Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The application relates to a battery module and a battery pack. The battery module comprises a plurality of battery rows, each battery row comprising a plurality of battery monomers arranged along a first direction, the outer surface of each battery monomer being covered with an insulating coating layer, and the first direction being a horizontal direction; the insulating coating layer comprises a coating stacking layer, a coating side layer and a coating bottom layer, one coating stacking layer is arranged, two coating side layers are arranged, one coating side layer, the coating stacking layer and the other coating side layer are sequentially connected, and the surface area of the coating stacking layer is larger than that of the coating side layer; one coating stacking layer is arranged between two adjacent battery monomers. The application can reduce the number of insulating film layers by arranging one coating stacking layer, can optimize the configuration of the insulating material, and can make the heat management and current transmission between the battery monomers more efficient when the battery monomers are stacked.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the increasing demand for batteries from electric vehicles and portable electronic devices, battery module design faces higher requirements. The casings of individual battery cells are typically made of metal, which possesses excellent mechanical properties, effectively protecting the cells from external impacts and mechanical damage. However, the conductivity of metal also poses a risk, especially when multiple cells are arranged in a group. The metal casings of adjacent cells may come into contact, leading to a short circuit. This short circuit can not only cause internal battery pack failures but also affect the overall safety of the battery.

[0003] In related technologies, an insulating layer is typically added to the surface of the metal casing of the battery cell. This effectively isolates the electrical contact between the battery cells, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits. The insulating layer is usually made of polymer materials with excellent electrical insulation properties, high temperature resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, such as PVC, PE, and PA. These materials can effectively prevent conductive short circuits between the battery cell casings.

[0004] However, in related technologies, the use of insulating layers increases the size and weight of battery modules, reducing space utilization. Especially when battery cells are arranged in a high density, the additional insulating layers occupy more space, leading to a decrease in the energy density of the battery pack. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a battery module and battery pack that can fix the electrode plates and isolate the edges of the electrode plates to avoid short circuits, in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery module, which includes several sets of battery bars, each set of battery bars including several battery cells arranged along a first direction, and each battery cell is covered with an insulating coating layer on its outer surface, the first direction being a horizontal direction;

[0007] The insulating covering layer includes a covering stack layer, a covering side layer, and a covering bottom layer. There is one covering stack layer and two covering side layers. One covering side layer, the covering stack layer, and the other covering side layer are connected in sequence. The surface area of ​​the covering stack layer is greater than the surface area of ​​the covering side layer.

[0008] A covering stack layer is provided between two adjacent battery cells.

[0009] In one embodiment, the covering layer is provided with fold lines and dividing lines, and the fold lines or dividing lines define the covering layer as a first layer, a second layer and a third layer.

[0010] In the unfolded state, the first bottom layer, the second bottom layer, and the third bottom layer are located at the bottom end of one side-covering layer, the bottom end of the stacked layer, and the bottom end of another side-covering layer, respectively.

[0011] In one embodiment, the length direction of the fold line is set along a third direction of the covering layer, and the dividing line is set along a fourth direction of the covering layer. The fold line divides the covering layer into a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer.

[0012] The first bottom layer, the second bottom layer, and the third bottom layer are respectively connected to a covering side layer, a covering stack layer, and another covering side layer. In the covering state, the first bottom layer and the third bottom layer form an overlapping closing structure with a portion of the second bottom layer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the length direction of the dividing line is set along the third direction of the covering layer, and the folding line is set along the fourth direction of the covering layer. The dividing line divides the covering layer into a first bottom layer, a second bottom layer, and a third bottom layer, and the second bottom layer is connected to the covering stack layer.

[0014] The first and third layers, in their covered state, form overlapping sealing structures with one portion of the covered side layer and another portion of the covered side layer, respectively.

[0015] In one embodiment, the battery cell includes a battery body, the battery body includes a casing, the casing includes a side plate and a bottom plate, a covering stack layer and a covering side layer are covered on the side plate, and a covering bottom layer is covered on the bottom plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the side panel includes a first side panel and a second side panel, with a cover stack layer covering the surface of the first side panel and two cover side layers respectively covering the surface of the second side panel.

