Battery structure and electric equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery structure and electric equipment. The battery structure comprises at least two battery modules and a flexible circuit board group, wherein the at least two battery modules are arranged along a first direction; the flexible circuit board group is arranged on the at least two battery modules; the flexible circuit board group comprises at least two flexible circuit boards and a connector for connecting any two adjacent flexible circuit boards; and each flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the corresponding battery module. According to the invention, the stability of the flexible circuit board can be improved, so that the signal acquisition requirement of a large-size battery module is met.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of new energy, in particular to a battery structure and an electric equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy electric vehicle power battery technology, battery modules are developing towards large size and large capacity. This trend puts higher requirements on the battery management system (BMS), especially on the reliability, accuracy and efficiency of signal acquisition and transmission. In order to realize real-time monitoring and management of the running state of the battery module, the flexible printed circuit (FPC) as a key component connecting the battery monomer and the BMS is particularly important in design and performance.

[0003] However, the stability of the current flexible circuit board is poor, which is difficult to meet the signal acquisition requirements of large-size battery modules. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a battery structure and an electric equipment, which can improve the stability of the flexible circuit board, and further meet the signal acquisition requirements of large-size battery modules.

[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a battery structure, comprising:

[0006] at least two battery modules, the at least two battery modules being arranged along a first direction;

[0007] a flexible circuit board group, the flexible circuit board group being arranged on the at least two battery modules; the flexible circuit board group comprising at least two flexible circuit boards and a connector connecting any two adjacent flexible circuit boards; wherein each flexible circuit board is electrically connected to a corresponding battery module.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the at least two flexible circuit boards comprise a first flexible circuit board and a second flexible circuit board;

[0009] In a second direction, the width of the first flexible circuit board is greater than the width of the second flexible circuit board; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the thickness of the flexible circuit board is 0.25mm-0.35mm.

[0011] In a possible implementation, each battery module comprises a plurality of battery groups arranged along a second direction; each battery group comprises a plurality of battery monomers arranged along a first direction;

[0012] The number of the flexible circuit board groups is multiple, and each of the flexible circuit board groups is electrically connected with the corresponding battery group.

[0013] In a possible implementation, each of the battery groups is electrically connected with the corresponding flexible circuit board through a busbar.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the busbar is provided with a plurality of first connecting pieces, the flexible circuit board is provided with a plurality of second connecting pieces, the plurality of second connecting pieces are arranged one by one corresponding to the plurality of first connecting pieces, and each of the second connecting pieces is connected with the corresponding first connecting piece.

[0015] The flexible circuit board is provided with a plurality of buffer holes, and each of the buffer holes at least surrounds part of the second connecting piece.

[0016] In a possible implementation, a tray is arranged between the at least two battery modules and the flexible circuit board group, and the tray includes a plurality of connecting holes, and each of the connecting holes is used to expose a pole of the corresponding battery monomer.

[0017] In a possible implementation, each of the battery modules further includes two end plates, and in the first direction, the two end plates are respectively located on two sides of the battery module.

[0018] A buffer piece is arranged between each of the end plates and the corresponding battery module.

[0019] In a possible implementation, each of the battery modules further includes two side plates, and in the second direction, the two side plates are respectively located on two sides of the battery module and are connected with the end plates.

[0020] Each of the side plates is further provided with an insulating film layer, and the insulating film layer covers a side of the side plate facing the battery module and a top surface of the side plate.

[0021] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a power consumption device including the battery structure in the first aspect.

[0022] In the battery structure and the power consumption device provided by the embodiments of the present application, the flexible circuit board group is improved to have at least two flexible circuit boards and a connector connecting any two adjacent flexible circuit boards. In this way, the super-long flexible circuit board can be divided into at least two flexible circuit boards with shorter lengths, so that the manufacturing difficulty of the shorter flexible circuit board can be improved and the yield of the flexible circuit board can be improved, so that the flexible circuit board group can adapt to the demand of the large-size battery module.

[0023] In addition, the segmented flexible circuit board group can also reduce signal attenuation and improve signal acquisition accuracy. Furthermore, the segmented flexible circuit board group can better adapt to the vibration, impact and thermal expansion of the battery module during vehicle operation, thereby reducing the occurrence of FPC fracture, poor contact and other faults, and improving the overall reliability and service life of the flexible circuit board group.

