A cell pack and battery pack

Abstract

This application discloses a battery cell assembly and a battery pack. The battery cell assembly includes: multiple battery cells, a connecting assembly, and an insulating plate. The multiple battery cells are arranged along a first direction, and each battery cell is equipped with an explosion-proof valve. The connecting assembly is located at the end of the battery cell where the explosion-proof valve is located, and the connecting assembly has a first hole at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve that can communicate with the explosion-proof valve. The insulating plate is located on the side of the connecting assembly away from the battery cells, and the insulating plate is connected to the connecting assembly. The insulating plate has a weak portion at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve, and the weak portion can communicate with the first hole. In this way, when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the molten material ejected from the explosion-proof valve can be ejected through the first hole and the weak portion, reducing the probability of the molten material damaging the connecting assembly. At the same time, the insulating plate can protect the connecting assembly, reducing the possibility of the ejected molten material falling back and damaging the connecting assembly again, thus reducing the risk of short circuit or even secondary thermal runaway of the battery cell, thereby improving the safety of the battery cell assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of battery technology, specifically relating to a cell assembly and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal runaway protection of battery packs is a key consideration for battery safety. When thermal runaway occurs in a battery pack, a large amount of metal powder, electrolyte and other high-temperature substances are ejected and can easily fall into various parts of the battery pack, causing insulation components to melt, which can lead to short circuits in the cells or even secondary thermal runaway.

[0003] In related technologies, openings are typically made in the wiring harness isolation plate above the battery cell to allow molten material to flow out when thermal runaway occurs. However, the ejected molten material will fall back down, which can easily cause short circuits between the electrical connectors on the wiring harness isolation plate and the metal casing of the battery pack, and may even cause secondary thermal runaway of the battery cell. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application aims to provide a cell assembly and battery pack that can solve the problem in related technologies where openings are made on the wiring harness isolation plate above the cell to allow molten material to flow out when the cell experiences thermal runaway. However, the ejected molten material will fall back down, which can easily cause short circuits between the electrical connectors on the wiring harness isolation plate and the metal casing of the battery pack, and may even cause secondary thermal runaway of the cell.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a battery cell assembly, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, a connecting component, and an insulating plate. The battery cell assembly has a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. The plurality of battery cells are arranged along the first direction, and each battery cell has an explosion-proof valve at one end along the second direction. The connecting component is disposed at the end of the battery cell where the explosion-proof valve is disposed. The connecting component has a first hole at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve, and the first hole can communicate with the explosion-proof valve. The insulating plate is disposed on the side of the connecting component away from the battery cells. The insulating plate is connected to the connecting component, and the insulating plate has a weak portion at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve, and the weak portion can communicate with the first hole.

[0007] Optionally, the insulating plate is provided with a plurality of second holes, the second holes penetrating the insulating plate along the second direction, each second hole corresponding to one of the explosion-proof valves, and each second hole forming a weak part.

[0008] Optionally, the battery cell assembly further includes a breathable membrane disposed on the side of the insulating plate opposite to the connecting assembly, the breathable membrane covering all the second holes, and the breathable membrane being destroyed in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell.

[0009] Optionally, the insulating plate is provided with multiple grooves, each groove corresponding to one of the explosion-proof valves; in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell, the grooves are destroyed to form a through hole communicating with the first hole.

[0010] Optionally, along the second direction, the thickness of the weak portion is less than the thickness of the region of the insulating plate excluding the weak portion.

[0011] Optionally, in the second direction, the thickness of the weak portion is D1, and the maximum thickness of the insulating plate is D2, satisfying: 0.25≤D1 / D2≤0.8.

[0012] Optionally, the projected area of ​​the weak part along the second direction is S1, and the area of ​​the first hole is S2, satisfying: S1≥S2.

[0013] Optionally, the connection assembly includes a plate and multiple electrical connectors. The plate is located at the end of the battery cell where the explosion-proof valve is located. The first hole is located inside the plate. The side of the plate away from the battery cell is provided with multiple mounting slots. Each mounting slot covers two adjacent battery cells. Each electrical connector is embedded in one mounting slot. The bottom of the mounting slot is provided with a connecting hole. One electrical connector is electrically connected to two adjacent battery cells through the connecting hole.