[0017] In one embodiment, in two adjacent battery cells, the first side plate of one battery cell, which is not covered by the covering stack layer, abuts against the covering stack layer of the other battery cell.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing also includes a top cover, which is disposed opposite to the bottom plate, and an electrode post is disposed on the top cover.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a battery pack, which includes battery modules as described in the above embodiments, with two adjacent battery modules arranged in a first direction and / or a second direction, and the top covers of the battery cells in the two adjacent battery modules arranged in the same direction, opposite to each other, or back to back.

[0020] In one embodiment, when the top covers of two adjacent battery modules are arranged in the same direction or opposite to each other, the two battery modules are spaced apart, and the end of the insulating coating in the battery cell is located on the side.

[0021] The aforementioned battery module and battery pack provide effective electrical isolation between battery cells through an insulating covering layer including a stacking layer, a side layer, and a bottom layer, preventing short circuits and electrical faults. Furthermore, by setting a stacking layer, the number of insulating film layers is reduced, which optimizes the configuration of insulating materials, thereby making thermal management and current transmission between battery cells more efficient when stacking battery cells. Attached Figure Description

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

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an insulating coating layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an insulating coating layer provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single battery cell provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 10-Battery module, 20-Insulating coating layer, 30-Dividing line, 40-Folding line, 50-Battery cell, 60-Battery pack;

[0031] 210 - Covering stack layer, 220 - Covering side layer, 230 - Covering bottom layer;

[0032] 231 - First bottom layer, 232 - Second bottom layer, 233 - Third bottom layer;

[0033] 510 - First side panel, 520 - Top cover. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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.

[0036] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0040] The applicant noted that in battery structure design, metallic materials are widely used in the casing of individual battery cells due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, when assembling multiple battery cells into a battery pack, this conductive casing can cause short circuits when adjacent cells come into contact, leading to internal short circuits within the battery module. To address this safety hazard, an insulating layer is typically used to cover the outer surface of each battery cell to prevent conductive contact between them. During the arrangement of battery cells, double-layer insulating films are usually required to ensure safe isolation between them and prevent short circuits. While this effectively improves safety, it also occupies space within the battery pack. The presence of these double-layer insulating films limits the space utilization of the battery pack, thus affecting the overall energy density.

[0041] Based on the above, in order to avoid the situation where an insulating layer is applied to the outer surface of the battery cell, which would reduce the space utilization of the battery pack and thus affect the overall energy density, a battery module is provided.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 (a) shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module provided in an embodiment of the present application. The battery module 10 includes several sets of battery bars, each set of battery bars including several battery cells arranged along a first direction, the first direction being horizontal, and each battery cell having an insulating coating layer on its outer surface.

[0043] The insulating coating layer includes a coating stack layer, a coating side layer, and a coating bottom layer. There is one coating stack layer and two coating side layers. One coating side layer, the coating stack layer, and the other coating side layer are connected sequentially. The surface area of ​​the coating stack layer is larger than the surface area of ​​the coating side layers. Furthermore, a coating stack layer is disposed between two adjacent battery cells.

[0044] The insulating coating layer plays a role in isolating and protecting the battery cells. The coating stack layer, the coating side layer, and the coating bottom layer are respectively covered on different surfaces of the battery body.

[0045] The battery module 10 consists of multiple battery cells arranged along a first spatial direction, with the stacking surface of each battery cell located on the same side of that direction. When two adjacent battery cells are stacked, the stacking surface of one battery cell faces and abuts tightly against the covering stacking layer of the other battery cell, resulting in a tighter contact between adjacent battery cells and improving the structural strength and shock resistance of the battery module. This not only optimizes the spatial layout of the battery cell stacking but also improves the efficiency of the battery module in practical applications, reducing potential energy loss or heat dissipation problems caused by a loosely stacked structure. Furthermore, reducing the number of insulating film layers also helps lower the manufacturing cost of the battery module.

[0046] In the aforementioned battery module, an insulating covering layer, including a stacking layer, a side layer, and a bottom layer, provides effective electrical isolation between the individual battery cells, preventing short circuits and electrical faults. By setting up a stacking layer, the number of insulating film layers can be reduced, optimizing the configuration of insulating materials and making thermal management and current transmission between battery cells more efficient when stacking them.

[0047] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an insulating coating layer provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an insulating coating layer provided in another embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the covering stack layer 210 and the covering side layer 220 are an integrated structure, and the two covering side layers 220 are separated from the covering stack layer 219 by fold lines.

