Battery pack

Abstract

To provide a battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery pack includes a case, a battery module, and a battery management system (BMS) module. An isolation plate is disposed between the battery module and the BMS module and is connected to the case in a sealing manner to separate the battery module from the BMS module. The structure prevents damage to the BMS module caused by a gas or an injection object which occurs due to thermal runaway of the battery module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from a Chinese application with application number 202420619072.3 filed on March 27, 2024, and an international application with application number PCT / CN2024 / 118222 filed on September 11, 2024, and incorporates by reference all the contents of said applications. TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to the field of battery pack technology, and more particularly to battery packs. [Background technology]

[0002] The Battery Management System (BMS) plays a vital role in the durability and safety of the battery. If the BMS fails or there is a problem with the battery itself, a so-called thermal runaway phenomenon may occur, which could damage the BMS. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In the related art, considering the cost and space limitations of the battery pack, the battery pack design is usually simple and highly integrated, and the protection design for thermal runaway is insufficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The battery pack provided by the embodiments of the present application can improve the technical problem that conventional battery packs have, that is, the BMS module is damaged when thermal runaway occurs. The battery pack provided by the present application includes a case, a battery module, a BMS module, and a separator, wherein an accommodating space is provided within the case, the battery module is provided within the accommodating space, the BMS is provided at a distance from the battery module, and the separator is provided between the battery module and the BMS module and is sealed and connected to the case to isolate the battery module from the BMS module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] In the battery pack provided by the present application, the battery pack includes a case, a battery module, and a BMS module. A separator is installed between the battery module and the BMS module and is sealed and connected to the case, thereby isolating the battery module and the BMS module and preventing gases, jets, etc. generated by thermal runaway of the battery module from damaging the BMS module. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural diagram of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded view of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] 2 is an exploded view 2 of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] 3 is an exploded view 3 of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view 1 of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack provided by the embodiment of FIG. 5 taken along line AA. [Figure 7] 2 is a plan view 2 of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "coupled," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, and may refer to, for example, a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, an internal communication between two elements, or an interactive relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application according to specific circumstances.

[0008] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. A first feature being "above," "above," or "on top" of a second feature may include being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or being at a higher horizontal elevation than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," or "on bottom" of a second feature may include being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or being at a lower horizontal elevation than the second feature.

[0009] In the description of the present embodiment, the orientations or positional relationships of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are intended to facilitate explanation and simplify operation. Having a specific orientation does not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must be configured and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation on the present application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for the purpose of distinction in the description and do not have any special meaning.

[0010] The BMS (Battery Management System) plays a vital role in the durability and safety of batteries. If the BMS fails or if there is a problem with the battery itself, a so-called thermal runaway phenomenon may occur, potentially damaging the BMS. In related technologies, due to the cost and space limitations of battery packs, battery pack designs are always simple and highly integrated, leaving the design for protection against thermal runaway inadequate.

[0011] 1 to 3, FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is an exploded view 1 of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is an exploded view 2 of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Battery pack 100 includes case 10, battery modules 20, BMS module 30, and separator 40. Case 10 has a receiving space 101 within which battery modules 20 are installed. Battery modules 20 are assembled with a plurality of individual batteries. BMS module 30 is spaced apart from battery modules 20. The BMS is used for intelligent management and battery maintenance, monitoring the battery status, preventing overcharging and over-discharging, and extending the battery's service life. Separator 40 is installed between battery modules 20 and BMS module 30 and is sealed to case 10 to isolate battery modules 20 and BMS module 30. Separator 40 may be made of heat-resistant insulating plastic. Meanwhile, the separator 40 of the present application prevents high-temperature gases and jets of high-temperature material generated by thermal runaway from being sprayed toward the BMS module 30, thereby isolating the smoke from the BMS module 30. Because the separator 40 is hermetically connected, if the battery module 20 experiences thermal runaway, the high-temperature gases and jets of high-temperature material generated by the thermal runaway will be prevented from reaching the BMS module 30 through the joint between the separator 40 and the case 10. The separator 40 can block the impact from the thermal runaway, ensuring that the BMS module 30 is not damaged, preventing damage to the BMS system, and enabling the BMS module 30 to issue a thermal runaway warning signal. Meanwhile, the separator 40 is firmly connected to the case 10, separating the battery module 20 from the BMS module 30, isolating the heat and thermal radiation generated by the operation of the BMS module 30 and preventing the batteries below from being heated, thereby achieving insulation and thermal insulation. In addition, the BMS module 30 is installed on the separator 40, which serves to fix the BMS module 30 and prevent the BMS module 30 from coming off, thereby improving the safety of the battery.

