Battery unit, battery pack and vehicle

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, and 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 pole columns, opposite in the first direction and opposite in polarity, of the adjacent single battery cells are coupled, an insulating spacer is further arranged in a coupling area between the adjacent single battery cells, and the insulating spacer is supported on the pole columns of the single battery cells and abuts against the cover plates of the adjacent single battery cells respectively. And the adjacent battery cell monomers are fixed through the insulating distance pieces. The battery unit can improve the space utilization rate and the manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack, and can improve the volume energy density of the battery pack.

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 comprises at least two battery cells arranged in series along a first direction. A cover plate and poles with opposite polarities protruding from the cover plate are provided on two opposite end faces of each battery cell along the first direction. The poles with opposite polarities of adjacent battery cells along the first direction are coupled.

[0007] Insulating spacers are provided in the coupling regions between adjacent battery cells. The insulating spacers are supported on the poles of the battery cells and respectively abut against the covers of the adjacent battery cells. The adjacent battery cells are fixed by the insulating spacers.

[0008] In the battery cell proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention, the insulating spacer includes an insulating main body portion, which is an insulating strip and extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so as to be simultaneously equipped with multiple battery cells stacked along the second direction.

[0009] In the battery cell proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention, the insulating spacer includes an insulating main body portion, which is an insulating block and has a support leg extending along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the support leg abuts against the outer side of the pole of the battery cell.

[0010] 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 main body along the first direction, and the battery cells adjacent to each other along the first direction are fixed by the adhesive layers.

[0011] In the battery cell proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention, the insulating spacer also includes a fixing portion separated from the insulating main body, and the fixing portion is connected to the cover plates of the two adjacent battery cells to clamp the insulating main body between the cover plates of the adjacent battery cells in the assembled state.

[0012] In the battery unit proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention, it also includes an intermediate connecting piece for electrically coupling adjacent battery cells, which is a conductive accommodating box, which is embedded in the insulating spacer and is open on both sides, wherein the poles of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities are respectively embedded in the accommodating box from both sides and are electrically connected to the accommodating box.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a battery unit is provided, comprising at least two battery cells arranged in series along a first direction, wherein conductive portions with opposite polarities are provided at two opposite ends of each battery cell along the first direction.

[0016] Wherein, the battery unit further includes:

[0017] A cover plate, located between adjacent battery cells and fixed to the adjacent battery cells, so as to simultaneously seal the interiors of the adjacent battery cells;

[0018] An intermediate connector, used to electrically couple the conductive portions of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities, the conductive portions with opposite polarities being located on both sides of the cover plate;

[0019] An insulating spacer is used to keep the intermediate connecting member and the cover plate insulated.

[0020] In the battery cell proposed according to the second aspect of the present invention, the cover plate is further provided with a through hole, wherein the intermediate connector passes through the through hole for being electrically connected to the conductive parts with opposite polarities on both sides of the cover plate.

[0021] In the battery cell proposed according to the second aspect of the present invention, the insulating spacer includes an insulating sealing ring fixed between the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate connector and the inner wall of the through hole to keep the intermediate connector and the cover plate insulated.

[0022] In the battery cell proposed according to the second aspect of the present invention, the insulating spacer further includes an insulating bracket located between the cover plate and the conductive portion, wherein the intermediate connector passes through the insulating bracket to be electrically connected to the conductive portion.

[0023] In the battery unit proposed according to the second aspect of the present invention, the cover plate and the insulating bracket are fixed by riveting via the intermediate connecting piece.

[0024] In the battery unit provided according to the second aspect of the present invention, the cover plates are respectively welded to the outer shells of two adjacent battery cells.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is further provided, which includes the plurality of battery cells described above, wherein the plurality of battery cells are stacked along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is also provided, which includes the battery pack described above.

[0027] The battery cell according to the present disclosure can improve the space utilization and manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack, and can improve the volume energy density of the battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other features of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of a battery cell according to the first aspect is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1An exploded view of the coupling area of ​​the battery cell;

[0031] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a second embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a third embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 shows a diagram of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a fourth embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 shows a detail of a coupling region of a battery cell according to a fifth embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 An embodiment of a battery pack according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 An embodiment of the battery cell according to the second aspect is shown in a partially cutaway perspective view;

[0037] Figure 9 Shows the corresponding Figure 8 A partially exploded view of a battery cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. 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.

