Battery module

Abstract

Battery module, characterized in that it comprises the following: several batteries (1) arranged along a longitudinal direction (L); End plates (2) arranged at the end sections of the multiple batteries (1) in the longitudinal direction (L); an FPC (3) comprising a main body section (31) and a curved section (32), wherein the main body section (31) is located along a height direction (H) above the corresponding battery (1) and is electrically connected to the corresponding battery (1), and wherein the curved section (32) bends and extends from the main body section (31) and is located on the underside of the main body section (31), and wherein the curved section (32) is rigidly connected to the end plate (2); a connector (4) which is rigidly connected to the bent section (32) of the FPC (3) and electrically connected to the FPC (3).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular a battery module. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In many current battery modules, low-voltage battery sensing is typically achieved within the module using a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The FPC requires connection to external devices via connectors. Because the FPC itself is made of flexible material, additional mounting structures must be integrated into the battery module to secure the connectors. The conventional approach is to add a plastic mounting bracket.This leads to the following undesirable effects: The added plastic part itself has fastening problems, as it is primarily attached above the end plate, potentially causing it to exceed the maximum height of the battery module and occupy space within the battery module; the connector and the plastic part attached to it require a large slot in the end plate, resulting in a stress concentration in the end plate and reducing the overall resistance of the battery module to expansion; if the connector is subjected to vibration or shock, the added plastic part cannot effectively transmit and dissipate the shock forces acting on the connector. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0003] In view of the disadvantages of the prior art, the present application aims to provide a battery module that can effectively transmit and dissipate shock forces when the connector is subjected to shocks.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present application provides a battery module comprising: several batteries arranged along a longitudinal direction; end plates arranged at end sections of the several batteries in the longitudinal direction; an FPC comprising a main body section and a curved section, wherein the main body section is located along a vertical direction above the corresponding battery and is electrically connected to the corresponding battery, and wherein the curved section bends and extends from the main body section and is located on the underside of the main body section, and wherein the curved section is rigidly connected to the end plate; a connector rigidly connected to the curved section of the FPC and electrically connected to the FPC.

[0005] In one embodiment, the battery module further comprises a connecting plate that connects the end plate and the curved section of the FPC.

[0006] In one embodiment, the connector and the connecting plate are located on two opposite sides of the curved section of the FPC.

[0007] In one embodiment, the end plate is provided with two projections extending upwards from the top of the end plate, wherein a receiving space is formed between the two projections, and wherein the main body section and the curved section of the FPC overlap in the vertical direction; and wherein the connecting plate is located in the vertical direction between the main body section and the curved section of the FPC, and wherein the connecting plate is attached to the two projections; and wherein the connector is located in the receiving space, and wherein an insertion opening of the connector faces the outside of the battery module along a longitudinal direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, the battery module further comprises a first fastening element and a second fastening element, each located on two sides of the connector in a width direction, wherein the connecting plate, the main body section of the FPC, the curved section of the FPC and the projections of the end plate are fastened by the first fastening element and the second fastening element.

[0009] In one embodiment, the curved section of the FPC extends downwards from the top of the end plate along an outer surface of the end plate in the longitudinal direction; wherein the connecting plate is located between the curved section of the FPC and the outer surface of the end plate in the longitudinal direction and is attached to the outer surface of the end plate in the longitudinal direction; and wherein the insertion opening of the connector is arranged along the width direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connecting plate comprises an exposed section extending downwards beyond the lower end of the bent section of the FPC, the exposed section being located on the underside of the connector and being fixed to the outer surface of the end plate in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the battery module further comprises a third fastening element, wherein the exposed section is fastened to the outer surface of the end plate by the third fastening element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the battery module further comprises a fourth fastening element located on the top of the connector, wherein the connecting plate, the outer surface of the end plate and the curved section of the FPC are fastened by the fourth fastening element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the battery module further comprises a third fastening element and a fourth fastening element; wherein the connecting plate includes an exposed section extending downwards beyond the lower end of the bent section of the FPC, and wherein the exposed section is located on the underside of the connector and is secured longitudinally to the outer surface of the end plate by the third fastening element; and wherein the fourth fastening element is located on the top side of the connector, and wherein the connecting plate, the outer surface of the end plate, and the bent section of the FPC are secured by the fourth fastening element.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connecting plate comprises two exposed sections extending downwards beyond two ends of the bent section in a lateral direction, wherein the two exposed sections are located on two sides of the connector in the lateral direction and are attached to the outer surface of the end plate in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] The present application has the following advantages:

