Signal collection unit and battery module

Abstract

SOLUTION: A signal collection unit and a battery module are disclosed, in which the signal collection unit contains: a plastic support 1; a bus bar 2; a first printed circuit board (PCB) substrate 3; and a flexible flat cable (FFC) connection wire 4, the bus bar is distributed to one side surface that is separated from a cell of the plastic support, the first PCB substrate is arranged to the plastic support, an active front end (AFE) is collected to the first PCB substrate, and the FFC connection wire includes an input end connected to the bus bar, and an output end electrically connected to the AFE.EFFECT: A connection distance between a signal collection unit and an active front end (AFE) can be effectively reduced. In a signal transmission step to the AFE, an interference received by a flexible flat cable (FFC) connection wire can be effectively reduced, and a transmission accuracy of a signal can be secured. Also, in a step of transmitting the signal to a battery management system (BMS), the number of relay cables is small, a cost is low, and two cables is hardly dislocated, and thus a failure rate at their place can be largely reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention claims priority based on a Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 12, 2023, with application number 202322483738.5, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to a signal collecting unit and a battery module. [Background technology]

[0003] The main function of the signal collection unit is to connect the cells that make up the battery module in series and parallel, and to collect and transmit analog signals of the battery voltage and temperature.

[0004] In the prior art, the voltage and temperature signals collected by the signal collecting unit are finally transmitted to the AFE (Active Front End) module in the BMS (Battery Management System) via cables to be converted into digital signals, and the digital data is then processed by the BMS. Dozens or hundreds of cables are required for intermediate conversion between the signal collecting unit and the AFE, and if the distance between the signal collecting unit and the AFE is too long, the accuracy of the transmitted temperature and voltage signals is easily interfered with, and the large number of relay cables increases the cost and the failure rate. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention provides a signal collecting unit and a battery module to solve the above technical problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a signal collecting unit applied to a battery module. The signal collecting unit includes a plastic support, a bus bar, a first PCB substrate, and an FFC connection line. The bus bars are arranged on one side of the plastic support away from the cells. The first PCB substrate is disposed on the plastic support. An AFE is integrated on the first PCB substrate. The FFC connection line has an input end connected to the bus bar and an output end electrically connected to the AFE.

[0007] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery module including the signal collecting unit described above.

[0008] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows. In the signal collecting unit according to the present invention, the AFE is integrated and installed by the first PCB board, and the first PCB board connects the FFC connection line and the AFE. This installation can effectively shorten the connection distance between the signal collecting unit and the AFE, and can effectively reduce the interference received by the FFC connection line during the signal transmission process to the AFE, as compared with the conventional connection form between the FFC connection line and the BMS, which is long and has many wires, thereby ensuring the transmission accuracy of the signal. In addition, the AFE converts the analog signal collected by the FFC connection line in the signal collecting unit into a digital signal. Therefore, only two relay cables are required in the process of transmitting the signal to the BMS, which not only reduces the number of relay cables and the cost, but also makes it difficult for the two cables to become entangled, thereby greatly reducing the failure rate of this part.

[0009] The battery module according to the present invention uses the above-mentioned signal collecting unit. The signal collecting unit is installed by integrating AFEs by a first PCB board, and the first PCB board connects the FFC connection line and the AFE. This installation can efficiently shorten the connection distance between the signal collecting unit and the AFE, and efficiently reduce the interference received by the FFC connection line during the signal transmission process to the AFE, as compared with the conventional connection form between the FFC connection line and the BMS, which is long and has many wires, thereby ensuring the transmission accuracy of the signal. In addition, the AFE converts the analog signal collected by the FFC connection line in the signal collecting unit into a digital signal. Therefore, only two relay cables are required in the process of transmitting the signal to the BMS, which not only reduces the number of relay cables and the cost, but also makes it difficult for the two cables to become entangled, thereby greatly reducing the failure rate of this part. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a signal collecting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure at a portion A in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure at a portion B in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure at a point C in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected", "connected" and "fixed" should be understood broadly, for example, they may be fixedly connected, detachably connected or integrally formed, mechanically connected, electrically connected, directly connected, indirectly connected via an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two members or the interaction relationship of two members. Those skilled in the art can understand the meaning of the above terms of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0012] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in contact with the second feature through another feature without being in direct contact with the second feature. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "on the top surface" of a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or may simply mean that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than the height of the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "on the bottom surface" of a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or may simply mean that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than the height of the second feature.

