Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The utility model relates to energy storage equipment technical field especially, more particularly to a kind of battery module and battery pack, battery module includes electric core row, each electric core row includes N+1 electric core sequentially arranged along first direction, each electric core is uniformly oppositely provided with first side and second side along first direction, first side is provided with first pole protrusion, second side is provided with second pole groove, in two adjacent electric cores, the first pole protrusion of one electric core is inserted in the second pole groove of another electric core, to realize the electric conduction of two adjacent electric cores, N is positive integer.Battery pack includes shell and above-mentioned battery module, battery module is arranged in shell, and the wall surface of the maximum area of electric core contacts the inner wall surface of shell.The battery module and battery pack can help to improve assembly efficiency, improve energy density.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage equipment technology, and in particular to a battery module and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] A battery module contains multiple cells, which are connected in series and parallel via welded connectors. Typically, a support frame is also included within the battery module to ensure the relative position of the cells is stable and to prevent quality issues such as cells becoming loose from the connectors. However, welding connectors increase the assembly process of the battery module, which is detrimental to improving assembly efficiency. Furthermore, the support frame occupies space within the battery module, increasing costs and hindering the improvement of energy density. Utility Model Content

[0003] One objective of this invention is to provide a battery module that can help improve assembly efficiency and increase energy density.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A battery module is provided, including a cell array. Each cell array includes N+1 cells arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each cell has a first side and a second side opposite to each other along the first direction. A first electrode protrusion is provided on the first side, and a second electrode groove is provided on the second side. In two adjacent cells, the first electrode protrusion of one cell is inserted into the second electrode groove of the other cell to achieve electrical conduction between the two adjacent cells. N is a positive integer.

[0006] Optionally, the first side has a first positioning part, and the second side has a second positioning part. One of the first positioning part and the second positioning part is a positioning protrusion, and the other is a positioning groove. In two adjacent battery cells, the positioning protrusion of one battery cell is inserted into the positioning groove of the other battery cell.

[0007] The positioning protrusion is covered with a first insulating layer, and / or the groove wall of the positioning groove is covered with a second insulating layer.

[0008] Optionally, the first side has a first support protrusion, which protrudes in the first direction. The first pole protrusion is located at the protruding end face of the first support protrusion. In two adjacent cells, the first support protrusion of one cell contacts the second side of the other cell, so that there is a gap space between the two adjacent cells.

[0009] Optionally, the first side has a first stepped surface, the first stepped surface is perpendicular to the length direction of the first side, and the first pole protrusion is disposed on the first stepped surface, the first pole protrusion protruding along the length direction of the first side;

[0010] The second side has a second stepped surface, which is perpendicular to the length direction of the second side. The second electrode groove is formed on the second stepped surface. In two adjacent cells, the first stepped surface of one cell is in contact with the second stepped surface of the other cell, so that the first electrode protrudes and is inserted into the second electrode groove.

[0011] Optionally, the first pole protrusion is located on a plane perpendicular to the first direction on the first side surface, and the protrusion direction of the first pole protrusion is the first direction; the second pole groove is located on a plane perpendicular to the first direction on the second side surface, and the depth direction of the second pole groove is the first direction.

[0012] Optionally, one end of the battery cell along the second direction is a first end face, and the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell is disposed on the first end face.

[0013] Optionally, the battery module includes M cell layers, which are stacked sequentially along a third direction. Each cell layer includes P cell rows, which are arranged sequentially along a second direction. M and P are both positive integers.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a cooling plate sandwiched between two adjacent cell layers.

[0015] Optionally, a thermally conductive medium layer is provided between the cooling plate and the battery cell layer;

[0016] And / or, there is a heat insulation block between two adjacent cells in the same cell bank.

[0017] Another objective of this invention is to provide a battery pack that can help improve assembly efficiency and increase energy density.

