Battery module and electric equipment

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of batteries, and discloses a battery module and electric equipment. The battery module comprises a fixed pressing strip and at least two rows of battery cell groups stacked along a first direction, each battery cell group comprises a plurality of battery cell monomers stacked along a second direction, and fixed grooves are respectively formed in two ends of the top wall of each battery cell monomer along the first direction; the fixed pressing strip extends along the second direction, the fixed pressing strip is arranged at the top of the battery cell single bodies and is positioned between the two battery cell groups, and the fixed grooves of the two adjacent battery cell single bodies along the first direction are bonded and fixed on the fixed pressing strip; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. According to the battery module, the structure of the battery module can be simplified, and the energy density is improved while the integration level is improved, so that the production cost is reduced, the overall strength is improved, and the use reliability is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery module and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] New energy vehicles have distinguished themselves with their green and zero-emission advantages, attracting widespread consumer attention. Compared to traditional vehicles, new energy vehicles are favored by consumers for their low energy consumption. As the demand for new energy vehicles gradually increases, the requirements for their battery packs are becoming increasingly stringent. Among these requirements, energy density and space utilization are paramount, and making the most of any space within the battery pack has become a primary goal for many automakers. Simultaneously, with the continuous expansion of the new energy industry, cost has become a major design metric for every company. Therefore, a solution that combines high energy density with cost advantages has become an urgent need for every enterprise.

[0003] Traditional battery modules require end plates and steel cable ties for restraint, which not only incurs high costs but also adds significant weight. Furthermore, their processing and manufacturing processes are relatively complex. The use of cable ties for restraint is susceptible to the influence of the cable ties' quality, resulting in low mechanical strength of the battery pack and increasing the risk of safety accidents.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a new type of battery module and electrical equipment to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in the existing technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide a battery module that simplifies the structure of the battery module, increases the integration and energy density, thereby reducing production costs, while also improving its overall strength and reliability.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The battery module includes a fixing strip and at least two rows of battery cell groups stacked along a first direction. Each battery cell group includes multiple battery cell units stacked along a second direction. The top wall of each battery cell unit is provided with fixing grooves at both ends along the first direction. The fixing strip extends along the second direction and is located on the top of each battery cell unit and between two battery cell groups. The fixing grooves of two adjacent battery cell units along the first direction are bonded and fixed to the fixing strip. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0008] Optionally, the fixing groove is provided through the battery cell along the second direction, and the fixing grooves of two adjacent battery cells along the first direction are interconnected, so that a receiving groove for accommodating structural adhesive is formed between two adjacent battery cell groups.

[0009] Optionally, the dimension of the battery cell along the second direction is a, and the dimension of the fixing groove along the second direction is b, where b / a≤0.08.

[0010] Optionally, each of the above-mentioned battery cell groups includes 2N individual battery cells, where N is an integer greater than 2. A heat insulation component or a buffer component is sandwiched between two adjacent individual battery cells in each of the above-mentioned battery cell groups, and the heat insulation component and the buffer component are alternately arranged.

[0011] Optionally, the battery module further includes a heat insulation plate and two end heat insulation pads, with the heat insulation plate sandwiched between two adjacent battery cell groups, and the two end heat insulation pads respectively disposed at both ends of the battery cell group along the second direction.

[0012] Optionally, the battery module further includes a bus assembly, which includes a bus component, a bus bracket, a circuit board, and a temperature sensing bracket. The bus bracket is disposed at the top of the cell assembly. The bus component is thermally riveted to the bus bracket and is used to connect two adjacent cells in parallel along the second direction. The circuit board and the temperature sensing bracket are both thermally riveted to the bus bracket. The temperature sensing bracket collects the voltage of the cell through the circuit board. The circuit board is provided with a low-voltage acquisition plug that is electrically connected to an external device at either end along the second direction.

[0013] Optionally, the busbar has support protrusions at both ends along the second direction, and the support protrusions are used to support the module top cover of the battery module.

[0014] Optionally, the busbar further includes a support arch between the two support protrusions, the top wall of the support arch being flush with the top wall of the support protrusion.