[0016] In the battery module of the present application, the connector is rigidly connected to the curved section of the FPC, which in turn is rigidly connected to the end plate. Thus, the connector is attached to the end plate via the FPC. If the connector is subjected to vibrations or shocks, the flexible properties of the FPC can be used to transmit and dissipate the shocks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a battery module of the present application. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the battery module according to Fig. 1 from a different perspective. Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of circle A according to Fig. 2 from a different perspective. Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view in perspective of subcomponents of the battery module according to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery module of the present application. Fig. Figure 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of circle B according to Fig. 5 from a different perspective. Fig. Figure 7 shows an exploded view in perspective of subcomponents of the battery module according to Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 8 shows a partially enlarged perspective view of subcomponents of the battery module according to Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 9 shows an exploded view in perspective of subcomponents of the battery module according to Fig. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present application. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present application, which can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limitations, but rather serve as a basis for the claims and as an illustrative basis to convey to those skilled in the art how the present application can be implemented in different ways.

[0018] The battery module further comprises: multiple batteries 1 arranged along a longitudinal direction L; end plates 2 arranged at end sections of the multiple batteries 1 along the longitudinal direction L; an FPC 3 comprising a main body section 31 and a curved section 32, wherein the main body section 31 is located along a vertical direction H above the corresponding battery 1 and is electrically connected to the corresponding battery 1, and wherein the curved section 32 bends and extends from the main body section 31 and is located on the underside of the main body section 31, and wherein the curved section 32 is rigidly connected to the end plate 2; a connector 4 rigidly connected to the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 and electrically connected to the FPC 3. The battery module further comprises a connecting plate 5 connecting the end plate 2 and the curved section 32 of the FPC 3.The FPC 3 is a flexible panel, and the connecting plate 5 serves to increase the rigidity of the FPC 3 and compensate for its thickness. The material of the connecting plate 5 can be plastic or another insulating material.

[0019] Battery 1 can be a hard-case battery (also known as a can battery) or a pouch battery (also known as a bag battery). The hard-case battery comprises an electrode assembly (not shown), terminal columns, an explosion-proof valve, a case, and a top cover. The case forms an internal receiving cavity to hold the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The electrode assembly comprises a positive electrode foil, a negative electrode foil, and a separator film that separates the positive and negative electrode foils. The electrode assembly can be formed by winding the positive electrode foil, the negative electrode foil, and the separator film, or by stacking the positive electrode foil, the negative electrode foil, and the separator film. Both the positive and negative electrode foils comprise a current collector and an active material layer applied to the current collector.The pouch battery comprises an encapsulation pouch (e.g., made of aluminum-plastic foil) that serves as the battery casing, an electrode assembly (similar in composition and construction to a hard-shell battery), and tabs. Part of the tab is enclosed within the encapsulation pouch, while another part protrudes beyond it. The tab can be formed directly from the electrode foil or comprise a separate conductive material and is electrically connected to the current collector.

[0020] The method for attaching the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the end plate 2 comprises several approaches, including attaching the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 and attaching the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the top of the end plate 2.

[0021] The method for attaching the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 is described below.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a battery module of the present application. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the battery module according to Fig. 1 from a different perspective. Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of circle A according to Fig. 2 from a different perspective. Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view in perspective of subcomponents of the battery module according to Fig. 1.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiments according to Fig. 1 to 4 the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 extends downwards from the top of the end plate 2 along the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 in the longitudinal direction L, wherein the connecting plate 5 is located between the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 and the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 in the longitudinal direction L and is attached to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 in the longitudinal direction L; and wherein the insertion opening 41 of the connector 4 is arranged along the width direction W to save space.

