Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

This utility model discloses a battery module and battery pack. The battery module includes multiple battery rows and at least one first insulating sheet. The multiple battery rows are arranged along a first direction, and each battery row includes multiple individual cells arranged along a second direction. The multiple individual cells are electrically connected. The second direction and the first direction form an angle and are both perpendicular to the height direction of the individual cells. The first insulating sheet is disposed between every two adjacent battery rows, and in the height direction of the individual cells, the height of the first insulating sheet is greater than the height of the individual cells. The battery module provided by this application can effectively reduce safety hazards during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to a battery module and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy industry, lithium-ion battery modules, as core energy storage components in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other equipment, directly determine the reliability and market competitiveness of end products through their safety performance. Currently, battery modules are typically composed of multiple individual cells connected in series or parallel to meet the application requirements of high voltage and large capacity.

[0003] However, in this type of battery module, due to the high voltage and current between adjacent battery columns, short circuits are very likely to occur between adjacent battery columns, which increases the safety risks during the use of the battery module. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings in the existing technology, this utility model provides a battery module and battery pack that can effectively reduce safety hazards during the use of the battery module.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, in a first aspect, this utility model provides a battery module, comprising:

[0006] Multiple battery rows are arranged along a first direction. Each battery row includes multiple individual cells arranged along a second direction. The multiple individual cells are electrically connected. The second direction has an angle with the first direction and is perpendicular to the height direction of the individual cells.

[0007] At least one first insulating sheet is disposed between each pair of adjacent battery rows, and the height of the first insulating sheet is greater than the height of the individual battery in the height direction of the individual battery.

[0008] Because a first insulating sheet is provided between each pair of adjacent battery columns, and the top edge of the first insulating sheet protrudes from the top cover of the individual battery in the height direction of the individual battery, the first insulating sheet can increase the electrical clearance and creepage distance between the two adjacent battery columns, thereby completely isolating the two adjacent battery columns, reducing the risk of short circuit between the two adjacent battery columns, and thus improving the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0009] On the other hand, if any single cell in any battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the first insulating sheet can prevent the two adjacent battery packs from communicating through liquid or solid, thereby avoiding the risk of short circuit between the two adjacent battery packs when thermal runaway occurs.

[0010] In some possible embodiments, in the height direction of the single cell, the top edge of the first insulating sheet protrudes from the single cell by a height h, where 0mm ≤ h ≤ 20mm.

[0011] In some possible embodiments, the first insulating sheet includes a plurality of insulating sheet bodies spaced apart along the second direction, and the plurality of insulating sheet bodies correspond one-to-one with a plurality of individual cells in each group of the battery arrays.

[0012] In some possible embodiments, the first insulating sheet is a single piece of structure.

[0013] In some possible embodiments, the length of the first insulating sheet is equal to or greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the plurality of individual cells in each group of the battery array in the second direction.

[0014] In some possible embodiments, the thickness of the first insulating sheet is m, where 0.1 mm ≤ m ≤ 30 mm.

[0015] In some possible embodiments, the first insulating sheet is a ceramicized silicone rubber insulating sheet.

[0016] In some possible embodiments, the battery module further includes a plurality of second insulating sheets disposed between each pair of adjacent individual cells in each group of the battery columns.

[0017] In some possible embodiments, the height of the second insulating sheet is greater than the height of the individual battery cell in the height direction.

[0018] Secondly, this utility model also provides a battery pack, including the battery module described in any one of the first aspects.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] Because a first insulating sheet is provided between each pair of adjacent battery columns, and the top edge of the first insulating sheet protrudes from the individual battery in the height direction of the individual battery, the first insulating sheet can increase the electrical clearance and creepage distance between the two adjacent battery columns, thereby completely isolating the two adjacent battery columns, reducing the risk of short circuit between the two adjacent battery columns, and thus improving the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0021] On the other hand, if any single cell in any battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the first insulating sheet can prevent the two adjacent battery packs from communicating through liquid or solid, thereby avoiding the risk of short circuit between the two adjacent battery packs when thermal runaway occurs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the battery module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view in the middle;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged portion of the image;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged portion of the image;

[0027] Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The front view in the middle;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Enlarged portion of the image;

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Enlarged portion of the image;

[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 5 The left view in the middle;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] 100-Battery Module;

[0035] 110 - Battery array; 111 - Individual cell;

[0036] 120 - First insulating sheet; 121 - Insulating sheet body;

[0037] 130 - Second insulating sheet;

[0038] 200-battery pack;

[0039] 300 - Vehicle; 310 - Car body. Detailed Implementation

[0040] 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. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0041] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0042] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0045] As described in the background section of this application, with the rapid development of the new energy industry, lithium-ion battery modules, as core energy storage components for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other devices, directly determine the reliability and market competitiveness of end products through their safety performance. Currently, battery modules are typically composed of multiple individual batteries connected in series or parallel to meet the application requirements of high voltage and large capacity.

