Connecting bar and battery module

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a connecting bar and a battery module. The connecting bar comprises a connecting bar main body, two insulating shells, a connector and a clamping piece, the two insulating shells are arranged at the two ends of the connecting bar body respectively and wrap the ends of the connecting bar body. The connector is arranged on the insulating shell and is electrically connected to the connecting bar main body, and the clamping piece is arranged on the insulating shell and is used for being clamped to a battery cell. According to the connecting bar provided by the invention, the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected in a clamping manner, the connecting manner is simple and convenient to connect, laser welding is not needed, all the defects of laser welding are avoided, welding equipment and professional welding personnel are not needed, and the processing cost is reduced. Bolt connection is not needed, and the problems of bolt loosening, back-twisting force, falling in the production bolt installation process and gluing are solved. And the insulating shell is arranged, and the whole insulating design is adopted, so that the possibility of electric shock accidents occurring in the working process of staff is greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage battery technology, and in particular to a connector bar and battery module. Background Technology

[0002] In practical applications, a battery module is a system composed of many individual cells connected in series and parallel. In traditional battery modules, the electrical connections between the positive and negative terminals of multiple cells are mainly achieved through welding or bolting.

[0003] The welding process involves tooling to bring the aluminum busbar and the battery cell electrode into contact, while a laser beam generates high temperatures to fuse the materials of the aluminum busbar and the battery cell electrode, thus achieving the connection. However, welding has the following disadvantages:

[0004] 1. Laser equipment is expensive; the cost of laser welding and auxiliary equipment is several times higher than that of manual production lines.

[0005] 2. Laser equipment has poor welding processability, which can easily lead to weld misalignment, weld penetration, incomplete welds, explosions, and localized high temperatures.

[0006] 3. Before welding, the aluminum busbar and electrode post of the laser equipment need to be pressed and adhered by the tooling. Otherwise, gaps may easily form between the aluminum busbar and the battery cell, resulting in poor adhesion, increased internal resistance of the module, higher module performance, larger temperature difference, higher pressure difference, and higher internal resistance.

[0007] 4. It is difficult to align the position of the aluminum busbar in the module with the center of the battery cell terminal. When the module welding equipment uses CCD vision scanning to locate multiple battery cells, it is difficult for the circular path of laser welding to be concentric with the terminal during mass production. Both of these situations will cause the aluminum busbar to be welded off-center.

[0008] 5. Laser welding can only weld aluminum busbars, not copper busbars, as aluminum busbars have relatively poor conductivity compared to copper busbars.

[0009] 6. Laser welding has poor processability, requires specialized equipment and personnel, is only suitable for large factories, and has high labor costs;

[0010] 7. If an abnormality occurs during laser welding of aluminum busbars, it is either impossible to repair or repair is extremely difficult.

[0011] 8. Laser welding of aluminum busbars cannot effectively detect welding quality. The first piece can only be inspected by cutting and grinding the cross-section before welding. Abnormalities in the process cannot be identified, resulting in many problems such as cold welding, desoldering, and explosion points, which cannot be resolved after welding.

[0012] 9. The welding process of aluminum busbars has poor consistency, making it difficult to detect and identify consistency, and the process cannot guarantee the consistency of welding quality.

[0013] The bolted connection process involves setting a torque wrench and using it to connect the aluminum busbar and the battery cell terminals via nuts or bolts. However, bolted connections (including nut connections and screw connections) have the following disadvantages:

[0014] 1. The large number of screws or nuts makes them prone to falling into the product (battery box), which is difficult to remove and may not be detected or dealt with in time.

[0015] 2. Bolts and nuts may experience torque loss due to the release of stress in the product material, resulting in poor torque.

[0016] 3. The use of nuts or bolts in the connection process can easily lead to bolts loosening and falling off during product use;

[0017] 4. Nut or bolt connection process: Due to the large number of connection points and the difficulty in controlling the torque, nut or bolt connections generally require the use of thread-locking adhesive, which makes the adhesive application process quite difficult.

[0018] Poor connections can significantly impact the safety and reliability of a battery system. Therefore, none of the existing welding or bolting connections offer a reliable connection method. Furthermore, traditional aluminum busbars lack any insulation measures, possessing only basic positioning and identification holes, resulting in poor safety. Utility Model Content

[0019] To solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a connecting bar and a battery module.

[0020] The primary objective of this application is to provide the following technical solution:

[0021] A connecting bar, comprising:

[0022] Connecting main body;

[0023] Two insulating shells are respectively disposed at both ends of the connecting bar body and cover the ends of the connecting bar body;

[0024] A connector, wherein the connector is disposed in the insulating housing and is electrically connected to the connector body;

[0025] A snap-fit ​​connector is disposed on the insulating shell and is used to snap onto the battery cell.