[0014] Optionally, each of the mounting slots has two connecting holes, which are spaced apart along the first direction. The end of the battery cell facing the connecting assembly has a first terminal and a second terminal. One connecting hole corresponds to the first terminal or the second terminal of a battery cell, and the other connecting hole corresponds to the first terminal or the second terminal of an adjacent battery cell.

[0015] Optionally, the height of the electrical connector in the second direction is H1, and the depth of the mounting groove in the second direction is H2, satisfying: H1≤H2.

[0016] Optionally, the bottom of the mounting groove is provided with a positioning post, the positioning post extends toward the electrical connector, the electrical connector is provided with a positioning hole at the corresponding position of the positioning post, and the positioning post is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0017] Optionally, the plate body protrudes towards the insulating plate between two adjacent mounting slots to form a mounting portion, and the insulating plate is connected to the mounting portion.

[0018] Optionally, the battery cell assembly further includes a plurality of fasteners, the mounting portion is provided with a first mounting hole, the insulating plate is provided with a second mounting hole at a position corresponding to each of the first mounting holes, and each of the fasteners passes through one of the first mounting holes and one of the second mounting holes, so as to fix the insulating plate to the plate body.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose a battery pack, including: a housing and a battery cell assembly as described in any of the above claims, wherein the battery cell assembly is disposed within the housing.

[0020] In embodiments of this application, the battery cell assembly includes: multiple battery cells, a connecting component, and an insulating plate. The battery cell assembly has a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. The multiple battery cells are arranged along the first direction, and each battery cell has an explosion-proof valve at one end along the second direction. The connecting component is located at the end of the battery cell with the explosion-proof valve. The connecting component has a first hole at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve, and the first hole can communicate with the explosion-proof valve. The insulating plate is located on the side of the connecting component away from the battery cells. The insulating plate is connected to the connecting component, and the insulating plate has a weak portion at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve, and the weak portion can communicate with the first hole. In this way, when the battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the molten material ejected from the explosion-proof valve can be ejected through the first hole and the weak portion, reducing the probability of the molten material damaging the connecting component. At the same time, the insulating plate can protect the connecting component, reducing the possibility of the ejected molten material falling back and damaging the connecting component, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit or even secondary thermal runaway of the battery cell, and thus improving the safety of the battery cell assembly.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded view of the battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a weak portion of a first type of insulating plate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a second type of insulating plate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the breathable membrane according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a weak portion of a third type of insulating board according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 This is an installation diagram of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the connection components according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1: Battery cell; 10: Explosion-proof valve; 11: First pole post; 12: Second pole post; 2: Connecting assembly; 20: First hole; 21: Plate body; 211: Mounting groove; 2111: Connecting hole; 2112: Positioning post; 212: Mounting part; 2121: First mounting hole; 22: Electrical connector; 221: Positioning hole; 3: Insulating plate; 30: Weak part; 31: Second hole; 32: Score; 33: Second mounting hole; 4: Breathable membrane; 5: Fastener; 6: End plate; X: First direction; Y: Second direction; Z: Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and 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 of this application.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a battery cell assembly according to some embodiments of this application includes: a plurality of battery cells 1, a connecting component 2, and an insulating plate 3. The battery cell assembly has a first direction X and a second direction Y that are perpendicular to each other. The plurality of battery cells 1 are arranged along the first direction X, and each battery cell 1 is provided with an explosion-proof valve 10 at one end along the second direction Y. The connecting component 2 is provided at the end of the battery cell 1 where the explosion-proof valve 10 is provided. The connecting component 2 is provided with a first hole 20 at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve 10. The first hole 20 can communicate with the explosion-proof valve 10. The insulating plate 3 is provided on the side of the connecting component 2 away from the battery cells 1. The insulating plate 3 is connected to the connecting component 2, and the insulating plate 3 is provided with a weak part 30 at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve 10. The weak part 30 can communicate with the first hole 20.

