Battery module

Abstract

The application discloses a battery module, which comprises two or more battery cells connected by a gasket, wherein the battery cell comprises a cover plate and an electrode, and the electrode comprises a main body and a connecting part; the main body is at least partially arranged in a through hole of the cover plate, and one end of the main body is connected with a tab of a pole group in the battery cell, and the other end of the main body is connected with the connecting part; the bottom surface of the connecting part is in abutment with the outer side surface of the cover plate, and the top surface of the connecting part is provided with a connecting column; the gasket is arranged on the top surface of the connecting part and is provided with a first mounting hole matched with the connecting column, and the part of the connecting column, which is arranged outside the first mounting hole, is connected with a fastener. Thus, the gasket and the electrode connecting part are not welded, and the high temperature in the welding process can be avoided to have adverse effects on the battery cell including the first insulating part.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the battery manufacturing process, multiple cells (also known as single cells) are often connected in series or parallel to meet specific voltage and capacity requirements. Reliable connections between cells are one of the key factors in ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the entire battery pack.

[0003] In some products, battery cells are connected by welding tabs. Each cell's terminal or connecting block at its outer end is welded to a tab, thus establishing the connection between cells. It's important to note that a tab is a large-section conductive strip or plate used for connection, typically made of highly conductive materials such as copper or aluminum. Their function is to establish a reliable current transmission path between different cells, ensuring efficient current flow without excessive energy loss or heat generation.

[0004] However, in practice, the welding process typically involves localized heating to melt the two metal components (i.e., the electrode plate and the outer end of the terminal, or the electrode plate and the connecting block located at the outer end of the terminal) to bond them together. Temperatures near the welding point can reach hundreds of degrees Celsius or even higher. Most battery cells use polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or other types of thermoplastics for the top plastic layer. While these materials have good mechanical strength and chemical stability, their heat resistance is limited. They soften when approaching or exceeding their glass transition temperature, potentially leading to deformation or damage, affecting appearance quality and installation accuracy. Furthermore, uneven cooling after welding can cause micro-cracks on the surface of the top plastic layer, weakening its overall strength. In more severe cases, the high temperatures of the welding process can burn the external protective material of the battery cell (especially the top plastic layer between the connecting block and the cover plate), affecting the resistance at that location and even causing insulation failure, increasing the risk of short circuits. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery module that avoids the adverse effects of high temperatures during the welding process on the battery cell (especially the insulating parts near the electrodes).

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A battery module includes two or more battery cells connected to each other via tabs, and further includes fasteners.

[0008] The battery cell includes a cover plate and electrodes, and the electrodes include a main body and a connecting part;

[0009] The main body is at least partially inserted through the through hole of the cover plate, with one end connected to the electrode tab of the electrode group located in the battery cell, and the other end connected to the connecting part;

[0010] The bottom surface of the connecting part abuts against the outer side surface of the cover plate, and a connecting post is provided protruding from the top surface of the connecting part;

[0011] The plate is located on the top surface of the connecting part and is provided with a first mounting hole adapted to the connecting post. The part of the connecting post that extends out of the first mounting hole is connected to the fastener.

[0012] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, the main body and the connecting part are riveted together; or, the main body and the connecting part are an integral structural component.

[0013] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, the end of the main body portion away from the connecting portion is engaged and limited with the inner side of the cover plate.

[0014] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, a first insulating element is provided between the bottom surface of the connecting portion and the outer surface of the cover plate.

[0015] Optionally, in the battery module described above, the end of the connecting post away from the top surface is threadedly connected to the fastener.

[0016] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, the fastener includes a nut and / or a screw.

[0017] Optionally, in the above battery module, the thread outer diameter D of the connecting post satisfies 5mm≤D≤10mm;

[0018] And / or, the axial thickness T of the fastener satisfies 3mm≤T≤10mm.

[0019] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, the first mounting hole is a circular hole, an elliptical hole, or a polygonal hole;

[0020] The connecting post includes a first post segment and a second post segment: the first post segment is located inside the first mounting hole, and is adapted to the shape of the first mounting hole and has a clearance fit; the second post segment is located outside the first mounting hole and is connected to the fastener.

[0021] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, a conductive coating is provided between the top surface of the connecting portion and the battery plate.

[0022] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, the conductive coating includes conductive adhesive;

[0023] And / or, the temperature resistance of the conductive coating is greater than 100°C.

[0024] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, the connecting part is provided with a second mounting hole that penetrates the top surface and the bottom surface;

[0025] The top of the main body is located inside the second mounting hole;

[0026] The tab and the conductive coating cover the top surface of the connector and the second mounting hole.