[0042] In addition, in the present disclosure, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are directions perpendicular to each other. Figure 7 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.

[0043] First, refer to Figures 1 to 7 The battery cell and the battery pack including the same proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention are described below.

[0044] refer to Figures 1 to 2 To illustrate a first embodiment of the battery cell according to the first aspect, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a battery cell in an assembled state; Figure 2 An exploded view of the coupling region of the battery cell is shown.

[0045] The battery cell 100 according to the first embodiment includes two battery cells 110, which are arranged along a first direction and connected in series with each other, wherein the first direction is 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 in 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 in 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 be welded to the housing. Here, for the sake of clarity, only the poles and cover plates located in the coupling area are provided with reference numerals in the drawings.

[0046] In this battery cell 100, two adjacent battery cells, with opposite polarities and facing each other along a first direction, are coupled, particularly in series. An insulating spacer 120 is also provided in the coupling region between the adjacent battery cells. In the assembled state, the insulating spacer 120 is supported on the two coupled poles and abuts the covers of the two adjacent battery cells on both sides. The insulating spacer 120 is fixed to the covers on both sides, thereby securing the two adjacent battery cells.

[0047] In the present disclosure, a "coupling area between adjacent battery cells" refers to an area in which two adjacent battery cells are coupled, in particular electrically coupled, and in particular connected in series, and this area is limited by two opposing covers of the adjacent battery cells or, if necessary, by the plane in which the outer shells of the two battery cells are located.

[0048] Here, 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 possibility is provided: during the battery pack manufacturing process, the battery units have continuity in the length or width direction of the box (which is used to accommodate multiple such battery cells), and the overall size of the battery units matches 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 relatively 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, by making the insulating spacer simultaneously perform the electrical insulation function and the mechanical fixing function, the fixing function supplements the fixing function caused when the battery cells are subsequently stacked, which makes it possible to eliminate the common cross beams or longitudinal beams in the box, thereby increasing the volume energy density or weight energy density of the battery pack.

[0051] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown, the insulating main body 121 of the insulating spacer 120 is an insulating block, and its end face facing away from the pole 112 can be basically flush with the outer shell of the adjacent battery cell in the assembled state to facilitate the installation of other accessories. The sealing nails 113 of the two adjacent battery cells are concentrated in the coupling area, wherein the sealing nails are used to seal the interior of the battery cell. In this case, insulating blocks are respectively provided on both sides of the pole opposite to each other along the third direction as the insulating main body, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and can be the height direction of the battery cell (which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction). Figure 2In the assembled state, the insulating block abuts against the adjacent cover plate 111 with its two sides and is fixed to the cover plate by means of its adhesive layer, which is located on the end surface of the cover plate facing the adjacent battery cell.

[0052] In addition, according to Figure 2 , the poles of the cell 110 are respectively provided with positioning structures in the form of shape-fitting portions to improve the relative positioning of the poles of adjacent cell units to be connected in series. Specifically, one of the poles of two adjacent cell units with opposite polarities is provided with a protrusion (refer to Figure 2 The pole 112 on the right side is provided with the protrusion, which has a reduced cross section compared to the portion of the pole close to the cover plate when viewed along the first direction), wherein the other pole is provided with a recessed portion for accommodating the protrusion (which is in Figure 2 When the insulating body 121 implemented as an insulating block is pressed against two adjacent battery cells 110, the protrusions and recesses engage with each other, thereby achieving relative positioning of the two poles and facilitating subsequent welding connection.

[0053] It should be noted that the positioning structure is not mandatory; the oppositely polarized poles of two adjacent battery cells can also be positioned during welding using external mechanical equipment. Furthermore, the direct fixation between the insulating spacer and the two adjacent battery cells is not limited to gluing as described above; it can also be achieved using form-fitting, snap-fit ​​connections, or threaded connections.

[0054] The battery unit according to the first embodiment can be assembled in the following manner: first, the insulating main body 121 implemented as two insulating blocks is coated with glue to form an adhesive layer; the insulating main body 121 is pressed onto two adjacent battery cells 110, and the two poles 112 with opposite polarities of the two adjacent battery cells are brought into contact; and the two poles 112 with opposite polarities are welded, especially laser welded.