[0015] Optionally, the battery module further includes a jumper bar for connecting two adjacent battery cell groups in series. The jumper bar includes a body portion extending along the first direction, and a stacked portion is stacked at the bottom of the body portion. The stacked portion is electrically connected to any end of the body portion along the second direction.

[0016] Another objective of this invention is to provide an electrical device that includes a battery module as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0017] Using the aforementioned battery module, the electrical equipment can simplify the structure of the battery module, improve its integration, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery module and enhancing the equipment's range. At the same time, due to the simple structure of the battery module, the production cost of the electrical equipment can be reduced, and its reliability and safety can also be improved.

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] The battery module of this invention consists of at least two rows of stacked cell groups along a first direction. Each cell group includes multiple individual cells stacked along a second direction. When fixing the battery module, a fixing strip is used for adhesive bonding. Specifically, fixing grooves are provided at both ends of each individual cell along the first direction, and the fixing strip is bonded to these grooves. Since the fixing strip is located between two adjacent cell groups, all individual cells in adjacent cell groups can be bonded and fixed, thus achieving the bonding and fixing of a battery module without the need for fixing brackets or cable ties. This battery module simplifies its structure, improves its integration, and reduces the number of components, allowing it to occupy less space, thereby increasing energy density and reducing production costs. Furthermore, the adhesive bonding method using the fixing strip enhances the overall strength of the battery module, resulting in higher reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the battery module provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery module structure provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of the battery module provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of the busbar component provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is an isometric view of the jumper bar provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery module provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 100. Battery cell assembly; 110. Individual battery cell; 111. Fixing groove; 121. Thermal insulation component; 122. Buffer component; 123. End thermal insulation pad; 124. Thermal insulation board; 130. Structural adhesive;

[0030] 200. Fixed pressure strip;

[0031] 300. Busbar assembly; 310. Busbar component; 311. Support protrusion; 312. Support arch; 320. Busbar bracket; 330. Circuit board; 331. Low-voltage acquisition plug-in; 340. Jumper bar; 341. Body; 342. Stacked section; 343. Insulation layer; 350. Cable tie; 360. Temperature sensor bracket;

[0032] 400. Module top cover. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0037] The first direction described in this embodiment is: Figure 1 The X direction shown is the length direction of the battery cell 110, and the second direction is... Figure 1 The Y direction shown is the thickness direction of the battery cell 110. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and both are horizontal.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery module in this embodiment includes a fixing strip 200 and at least two rows of battery cell groups 100 stacked along a first direction. Each battery cell group 100 includes multiple battery cell units 110 stacked along a second direction. The top wall of each battery cell unit 110 is provided with fixing grooves 111 at both ends along the first direction. The fixing strip 200 extends along the second direction and is disposed on the top of the battery cell unit 110 and located between two battery cell groups 100. The fixing grooves 111 of two adjacent battery cell units 110 along the first direction are bonded and fixed to the fixing strip 200. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0039] The battery module in this embodiment consists of at least two rows of stacked cell groups 100 along a first direction. Each cell group 100 includes multiple individual cell units 110 stacked along a second direction. When fixing the battery module, a fixing strip 200 is used for adhesive fixation. Specifically, fixing grooves 111 are provided at both ends of each individual cell unit 110 along the first direction, and the fixing grooves 111 are bonded to the fixing strip 200. Since the fixing strip 200 is located between two adjacent cell groups 100, all individual cell units 110 of adjacent cell groups 100 can be bonded and fixed, thus achieving the bonding and fixing of a battery module without the need for fixing brackets or cable ties. This battery module simplifies the battery module structure, improves the integration of the battery module, and, due to the reduction in the number of components, allows the battery module to occupy less space, thereby increasing energy density and reducing the production cost of the battery module. Furthermore, the adhesive fixing method of the fixing strip 200 improves the overall strength of the battery module and increases its reliability.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 2As shown, the aforementioned fixing groove 111 is disposed through the aforementioned battery cell 110 along the aforementioned second direction, and the fixing grooves 111 of two adjacent battery cell 110s along the aforementioned first direction are interconnected, so that a receiving groove for accommodating structural adhesive 130 is formed between two adjacent battery cell groups 100. This arrangement enables the formation of a receiving groove surrounded by the fixing groove 111 between two adjacent battery cell groups 100. The receiving groove can accommodate part or all of the fixing strip 200, reducing the control area occupied by the fixing strip 200 and further improving the energy density of the battery module; moreover, the receiving groove can also limit and fix the fixing strip 200, further improving the structural strength of the battery module.

