the sampling device through the first conductor and the second conductor also provides the following possibility: instead of partitioned sampling or overall sampling of the battery pack, each battery cell can be sampled independently, which is more advantageous for safe management and precise control of the battery pack.

[0051] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the first embodiment shown, the first conductor 121 has a first section that extends over the cover 111 and, in the assembled state, is in electrical contact with the cover 111. The first conductor 121 also has a second section that extends from the coupling region for connection to an external sampling device, particularly its flexible printed circuit board. The second section extends over the housing of the battery cell 110. In the operating state of the battery unit 100, the cover 111 is connected to the flexible printed circuit board of the sampling device via the first conductor 121.

[0052] In an embodiment not shown, it is also feasible that the cover plate of the battery cell and the shell are electrically connected (for example, by welding), and the first conductor can also be part of the shell of the battery cell. In this case, the first conductor can be a thickened portion or a protrusion of the shell of the battery cell.

[0053] In the first embodiment shown, a groove 1111 is provided on the cover 111 of the cell, into which a first section of the first conductor 121 is inserted and in the assembled state makes electrical contact with the cover 111 .

[0054] In an embodiment not shown, the first section of the first conductor 121 may optionally be partially accommodated in the insulating spacer 123. Specifically, a groove is provided on the end surface of the insulating spacer 123 facing the cover plate 111. The first section of the first conductor 121 is placed in the groove with one side thereof and is electrically connected to the adjacent cover plate 111 with the other side thereof opposite in the first direction.

[0055] according to Figures 1 to 3 The insulating spacer 123 is an insulating block located above the terminal of the battery cell 110 and fixed to the cover 111 with two opposing sides for insulation. In the assembled state, the end surface of the insulating spacer 123 facing away from the terminal 112 is substantially flush with the outer shell of the adjacent battery cell, so as to connect with the sampling device above, especially its flexible printed circuit board.

[0056] An adhesive layer may be provided on the end surface of the insulating spacer 123 to secure two adjacent battery cells while maintaining insulation between their covers. The insulating spacer's securing of adjacent battery cells complements the securing effect provided during subsequent battery cell stacking, eliminating the common horizontal or vertical beams in the battery box, thereby increasing the volumetric or gravimetric energy density of the battery pack.

[0057] Furthermore, in the first embodiment shown, the sealing pins 114 of two adjacent battery cells are centrally arranged in the coupling region, wherein the sealing pins are used to seal the interior of the battery cells. In this case, the connector 120 may further include an additional insulating spacer 125, which is opposite the insulating spacer 123 with respect to the pole. This additional insulating spacer abuts the adjacent cover plate 111 on both sides, and may also be provided with an adhesive layer on its end surface facing the cover plate of the adjacent battery cell to enhance the fixing strength of the battery cells on both sides.

[0058] In an embodiment not shown, optionally, the insulating spacer 123 is also implemented as an integrated insulating strip, which extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (during the manufacturing process of the battery pack, multiple battery cells are stacked along this second direction) to simultaneously insulate and fix adjacent battery cells of multiple battery cells arranged along the second direction.

[0059] It should be noted here that the fixing method between the insulating spacer and two adjacent battery cells is not limited to the above-mentioned gluing, and can also be achieved by means of a form-fitting portion, a snap connection portion, or a threaded connection portion.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the poles of the cell 110 are each provided with a positioning structure in the form of a form-fitting portion to improve the relative positioning of the poles of opposite polarity of adjacent cell units to be connected in series. Specifically, one of the poles of opposite polarity of two adjacent cell units is provided with a protrusion (which is located at the bottom of the cell). Figure 3 Not visible in, see Figure 5 The other pole is provided with a recessed portion for accommodating the protrusion (see Figure 3 When the insulating spacer 123 is pressed against two adjacent battery cells 110, the protrusions and recesses engage with each other, thereby positioning the two poles for subsequent welding.

[0061] About Figures 1 to 3 The second conductor 122 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first section for connecting to the electrical coupling point of the aforementioned pole, which is implemented as two conductive pins that are in direct contact with the pole. Furthermore, the second conductor 122 includes a second section that extends from the coupling region on the same side as the second section of the first conductor 121 for connection to the external sampling device, in particular, to its flexible printed circuit board.