[0012] In some embodiments, the case 10 includes a bottom wall 11 and a case wall 12. The case wall 12 surrounds the bottom wall 11 to form an accommodating space 101. An end of the case wall 12 away from the bottom wall 11 is provided with a case opening 13 facing the BMS module 30. A separator 40 is installed in the case opening 13, and the periphery of the separator 40 is sealingly connected to the case wall 12. By installing the separator 40 in the case opening 13 away from the bottom wall 11, the space for the battery module 20 can be increased and the BMS module 30 and the battery module 20 can be prevented from being too close to each other. Specifically, the BMS module 30 is installed at the top of the case 10 and is installed independently of the battery module 20. The case wall 12 includes an end surface facing the BMS module 30 and an inner surface facing the accommodating space 101, and the end surface is arranged in a circular manner to form the case opening 13. In some embodiments, the bottom peripheral edge of the separator 40 is sealingly connected to the end face, i.e., the entire separator 40 is located outside the case 10. In some embodiments, the side of the separator 40 is sealingly connected to one end remote from the bottom wall 11 on the inner side, i.e., at least a portion of the separator 40 is located within the accommodating space 101, and the top surface of the separator 40 may be higher than the end face or may be flush with the end face, but must not be lower than the end face.

[0013] In some embodiments, an explosion-proof valve is installed in the case wall 12, and if the battery module 20 experiences thermal runaway, the electrolyte is sprayed out through the explosion-proof valve. The BMS module 30 is installed on top of the battery module 20, not in the direction of the electrolyte spray, which prevents the BMS module 30 from being hit first. To detect a thermal runaway accident in the battery module 20 in a timely manner, the BMS module 30 can issue a thermal runaway alarm without being damaged.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 further includes a sealing adhesive layer (not shown), which is sealed at the connection between the separator 40 and the case wall 12. Specifically, the sealing adhesive layer can be applied to the periphery of the separator 40, or can be applied to the inner periphery of the case wall 12. The sealing adhesive can be a liquid sealing adhesive, a hot-melt sealing adhesive, a paste sealing adhesive, etc., and has strong stability and good adhesion effect, preventing the separator 40 from moving or falling off.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 further includes a sealing ring 50, which can be made of a flexible material such as rubber or silica gel. The sealing ring 50 is fitted onto the separator 40 and abuts between the case wall 12 and the separator 40. Specifically, the sealing ring 50 is fitted onto the edge of the separator 40, and the side of the sealing ring 50 away from the separator 40 is in close contact with the case wall 12. For example, a ring groove may be provided in the sealing ring 50, and the periphery of the separator 40 is fitted into the ring groove and in close contact with the sealing ring 50.

[0016] In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 further includes a sealing tape, which is provided around the periphery of the separator 40 and can further adhere the separator 40 to the case wall 12, or the sealing tape can be adhered to the inner periphery of the case wall 12 and the separator 40 can be further adhered in alignment with the sealing tape, thereby securing the separator 40.

[0017] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other methods of sealingly connecting the separator 40 to the case wall 12 may be used, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0018] In some embodiments, the separator 40 is not limited to being installed in the case opening 13, but may be installed in the receiving space 101, dividing the receiving space 101 into a first cavity and a second cavity, with the BMS module 30 installed in the first cavity and the battery module 20 installed in the second cavity, and the periphery of the separator 40 sealed and connected to the case 10. Because the volume of the battery module 20 is smaller than the volume of the BMS module 30, the size of the first cavity may be smaller than the size of the second cavity.

[0019] Specifically, the case 10 has a rectangular structure and includes a bottom wall 11 and a case wall 12 surrounding the bottom wall 11. The case wall 12 includes two opposing side walls and two end walls, with the side walls being longer than the end walls. The case 10 also includes a top wall (not shown), which is installed over the case 12 to seal the accommodating space 101. The separator 40 has two opposing long sides and two opposing short sides. In some embodiments, the separator 40 is installed parallel to the end walls, i.e., the two short sides of the separator 40 are sealingly connected to the two side walls, respectively, and one long side is connected to the bottom wall 11 and the other long side is connected to the top wall, such that the periphery of the separator 40 is sealingly connected to the case 10, horizontally dividing the first cavity and the second cavity and separating the battery module 20 from the BMS module 30. In some embodiments, the separator 40 is installed parallel to the bottom wall 11, with its two long sides sealed to the two side walls and its two short sides sealed to the two end walls, vertically dividing the first cavity and the second cavity to separate the battery module 20 and the BMS module 30.

