FPC boards, batteries, and vehicles

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an FPC board, a battery, and a vehicle. The FPC board is used to install individual cells in a battery pack. The FPC board includes a body board, which includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion spaced apart along a first direction. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected by a circuit. The body board is provided with a first buffer breakage portion located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first buffer breakage portion is used to break when subjected to a preset tensile force along the first direction. This FPC board can prevent the circuits on the FPC board from breaking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to an FPC board, a battery, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, to ensure that the power battery operates within the specified voltage range, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) is used to collect voltage and temperature data for each cell in the battery module. However, during long-term cyclic use of the battery module, factors such as overcharging, over-discharging, internal short circuits, and thermal runaway can easily cause expansion and deformation, leading to breakage of the circuitry on the FPC board. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an FPC board, a battery, and a vehicle, wherein the FPC board is capable of preventing the wiring on the FPC board from breaking.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides an FPC board for use in a single battery cell of a battery pack, and includes a body board. The body board includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion spaced apart along a first direction. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected by a circuit. The body board is provided with a first buffer breakage portion located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first buffer breakage portion is used to break when subjected to a preset tensile force along the first direction.

[0005] Optionally, the first buffer fracture portion includes a first main weakening groove and a first main fracture portion. In the two sides of the body plate in the second direction, the side closer to the first main weakening groove is formed with the first main weakening groove, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0006] Optionally, the first main weakening groove has a first sub-groove extending along a second direction, and the edge near the first sub-groove forms the first main fracture portion with the first sub-groove.

[0007] Optionally, the first main weakening groove further includes a second sub-groove communicating with the first sub-groove, the second sub-groove being arranged at an angle to the first sub-groove.

[0008] Optionally, the first buffer fracture portion further includes a first auxiliary weakening groove and a first auxiliary fracture portion, wherein the first auxiliary fracture portion is formed between the auxiliary weakening groove and the second sub-groove.

[0009] Optionally, both the first auxiliary weakening groove and the second sub-groove extend along the first direction.

[0010] Optionally, the FPC board includes at least two body boards, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction. The FPC board has a second buffer fracture portion in the portion located between two adjacent body boards. The second buffer fracture portion is used to fracture when subjected to a preset tensile force along the first direction.

[0011] Optionally, the second buffer fracture portion includes at least one second main weakening groove and a second main fracture portion, and the body plate forms the second main fracture portion between the second main weakening groove and the second main weakening groove in the second direction.

[0012] Optionally, the second main weakening groove extends along the second direction, and a second auxiliary fracture portion is formed between two adjacent second main weakening grooves.

[0013] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a battery is provided, comprising a plurality of individual cells arranged sequentially along a first direction and an FPC board as described above, wherein adjacent individual cells are electrically connected via a busbar, wherein a first connection portion is connected to the housing of the individual cell, and a second connection portion is connected to the busbar.

[0014] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided, including the battery as described above.

[0015] Through the above technical solution, when the FPC board of this disclosure is applied to a single cell in a battery pack, the first connecting part can be connected to the casing of the single cell, and the second connecting part can be connected to a busbar electrically connecting two single cells for sampling. The first direction can be arranged along the thickness direction of the single cell, and multiple single cells can be arranged along this direction. When the single cell expands in the thickness direction, the first and second connecting parts tend to move away from each other along the first direction. At this time, because this disclosure provides a first buffer fracture part, the first buffer fracture part will be stretched. The first buffer fracture part can absorb the expansion force of the single cell, i.e., the tensile force applied to the main board, through its own deformation. When the expansion rate of the single cell exceeds the preset tensile force of the first buffer fracture part, the first buffer fracture part can break, thereby releasing the rigid constraint at part of the connection between the first and second connecting parts, allowing the first and second connecting parts to continue to move away from each other as the single cell expands. Therefore, the breaking of the first buffer fracture portion can prevent the circuitry on the main board from being torn apart when the individual battery expands, and also prevent damage to the connection between the first and second connecting pieces, thus avoiding transmission interruption and ensuring the continuity of sampling signal or current transmission. Furthermore, since the first buffer fracture portion is located between the first and second connecting pieces on the main board, it can be incorporated into the structure of the main board itself, eliminating the need for additional buffer structures. This reduces the space occupied by the FPC board, simplifies the FPC board manufacturing process, and improves production efficiency.