[0018] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0019] A battery pack is provided, including a housing and the aforementioned battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed within the housing, and the wall surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell contacts the inner wall surface of the housing.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This invention provides a battery module, including a cell array. Each cell array includes N+1 cells arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each cell has a first side and a second side opposite to each other along the first direction. A first electrode protrusion is provided on the first side, and a second electrode groove is provided on the second side. In two adjacent cells, the first electrode protrusion of one cell is inserted into the second electrode groove of the other cell to achieve electrical conduction between the two adjacent cells. N is a positive integer. By providing a first electrode protrusion and a second electrode groove on the opposite sides of two adjacent cells, and fixing them by insertion, relative movement of adjacent cells can be prevented, eliminating the need for a support frame, thereby reducing costs, saving space, and helping to improve energy density. Furthermore, the insertion of the first electrode protrusion and the second electrode groove can also achieve electrical conduction between adjacent cells, eliminating the need for connecting parts and welding connecting parts, thus improving assembly efficiency.

[0022] This invention also provides a battery pack, including a housing and the aforementioned battery module, wherein the battery module is disposed within the housing, and the wall surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell contacts the inner wall surface of the housing. This battery pack can help improve assembly efficiency and increase energy density. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the battery cell provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the battery cell provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a third-view structural schematic diagram of the battery cell provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell structure provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 1. Battery cell; 11. First side surface; 111. First electrode protrusion; 112. First positioning part; 113. First support protrusion; 114. First stepped surface;

[0031] 12. Second side surface; 121. Second pole groove; 122. Second positioning part; 123. Second support protrusion; 124. Second step surface;

[0032] 13. First end face; 131. Explosion-proof valve; 14. First wall surface;

[0033] 2. Gap space;

[0034] 80. Cell layer; 81. Cell busbar; 90. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this utility model are shown in the drawings, not all of them.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the battery module in this embodiment includes a cell array 81, and each cell array 81 includes N+1 cells 1 arranged sequentially along a first direction. Figure 4 As shown, direction ab is the first direction, which is the width direction of cell 1, direction cd is the second direction, which is the length direction of cell 1, and direction ef is the third direction, which is the thickness direction of cell 1. It can be seen that the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0040] like Figures 1-3As shown, each cell 1 has a first side 11 and a second side 12 arranged opposite to each other along the first direction. A first pole protrusion 111 is provided at the first side 11, and a second pole groove 121 is provided at the second side 12. In two adjacent cells 1, the first pole protrusion 111 of one cell 1 is inserted into the second pole groove 121 of the other cell 1 to achieve electrical conduction between the two adjacent cells 1. N is a positive integer.

[0041] By providing a first pole protrusion 111 and a second pole groove 121 on the opposite sides of two adjacent cells 1, and fixing them by insertion, relative movement of adjacent cells 1 can be prevented. This eliminates the need for a support frame, reducing costs, saving space, and contributing to increased energy density. Furthermore, the insertion of the first pole protrusion 111 and the second pole groove 121 enables electrical conduction between adjacent cells 1, eliminating the need for connecting and welding processes, thus improving assembly efficiency.

[0042] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first electrode protrusion 111 is a positive electrode protrusion, and the second electrode groove 121 is a negative electrode groove. Of course, in other embodiments, the first electrode protrusion 111 can also be configured as a negative electrode protrusion, and the second electrode groove 121 as a positive electrode groove. The first electrode protrusion 111 is inserted into the second electrode groove 121, thereby realizing the series connection between the two battery cells 1.

[0043] Optionally, the first pole protrusion 111 is located on a plane perpendicular to the first direction on the first side 11, and the protrusion direction of the first pole protrusion 111 is the first direction. The second pole groove 121 is located on a plane perpendicular to the first direction on the second side 12, and the depth direction of the second pole groove 121 is the first direction.

