Battery modules, battery packs and electric vehicles

Abstract

This invention provides a battery module comprising multiple battery packs and multiple sets of terminal assemblies. Each battery pack includes at least one battery cell. The multiple sets of terminal assemblies correspond to the multiple battery packs, and each terminal assembly is electrically connected to its corresponding battery pack. By providing multiple sets of terminal assemblies, this battery module facilitates electrical connections between battery modules and / or between battery modules and external devices, while saving on the material costs of electrical connectors. This invention also provides a battery pack and an electric vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery structure technology, and in particular to a battery module, battery pack and electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, power batteries, as the heart of electric vehicles, have become a research hotspot. High energy density, high safety, and long lifespan have become the three basic requirements for power batteries.

[0003] A battery module is generally assembled from multiple battery cells connected in series or parallel. Connecting them in series allows for higher voltage, while connecting them in parallel allows for higher capacity, thus meeting the power requirements of specific applications. The battery module has electrical interfaces, including a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The multiple battery cells within the module are connected to these positive and negative terminals, which in turn connect to external devices or other battery modules.

[0004] However, current battery modules generally only have one set of electrical interfaces, namely a positive interface and a negative interface, and the positions of the positive and negative interfaces are relatively fixed. For example, the positive and negative interfaces are both located at the same end or at opposite ends. This type of battery module with a single set of fixed electrical interfaces is not conducive to the connection between battery modules. Utility Model Content

[0005] When installing battery modules, the installation location and arrangement of the battery modules are limited. When using battery modules with single and fixed electrical interfaces, the distance between the electrical interfaces on adjacent battery modules and / or between the electrical interfaces on the battery modules and external devices is relatively large. Long electrical connectors (such as busbars) are required for electrical connection between adjacent battery modules and / or between battery modules and external devices, which is not only inconvenient for installation, but also increases material costs.

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a battery module that, by setting multiple sets of terminal components, facilitates electrical connection between battery modules and / or between battery modules and external devices, and saves on the material cost of electrical connectors.

[0007] This utility model provides a battery module, including multiple battery packs and multiple sets of terminal assemblies, each battery pack including at least one cell; the multiple sets of terminal assemblies correspond to the multiple battery packs respectively, and each terminal assembly is electrically connected to the corresponding battery pack.

[0008] In one possible implementation, each set of terminal assemblies includes a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, wherein the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal in each set of terminal assemblies are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the corresponding battery pack, respectively.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal in each set of terminal assemblies are disposed on the corresponding battery pack.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal in each set of terminal assemblies are disposed on the same side of the corresponding battery pack.

[0011] In one possible implementation, each of the terminal assemblies is disposed on the same side of the battery module.

[0012] In one possible implementation, multiple battery packs are spaced apart, with at least two adjacent battery packs having their first electrode terminals and / or second electrode terminals positioned close to each other.

[0013] In one possible implementation, each of the battery packs includes a plurality of the battery cells, which are connected in series or in parallel and electrically connected to corresponding first electrode terminals and second electrode terminals.

[0014] In one feasible manner, a plurality of cells in each battery pack are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction, and the plurality of cells are connected in series via a plurality of first busbars; in each set of terminal assemblies and the corresponding battery pack, the first electrode terminal is connected to the positive terminal of one of the outermost cells, and the second electrode terminal is connected to the negative terminal of another outermost cell.

[0015] In one possible implementation, a plurality of cells in each battery pack are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction, the positive terminals of the plurality of cells are connected in parallel via a second busbar, and the negative terminals of the plurality of cells are connected in parallel via a third busbar; in each set of terminal assemblies and the corresponding battery pack, the first electrode terminal is connected to the second busbar, and the second electrode terminal is connected to the third busbar.

[0016] In one possible implementation, a plurality of cells in each battery pack are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction; in each set of terminal assemblies and the corresponding battery pack, the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are respectively disposed on two different outermost cells, or the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are both disposed on the same outermost cell.

[0017] In one possible implementation, a plurality of the battery packs are spaced apart, with a first isolation component between at least two adjacent battery packs.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the battery module further includes a battery housing, in which multiple battery packs are disposed.

