Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a battery module and a battery pack. The battery module comprises a battery cell group; end plates, which are arranged on the battery cell group, wherein an accommodating recess is provided in the side of each end plate facing away from the battery cell group; and copper bars, each of which is fixedly arranged in the accommodating recess and is connected to an output electrode of the end plate. In the present application, by means of arranging the copper bars in the accommodating recesses formed in the end plates, the stability of the copper bars is strengthened; meanwhile, a variety of parts and components, such as a module output electrode copper bar, a module output electrode base, a mounting bolt and an output electrode protective cover, are reduced, such that the state of fragmentation and scattering during traditional assembly is avoided. This will greatly simplify the assembly process of the battery module, and reduce the required steps and complexity of assembly, thereby increasing the production efficiency.

Description

A battery module and a battery pack

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202322304455.X filed with the China Patent Office on August 25, 2023, entitled “A Battery Module and Battery Pack,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of power batteries, specifically a battery module and a battery pack. Background Art

[0004] In today's increasingly urgent era of new energy, power batteries, as the core of green energy, provide critical support for the rapid development of electric vehicles and renewable energy. However, precisely within this compelling prospect, the practical application of power battery module connection technology has become particularly urgent and crucial. This technology plays an indispensable role in ensuring the efficiency, stability, and longevity of battery systems.

[0005] Typically, the module connection copper busbars of power batteries serve as the link for signal and power transmission between modules, providing critical support for the overall performance and safety of the battery pack. However, the independent components used in this connection method in existing technologies are fragmented and dispersed, including the connection copper busbar, module output copper busbar, module output aluminum busbar, module output base, mounting bolts, and output protective cover.

[0006] This traditional assembly method involves a collection of diverse parts, which results in a complex and cumbersome assembly process and poor stability, thus affecting production efficiency and quality consistency.

[0007] Utility Model Content

[0008] Based on this, it is necessary to propose a battery module and battery pack to address the above technical problems.

[0009] In one aspect of the present application, a battery module is provided, comprising:

[0010] Battery cell pack;

[0011] End plates are arranged on both sides of the battery cell group along the battery cell stacking direction, and a receiving groove is formed on the side of the end plate away from the battery cell group;

[0012] The copper busbar is fixedly disposed in the receiving groove and connected to the output pole of the battery cell group.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery module further comprises:

[0014] The busbar bracket assembly is arranged on the battery cell group;

[0015] The flexible circuit board is arranged on the busbar bracket assembly and abuts against the side of the copper busbar facing away from the end plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the end plate comprises:

[0017] An end plate body, one side of which is adapted to abut against the battery cell group;

[0018] A limiting plate is arranged along a first preset direction on a side of the end plate body facing away from the battery cell group, and there are at least two limiting plates, with the accommodating groove formed between the two limiting plates;

[0019] The first protrusion is arranged on the side of the end plate body away from the battery cell group. The first protrusion is provided with a first mounting hole. The first mounting hole is arranged along the second preset direction and is suitable for fixing the copper busbar.

[0020] In some embodiments, the copper busbar comprises:

[0021] The copper busbar body is disposed in the receiving groove;

[0022] The output pole aluminum bar is fixed to the end of the copper bar body and is suitable for connecting the output pole of the end plate;

[0023] The fixing buckle is provided on the copper busbar body and can be matched and connected with the first mounting hole.

[0024] In some embodiments, a first arched portion is formed on the copper busbar body, the first arched portion is adapted to cooperate with the first protrusion, and a fixing buckle is disposed on the first arched portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the end plate further comprises:

[0026] The second protrusion is arranged on the side of the end plate body away from the battery cell group. The second protrusion is provided with a second mounting hole. The second mounting hole is arranged along a second preset direction and is suitable for fixing the flexible circuit board.

[0027] In some embodiments, the end plate further comprises:

[0028] The third protrusion is arranged on the side of the end plate body away from the battery cell group. The third protrusion is provided with a third mounting hole. The third mounting hole is arranged along a third preset direction and is suitable for fixing the battery module on the battery pack shell.

[0029] In some embodiments, a second arched portion is formed on the copper busbar body, and the second arched portion is suitable for matching with the third protrusion.

[0030] In some embodiments, a clearance hole is provided on the flexible circuit board, and the clearance hole is suitable for matching with the first arched portion.

[0031] In a second aspect of the present application, a battery pack is further proposed, which includes the battery module described above, wherein a plurality of the battery modules are provided and connected by the copper busbar.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0033] Simplified assembly: This application enhances the stability of the copper busbar by placing it in the accommodating groove formed by the end plate. This also eliminates the need for multiple components, such as the module output busbar, module output base, mounting bolts, and output protective cover, thus avoiding the fragmentation and dispersion of traditional assembly processes. This significantly simplifies the battery module assembly process, reducing the number of steps and complexity required, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0034] Improved stability and quality consistency: By integrating key components such as copper busbars, busbar brackets, and flexible circuit boards within the battery module, the number of connection points between independent parts is reduced, thereby reducing the potential for connection problems during assembly. This will improve the stability of the battery module and promote consistent production quality, reducing potential failures caused by connection problems.

