Battery module

Abstract

This application discloses a battery module including two battery packs arranged opposite each other with posts protruding from their sides, and a CCS assembly electrically connected to each of the two battery packs to electrically connect the two battery packs and collect the temperature and pressure of each battery pack, the CCS assembly being arranged circumferentially around the two battery packs and extending in the stacking direction of the cells of the battery packs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications bearing application number 2023113189491, filed with the China Patent Office on October 12, 2023, and application number 2023227378808, filed with the China Patent Office on October 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present application relates to the technical field of batteries, and in particular to battery modules. [Background technology]

[0002] 12V batteries are suitable for use with generators to provide a strong starting current for starting an engine, and can also assist the generator in powering electrical appliances when the generator becomes overloaded.

[0003] When it is necessary to increase the battery capacity of a 12V storage battery, it is common to stack more unit cells in the stacking direction of the unit cells. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Stacking a large number of cells increases the height of the battery pack, making it difficult to install in electrical appliances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present application provides a battery module including two oppositely arranged battery packs with posts protruding from their sides, and a CCS assembly electrically connected to each of the two battery packs, used to electrically connect the two battery packs and collect the temperature and pressure of each battery pack, the CCS assembly being arranged circumferentially around the two battery packs and extending in the stacking direction of the cells of the battery packs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] By arranging the two battery packs opposite each other, either battery pack can supply power. Compared to when a single battery pack supplies power, the battery module of this embodiment can supply more electrical energy as a whole. Furthermore, because each battery pack occupies its own height, the two battery modules can supply more power without occupying much vertical space along the stacking direction of the unit cells, making the battery module more suitable for installation in electric vehicles. Furthermore, because the CCS assembly is arranged circumferentially around the two battery packs and extends in the stacking direction of the unit cells, it is compatible with the battery pack structure in which posts protrude from the side and maximizes the use of the space to the sides of the two battery modules. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the CCS assembly in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially disassembled schematic diagram of the CCS assembly in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the CCS assembly in which one support frame is hidden in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a stacking method for the battery pack in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram of current flow direction in a CCS assembly and a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In addition, in the description of the present invention, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are intended to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They do not indicate or imply that the indicated devices or elements must have a specific orientation, or be configured or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0009] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The terms used in the specification of the present invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0010] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 to 6, a battery module 300 according to the present invention includes a CCS assembly 100 and two battery packs 200 arranged opposite to each other.

[0012] 1 , two battery packs 200 are disposed opposite each other, with posts of the battery packs 200 protruding from the sides. The CCS assemblies 100 are electrically connected to the two battery packs 200, respectively, and are used to electrically connect the two battery packs 200 and to collect the temperature and pressure of each battery pack 200. The CCS assemblies 100 are disposed in the circumferential direction of the two battery packs 200 and extend in the stacking direction of the cells 210 of the battery packs 200.

[0013] In the battery module 300 described above, two battery packs 200 are arranged opposite each other, allowing either battery pack 200 to supply power. Compared to a case where a single battery pack 200 supplies power, the battery module 300 of this embodiment can supply more electrical energy as a whole. Furthermore, because each battery pack 200 occupies its own height, the two battery modules can supply more power without occupying much vertical space along the stacking direction of the cells 210, making the battery module more suitable for installation in an electric vehicle. Furthermore, because the CCS assembly 100 is arranged circumferentially around the two battery packs 200 and extends in the stacking direction of the cells 210, it is compatible with the battery pack 200 structure, in which posts protrude from the side, and maximizes the use of the space to the sides of the two battery modules 300.

[0014] 1 to 4 , in some embodiments, a CCS assembly 100 includes two transmission structures 10 arranged opposite to each other and one adapter bar 20 to electrically connect two battery packs 200. Each transmission structure 10 is electrically connected to a respective battery pack 200 and is used to establish electrical continuity within each battery pack 200 and collect temperature and pressure information. The adapter bar 20 is electrically connected to each of the two battery packs 200 and is used to establish electrical continuity between the two battery packs 200. In this manner, the transmission structures 10 enable current transmission between an external structure and the interior of the battery packs 200 and collect temperature and pressure information, and the adapter bar 20 transmits current between the two battery packs 200, thereby achieving electrical continuity between the two battery packs 200 as a whole. Compared to a case in which each transmission structure 10 is provided with its own adapter structure and adapter conductive block and these are connected by bolts, the integrated CCS assembly 100 in this embodiment has a simpler structure and lower production costs.