[0046] However, in this type of battery module, due to the high voltage and current between adjacent battery columns, short circuits are very likely to occur between adjacent battery columns, which increases the safety risks during the use of the battery module.

[0047] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background section, this utility model provides a battery module in which the top edge of the first insulating sheet protrudes beyond the top cover of the individual battery cell in the height direction, thereby isolating adjacent battery rows, reducing the risk of short circuits between adjacent battery rows, and thus reducing safety hazards during the use of the battery module.

[0048] The present application will be described in detail below through specific embodiments:

[0049] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a battery module 100, which includes multiple battery rows 110 and at least one first insulating sheet 120. The multiple battery rows 110 are arranged along a first direction, and each battery row 110 includes multiple individual batteries 111 arranged along a second direction. The multiple individual batteries 111 are electrically connected. The second direction and the first direction have an angle between them and are all perpendicular to the height direction of the individual batteries 111. The first insulating sheet 120 is disposed between every two adjacent battery rows 110, and in the height direction of the individual batteries 111, the height of the first insulating sheet 120 is greater than the height of the individual batteries 111.

[0050] For example, the first direction refers to Figure 1 The direction indicated by the X-arrow in the middle, the height direction of the single cell 111 refers to... Figure 1 The direction indicated by the Z-arrow, the second direction refers to Figure 1 The direction indicated by the Y-arrow in the middle.

[0051] The first direction and the second direction mentioned above have an angle between them. It should be understood that the angle between the first direction and the second direction is an acute angle, an obtuse angle, or a right angle, etc. In this embodiment, the angle between the first direction and the second direction is a right angle, that is to say, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0052] In addition, the aforementioned multiple battery rows 110 refer to two or more battery rows 110. For example, the battery module 100 includes three battery rows 110.

[0053] In each of the aforementioned battery arrays 110, there are two or more individual cells 111. For example, each battery array 110 may include 10, 20, or 30 individual cells 111.

[0054] In addition, the aforementioned single battery cell 111 includes a casing, a cell disposed inside the casing, and a top cover that closes to the opening of the casing.

[0055] The above-mentioned at least one first insulating sheet 120 means that the number of first insulating sheets 120 can be one, two or more.

[0056] Since a first insulating sheet 120 is provided between each pair of adjacent battery columns 110, and the top edge of the first insulating sheet 120 protrudes from the top cover of the individual battery 111 in the height direction of the individual battery 111, the first insulating sheet 120 can increase the electrical clearance and creepage distance between the two adjacent battery columns 110, thereby completely isolating the two adjacent battery columns 110, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit between the two adjacent battery columns 110, and thus improving the safety and reliability of the battery module 100.

[0057] On the other hand, if any single cell 111 in any battery pack 110 experiences thermal runaway, the first insulating sheet 120 can prevent the two adjacent battery packs 110 from communicating through liquid or solid, thereby avoiding the risk of short circuit between the two adjacent battery packs 110 when thermal runaway occurs.

[0058] It should be noted that, in the height direction of the single cell 111, the first insulating sheet 120 has a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge refers to the edge of the top cover away from the single cell 111 and located at the bottom of the battery module 100, and the top edge refers to the edge of the top cover close to the single cell 111.

[0059] In some possible embodiments, see Figure 3 In the height direction of the single cell 111, the top edge of the first insulating sheet 120 protrudes from the single cell by a height h, where 0mm≤h≤20mm.

[0060] If the height of the top edge of the first insulating sheet 120 protruding from the top cover is less than 0mm, then the height of the top edge of the first insulating sheet 120 protruding from the top cover is small. On the one hand, it is not conducive to increasing the electrical clearance and creepage distance between the two adjacent battery groups 110. On the other hand, when thermal runaway occurs, it is very easy for liquid or solid to connect the two adjacent battery groups 110, causing them to short circuit.

[0061] If the top edge of the first insulating sheet 120 protrudes from the top cover by more than 20mm, then the top edge of the first insulating sheet 120 protrudes from the top cover by a large amount. On the one hand, this will increase the volume of the battery module 100 significantly, which is not conducive to the design of the energy density of the battery module 100. On the other hand, it will not significantly improve the effect of isolating the two adjacent battery rows 110.

