Battery module and lithium battery

Abstract

Battery module comprising: a first mounting bracket configured to be mounted to a first battery cell structure; a second mounting bracket configured to be mounted to a second battery cell structure; an electrode connector disposed between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket; and a screw configured to serially fasten the first mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket, and the electrode connector; wherein the electrode connector comprises: an electrode connecting body abutting the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket; and at least one connecting buckle connected to the electrode connecting body, wherein the at least one connecting buckle is spaced from the screw and connected to at least one of the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery modules, and more particularly to a battery module and a lithium battery. BACKGROUND

[0002] An electrode connector is a device for transmitting electrical current and a key component for connecting individual battery cells. These connectors come in various shapes, including circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, and stepped, and play a crucial role in a battery pack. Conventional technology uses processes such as resistance welding or projection welding to attach the electrode connector to the battery cell and create an electrical connection. However, since the connection is non-removable after welding, this leads to problems such as lack of recyclability and difficulty in maintenance and repair.

[0003] To solve the above-mentioned problems, weldless assembly methods using spring-type connectors have been introduced. The spring portion establishes electrical contact with the battery cell, and the battery module is secured by a screw that fastens the connector. However, in such weldless assembly, the deformation of the spring portion of the connector generates a counterforce. This results in insufficient clamping force at locations away from the screw, resulting in poor contact and, consequently, suboptimal conductivity of the battery module. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a structural design that can exert a larger and more uniform clamping force on the connector. CONCRETE EMBODIMENTS

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a battery module and a lithium battery that can exert a larger and more uniform clamping force on an electrode connector.

[0005] This task is achieved by the following technical solution: A battery module comprising: a first mounting bracket, a second mounting bracket, an electrode connector, and a screw. The first mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to a first battery cell structure, and the second mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to a second battery cell structure. The electrode connector is arranged between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket. The screw is configured to serially fasten the first mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket, and the electrode connector.

[0006] The electrode connector comprises an electrode connector body and at least one connecting buckle. The electrode connector body rests against the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, respectively. The at least one connecting buckle is connected to the electrode connector body. The at least one connecting buckle is spaced apart from the screw and connected to at least one of the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket.

[0007] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle is engaged with the first mounting bracket.

[0008] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle is engaged with the second mounting bracket.

[0009] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle comprises at least two connecting buckles, and the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket each engage one of the at least two connecting buckles.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle defines a locking opening which is configured to allow a locking pin of the first mounting bracket or the second mounting bracket to be passed through.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle comprises a connecting portion and a curved engagement portion. One end of the connecting portion is fixedly connected to the electrode connecting body, and another end of the connecting portion is fixedly connected to the curved engagement portion. The curved engagement portion is configured to engage a surface of the first mounting bracket or the second mounting bracket.

[0012] In one embodiment, the battery module further comprises a fixing plate mounted on the first mounting bracket, wherein one end of the screw is fixed to the fixing plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle is connected to an outer periphery of the electrode connecting body.

[0014] In one embodiment, a plurality of connecting buckles are evenly distributed around the circumference of the electrode connecting body.

[0015] There is also provided a lithium battery comprising the battery module according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0016] Compared to the prior art, the present disclosure has at least the following advantages: In the battery module described above, the electrode connector body is positioned between the first and second mounting brackets, allowing the battery cell structures of the brackets to be electrically connected via the electrode connector. The screw fastens the first mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket, and the electrode connector in series, thereby clamping the electrode connector body between the first and second mounting brackets. Furthermore, the connecting buckle is spaced apart from the screw and connected to at least one of the first or second mounting brackets. This increases the clamping force on the part of the electrode connector body remote from the screw, resulting in a more even force distribution on the electrode connector and better conductivity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] To more clearly explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings necessary to describe the embodiments are briefly presented below. It is understood that the following drawings illustrate only certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of protection. A person skilled in the art can derive other relevant drawings from these drawings without creative effort. Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a battery module according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the structure of the Fig. 1 shown battery module. Fig. 3 is another schematic structural view of the Fig. 1 shown battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] To provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, the disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the disclosure. However, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present disclosure more thorough and complete.

[0019] Note that when an element is described as being "attached" to another element, it may be directly on top of the other element, or there may be intervening elements. When an element is considered "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply a single implementation.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in the description of the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed elements.

[0021] The present disclosure provides a battery module comprising a first mounting bracket, a second mounting bracket, an electrode connector, and a screw. The first mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to a first battery cell structure, and the second mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to a second battery cell structure. The electrode connector is arranged between the first and second mounting brackets. The screw is configured to serially fasten the first mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket, and the electrode connector. The electrode connector comprises an electrode connector body and at least one connecting buckle. The electrode connector body abuts each of the first and second mounting brackets. The at least one connecting buckle is connected to the electrode connector body.The at least one connecting buckle is arranged at a distance from the screw and is connected to at least one of the first or second mounting brackets.