[0039] In this embodiment, the insulating plate 3 has a weak portion 30 at a position corresponding to each explosion-proof valve 10. The weak portion 30 can be connected to the first hole 20 and the explosion-proof valve 10 in sequence. In this way, when the battery cell 1 experiences thermal runaway, the molten material ejected from the explosion-proof valve 10 can be ejected through the first hole 20 and the weak portion 30, reducing the probability of the molten material damaging the connecting assembly 2. At the same time, the insulating plate 3 can protect the connecting assembly 2, reducing the possibility of the ejected molten material falling back and damaging the connecting assembly 2, thereby reducing the risk of the battery cell 1 experiencing a short circuit or even secondary thermal runaway, and thus improving the safety of the battery cell assembly.

[0040] It should be noted that the battery cell assembly has a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z that are perpendicular to each other. In practical applications, the first direction X refers to the length direction of the battery cell assembly, the second direction Y refers to the height direction of the battery cell assembly, and the third direction Z refers to the width direction of the battery cell assembly; the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0041] Specifically, it can be "perpendicular" in the strict sense, meaning that the angle between any two of the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z is 90°; or it can be "approximately perpendicular," specifically meaning that the angle between any two of the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z includes a certain error. Considering the measurement and the error associated with the measurement of a specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system), this error is within the acceptable deviation range for a specific value as determined by a person skilled in the art. For example, the angle between any two of the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z is 90° ± 10°, and will not be elaborated further hereafter.

[0042] In specific applications, such as Figure 1 As shown, an insulating plate 3 is provided on the side of the connecting component 2 away from the battery cell 1, so that the insulating plate 3 can insulate and isolate the connecting component 2 from the metal shell of the battery pack; at the same time, a weak part 30 is provided on the insulating plate 3 at the position corresponding to the explosion-proof valve 10. When the battery cell 1 experiences thermal runaway, the flowing gas, molten material, etc. will be ejected outward through the first hole 20, and then after breaking the weak part 30, it will be ejected between the insulating plate 3 and the metal shell of the battery pack. At the same time, the insulating plate 3 can also prevent the molten material that falls back down to the second time from damaging the connecting component 2.

[0043] It should be explained that when cell 1 experiences thermal runaway, a large amount of metal powder, electrolyte, and other high-temperature substances will form molten material and be ejected. Generally, the temperature of cell 1 during thermal runaway is between 700°C and 900°C. Under pressure and high temperature, this molten material can easily damage the weak part 30 and then be ejected. In practical applications, the insulating plate 3 is made of materials with high insulation and high temperature resistance, such as mica and ceramics. Thus, after the molten material is ejected from the weak part 30, the insulating plate 3 can form a high-temperature resistant barrier on the top of the connecting component 2 to isolate the secondary molten material from the connecting component 2, reducing the possibility of the secondary molten material damaging the connecting component 2.

[0044] Understandably, such as Figure 2 As shown, the weak part 30 can be formed by a through hole, a groove, a stress line, or other structure that can be easily destroyed to form a connection with the first hole 20. Those skilled in the art can set it according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it.

[0045] Specifically, the connecting component 2 includes an insulating component and a metal component. The metal component can connect multiple battery cells 1 in series or in parallel, and the insulating component can insulate and isolate the metal component and the multiple battery cells 1. The insulating plate 3 is disposed between the metal component and the metal shell of the battery pack for insulation and high-temperature protection.

[0046] It should be noted that the area of ​​the first hole 20 should be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the explosion-proof valve 10, so that the molten material ejected when the battery cell 1 experiences thermal runaway can flow out smoothly from the first hole 20; similarly, the projected area of ​​the weak part 30 in the second direction Y should be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the first hole 20, so that the molten material can flow out smoothly after the weak part 30 is damaged, without causing excessive impact on the insulating plate 3.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the insulating plate 3 is provided with a plurality of second holes 31, the second holes 31 penetrate the insulating plate 3 along the second direction Y, each second hole 31 corresponds to an explosion-proof valve 10, and each second hole 31 forms a weak part 30.

[0048] In this embodiment of the application, by providing multiple through second holes 31 on the insulating plate 3, multiple weak points 30 are formed. This ensures that the ejected molten material can pass through smoothly when the battery cell 1 experiences thermal runaway, while also facilitating processing.

[0049] In practical applications, since each battery cell 1 is equipped with an explosion-proof valve 10, the position of each second hole 31 corresponds to the position of one explosion-proof valve 10. That is, the specific number of second holes 31 is equal to the number of explosion-proof valves 10, so that when each battery cell 1 experiences thermal runaway, the ejected molten material can flow out through the first hole 20 and the second hole 31 in sequence.