[0062] It can be seen that, through comprehensive consideration, the height of the top edge of the first insulating sheet 120 protruding from the top cover is between 0mm and 20mm. In this way, the isolation effect of the first insulating sheet 120 can be guaranteed, reducing the risk of safety accidents caused by short circuits between two adjacent battery columns 110 in the battery module 100. At the same time, while ensuring the isolation effect between the two adjacent battery columns 110, it also meets the design of the energy density of the battery module 100.

[0063] In addition, the height of the first insulating sheet 120 protruding from the top cover in the height direction of the single cell 111 includes, but is not limited to, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, etc.

[0064] In some possible embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first insulating sheet 120 includes a plurality of insulating sheet bodies 121 arranged at intervals along the second direction, and the plurality of insulating sheet bodies 121 correspond one-to-one with a plurality of individual cells 111 in each battery array 110.

[0065] Since the first insulating sheet 120 includes a plurality of insulating sheet bodies 121 arranged at intervals along the second direction, the first insulating sheet 120 is formed by a plurality of individual insulating sheet bodies 121 arranged at intervals along the second direction. On the one hand, this allows for flexible arrangement of the first insulating sheet 120. On the other hand, if any insulating sheet body 121 needs to be replaced, the entire first insulating sheet 120 does not need to be replaced, which facilitates maintenance.

[0066] In some possible embodiments, see Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first insulating sheet 120 is a single piece.

[0067] Since the first insulating sheet 120 is a single piece, it can simplify the processing technology of the first insulating sheet 120, improve the production efficiency of the first insulating sheet 120, and reduce its production cost. On the other hand, it can increase the creepage distance and electrical clearance between adjacent single cells 111, improve the isolation effect of the single cells 111, and improve the safety of the battery module 100. Thirdly, it can adapt to high voltage and high current environments, thereby improving the service life of the battery module 100 and improving the reliability of the battery module 100 in extreme environments. Fourthly, it can completely isolate adjacent single cells 111 in the event of thermal runaway, thereby avoiding short circuits between adjacent battery groups 110 caused by liquids or solids generated by thermal runaway.

[0068] In some possible embodiments, the length of the first insulating sheet 120 is equal to or greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the plurality of individual cells 111 in each battery column 110 in the second direction.

[0069] Therefore, the first insulating sheet 120 can completely isolate the two adjacent battery columns 110 along its length, further reducing the occurrence of short circuits between adjacent battery columns 110 due to poor isolation.

[0070] It should be noted that the length direction of the first insulating sheet 120 is the same as that of the second direction.

[0071] In some possible embodiments, the thickness of the first insulating sheet 120 is m, where 0.1 mm ≤ m ≤ 30 mm.

[0072] If the thickness of the first insulating sheet 120 is less than 0.1 mm, the first insulating sheet 120 located between two adjacent battery columns 110 is easily penetrated by high voltage and high current, resulting in a short circuit between the two adjacent battery columns 110. If the thickness of the first insulating sheet 120 is greater than 30 mm, it means that the thickness of the first insulating sheet 120 is too thick, which is not conducive to the design of high energy density of battery module 100. In summary, the thickness of the first insulating sheet 120 is between 0.1 mm and 30 mm. In this way, the isolation effect between the two adjacent battery columns 110 can be guaranteed, and the energy density design of battery module 100 can also be guaranteed.

[0073] The thickness of the first insulating sheet 120 includes, but is not limited to, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm or 4 mm.

[0074] In some possible embodiments, the first insulating sheet 120 is a ceramicized silicone rubber insulating sheet.

[0075] Because ceramicized silicone rubber has excellent fire resistance, flame retardancy, low smoke, and non-toxic properties, and its extrusion molding process is simple, its residue after combustion is a hard ceramicized shell. The hard shell does not melt or drip in a fire environment. Therefore, when the first insulating sheet 120 is a ceramicized silicone rubber insulating sheet, the safety and reliability of the battery module 100 can be further improved.

[0076] Of course, the first insulating sheet 120 can also be a polyimide insulating sheet.

[0077] Because polyimide has a high insulation resistance as an insulating material, it is widely used in insulation barriers in electronic devices. Thus, when the first insulating sheet 120 is a polyimide insulating sheet, the insulation performance of the first insulating sheet 120 can be improved, thereby improving the isolation effect on the two adjacent battery packs 110.

[0078] In some possible embodiments, see Figure 8 and Figure 9 The battery module 100 also includes a plurality of second insulating sheets 130, which are disposed between each two adjacent individual cells in each battery column 110.

[0079] The term "multiple second insulating sheets 130" refers to two or more second insulating sheets 130.