[0055] Then, according to Figure 3 The second embodiment of the battery cell according to the present invention is described with reference to the exploded view in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2Unlike the first embodiment shown, the explosion-proof valves 114 of two adjacent battery cells 110 are centrally arranged in a coupling area, that is, the two explosion-proof valves 114 of adjacent battery cells are relative to each other or facing each other along a first direction. The insulating body 121 implemented as an insulating block is opposite to the explosion-proof valve 114 with respect to the pole 112, that is, the insulating body 121 and the explosion-proof valve 114 are respectively located on two sides of the pole 112 that are opposite to each other or opposite to each other. As shown in the figure, the insulating body 121 is located above the pole 112 along a third direction and the explosion-proof valve 114 is located below the pole 112. Accordingly, in the coupling area, a pressure relief channel assigned to the two explosion-proof valves 114 may also be provided (refer to Figure 6 , which is marked with reference numeral "115"), so as to discharge the high-pressure gas in the battery cell along a preset path. The pressure relief channel can be T-shaped, I-shaped, or O-shaped.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In a modification of the second embodiment shown, it is possible that, in the coupling region, one of the battery cells is provided with an explosion-proof valve for discharging internal high-pressure gas, and the other battery cell is provided with a sealing pin for sealing the interior of the battery cell.

[0058] Subsequently, according to Figure 4 A partially exploded view of a third embodiment of a battery cell according to the present invention is used to illustrate this. This battery cell also includes an intermediate connector 122, which electrically connects the oppositely polarized terminals of adjacent battery cells that face each other along a first direction. This intermediate connector replaces direct welding between the terminals, thereby reducing the thickness of the terminals, and thus, the height of the terminals protruding from the cover.

[0059] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the intermediate connector 122 is a conductive container with two open ends, which can be embedded in the insulating body 121. In particular, it can be pre-injected into the insulating body 121. The poles of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities can be placed into the container located in the insulating body 121 from both sides and electrically connected to the container.

[0060] In the third embodiment shown, the sealing pins 113 of two adjacent battery cells are centrally arranged in the coupling region, and the insulating body 121 extends in the region above the pole 112 and accommodates the pole 112 and the intermediate connector 122. The insulating body 121 can also be glued to the cover plates 111 of the battery cells on both sides.

[0061] Here, the battery unit according to the third embodiment can be assembled in the following manner: the intermediate connector 122 implemented as a conductive receiving box is pre-injected into the insulating main body 121; the insulating main body 121 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; the insulating main body 121 is pressed together with the two adjacent battery cells 110; and the poles 112 are welded to the receiving box, especially laser welded.

[0062] In a modification of the third embodiment shown, it is possible that when the sealing pins 113 of two adjacent battery cells are concentrated in the coupling area, the insulating body 121 can extend over the entire height of the battery cell and simultaneously abut, in particular be glued, to two areas of the cover plate that are opposite to each other with respect to the pole 112.

[0063] In another modification of the third embodiment shown, it is also possible that when the insulating body portion is as shown Figure 4 When extending only over a portion of the height of the battery cell as shown, the explosion-proof valve 114 of one battery cell and the sealing pin 113 of another battery cell are located in the coupling area, or the explosion-proof valves 114 of two adjacent battery cells are centrally arranged in the coupling area. It is further feasible to arrange a pressure relief channel associated with the explosion-proof valve in the coupling area to achieve thermal and electrical separation management of the battery pack.

[0064] Subsequently, according to Figure 5 A partial exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a battery cell according to the present invention is illustrated. The insulating main body 121 of the insulating spacer is an insulating block having legs extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. These legs are designed to rest against the outer sides of the battery cell poles to insulate and protect the two coupled poles from the outside. The intermediate connector 122 is implemented as a flexible connecting piece, welded, in particular, laser welded, on both sides to the two poles of opposite polarity.

[0065] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment shown, the insulating spacer 120 further includes a fixing portion 123 for fixing two adjacent battery cells. The fixing portion 123 is separate from the insulating body 121. That is, the fixing portion 123 and the insulating body 121 are independent components. Specifically, the fixing portion 123 is connected to the cover plates 111 of two adjacent battery cells 110 to clamp the insulating body 121 between the cover plates 111 of the adjacent battery cells in the assembled state.

[0066] Here, the fixing portion 123 can be welded, in particular laser welded, to the cover plates 111 on both sides. Furthermore, the fixing portion 123 and the cover plates of the battery cell are made of the same material, or the fixing portion 123 and the cover plates and the housing of the battery cell are made of the same material to facilitate subsequent welding connections.