[0027] Optionally, in the above battery module, in each of the cells, the top surface of each of the connecting portions is provided with two or more connecting posts;

[0028] The projections of two or more of the connecting posts on the cover plate are arranged symmetrically with respect to the projection of the main body on the cover plate.

[0029] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery module, the battery plate is an integral structural component.

[0030] As can be seen from the above technical solution, in the battery module provided by this application, the outer end of the electrode of each cell is fixedly connected to the electrode plate through connecting posts and fasteners, without the need for welding. This avoids the adverse effects of the high temperature during the welding process on the cell, including the insulating components near the electrodes. For example, it can effectively prevent the insulating components from softening, deforming, cracking, burning, or being damaged by the high temperature during the welding process, thereby ensuring the appearance quality and installation accuracy of the insulating components and their surrounding parts, and avoiding the risk of insulation failure and short circuits at this location. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 An exploded view of a battery cell and a battery pad at the connection point, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of multiple battery cells and wafers provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 3 A top view of a combined structure of a battery cell and a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A sectional view of section AA in the middle.

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of region B in the middle.

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of region C in the middle.

[0038] in:

[0039] 1-Electrode, 2-Cover plate, 3-Conductive coating, 4-Bar plate, 5-Fastener

[0040] 6-First insulating component, 7-Second insulating component, 10-Battery cell,

[0041] 101 - Main body, 102 - Connecting part

[0042] 121-Top surface, 122-Bottom surface, 123-Second mounting hole, 124-Connecting post.

[0043] 201 - Cover part, 202 - Positioning part,

[0044] 211-First settling tank, 221-Second settling tank, 401-First mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 6 This application provides a battery module comprising two or more battery cells 10, which are connected together by tabs 4. Specifically, each battery cell 10 includes a cover plate 2 and an electrode 1. The electrode 1 includes a main body 101 and a connecting part 102. The main body 101 is at least partially inserted into a through hole in the cover plate 2, with one end connected to an electrode tab located within the battery cell 10 and the other end connected to the connecting part 102. The bottom surface 122 of the connecting part 102 abuts against the outer surface of the cover plate 2, and a connecting post 124 protrudes from the top surface 121 of the connecting part 102. The tab 4 is located on the top surface 121 of the connecting part 102 and has a first mounting hole 401 adapted to the connecting post 124. The portion of the connecting post 124 extending out of the first mounting hole 401 is connected to a fastener 5. In a specific implementation, it also includes a first insulating member 6, which is at least partially located between the bottom surface 122 of the connecting portion 102 and the outer surface of the cover plate 2.

[0047] In some embodiments, the main body 101 and the connecting portion 102 are riveted together; alternatively, in other embodiments, the main body 101 and the connecting portion 102 may be an integral structural component. Furthermore, the end of the main body 101 furthest from the connecting portion 102 is engaged and limited with the inner surface of the cover plate 2. For an example of riveting the main body 101 and the connecting portion 102, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The battery cell 10 includes a cover plate 2, an electrode 1, and a first insulating member 6. The electrode 1 includes a main body 101 and a connecting part 102. The main body 101 passes through a through hole in the cover plate 2. One end of the main body 101 is engaged and limited with the inner side of the cover plate 2, and the other end of the main body 101 is connected to the connecting part 102 and engaged and limited with the outer side of the cover plate 2 through the connecting part 102. The bottom surface 122 of the connecting part 102 is the side surface of the connecting part 102 closest to the cover plate 2. The first insulating member 6 is located between the bottom surface 122 of the connecting part 102 and the cover plate 2, thereby... The first insulating element 6 insulates the connection part 102 from the cover plate 2. The top surface 121 of the connection part 102 is the side surface of the connection part 102 away from the cover plate 2. The electrode plate 4 is located outside the top surface 121 of the connection part 102 and connected to it. The electrode plate 4 is provided with a first mounting hole 401. A connecting post 124 protrudes from the top surface 121 of the connection part 102. The connecting post 124 passes through the first mounting hole 401 of the electrode plate 4 and is connected to the fastener 5. Thus, the electrode plate 4 is fixedly installed on the connection part 102 by the fastener 5 and the connecting post 124 on the connection part 102. It should be noted that the connection part 102 located at the outer end of the electrode 1 in each cell 10 is fixedly connected to the electrode plate 4 by the fastener 5, without the need for welding. This avoids the adverse effects of the high temperature during the welding process on the battery cell 10, including the first insulating component 6. For example, it can effectively prevent the first insulating component 6 from softening, deforming, cracking, being burned or damaged by the high temperature during the welding process, thereby ensuring the appearance quality and installation accuracy of the first insulating component 6 and its nearby components, and avoiding the risk of insulation failure and short circuit at this location.