[0048] Continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3The covering layer 230 is provided with fold lines 40 and dividing lines 30, which divide the covering layer into a first covering layer 231, a second covering layer 232, and a third covering layer 233. In the unfolded state, i.e., the unprocessed state, the first covering layer 231, the second covering layer 232, and the third covering layer 233 are respectively located at the bottom end of one covering side layer 220, the bottom end of the covering stack layer 210, and the bottom end of another covering side layer 220.

[0049] Continue reading Figure 2 The fold line 40 is set along the third direction of the covering layer 230 (as shown in the figure), and the dividing line 30 is set along the fourth direction of the covering layer 230 (as shown in the figure). The fold line 40 divides the covering layer into a first layer 231, a second layer 232, and a third layer 233. The first layer 231, the second layer 232, and the third layer 233 are respectively connected to a covering side layer 220, a covering stack layer 210, and another covering side layer 230. In the covered state, the first layer 231 and the third layer 233 both form an overlapping closing structure with a portion of the second layer 232.

[0050] Before the battery cell is covered with the insulating coating layer 20, the bottom coating layer 230, the stacked coating layer 210, and the side coating layer 220 are an integrated structure. Then, the bottom coating layer 230 is divided into a first bottom layer 231, a second bottom layer 232, and a third bottom layer 233 along the dividing line 30. The first bottom layer 231 is separated from one side coating layer 220 by the fold line 40, the second bottom layer 232 is separated from the stacked coating layer 210 by the fold line 40, and the third bottom layer 233 is separated from another side coating layer 220 by the fold line 40.

[0051] During the encapsulation process, one side of the battery cell can be encapsulated first using the encapsulation stack 210. Then, the two encapsulation side layers 220 are folded towards the encapsulation stack 210 along the fold line 40 until the encapsulation is complete. Afterward, the second bottom layer 232 is encapsulated towards the bottom of the battery cell along the fold line 40. After the second bottom layer 232 is encapsulated, the first bottom layer 231 and the third bottom layer 233 are encapsulated towards the second bottom layer 232 along the fold line 40, thereby forming an overlapping and tapered structure.

[0052] Continue reading Figure 3The dividing line 30 is set along the third direction of the covering layer 230 (as shown in the figure), and the folding line 40 is set along the fourth direction of the covering layer 230 (as shown in the figure). The dividing line 30 divides the covering layer 230 into a first layer 231, a second layer 232, and a third layer 233. The second layer 232 is connected to the covering stack layer 210. In the covered state, the first layer 231 and the third layer 233 respectively form overlapping closing structures with a portion of one covering side layer 220 and a portion of another covering side layer 220.

[0053] Before the battery cell is covered with an insulating coating layer, the bottom coating layer 230, the stacked coating layer 210, and the side coating layer 220 are an integrated structure. Then, the two side coating layers 220 are folded towards the stacked coating layer 210 along the fold line 40 until the coating is complete. After that, the second bottom layer 232 is wrapped around the bottom of the battery cell along the fold line 40. After the second bottom layer is wrapped, the first bottom layer 231 and the third bottom layer 233 are wrapped around one of the side coating layers 220 along the fold line 40, thus forming an overlapping and closed structure.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a battery cell provided in an embodiment of this application. The side plate of the battery cell 50 includes a first side plate 510 and a second side plate. The battery cell 50 also includes a top cover 520, which is disposed opposite to the bottom plate. A terminal post is disposed on the top cover 520. A covering stack layer covers the surface of the first side plate 510, and two covering side layers cover the surface of the second side plate.

[0055] The surface area of ​​the first side plate 510 is greater than that of the second side plate.

[0056] In practical applications, the stacked surface of one of two adjacent battery cells 50 faces and abuts against the covering stack layer of the other battery cell 50.

[0057] like Figure 5 The above, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a battery cell provided in another embodiment of this application is shown, wherein the surface area of ​​the first side plate in the battery cell is smaller than the surface area of ​​the second side plate.

[0058] The battery cell 50 consists of a battery body and an insulating coating layer. The battery body mainly comprises a top cover, side plates, and a bottom plate. The side plates of the casing are connected sequentially to form a columnar structure, with the bottom end of the side plate connected to the side end of the bottom plate, thus ensuring the sealing and stability of the casing. Insulating coating layers are provided on the bottom and sides of the battery body to improve battery safety and lifespan. The top cover of the battery cell is positioned opposite the bottom plate, and the top cover has terminals for connecting the battery's electrical input terminals, forming an electrical connection between the battery cell and an external circuit.