[0062] The second conductor 122 can be embedded in the insulating spacer 123. In particular, the second conductor 122 is injection molded into the insulating spacer 123.

[0063] Here, the battery cell 100 according to the first embodiment can be assembled in the following manner: the first conductor 121 is welded, especially laser welded, to the battery cell 110; the insulating spacer 123 pre-molded with the second conductor 122 and the additional insulating spacer 125 are glued to form an adhesive layer; the insulating spacer 123, the additional insulating spacer 125 and the two adjacent battery cells 110 are pressed together, and the two poles 112 with opposite polarities of the two adjacent battery cells are brought into contact; the two poles 112 with opposite polarities are welded, especially laser welded; the second conductor 122 is welded, especially laser welded, to the pole 112.

[0064] Subsequently, other embodiments of the battery cell according to the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or functionally identical components are designated with the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the differences from the first embodiment described above are described in detail. For structural similarities, reference is made to the description of the first embodiment.

[0065] according to Figure 4 , which shows a partial exploded view of the battery unit according to the second embodiment, in which the additional insulating spacer opposite to the insulating spacer 123 is omitted in the connector 120, so as to reduce the number of parts and manufacturing costs while meeting the fixing strength of the battery cell.

[0066] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 ,in, Figure 5 shows a partially exploded view of a battery cell according to a third embodiment, Figure 6 A partial view of a battery pack comprising multiple stacked battery cells is shown. The explosion-proof valves 113 of two adjacent battery cells 110 are centrally arranged in the coupling region. That is, the two explosion-proof valves 113 of the adjacent battery cells are opposite or facing each other along a first direction. The explosion-proof valves 113 and insulating spacers 123 of the battery cells 110 are positioned opposite each other with respect to the pole 112. That is, the insulating spacers 123 and explosion-proof valves 113 are located on opposite sides of the pole 112. As shown in the figure, the explosion-proof valves 113 are located below the pole 112 along a third direction (perpendicular to the first and second directions and, in the figure, vertically), while the insulating spacers 123 are located above the pole 112. Accordingly, a pressure relief channel 130 associated with the two explosion-proof valves 113 may be provided in the coupling region to discharge high-pressure gas within the battery cells along a predetermined path. This pressure relief channel can be T-shaped, I-shaped, or square-shaped.

[0067] Here, this scheme of centrally arranging the pressure relief channel and the explosion-proof valve in the coupling area can not only realize the thermal and electrical separation management of the battery pack, but also reduce the structural size of the battery pack including multiple such battery cells, which is more beneficial to the safety and volume energy density of the battery pack.

[0068] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In a modified version of the third embodiment shown, it is possible that, in the coupling region, one cell is provided with an explosion-proof valve 113 for discharging internal high-pressure gas, and the other cell is provided with a sealing pin 114 for sealing the interior of the cell. In this case, a pressure relief channel associated with the explosion-proof valve can also be provided in the coupling region.

[0069] according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ,in, Figure 7 shows a partial illustration of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 8 Shows the corresponding Figure 7 Exploded view; connector 120 also includes a third conductor 124, which is used to electrically connect oppositely polarized poles of adjacent battery cells that face each other along a first direction. Instead of directly welding the poles together, the use of the third conductor as an intermediate connector reduces the thickness of the poles, specifically, the height of the poles protruding from the cover.

[0070] Here, the third conductor 124 of the connector is a receiving box open on both sides, into which the poles 112 of adjacent battery cells are inserted from both sides and electrically connected. The second conductor 122 is electrically connected to the third conductor 124, which is implemented as a receiving box, at one end (which can be implemented as a bend as shown in the figure), and is led out of the coupling area at its other end (which can also be implemented as a bend as shown in the figure) to electrically connect to an external sampling device.

[0071] Furthermore, a container serving as the third conductor 124 can be embedded within the insulating spacer 123. Specifically, the container can be injection molded into the insulating spacer 123, particularly after being electrically connected to the second conductor 122. The poles of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarity can be inserted from both sides into the third conductor within the insulating spacer 123.