[0041] Optionally, each of the aforementioned cell groups 100 includes 2N individual cell units 110, where N is an integer greater than 2. A heat insulation component 121 or a buffer component 122 is sandwiched between two adjacent individual cell units 110 in each cell group 100, and the heat insulation component 121 and the buffer component 122 are alternately arranged. The heat insulation component 121 can suppress heat spread, preventing thermal runaway of a single cell unit 110 from spreading to adjacent cell units 110. The buffer component 122 enables the battery module to withstand impacts and provides a certain amount of compression during battery module installation, facilitating placement into the battery pack housing and improving installation convenience.

[0042] Furthermore, the battery module also includes a heat insulation plate 124 and two end heat insulation pads 123. The heat insulation plate 124 is sandwiched between two adjacent battery cell groups 100, and the two end heat insulation pads 123 are respectively disposed at both ends of the battery cell group 100 along the second direction. The end heat insulation pads 123 can ensure the overall heat preservation requirements of the battery pack after the battery module is placed in the battery pack, and the thermal conductivity of the material must be less than 0.1W / (m*K). The aforementioned heat insulation board 124 is required to be made of rigid material with high hardness, capable of withstanding high temperatures and impacts, and with a thermal conductivity of less than 0.1 W / (m*K). When a single cell 110 experiences thermal runaway, the large surface of the single cell 110 is protected from thermal propagation by the heat insulation component 121, while the side surface of the single cell 110 is protected from thermal propagation between adjacent cell groups 100 by the heat insulation board 124's high temperature resistance and impact resistance. Using a low thermal conductivity material can reduce the heat transfer from the runaway single cell 110 to another adjacent cell group 110, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway between adjacent cell groups 100.

[0043] In this embodiment, the heat insulation plate 124 is bonded to the two rows of battery cell groups 100 by structural adhesive 130. When a single battery module is placed into the battery box, the length of the battery module needs to be squeezed beyond the designed length to shorten it by 4mm to 6mm. After being placed into the box, it rebounds to the designed length due to the elasticity of the heat insulation component 121 and the buffer component 122 and the dimensional constraint between the lower shell crossbeams, thereby achieving the purpose of placing the battery module into the box. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the length of the heat insulation plate 124 is less than the size of the battery module after being squeezed when it is placed into the box, and the open time of the adhesive used for bonding needs to be greater than the operation time of placing the battery module into the box.