[0015] In some embodiments, the current guide structure includes a support frame 11 and a current guide unit 12 and a collecting unit 13 provided on the support frame 11. The current guide unit 12 is electrically connected to each cell 210 and is used to provide electrical continuity within the battery pack 200. The collecting unit 13 includes a plurality of collecting wires 131, one end of which is electrically connected to the current guide unit 12 or is used to attach a temperature collecting member. By configuring the temperature and pressure collecting member as the collecting wires 131, voltage signals and temperature signals can be transmitted without using a circuit board, thereby reducing the overall production cost of the CCS assembly 100. Furthermore, compared with the conventional technique in which collection is performed using a circuit board, the collecting wires 131 in this embodiment are smaller and occupy less space, which allows the overall structure of the collecting unit 13 to be more compact and simplifies the structure of the CCS assembly 100.

[0016] In some embodiments, the CCS assembly 100 further includes a connector 30, where electrical signals are transmitted through the connector 30 and the BMS, and the other end of the collection wire 131 is connected to the connector 30 to transmit temperature and pressure information from the connector 30 to the BMS.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the collecting wires 131 collect voltage, one end of some of the collecting wires 131 may have a first connection end 21, which is connected to the current guide unit 12 by welding, and one end of the remaining collecting wires 131 may be provided with a temperature collection sensor, which collects temperature information of the cells 210. In some embodiments, the diameter of the collecting wires 131 is in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 mm. By setting the diameter of the collecting wires 131 in this range, a sufficient welding contact area with the current guide unit 12 is ensured and the diameter of the collecting wires 131 is set to a certain size to meet the peeling force requirements at the welding points with the current guide unit 12. However, the diameter of the collecting wires 131 is not too large and does not occupy too much space, making it easy to hot-press the collecting wires 131 between the two layers of PET film 111.

[0018] In some embodiments, the diameter of the collecting wire 131 is set to 0.35 mm, which ensures a sufficient welding area for the welding point with the current guide unit 12 and also prevents the diameter of the collecting wire 131 from being too large and occupying too much mounting space. In other embodiments, the diameter of the collecting wire 131 may be set to other values ​​in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 mm, such as, but not limited to, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, etc., as needed.

[0019] 3 , in one embodiment of the present invention, in order to facilitate the attachment of the support frame 11 to the collecting unit 13 and the current guiding unit 12, the support frame 11 includes two layers of PET film 111 arranged opposite each other, with portions of the current guiding unit 12 and the collecting unit 13 hot-pressed between the two PET films 111 and the remaining collecting unit 13 passing through the PET film 111. In this way, by configuring the support frame 11 as two layers of PET film 111, portions of the current guiding unit 12 and the collecting unit 13 are interposed between the two layers of PET film 111, and the connection points between the collecting unit 13 and the current guiding unit 12 are blocked, thereby ensuring an insulating effect. Compared to using UV adhesive to protect the welding points at the connection points between the collecting unit 13 and the current guiding unit 12, hot-pressing using two layers of PET film 111 improves the reliability of the protection of the welding points, simplifies the attachment process, and improves production efficiency.

[0020] In some embodiments, the PET is provided with a first via 112 and a second via 113, the first via 112 is used to attach the current guide unit 12 so that the current guide unit 12 is exposed from the first via 112 and can be easily welded to a post of the single battery 210, the second via 113 is through which the collection unit 13 passes, and the part of the collection unit 13 that passes through the second via 113 can be connected to the connector 30.

[0021] In some embodiments, when collecting the wires 131, some of the collecting wires 131 are hot-pressed between two layers of PET film 111, and the remaining collecting wires 131 penetrate the PET film 111 and are connected to the connector 30. Since the multiple collecting wires 131 are welded to the current guide unit 12, in order to easily attach all of the collecting wires 131, the collecting unit 13 further includes a harness cover 132 fitted over the multiple collecting wires 131, thereby integrating the multiple collecting wires 131 and preventing the multiple collecting wires 131 from becoming separated without affecting the attachment of the entire battery module 300.