[0024] With reference to Fig. In sections 1 to 4, the connecting plate 5 is connected to the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 and firmly bonded along the longitudinal direction L to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2. Since the FPC 3 is a flexible plate, the connecting plate 5 can be bonded to the curved section 32 of the FPC 3. There are various methods for attaching the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 via the connecting plate 5. One method involves the connecting plate 5 having an exposed section 51 that extends beyond the curved section 32 of the FPC 3. This exposed section 51 of the connecting plate 5 is attached to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2, thereby indirectly attaching the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2.In one example, the connecting plate 5 includes an exposed section 51 extending downwards beyond the lower end of the bent section 32 of the FPC 3, the exposed section 51 being located on the underside of the connector 4 and being attached to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 in the longitudinal direction L. This arrangement allows for indirect attachment between the bent section 32 of the FPC 3 and the end plate 2 through the exposed section 51 of the connecting plate 5; the battery module further includes a third fastening element F3, wherein the exposed section 51 can be attached to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 by the third fastening element F3.In one example, the connecting plate 5 comprises exposed sections 51 that extend downwards beyond the two ends of the bent section 32 in the width direction W, wherein the exposed sections 51 are located on two sides of the connector 4 in the width direction W and are attached to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2. This arrangement allows for indirect fastening between the bent section 32 of the FPC 3 and the end plate 2 through the exposed section 51 of the connecting plate 5; and wherein the exposed sections 51 on both sides of the connector 4 in the width direction W can also be fastened to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 by the wide fastening element F3. Another fastening method consists of fastening the connecting plate 5, the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2, and the bent section 32 of the FPC 3 together.In another example, the battery module further includes a fourth fastening element F4 located on the top of connector 4, wherein the connecting plate 5, the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2, and the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 are fastened together by the fourth fastening element F4. Another fastening method combines the approach of fastening the outer surface 22 of the connecting plate 5 and the end plate 2 by means of the exposed section 51 of the connecting plate 5 with the approach of fastening the connecting plate 5 and the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 together with the curved section 32 of the FPC 3.The following example further explains the approach of fastening the outer surface 22 of the connecting plate 5 and the end plate 2 by means of the exposed section 51 of the connecting plate 5, which extends downwards beyond the lower end of the curved section 32 of the FPC 3, and the approach of fastening the connecting plate 5 and the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 together with the curved section 32 of the FPC 3. As in . Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the battery module further comprises a third fastening element F3 and a fourth fastening element F4, wherein the connecting plate 5 includes an exposed section 51 extending downwards beyond the lower end of the curved section 32 of the FPC 3, and wherein the exposed section 51 is located on the underside of the connector 4 and is fastened to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 in the longitudinal direction L by the third fastening element F3, and wherein the fourth fastening element F4 is located on the top side of the connector 4, and wherein the connecting plate 5, the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 and the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 are fastened to one another by the fourth fastening element F4.The third fastening element F3 and the fourth fastening element F4 can be snap pins, which require little space while providing a stable and secure fastening connection. Accordingly, a cavity 23 is formed within the end plate 2, the wall 231 of which has a snap groove G. The snap pins engage in the snap groove G. The end plate 2 with the internal cavity 23 also reduces the weight of the battery module. The selection of the fastening method for attaching the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 by the connecting plate 5 can be determined according to the specific requirements.

[0025] The rigid connection of the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the outer surface 22 of the end plate 2 eliminates the need for additional plastic parts to secure the connector 4. This eliminates the need for additional vertical space within the battery module and the requirement for slots in the end plate 2, thus preventing stress concentrations at the end plate 2. Furthermore, if the connector 4 is subjected to vibrations or shocks, the flexible properties of the FPC 3 can be used to transmit and dissipate these shocks, thereby ensuring the longevity of the battery module.

[0026] The procedure for attaching the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 to the top of the end plate 2 is described below.