[0020] In some embodiments, the separator 40 has a first opening 41, and the battery pack 100 further includes a connecting line 70. The connecting line 70 is installed through the first opening 41, with one end of the connecting line 70 connected to the battery module 20 and the other end of the connecting line 70 connected to the BMS module 30. Specifically, a bracket is installed in the accommodating space 101, the battery module 20 includes a terminal bus bar 22, the terminal bus bar 22 is attached to the bracket, and the connecting line 70 is electrically connected to the terminal bus bar 22. One end of the connecting line 70 is connected to the terminal bus bar 22 and the other end is connected to the BMS module 30. The connecting line 70 includes a plurality of branched wire harnesses, and ends of the plurality of branched wire harnesses close to the BMS are bundled together by a connecting terminal 71. A connector 72 is installed in the BMS module 30, and the connecting terminal 71 is connected to the connector 72 to transmit collected signals to the BMS module 30 for controlling and managing the operation of the battery pack 100. By connecting the first opening 41 to the separator 40, it becomes easier to connect the connection line 70 to the BMS module 20, the length of the electric wire required for wiring is shortened, and it is advantageous for wiring the battery module 20.

[0021] In some embodiments, the battery module 20 further includes a thermally conductive sheet, on which a temperature collector is installed, and the thermally conductive sheet is electrically connected to the battery pack 100 via the terminal bus bar 22. The connecting line 70 is installed through the first opening 41 and connected to the BMS module 30, so that temperature information of the battery pack 100 can be transmitted to the BMS module 30 via the connecting line 70, and the BMS module 30 can detect the temperature information of the battery pack 100 and prevent the battery pack 100 from overheating.

[0022] In some embodiments, the separator 40 includes a first inner wall 411 surrounding the first opening 41, and the connecting wire 70 is sealingly connected to the first inner wall 411. The sealing connection prevents high-temperature gases and high-temperature jets generated by thermal runaway from reaching the BMS module 30 through the gap of the first opening 41, thereby improving the safety of the BMS module 30. Specifically, the connecting wire 70 may be sealed between the first inner wall 411 and one end of the branch wire harness close to the connecting terminal 71, or between the connecting terminal 71 and the first inner wall 411. The size and shape of the first opening 41 can be determined according to actual circumstances so that the connecting wire 70 can be installed through the first opening 41. It should be understood that if the number of connecting wires 70 is increased, multiple first openings 41 may be provided accordingly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the connection between the connecting wire 70 and the first inner wall 411 may be made by a member such as a sealing adhesive, a sealing ring, or a sealing tape, for example, a sealing adhesive may be used to adhere the connecting wire 70 to the first inner wall 411. It is understood that a person skilled in the art can use other methods to seal and connect the connecting wire 70 to the first inner wall 411, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0024] In some embodiments, the separator 40 includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the receiving space 101 and forms a groove, the first inner wall 411 being the groove wall, and the sealing structure being embedded in the groove. A first groove opening 412 facing the first opening 41 is provided at one end of the protrusion away from the BMS module 30. The first groove opening 412 is smaller than the first opening 41, thereby guiding the connecting wire 70 toward the BMS module 30. The connecting wire 70 is routed through the first groove opening 412, extends to the first opening 41, and is connected to the connector 72. The connecting wire 70 may be sealed to the first groove opening 412 to enhance structural stability.

[0025] 4 to 6 in addition to FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is an exploded view 3 of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5 is a plan view 1 of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of the present application with a BMS module. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack provided in FIG. 5 along line AA. In some embodiments, the BMS module 30 further includes a bus bar 31 and a control board 32. The control board 32 is attached to the side facing the battery modules 20. The control board 32 is used to collect information about the battery modules 20 and upload the information to a host computer, where the host computer is an integrated management control board computer and corresponding control software. The bus bar 31 is connected to the side of the control board 32 facing the battery modules 20, and through holes are formed in the bus bar 31. The battery module 20 includes a battery group 21 and a terminal bus bar 22 connected to the battery group 21. The terminal bus bar 22 has through holes corresponding to the through holes. The terminal busbars 22 are used to collect, distribute, and guide current and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the battery system. The battery pack 100 further includes fasteners 60. The separator 40 has second openings 42. The fasteners 60 are installed through the second openings 42, the through-holes, and the through-holes to secure the busbars 31 and the terminal busbars 22. The connection between the busbars 31 and the terminal busbars 22 allows the BMS module 30 to measure the voltage of the battery module 20 to monitor the battery status. The separator 40 has second openings 42, which facilitates the connection between the busbars 31 and the terminal busbars 22. This ensures the stable and reliable operation of the battery pack 100 without modifying the internal structure of the original battery pack 100.