[0019] In one possible implementation, at least a portion of the battery pack is provided with a second insulating component between it and the inner wall of the battery housing.

[0020] This utility model also provides a battery pack, including a plurality of battery modules as described above, wherein at least two of the battery modules are connected to each other via electrical connectors.

[0021] This utility model also provides an electric vehicle, including the battery module and / or the battery pack as described above.

[0022] The battery module provided by this utility model has multiple battery packs and multiple sets of terminal assemblies, with each set of terminal assemblies connected to one of the battery packs, giving the battery module multiple electrical interfaces. During assembly, the battery modules can be flexibly arranged and positioned according to the installation location and available space, allowing adjacent terminal assemblies to connect. This enables electrical connections between battery modules and / or between battery modules and external devices, facilitating the installation of electrical connectors and reducing their length, thus saving on material costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of multiple battery packs in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a top view of multiple battery packs in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a top view of multiple battery packs in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 100-Battery module, 1-Battery pack, 11-Cell, 12-Positive lead-out, 13-Negative lead-out, 2-Terminal assembly, 21-First electrode terminal, 211-First electrode sheet, 212-First electrode post, 22-Second electrode terminal, 221-Second electrode sheet, 222-Second electrode post, 31-First busbar, 32-Second busbar, 33-Third busbar, 4-First isolation component, 5-Battery housing, 51-Side plate, 52-End plate, 53-Fixing part, 6-Second isolation component, 7-Electrical connector. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0031] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification and claims of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery module 100 provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes multiple battery packs 1 and multiple terminal assemblies 2. The multiple battery packs 1 are independent of each other (i.e., the multiple battery packs 1 are not directly connected in series or in parallel. For example, even if the positive terminal of one battery pack 1 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of another battery pack 1, the negative terminal of that battery pack 1 will not be electrically connected to the positive terminal of another battery pack 1, and the two battery packs 1 are not directly connected in series; or, even if the positive terminal of one battery pack 1 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of another battery pack 1, the negative terminal of that battery pack 1 will not be electrically connected to the negative terminal of another battery pack 1, and the two battery packs are not directly connected in parallel). Each battery pack 1 includes at least one cell 11. Multiple sets of terminal assemblies 2 correspond to multiple battery packs 1 respectively, and each set of terminal assemblies 2 is electrically connected to the corresponding battery pack 1; the terminal assembly 2 is used for electrical connection between battery packs 1 in battery module 100, and / or for electrical connection between battery modules 100, and / or for electrical connection between battery module 100 and external device (not shown).

[0033] The battery module 100 provided in this embodiment has multiple battery packs 1 and multiple terminal assemblies 2. The multiple battery packs 1 are independent of each other, and the multiple terminal assemblies 2 are connected to the multiple battery packs 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. This allows the battery module 100 to have multiple electrical interfaces (i.e., multiple terminal assemblies 2). During assembly, the battery modules 100 can be flexibly arranged and laid out according to the installation position and space size, so that adjacent terminal assemblies 2 can be connected to realize the electrical connection between each battery module 100 and / or between the battery module 100 and external devices. This not only facilitates the installation of electrical connectors 7, but also reduces the length of electrical connectors 7 and saves material costs for electrical connectors 7.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the battery cell 11 can be a square battery cell, a pouch battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, etc. In this embodiment, the battery cell 11 has a square structure and has a thickness direction T.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment, multiple battery packs 1 in the battery module 100 are arranged sequentially along the thickness direction T of the cell 11.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the battery module 100 includes two battery packs 1 and two sets of terminal assemblies 2. The two battery packs 1 are arranged sequentially along the thickness direction T of the cell 11; the two sets of terminal assemblies 2 are respectively connected to the two battery packs 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of battery packs 1 and terminal assemblies 2 can be more, such as three or four per set. The arrangement of the multiple battery packs 1 in the battery module 100 can be set according to actual needs.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, each terminal assembly 2 includes a first electrode terminal 21 and a second electrode terminal 22. The first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 in each terminal assembly 2 are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the corresponding battery pack 1, respectively. That is, the first electrode terminal 21 serves as the positive terminal interface of the battery pack 1, and the second electrode terminal 22 serves as the negative terminal interface of the battery pack 1.