[0050] Understandably, the projected area of ​​the second hole 31 in the second direction Y should be greater than or equal to the projected area of ​​the explosion-proof valve 10 in the second direction Y, so as to ensure that when the ejected molten material flows out, it will not cause excessive impact on other areas of the insulating plate 3 (areas without the second hole 31), thus preventing damage to other areas of the insulating plate 3.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the battery cell assembly further includes a breathable membrane 4, which is disposed on the side of the insulating plate 3 away from the connecting assembly 2. The breathable membrane 4 covers all the second holes 31. In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 1, the breathable membrane 4 is destroyed.

[0052] In this embodiment, a breathable membrane 4 is provided on the side of the insulating plate 3 away from the connecting assembly 2 to cover all the second holes 31. When the breathable membrane 4 is not damaged, it forms an isolation and protection for the connecting assembly 2 and multiple battery cells 1 at the bottom of the insulating plate 3, reducing the entry of dust, water, etc. into the second holes 31. When the battery cell 1 is in thermal runaway, the breathable membrane 4 is destroyed by the molten material, so that the molten material can be ejected smoothly. In addition, the breathable membrane 4 does not affect the entry or exit of air through the second holes 31, thus improving the protection capability of the battery cell assembly.

[0053] In specific applications, the breathable membrane 4 can be made of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyurethane. It is sufficient to block water and dust while allowing air to pass through. Those skilled in the art can set it according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions on it.

[0054] It should be noted that the breathable membrane 4 can cover the entire end face of the insulating plate 3 facing away from the connecting assembly 2; or there can be multiple breathable membranes 4, with each second hole 31 covered by a breathable membrane 4; or one breathable membrane 4 can cover multiple second holes 31, with multiple breathable membranes 4 covering all second holes 31; those skilled in the art can make the settings according to actual needs, and this application does not limit them.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the insulating plate 3 is provided with a plurality of grooves 32, each groove 32 corresponding to an explosion-proof valve 10; in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 1, the grooves 32 are destroyed to form a through hole communicating with the first hole 20.

[0056] In this embodiment, in order to ensure that the molten material ejected from the battery cell 1 can flow out smoothly during thermal runaway, multiple grooves 32 are provided on the insulating plate 3. Each groove 32 corresponds to an explosion-proof valve 10, so that the molten material can break open the grooves 32 to form a through hole communicating with the first hole 20, so that the ejected molten material can flow out through the first hole 20 and the through hole in sequence without affecting the normal use of the insulating plate 3. At the same time, when the grooves 32 are not damaged, they can provide dustproof and waterproof protection for the battery cell 1 and the connecting component 2.

[0057] In practical applications, the groove 32 is destroyed to form a through hole that is compatible with the explosion-proof valve 10. Specifically, the groove 32 can be formed by milling cutter, laser processing, etc., and can be easily destroyed while ensuring a certain connection.

[0058] Understandably, the area of ​​the through hole formed after the scratch 32 is damaged should be greater than or equal to the projected area of ​​the explosion-proof valve 10 in the second direction Y, so as to ensure the smooth flow of molten material and not to impact the insulating plate 3.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, along the second direction Y, the thickness of the weak portion 30 is less than the thickness of the area of ​​the insulating plate 3 excluding the weak portion 30.

[0060] In this embodiment, the insulating plate 3 can be thinned at the position corresponding to the explosion-proof valve 10 to form a weak part 30. In this way, when the battery cell 1 experiences thermal runaway, the ejected molten material can easily break through the weak part 30 without affecting other areas of the insulating plate 3. Before the weak part 30 is damaged, it can provide waterproof and dustproof protection for the battery cell 1 and the connecting assembly 2. At the same time, it is convenient to process.

[0061] In practical applications, the thickness of the weak part 30 is less than the thickness of the area of ​​the insulating plate 3 excluding the weak part 30, so that the weak part 30 can be more easily damaged to form a through hole, and when the battery cell 1 does not experience thermal runaway, the weak part 30 can still be normally connected to other areas to form protection.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, in the second direction Y, the thickness of the weak part 30 is D1, and the maximum thickness of the insulating plate 3 is D2, satisfying: 0.25≤D1 / D2≤0.8.