[0026] Optionally, a raised ring is provided on the insulating shell;

[0027] The convex ring has a groove;

[0028] The connector is disposed within the groove;

[0029] With the battery cell's terminal inserted into the groove, the connector and the battery cell's terminal are electrically connected.

[0030] Optionally, the connector includes a metal cylinder with a plurality of inclined ribs on the inner surface of the metal cylinder;

[0031] With the battery cell's terminal inserted into the metal cylinder, the rib and the battery cell's terminal are in close contact.

[0032] Optionally, the connector has a base plate connected to one end of the metal cylinder and sealing the port at one end of the metal cylinder;

[0033] The base plate is connected to the connecting row via metal connectors.

[0034] Optionally, the snap-fit ​​component includes multiple snap-fit ​​claws, each of which is arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the connector.

[0035] Optionally, the insulating shell and the connecting bar body are connected by an insert injection molding process.

[0036] Optionally, the connecting bar includes an insulating sleeve;

[0037] The insulating sleeve is fitted onto the main body of the connecting bar, and both ends of the insulating sleeve are respectively connected to the two insulating shells.

[0038] The first objective of this application is to provide a battery module, comprising:

[0039] A battery cell, comprising a battery cell body, terminals, and terminal insulators, wherein the terminals are disposed on the battery cell body, the terminal insulators are disposed on the battery cell body, and the terminal insulators are located outside the terminals;

[0040] As described above, when the insulating shell of the connecting bar is connected to the battery cell, the connector on the insulating shell is connected to the terminal post of the battery cell, and the snap-fit ​​on the insulating shell is snapped into the terminal post insulating member.

[0041] Optionally, a slot is provided on the outer wall of the pole insulating member;

[0042] When the insulating shell of the connecting bar is connected to the battery cell, the snap-fit ​​component snaps into the slot.

[0043] Optionally, an annular cavity is formed between the outer wall of the pole post and the inner wall of the pole post insulator;

[0044] When the insulating shell of the connecting bar is connected to the battery cell, the connector is sleeved on the pole post and the connector is located inside the annular cavity.

[0045] By adopting the above technical solution, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0046] The connector provided in this application uses a snap-fit ​​method to electrically connect the positive and negative terminals of multiple battery cells. This connection method is simple, eliminates the need for laser welding, avoids all the disadvantages of laser welding, and eliminates the need for welding equipment and professional welders, thus reducing processing costs. Furthermore, its standardized design ensures precise alignment, greatly improving the pass rate after installation and ensuring good consistency in the installed state, significantly enhancing product performance reliability. It also does not limit the material of the conductor; copper or aluminum busbars can be selected based on the actual overcurrent conditions. The snap-fit ​​connection method facilitates disassembly and assembly, greatly improving ease of installation and maintenance. The absence of bolts avoids problems such as bolt loosening, torque reduction, bolt falling during production and installation, and adhesive residue issues. Moreover, the inclusion of an insulating outer shell and a fully insulated design significantly reduces the possibility of electric shock accidents during employee work. In summary, the connector provided in this application solves a difficult installation process in battery module manufacturing, greatly reducing safety risks and technical requirements during module production.

[0047] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 This diagram shows a structural schematic of the connecting row provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure from a bottom view.

[0050] Figure 2 This diagram shows a top view of the connecting row provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the connecting row provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0052] Figure 4 This diagram shows a partially enlarged structural schematic of the terminal of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 5 This diagram shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the terminal of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the structure of the battery cell and the connector strip after they are connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 7 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the battery cell and the connector strip provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] In the figure: 1. Connecting bar body, 11. Connecting hole, 2. Insulating shell, 21. Raised ring, 22. Groove, 23. Collar, 3. Connector, 31. Metal cylinder, 311. Raised rib, 32. Base plate, 4. Snap-fit, 41. Claw, 5. Insulating sleeve, 61. Battery cell body, 62. Terminal post, 63. Terminal post insulation, 631. Slot, 64. Annular cavity.

[0057] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0059] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component 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.

[0060] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] See Figures 1 to 7As shown, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides a connector bar, including a connector bar body 1, two insulating shells 2, a connector 3, and a snap-fit ​​member 4. The two insulating shells 2 are respectively disposed at both ends of the connector bar body 1 and cover the ends of the connector bar body 1. The connector 3 is disposed on the insulating shell 2 and is electrically connected to the connector bar body 1. The snap-fit ​​member 4 is disposed on the insulating shell 2 and is used to snap onto a battery cell.