[0024] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought by these technical features, other technical problems solved by the battery structure and the electric equipment provided by the embodiments of the present application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application.

[0026] Figure 1 An explosion schematic diagram of the battery structure provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the flexible circuit board group of the battery structure provided by the embodiments of the present application

[0028] Figure 3 For Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the A area in the middle;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the busbar of the battery structure provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the tray of the battery structure provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] 1000: battery structure;

[0033] 100: battery module; 110: battery monomer; 120: end plate; 130: buffer; 140: side plate; 150: insulating film layer; 160: spacer; 170: top cover;

[0034] 200: flexible circuit board group; 210: flexible circuit board; 211: first flexible circuit board; 212: second flexible circuit board; 213: second connecting piece; 220: connector;

[0035] 300: busbar; 310: first connecting piece;

[0036] 400: tray; 410: connecting hole; 420: recessed area.

[0037] The specific embodiments of the application have been shown and described in the above-described drawings, and will be described in more detail hereinafter. These drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present application in any way, but to explain the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not representative of all embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0039] As described in the background, the stability of the current flexible circuit board is poor, and it is difficult to meet the signal acquisition requirements of large-size battery modules. The inventor found that the current flexible circuit board is in a long strip shape and covers all battery modules. The super-long flexible circuit board has the following defects:

[0040] Firstly, the production of super-long flexible circuit boards requires high equipment and process, which is prone to low yield and high cost. Secondly, the signal transmission path of the super-long flexible circuit board is long, and the signal attenuation is intensified, which affects the collection accuracy of the battery management system (BMS) on the key data such as battery voltage and temperature. Thirdly, the super-long flexible circuit board is prone to deformation, fracture or poor contact under conditions such as vibration, impact and thermal expansion, which affects the reliability and durability of the flexible circuit board.

[0041] In view of the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a battery structure and a power consumption equipment. By improving the flexible circuit board group, at least two flexible circuit boards and a connector connecting any two adjacent flexible circuit boards are provided. In this way, the super-long flexible circuit board can be divided into at least two shorter flexible circuit boards, so that the preparation difficulty of the shorter flexible circuit board can be improved and the yield of the flexible circuit board can be improved, so that the flexible circuit board group can adapt to the requirements of large-size battery modules.

[0042] In addition, the segmented flexible circuit board group can also reduce signal attenuation and improve signal acquisition accuracy. In addition, the segmented flexible circuit board group can better adapt to the vibration, impact and thermal expansion of the battery module during vehicle operation, thereby reducing the occurrence of FPC fracture, poor contact and other faults, and improving the overall reliability and service life of the flexible circuit board group.

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and how the technical solutions solve the above technical problems will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes can not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more apparent and easy to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, not all. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] Please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 1 and the accompanying drawings Figure 2 The embodiments of the present application provide a battery structure 1000, which can be applied to an electrical equipment as an energy storage component. For example, the battery structure 1000 can be applied to a vehicle to provide electrical energy for the vehicle to ensure normal operation of the vehicle.

[0046] The battery structure 1000 includes at least two battery modules 100, and the at least two battery modules 100 are arranged along a first direction. The first direction can be the width direction of the battery module 100, that is, the X direction in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1

[0047] The battery structure 1000 further includes a flexible circuit board group 200, and the flexible circuit board group 200 is arranged on the at least two battery modules 100.

[0048] The flexible circuit board group 200 includes at least two flexible circuit boards 210 and a connector 220 connecting any two adjacent flexible circuit boards 210. In other words, the connector 220 can include a male end and a female end. In any two adjacent flexible circuit boards 210, one of the flexible circuit boards 210 is connected to the male end of the connector 220, and the other flexible circuit board 210 is connected to the female end of the connector 220 to realize electrical connection between any two adjacent flexible circuit boards 210. The structure of the connector 220 is a conventional design, for example, the connector 220 can be a board-to-board connector or other connector capable of realizing electrical connection.

[0049] Each flexible circuit board 210 is electrically connected to a corresponding battery module 100. For example, in the accompanying drawings Figure 1 ​As shown in the structure, the number of battery modules 100 is two, and the number of flexible circuit boards 210 is two. One of the flexible circuit boards 210 is electrically connected to one of the battery modules 100; the other flexible circuit board 210 is electrically connected to the other battery module 100.