[0013] In the description of the present invention, the orientation or positional relationship shown by the terms "upper", "lower", "right" and the like is not intended to indicate or imply a specific orientation or a configuration and operation in a specific orientation that the illustrated device or member necessarily has, but is merely intended to facilitate the description and simplify the operation based on the illustrated orientation or positional relationship, and should not be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" have no special meaning and are used to distinguish the description.

[0014] 1 to 4, a signal collecting unit applied to a battery module includes a plastic support 1, a bus bar 2, a first PCB board 3, and an FFC connection line 4. The bus bars 2 are arranged in a row on one side of the plastic support 1 away from the cells. The first PCB board 3 is disposed on the plastic support 1. An AFE is integrated on the first PCB board 3. An input end of the FFC connection line 4 is connected to the bus bar 2. An output end of the FFC connection line 4 is electrically connected to the AFE.

[0015] In this embodiment, a collecting nickel sheet 41 is disposed at the input end of the FFC connection line 4. The input end of the FFC connection line 4 is connected to the bus bar 2 by the collecting nickel sheet 41 and is used to collect voltage information of the cell. The AFE is integrated and installed by the first PCB board 3, and the first PCB board 3 connects the FFC connection line 4 to the AFE. With this installation, compared with the conventional connection form between the FFC connection line 4 and the BMS (not shown) that has a long distance and many wires, the connection distance between the signal collecting unit and the AFE can be efficiently shortened, and the interference received by the FFC connection line 4 during the signal transmission process to the AFE can be efficiently reduced, ensuring the transmission accuracy of the signal. In addition, the AFE converts the analog signal collected by the FFC connection line 4 in the signal collecting unit into a digital signal. Therefore, only two relay cables are required in the process of transmitting this signal to the BMS, which not only reduces the number of relay cables and reduces costs, but also makes it difficult for the two cables to become entangled, greatly reducing the failure rate of this part.

[0016] Specifically, in some embodiments, a first connector 31 for connecting to the BMS is integrally disposed on the first PCB board 3. The first connector 31 is electrically connected to the AFE. In use, a second connector that matches the first connector 31 is disposed on the BMS. The first connector 31 is inserted into the second connector to achieve a connection between the signal collecting unit and the BMS. Preferably, the first connector 31 and the second connector are two-core connectors.

[0017] 2, an extension bracket 11 is installed on the plastic support 1, the output end of the FFC connection line 4 extends to the extension bracket 11, and the first PCB board 3 is installed on the extension bracket 11. In this embodiment, the extension bracket 11 is integrally injection molded with the plastic support 1. The first PCB board 3 is installed on the extension bracket 11, which can avoid the influence on the layout and arrangement of the busbar 2 and the FFC connection line 4 on the plastic support 1, and is favorable for maintaining the neatness of the signal collection unit.

[0018] In one embodiment, the extension bracket 11 is provided with a position regulating post 14, which penetrates the first PCB board 3 and is used to regulate the position of the first PCB board 3. In this embodiment, the position regulating post 14 may be a heat staking post. In another embodiment, the position regulating post 14 may be fitted into a nut (not shown), and specifically, the first PCB board 3 is pressed and fixed to the extension bracket 11 by screwing it into the nut.

[0019] The plastic support 1 is a rectangular plate. The extension bracket 11 is located at the end of the plastic support 1 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the bus bars 2 are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the plastic support 1. The FFC connection wires 4 extend along the longitudinal direction of the plastic support 1.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, a positioning structure for regulating the position of the bus bar 2 is disposed on the plastic support 1. This positioning structure regulates and fixes the position of the bus bar 2 to the plastic support 1, thereby achieving the integrated integration of the signal collecting unit.

[0021] Specifically, the position restriction structure includes an elastic locking portion 13 provided on the plastic support 1, and a locking protrusion 131 is provided on the elastic locking portion 13. When the busbar 2 is attached to the plastic support 1, the busbar 2 is located between the locking protrusion 131 and the plastic support 1. The elastic locking portion 13 is integrally formed with the plastic support 1 and has elastic deformation performance. When the busbar 2 is attached to the plastic support 1 and abuts against the locking protrusion 131 during use, the elastic locking portion 13 is biased and elastically deformed, so that the busbar 2 can be moved toward the plastic support 1 until the busbar 2 is located between the plastic support 1 and the locking protrusion 131. In this case, the elastic locking portion 13 returns to its original position, and the locking protrusion 131 engages with the plastic support 1 to restrict the position of the busbar 2. In some embodiments, the position restriction structure may be multiple and may be distributed around the mounting position of the busbar 2.