[0016] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery assembly provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the body board in the FPC board provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an FPC board provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1-Main body plate, 11-First connecting part, 12-Second connecting part, 13-Side part, 14-Circuit, 2-First buffer fracture part, 21-First main weakening groove, 211-First sub-groove, 212-Second sub-groove, 22-First main fracture part, 23-First auxiliary weakening groove, 24-First auxiliary fracture part, 3-Second buffer fracture part, 31-Second main weakening groove, 32-Second main fracture part, 33-Second auxiliary fracture part, 10-Single cell, 101-Housing shell, 20-Busbar, 30-First connecting piece, 40-Second connecting piece. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0020] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" is intended to distinguish different components and does not imply sequentiality or importance. "First direction" is an appendix. Figures 1 to 3 The "L1" direction is indicated by the "second direction". Figures 1 to 3 The "L2" direction is specified in the figures. Furthermore, in the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same elements. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above definitions are for explanation and illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the FPC board is applied to a single cell in a battery pack, the first connection portion 11 can be connected to the housing of the single cell via a first connecting piece 30, and the second connection portion 12 can be connected to a busbar electrically connecting two single cells 10 via a second connecting piece 40 for sampling. A line 14 is also connected between the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 12. The first direction can be arranged along the thickness direction of the single cell 10, and multiple single cells 10 can be arranged along the thickness direction.

[0022] When the individual battery cell 10 expands in the thickness direction, the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12 tend to move away from each other along the first direction, which makes the aforementioned circuit 14 prone to breakage under the action of expansion force. Furthermore, it will also damage the connection between the first connecting piece 30 and the first connecting portion 11, as well as the connection between the second connecting piece 40 and the second connecting portion 12.

[0023] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, according to the specific embodiments of this disclosure, refer to Figures 1 to 3As shown, an FPC board is provided. The FPC board is used to install a single battery 10 in a battery pack. The FPC board includes a body board 1. The body board 1 includes a first connecting portion 11 and a second connecting portion 12 spaced apart along a first direction. The first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12 are connected by a line 14. The body board 1 is provided with a first buffer breakage portion 2. The first buffer breakage portion 2 is located between the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12. The first buffer breakage portion 2 is used to break when subjected to a preset tensile force along the first direction.

[0024] Through the above technical solution, when the FPC board of this disclosure is applied to the individual battery 10 of a battery pack, the first connecting part 11 can be connected to the housing 101 of the individual battery 10, and the second connecting part 12 can be connected to the busbar 20 that electrically connects two individual batteries 10 for sampling. The first direction can be arranged in the thickness direction of the individual battery 10, and multiple individual batteries 10 can be arranged along the thickness direction. The first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 can correspond to different individual batteries 10 respectively. When the individual battery 10 expands in the thickness direction, the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 tend to move away from each other along the first direction following the individual battery 10. Since this disclosure provides a first buffer fracture part 2, the first buffer fracture part 2 will be stretched. At this time, the first buffer fracture part 2 can absorb the expansion force of the individual battery 10, i.e., the tensile force applied to the body plate 1, through its own deformation. When the expansion rate of the single cell 10 exceeds the preset tensile force of the first buffer fracture part 2, the first buffer fracture part 2 can break, thereby releasing the rigid constraint at the non-circuit area connection between the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12, allowing the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 to continue to move away from each other as the single cell 10 expands. Thus, by breaking the first buffer fracture part 2, the circuitry 14 on the main board can be prevented from being torn during the expansion of the single cell 10, and the connection at the first connecting piece 30 and the second connecting piece 40 can be avoided, preventing transmission interruption and ensuring the continuity of sampling signal or current transmission. Furthermore, since the first buffer fracture part 2 is located between the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 on the main board 1, the first buffer fracture part 2 can be installed using the structure of the main board 1 itself, eliminating the need for additional buffer structures. This reduces the space occupied by the FPC board and simplifies the FPC board manufacturing process, improving production efficiency.

[0025] When sampling the blade battery, due to the relatively long body of the individual battery 10, with the positive and negative terminals located at opposite ends of its long side, placing the sampling board at one end of the individual battery 10 during assembly presents a challenge: it becomes difficult to extend the sampling line to the sampling board, resulting in higher costs. By connecting the sampling points of the individual battery 10 furthest from the sampling board to the corresponding casing of the individual battery 10, and using the aluminum casing of the individual battery 10 as a conductor, ensuring the casing 101 is at the same potential as the positive terminal, sampling points can be obtained at the sampling board end by connecting to the casing of the individual battery 10, thus solving the problem of difficult sampling line connection.