[0035] Enhanced performance and safety: By directly fixing the copper busbars in the battery module and connecting them to the output terminals of the end plates, the signal transmission and power transmission efficiency of the battery module are improved. This will help improve the performance and safety of the entire battery pack, ensuring efficient power transmission and reliable connections between modules.

[0036] Reduced space occupation: The integrated design of the battery module reduces the physical space occupied by independent components, thereby providing more space inside the battery pack for the integration of other functions or components, such as temperature control systems, protective devices, etc.

[0037] Better module fixation and positioning: The design of the limit plates, protrusions and mounting holes on the end plates, as well as the fixing clips on the copper busbars, help ensure that the battery modules are correctly positioned and fixed during assembly, thus avoiding unnecessary movement and loosening.

[0038] In summary, this technical solution brings many beneficial effects to the design and production of battery modules and battery packs by integrating key components, simplifying the assembly process, improving stability and quality consistency, enhancing performance and safety, reducing space occupancy, better fixing and positioning modules, and facilitating overall system integration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a copper busbar connection structure in the prior art;

[0040] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the main structure of an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG3 is a partially exploded schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the copper busbar and the end plate in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG4 is a partial exploded schematic diagram showing the end plate structure in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a copper busbar in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a flexible printed circuit board and a busbar support assembly in an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0045] In the figure: 10, connecting copper busbar; 20, module output pole copper busbar; 30, module output pole aluminum busbar; 40, module output pole base; 50, mounting bolt; 60, output pole protective cover; 1, battery cell group; 2, end plate; 21, end plate body; 22, limit plate; 23, reinforcement plate; 24, first protrusion; 25, second protrusion; 26, third protrusion; 3, copper busbar; 31, copper busbar body; 311, first arched portion; 312, second arched portion; 32, output pole aluminum busbar; 33, fixing buckle; 4, flexible circuit board; 41, third arched portion; 42, clearance hole; 43, fourth mounting hole; 5, busbar bracket assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "two ends," "one end," "the other end," and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended only to facilitate the description of this application and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "provided with," "connected," etc., should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] As described in the background technology, the module connecting copper busbar 10 of the power battery serves as a link for signal transmission and power transmission between modules, providing key support for the overall performance and safety of the battery pack. However, the independent components used in this connection method in the prior art are fragmented and dispersed. Referring to Figure 1, it includes the connecting copper busbar 10, the module output pole copper busbar 20, the module output pole aluminum busbar 30, the module output pole base 40, the mounting bolt 50, and the output pole protective cover 60. This traditional assembly method involves a collection of diverse components, resulting in a complicated and cumbersome assembly process and poor stability, which in turn affects production efficiency and quality consistency.

[0050] To improve the above problems, in one aspect of the present application, a battery module is proposed, referring to FIG2 , which mainly includes: a battery cell group 1, an end plate 2, a copper busbar 3, a flexible circuit board 4 (FPC) and a busbar bracket assembly 5.

[0051] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the battery cell group 1 is the core part of the battery module and is composed of multiple battery cells. Each battery cell is an independent battery unit, generally composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte. The positive electrode of the battery cell is composed of a lithium ion compound (such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide), and the negative electrode is composed of a carbon material (such as graphite). The positive and negative electrodes are separated by a separator and immersed in an electrolyte, which acts as a medium for the flow of positive and negative ions.

[0052] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the battery cells are square in shape, and each battery cell has its own positive and negative terminals for connecting to the circuit of the battery module.

[0053] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, in a battery module, multiple cells are arranged along a second predetermined direction (i.e., the length direction of the battery module), and the cells are connected in series or in parallel via conductive sheets or cables to form a desired voltage and capacity configuration.

[0054] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, two end plates 2 are provided for each battery cell group, and are respectively located on both sides of the battery cell group 1 along the battery cell stacking direction. Furthermore, the end plate 2 includes an end plate body 21, a limiting plate 22, a reinforcing plate 23, a first protrusion 24, a second protrusion 25 and a third protrusion 26.

[0055] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the end plate body 21 is the main portion of the end plate 2 to provide sufficient support. One side of the end plate body 21 is adapted to contact the cell group 1 to achieve electrical connection between the cell group 1 and the end plate 2.

[0056] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, a retaining plate 22 is integrally connected to the side of the end plate body 21 facing away from the battery cell assembly 1, forming a receiving groove capable of accommodating the copper busbar 3. The primary function of the retaining plate 22 is to fix the position of the copper busbar 3, ensuring its stability and accurate assembly.