[0022] In this embodiment, a positioning groove 12 that fits the busbar 2 is provided in the plastic support 1, and the busbar 2 is embedded in the positioning groove 12. The positioning groove 12 is used for embedding the busbar 2, which not only makes it possible to reduce the overall thickness of the signal collecting unit, but also makes it easy to position and attach the busbar 2 and the plastic support 1.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least a part of the inner wall of the position restriction groove 12 is in pressure contact with the corresponding bus bar 2. In other words, when the bus bar 2 is fitted in the position restriction groove 12, the inner wall of the position restriction groove 12 can restrict the position of the bus bar 2, thereby exerting the function of the position restriction structure described above. In this case, the structure of the elastic locking portion 13 described above may or may not be present.

[0024] For ease of explanation, the following embodiment will be described taking as an example a scene in which the position regulating groove 12 is used in conjunction with the elastic locking portion 13.

[0025] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, an accommodation groove 121 is formed on the inner wall of the position restriction groove 12, an elastic locking portion 13 is provided in the accommodation groove 121, and a locking protrusion 131 is provided on the elastic locking portion 13. When the busbar 2 is mounted in the position restriction groove 12, it is located between the locking protrusion 131 and the bottom wall of the position restriction groove 12. The accommodation groove 121 here is capable of accommodating the elastic locking portion 13, which is advantageous for reducing the thickness of the signal collecting unit. In this embodiment, the busbar 2 may be tightly or loosely engaged with the inner wall of the position restriction groove 12.

[0026] 3, in this embodiment, observation holes 21 are provided penetrating the busbar 2. These observation holes 21 make it possible to easily observe the welding condition between the busbar 2 and the cells, for example, whether there is a joint defect between the busbar 2 and the cells.

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the signal collecting unit further includes a temperature sensor (not shown). The temperature sensor is attached to at least one busbar 2 and electrically connected to the FFC connection line 4. The temperature sensor here is for collecting the temperature signal of the corresponding busbar 2, i.e., the cell.

[0028] In some embodiments, the collecting nickel sheet 41 with the temperature sensor attached thereto is provided with a locking structure 7 for detachably connecting to the temperature sensor. The locking structure 7 here facilitates the attachment and detachment of the temperature sensor, and facilitates maintenance to the temperature sensor during subsequent use.

[0029] Specifically, the locking structure 7 includes locking pieces 412. Two locking pieces 412 are installed opposite each other on the collecting nickel sheet 41 on which the temperature sensor is attached. A locking groove is formed between the two locking pieces 412 to lock onto the temperature sensor. When in use, the temperature sensor can be inserted into the locking groove. In this embodiment, the locking pieces 412 preferably have elastic deformation properties. This allows the temperature sensor to be firmly clamped without affecting the efficiency of removing the temperature sensor.

[0030] More specifically, in some embodiments, the signal collecting unit further includes a second PCB board 5. The second PCB board 5 is attached to the plastic support 1 and corresponds one-to-one with the collecting nickel sheet 41 on which the temperature sensor is mounted. A nickel sheet extension 411 is provided on the collecting nickel sheet 41 on which the temperature sensor is mounted. A locking piece 412 is provided on the nickel sheet extension 411. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the input end of the FFC connection line 4 by the second PCB board 5. Preferably, the second PCB board 5 may be locked to the plastic support 1 or may be connected by a screw or heat staking. The installation of the installed second PCB board 5 and the plastic support 1 facilitates accurate installation of the temperature sensor and the FFC connection line 4, and the signal transmission path between the temperature sensor and the FFC connection line 4 is reliable, ensuring the reliability of the signal transmission between the temperature sensor and the FFC connection line 4 during use.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a FUSE (not shown) is disposed on the FFC connection line 4. The FUSE is disposed adjacent to the first PCB board 3. A protective cover 6 is disposed on the first PCB board 3. The FUSE is disposed between the protective cover 6 and the first PCB board 3. The FUSE serves a safety protection function. Specifically, if a short circuit occurs in the signal collecting unit due to poor insulation, the fuse action of the FUSE can interrupt the short circuit. The protective cover 6 protects the FUSE to prevent damage to the FUSE due to external forces.

[0032] The protective cover 6 is made of a transparent material. Preferably, the material of the protective cover 6 includes, but is not limited to, transparent PC or transparent PVC.