[0026] Therefore, the first connecting part 11 can be connected to the casing of the single cell 10, and the second connecting part 12 can be connected to the positive terminal of the single cell 10 through the busbar 20. The connection of the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 achieves equipotentiality between the casing of the single cell 10 and the positive terminal, so that the sampling plate can obtain the sampling point of the distant single cell 10 through the casing of the single cell 10. Since the busbar 20 can connect the positive and negative terminals of adjacent single cells 10 in series, the second connecting part 12 can also be correspondingly set with another single cell 10 when connected to the busbar 20. Therefore, when adjacent single cells 10 expand, the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 can be driven to move away from each other.

[0027] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 2 As shown, the first buffer fracture section 2 includes a first main weakening groove 21 and a first main fracture section 22. In the two edges 13 of the body plate 1 in the second direction, the first main fracture section 22 is formed between the edge 13 closest to the first main weakening groove 21 and the first main weakening groove 21. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. Thus, by providing the first main weakening groove 21, which is constructed as a through groove extending through the body plate 1 along its thickness direction, the first main fracture section 22 is formed between the first main weakening groove 21 and the edge of the body plate 1, thereby pre-forming a structurally weak area in the body plate 1. When the expansion of the single battery cell 10 causes the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 to be subjected to opposing tensile forces, the stress transmitted to the body plate 1 can fracture the first main fracture section 22. Therefore, when the force on the first main fracture part 22 is greater than the preset tensile force, the first main fracture part 22 in the structurally weak area of ​​the body plate 1 can break first, so as to partially disconnect the connection of the non-circuit area on the body plate 1. This avoids directly pulling on the circuit 14 on the body plate 1, causing the circuit 14 to tear, or damaging the connection at the first connecting piece 30 and the second connecting piece 40, so as to cause equipotential failure and affect the signal acquisition.

[0028] In this design, both the first connecting piece 30 and the second connecting piece 40 are metal connecting pieces, which can be constructed as nickel sheets; this disclosure does not impose specific limitations on this. The nickel sheet is welded to the casing and to the busbar 20. During the expansion of the single-cell battery 10, the nickel sheet is subjected to tensile force. By providing the first buffer fracture part 2, buffering is achieved by breaking the first main fracture part 22 before the connection point on the nickel sheet detaches under tensile force, thus preventing the weld point from detaching. Furthermore, the preset tensile force of the first main fracture part 22 is less than the welding force between the nickel sheet and the casing, and between the nickel sheet and the busbar 20, so that the first main fracture part 22 can break first before the nickel sheet disconnects from the casing or the busbar 20, thereby preventing the weld point from detaching and achieving a buffering effect.

[0029] In addition, the line 14 connecting the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 is arranged to avoid the first main weakening groove 21 and the first main fracture part 22, so as to prevent the first main fracture part 22 from breaking and affecting the connection between the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12.

[0030] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 2 As shown, the first main weakening groove 21 has a first sub-groove 211 extending along the second direction, and the edge 13 near the first sub-groove 211 forms a first main fracture portion 22 with the first sub-groove 211. In this way, when the single cell 10 expands along the thickness direction, causing the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12 to move away from each other along the first direction, a tensile force in the first direction can be generated on the first sub-groove 211 and the first main fracture portion 22. Since the first sub-groove 211 extends along the second direction, the tensile force on the first sub-groove 211 in the first direction can be converted into a shearing force on the first main fracture portion 22 in the second direction, so as to quickly break the first main fracture portion 22 and form a gap on the body plate 1. This allows the body plate 1 to continue to stretch along the first direction when the single cell 10 expands and generates a tensile force in the first direction that moves away from the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12. As a result, the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12 can continue to move away from each other, avoiding direct pulling and tearing of the body plate 1 along the first direction, which would cause the circuit 14 to break.