[0063] In this embodiment of the application, by setting the ratio D1 / D2 between the thickness D1 of the weak part 30 and the maximum thickness D2 of the insulating plate 3 within a reasonable range, the weak part 30 can be easily destroyed to form a through hole, while reducing the processing difficulty, and ensuring that the weak part 30 has a certain protective capability when it is not destroyed.

[0064] It should be noted that when the ratio of the thickness D1 of the weak part 30 to the maximum thickness D2 of the insulating plate 3 is D1 / D2 < 0.25, that is, when the thickness D1 of the weak part 30 is too small, it is not only difficult to process, but may also be damaged when subjected to vibration and impact, thus failing to provide normal protection; while when the ratio of the thickness D1 of the weak part 30 to the maximum thickness D2 of the insulating plate 3 is D1 / D2 > 0.8, that is, when the thickness D1 of the weak part 30 is too large, when the cell 1 is in thermal runaway, the molten material is not easy to destroy the weak part 30, thereby impacting other areas of the insulating plate 3 and affecting the normal use of the insulating plate 3.

[0065] In practical applications, the ratio D1 / D2 between the thickness D1 of the weak part 30 and the maximum thickness D2 of the insulating plate 3 can be set to any value such as 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or a range between two arbitrary values.

[0066] It should be noted that, in actual use, the thickness D1 of the weak part 30 is set by comprehensively considering the material of the insulating plate 3, the impact capability of the molten material, and the processing difficulty.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the projected area of ​​the weak part 30 along the second direction Y is S1, and the area of ​​the first hole 20 is S2, satisfying: S1≥S2.

[0068] In this embodiment, by setting the projected area S1 of the weak part 30 along the second direction Y to be greater than or equal to the area S2 of the first hole 20, it can be ensured that the molten material ejected from the explosion-proof valve 10 can flow out smoothly when the battery cell 1 is in thermal runaway, thereby reducing the impact of the molten material on other areas of the insulation board 3.

[0069] In specific applications, the projected area S1 of the weak part 30 along the second direction Y can be the area of ​​the second hole 31, the area enclosed by the notch 32, or the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole formed after being damaged. It depends on the specific situation of the weak part 30. In actual use, the shape of the weak part 30 is adapted to the shape of the explosion-proof valve 10, which is elliptical. The specific calculation can be performed according to the formula for the area of ​​an ellipse. Of course, the shape of the weak part 30 can also be other shapes, such as circular or square, as long as the ejected molten material can flow out smoothly.

[0070] Understandably, the first hole 20 is specifically elliptical. The specific calculation can be performed according to the formula for the area of ​​an ellipse, which will not be elaborated here.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the connecting assembly 2 includes a plate 21 and a plurality of electrical connectors 22. The plate 21 is located at the end of the battery cell 1 where the explosion-proof valve 10 is located. The first hole 20 is located inside the plate 21. The side of the plate 21 away from the battery cell 1 is provided with a plurality of mounting grooves 211. Each mounting groove 211 covers two adjacent battery cells 1. Each electrical connector 22 is embedded in a mounting groove 211. The bottom of the mounting groove 211 is provided with a connecting hole 2111. An electrical connector 22 is electrically connected to two adjacent battery cells 1 through the connecting hole 2111.

[0072] In this embodiment, the plate 21 is disposed on the top of the battery cell 1, and the electrical connector 22 is disposed on the side of the plate 21 away from the battery cell 1. Thus, the plate 21 can form an insulating isolation between the battery cell 1 and the electrical connector 22. At the same time, the electrical connector 22 can electrically connect two adjacent battery cells 1 through the connecting hole 2111 at the bottom of the mounting groove 211 on the plate 21. Thus, while electrically connecting multiple battery cells 1 together, an insulating protection is formed.

[0073] In specific applications, such as Figure 8 As shown, each mounting slot 211 is disposed between two adjacent battery cells 1, so that an electrical connector 22 can electrically connect two adjacent battery cells 1. Understandably, in practical applications, the electrical connector 22 can be electrically connected to the first pole 11 or the second pole 12 on the battery cell 1 through the connecting hole 2111, which can be achieved by welding, snap-fitting, riveting or other connection methods.