[0067] In the fourth embodiment shown, the sealing nails 113 of two adjacent battery cells are centrally arranged in the coupling region, and the insulating spacers 120 are symmetrically arranged about the axis direction of the battery cells (which is parallel to the first direction).

[0068] The battery unit according to the fourth embodiment can be assembled in the following manner: first, the poles 112 of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities are welded to the intermediate connector 122 implemented as a flexible connecting piece, in particular by laser welding; the two adjacent battery cells are squeezed along the first direction to clamp the insulating main body 121 between the cover plates 111 of the two adjacent battery cells; and the fixing part 123 is welded, in particular by laser welding, to the cover plates 111 on both sides.

[0069] In a modified embodiment of the fourth embodiment shown, it is feasible that an adhesive layer for connecting to the cover plate 111 may also be provided on the end faces of the insulating body 121 opposite to each other along the first direction to provide additional fixing effect for two adjacent battery cells.

[0070] In another modification of the fourth embodiment shown, it is also feasible that when the explosion-proof valve of at least one of the adjacent battery cells is arranged in the coupling area, the fixing portion 123 and the insulating main body portion 121 extend over a partial height of the battery cell and are opposite to the explosion-proof valve with respect to the pole, so as to facilitate the arrangement of a pressure relief channel connected to the explosion-proof valve in the coupling area and thereby realize thermal and electrical separation management of the battery pack.

[0071] Subsequently, according to Figure 6 To illustrate a fifth embodiment of the battery cell according to the present invention, Figure 6 A partial diagram of a battery pack including a plurality of such battery cells is shown and corresponds to a diagram for presenting a battery pack according to the present invention. Figure 7Here, the insulating body portion 121 is an integrated insulating strip that extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (during the manufacturing process of the battery pack, multiple battery cells are stacked along the second direction) to simultaneously insulate and fix adjacent battery cells of multiple battery cells arranged along the second direction.

[0072] Specifically, when manufacturing a battery pack, the specific structure of the battery pack can refer to Figure 7 (For clarity, in Figure 7 (Other battery pack accessories, such as the housing, water cooling plate, power distribution device, sampling device, etc., are not depicted in the figure.) The battery cells according to the fifth embodiment can be stacked as follows: The oppositely polarized poles 112 of adjacent cells in the same battery cell are electrically coupled via an intermediate connector 122 implemented as a flexible connector sheet; the battery cells are stacked in the housing along the second direction; the insulating body 121, implemented as an insulating strip, is coated with glue and placed in the coupling area; and the insulating strip is pressed against the adjacent cells of each battery cell. Implementing the insulating body as an insulating strip simplifies the battery cell stacking process.

[0073] In summary, the battery cell proposed according to the first aspect of the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0074] 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;

[0075] 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;

[0076] 3. 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;

[0077] 4. By centrally arranging the explosion-proof valves and pressure relief channels of adjacent battery cells in the coupling area, the volumetric energy density of the battery pack can be improved while achieving thermal and electrical separation management of the battery pack;

[0078] 5. By providing an intermediate connector for the pole of the battery cell, the thickness of the pole can be reduced accordingly;

[0079] 6. By implementing the insulating main body as an insulating strip, the stacking process of the battery cells can be simplified.

[0080] Then, according to Figure 8 and Figure 9 To illustrate the battery cell proposed according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein: Figure 8 An embodiment of the battery cell is shown in a partially cutaway perspective view; Figure 9 Shows the corresponding Figure 8 A partially exploded view of a battery cell.

[0081] according to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The battery unit includes at least two battery cells 110 connected in series, which are arranged along a first direction (reference Figure 7 , and can also be arranged parallel to the length direction of the battery cell). Conductive portions 116 with opposite polarities are provided at two ends of each battery cell 110 that are opposite to each other along the first direction, and are electrically connected to the pole core inside the battery cell. Specifically, a positive conductive portion is provided at the first end of the battery cell, and a negative conductive portion is provided at the second end opposite to the first end along the first direction. Here, for the sake of clarity, the conductive portion located in the coupling area is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which two adjacent battery cells are coupled, especially in series.

[0082] For example, the conductive portion 116 may be implemented as a conductive sheet.