[0044] To further improve stability and prevent relative movement between adjacent cells 1, optionally, the first side 11 has a first positioning part 112 and the second side 12 has a second positioning part 122. One of the first positioning part 112 and the second positioning part 122 is a positioning protrusion and the other is a positioning groove. In two adjacent cells 1, the positioning protrusion of one cell 1 is inserted into the positioning groove of the other cell 1.

[0045] Optionally, the positioning protrusion is covered with a first insulating layer, and / or the groove wall of the positioning groove is covered with a second insulating layer. That is, the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove are insulated from each other, and only serve a limiting function.

[0046] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first pole protrusion 111 and the first positioning part 112 are respectively located at both ends of the first side surface 11 along its own length direction. Correspondingly, the second pole groove 121 and the second positioning part 122 are respectively located at both ends of the second side surface 12 along its own length direction. The length direction of the first side surface 11 and the length direction of the second side surface 12 are both the second direction, which can prevent the end of the battery cell 1 from shaking along the second direction.

[0047] Optionally, the first side surface 11 has a first support protrusion 113, which protrudes in a first direction, and the first electrode protrusion 111 is located at the protruding end face of the first support protrusion 113. In two adjacent cells 1, the first support protrusion 113 of one cell 1 contacts the second side surface 12 of the other cell 1, and the first electrode protrusion 111 is inserted into the second electrode groove 121. The arrangement of the first support protrusion 113 allows for a gap space 2 between two adjacent cells 1.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, correspondingly, since the first positioning part 112 is a positioning groove and the second positioning part 122 is a positioning protrusion, the second side surface 12 has a second support protrusion 123, which protrudes in the first direction, and the positioning protrusion is located at the protruding end face of the second support protrusion 123. In two adjacent battery cells 1, the second support protrusion 123 of one battery cell 1 contacts the first side surface 11 of the other battery cell 1, and the positioning protrusion of one battery cell 1 is inserted into the positioning groove of the other battery cell 1. The second support protrusion 123 and the first support protrusion 113 are located at opposite ends along the second direction, and together they space two battery cells 1 to ensure that there is a gap space 2 between the two battery cells 1.

[0049] Optionally, in this embodiment, the electrode plates, electrode groups, electrolyte, etc., in the battery cell 1 occupy more than 80% of the internal space of the battery cell 1.

[0050] Optionally, a heat insulation block is provided between two adjacent cells 1 in the same cell array 81, i.e., a heat insulation block is installed in the gap space 2. The heat insulation block can be formed by solidification or liquid curing, and the heat insulation material can be aerogel composite material, ceramicized foam, heat-insulating silicone foam, mica material, or expanded graphite flame-retardant material, etc., without limitation. The heat insulation block can ensure the safety of adjacent cells 1 in the event of thermal runaway of one cell 1.

[0051] Optionally, thermally conductive material can also be placed between two adjacent cells 1 in the same cell array 81, i.e., thermally conductive material can be placed in the gap space 2 to increase the heat transfer area between the cell 1 and the cooling plate and improve cooling efficiency. The specific placement of the cooling plate will be described later.

[0052] Optionally, one end of the battery cell 1 along the second direction is a first end face 13, and the explosion-proof valve 131 of the battery cell 1 is disposed on the first end face 13. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first end face 13 is the end close to the first electrode protrusion 111 and the second electrode groove 121, which facilitates the rapid discharge and power cut-off of the contents of the battery cell 1 in the event of thermal runaway.

[0053] like Figure 4As shown, optionally, the battery module includes M layers of battery cells 80, which are stacked sequentially along a third direction. Each layer of battery cells 80 includes P rows of battery cells 81, which are arranged sequentially along a second direction. M and P are both positive integers.

[0054] Optionally, in this embodiment, the value of P is 2, that is, the two rows of battery cells 81 are arranged at intervals along the second direction. Of course, in other embodiments, the value of P can also be 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 or a larger positive integer.

