Battery module

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of battery module, battery module includes electric core, heat insulation pad and buffer pad, electric core has multiple, multiple electric core is distributed side by side along the extension direction of battery module, heat insulation pad or buffer pad is set between two adjacent electric cores, at least one group of two adjacent electric cores is provided with heat insulation pad, at least one group of two adjacent electric cores is provided with buffer pad.Using the above structure, the problem of high production cost of battery module in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage device technology, and more specifically, to a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of battery modules, especially high-energy-density lithium-ion battery modules used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, thermal management is one of the key factors in ensuring battery performance and safety. In existing technologies, battery modules typically integrate the function of a buffer pad into a thermal insulation pad, placing it between each adjacent cell to enhance the thermal management and mechanical stability of the battery module. However, due to the high cost of thermal insulation materials, this approach leads to excessively high production costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a battery module to solve the problem of excessively high production costs of existing battery modules.

[0004] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a battery module, which includes a battery cell, a heat insulation pad, and a buffer pad. The battery cell has multiple cells arranged side by side along the extension direction of the battery module. A heat insulation pad or a buffer pad is provided between two adjacent cells. At least one set of two adjacent cells is provided with a heat insulation pad, and at least one set of two adjacent cells is provided with a buffer pad.

[0005] Furthermore, the heat insulation pad is located in the middle of the extension direction of the battery module.

[0006] Furthermore, the number of heat insulation pads is less than the number of cushioning pads.

[0007] Furthermore, the battery module includes multiple sets of cell assemblies, which are distributed along the extension direction of the battery module. Each cell assembly includes multiple cells, and a heat insulation pad is provided between two adjacent cell assemblies. A buffer pad is provided between two adjacent cells within a cell assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the heat insulation pad has an adhesive surface that is in contact with the end face of the battery cell, and the size of the adhesive surface is smaller than the size of the end face of the battery cell.

[0009] Furthermore, the heat insulation pad includes stacked adhesive backing layers and heat insulation components, with the adhesive backing layers located on both sides of the heat insulation components.

[0010] Furthermore, the thermal insulation pad also includes an encapsulation layer, which is located on both sides of the thermal insulation component and between the adhesive layer and the thermal insulation component.

[0011] Furthermore, the thermal insulation component includes an insulating layer and a substrate layer that are bonded together.

[0012] Furthermore, the shape of the bonding surface is adapted to the shape of the end face of the battery cell, and the distance between the edge of the bonding surface and the edge of the end face of the battery cell is 3-10mm.

[0013] Furthermore, the thickness of the heat insulation pad is in the range of 0.5mm to 10mm.

[0014] The present invention provides a battery module by providing a heat insulation pad between at least one set of two adjacent battery cells and a buffer pad between at least one set of two adjacent battery cells. By rationally distributing the heat insulation pad and the buffer pad, the module can provide buffering between the battery cells and heat insulation between them. This reduces the amount of heat insulation material used and effectively reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring buffering and heat insulation of the battery cells, demonstrating the dual advantages of cost-effectiveness and performance optimization. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of this utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are used to explain this utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 An exploded view of the battery module provided by this utility model is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 An exploded view of the heat insulation pad provided by this utility model is shown.

[0018] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0019] 10. Battery cells;

[0020] 100. End face;

[0021] 20. Heat insulation pad;

[0022] 201. Lamination surface;

[0023] 21. Adhesive backing layer;

[0024] 22. Thermal insulation components;

[0025] 221. Insulation layer;

[0026] 222. Substrate layer;

[0027] 23. Encapsulation layer;

[0028] 30. Cushioning pad. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present utility model or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a battery module, which includes a battery cell 10, a heat insulation pad 20, and a buffer pad 30. There are multiple battery cells 10, which are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the battery module. A heat insulation pad 20 or a buffer pad 30 is provided between two adjacent battery cells 10. At least one set of two adjacent battery cells 10 is provided with a heat insulation pad 20, and at least one set of two adjacent battery cells 10 is provided with a buffer pad 30.

[0031] By applying the technical solution of this utility model, a battery module is provided. By setting a heat insulation pad 20 between at least one set of two adjacent battery cells 10 and a buffer pad 30 between at least one set of two adjacent battery cells 10, the heat insulation pad 20 and the buffer pad 30 are reasonably distributed. This can provide buffering between the battery cells 10 and also provide heat insulation between the battery cells 10. This can reduce the use of heat insulation materials, and thus effectively reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring buffering and heat insulation of the battery cells 10, demonstrating the dual advantages of cost-effectiveness and performance optimization.