[0048] Please see Figures 3 to 6 In some embodiments, the end of the connecting post 124 on the connecting portion 102 away from the top surface 121 of the connecting portion is threadedly connected to the fastener 5, which can be any of a nut and a bolt or a combination of nuts and bolts. In specific implementations, the connecting post 124 and the connecting portion 102 can be integrally formed structural components; or, in other embodiments, the connecting post 124 can be welded to the connecting portion 102, and then the connecting portion 102 with the connecting post 124 can be installed onto the cover plate 2 of the battery cell; or, in other embodiments, the connecting post 124 can be fixed to the top surface 121 of the connecting portion 102 in other ways, and then the connecting portion 102 with the connecting post 124 can be installed onto the cover plate 2 of the battery cell.

[0049] Please see Figure 6 In some embodiments, the threaded outer diameter D of the connecting post 124 is set to 5mm ≤ D ≤ 10mm to ensure processing feasibility and strength requirements; and / or, the axial thickness T of the fastener 5 is set to 3mm ≤ T ≤ 10mm to ensure processing feasibility and strength requirements. It should be noted that if D is too small, the connection strength between the connecting post 124 and the fastener 5 is insufficient and difficult to process; if D is too large, the design is redundant and encroaches on the width space of the battery cell. If T is too small, the strength of the fastener 5 and the connecting post 124 is insufficient; if T is too large, it encroaches on the height space of the battery cell.

[0050] In specific implementation, the first mounting hole 401 in the aforementioned plate 4 for the connecting post 124 is a circular hole, an elliptical hole, or a polygonal hole. The polygon can be a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, semicircle, or other irregular shape. Correspondingly, the connecting post 124 includes a first post segment and a second post segment: the first post segment is located inside the first mounting hole 401, its shape is adapted to the first mounting hole 401, and it has a clearance fit; the second post segment is located outside the first mounting hole 401 and is connected to the fastener 5. In specific implementation, the plate 4 can be first assembled onto the connecting part 102, and then the fastener 5 can be screwed onto the connecting post 124, thereby fixing the plate 4 onto the connecting part 102.

[0051] However, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, fasteners 5 with other structural forms can also be used to fix the bar plate 4 and the connecting part 102. For example, the second column segment of the connecting post 124 outside the first mounting hole 401 is inverted L-shaped or T-shaped. The fastener 5 is provided with a through hole that can pass through the second column segment. After the fastener 5 is sleeved on the second column segment, the transverse protruding part in the L-shape or T-shape is exposed. Then, after the fastener 5 is rotated at a certain angle, it can be engaged with the transverse protruding part at the top of the second column segment, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the bar plate 4 and the connecting part 102.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, to reduce the resistance between the pad 4 and the connecting portion 102, a conductive coating 3 is provided between the pad 4 and the top surface 121. Specifically, the conductive coating 3 can be made of conductive adhesive, such as copper powder conductive adhesive, conductive silver adhesive, or any combination thereof. Specifically, the conductivity of the conductive coating 3 is essentially the same as that of pure copper, which can increase the conductivity between the pad 4 and the connecting portion 102. Moreover, the conductive coating 3 has a certain temperature resistance, requiring that it will not experience performance degradation even when the battery cell reaches its maximum operating temperature. Generally, its temperature resistance is required to be greater than 100°C, meaning that the conductive coating 3 will not experience performance degradation when the temperature reaches 100°C.

[0053] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the connecting portion 102 is provided with a second mounting hole 123 penetrating the top surface 121 and the bottom surface 122, and the top end of the main body portion 101 is located in the second mounting hole 123 and riveted to the limiting stepped surface in the second mounting hole 123; and as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the electrode pad 4 and the conductive coating 3 both cover the top surface 121 of the connecting portion 102 and the second mounting hole 123, thereby encapsulating and protecting the top of the main body 101 and the connecting portion 102 in the connecting area. For example, it can prevent external moisture or impurities from entering the cell through the mounting gap at the top of the electrode 1, and it can also prevent the main body 101 and the connecting portion 102 of the electrode 1 and the nearby cover plate 2 from being damaged by bumps during the handling or use of the battery module.

[0054] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, in the Z direction from the top surface 121 to the bottom surface 122 of the connecting portion 102, the second mounting hole 211 is a first stepped hole with a gradually decreasing diameter, and the circumferential side surface of the top end of the main body 101 is a first stepped side surface adapted to the first stepped hole, thereby achieving riveting between the top end of the main body 101 and the connecting portion 102; and / or, the first insulating member 6 includes an upward-opening box-shaped structure, the inner wall surface of which is a second stepped hole with a gradually decreasing diameter, the connecting portion 102 is located inside the box-shaped structure, and the circumferential side surface of the connecting portion 102 is a first stepped side surface adapted to the first stepped hole. The second stepped side of the two-step hole is adapted to facilitate the installation of the connecting part 102 into the first insulating member 6; and / or, the outer side of the cover plate 2 is provided with a first recess 211 adapted to the bottom of the first insulating member 6, thereby facilitating the installation and positioning of the first insulating member 6 on the cover plate 2. Moreover, the inner side of the cover plate 2 is provided with a second recess 221 adapted to the end of the main body 101 located in the cell 10, thereby helping to reduce the utilization rate of the internal space of the cell and facilitating the installation and positioning of the main body 101 and the second insulating member 7 sleeved on its outer side in the cover plate 2.