[0050] The two flexible circuit boards 210 are connected together by the connector 220 to form an ultra-long flexible circuit board group 200, and finally output signals to external devices through a large PIN connector.

[0051] In this way, the ultra-long flexible circuit board can be divided into at least two shorter flexible circuit boards 210, so that the manufacturing difficulty of the shorter flexible circuit board can be improved and the yield of the flexible circuit board can be improved, so that the flexible circuit board group can adapt to the demand of the large-size battery module.

[0052] In addition, the segmented flexible circuit board group can also reduce signal attenuation and improve signal acquisition accuracy. In addition, the segmented flexible circuit board group can better adapt to the vibration, impact and thermal expansion of the battery module during vehicle operation, thereby reducing the occurrence of FPC fracture, poor contact and other faults, and improving the overall reliability and service life of the flexible circuit board group.

[0053] The following embodiments are described in detail with the number of battery modules 100 being two and the number of flexible circuit boards 210 being two.

[0054] Please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 2 and the accompanying drawings Figure 3 , the at least two flexible circuit boards 210 include a first flexible circuit board 211 and a second flexible circuit board 212. The first flexible circuit board 211 and the second flexible circuit board 212 are electrically connected by the connector 220.

[0055] In the second direction, the width of the first flexible circuit board 211 is greater than the width of the second flexible circuit board 212. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. For example, when the first direction is the width direction of the battery module, the second direction is the length direction of the battery module 100, that is, the Y direction in the accompanying drawings Figure 1 and the accompanying drawings Figure 2 .

[0056] The widths of the first flexible circuit board 211 and the second flexible circuit board 212 are designed in this embodiment, so that the width of the first flexible circuit board 211 is greater than the width of the second flexible circuit board 212. In this way, the space on the surface of the battery module can be better utilized, and space waste can be avoided. For example, the first flexible circuit board 211 is wider, and can cover more signal acquisition points or carry more functional circuits; the second flexible circuit board 212 is narrower, and is suitable for being arranged in a region with limited space, thereby improving the overall space utilization.

[0057] In this embodiment, the thickness of the flexible circuit board 210 is 0.25mm-0.35mm. For example, the thickness of the flexible circuit board 210 is 0.25mm, 0.26mm, 0.27mm, 0.28mm, 0.29mm, 0.30mm, 0.31mm, 0.32mm, 0.33mm, 0.34mm, 0.35mm, or a range formed by any two of the above values.

[0058] In this embodiment, the structure of the flexible circuit board 210 is further optimized under the premise that the flexible circuit board group 200 is made into a split structure, for example, the thickness of the flexible circuit board 210 is significantly reduced. In this way, the thinner flexible circuit board 210 can save space inside the battery module, and provide more layout space for other components (such as heat dissipation structures, battery monomers, etc.). In addition, after reducing the thickness of the flexible circuit board 210, the flexibility and bendability of the flexible circuit board 210 are improved, and the flexible circuit board 210 can better adapt to the curved surface or complex structure of the battery module.

[0059] In a possible implementation, each battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery groups, and the plurality of battery groups are arranged along a second direction. For example, as shown in the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings, each battery module 100 includes three battery groups. Figure 1

[0060] Each battery group further includes a plurality of battery monomers 110 arranged along a first direction. For example, taking a rectangular structure of the battery monomer 110 as an example, the length direction of the battery monomer 110 is the second direction Y, and the width direction of the battery monomer 110 is the first direction X.

[0061] In the first direction, a spacer 160 is arranged between any adjacent battery monomers 110, and the spacer 160 is arranged in close contact with the large surface of the battery monomer 110, and is used for insulation and protection.

[0062] When each battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery groups, the number of the flexible circuit board groups 200 is correspondingly a plurality, and each flexible circuit board group 200 is electrically connected to a corresponding battery group. For example, as shown in the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings, each battery module 100 includes three battery groups, and the number of the flexible circuit board groups 200 is correspondingly three, and each flexible circuit board group 200 is electrically connected to a corresponding battery group. Figure 1 ​As an example, the number of battery groups is three, and the number of flexible circuit board groups 200 is also three. From front to back, the first battery group is electrically connected with the first flexible circuit board group 200, the second battery group is electrically connected with the second flexible circuit board group 200, and the third battery group is electrically connected with the third flexible circuit board group 200.