[0022] In the battery module described above, the electrode connector body is positioned between the first and second mounting brackets, allowing the battery cell structures of the brackets to be electrically connected via the electrode connector. The screw fastens the first mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket, and the electrode connector in series, thereby clamping the electrode connector body between the first and second mounting brackets. Furthermore, the connecting buckle is spaced apart from the screw and connected to at least one of the first or second mounting brackets. This increases the clamping force on the part of the electrode connector body remote from the screw, resulting in a more even force distribution on the electrode connector and better conductivity.

[0023] To better understand the technical solution and advantageous effects of the present disclosure, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments: As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, one embodiment of a battery module 10 includes a first mounting bracket 100, a second mounting bracket 200, an electrode connector 300, and a screw 400. The first mounting bracket 100 is configured to be mounted to a first battery cell structure, and the second mounting bracket 200 is configured to be mounted to a second battery cell structure. The electrode connector 300 is disposed between the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200. The screw 400 is configured to serially secure the first mounting bracket 100, the second mounting bracket 200, and the electrode connector 300.

[0024] The electrode connector 300 further comprises an electrode connecting body 310 and at least one connecting buckle 320. The electrode connecting body 310 abuts against the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200, respectively. The at least one connecting buckle 320 is connected to the electrode connecting body 310. The at least one connecting buckle 320 is arranged spaced apart from the screw 400 and connected to at least one of the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200.

[0025] In this embodiment, the electrode connecting body 310 is electrically connected to the battery cells of the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200. By serially fastening the first mounting bracket 100, the second mounting bracket 200, and the electrode connector 300 with the screw 400, a large clamping force is applied to the part of the electrode connecting body 310 near the screw 400. However, this may result in insufficient clamping force on the part of the electrode connecting body 310 remote from the screw 400, resulting in loose contact with the battery cell. By providing the connecting buckle(s) 320 on the electrode connecting body 310 at a position remote from the screw 400, the connecting buckle(s) 320 can be connected to either the first mounting bracket 100 or the second mounting bracket 200, or both.This increases the clamping force on the part of the electrode connection body 310 remote from the screw 400 and thus ensures better conductivity.

[0026] Furthermore, the electrode connector body 310 can be installed at the end of a battery module or between two battery modules. When installed at the end of a battery module, the first mounting bracket 100 serves as an end protection bracket and does not need to accommodate a battery cell. The second mounting bracket 200 accommodates a battery cell, and the electrode connector body 310 establishes an electrical connection to the battery cell within the second mounting bracket 200. When installed between two battery modules, both the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200 accommodate battery cells, and the electrode connector body 310 establishes an electrical connection to the battery cells of both brackets.

[0027] In the aforementioned battery module, the electrode connecting body 310 is arranged between the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200 to electrically connect the battery cell structures via the electrode connecting piece 300. The screw 400 fastens the first mounting bracket 100, the second mounting bracket 200, and the electrode connecting piece 300 in series, thereby clamping the electrode connecting body 310. Furthermore, the connecting buckle 320 is arranged spaced apart from the screw 400 and connected to at least one of the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200, which increases the clamping force on the electrode connecting body 310 at the position away from the screw 400, makes the force on the electrode connecting piece 300 more uniform, and improves conductivity.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle 320 engages the first mounting bracket 100. In this embodiment, there may be one or more connecting buckles 320, each engaging the first mounting bracket 100 to increase the clamping force on the electrode connector body 310.

[0029] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle 320 engages the second mounting bracket 200. In this embodiment, there may be one or more connecting buckles 320, each engaging the second mounting bracket 200 to increase the clamping force on the electrode connector body 310.

[0030] In one embodiment, there are at least two connecting buckles 320. The first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200 each engage one of the connecting buckles 320. In this embodiment, some of the connecting buckles 320 engage the first mounting bracket 100, while others engage the second mounting bracket 200. This top-and-bottom engagement makes the force on the electrode connector body 310 more even.

[0031] As in Fig. 3, in one embodiment, the connecting buckle 320 defines a locking opening 320a. The locking opening 320a is configured to receive a locking pin of the first mounting bracket 100 or the second mounting bracket 200. In this embodiment, the connecting buckle 320 defines the locking opening 320a in the vertical direction, and a locking pin on the first mounting bracket 100 or the second mounting bracket 200 is passed through the locking opening 320a, thereby engaging the connecting buckle 320 with the first mounting bracket 100 or the second mounting bracket 200.