[0026] Specifically, refer to FIG. 7, which is a plan view 2 of a battery pack provided according to an embodiment of the present application, with the BMS module removed. The battery pack 21 includes a plurality of battery cells, and the terminal bus bar 22 includes a main body 221 and an extension 222. The terminal bus bar 22 may be a copper bar, an aluminum bar, or the like. The main body 221 includes a plurality of bus bar components, each of which has two ends electrically connected to a first electrode of a first battery cell and a second electrode of a second battery cell. The first battery cell and the second battery cell are two adjacent batteries in the direction of series connection among the plurality of battery cells, and the first and second electrodes have opposite polarities. The third battery cell, the fourth battery cell, and so on are similarly arranged. This is common knowledge in the art, and will not be described in detail herein. The busbar part connected to the first battery unit is connected to the first extension part 2221, and the busbar part connected to the last battery unit is connected to the second extension part 2222, and the first extension part 2221 and the second extension part 2222 have opposite polarities.

[0027] Here, the busbar 31 is connected to the side of the control board 32 facing the battery pack 21. The busbar 31 includes a first busbar 311 and a second busbar 312. The first busbar 311 and the first extension 2221 have the same polarity, and the second busbar 312 and the second extension 2222 have the same polarity. If the first busbar 311 is a negative electrode, it is connected to the first extension 2221, which also has the negative polarity. If the second busbar 312 is a positive electrode, it is connected to the second extension 2222, which also has the positive polarity. The battery pack 100 further includes a plurality of fastening components 60, which may be screws, bolts, studs, etc. The terminal busbar 22 and the busbar 31 connected using the fastening components 60 are easy to install and remove, and the connection is more reliable and stable. Specifically, there are at least two second openings 42, and each fastening component 60 is installed through one of the second openings 42. The second opening 42 is located on one side of the separator 40 and is spaced apart from the first opening 41. The size and shape of the second opening 42 can be determined according to actual circumstances to ensure that the fastener 60 can be installed through the second opening 42. Here, the first bus bar 311 has a first through hole 313, and the first extension 2221 has a first through hole. The first bus bar 311 is installed closely to the first extension 2221, and one fastener 60 is installed through the first through hole 313 and the first through hole to fix the first bus bar 311 and the first extension 2221. The second bus bar 312 has a second through hole 314, and the second extension portion 2222 has a second through hole. The second bus bar 312 is installed closely to the second extension portion 2222, and one fastening part 60 is installed through the second through hole 314 and the second through hole to fix the second bus bar 312 and the second extension portion 2222.

[0028] In some embodiments, the separator 40 includes a second inner wall 421 surrounding the second opening 42, and the fastening component 60 is sealingly connected to the second inner wall 421. The sealing connection prevents high-temperature gases and high-temperature jets generated by thermal runaway from reaching the BMS module 30 along the gap of the second opening 42, thereby improving the safety of the BMS module 30. Specifically, one fastening component 60 secures the first extension 2221 and the first bus bar 311, and then is sealingly connected to the second inner wall 421 by a sealing structure. Another fastening component 60 secures the second extension 2222 and the second bus bar 312, and then is sealingly connected to the second inner wall 421 by a sealing structure. The fastening component 60 and the second inner wall 421 may be connected by a member such as a sealing adhesive, a sealing ring, or a sealing tape. For example, the fastening component 60 and the second inner wall 421 may be bonded together using a sealing adhesive. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other methods of sealingly connecting the fastening component 60 to the second inner wall 421 can be used, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0029] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application taken along line AA. FIG. 7 is a plan view 2 of a battery pack provided by an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the BMS module 30 includes a cover 33, the cover 33 including a first connecting edge 331 facing the case 10, the case 10 including a bottom wall 11 and a case wall 12 surrounding the bottom wall 11, the case wall 12 including a second connecting edge 14 facing the cover 33, and the second connecting edge 14 being disposed to surround the separator 40. Specifically, the case wall 12 includes an end face facing the BMS module 30, and the second connecting edge 14 is connected to the periphery of the end face. When the separator 40 is disposed in the case opening 13, the separator 40 is flush with the first connecting edge 331. When the separator 40 is disposed in the receiving space 101, the separator 40 is disposed lower than the first connecting edge 331. Here, the first connecting edge 331 and the second connecting edge 14 are fitted together, and after the cover 33 is placed over the case 10, the first connecting edge 331 is sealingly connected to the second connecting edge 14. The first connecting edge 331 and the second connecting edge 14 can be fastened to the periphery using a fastening structure such as a screw or bolt. Those skilled in the art can also connect the cover 33 and the case 10 by a method such as insertion or locking, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0030] In some embodiments, the case 10 further includes a gasket 141, a groove formed in the second connecting edge 14, and the gasket 141 is disposed in the groove. The cover 33 includes a protrusion connected to the first connecting edge 331 and protruding toward the case 10. When the cover 33 is disposed over the case 10, the protrusion is fitted into the gasket 141, thereby improving the sealing effect between the cover 33 and the case 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 100: battery pack, 10: case, 101: storage space, 11: bottom wall, 12: case wall, 13: case opening, 14: second connection edge, 141: gasket, 20: battery module, 21: battery group, 22: terminal bus bar, 221: main body, 222: extension, 2221: first extension, 2222: second extension, 30: BMS module, 31: bus bar, 311: first bus bar, 312: second bus bar, 313: first through hole, 314: second through hole, 32: control board, 33: cover, 331: first connection edge, 40: separator, 41: first opening, 411: first inner wall, 412: first groove, 42: second opening, 421: second inner wall, 50: seal ring, 60: fastening part, 70: connecting wire, 71: connecting terminal, 72: connector