[0083] The battery unit proposed according to the second aspect of the present invention also includes an intermediate connector 122 for electrically coupling adjacent battery cells, an integrated cover plate 111, and an insulating spacer 120 for electrically insulating the intermediate connector and the cover plate. Here, the "integrated cover plate" means that adjacent battery cells share the same cover plate, through which the interiors of adjacent battery cells are simultaneously sealed, that is, the internal pole cores of adjacent battery cells are simultaneously sealed relative to the outside. The two conductive parts of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities are respectively located on both sides of the integrated cover plate 111. Specifically, as Figure 8 As shown, in the coupling area, if the battery cell 110 on the left has a conductive portion 116 with a positive polarity, the battery cell 110 on the right has a conductive portion 116 with a negative polarity, and these two conductive portions with opposite polarities are electrically connected through an intermediate connector 122 to achieve end-to-end series connection of adjacent battery cells.

[0084] In the assembled state, the integrated cover plate 111 is respectively fixed to two adjacent battery cells, in particular, to the housings of these two battery cells. It is feasible that the integrated cover plate 111 is welded, in particular, laser welded, to the housings of the battery cells 110 on both sides. Furthermore, to facilitate the execution of the welding connection, the integrated cover plate 111 and the housings of the battery cells are made of the same material.

[0085] Here, the volume energy density or weight energy density of the battery pack including such battery cells can be further improved by the integrated cover plates of adjacent battery cells and the direct end-to-end series connection formed by the intermediate connector.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated cover plate 111 is further provided with a through hole 1111, wherein an intermediate connector 122 is inserted into the through hole and extends out of the through hole at two ends thereof, opposite to each other in a first direction, to electrically connect to the conductive portions 116 located on both sides of the cover plate 111. Here, the intermediate connector 122 is electrically insulated from the cover plate 111, and the conductive portions 116 are also electrically insulated from the cover plate 111.

[0087] In order to maintain electrical insulation between the intermediate connector 122 and the integral cover 111 , it is feasible that the insulating spacer 120 includes an insulating sealing ring 124 , which is fixed, in particular clamped, between the outer circumference of the intermediate connector 122 and the inner wall of the through hole 1111 of the cover 111 .

[0088] In an embodiment not shown, it is possible to provide an insulating portion on the outer circumference of the intermediate connector, which is integral with the intermediate connector or is part of the intermediate connector. For example, an insulating layer is provided on the outer circumference of the intermediate connector, which abuts against the inner wall of the through-hole of the cover plate when assembled. It is also possible to provide an insulating layer on the inner wall of the through-hole of the cover plate, which abuts against the outer circumference of the intermediate connector when assembled.

[0089] The insulating spacer also includes an insulating bracket 125, which is located between the cover plate 111 and the conductive portion 116. The intermediate connector 122 passes through the insulating bracket 125 to electrically connect to the conductive portion 116 on both sides. In the assembled state, the conductive portion 116 is supported on the insulating bracket 125 and is thereby electrically insulated from the cover plate located on the other side of the insulating bracket. Exemplarily, the insulating bracket 125 is a plastic bracket.

[0090] In the embodiment shown, the cover plate 111 and the insulating spacer (including the insulating sealing ring 124 and the insulating brackets 125 on both sides) are riveted and fixed by the intermediate connector 122. Here, the intermediate connector has a stopper at one end, which is used to stop on one of the insulating brackets 125. Figure 9 As shown, the intermediate connecting piece 122 is provided with such a stop on the right side. In this way, dedicated fixing components can be omitted and the weight energy density of a battery pack comprising a plurality of such battery cells can be increased.

[0091] In addition, the intermediate connector is received and held by its first end portion to the conductive portion of one of the battery cells (at Figure 9 In the receiving portion of the intermediate connector, which is the conductive portion on the left side), it can be implemented as a blind hole, especially a blind hole that matches the shape of the first end of the intermediate connector. Further, the intermediate connector receives and holds the conductive portion of another battery cell (in the middle) with its second end (which is opposite to the first end along the first direction) Figure 9 In the receiving portion of the conductive portion on the right side), it can also be implemented as a blind hole, especially a blind hole that matches the shape of the second end of the intermediate connecting piece.

[0092] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the insulating spacer extends over the entire height of the cell, and the sealing nails 113 of adjacent cell units are centrally arranged in the coupling region.

[0093] Specifically, the battery cell proposed according to the second aspect of the present invention can be assembled as follows: the insulating sealing ring 124 is installed in the through hole 1111 of the integrated cover plate 111; the cover plate 111 (together with the insulating sealing ring therein), the insulating brackets 125 located on both sides of the cover plate 111, and the conductive portion 116 of one of the battery cells are riveted together using the intermediate connector 122; the conductive portions 116 of adjacent battery cells are respectively welded to the intermediate connector 122, in particular by laser welding, to achieve electrical coupling; and the cover plate 111 is fixed to, in particular welded to, the housing of the adjacent battery cell. This assembly process can be completed during the manufacturing process of the battery cells.