[0044] In this embodiment, the fixing strip 200 has an overall thickness greater than 3mm and a width not greater than 20mm, and is made of a rigid material, such as epoxy board. Its thickness of more than 3mm gives the fixing strip 200 high tensile strength, preventing the expansion of the battery cell 110 during charging and discharging from breaking the fixing strip 200. Furthermore, the thickness of the fixing strip 200 can isolate the busbar 310, preventing the expansion of the battery cell 110 during thermal runaway from causing deformation, arcing, or even short circuits in the busbar. Meanwhile, the width of the fixing strip 200 is no more than 20mm, which is determined by the width of the battery cell 110 and the assembly tolerance. If the width is greater than 20mm, the design space of the flexible circuit board 330 will be insufficient, which will also affect the width of the busbar 310, resulting in a smaller width of the busbar 310, which cannot meet the overall current requirements. The width of the fixing strip 200 is no more than 20mm, which can not only meet the design of other components, but also meet the bonding width requirements between the fixing strip 200 and the battery cell 110, and meet the overall bonding strength of the battery module.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, a 6-row battery cell 110 is used as an illustration. If the space within the battery pack allows, this can be increased to 8 or 10 rows, etc., without specific limitations. In this embodiment, the positive and negative terminals of the battery module can be led out from between the two sets of cell groups 100, or separately from the two sets of cell groups 100. This embodiment uses a two-sided lead-out arrangement because with a middle lead-out arrangement, the high-voltage areas of the battery module are too close together. Although this meets the creepage distance and electrical clearance requirements under normal conditions, in the event of thermal runaway, the voltage required by current customers is generally between 400V and 800V. The expansion of the cell 110 reduces the electrical clearance and creepage distance, which to some extent may lead to high-voltage areas or even arcing and short circuits, thus exacerbating thermal runaway. In severe cases, it may even cause fire and explosion, affecting user safety. The method used in this embodiment... Figure 1 and Figure 2The positive and negative output poles are led out from both sides as shown. In the event of thermal runaway, the positive and negative output poles are far apart, and the voltage difference between adjacent modules is about 100V-200V. The low voltage greatly reduces the risk of arcing and short circuit. In addition, the module has a high-temperature fire-resistant insulation strip on the top and a module cover for double protection, thereby protecting the user's safety.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery module also includes a bus assembly 300, which includes a bus component 310, a bus bracket 320, a circuit board 330, and a temperature sensing bracket 360. The bus bracket 320 is disposed at the top of the cell assembly 100. The bus component 310 is hot-riveted to the bus bracket 320 and is used to connect two adjacent cell units 110 along the second direction in parallel. The circuit board 330 and the temperature sensing bracket 360 are both hot-riveted to the bus bracket 320. The temperature sensing bracket 360 collects the voltage of the cell unit 110 through the circuit board 330. The circuit board 330 is provided with a low-voltage acquisition plug 331 electrically connected to an external device at any end along the second direction. After the battery modules are placed into the box, subsequent work such as positioning and fixing of the busbar assembly 300 and welding is carried out. In this embodiment, the busbar assembly 300 can connect two adjacent groups of cell groups 100, thereby reducing the number of busbar assemblies 300 and reducing the cost of molds and inspection tools. However, if three or more groups of cell groups 100 are connected, it will make the manufacturing of the busbar assembly 300 more difficult. Specifically, the busbar component 310 and the busbar bracket 320 are fixed together by thermal riveting. The temperature sensing bracket 360 is placed on the busbar bracket 320 and is thermally riveted to the busbar. The temperature sensing bracket 360 has a partial slot for placing the NTC (negative temperature coefficient thermistor). At the same time, the voltage is collected through the circuit board 330. In this embodiment, the circuit board 330 is a flexible circuit board 330 (FPC). The low voltage acquisition plug-in 331 is used to transmit the voltage and temperature data of the individual cell 110 to the thermal management system of the battery pack, which will not be described in detail here.

[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the busbar 310 has support protrusions 311 at both ends along the second direction. The support protrusions 311 are used to support the module top cover 400 of the battery module. The support protrusions 311 on both sides of the busbar 310 are used to support the top module top cover 400 and reduce the overall deformation of the module top cover 400.

[0048] Optionally, the busbar 310 further includes a support arch 312 between the two support protrusions 311, the top wall of the support arch 312 being flush with the top wall of the support protrusions 311. In this embodiment, the arch height of the support arch 312 must be no less than 3mm. If the arch height is less than 3mm, the overall rigidity of the busbar 310 is relatively high. This results in the battery cell 110 being welded and fixed to the battery cell terminal during charging and discharging. The expansion of the battery cell 110 causes the terminal to move, which stretches the busbar 310. The excessive rigidity of the busbar 310 prevents the battery cell terminal from withstanding the tensile force, leading to damage to the battery cell terminal and sealing failure. In this embodiment, when the arch height of the busbar 310 is no less than 3mm, the overall rigidity of the busbar 310 is relatively low. During charging and discharging, the movement of the terminal stretches the busbar 310, allowing the support arch 312 to absorb a certain amount of deformation, thereby protecting the battery cell terminal.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the battery module also includes a jumper bar 340, which is used to connect two adjacent cell groups 100 in series. The jumper bar 340 includes a body portion 341 extending along the first direction, and a stacked portion 342 is stacked at the bottom of the body portion 341. The stacked portion 342 is electrically connected to either end of the body portion 341 along the second direction. The bus assembly 300 connects adjacent cell groups 100 in series using the jumper bar 340, which reduces the risk of thermal runaway. Furthermore, the body portion 341 and the stacked portion 342 are formed by bending aluminum sheet, which reduces the space required for the jumper bar 340, increases the overall current flow area, and reduces the impact of heat generated by the jumper bar 340 on the performance of the individual cell 110.