[0022] In some embodiments, since the collecting wires 131 and the harness cover 132 have a predetermined length, in order to prevent the collecting wires 131 and the harness cover 132 from coming apart when the entire CCS assembly 100 is attached to form the battery module 300, the support frame 11 is provided with a connection hole 114, and the CCS assembly 100 further includes at least one cable tie 40 that is passed through the connection hole 114 to tie the collecting wires 131 and the harness cover 132 to the support frame 11. Thus, by tying the harness cover 132 and the collecting wires 131 to the support frame 11 with the cable tie 40, the collecting wires 131 are prevented from coming apart, which avoids affecting the assembly of the CCS assembly 100 and the battery pack 200 and ensures the finish of the battery module 300 formed using the CCS assembly 100 and the battery pack 200.

[0023] In some embodiments, a portion of the collecting wire 131 is hot-pressed between two layers of PET film 111, and since the PET film 111 has a certain flexibility during hot-pressing, after the two layers of PET film 111 and the harness are hot-press molded, a conformal structure that matches the shape of the collecting wire 131 is formed on the PET film 111.

[0024] 2 to 4, the structure of the current guide unit 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and the current guide unit 12 includes a connection bar 121 and an external bar 122. The external bar 122 is electrically connected to the cells 210 at the input or output terminal of one battery pack 200 and is electrically conductive to the external structure. The connection bar 121 is used to connect the cells 210 of one battery pack 200 in series or parallel and is provided in series connection with the adapter bar 20. In this way, by electrically connecting the external bar 122 and the external structure, current is input or output, and the connection bar 121 connects the cells 210 in the battery pack 200 in series or parallel. Also, by connecting the connection bar 121 and the adapter bar 20 in series, one transmission structure 10 is electrically connected to another transmission structure 10, and the two battery packs 200 are connected in series. As a result, the two battery packs 200 connected in series can supply a sufficient amount of power to an electrical device, and the two battery packs 200 have a small height in the stacking direction of the cells 210, making them suitable for installation when used in an electric vehicle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the transmission structure 10 includes two external bars 122, one of which is an input bar and the other is an output bar, one used to supply current and the other used to output current, and thus current flows between the interior and external structures of the two battery packs 200.

[0026] In some embodiments, the CCS assembly 100 is used in a multi-series / multi-parallel connection of two battery packs 200, thereby connecting more cells 210 in parallel and increasing the power supply when the cells 210 are used in a battery module.

[0027] To facilitate the assembly of the entire CCS assembly 100, the external bar 122 includes an external connection section 1221 and an internal connection section 1222 that are integrally formed, the external connection section 1221 being electrically connected to the external structure, and the internal connection section 1222 including at least two second branches 1222a arranged in parallel, one of which is electrically connected to a post of one cell 210 and to the collecting wire 131. Thus, the external bar 122 is not only electrically connected to the external structure but also to the internal cells 210. Since the external bar 122 has a plurality of second branches 1222a arranged in parallel, each second branch 1222a is electrically connected to a cell 210, for example, when electrically connected to the negative post of a cell 210, the external bar 122 is connected to a plurality of cells 210 in parallel. When current flows in from the external bar 122, it is conducted to the cells 210, the current is conducted within the cells 210, conducted through the positive posts of the cells 210 to the connecting bar 121, the current flows to the connecting bar 121 and conducted to other cells 210 connected to the connecting bar 121, and finally conducted to another battery pack 200 through the adapter bar 20 and taken out from yet another battery pack 200, thus achieving a cycle of current. In some embodiments, the number of second branches 1222a corresponds to the number of cells 210 connected in parallel.

[0028] When assembling the CCS assembly 100 and the battery pack 200 into a battery module, the structure of the battery module can be rationally arranged. The external connection section 1221 includes a transition portion 1221a and an electrical connection portion 1121b, where the transition portion 1221a is connected between each second branch 1222a and the electrical connection portion 1121b, and the electrical connection portion 1121b is electrically connected to the external structure. The transition portion 1221a is arranged parallel to the support frame 11 and perpendicular to the electrical connection portion 1121b, which is arranged on one side of the battery pack 200. By arranging the electrical connection portion 1121b perpendicular to the transition portion 1221a in this manner, the two external bars 122 extend in the lateral direction of the battery pack 200 and are located on the same side of the two battery packs 200, ensuring the compactness of the structure of the assembled battery module.

[0029] In some embodiments, to reduce the overall cost of the CCS assembly 100, each end of the adapter bar 20 is electrically connected to one battery pack 200 and electrically connected to the collection unit 13, i.e., the adapter bar 20 not only electrically connects the two transmission structures 10, but also electrically connects the cells 210, thereby functioning as a connecting bar 121. Since the current from the cells 210 is directly transmitted to another battery pack 200 through the adapter bar 20, the overall structure of the CCS assembly 100 is simplified.