[0032] Specifically, the extension direction of the battery module is set to the X direction, and multiple battery cells 10 are arranged side by side along the X direction to form the main energy storage unit of the battery module. The battery cell 10 can be a lithium-ion battery cell 10 or other types of battery cells 10, and the specific type is selected according to application requirements and performance requirements.

[0033] Furthermore, the heat insulation pad 20 is located in the middle of the battery module's extension direction. Under normal circumstances, the battery cells 10 located in the middle of the battery module's extension direction often experience heat concentration, potentially leading to risks such as thermal runaway. Therefore, in this embodiment, a heat insulation pad 20 is placed between adjacent battery cells 10 in the middle of the battery module. This provides targeted thermal protection for the middle battery cells 10, reducing the likelihood of extreme situations such as thermal runaway and achieving effective thermal management of the battery module. Conversely, buffer pads 30 can be placed in the areas at both ends of the battery module.

[0034] Specifically, multiple battery cells 10 are divided into a first region, a second region, and a third region along the extension direction of the battery module. The first region and the third region are located at both ends of the battery module, the second region is located in the middle of the battery module, the heat insulation pad 20 is located between two adjacent battery cells in the second region, and the buffer pad 30 is provided between two adjacent battery cells in the first region and the third region.

[0035] Furthermore, the number of heat insulation pads 20 is less than the number of buffer pads 30. In this embodiment, by setting fewer heat insulation pads 20 and more buffer pads 30, the high cost of the battery module can be significantly reduced, avoiding over-reliance on a single high-performance heat insulation material.

[0036] In one embodiment, based on the heat source distribution and thermal management requirements of the cells 10 within the module, the location of the cell 10 most prone to extreme situations such as thermal runaway can be determined. Thermal insulation pads 20 are then placed on both sides of the aforementioned cell 10 or cell assembly, thereby minimizing heat diffusion during use while using the fewest possible thermal insulation pads 20. Buffer pads 30 are provided on both sides of the remaining cells 10. These buffer pads 30 provide pre-tightening force during battery module assembly or use, reducing relative movement between cells 10 and improving the overall stability and reliability of the module. By employing the aforementioned targeted use of thermal insulation pads 20 and buffer pads 30, the thermal insulation performance and cost of the battery module can be more effectively balanced, while providing necessary cushioning protection, reducing impact and vibration between cells 10, and improving the mechanical stability and thermal safety of the battery module.

[0037] Specifically, the location of cell 10 most prone to extreme situations can be determined by using thermal simulation to model the battery charging and discharging temperature field and by arranging thermocouples to measure and record the charging and discharging temperature field. The point with the highest temperature is the location of cell 10 most likely to experience thermal runaway. Alternatively, if a certain component inside the battery pack causes thermal runaway in a corresponding cell 10, then that cell 10 can be identified as the location most prone to thermal runaway.

[0038] Furthermore, the battery module includes multiple sets of cell assemblies distributed along the extension direction of the battery module. Each cell assembly includes multiple cells 10, with a heat insulation pad 20 disposed between two adjacent cell assemblies and a buffer pad 30 disposed between two adjacent cells 10 within each cell assembly. In this embodiment, the battery module as a whole is divided into multiple sets of cell assemblies along its extension direction. The heat insulation pad 20 is disposed between two adjacent cell assemblies, and the buffer pad 30 is disposed between two adjacent cells 10 within each cell assembly. By differentiating the configuration of the heat insulation pad 20 and the buffer pad 30, thermal management can be achieved while reducing the number of high-cost heat insulation pads 20 used, thereby reducing the cost of the battery module and achieving a balance between thermal insulation performance and cost.

[0039] In one specific embodiment, the battery module is divided into three groups of cell assemblies along its extension direction: a first cell assembly, a second cell assembly, and a third cell assembly. In the first cell assembly, the cells 10 located at both ends are the first and second cells; in the second cell assembly, the cells 10 located at both ends are the third and fourth cells; and in the third cell assembly, the cells 10 located at both ends are the fifth and sixth cells. A heat insulation pad is provided between the second and third cells, and a heat insulation pad 20 is provided between the fourth and fifth cells. Buffer pads are provided between the other cells 10 within the first, second, and third cell assemblies. This structural arrangement reduces the material cost of the battery module.

[0040] Preferably, each battery cell assembly can be configured with 2 to 5 battery cells, for example, 2, 4, or 5 cells.