[0038] In one implementation, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 may be made of metal materials such as copper or aluminum.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 in each terminal assembly 2 are both disposed on the corresponding battery pack 1, thereby facilitating the identification of the battery pack 1 to which each terminal assembly 2 belongs. Of course, in other embodiments, the terminal assembly 2 can also be disposed in other locations, such as on the battery housing 5.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 in each set of terminal components 2 are both disposed on the same side surface of the corresponding battery pack 1, and each terminal component 2 is disposed on the same side surface of the battery module 100. In this embodiment, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 in each set of terminal components 2 are both disposed on the upper surface of the corresponding battery pack 1, and each terminal component 2 is disposed on the upper side surface of the battery module 100. This arrangement facilitates the electrical connection between battery packs 1 and between battery modules 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 in each set of terminal components 2 can also be disposed on different surfaces of the corresponding battery pack 1 (e.g., respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery pack 1), and each terminal component 2 can also be disposed on different sides of the battery module 100 (e.g., respectively disposed on opposite sides of the battery module 100).

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, along the thickness direction T of the cell 11, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 in each terminal assembly 2 are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the corresponding battery pack 1.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, along the thickness direction T of the cell 11, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 in each terminal assembly 2 are disposed at the same end on the corresponding battery pack 1.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the terminal assemblies 2 on each pair of adjacent battery packs 1 are arranged symmetrically.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, multiple battery packs 1 in the battery module 100 are spaced apart from each other, and multiple terminal assemblies 2 in the battery module 100 are also spaced apart from each other. At least two adjacent battery packs 1 in the battery module 100 have their first electrode terminals 21 and / or second electrode terminals 22 positioned close to each other; this arrangement ensures that the battery packs 1 in the battery module 100 are first electrically connected (not directly connected in series or parallel) before being connected in series or parallel with other battery modules 100. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, in each of two adjacent battery packs 1, the first electrode terminal 21 on the first battery pack 1 and the second electrode terminal 22 on the second battery pack 1 are arranged close to each other, while the second electrode terminal 22 on the first battery pack 1 and the first electrode terminal 21 on the second battery pack 1 are arranged far apart from each other.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment, in each pair of adjacent battery packs 1, the second electrode terminal 22 on the first battery pack 1 and the second electrode terminal 22 on the second battery pack 1 are arranged close to each other, while the first electrode terminal 21 on the first battery pack 1 and the first electrode terminal 21 on the second battery pack 1 are arranged far apart from each other. Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, in each of two adjacent battery packs 1, the first electrode terminal 21 on the first battery pack 1 and the first electrode terminal 21 on the second battery pack 1 are arranged close to each other, and the second electrode terminal 22 on the first battery pack 1 and the second electrode terminal 22 on the second battery pack 1 are arranged close to each other.

[0046] In one embodiment, the first electrode terminal 21 and / or the second electrode terminal 22 on each adjacent battery pack 1 in the battery module 100 are arranged close to each other.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment, each battery pack 1 includes multiple cells 11, which are connected in series and electrically connected to the corresponding first electrode terminal 21 and second electrode terminal 22.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment, multiple cells 11 in each battery pack 1 are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction T, and the multiple cells 11 are connected in series through multiple first busbars 31; in each terminal assembly 2 and its corresponding battery pack 1, the first electrode terminal 21 is connected to the positive terminal of one of the outermost cells 11, and the second electrode terminal 22 is connected to the negative terminal of another outermost cell 11. The first busbar 31 can specifically be a busbar.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, each cell 11 has a positive electrode lead-out portion 12 and a negative electrode lead-out portion 13, which can be tabs, terminals, etc. The positive electrode lead-out portion 12 and the negative electrode lead-out portion 13 are located on the same side of the cell 11. In each battery pack 1, the positive electrode lead-out portion 12 and the negative electrode lead-out portion 13 of every two adjacent cells 11 are connected by a first busbar 31 (that is, in every two adjacent cells 11, the positive electrode lead-out portion 12 of one cell 11 is connected to the negative electrode lead-out portion 13 of the other cell 11 through a first busbar 31), thereby realizing the series connection of multiple cells 11. The first electrode terminal 21 is connected to the positive electrode lead-out portion 12 of one of the outermost cells 11 (specifically, it can be connected by welding), and the second electrode terminal 22 is connected to the negative electrode lead-out portion 13 of the other outermost cell 11. In each terminal assembly 2 and its corresponding battery pack 1, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 are respectively disposed on two different outermost cells 11 (that is, the first electrode terminal 21 is disposed on one of the outermost cells 11, and the second electrode terminal 22 is disposed on the other outermost cell 11).