[0030] In some embodiments, the adapter bar 20 includes two connection ends 21, which are connected to the support frame 11 and are used to connect at least two cells 210 in parallel, the number of which corresponds to the number of cells 210 in one battery pack 200. The connection ends 21 include at least two first branches 211, one of which is electrically connected to one cell 210. In some embodiments, one of the first branches 211 is connected to a post of one cell 210 by welding, thereby connecting the two cells 210 in the parallel pack 240 in parallel and in series to the connection bar 121.

[0031] 5 and 6 , in some embodiments, the CCS assembly 100 implements a 2-in-4-in-series power supply module, in which one external bar 122 includes two second branches 1222a arranged in parallel, which are used to connect two cells 210 in parallel; the connection end 21 includes two first branches 211, which are used to connect two cells 210 in parallel, so that two cells 210 are connected in parallel to form one parallel pack 240; one battery pack 200 includes two parallel packs 240, which are connected in series by connecting bars 121, and each connecting bar 121 is also used to connect two cells 210 in each parallel pack 240 in parallel. If the power supply capacity of the battery pack 200 needs to be increased, the number of cells 210 connected in parallel in each parallel pack 240 can be increased.

[0032] In some embodiments, in order to ensure the compactness of the structure of the assembled battery module 300, the adapter bar 20 further includes an extension section 22 connected between the two connection ends 21, and the extension section 22, the two external bars 122, and the connector 30 are provided on the same side of the battery pack 200, i.e., on the same end of the support frame 11; that is, if the structure needs to be electrically connected to the outside, it needs to be provided on the same end of the support frame 11, i.e., on the same side of the battery pack 200, which is advantageous for assembling the battery module 300.

[0033] In some embodiments, to improve the applicability of the entire CCS assembly 100, the transition portion 1221a of the external bar 122 is provided with at least a first protrusion 1121c, and the extension section 22 of the adapter bar 20 is formed with at least one second protrusion 221, and both the first protrusion 1121c and the second protrusion 221 extend in the stacking direction of the single cells 210. As a result, by providing the first protrusion 1121c and the second protrusion 221, when the CCS assembly 100 is attached to two battery packs 200, the two protrusions are compressed, allowing it to accommodate assembly tolerances and be suitable for more types of single cells 210.In the longitudinal direction of the extension section 22, i.e., the parallel direction of the two battery packs 200, when the length of the single cell 210 increases, the first protrusion 1121c and the second protrusion 221 are stretched, and when the length of the single cell 210 decreases, the first protrusion 1121c and the second protrusion 221 are compressed, thereby increasing the applicability of the CCS assembly 100.

[0034] In some embodiments, the CCS assembly 100 is used to assemble two battery packs 200 in a 2-in-4 configuration, and since the number of cells 210 is small, the current flowing through the adapter bar 20 is small, and the current passing capacity required of the adapter bar 20 is low. The adapter bar 20 is an aluminum bar, which is cheaper than a copper bar, so the adapter bar 20 made of aluminum can achieve cost reduction.

[0035] In some embodiments, to ensure normal use of a battery module 300 assembled using the CCS assembly 100 and the battery pack 200, the CCS assembly 100 further includes an insulating sleeve 50 fitted onto the extended section 22. This protects the extended section 22 with the insulating sleeve 50, preventing the extended section 22 from being electrically connected to other components and adversely affecting normal use of the battery module.

[0036] 5 shows the stacking configuration of the battery pack 200 of this embodiment. Each battery pack 200 includes four cells 210, with two cells 210 arranged in a parallel pack 240. The positive and negative posts 220 and 230 of the two cells 210 in each parallel pack 240 are located at the same end. The positive and negative posts 220 and 230 of the two parallel packs 240 are arranged in opposite directions. Thus, when the current guide unit 12 and the adapter bar 20 are electrically connected, the four parallel packs 240 are connected in series. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the current flow direction of the cells 210 according to this embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 100 CCS Assembly 10 Transmission Structure 11 Support frame 111 PET membrane 112 First Via 113 Second Via 114 Connection hole 115 Relief hole 12 Current guide unit 121 Connection Bar 122 External Bar 1221 External Connection Section 1221a Transition 1121b Electrical Connections 1121c 1st convexity 1222 Internal Connection Section 1222a Second branch 13 Collection Unit 131 Collecting Wire 132 Harness cover 20 Adapter bar 21 Connection end 211 First Branch 22 Extension Section 221 Second convexity 30 connectors 40 Cable ties 50 Insulating sleeve 200 battery packs 210 D cell 220 Positive Post 230 Negative Post 240 parallel packs 300 battery modules