[0094] In summary, the battery cell proposed according to the second aspect of the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0095] 1. It can improve the manufacturability and volume energy density of high-voltage module-free battery packs;

[0096] 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;

[0097] 3. The intermediate connector used to electrically connect adjacent battery cells also serves as a mechanical fixation, further improving the weight energy density of the battery pack;

[0098] 4. The integrated cover can further improve the volume energy density and weight energy density of the battery pack.

[0099] In addition, according to the third aspect of the present invention, a battery pack 200 is also proposed, which has been exemplarily described in Figure 7. The battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cells according to one or more of the above-described embodiments, stacked along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first direction is the length of the battery cells and the second direction is the width of the battery cells. Exemplarily, the battery pack can be a high-voltage battery pack that can be used as an energy storage device, and more specifically, as a power battery for a vehicle.

[0100] Here, the battery pack according to the present invention can particularly obtain the advantages and features described for the battery cell according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention, and reference can be made to the description of the battery cell according to the present invention accordingly.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 cell, characterized in that: It includes at least two battery cells arranged in series along a first direction, and a cover plate and poles with opposite polarity protruding from the cover plate are provided on two end faces opposite to each other along the first direction of each battery cell, and the poles with opposite polarity opposite to each other along the first direction of adjacent battery cells are coupled, wherein an insulating spacer is also provided in the coupling area between adjacent battery cells, and the insulating spacer is supported on the poles of the battery cells and respectively abuts against the cover plates of the adjacent battery cells, and the adjacent battery cells are fixed by the insulating spacer, wherein the insulating spacer includes an insulating main body, and the insulating main body is fixed to the adjacent battery cells with its end faces opposite to each other along the first direction.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating spacer includes an insulating main body portion which is an insulating strip and extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction so as to be simultaneously equipped with a plurality of battery cells stacked along the second direction.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating spacer includes an insulating main body portion, which is an insulating block and has a leg extending along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the leg abuts against an outer side of a pole of a battery cell.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: Adhesive layers are respectively provided on opposite end surfaces of the insulating main body along the first direction, and the battery cells adjacent to each other along the first direction are fixed by the adhesive layers.

5. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: The insulating spacer further includes a fixing portion separated from the insulating body portion, wherein the fixing portion is connected to the cover plates of the two adjacent battery cells so as to clamp the insulating body portion between the cover plates of the adjacent battery cells in an assembled state.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes an intermediate connecting piece for electrically coupling adjacent battery cells, which is a conductive accommodating box embedded in the insulating spacer and open on both sides, wherein the poles of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities are respectively embedded in the accommodating box from both sides and electrically connected to the accommodating box.

7. 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.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: 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.

9. A battery cell, characterized in that: The invention comprises at least two battery cells arranged in series along a first direction, and conductive parts with opposite polarities are provided on two opposite ends of each battery cell along the first direction. Wherein, the battery unit further includes: A cover plate, located between adjacent battery cells and fixed to the adjacent battery cells, so as to simultaneously seal the interiors of the adjacent battery cells; An intermediate connector, used to electrically couple the conductive portions of adjacent battery cells with opposite polarities, the conductive portions with opposite polarities being located on both sides of the cover plate; An insulating spacer is used to insulate the intermediate connector from the cover plate.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, characterized in that The cover plate is further provided with a through hole, wherein the intermediate connecting member passes through the through hole for being electrically connected to the conductive parts with opposite polarities on both sides of the cover plate.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein: The insulating spacer includes an insulating sealing ring fixed between the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate connector and the inner wall of the through hole, so as to keep the intermediate connector and the cover plate insulated.

12. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein: The insulating spacer further includes an insulating bracket located between the cover plate and the conductive portion, wherein the intermediate connector passes through the insulating bracket to be electrically connected to the conductive portion.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein: The cover plate and the insulating bracket are fixed by riveting through the intermediate connecting piece.

14. The battery cell according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: The cover plates are respectively welded to the outer shells of two adjacent battery cell units.

15. A battery pack, characterized in that: The method comprises a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the plurality of battery cells are stacked along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising the battery pack according to claim 15.

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