[0074] It should be noted that the electrical connector 22 connects two adjacent battery cells 1, which can be in parallel or in series. Those skilled in the art can set it according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, each mounting slot 211 has two connecting holes 2111, and the two connecting holes 2111 are spaced apart along the first direction X. The end of the battery cell 1 facing the connecting assembly 2 is provided with a first pole post 11 and a second pole post 12. One connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the first pole post 11 or the second pole post 12 of a battery cell 1, and the other connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the first pole post 11 or the second pole post 12 of an adjacent battery cell 1.

[0076] In this embodiment of the application, by setting two connecting holes 2111 in each mounting slot 211, it is possible to connect the two ends of an electrical connector 22 in the first direction X to the first pole 11 or the second pole 12 of two adjacent battery cells 1 respectively, thereby facilitating installation and improving installation efficiency.

[0077] In specific applications, one connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the first terminal 11 or the second terminal 12 of one battery cell 1, and the other connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the first terminal 11 or the second terminal 12 of an adjacent battery cell 1. Specifically, within the same mounting slot 211, one connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the first terminal 11 of one battery cell 1, and the other connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the first terminal 11 of another battery cell 1; or one connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the first terminal 11 of one battery cell 1, and the other connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the second terminal 12 of another battery cell 1; or one connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the second terminal 12 of one battery cell 1, and the other connecting hole 2111 corresponds to the second terminal 12 of another battery cell 1. Those skilled in the art can configure it according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0078] Understandably, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first terminal 11 can be a positive terminal and the second terminal 12 can be a negative terminal; of course, the first terminal 11 can also be a negative terminal and the second terminal 12 can be a positive terminal.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the height of the electrical connector 22 in the second direction Y is H1, and the depth of the mounting groove 211 in the second direction Y is H2, satisfying: H1≤H2.

[0080] In this embodiment of the application, by setting the height H1 of the electrical connector 22 in the second direction Y to be less than or equal to the depth H2 of the mounting groove 211 in the second direction Y, the electrical connector 22 can be embedded in the mounting groove 211 without interfering with the insulating plate 3, thereby not affecting the normal installation of the insulating plate 3.

[0081] In specific applications, the height H1 of the electrical connector 22 in the second direction Y specifically refers to the vertical distance between the lowest point and the highest point of the electrical connector 22 in the second direction Y. In practical applications, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the electrical connector 22 has a bend in its central region, so that when two adjacent cells 1 expand, the bend can deform to adapt to the change in distance between the two adjacent cells 1. At this time, the height H1 of the electrical connector 22 specifically refers to the vertical distance between the bottom end face and the top of the bend.

[0082] Understandably, the depth H2 of the mounting groove 211 in the second direction Y is the groove depth of the mounting groove 211. In actual measurement, the vertical distance from the bottom of the mounting groove 211 to the groove opening in the second direction Y can be measured.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the bottom of the mounting groove 211 is provided with a positioning post 2112, the positioning post 2112 extends toward the electrical connector 22, and the electrical connector 22 is provided with a positioning hole 221 at the corresponding position of the positioning post 2112, and the positioning post 2112 is inserted into the positioning hole 221.

[0084] In this embodiment of the application, by setting a positioning post 2112 at the bottom of the mounting groove 211 and setting a positioning hole 221 on the electrical connector 22, when the electrical connector 22 is embedded in the mounting groove 211, it can be positioned by inserting the positioning post 2112 into the positioning hole 221, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty and improving the installation accuracy of the electrical connector 22.

[0085] In specific applications, multiple positioning posts 2112 are provided, and these multiple positioning posts 2112 are spaced apart along the first direction X. Consequently, multiple positioning holes 221 are also provided, with each positioning hole 221 corresponding to one positioning post 2112. For example, such as... Figure 8 As shown, there are two positioning posts 2112 and two positioning holes 221.

[0086] It should be noted that the radial cross section of the positioning post 2112 is adapted to the shape of the positioning hole 221. When the positioning post 2112 is a circular post, the positioning hole 221 is a circular hole, or both are square, so as to ensure that the positioning post 2112 can be smoothly inserted into the positioning hole 221.