[0050] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, each battery pack 1 includes multiple cells 11, which are connected in parallel and electrically connected to the corresponding first electrode terminal 21 and second electrode terminal 22.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, multiple cells 11 in each battery pack 1 are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction T. The positive terminals of the multiple cells 11 are connected in parallel through a second busbar 32, and the negative terminals of the multiple cells 11 are connected in parallel through a third busbar 33. In each terminal assembly 2 and its corresponding battery pack 1, the first electrode terminal 21 is connected to the second busbar 32 (specifically, it can be connected by welding), and the second electrode terminal 22 is connected to the third busbar 33. The second busbar 32 and the third busbar 33 can specifically be busbars.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, each cell 11 has a positive electrode lead-out portion 12 and a negative electrode lead-out portion 13, which are located on the same side of the cell 11. In each battery pack 1, the positive electrode leads-out portions 12 of multiple cells 11 are connected to the second busbar 32, and the negative electrode leads-out portions 13 of multiple cells 11 are connected to the third busbar 33, thereby realizing the parallel connection of multiple cells 11. Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, in each terminal assembly 2 and its corresponding battery pack 1, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 are respectively disposed on two different outermost cells 11. Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, in each terminal assembly 2 and its corresponding battery pack 1, the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 are both disposed on the same outermost cell 11.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the first electrode terminal 21 includes a first electrode sheet 211 and a first electrode post 212 protruding from the first electrode sheet 211. The first electrode sheet 211 is connected to the positive terminal of the corresponding battery pack 1. The second electrode terminal 22 includes a second electrode sheet 221 and a second electrode post 222 protruding from the second electrode sheet 221. The second electrode sheet 221 is connected to the negative terminal of the corresponding battery pack 1. By providing the first electrode post 212 and the second electrode post 222, it is convenient to connect the electrical connector 7 to the first electrode terminal 21 and the second electrode terminal 22 (for example, the electrical connector 7 is provided with a through hole, the first electrode post 212 and the second electrode post 222 are inserted into the through hole, and the first electrode post 212 and the second electrode post 222 can be fixed to the electrical connector 7 by screwing).

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the battery module 100 also includes a battery housing 5, in which multiple battery packs 1 are disposed. A first isolation component 4 is provided between at least two adjacent battery packs 1, and a second isolation component 6 is provided between at least some of the battery packs 1 and the inner wall of the battery housing 5. The first isolation component 4 and the second isolation component 6 can be made of insulating and heat-insulating materials. On the one hand, the first isolation component 4 and the second isolation component 6 can provide insulation and heat insulation, reducing the risk of thermal runaway in the battery module 100; on the other hand, the first isolation component 4 and the second isolation component 6 can serve as support components, and some components in the battery module 100 (such as connectors, busbars, etc.) can be disposed on the first isolation component 4 or the second isolation component 6.

[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, the battery housing 5 includes interconnected side plates 51, end plates 52, a bottom plate (not shown), and a top cover (not shown). The side plates 51 are disposed on opposite sides of the plurality of battery packs 1, the end plates 52 are disposed at opposite ends of the battery module 100 composed of the plurality of battery packs 1, the bottom plate is disposed below the plurality of battery packs 1, and the top cover is disposed above the plurality of battery packs 1. In this embodiment, a first isolation component 4 is provided between each pair of adjacent battery packs 1, and a second isolation component 6 is disposed between the outermost battery pack 1 and the end plate 52.