[0027] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery module of the present application. Fig. Figure 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of circle B according to Fig. 5 from a different perspective. Fig. Figure 7 shows an exploded view in perspective of subcomponents of the battery module according to Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 8 shows a partially enlarged perspective view of subcomponents of the battery module according to Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 9 shows an exploded view in perspective of subcomponents of the battery module according to Fig. 8.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments according to Fig.5 to 9, the end plate 2 is provided with two projections 21 that extend upwards from the top of the end plate 2, wherein a receiving space S is formed between the two projections 21, and wherein the main body section 31 and the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 overlap in the vertical direction H, and wherein the connecting plate 5 is located in the vertical direction H between the main body section 31 and the curved section 32 of the FPC 3, and wherein the connecting plate 5 is attached to the two projections 21, and wherein the connector 4 is located in the receiving space S, and wherein an insertion opening 41 of the connector 4 faces the outside of the battery module along the longitudinal direction L, thereby ensuring that the connector 4 does not occupy any additional vertical space within the battery module.The battery module further comprises a first fastening element F1 and a second fastening element F1, each located on two sides of the connector 4 in the width direction W, and wherein the connecting plate 5, the main body section 31 of the FPC 3, the curved section 32 of the FPC 3, and the projections 21 of the end plate 2 are fastened by the first fastening element F1 and the second fastening element F2. The first fastening element F1 and the second fastening element F2 can be snap pins. The projections 21 of the end plate 2 are hollow internally, with the upper wall 211 of the projections 21 being provided with snap grooves G. The snap pins engage in the snap grooves G to achieve fastening. The connecting plate 5 can be glued to the curved section 32 and the main body section 31 of the FPC 3.The two projections 21, which extend upwards from the top of the end plate 2, accommodate the connector 4, which is rigidly connected to the curved section 32 of the FPC 3. No additional plastic parts are required to secure the connector 4. Furthermore, the main body section 31 and the curved section 32 of the FPC 3 overlap in the vertical direction H, thus reducing the influence of the FPC 3 on the height of the battery module. This arrangement also fully utilizes the flexibility of the FPC 3 to transmit and dissipate shocks generated under vibration conditions.

[0029] In the illustrated example, the connector 4 and the connecting plate 5 are located on two opposite sides of the curved section 32 of the FPC 3. The connector 4 can be electrically connected to the FPC 3 via a weld connection, the weld area between the connector 4 and the FPC 3 being covered with adhesive to protect the weld from loosening due to subsequent vibrations.

[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the connecting plate 5 can be configured optionally as required. For example, the connecting plate 5 can be omitted, and the FPC 3 can be attached directly by moderately increasing its inherent strength (i.e., meeting the strength requirements for the connection fastening) while maintaining flexibility.

[0031] In summary, in the battery module of the present application, connector 4 is rigidly connected to the curved section 32 of FPC 3, which in turn is rigidly connected to the end plate 2. Thus, connector 4 is attached to the end plate 2 via FPC 3. If connector 4 is subjected to vibrations or shocks, the flexible properties of FPC 3 can be used to transmit and dissipate these shocks.

[0032] The foregoing detailed description has illustrated several exemplary embodiments, but the present disclosure should not be limited to the combinations expressly disclosed herein. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the various features disclosed herein can be combined to form several additional combinations, which are not shown for the sake of brevity.

[0033] The foregoing content presents only preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. A person skilled in the art may make various amendments and modifications to the present application. All amendments, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made in accordance with the ideas and principles of the present application should be considered to be covered by the scope of protection of the present application. Reference symbol list 1 battery 2 End plate 21 lead 211 Upper wall 22 outdoor area 23 Cavity 231 Wall 3 FPC 31 Main body section 32 Curved Section 4 connectors 41 Insertion opening 5 Connecting plate 51 Exposed section 6 Electrical connector G Snap nut F1 First fastening element F2 Second fastening element F3 Third fastening element F4 Fourth fastening element S Recording room L Longitudinal direction W Latitude direction H Altitude