[0041] Furthermore, the heat insulation pad 20 has an adhesive surface 201, which is in contact with the end face 100 of the battery cell 10. The size of the adhesive surface 201 is smaller than the size of the end face 100 of the battery cell 10. In this embodiment, by adopting an adhesive surface 201 smaller than the end face 100 of the battery cell 10, it not only facilitates the installation of the heat insulation pad 20, but also ensures that there is an appropriate gap between the battery cells 10, which is beneficial for thermal management and mechanical stability. At the same time, it can avoid direct contact between the heat insulation pad 20 and the bottom welding point of the battery cell 10 or the hollow part of the core of the battery cell 10, so as to prevent possible electrical short circuits or mechanical damage, and further ensure the precise positioning of the heat insulation pad 20 inside the battery module.

[0042] Furthermore, the heat insulation pad 20 includes stacked adhesive layers 21 and heat insulation components 22, with the adhesive layers 21 located on both sides of the heat insulation components 22. In this embodiment, the heat insulation pad 20 is configured as a multi-layer composite structure, with the heat insulation components 22 in the middle, and the heat insulation components 22 bonded to the adhesive layers 21 on both sides. This structure ensures that the heat insulation pad 20 provides excellent thermal protection performance and can be easily bonded and fixed to other battery module components, such as the battery cell 10.

[0043] Specifically, the adhesive layer 21 is stacked on both sides of the heat insulation component 22. It can be a full-surface adhesive layer or a partial adhesive layer, depending on the internal space layout and fixing requirements of the battery module.

[0044] Specifically, the adhesive layer 21 generally uses double-sided adhesive, which can maintain sufficient adhesion without damaging other components of the battery module. In this embodiment, the thickness of the adhesive layer 21 is in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm, such as 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07 or 0.1 mm, which will not affect the overall module stacking performance and thermal management requirements.

[0045] Furthermore, the heat insulation pad 20 also includes an encapsulation layer 23, which is located on both sides of the heat insulation component 22 and between the adhesive layer 21 and the heat insulation component 22. In this embodiment, the heat insulation pad 20 forms a multi-layer structure by stacking the adhesive layer 21, the encapsulation layer 23, and the heat insulation component 22. The encapsulation layer 23 can effectively protect the heat insulation component 22 from the influence of the external environment, such as humidity and dust, and also prevent the internal heat insulation component 22 from deforming or being damaged during use.

[0046] Specifically, a heat-sealed edge of 3 to 10 mm should be left around the encapsulation layer 23, such as 3, 5, 7, or 10 mm. These edges not only enhance the overall rigidity and strength of the heat insulation pad 20, but also further improve the sealing and durability of the internal heat insulation component 22.

[0047] Specifically, the encapsulation layer 23 is made of PET material with a thickness of 0.01 to 0.1 mm, such as 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07 or 0.1 mm, to provide effective encapsulation and protection.

[0048] Furthermore, the heat insulation component 22 includes a heat insulation layer 221 and a substrate layer 222 that are bonded together. In this embodiment, the heat insulation component 22 is composed of a heat insulation layer 221 and a substrate layer 222, wherein the heat insulation layer 221 and the substrate layer 222 are bonded together by an adhesive, and the substrate layer 222 cooperates with the outer encapsulation layer 23 to jointly support the heat insulation layer 221.

[0049] Specifically, the insulation layer 221 uses materials with extremely low thermal conductivity, such as aerogel, nanoporous materials, phase change materials, or ceramic fiber cotton. These materials can significantly reduce heat conduction and effectively isolate heat transfer between the battery cells 10. The substrate layer 222 typically uses fiber materials such as ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or pre-oxidized fiber. These materials not only provide sufficient support and structural stability but also bond tightly with the insulation layer 221 to form a whole.

[0050] Optionally, the structure of the heat insulation pad 20 may include, but is not limited to, a backing layer 21, a heat insulation layer 221, a backing layer 21; a backing layer 21, an encapsulation layer 23, a heat insulation layer 221, an encapsulation layer 23, a backing layer 21; a backing layer 21, an encapsulation layer 23, a heat insulation layer 221, a substrate layer 222, an encapsulation layer 23, a backing layer 21, etc., depending on the specific heat protection requirements and cost considerations.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 2During the assembly process, the heat insulation pad 20 shown is first assembled by bonding the heat insulation layer 221 and the substrate layer 222 together with adhesive to form a heat insulation component 22. Then, the encapsulation layers 23 on both sides of the heat insulation component 22 are pressed together by vacuum hot pressing to further support and fix the internal heat insulation component 22. Adhesive backing layers 21 are then provided on the outside of the encapsulation layers 23 after pressing, thus forming a complete heat insulation pad 20.