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, a fixing part 53 is provided on the outer wall of the battery box 5. The fixing part 53 is used for the connection between adjacent battery modules 100 and / or the connection between the battery module 100 and an external device (specifically, it can be connected by bolts). The fixing part 53 is specifically provided on the end plate 52.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, this utility model embodiment also provides a battery pack, including at least one battery module 100 as described above.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the number of battery modules 100 is multiple ( Figure 6 The diagram illustrates five battery modules 100, with at least two battery modules 100 having their terminal assemblies 2 connected by an electrical connector 7, which can specifically be a busbar. Specifically, in this embodiment, the terminal assemblies 2 of adjacent battery modules 100 are connected by the electrical connector 7, and the battery groups 1 within some battery modules 100 are also connected by the electrical connector 7, thereby achieving series and / or parallel connection of multiple battery modules 100. Since each battery module 100 has multiple sets of terminal assemblies 2, after assembly, the multiple battery modules 100 can be flexibly arranged and positioned according to the installation location and available space, allowing adjacent terminal assemblies 2 to be connected to achieve electrical connection between the battery modules 100. This not only facilitates the installation of the electrical connector 7 but also reduces the length of the electrical connector 7, saving on material costs.

[0059] This utility model embodiment also provides an electric vehicle, such as an electric car, including the battery module 100 as described above and / or the battery pack as described above.

[0060] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The device includes multiple battery packs (1) and multiple sets of terminal assemblies (2), each battery pack (1) including at least one cell (11); the multiple sets of terminal assemblies (2) correspond to the multiple battery packs (1) respectively, and each terminal assembly (2) is electrically connected to the corresponding battery pack (1); each set of terminal assemblies (2) includes a first electrode terminal (21) and a second electrode terminal (22), the first electrode terminal (21) and the second electrode terminal (22) in each set of terminal assemblies (2) are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the corresponding battery pack (1) respectively; the first electrode terminal (21) and the second electrode terminal (22) in each set of terminal assemblies (2) are both disposed on the same side of the surface of the corresponding battery pack (1).

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, Each of the terminal assemblies (2) is disposed on the same side of the battery module (100).

3. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, Multiple battery packs (1) are spaced apart, and at least two adjacent battery packs (1) have their first electrode terminals (21) and / or second electrode terminals (22) positioned close to each other.

4. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, Each of the battery packs (1) includes a plurality of cells (11), which are connected in series or in parallel and electrically connected to the corresponding first electrode terminal (21) and second electrode terminal (22).

5. The battery module of claim 4, wherein, In each of the battery packs (1), a plurality of cells (11) are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction (T), and the plurality of cells (11) are connected in series through a plurality of first busbars (31); in each of the terminal assemblies (2) and the corresponding battery packs (1), the first electrode terminal (21) is connected to the positive electrode of one of the outermost cells (11), and the second electrode terminal (22) is connected to the negative electrode of another outermost cell (11).

6. The battery module of claim 4, wherein, In each of the battery packs (1), a plurality of cells (11) are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction (T). The positive terminals of the plurality of cells (11) are connected in parallel through a second busbar (32), and the negative terminals of the plurality of cells (11) are connected in parallel through a third busbar (33). In each of the terminal assemblies (2) and the corresponding battery packs (1), the first electrode terminal (21) is connected to the second busbar (32), and the second electrode terminal (22) is connected to the third busbar (33).

7. The battery module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, In each of the battery packs (1), a plurality of cells (11) are arranged sequentially along their thickness direction (T); in each set of terminal assemblies (2) and the corresponding battery packs (1), the first electrode terminal (21) and the second electrode terminal (22) are respectively disposed on two different outermost cells (11), or the first electrode terminal (21) and the second electrode terminal (22) are both disposed on the same outermost cell (11).

8. The battery module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple battery packs (1) are spaced apart, and a first isolation component (4) is provided between at least two adjacent battery packs (1).

9. The battery module as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The battery module (100) also includes a battery housing (5), and multiple battery packs (1) are disposed inside the battery housing (5).

10. The battery module as described in claim 9, characterized in that, At least part of the battery pack (1) is provided with a second isolation component (6) between the inner wall of the battery box (5).

11. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery module (100) includes a plurality of battery modules (100) as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein at least two of the battery modules (100) are connected to each other via an electrical connector (7).

12. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the battery module (100) as described in any one of claims 1-10 and / or the battery pack as described in claim 11.

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