[0031] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 2As shown, the first main weakening groove 21 also includes a second sub-groove 212 communicating with the first sub-groove 211. The second sub-groove 212 is set at an angle to the first sub-groove 211. This arrangement of the second sub-groove 212 allows for a larger gap to be formed when the main fracture portion 22 breaks, enabling the individual battery 10 to continue expanding after the first main fracture portion 22 breaks, thus driving the first connecting portion 11 and the second fracture portion to move in opposite directions along a first direction. This allows the main body plate 1 to accommodate a larger expansion amount, preventing insufficient gap at the first sub-groove 211 from causing excessive expansion of the individual battery 10 and tearing the main body plate 1, thereby protecting the FPC board. Simultaneously, the second sub-groove 212 provides guidance for the stretching of the main body plate 1, preventing stress from spreading along other directions at the end of the first sub-groove 211 and directly pulling the circuit 14.

[0032] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 2 As shown, the first buffer fracture section 2 also includes a first auxiliary weakening groove 23 and a first auxiliary fracture section 24, with the first auxiliary weakening groove 23 and the second sub-groove 212 forming the first auxiliary fracture section 24. This creates a structurally weak area at the end of the second sub-groove 212, allowing the body plate 1 to accommodate greater expansion. When the body plate is stretched along the gap at the second sub-groove 212 until the tension exerted by the continued expansion of the single battery 10 on the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 exceeds the preset tension of the first auxiliary fracture section 24, the first auxiliary fracture section 24 in the structurally weak area breaks, opening the first auxiliary weakening groove 23 to further increase the gap formed on the body plate 1, allowing the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 12 to continue moving away from each other, avoiding pulling on the circuit 14. In addition, by setting the first auxiliary fracture part 24, after the first main fracture part 22 breaks, the first fracture can first occur at the first auxiliary fracture part 24, so that the body plate 1 can continue to be stretched along the extension direction of the first auxiliary weakening groove 23, instead of breaking in other directions at the end of the second groove 212, which would cause the circuit to tear and affect the signal transmission, thus protecting the FPC board.

[0033] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 2As shown, both the first auxiliary weakening groove 23 and the second sub-groove 212 extend along the first direction. Thus, the first auxiliary weakening groove 23 extends along the first direction, ensuring that after the first main fracture portion 22 breaks, the gap formed at the first auxiliary weakening groove 23 allows the main body plate 1 to continue being stretched along the first direction, accommodating the tensile force exerted on the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12 by the expansion of the individual battery 10 in the first direction. The second sub-groove 212 extends along the first direction, enabling the first auxiliary fracture portion 24 to quickly break when the tensile force on the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12 exceeds the preset tensile force of the first auxiliary fracture portion 24, providing further buffering and preventing tearing of the wiring 14 on the main body plate 1, as well as damage to the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12.

[0034] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 3 As shown, the FPC board includes at least two body plates 1, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction. A second buffer fracture portion 3 is provided between adjacent body plates 1, and this second buffer fracture portion 3 is used to break when subjected to a preset tensile force along the first direction. Thus, when equipotentially connecting the positive electrode post of the individual battery 10 to its casing, the at least two body plates 1 ensure equipotentiality between the casings of different individual batteries 10. Furthermore, the second buffer fracture portion 3 between adjacent body plates 1 allows for complete disconnection between adjacent body plates 1 when the individual battery 10 expands along its thickness direction. Since there is no electrical connection between adjacent body plates 1, the circuit continuity is not affected. Additionally, this design facilitates adaptive deformation of the body plates 1, preventing them from being stretched or twisted when the first fracture portion and the first auxiliary fracture portion 24 on the body plate 1 break due to the connection between adjacent body plates 1, thus avoiding any impact on the buffering effect.

[0035] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 3As shown, the second buffer fracture portion 3 includes at least one second main weakening groove 31 and a second main fracture portion 32. The second main fracture portion 32 is formed between the edge 13 of the body plate 1 in the second direction near the second main weakening groove 31 and the second main weakening groove 31. In this way, the second main fracture portion 32 can be formed between the second main weakening groove 31 and at least one edge of the body plate 1 to pre-form a structurally weak region between adjacent body plates 1. When the expansion of the single cell 10 causes the body plates 1 corresponding to different single cells 10 to be subjected to opposing tensile forces, the second main fracture portion 32 in the structurally weak region can be fractured first to partially disconnect the connection between adjacent body plates 1, or when the second main fracture portion 32 is formed on both edges 13, the connection between adjacent body plates 1 can be completely disconnected. In addition, by disconnecting the connection between adjacent body plates 1, when the first main weakening groove 21 opens to form a gap, the body plate 1 can be stretched in the first direction to achieve a buffering effect.