[0087] Understandably, the electrical connector 22 is specifically a metal connector such as a copper busbar or an aluminum busbar; during actual connection, the electrical connector 22 will not completely abut against the wall of the mounting groove 211 in the first direction X, thereby giving the electrical connector 22 a certain deformation.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the plate 21 protrudes towards the insulating plate 3 between two adjacent mounting slots 211 to form a mounting portion 212, and the insulating plate 3 is connected to the mounting portion 212.

[0089] In this embodiment, by forming a mounting portion 212 protruding from the plate 21 toward the insulating plate 3, the insulating plate 3 can be connected to the mounting portion 212. While ensuring connection stability, the possibility of interference between the electrical connector 22 and the insulating plate 3 can be reduced.

[0090] In specific applications, the connection between the insulating plate 3 and the mounting part 212 can be achieved by snap-fitting, bolting, bonding, or other methods. Those skilled in the art can make the settings according to the actual situation, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0091] It should be noted that the plate body 21 protrudes between two adjacent mounting grooves 211 to form a mounting part 212, thereby enabling the insulating plate 3 to form multiple connection points with the plate body 21, thus improving the stability of the connection; and since the insulating plate 3 is relatively thin, multiple connection points can reduce the possibility of deformation of the insulating plate 3.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the battery cell assembly further includes a plurality of fasteners 5, the mounting portion 212 is provided with a first mounting hole 2121, and the insulating plate 3 is provided with a second mounting hole 33 at a position corresponding to each first mounting hole 2121. Each fastener 5 passes through a first mounting hole 2121 and a second mounting hole 33 to fix the insulating plate 3 to the plate body 21.

[0093] In this embodiment, a fastener 5 can pass through the second mounting hole 33 of the insulating plate 3 and the first mounting hole 2121 of the mounting part 212 in sequence, thereby fixing the insulating plate 3 to the plate body 21, which improves the reliability and stability of the connection.

[0094] In specific applications, multiple first mounting holes 2121 and second mounting holes 33 are provided, with each first mounting hole 2121 corresponding to one second mounting hole 33.

[0095] Understandably, the fastener 5 can be a bolt, pin, etc., as long as it can fix the insulating plate 3 to the plate 21. Those skilled in the art can choose according to the actual situation, and this application does not limit it.

[0096] In some embodiments of this application, a battery pack is also proposed, comprising: a housing and a battery cell assembly as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the battery cell assembly is disposed within the housing.

[0097] In this embodiment, the battery cell assembly includes: multiple battery cells 1, a connecting component 2, and an insulating plate 3. The battery cell assembly has a first direction X and a second direction Y that are perpendicular to each other. The multiple battery cells 1 are arranged along the first direction X, and each battery cell 1 is provided with an explosion-proof valve 10 at one end along the second direction Y. The connecting component 2 is located at the end of the battery cell 1 where the explosion-proof valve 10 is located. The connecting component 2 is provided with a first hole 20 at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve 10. The first hole 20 can communicate with the explosion-proof valve 10. The insulating plate 3 is located on the side of the connecting component 2 away from the battery cells 1. The insulating plate 3 is connected to the connecting component 2, and the insulating plate 3 is provided with a weak part 30 at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve 10. The weak part 30 can communicate with the first hole 20. In this way, when cell 1 experiences thermal runaway, the molten material ejected from the explosion-proof valve 10 can be ejected through the first hole 20 and the weak part 30, reducing the probability of the molten material damaging the connecting assembly 2. At the same time, the insulating plate 3 can protect the connecting assembly 2, reducing the possibility of the ejected molten material falling back and damaging the connecting assembly 2, thereby reducing the risk of cell 1 short circuit or even secondary thermal runaway, thus improving the safety of the cell assembly.

[0098] In specific applications, the enclosure is a metal enclosure made of materials such as aluminum and steel, which can protect the internal battery cells and reduce the impact on the battery cells. The insulating plate 3 can provide insulation and isolation between the metal enclosure and the electrical connector 22.