[0050] Specifically, the stacked areas of the stacked section 342 and the main body 341 are treated with high-temperature insulation. The material can be a high-temperature resistant material, such as mica or ceramic silicone tape. An insulating layer 343 is formed on the surface of the jumper bar 340, and the jumper bar 340 is fixed in the battery pack housing by the fixing strap 350, thereby reducing the fatigue damage of the jumper bar 340 to the cell terminals during vibration.

[0051] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the dimension of the battery cell 110 along the second direction is 'a', and the dimension of the fixing groove 111 along the second direction is 'b', where b / a ≤ 0.08. In this embodiment, the dimension a of the battery cell 110 along the second direction is < 170 mm, and b / a ≤ 0.08 provides sufficient bonding area while also satisfying the design space for other components. If the dimension is greater than 0.08, the width of the fixing groove 111 is larger, which, although meeting the bonding requirements, cannot satisfy the design space for other components. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the design dimension of the groove width of the fixing groove 111.

[0052] This embodiment also provides an electrical device that includes a battery module as described in any of the above embodiments. Using the aforementioned battery module simplifies the battery module's structure, increases its integration, thereby improving its energy density and extending the device's range. Furthermore, the simple battery module structure reduces the device's production cost and enhances its reliability and safety.

[0053] The electrical device provided in this embodiment can be a battery pack, electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, electric ship, electric bicycle, energy storage device, etc. It only needs to use the above-mentioned battery module for power supply or energy storage, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0054] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The battery module comprises: at least two groups of battery cells stacked along a first direction, each group of battery cells comprising a plurality of battery cell monomers stacked along a second direction, and a top wall of each battery cell monomer being provided with a fixing groove at both ends along the first direction; a fixing strip extending along the second direction, the fixing strip being arranged on the top of the battery cell monomers and between the two groups of battery cells, and the fixing grooves of two adjacent battery cell monomers along the first direction being fixed to the fixing strip; 2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, the fixing grooves extending through the battery cell monomers along the second direction, and the fixing grooves of two adjacent battery cell monomers along the first direction being communicated with each other to form a containing groove for containing structural glue between the two adjacent groups of battery cells.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, a dimension of the battery cell monomers along the second direction is a, and a dimension of the fixing groove along the second direction is b, and b / a≤0.

08.

4. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, each group of battery cells comprises 2N battery cell monomers, N being an integer greater than 2, and a heat insulation member or a buffer member being arranged between two adjacent battery cell monomers in each group of battery cells, and the heat insulation member and the buffer member being arranged alternately.

5. The battery module of claim 4, wherein, The battery module further comprises a heat insulation plate and two end heat insulation pads, the heat insulation plate being arranged between the two adjacent groups of battery cells, and the two end heat insulation pads being arranged at both ends of the groups of battery cells along the second direction.

6. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The battery module further comprises a busbar assembly, the busbar assembly comprising a busbar member, a busbar support, a circuit board and a temperature sensing support, the busbar support being arranged at a top end of the groups of battery cells, the busbar member being fixed to the busbar support by hot riveting and being used for connecting two adjacent battery cell monomers in parallel along the second direction, the circuit board and the temperature sensing support being fixed to the busbar support by hot riveting, the temperature sensing support collecting a voltage of the battery cell monomers through the circuit board, and the circuit board being provided with a low-voltage collection plug electrically connected to an external device at either end along the second direction.

7. The battery module of claim 6, wherein, both ends of the busbar member along the second direction are provided with support protrusions for supporting a module top cover (400) of the battery module.

8. The battery module of claim 7, wherein, the busbar member further comprises a support arch between the two support protrusions, and a top wall of the support arch is flush with a top wall of the support protrusions.

9. The battery module of claim 6, wherein, The battery module further comprises a cross-over busbar for connecting two adjacent groups of battery cells in series, the cross-over busbar comprising a body portion extending along the first direction, and a stacking portion being stacked on a bottom of the body portion and being electrically connected to either end of the body portion along the second direction.

10. An electrical device, characterized by The battery module comprises any one of claims 1-9.

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