[0052] Furthermore, the shape of the mating surface 201 is adapted to the shape of the end face 100 of the battery cell 10, and the distance between the edge of the mating surface 201 and the edge of the end face 100 of the battery cell 10 is 3-10 mm. In this embodiment, the distance between the edge of the mating surface 201 and the edge of the end face 100 of the battery cell 10 is between 3 and 10 mm, for example, 3, 5, 7 or 10 mm, and the shape of the mating surface 201 must be adapted to the shape of the end face 100 of the battery cell 10 to ensure good physical and thermal contact between the two. This arrangement accommodates the tolerances in the battery manufacturing process, avoids assembly difficulties caused by excessively tight dimensions, and prevents the heat insulation pad 20 from extending beyond the end face 100 of the battery cell 10 during use, thus preventing interference with the electrical connection between the battery cells 10 or other structural components.

[0053] Furthermore, the thickness of the thermal insulation pad 20 ranges from 0.5 mm to 10 mm. In this application, using a thicker thermal insulation pad 20, such as 11 mm, may provide better protection under extreme thermal management conditions, but it would also increase the overall cost and weight of the module. Conversely, a thinner thermal insulation pad 20, such as 0.4 mm, while less expensive, may not be as effective as a thicker thermal insulation pad 20 in terms of heat diffusion control. Therefore, this application finds an optimal balance between thermal insulation performance, cost, module stacking efficiency, and assembly tolerances, namely, between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, for example, 0.5, 1, 4, 7, 9, or 10 mm.

[0054] In another embodiment (not shown), the cushioning pad 30 and the heat insulation pad 20 adopt a similar structure, including but not limited to the following structures: adhesive layer 21, cushioning layer, adhesive layer 21; adhesive layer 21, encapsulation layer 23, cushioning layer, encapsulation layer 23, adhesive layer 21; adhesive layer 21, encapsulation layer 23, cushioning layer, substrate layer 222, encapsulation layer 23, adhesive layer 21, etc., depending on the specific cushioning requirements and cost considerations.

[0055] Specifically, the cushioning pad 30 can be made of materials such as silicone, silicone foam, and PU foam. These materials have relatively poor thermal insulation performance, but they all have good cushioning and rebound performance.

[0056] Using the above-mentioned battery module can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0057] 1. This application achieves effective cost control by using simulation prediction or group management to allocate and use heat insulation pad 20 and buffer pad 30 in a targeted manner. Existing technologies use the same heat insulation buffer pad design between all cells 10, which is heavy and costly. This application can significantly reduce material and production costs while ensuring high performance.

[0058] 2. This application uses vacuum hot pressing of the encapsulation layer 23 to further fix the heat insulation layer 221 and the substrate layer 222, which prevents the heat insulation pad 20 from falling off during use. The connection is convenient and quick. In contrast, the heat insulation pad 20 in the prior art often has a complex structure and requires additional fixing structure, resulting in high complexity in the production process. This application has the advantages of low cost and high efficiency.

[0059] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0060] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0061] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" 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. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0062] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0063] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The battery module includes a battery cell (10), a heat insulation pad (20), and a buffer pad (30). There are multiple battery cells (10), which are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the battery module. The heat insulation pad (20) or the buffer pad (30) is disposed between two adjacent battery cells (10). The heat insulation pad (20) is disposed between at least one set of two adjacent battery cells (10), and the buffer pad (30) is disposed between at least one set of two adjacent battery cells (10).

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat insulation pad (20) is located in the middle of the battery module along the extension direction of the battery module.

3. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The number of the heat insulation pads (20) is less than the number of the cushioning pads (30).

4. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The battery module includes multiple sets of battery cell assemblies, which are distributed along the extension direction of the battery module. Each battery cell assembly includes multiple battery cells (10), and a heat insulation pad (20) is provided between two adjacent battery cell assemblies. A buffer pad (30) is provided between two adjacent battery cells (10) within the battery cell assembly.

5. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat insulation pad (20) has a bonding surface (201) that is bonded to the end face (100) of the battery cell (10). The size of the bonding surface (201) is smaller than the size of the end face (100) of the battery cell (10).

6. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The heat insulation pad (20) includes stacked adhesive backing layers (21) and heat insulation components (22), with the adhesive backing layers (21) located on both sides of the heat insulation components (22).

7. The battery module of claim 6, wherein, The heat insulation pad (20) further includes an encapsulation layer (23), which is located on both sides of the heat insulation component (22) and between the adhesive backing layer (21) and the heat insulation component (22).

8. The battery module of claim 6, wherein, The thermal insulation component (22) includes a thermal insulation layer (221) and a substrate layer (222) that are bonded together.

9. The battery module of claim 5, wherein, The shape of the bonding surface (201) is adapted to the shape of the end face (100) of the battery cell (10), and the distance between the edge of the bonding surface (201) and the edge of the end face (100) of the battery cell (10) is 3-10mm.

10. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the heat insulation pad (20) is in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

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