[0099] Other components of the battery pack according to the embodiments of this application, such as the explosion-proof valve 10, the first terminal 11 (positive terminal), the second terminal 12 (negative terminal), and the end plate 6, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0100] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0101] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery cell assembly, characterized in that, include: Multiple battery cells (1), connecting components (2) and insulating plates (3), the battery cell group having a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) perpendicular to each other, the multiple battery cells (1) are arranged along the first direction (X), and each battery cell (1) is provided with an explosion-proof valve (10) at one end along the second direction (Y); The connecting component (2) is located at one end of the battery cell (1) where the explosion-proof valve (10) is located. The connecting component (2) has a first hole (20) at a corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve (10). The first hole (20) can communicate with the explosion-proof valve (10). The insulating plate (3) is located on the side of the connecting assembly (2) away from the battery cell (1). The insulating plate (3) is connected to the connecting assembly (2), and the insulating plate (3) has a weak part (30) at the corresponding position of each explosion-proof valve (10). The weak part (30) can communicate with the first hole (20).

2. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating plate (3) is provided with a plurality of second holes (31), the second holes (31) penetrate the insulating plate (3) along the second direction (Y), each second hole (31) corresponds to one of the explosion-proof valves (10), and each second hole (31) forms a weak part (30).

3. The cell assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery cell assembly also includes a breathable membrane (4), which is disposed on the side of the insulating plate (3) away from the connecting assembly (2). The breathable membrane (4) covers all the second holes (31). In the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell (1), the breathable membrane (4) is destroyed.

4. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating plate (3) has a plurality of grooves (32), each groove (32) corresponding to one of the explosion-proof valves (10); in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell (1), the grooves (32) are destroyed to form a through hole communicating with the first hole (20).

5. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the second direction (Y), the thickness of the weak portion (30) is less than the thickness of the insulating plate (3) in the region excluding the weak portion (30).

6. The cell assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the second direction (Y), the thickness of the weak part (30) is D1, and the maximum thickness of the insulating plate (3) is D2, satisfying: 0.25≤D1 / D2≤0.

8.

7. The battery cell assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The projected area of ​​the weak part (30) along the second direction (Y) is S1, and the area of ​​the first hole (20) is S2, satisfying: S1≥S2.

8. The battery cell assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (2) includes a plate (21) and a plurality of electrical connectors (22). The plate (21) is located at one end of the battery cell (1) where the explosion-proof valve (10) is located. The first hole (20) is located inside the plate (21). The side of the plate (21) away from the battery cell (1) is provided with a plurality of mounting slots (211). Each mounting slot (211) covers two adjacent battery cells (1). Each electrical connector (22) is embedded in one mounting slot (211). The bottom of the mounting slot (211) is provided with a connecting hole (2111). One electrical connector (22) is electrically connected to two adjacent battery cells (1) through the connecting hole (2111).

9. The battery cell assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each mounting slot (211) has two connecting holes (2111), which are spaced apart along the first direction (X). The end of the battery cell (1) facing the connecting assembly (2) is provided with a first pole (11) and a second pole (12). One connecting hole (2111) corresponds to the first pole (11) or the second pole (12) of a battery cell (1), and the other connecting hole (2111) corresponds to the first pole (11) or the second pole (12) of an adjacent battery cell (1).

10. The battery cell assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The electrical connector (22) has a height of H1 in the second direction (Y), and the mounting groove (211) has a depth of H2 in the second direction (Y), satisfying: H1≤H2.

11. The cell assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom of the mounting groove (211) is provided with a positioning post (2112), the positioning post (2112) extends toward the electrical connector (22), the electrical connector (22) is provided with a positioning hole (221) at the corresponding position of the positioning post (2112), and the positioning post (2112) is inserted into the positioning hole (221).

12. The battery cell assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plate (21) protrudes towards the insulating plate (3) between two adjacent mounting slots (211) to form a mounting part (212), and the insulating plate (3) is connected to the mounting part (212).

13. The battery cell assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The battery cell assembly also includes a plurality of fasteners (5), the mounting part (212) is provided with a first mounting hole (2121), the insulating plate (3) is provided with a second mounting hole (33) at a position corresponding to each of the first mounting holes (2121), and each of the fasteners (5) passes through one of the first mounting holes (2121) and one of the second mounting holes (33) to fix the insulating plate (3) to the plate body (21).

14. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: The housing and the battery cell assembly as described in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the battery cell assembly is disposed within the housing.

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