[0080] By providing a second insulating sheet 130 between each two adjacent individual cells in each battery column 110, the isolation between each two adjacent individual cells 111 in each battery column 110 can be improved, thereby avoiding short circuits between each two adjacent individual cells 111 in each battery column 110 and further improving the safety of the battery module 100.

[0081] In some possible embodiments, the height of the second insulating sheet 130 is greater than the height of the individual cell 111 in the height direction.

[0082] Therefore, on the one hand, it can improve the isolation effect between each two adjacent individual cells 111 in each battery row 110, thereby avoiding the occurrence of short circuits and safety hazards. On the other hand, in the event of thermal runaway, it can prevent short circuits caused by liquid or solids generated by thermal runaway between two adjacent individual cells 111, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery module 100.

[0083] In addition, the material, thickness and height of the second insulating sheet 130 extending out of the top cover are the same as those of the first insulating sheet 120, and will not be repeated here. The following will introduce the preparation process of the first insulating sheet 120 and the second insulating sheet 130.

[0084] First, prepare the raw materials. Polyimide, a high-molecular-weight material, is selected as the material for the first insulating sheet 120 and the second insulating sheet 130. Since polyimide has excellent electrical insulation properties, high temperature resistance, and mechanical strength, it can improve the performance of the first insulating sheet 120 and the second insulating sheet 130. Then, manufacture the first insulating sheet 120 and the second insulating sheet 130. For example, the length of the first insulating sheet 120 is 500mm, the width is 120mm, and the thickness is 1mm. Of course, this is just an example of one possible size of the first insulating sheet 120. The specific size of the first insulating sheet 120 depends on the size of the battery module 100. Similarly, the size of the second insulating sheet 130 depends on the area of ​​the large surface of the single cell 111 and the height of the single cell 111.

[0085] After the first insulating sheet 120 and the second insulating sheet 130 are prepared, they will be assembled into the battery module 100, and the battery module 100 will be subjected to insulation performance testing. For example, the test voltage is 1000V and the test time is 1min. Then, the insulation performance of the first insulating sheet 120 and the second insulating sheet 130 will be analyzed based on the test results.

[0086] Finally, the high-temperature performance and mechanical properties of the assembly of the first insulating sheet 120 and the second insulating sheet 130 were tested to determine the performance improvement effect of the assembly of the first insulating sheet 120 and the second insulating sheet 130 on the battery module 100.

[0087] See Figure 10 This application provides a battery pack 200, which includes the battery module 100 in the above embodiments.

[0088] The battery module 100 in this application embodiment may have the same structure as any of the battery module 100 in the above embodiments and may bring the same or similar beneficial effects. For details, please refer to the description in the above embodiments. This application embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0089] Since the battery pack 200 uses the battery module 100 in the above embodiment, the safety of using the battery pack 200 can be further improved.

[0090] It should be noted that the battery pack 200 can be used in vehicles, energy storage cabinets, energy storage containers, etc.

[0091] See Figure 11 This application also provides a vehicle 300, which includes a vehicle body 310 and a battery pack 200 as described in the above embodiments, with the battery pack 200 disposed within the vehicle body 310.

[0092] Therefore, by applying the battery pack 200 in the above embodiment to the vehicle 300, the safety of using the vehicle 300 can be improved.

[0093] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, include: Multiple battery rows are arranged along a first direction. Each battery row includes multiple individual cells arranged along a second direction. The multiple individual cells are electrically connected. The second direction has an angle with the first direction and is perpendicular to the height direction of the individual cells. At least one first insulating sheet is disposed between each pair of adjacent battery rows, and the height of the first insulating sheet is greater than the height of the individual battery in the height direction of the individual battery.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, In the height direction of the single cell, the top edge of the first insulating sheet protrudes from the single cell by a height h, where 0mm ≤ h ≤ 20mm.

3. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The first insulating sheet includes a plurality of insulating sheet bodies arranged at intervals along the second direction, and the plurality of insulating sheet bodies correspond one-to-one with a plurality of individual cells in each group of the battery array.

4. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The first insulating sheet is a single piece.

5. The battery module of claim 4, wherein, The length of the first insulating sheet is equal to or greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the individual cells in each group of the battery array in the second direction.

6. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the first insulating sheet is m, where 0.1mm ≤ m ≤ 30mm.

7. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The first insulating sheet is a ceramicized silicone rubber insulating sheet.

8. The battery module of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The battery module also includes a plurality of second insulating sheets, which are disposed between each pair of adjacent individual cells in each group of the battery columns.

9. The battery module of claim 8, wherein, In the height direction of the individual battery cell, the height of the second insulating sheet is greater than the height of the individual battery cell.

10. A battery pack, characterized by, Includes the battery module as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images