[0072] In the fourth embodiment, when the sealing pins 114 of two adjacent battery cells are concentrated in the coupling area, the insulating spacer 123 simultaneously abuts, and in particular is glued to, two areas of the cover plate that are opposite each other with respect to the pole 112. In other words, the insulating spacer extends over the entire height of the battery cell, similar to the first embodiment described above. This improves the fixing strength between adjacent battery cells.

[0073] The battery unit according to the fourth embodiment can be assembled in the following manner: the first conductor 121 is welded, especially laser welded, to the battery cell 110; one end of the second conductor 122 is welded, especially laser welded, to the receiving box used as the third conductor 124 and is jointly injection molded into the insulating spacer 123; the insulating spacer 123 is coated with glue to form an adhesive layer; the poles 112 with opposite polarities on both sides are respectively inserted into the receiving box used as the third conductor 124; the insulating spacer 123 is pressed onto the two adjacent battery cells 110; and the pole 112 is electrically connected to the receiving box used as the third conductor 124.

[0074] according to Figure 9 , which shows a partial exploded view of a battery unit according to a fifth embodiment, wherein the insulating spacer 123 extends over a portion of the height of the battery cell so as to reduce manufacturing costs while satisfying the fixing strength of the battery cell.

[0075] Furthermore, in a modified version of the fifth embodiment shown, it is possible that the third conductor can be a flexible connecting piece, and the insulating spacer can be simply implemented as the aforementioned insulating block, which is welded, in particular laser welded, on both sides to two poles of opposite polarity. When the glue-coated insulating spacer 123 is pressed together with two adjacent battery cells 110, the flexible connecting piece can be used to reposition the two battery cells. In this case, the second conductor 122 can be electrically connected to the third conductor 124 implemented as a flexible electrical connecting piece, that is, the aforementioned electrical coupling point is subordinate to the third conductor 124. Specifically, a battery cell provided with a third conductor implemented as a flexible connecting sheet can be assembled in the following manner: the first conductor 121 is welded, especially laser welded, to the battery cell 110; the third conductor 124 implemented as a flexible connecting sheet is respectively welded, especially laser welded, to the poles with opposite polarities on both sides; the insulating spacer 123 pre-molded with the second conductor 122 is coated with glue to form an adhesive layer; the second conductor 122 is welded, especially laser welded, to the third conductor 124; and the insulating spacer 123 is pressed onto two adjacent battery cells 110.

[0076] In another modification of the fifth embodiment shown, it is also possible that the insulating spacer 123 is Figure 9 When the coupling region only extends over a portion of the height of the battery cell as shown, the explosion-proof valve 113 of one battery cell and the sealing pin 114 of another battery cell are located in the coupling region, or the explosion-proof valves 113 of two adjacent battery cells are centrally arranged in the coupling region. In this case, a pressure relief channel associated with the explosion-proof valve can also be arranged in the coupling region to achieve thermal and electrical separation management of the battery pack.

[0077] It should be noted here that the above embodiments are exemplary rather than restrictive, and they can be combined with each other in terms of the insulating spacer, the first conductor, the second conductor, the third conductor, the explosion-proof valve and the sealing nail.

[0078] In summary, the battery cell proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0079] 1. During the manufacturing process of the battery pack, the battery cells are continuous in the length or width direction of the box, and the overall size of the battery cells matches the size of the box, thereby improving the manufacturability and volume energy density of the high-voltage module-free battery pack;

[0080] 2. The problem of small or large modules rubbing against the box during the battery pack manufacturing process according to the prior art is eliminated, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack;

[0081] 3. Enable independent sampling of battery cells to facilitate safe management and precise control of battery packs;

[0082] 4. The fixing strength of the battery cell is improved, making it possible to eliminate the common crossbeams or longitudinal beams in the box, so as to increase the volume energy density or weight energy density of the battery pack;

[0083] 5. By centrally arranging the explosion-proof valves and pressure relief channels of the battery cells in the coupling area, thermal and electrical separation management of the battery pack can be achieved under the condition of high volume energy density of the battery pack, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack;

[0084] 6. By using the third conductor as an intermediate connector, the thickness of the pole can be reduced accordingly.