[0063] In this way, compared with the large-area flexible circuit board group 200, each battery group is independently connected with the corresponding flexible circuit board group, reducing the risk of single-point failure. Even if a certain flexible circuit board group or battery group fails, the other parts can still work normally, thereby improving the reliability of the entire battery structure. In addition, the dispersed arrangement of multiple flexible circuit board groups can better disperse heat and avoid heat concentration in one area, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency and prolonging the service life of the battery group and the flexible circuit board group 200.

[0064] Please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 4 In a possible implementation, each battery group is electrically connected with the flexible circuit board 210 through the bus bar 300.

[0065] The bus bar 300 includes a plurality of first connecting pieces 310 arranged along a first direction. One end of each first connecting piece 310 is laser-welded to the pole of the corresponding battery monomer 110, and the other end is laser-welded to the flexible circuit board 210.

[0066] It should be noted that the connection between the first connecting piece 310 and the flexible circuit board 210 can be direct connection or indirect connection. Exemplarily, please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 3 The flexible circuit board 210 includes a plurality of second connecting pieces 213, which are arranged one by one with the plurality of first connecting pieces 310. Each second connecting piece 213 is connected with the corresponding first connecting piece 310 to facilitate the connection between the flexible circuit board 210 and the first connecting piece 310.

[0067] Please continue to refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 3 The flexible circuit board 210 is provided with a plurality of buffer holes 214, and each buffer hole 214 at least surrounds part of the second connecting piece 213. The buffer hole 214 can absorb the stress formed when the second connecting piece 213 and the first connecting piece 310 are welded, and can reduce the risk of cracks or fractures at the welding site due to stress concentration, thereby improving the connection reliability between the second connecting piece 213 and the first connecting piece 310. In addition, the buffer hole 214 can effectively release the expansion force of the battery module during the life cycle

[0068] Please refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 5At least two battery modules 100 and the flexible circuit board group 200 are provided with a tray 400. The tray 400 comprises a plurality of connecting holes 410, and each connecting hole 410 is used to expose the pole of the corresponding battery monomer 110.

[0069] It should be noted that the material of the tray 400 is an insulating material, for example, the material of the tray 400 is polycarbonate (PC), so that the tray 400 can avoid unnecessary electrical connection between the battery module 100 and the flexible circuit board group 200.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, the tray 400 also has a recessed area 420, which is recessed towards the battery module 100 and extends along the first direction. The recessed area 420 is used to accommodate at least part of the flexible circuit board group 200. This design can avoid the flexible circuit board group 200 occupying additional space, making the overall structure more compact, especially suitable for space-limited application scenarios (such as electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, etc.).

[0071] In one possible implementation, each battery module 100 also comprises two end plates 120; in the first direction, the two end plates 120 are respectively located on the two sides of the battery module 100; and a buffer 130 is arranged between each end plate 120 and the corresponding battery module 100.

[0072] The buffer 130 can include but is not limited to buffer foam. The buffer 130 can be connected to the end plate 120 by bonding. The buffer foam has a certain compression performance and can absorb assembly tolerance, facilitating the installation of the battery module and improving the installation efficiency of the battery module.

[0073] In the embodiment, the tray 400 is also connected with the end plate 120 to improve the stability of the battery module 100.

[0074] Please continue to refer to the accompanying Figure 1 Each battery module 100 also comprises two side plates 140. In the second direction, the two side plates 140 are respectively located on the two sides of the battery module 100 and are connected with the end plate 120. The two side plates 140 and the two end plates 120 together enclose the four sides of the battery module 100 to form a stable frame structure, which can effectively enhance the overall mechanical strength of the battery module 100.

[0075] In the embodiment, each side plate 140 is also provided with an insulating film layer 150, which covers the side of the side plate 140 facing the battery module 100 and the side plate 140. By using the insulating film layer 150, the electrical connection between the side plate 140 and the battery module can be avoided, and the stability of the battery structure 1000 is improved.