[0033] This embodiment further provides a battery module including a cell and the above-mentioned signal collecting unit. A plurality of cells are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of a plastic support 1, and are sequentially connected in series by a bus bar 2. In this embodiment, the bus bar 2 penetrates the plastic support 1 and is connected to the cells. The battery module can facilitate signal collection, accurately transmit signals to the BMS, and has high safety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1 Plastic Support 11 Extension bracket 12 Position control groove 121 Storage Groove 13 Elastic locking part 131 Locking protrusion 14 Position control pillar 2 Busbars 21 Observation hole 3 First PCB Board 31 First Connector 4 FFC connection wire 41 Collecting Nickel Sheets 411 Nickel sheet extension 412 Locking piece 5 Second PCB board 6 Protective cover

Claims

1. A signal collection unit applied to a battery module including a cell, comprising: Plastic support (1) and bus bars (2) arranged in a row on one side of the plastic support (1) away from the cells; a first PCB substrate (3) disposed on the plastic support (1) and on which an AFE is integrated; and an FFC connection line (4) having an input end connected to the bus bar (2) and an output end electrically connected to the AFE.

2. A first connector (31) is integrally arranged on the first PCB board (3), The signal collecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connector (31) is arranged to connect to a BMS and is electrically connected to the AFE.

3. An extension bracket (11) is arranged on the plastic support (1), The output end of the FFC connection line (4) extends to the extension bracket (11); The signal collecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first PCB board (3) is disposed on the extension bracket (11).

4. A position regulating post (14) is disposed on the extension bracket (11), 4. The signal collecting unit according to claim 3, wherein the position control posts (14) penetrate the first PCB board (3) and control the position of the first PCB board (3).

5. 4. The signal collecting unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the extension bracket (11) is integrally formed with the plastic support (1).

6. 2. The signal collecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the plastic support (1) is provided with a positioning structure for positioning the busbar (2).

7. The position restriction structure includes an elastic locking portion (13) disposed on the plastic support (1); The elastic locking portion (13) is provided with a locking projection (131), 7. The signal collecting unit according to claim 6, wherein the busbar (2) is located between the locking protrusion (131) and the plastic support (1) when attached to the plastic support (1).

8. The plastic support (1) is provided with a position control groove (12) that fits the bus bar (2); The signal collecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the busbar (2) is embedded in the position control groove (12).

9. The signal collecting unit according to claim 8, characterized in that at least a part of the inner wall of the position control groove (12) is in pressure contact with the corresponding bus bar (2).

10. An accommodation groove (121) is formed on the inner wall of the position control groove (12), An elastic locking portion (13) is disposed in the receiving groove (121), The elastic locking portion (13) is provided with a locking projection (131), The signal collecting unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, when the bus bar (2) is attached to the position control groove (12), it is located between the locking protrusion (131) and a bottom wall of the position control groove (12).

11. 2. The signal collecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the busbar (2) is penetrated by an observation hole (21).

12. Further comprising a temperature sensor; 2. The signal collecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature sensor is attached to at least one of the busbars (2) and electrically connected to the FFC connection line (4).

13. The FFC connection wire (4) is connected to the bus bar (2) by a collecting nickel sheet (41); A locking structure (7) is arranged on the collecting nickel sheet (41) on which the temperature sensor is mounted, 13. The signal collecting unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking structure (7) is arranged for detachable connection to the temperature sensor.

14. The locking structure (7) includes a locking piece (412), Two locking pieces (412) are arranged opposite to each other on the collecting nickel sheet (41) on which the temperature sensor is mounted; A locking groove is formed between the two locking pieces (412), The signal collecting unit according to claim 13 , wherein the locking groove is adapted to lock onto the temperature sensor.

15. Further comprising a second PCB substrate (5), The second PCB substrate (5) is attached to the plastic support (1) and corresponds one-to-one with the collecting nickel sheet (41) on which the temperature sensor is mounted; The collecting nickel sheet (41) on which the temperature sensor is mounted is provided with a nickel sheet extension (411); The locking piece (412) is disposed on the nickel sheet extension portion (411), The signal collecting unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the input end of the FFC connection line (4) by the second PCB board (5).

16. 2. The signal collecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that a FUSE is arranged in the FFC connection line (4).

17. The FUSE is adjacent to the first PCB board (3), A protective cover (6) is disposed on the first PCB board (3), 17. The signal collecting unit according to claim 16, characterized in that the FUSE is located between the protective cover (6) and the first PCB board (3).

18. 18. The signal collecting unit according to claim 17, characterized in that the protective cover (6) is made of a transparent material.

19. A battery module, A battery module comprising the signal collecting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. further comprising a plurality of cells; The cells are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the plastic support (1), 20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein the busbar (2) penetrates the plastic support (1) and is connected to a plurality of the cells, thereby connecting and installing the plurality of the cells in series.

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