Claims

1. A battery pack (100), The battery includes a case (10), a battery module (20), a battery management system (BMS) module (30), and a separator (40). A storage space (101) is provided in the case (10), The battery module (20) is installed in the storage space (101), The BMS (30) is installed at a distance from the battery module (20), The separator (40) is installed between the battery module (20) and the BMS module (30) and is sealed and connected to the case (10), thereby isolating the battery module (20) from the BMS module (30). A battery pack characterized by:

2. The case (10) includes a bottom wall (11) and a case wall (12), the case wall (12) surrounds the periphery of the bottom wall (11) to form the storage space (101), an opening of the case (10) is provided at one end of the case wall (12) away from the bottom wall (11), the separator (40) is provided in the opening of the case (10), and the periphery of the separator (40) is sealingly connected to the case wall (12).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is a battery pack having a plurality of electrodes.

3. The battery pack (100) further includes a sealing adhesive layer, the sealing adhesive layer being sealingly connected to the connection between the separator (40) and the case wall (12).

3. The battery pack according to claim 2.

4. The battery pack (100) further includes a sealing ring (50), which is fitted onto the separator (40) and abuts between the case wall (12) and the separator (40).

3. The battery pack according to claim 2.

5. The separator (40) is installed in the accommodating space (101) and divides the accommodating space (101) into a first cavity and a second cavity, the BMS module (30) is installed in the first cavity, the battery module (20) is installed in the second cavity, and the periphery of the separator (40) is sealingly connected to the case (10).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is a battery pack having a plurality of electrodes.

6. The separator (40) has a first opening (41), the battery pack (100) further includes a connecting wire (70), the connecting wire (70) is installed through the first opening (41), one end of the connecting wire (70) is connected to the battery module (20), and the other end of the connecting wire (70) is connected to the BMS module (30).

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is a battery pack having a plurality of electrodes.

7. The separator (40) includes a first inner wall (411) surrounding the first opening (41), and the connecting wire (70) is sealingly connected to the first inner wall (411).

7. The battery pack according to claim 6.

8. The BMS module (30) includes a bus bar (31) and a control board (32), the bus bar (31) is connected to a side of the control board (32) facing the battery module (20), and a through hole is opened in the bus bar (31); The battery module (20) includes a battery group (21) and a terminal bus bar (22) connected to the battery group (21), and the terminal bus bar (22) has through holes corresponding to the through holes, The battery pack (100) further includes a fastening component (60), and the separator (40) has a second opening (42). The fastening component (60) is installed through the second opening (42), the through hole, and the through hole to fix the bus bar (31) and the terminal bus bar (22).

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is a battery pack having a plurality of electrodes.

9. The separator (40) includes a second inner wall (421) surrounding the second opening (42), and the fastening component (60) is sealingly connected to the second inner wall (421).

9. The battery pack according to claim 8.

10. The BMS module (30) includes a cover (33), the cover (33) includes a first connecting edge (331) facing the case (10), the case (10) includes a bottom wall (11) and a case wall (12) surrounding the bottom wall (11), the case wall (12) includes a second connecting edge (14) facing the cover (33), the second connecting edge (14) is installed to surround the separator (40), and the first connecting edge (331) is sealingly connected to the second connecting edge (14).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is a battery pack having a plurality of electrodes.

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