[0055] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, two or more connecting posts 124 and fasteners 5 protrude from the top surface 121 of the connection portion 102 of each electrode 1 in each cell 10. Furthermore, the projections of the two or more connecting posts 124 onto the cover plate 2 are symmetrically arranged with the projection of the main body 101 onto the cover plate 2 as the center, i.e., the two or more connecting posts 124 and fasteners 5 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main body 101. Specifically, each connection portion 102 is provided with a second mounting hole 123 for mounting the main body 101, and two or more connecting posts 124. The two or more connecting posts 124 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second mounting hole 123. Therefore, by symmetrically arranging the two or more connecting posts 124 and fasteners 5, the connection between the main body 101 and the connection portion 102 is not affected, and the connection portion 102 is also better suited for balanced force distribution.

[0056] Please see Figure 2 In the battery module provided in this application, the plate 4 used to connect multiple battery cells 10 is an integral structural component. However, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the plate 4 can also be an assembly composed of multiple connecting units combined by riveting, snap-fitting or other arbitrary methods to adapt to the actual needs of various products.

[0057] In some embodiments, the cover plate 2 may include a cover body 201 and a positioning part 202 located inside the cover body 201. In this case, the outer side of the cover body 201 is provided with a first recessed groove 211 adapted to the bottom of the first insulating member 6, and the inner side of the positioning part 202 is provided with a second recessed groove 221 adapted to the end of the main body 101 located inside the cell 10. In specific implementations, the cover body 201 and the positioning part 202 can be a separate structure. In this case, the cover body 201 serves as a top cover located outside the cell, and the positioning part 202 is an end cover structure located between the cover body 201 and the electrode group, which can provide insulation and positioning for the electrode group. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the cover body 201 and the positioning part 202 can be an integral structure. In this case, the cover body 201 is a metal plate (e.g., a plain aluminum plate), and the positioning part 202 is a plastic layer. The positioning part 202 is located on the inner side of the metal plate and is fixedly connected to it, which can provide insulation and positioning for the electrode group.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed.

[0059] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0060] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising two or more battery cells, wherein the different battery cells are connected by a tab, characterized in that, Also includes fasteners: The battery cell includes a cover plate and electrodes, and the electrodes include a main body and a connecting part; The main body is at least partially inserted through the through hole of the cover plate, with one end connected to the electrode tab of the electrode group located in the battery cell, and the other end connected to the connecting part; The bottom surface of the connecting part abuts against the outer side surface of the cover plate, and a connecting post is provided protruding from the top surface of the connecting part; The plate is located on the top surface of the connecting part and is provided with a first mounting hole adapted to the connecting post. The part of the connecting post that extends out of the first mounting hole is connected to the fastener.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body and the connecting part are riveted together; or, the main body and the connecting part are an integral structural component. And / or, the end of the main body portion away from the connecting portion is engaged and limited with the inner side of the cover plate; And / or, a first insulating element is provided between the bottom surface of the connecting portion and the outer surface of the cover plate.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting post is threadedly connected to the fastener.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fasteners include nuts and / or bolts; And / or, the threaded outer diameter D of the connecting post satisfies 5mm≤D≤10mm; And / or, the axial thickness T of the fastener satisfies 3mm≤T≤10mm.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting hole is a circular hole, an elliptical hole, or a polygonal hole; The connecting post includes a first post segment and a second post segment: the first post segment is located inside the first mounting hole, and is adapted to the shape of the first mounting hole and has a clearance fit; the second post segment is located outside the first mounting hole and is connected to the fastener.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A conductive coating is provided between the top surface of the connecting part and the plate.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The conductive coating includes a conductive adhesive; And / or, the temperature resistance of the conductive coating is greater than 100°C.

8. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting part is provided with a second mounting hole that penetrates the top surface and the bottom surface; The top of the main body is located inside the second mounting hole; The tab and the conductive coating cover the top surface of the connector and the second mounting hole.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, In each of the battery cells, two or more of the connecting posts protrude from the top surface of each of the connecting portions; The projections of two or more of the connecting posts on the cover plate are arranged symmetrically with respect to the projection of the main body on the cover plate.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate is a one-piece structural component.

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