Claims

1. A battery module (300), two oppositely positioned battery packs (200) with posts protruding from their sides; a CCS assembly (100) electrically connected to each of the two battery packs (200), used to electrically connect the two battery packs (200) and collect the temperature and pressure of each of the battery packs (200), the CCS assembly (100) being arranged in the circumferential direction of the two battery packs (200) and extending in the stacking direction of the cells (210) of the battery packs (200); A battery module (300).

2. 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the CCS assembly includes two transmission structures arranged opposite each other and one adapter bar, each of the transmission structures being electrically connected to one of the battery packs and used to electrically connect the battery packs and collect temperature and pressure, and the adapter bar being electrically connected to the two battery packs and used to electrically connect the two battery packs.

3. 3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the transmission structure includes a support frame, a current guide unit, and a collection unit provided on the support frame, the current guide unit being electrically connected to each of the cells and used for electrical conduction within the battery pack, and the collection unit includes a plurality of collection wires, one end of which is electrically connected to the current guide unit or used for attaching a temperature collection member.

4. The battery module (300) of claim 3, wherein the diameter of the collecting wires (131) ranges from 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm.

5. The battery module (300) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the collecting unit (13) further includes a harness cover (132) fitted over the plurality of collecting wires (131).

6. 6. The battery module (300) of claim 5, wherein the support frame (11) is provided with a connection hole (114), and the CCS assembly (100) further includes at least one cable tie (40), which is passed through the connection hole (114) to bind the collecting wire (131) and the harness cover (132) to the support frame (11).

7. 5. The battery module (300) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the current guide unit (12) includes a connection bar (121) and an external bar (122), the external bar (122) is electrically connected to the cells (210) at the input or output terminal of one of the battery packs (200) and electrically conductive to an external structure, and the connection bar (121) is used to connect the cells (210) of one of the battery packs (200) in series or parallel and is provided in series connection with the adapter bar (20).

8. 8. The battery module (300) of claim 7, wherein the external bar (122) includes an external connection section (1221) and an internal connection section (1222) that are integrally formed, the external connection section (1221) being electrically connected to an external structure, and the internal connection section (1222) including at least two second branches (1222a) arranged in parallel, one of the second branches (1222a) being electrically connected to a post of one of the single cells (210) and electrically connected to the collecting wire (131).

9. 9. The battery module (300) of claim 8, wherein the external connection section (1221) includes a transition portion (1221a) and an electrical connection portion (1121b), the transition portion (1221a) is connected between each of the second branches (1222a) and the electrical connection portion (1121b), the electrical connection portion (1121b) is electrically connected to the external structure, the transition portion (1221a) is arranged parallel to the support frame (11) and perpendicular to the electrical connection portion (1121b), and the electrical connection portion (1121b) is arranged on one side of the battery pack (200).

10. 10. The battery module (300) of claim 9, wherein the adapter bar (20) includes two connection ends (21), which are connected to the support frame (11) and are used to connect at least two of the single cells (210) in parallel, and the connection ends (21) include at least two first branches (211), one of which is electrically connected to one of the single cells (210).

11. 11. The battery module (300) of claim 10, wherein the adapter bar (20) further includes an extension section (22) connected between the two connection ends (21), and the extension section (22), the two external bars (122), and the connector (30) are provided on the same side of the battery pack (200).

12. The battery module (300) of claim 11, wherein the transition portion (1221a) has at least a first protrusion (1121c), the extension section (22) has at least one second protrusion (221), and the first protrusion (1121c) and the second protrusion (221) both extend in the stacking direction of the single cells (210).

13. 12. The battery module (300) of claim 11, wherein the CCS assembly (100) further comprises an insulating sleeve (50) fitted over the extension section (22).

14. The battery module (300) according to any one of claims 3, 4, or 8 to 13, wherein the support frame (11) includes two layers of PET films (111) arranged opposite each other, and the current guide unit (12) and a portion of the collecting wire (131) are hot-pressed between the two PET films (111).

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