[0085] In addition, the present invention also provides a battery pack 200, which includes multiple battery cells according to one or more of the above-described embodiments. The battery pack can be a high-voltage battery pack, which can be used as an energy storage device, and more specifically, as a power battery for a vehicle.

[0086] Here, Figure 10 A battery pack 200 formed from battery cells according to the first embodiment described above is schematically shown. For clarity, other components of the battery pack, such as the housing, cooling plate, power distribution device, and sampling device, are not depicted. In this battery pack, multiple battery cells are stacked along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first direction is the length of the battery cells, and the second direction is the width of the battery cells.

[0087] Alternatively, the sampling device of the battery pack may include a circuit board and a sampling module, wherein the circuit board is configured to establish an electrical connection between the first and second conductors of the battery cell and the sampling module. The circuit board may be secured above the battery cell along a third direction, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions. Specifically, the third direction is the height of the battery cell.

[0088] The battery pack according to the present invention can in particular provide the advantages and features already explained with respect to the battery cell according to the present invention, in which respect reference is accordingly made to the explanations made with respect to the battery cell according to the present invention.

[0089] Finally, the present invention also provides a vehicle that includes the battery pack described above as a power battery. The vehicle according to the present invention is particularly capable of achieving the advantages and features described above with respect to the battery cells and battery pack according to the present invention, and reference is accordingly made to the description of the battery cells and battery pack according to the present invention.

[0090] It should be understood that all the above preferred embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive, and various modifications, variations, or combinations made by those skilled in the art to the specific embodiments described above based on the concept of the present invention should be within the legal protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery unit comprising at least two battery cells connected in series along a first direction, wherein: A cover plate and poles with opposite polarities protruding from the cover plate are provided on two end surfaces of each battery cell that are opposite to each other along a first direction, and poles with opposite polarities of adjacent battery cells that are opposite to each other along the first direction are coupled to form an electrical coupling point; It is characterized in that a connecting piece is further provided in the coupling area between adjacent battery cells, which includes: a first conductor, one end of which is electrically connected to the cover of each battery cell and the other end of which is used to connect to a sampling device outside the battery cell; a second conductor having one end electrically connected to the electrical coupling point and the other end for connecting to a sampling device outside the battery cell; The insulating spacers are respectively abutted against the cover plates of the adjacent battery cells to insulate them from each other.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductor includes a first section extending on the cover of the battery cell and a second section extending on the shell of the battery cell, wherein the first section is located between the insulating spacer and the cover, and the second section is used to electrically connect to the sampling device.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The cover plate and the shell of the battery cell are electrically connected to each other, and the first conductor is a part of the shell.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The second conductor has a first section for connection to the electrical coupling point and a second section for connection to the sampling device, wherein the second section is led out of the coupling region from the same side as the first conductor.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The connector further includes a third conductor, which is used to electrically connect the poles of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities that are opposite to each other along the first direction. Wherein, the third conductor is a flexible connecting piece; Alternatively, the third conductor is a receiving box open at both sides, wherein poles of adjacent battery cells are respectively embedded in the receiving box from both sides and are electrically connected to the receiving box.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: Adhesive layers are respectively provided on the end surfaces of the insulating spacer that are opposite to each other along the first direction, and the battery cells adjacent to each other along the first direction are fixed by the adhesive layers.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, characterized in that The insulating spacers are insulating blocks, which are respectively arranged between two adjacent battery cells; Alternatively, the insulating spacer is an insulating strip extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so as to simultaneously insulate adjacent battery cells of a plurality of battery units arranged along the second direction.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell is further provided with an explosion-proof valve, and the explosion-proof valve of at least one of the adjacent battery cells is arranged in the coupling area. A pressure relief channel is also provided in the coupling area, wherein gas from the explosion-proof valve can flow into the pressure relief channel.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The poles of the battery cells each have a positioning structure, wherein the positioning structures of the poles with opposite polarities of two battery cells adjacent to each other along the first direction are form-fitted.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of battery cells are stacked along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises the battery pack according to claim 10.