[0055] Optionally, in this embodiment, the value of M is 4, that is, the four layers of battery cells 80 are stacked sequentially along the third direction. Of course, in other embodiments, the value of M can also be 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 or a larger positive integer.

[0056] Optionally, the battery module also includes a cooling plate sandwiched between two adjacent cell layers 80. Optionally, a thermally conductive medium layer is provided between the cooling plate and the cell layer 80.

[0057] Optionally, after one layer of battery cell 80 is laid, a thermally conductive medium is applied to the upper layer to form a thermally conductive medium layer. If necessary, a cooling plate is added, with a thermally conductive medium applied to the upper layer of the cooling plate, and then another layer of battery cell 80 is laid, and so on. The gap space 2 between the battery cells 1 can accommodate the thermally conductive medium overflowing from the upper and lower layers.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment discloses a battery module. The battery module in this embodiment differs from the battery module in Embodiment 1 in that: the first side surface 11 of the battery cell 1 in this embodiment has a first stepped surface 114, which is perpendicular to the length direction of the first side surface 11. A first electrode protrusion 111 is disposed on the first stepped surface 114, and the first electrode protrusion 111 protrudes along the length direction of the first side surface 11. The second side surface 12 has a second stepped surface 124, which is perpendicular to the length direction of the second side surface 12. A second electrode groove 121 is formed on the second stepped surface 124. In two adjacent battery cells 1, the first stepped surface 114 of one battery cell 1 aligns with the second stepped surface 124 of the other battery cell 1, so that the first electrode protrusion 111 is inserted into the second electrode groove 121. At the same time, the positions of the first stepped surface 114 and the second stepped surface 124 match, which can ensure that the first end faces 13 of two adjacent battery cells 1 are on the same plane.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery cell 1 does not have structures such as the first positioning part 112, the second positioning part 122, the first support protrusion 113, and the second support protrusion 123. Of course, the battery module of this embodiment can also have a gap space 2 between adjacent battery cells 1, which can be achieved by adjusting the position of the first electrode protrusion 111 and the second electrode groove 121.

[0061] Apart from the above, the rest of the structure of the battery module provided in this embodiment is the same as that of the battery module in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment discloses a battery module. The battery module in this embodiment differs from the battery module in Embodiment 1 in that: the first electrode protrusion 111 of the battery cell 1 in this embodiment is located in the middle of the first side 11 along the second direction, and the second electrode groove 121 is located in the middle of the second side 12 along the second direction.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery cell 1 does not have structures such as the first positioning part 112, the second positioning part 122, the first support protrusion 113, and the second support protrusion 123. Of course, the battery module of this embodiment can also have a gap space 2 between adjacent battery cells 1, which can be achieved by adjusting the protrusion height of the first electrode protrusion 111 and the depth of the second electrode groove 121. Of course, the battery module can also omit the gap space 2 between battery cells 1 to suit smaller capacity lithium iron phosphate battery cell systems. Since the wall surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 1 is in contact with the heat-conducting medium and the cooling plate, the risk of heat spread from direct side contact between adjacent battery cells 1 is low and does not affect the thermal safety of the entire pack.

[0065] Apart from the above, the rest of the structure of the battery module provided in this embodiment is the same as that of the battery module in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0066] Example 4