[0059] The insulating coating layer includes a stacked coating layer, a side coating layer, and a bottom coating layer. The stacked coating layer covers the surface of one of the first side plates 510 of the outer casing, while the side coating layers cover the surfaces of the two side plates of the battery body. The bottom coating layer covers the bottom plate of the battery cell, thus comprehensively protecting the battery cell from potential hazards such as external short circuits and electrical faults. The orderly arrangement of the stacked coating layer, side coating layer, and bottom coating layer effectively enhances the battery's resistance to pressure, heat, and chemical corrosion, ensuring greater safety and stability during use.

[0060] See Figure 6 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment. The battery pack includes battery modules as described in any of the embodiments above. Two adjacent battery modules 10 are arranged along a first direction and / or a second direction in space, and the top covers of the individual battery cells in the two adjacent battery modules 10 are arranged in the same direction, opposite to each other, or back to back. In one embodiment, combined with Figure 1 In (b), (c), and (d), when the top covers of two adjacent battery modules 10 are arranged in the same direction or opposite to each other, the two battery modules 10 are spaced apart, and the end of the insulating coating in the battery cell is located on the side.

[0061] When the top covers of two adjacent battery modules 10 are arranged in the same direction or opposite each other, a certain gap is maintained between the two battery modules 10, which can effectively improve the heat dissipation performance of the battery modules and avoid safety problems caused by overheating. In addition, the insulating coating layer of the battery cells usually has a tapered end on the side, which not only helps to improve the electrical safety of the battery module, but also reduces the impact of the external environment on the battery cells, enhancing their stability and reliability.

[0062] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "ideal embodiments," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example that are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, The battery module includes several battery rows, each battery row includes several battery cells arranged along a first direction, and each battery cell is covered with an insulating coating layer on its outer surface. The first direction is a horizontal direction. The insulating coating layer includes a coating stack layer, a coating side layer, and a coating bottom layer. There is one coating stack layer and two coating side layers. One coating side layer, the coating stack layer, and the other coating side layer are connected in sequence. The surface area of ​​the coating stack layer is greater than the surface area of ​​the coating side layer. A covering stack layer is provided between two adjacent battery cells.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The covering layer is provided with fold lines and dividing lines, wherein the fold lines or the dividing lines divide the covering layer into a first layer, a second layer and a third layer; In the unfolded state, the first bottom layer, the second bottom layer, and the third bottom layer are respectively located at the bottom end of one of the covered side layers, the bottom end of the covered stack layer, and the bottom end of another covered side layer.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length direction of the fold line is set along the third direction of the covering layer, and the dividing line is set along the fourth direction of the covering layer. The fold line divides the covering layer into the first layer, the second layer and the third layer. The first bottom layer, the second bottom layer, and the third bottom layer are respectively connected to one of the covering side layers, the covering stack layer, and another covering side layer. In the covering state, the first bottom layer and the third bottom layer both form an overlapping closing structure with a portion of the second bottom layer.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dividing line is set along the third direction of the covering layer, and the folding line is set along the fourth direction of the covering layer. The dividing line divides the covering layer into the first bottom layer, the second bottom layer and the third bottom layer. The second bottom layer is connected to the covering stack layer. In the covered state, the first bottom layer and the third bottom layer respectively form an overlapping sealing structure with a portion of one of the covered side layers and a portion of the other covered side layer.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell includes a battery body, the battery body includes a shell, the shell includes a side plate and a bottom plate, the covering stack layer and the covering side layer cover the side plate, and the covering bottom layer covers the bottom plate.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The side panel includes a first side panel and a second side panel, the covering stack layer covers the surface of the first side panel, and the two covering side panels respectively cover the surface of the second side panel.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, In two adjacent battery cells, the first side plate of one battery cell, which is not covered by the stacked layer, abuts against the stacked layer of the other battery cell.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer casing also includes a top cover, which is disposed opposite to the bottom plate, and an electrode post is disposed on the top cover.

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, with two adjacent battery modules arranged along a first direction and / or a second direction in space, and the top covers of the individual battery cells in the two adjacent battery modules arranged in the same direction, opposite to each other, or back to back.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the top covers of two adjacent battery modules are arranged in the same direction or opposite to each other, the two battery modules are spaced apart, and the end of the insulating coating in the battery cell is located on the side.

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