[0063] The connector provided in this application uses a snap-fit ​​method to electrically connect the positive and negative terminals of multiple battery cells. The snap-fit ​​component 4 snaps into the battery cell, and the connector 3 electrically connects to the terminal post 62 of the battery cell. This connection method simplifies the connection process. It eliminates the need for laser welding, avoiding all the disadvantages of laser welding, and eliminates the need for welding equipment and professional welders, thus reducing processing costs. Furthermore, the standardized design ensures precise alignment, greatly improving the pass rate after installation and ensuring good consistency in the installed state, significantly enhancing product performance reliability. It also does not limit the material of the conductive busbar; copper or aluminum busbars can be selected based on the actual overcurrent conditions. The snap-fit ​​connection method facilitates disassembly and assembly, greatly improving the convenience of installation, assembly, and maintenance. The absence of bolts avoids problems such as bolt loosening, torque reduction, bolt falling during production and installation, and adhesive residue. Moreover, the inclusion of an insulating outer shell 2 and a fully insulated design significantly reduces the possibility of electric shock accidents during employee work. In summary, the connector provided in this application solves a difficult installation process in battery module manufacturing, greatly reducing safety risks and technical requirements during module production.

[0064] In some possible implementations, a raised ring 21 is provided on the insulating shell 2, the raised ring 21 having a groove 22, and the connector 3 is disposed within the groove 22. When the terminal 62 of the battery cell is inserted into the groove 22, the connector 3 and the terminal 62 of the battery cell are electrically connected. When the connector is connected to the battery cell, the raised ring 21 cooperates with the corresponding structure on the battery cell to limit and position it, ensuring accurate alignment of the connector 3 and the terminal 62 of the battery cell during insertion. It also acts as a guide during insertion, ensuring that the relative positions of the connector 3 and the terminal 62 of the battery cell do not change after insertion, thus guaranteeing a stable electrical connection between the connector 3 and the terminal 62 of the battery cell.

[0065] In some possible implementations, the connector 3 includes a metal cylinder 31 with multiple inclined ribs 311 on its inner surface. When the battery cell's terminal 62 is inserted into the metal cylinder 31, the ribs 311 and the battery cell's terminal 62 are in close contact. The multiple inclined ribs 311 are elastic, forming a retaining ring, thus providing high resilience. This ring retaining ring is elastically connected to the battery cell's terminal 62, ensuring sufficient and effective contact between the terminal 62 and the metal cylinder 31, thereby stabilizing the electrical connection. The ribs 311 are formed by multiple oblique teeth through stamping.

[0066] In some possible implementations, the connector 3 has a base plate 32, which is connected to one end of the metal cylinder 31 and closes the port at one end of the metal cylinder 31. The base plate 32 is connected to the connecting strip via a metal connector. Using a metal connector to connect the metal base plate 32, the metal cylinder 31, and the connecting strip ensures stable and effective contact between the base plate 32 and the connecting strip, guaranteeing a stable electrical connection. The metal connector can be a rivet, bolt, etc. Preferably, the metal connector is a rivet, and the riveting of the base plate 32 to the connecting strip prevents loosening and ensures high connection stability. The connecting strip has a through connection hole 11. The insulating shell 2 has a clearance cavity 23 on the side of the connecting strip away from the base plate 32 corresponding to the connection hole 11. One side of the rivet is connected to the base plate 32, and the other end passes through the connection hole 11. After riveting, the side of the rivet away from the base plate 32 is confined within the clearance cavity 23 on the side of the connecting strip away from the base plate 32.

[0067] In some possible implementations, the snap-fit ​​component 4 includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​claws 41, each of which is arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the connector 3. The plurality of snap-fit ​​claws 41 can position the connecting strip in different orientations, ensuring that the position of each position of the connecting strip is stable.

[0068] In some possible implementations, the insulating shell 2 and the connecting strip body 1 are connected by an insert injection molding process. Insert injection molding is a process in which metal or other materials (such as glass, wood, etc.) are pre-fixed in an injection mold, and then plastic is injected to form the strip. Specific steps include: 1. Insert placement: The connecting strip is pre-fixed in an appropriate position in the mold; 2. Plastic injection: Plastic is injected and molded, and after mold opening, the connecting strip is tightly embedded within the cooled and solidified plastic. Using injection molding not only simplifies the process but also ensures structural stability.

[0069] In some possible implementations, the connecting strip includes an insulating sleeve 5, which is fitted onto the main body of the connecting strip. Both ends of the insulating sleeve 5 are connected to two insulating outer shells 2. The insulating sleeve 5 is a heat-shrinkable sleeve, providing insulation for the middle portion of the connecting strip. Through the combined coverage of the insulating sleeve 5 and the insulating outer shells 2, the connecting strip achieves good insulation.