[0067] This embodiment also provides a battery pack, which includes a housing 90 and a battery module as described in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 3. The battery module is disposed within the housing 90. The wall surface with the largest area of ​​the battery cell 1 contacts the inner wall surface of the housing 90, i.e., the first wall surface 14 in the figure contacts the housing 90. Compared to the prior art, where the battery cell 1 is vertically disposed within the housing 90 with its end face contacting the housing 90, the battery cell 1 in this embodiment adopts a horizontal design, increasing the contact area between the battery cell 1 and the housing 90. This eliminates the need for a cooling plate between the battery cell 1 and the housing 90. By placing a heat-conducting medium between the battery cell 1 and the housing 90, rapid heat dissipation of the battery cell 1 can be achieved. Facing the trend of high-rate fast charging design, the existing battery cell and battery module designs generally adopt a combination of top or bottom cooling plus large-area cooling of the battery cell. This design increases the number of cooling plate components and further increases the weight of the entire pack. In this embodiment, the battery cell 1 in the battery pack is an irregularly shaped battery cell that can be spliced ​​together sequentially. Because the arrangement is a horizontal design, the battery module can reduce the number of cooling plates and further reduce the weight of the entire pack under the same cooling capacity requirements.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery cell 1 is arranged in a horizontal position, with the largest wall area of ​​cell 1 directly contacting the bottom of the casing 90, resulting in less flatness and improving the overall assembly stability of the battery module. Additionally, the interlocking of adjacent cells 1 ensures that misalignment or displacement is unlikely after placement in the casing, further enhancing assembly stability and precision.

[0069] In response to the design trend of reducing battery pack costs and making it lighter, the battery pack proposed in this embodiment reduces the use of most of the battery pack panels. The electrical connection can be completed by splicing the cells 1 together, which greatly reduces the number of battery pack panels. There are only battery pack panels connecting the cells 80 to the cells 80, ensuring that the whole pack is powered.

[0070] In summary, in order to solve the problems of numerous components, heavy weight, difficulty in achieving high-rate fast charging, and complex processes due to high assembly precision requirements in existing battery pack designs, the battery pack provided in this embodiment can achieve low cost, rapid assembly, weight reduction, rapid cooling, guaranteed assembly precision, and improved energy density.

[0071] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, The device includes a cell array, each cell array comprising N+1 cells arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each cell has a first side and a second side opposite to each other along the first direction. A first electrode protrusion is provided on the first side, and a second electrode groove is provided on the second side. In two adjacent cells, the first electrode protrusion of one cell is inserted into the second electrode groove of the other cell to achieve electrical conduction between the two adjacent cells. N is a positive integer.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side has a first positioning part, and the second side has a second positioning part. One of the first positioning part and the second positioning part is a positioning protrusion, and the other is a positioning groove. In two adjacent battery cells, the positioning protrusion of one battery cell is inserted into the positioning groove of the other battery cell. The positioning protrusion is covered with a first insulating layer, and / or the groove wall of the positioning groove is covered with a second insulating layer.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side has a first support protrusion, which protrudes in the first direction. The first pole protrusion is located at the protruding end face of the first support protrusion. In two adjacent cells, the first support protrusion of one cell contacts the second side of the other cell, so that there is a gap space between the two adjacent cells.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side has a first stepped surface, the first stepped surface is perpendicular to the length direction of the first side, and the first pole protrusion is disposed on the first stepped surface, the first pole protrusion is disposed along the length direction of the first side; The second side has a second stepped surface, which is perpendicular to the length direction of the second side. The second electrode groove is formed on the second stepped surface. In two adjacent cells, the first stepped surface of one cell is in contact with the second stepped surface of the other cell, so that the first electrode protrudes and is inserted into the second electrode groove.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pole protrusion is located on a plane perpendicular to the first direction on the first side surface, and the protrusion direction of the first pole protrusion is the first direction. The second pole groove is located on a plane perpendicular to the first direction on the second side surface, and the depth direction of the second pole groove is the first direction.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, One end of the battery cell along the second direction is the first end face, and the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell is disposed on the first end face.

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The battery module includes M cell layers, which are stacked sequentially along a third direction. Each cell layer includes P cell rows, which are arranged sequentially along a second direction. M and P are both positive integers.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a cooling plate sandwiched between two adjacent battery cell layers.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, A heat-conducting medium layer is provided between the cooling plate and the battery cell layer; And / or, there is a heat insulation block between two adjacent cells in the same cell bank.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, The device includes a housing and a battery module as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the battery module is disposed within the housing and the wall surface of the battery cell with the largest area contacts the inner wall surface of the housing.

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