[0076] It should be noted that the battery module 100 provided in the embodiment further comprises a top cover 170, which is arranged above the tray 400 and is fixed to each other by plastic rivets to play an insulation protection role.

[0077] In the specific installation process, the following steps are included:

[0078] 1. The tray 400 is provided with a positioning point, and the flexible circuit board group 200 is matched and installed corresponding to the positioning point. The voltage collection point and the temperature collection point are placed according to the design drawing.

[0079] 2. The bus bar 300 is placed on the tray 400 and fixed by the hot riveting column on the tray 400.

[0080] 3. The bus bar 300 is connected with the collection terminal by welding.

[0081] 4. A plurality of battery monomers 110 are placed according to the desired series and parallel connection mode to form at least two battery modules 100.

[0082] 5. The tray 400 with the flexible circuit board group 200 and the bus bar 300 is placed above the at least two battery modules 100, and the bus bar 300 is connected with the pole lug of each battery monomer 110 by welding.

[0083] 6. The voltage collection point and the temperature collection point on the flexible circuit board group 200 are connected with the bus bar 300 by laser welding; finally, any two adjacent flexible circuit boards 210 are connected in loop by the connector 220, and the signal is output to the external device through a large PIN connector.

[0084] The embodiments or implementations in the specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the difference from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0085] The application embodiment further provides a power consumption device comprising the battery structure 1000 described in any of the above embodiments. Since the vehicle comprises the battery structure 1000 described in any of the above embodiments, the vehicle has the structure and advantages of the battery structure 1000, and the embodiment will not be described here.

[0086] The power consumption device in the application embodiment can be a vehicle, for example: the vehicle can be a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended range vehicle. Correspondingly, the power consumption device can be a driving mechanism of the vehicle, or a control system of the vehicle.

[0087] In addition, the electrical equipment can also be used for other energy storage devices, such as a mobile phone, a portable device, a notebook computer, an electric toy, an electric tool, a ship, and a spacecraft. The spacecraft can include an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, or a spaceship.

[0088] It should be noted that the "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "exemplary embodiment", "some embodiments", etc. mentioned in the specification mean that the described embodiment can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily every embodiment. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such a feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0089] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and not to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand: it can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent replacement for part or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery structure, characterized in that, include: At least two battery modules, the at least two battery modules being arranged along a first direction; A flexible circuit board assembly is disposed on the at least two battery modules; the flexible circuit board assembly includes at least two flexible circuit boards and a connector connecting any two adjacent flexible circuit boards; wherein each flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the corresponding battery module.

2. The battery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the flexible circuit boards include a first flexible circuit board and a second flexible circuit board; In the second direction, the width of the first flexible circuit board is greater than the width of the second flexible circuit board; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the flexible circuit board is 0.25mm to 0.35mm.

4. The battery structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Each of the battery modules includes multiple battery packs arranged along a second direction; each of the battery packs includes multiple battery cells arranged along a first direction; There are multiple flexible circuit board groups, and each flexible circuit board group is electrically connected to the corresponding battery pack.

5. The battery structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the battery packs is electrically connected to the corresponding flexible circuit board via a busbar.

6. The battery structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The busbar is provided with a plurality of first connecting pieces, and the flexible circuit board is provided with a plurality of second connecting pieces, with each of the plurality of second connecting pieces corresponding to one of the plurality of first connecting pieces; each of the second connecting pieces is connected to the corresponding first connecting piece; The flexible circuit board is provided with a plurality of buffer holes, each of which surrounds at least a portion of the second connecting piece.

7. The battery structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, A tray is provided between the at least two battery modules and the flexible circuit board assembly; the tray includes a plurality of connection holes, each connection hole being used to expose the terminal post of the corresponding battery cell.

8. The battery structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the battery modules further includes two end plates; in the first direction, the two end plates are respectively located on both sides of the battery module; A buffer is provided between each end plate and the corresponding battery module.

9. The battery structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the battery modules also includes two side plates, which are located on both sides of the battery module in the second direction and are connected to the end plate. Each of the side panels is further provided with an insulating film layer covering the side of the side panel facing the battery module and the top surface of the side panel.

10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery structure described in any one of claims 1-9.

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