[0032] As in Fig. 2, in one embodiment, the connecting buckle 320 includes a connecting portion 321 and a bent engagement portion 322. One end of the connecting portion 321 is fixedly connected to the electrode connecting body 310, and the other end is fixedly connected to the bent engagement portion 322. The bent engagement portion 322 is configured to engage with a surface of the first mounting bracket 100 or the second mounting bracket 200. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 321 and the bent engagement portion 322 are integrally formed. After the electrode connecting body 310 is initially fixed by the screw 400, the bent engagement portion 322 is bent to engage with the first mounting bracket 100 or the second mounting bracket 200.In particular, the curved engagement portion 322 abuts a surface of the first mounting bracket 100 facing away from the first battery cell structure, or the curved engagement portion 322 abuts a surface of the second mounting bracket 200 facing away from the second battery cell structure, which further increases the clamping force on the electrode connecting body 310.

[0033] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in one embodiment, the battery module further includes a fixing plate 500. The fixing plate 500 is mounted on the first mounting bracket 100, and one end of the screw 400 is fixed to the fixing plate 500. It is understood that the first mounting bracket 100 defines a fixing groove, and the fixing plate 500 is installed in the fixing groove. One end of the screw 400 is fixed to the fixing plate 500, and the other end of the screw 400 is passed through the fixing plate 500 to serially fix the first mounting bracket 100, the electrode connecting body 310, and the second mounting bracket 200. The fixing plate 500 increases the force-bearing area for the screw 400 and makes the overall force distribution more uniform. In this embodiment, the fixing plate 500 is an aluminum plate, which provides good heat dissipation performance.

[0034] In another embodiment, the mounting plate 500 is mounted to the first mounting bracket 100, wherein the first mounting bracket 100 serves as the end bracket of the battery module.

[0035] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment, the at least one connecting buckle 320 is connected to an outer periphery of the electrode connecting body 310. In this embodiment, the screw 400 is passed through a central portion of the electrode connecting body 310. By arranging the connecting buckle(s) 320 on the outer periphery of the electrode connecting body, the clamping force on the electrode connecting body 310 can be increased.

[0036] In one embodiment, a plurality of connecting buckles 320 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the electrode connecting body 310. In this embodiment, the plurality of connecting buckles 320 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the connecting body, which makes the force on the electrode connecting body 310 more uniform and thereby improves its conductivity.

[0037] The present application also provides a lithium battery comprising the battery module 10 according to any of the embodiments described above.

[0038] Compared to the prior art, the present disclosure has at least the following advantages: In the battery module described above, the electrode connecting body 310 is positioned between the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200 to electrically connect the battery cell structures via the electrode connecting piece 300. The screw 400 fastens the first mounting bracket 100, the second mounting bracket 200, and the electrode connecting piece 300 in series, thereby clamping the electrode connecting body 310. Furthermore, the connecting buckle 320 is spaced apart from the screw 400 and connected to at least one of the first mounting bracket 100 and the second mounting bracket 200. This increases the clamping force on the part of the electrode connecting body 310 that is remote from the screw 400, resulting in a more even force distribution on the electrode connecting piece 300 and better conductivity.

[0039] The above embodiments are merely some implementations of the present disclosure, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, and all of these are within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Battery module, comprising: a first mounting bracket configured to be mounted to a first battery cell structure; a second mounting bracket configured to be mounted to a second battery cell structure; an electrode connector disposed between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket; and a screw configured to serially fasten the first mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket, and the electrode connector; wherein the electrode connector comprises: an electrode connecting body abutting the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket; and at least one connecting buckle connected to the electrode connecting body, wherein the at least one connecting buckle is spaced from the screw and connected to at least one of the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket. [2] The battery module of claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting buckle is engaged with the first mounting bracket. [3] The battery module of claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting buckle is engaged with the second mounting bracket. [4] The battery module of claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting buckle comprises at least two connecting buckles, and wherein the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket each engage one of the at least two connecting buckles. [5] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting buckle defines a locking opening configured to allow a locking pin of the first mounting bracket or the second mounting bracket to pass therethrough. [6] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting buckle comprises a connecting portion and a bent engagement portion, one end of the connecting portion being fixedly connected to the electrode connecting body, another end of the connecting portion being fixedly connected to the bent engagement portion, and the bent engagement portion being configured to engage with a surface of the first mounting bracket or the second mounting bracket. [7] The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing plate mounted on the first mounting bracket, wherein one end of the screw is fixed to the fixing plate. [8] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting buckle is connected to an outer periphery of the electrode connecting body. [9] The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the at least one connecting buckle comprises a plurality of connecting buckles evenly distributed around the outer circumference of the electrode connecting body. [10] A lithium battery comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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