[0036] In some embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 3 As shown, the second main weakening groove 31 extends along the second direction, and a second auxiliary fracture portion 33 is formed between two adjacent second main weakening grooves 31. Thus, two adjacent body plates 1 are connected by the second auxiliary fracture portion 33 and two second main fracture portions 32. When the single cell 10 expands, the adjacent body plates 1 are subjected to a tensile force along the first direction, which is converted at the second main weakening groove 31 into a shear force on the second main fracture portion 32 and the second auxiliary fracture portion 33 in the second direction. This allows for rapid breakage of the second main fracture portion 32 and the second auxiliary fracture portion 33, completely severing the connection between the adjacent body plates 1. Simultaneously, by providing the second auxiliary fracture portion 33, the connection strength between the adjacent body plates 1 is ensured, preventing breakage caused by the second main fracture portion 32 being pulled due to misalignment of the single cell 10 due to an excessively weak connection at the second main fracture portion 32, thus avoiding impact on the buffering effect.

[0037] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a battery is provided, comprising a plurality of individual battery cells 10 arranged sequentially along a first direction and an FPC board as described above. Adjacent individual battery cells 10 are connected via a busbar 20, wherein a first connection portion 11 is connected to the housing 101 of the individual battery cell 10, and a second connection portion 12 is connected to the busbar 20. The battery may be a battery assembly or a battery pack, and this disclosure does not impose specific limitations thereon.

[0038] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 As shown, the FPC board of this disclosure can be used as a sampling board, etc., in which case there are connecting lines between adjacent body boards 1. Therefore, adjacent body boards 1 are interconnected and cannot be disconnected, thus eliminating the need for a second buffer break 3.

[0039] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided, including the battery described above. The vehicle possesses all the beneficial effects of the described battery, which will not be elaborated upon herein.

[0040] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0041] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0042] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An FPC board characterized by comprising: The FPC board is used to install individual cells in a battery pack. The FPC board includes a body board, which includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion spaced apart along a first direction. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected by a circuit. The body board is provided with a first buffer break portion, which is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first buffer break portion is used to break when subjected to a preset tensile force along the first direction.

2. The FPC board according to claim 1, characterized by, The first buffer fracture portion includes a first main weakening groove and a first main fracture portion. In the two sides of the body plate in the second direction, the first main fracture portion is formed between the side of the body plate near the first main weakening groove and the first main weakening groove. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

3. The FPC board according to claim 2, characterized by, The first main weakening groove has a first sub-groove extending along the second direction, and the edge near the first sub-groove forms the first main fracture portion with the first sub-groove.

4. The FPC board according to claim 3, characterized by, The first main weakening groove also includes a second sub-groove that communicates with the first sub-groove, and the second sub-groove is set at an angle to the first sub-groove.

5. The FPC board according to claim 4, characterized by, The first buffer fracture portion further includes a first auxiliary weakening groove and a first auxiliary fracture portion, wherein the first auxiliary fracture portion is formed between the auxiliary weakening groove and the second sub-groove.

6. The FPC board according to claim 5, characterized by, Both the first auxiliary weakening groove and the second sub-groove extend along the first direction.

7. The FPC board according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, The FPC board includes at least two body boards, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction. The FPC board has a second buffer fracture portion in the portion located between two adjacent body boards. The second buffer fracture portion is used to fracture when subjected to a preset tensile force along the first direction.

8. The FPC board according to claim 7, characterized by, The second buffer fracture portion includes at least one second main weakening groove and a second main fracture portion. The second main fracture portion is formed between the body plate and the edge of the body plate near the second main weakening groove in the second direction.

9. The FPC board according to claim 8, characterized by, The second main weakening groove extends along the second direction, and a second auxiliary fracture portion is formed between two adjacent second main weakening grooves.

10. A battery, characterized by It includes a plurality of individual cells arranged sequentially along a first direction and an FPC board as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein two adjacent individual cells are electrically connected through a busbar, wherein the first connection portion is connected to the housing of the individual cell and the second connection portion is connected to the busbar.

11. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Includes the battery as described in claim 10.

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