Claims

[1] Battery module, characterized by , that it includes the following: several batteries (1) arranged along a longitudinal direction (L); End plates (2) arranged at the end sections of the multiple batteries (1) in the longitudinal direction (L); an FPC (3) comprising a main body section (31) and a curved section (32), wherein the main body section (31) is located along a vertical direction (H) above the corresponding battery (1) and is electrically connected to the corresponding battery (1), and wherein the curved section (32) bends and extends from the main body section (31) and is located on the underside of the main body section (31), and wherein the curved section (32) is rigidly connected to the end plate (2); a connector (4) which is rigidly connected to the bent section (32) of the FPC (3) and electrically connected to the FPC (3). [2] Battery module according to claim 1, characterized by , that the battery module continues to include the following: a connecting plate (5) that connects the end plate (2) and the curved section (32) of the FPC (3). [3] Battery module according to claim 2, characterized by , that the connector (4) and the connecting plate (5) are each located on two opposite sides of the curved section (32) of the FPC (3). [4] Battery module according to claim 2, characterized by , that the end plate (2) is provided with two projections (21) which extend upwards from the top of the end plate (2), wherein a receiving space (S) is formed between the two projections (21), and wherein the main body section (31) and the curved section (32) of the FPC (3) overlap in the vertical direction (H); and wherein the connecting plate (5) is located in the vertical direction (H) between the main body section (31) and the curved section (32) of the FPC (3), and wherein the connecting plate (5) is attached to the two projections (21); and wherein the connector (4) is located in the receiving space (S), and wherein an insertion opening (41) of the connector (4) faces the outside of the battery module along the longitudinal direction (L). [5] Battery module according to claim 4, characterized by , that the battery module further comprises a first fastening element (F1) and a second fastening element (F2) each located on two sides of the connector (4) in a width direction (W), and wherein the connecting plate (5), the main body section (31) of the FPC (3), the curved section (32) of the FPC (3) and the projections (21) of the end plate (2) are fastened by the first fastening element (F2) and the second fastening element (F2). [6] Battery module according to claim 2, characterized by , that the curved section (32) of the FPC (3) extends downwards from the top of the end plate (2) along an outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) in the longitudinal direction (L); wherein the connecting plate (5) is located between the curved section (32) of the FPC (3) and the outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) in the longitudinal direction (L) and is attached to the outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) in the longitudinal direction (L); and wherein the insertion opening (41) of the connector (4) is arranged along the width direction (W). [7] Battery module according to claim 6, characterized by, that the connecting plate (5) comprises an exposed section (51) extending downwards beyond the lower end of the bent section (32) of the FPC (3), the exposed section (51) being located on the underside of the connector (4) and being attached to the outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) in the longitudinal direction (L). [8] Battery module according to claim 7, characterized by , that the battery module further comprises a third fastening element (F3), wherein the exposed section (51) is fastened to the outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) by the third fastening element (F3). [9] Battery module according to claim 6, characterized by, that the battery module further comprises a fourth fastening element (F4) located on the top of the connector (4), wherein the connecting plate (5), the outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) and the curved section (32) of the FPC (3) are fastened by the fourth fastening element (F4). [10] Battery module according to claim 6, characterized by, that the battery module further comprises a third fastening element (F3) and a fourth fastening element (F4); wherein the connecting plate (5) comprises an exposed section (51) extending downwards beyond the lower end of the curved section (32) of the FPC (3), and wherein the exposed section (51) is located on the underside of the connector (4) and is fastened to the outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) in the longitudinal direction (L) by the third fastening element (F3); and wherein the fourth fastening element (F4) is located on the top side of the connector (4), and wherein the connecting plate (5), the outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) and the curved section (32) of the FPC (3) are fastened by the fourth fastening element (F4). [11] Battery module according to claim 6 or 9, characterized by, that the connecting plate (5) comprises two exposed sections (51) extending downwards beyond two ends of the bent section (32) in a width direction (W), the two exposed sections (51) being located on two sides of the connector (4) in the width direction (W) and being attached to the outer surface (22) of the end plate (2) in the length direction (L).

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