[0070] Example 2

[0071] See Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this disclosure provides a battery module including a battery cell and a connector as described in Embodiment 1. The battery cell includes a cell body 61, a terminal post 62, and a terminal post insulator 63. The terminal post 62 is disposed on the cell body 61, and the terminal post insulator 63 is disposed on the cell body 61, with the terminal post insulator 63 located outside the terminal post 62. When the insulating shell 2 of the connector is connected to the battery cell, the connector 3 on the insulating shell 2 is connected to the terminal post 62 of the battery cell, and the snap-fit ​​4 on the insulating shell 2 snaps into the terminal post insulator 63. When connecting the connector to the battery cell, the connector is simply inserted into the terminal post 62, and the snap-fit ​​is engaged. This achieves a very simple design for module connection, eliminating the need for complex equipment, processes, and operations, and greatly improving safety and reliability. It also avoids various problems associated with previous welding and screwing methods. The electrode insulator 63 is set on the battery cell, which can provide a snap-fit ​​for the connecting bar, and can also ensure the insulation of the connecting bar and the battery cell after they are connected together with the insulating shell 2 and the insulating sleeve 5, thus increasing the safety factor.

[0072] In some possible implementations, a slot 631 is provided on the outer wall of the electrode insulator 63. When the insulating shell 2 of the connecting bar is connected to the battery cell, the snap-fit ​​member 4 snaps into the slot 631. The slot 631, in conjunction with the claw 41, further enhances the stability of the snap-fit ​​and improves the overall installation firmness. The slot 631 also defines the snap-fit ​​position, ensuring proper snap-fit ​​and guaranteeing connection quality and installation consistency.

[0073] In some possible implementations, an annular cavity 64 is formed between the outer wall of the electrode post 62 and the inner wall of the electrode post insulator 63. When the insulating shell 2 of the connecting bar is connected to the battery cell, the connector 3 is sleeved on the electrode post 62, and the connector 3 is located within the annular cavity 64. The connector 3 is confined between the electrode post 62 and the electrode post insulator 63, ensuring accurate positioning and a fixed horizontal position after connection, thereby ensuring a stable electrical connection between the electrode post 62 and the connector 3.

[0074] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A connecting bar, characterized in that, include: Connecting main body; Two insulating shells are respectively disposed at both ends of the connecting bar body and cover the ends of the connecting bar body; A connector, wherein the connector is disposed in the insulating housing and is electrically connected to the connector body; A snap-fit ​​connector is disposed on the insulating shell and is used to snap onto the battery cell.

2. The connecting bar according to claim 1, characterized in that, A raised ring is provided on the insulating outer shell; The convex ring has a groove; The connector is disposed within the groove; With the battery cell's terminal inserted into the groove, the connector and the battery cell's terminal are electrically connected.

3. The connecting bar according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector includes a metal cylinder, and the inner surface of the metal cylinder is provided with a plurality of inclined ribs. With the battery cell's terminal inserted into the metal cylinder, the rib and the battery cell's terminal are in close contact.

4. The connecting bar according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector has a base plate, which is connected to one end of the metal cylinder and closes the port at one end of the metal cylinder. The base plate is connected to the connecting row via metal connectors.

5. The connecting bar according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​component includes multiple snap-fit ​​claws, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the connector.

6. The connecting bar according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating outer shell and the connecting strip body are connected by an insert injection molding process.

7. The connecting bar according to claim 1, characterized in that, Including insulating sleeves; The insulating sleeve is fitted onto the main body of the connecting bar, and both ends of the insulating sleeve are respectively connected to the two insulating shells.

8. A battery module, characterized in that, include: A battery cell, comprising a battery cell body, terminals, and terminal insulators, wherein the terminals are disposed on the battery cell body, the terminal insulators are disposed on the battery cell body, and the terminal insulators are located outside the terminals; As described in any one of claims 1-7, when the insulating shell of the connecting bar is connected to the battery cell, the connector on the insulating shell is connected to the terminal of the battery cell, and the snap-fit ​​on the insulating shell is snapped into the terminal insulation.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, A slot is provided on the outer wall of the pole insulating component; When the insulating shell of the connecting bar is connected to the battery cell, the snap-fit ​​component snaps into the slot.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, An annular cavity is formed between the outer wall of the pole post and the inner wall of the pole post insulator; When the insulating shell of the connecting bar is connected to the battery cell, the connector is sleeved on the pole post and the connector is located inside the annular cavity.

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