[0057] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the limiting plates 22 are arranged along the first preset direction (ie, the width direction of the battery module), and specifically three limiting plates 22 are provided, with the accommodating groove being formed between two adjacent limiting plates 22 .

[0058] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing plate 23 is integrally connected to the side of the end plate body 21 facing away from the battery cell group 1 , and is used to support the plurality of limiting plates 22 .

[0059] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing plate 23 is disposed along a third predetermined direction (ie, the thickness direction of the battery module), a plurality of reinforcing plates 23 are provided, and the reinforcing plates 23 are disposed perpendicularly and crosswise with the plurality of limiting plates 22 .

[0060] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, a first protrusion 24 is integrally connected to the side of the end plate body 21 facing away from the battery cell group 1 and is specifically formed in the shape of a cylindrical protrusion. A first mounting hole is defined in the first protrusion 24 for securing the copper busbar 3. Through the first protrusion 24 and the first mounting hole, the copper busbar 3 is securely connected to the end plate 2, ensuring efficient current transfer and providing a stable electrical connection.

[0061] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the first mounting hole is provided along the second preset direction (ie, the length direction of the battery module) and is adapted to be engaged with the fixing clip 33 described below to fix the copper busbar 3 on the end plate 2 .

[0062] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, a second protrusion 25 is integrally connected to the side of the end plate body 21 facing away from the battery cell group 1 and is specifically formed in the shape of a cylindrical projection. A second mounting hole is defined in the second protrusion 25 for securing the flexible circuit board 4. The second protrusion 25 and the second mounting hole securely connect the flexible circuit board 4 to the end plate 2.

[0063] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the second mounting hole is arranged along the second preset direction (i.e., the length direction of the battery module) and is suitable for cooperating with the fourth mounting hole 43 on the flexible circuit board 4 described below (refer to Figure 6), so that the flexible circuit board 4 can be fixed to the end plate 2 by a connecting member such as a bolt.

[0064] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, a third protrusion 26 is integrally connected to the side of the end plate body 21 facing away from the battery cell group 1 and is specifically formed in the shape of a cylindrical protrusion. A third mounting hole is defined in the third protrusion 26 for securing the entire battery module to the battery pack housing.

[0065] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the third mounting hole is arranged along a third preset direction (i.e., the thickness direction of the battery module), and accordingly, a fifth mounting hole is adaptively provided on the battery pack shell at a position corresponding to the third mounting hole, so as to be suitable for fixing the battery module on the battery pack shell.

[0066] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 , the copper busbar 3 includes a copper busbar body 31 , an output-pole aluminum busbar 32 , and a fixing clip 33 .

[0067] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the copper busbar body 31 is the main portion of the copper busbar 3. Made of pure copper, it has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, ensuring efficient current transmission and aiding heat dissipation. The copper busbar body 31 undergoes a specific manufacturing process to achieve an elongated, strip-like shape, which helps minimize space within the battery module.

[0068] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 5 , to accommodate the first protrusion 24 and the third protrusion 26 on the end plate body 21, a first arched portion 311 and a second arched portion 312 are formed on the copper busbar body 31. The position, number, and size of the first arched portions 311 are adapted to mate with the first protrusion 24, while the position, number, and size of the second arched portions 312 are adapted to mate with the third protrusion 26.

[0069] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, an output aluminum busbar 32 is welded to the end of the copper busbar body 31 and is typically made of aluminum. The primary function of the output aluminum busbar 32 is to connect the output terminals of the battery pack 1 via the end plate 2, effectively delivering current to other circuits or external devices. Through the connection between the copper busbar 3 and the output aluminum busbar 32, the battery module can provide stable power transmission, supporting normal operation of the device.

[0070] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the securing clip 33 is a fixing element on the copper busbar body 31, typically made of metal or plastic. It is located on the first arched portion 311 of the copper busbar body 31 and has a shape and structure that mates with the first mounting hole. Thanks to the securing clip 33, the copper busbar 3 is securely fixed to the end plate 2, ensuring stability and connection reliability of the battery module.

[0071] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the fixing buckle 33 includes a clip and a connecting column. The clip is sleeved on the first arched portion 311 of the copper busbar body 31. The connecting column is fixedly connected to the clip and can be inserted into the first clearance hole 42, thereby fixing the copper busbar 3 on the end plate 2.

[0072] In some other embodiments, the copper busbar 3 and the end plate 2 are integrally formed, thereby avoiding the fragmentation and dispersion in the traditional assembly process. This greatly simplifies the assembly process of the battery module, reduces the steps and complexity required for assembly, and thus improves production efficiency.

[0073] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 6 , the busbar support assembly 5 is a key component of the battery module, used to connect and support the busbars in the battery cell group 1. It is typically made of a metal material (such as an aluminum alloy) with good conductivity and mechanical strength. The shape and size of the busbar support assembly 5 can be determined based on the requirements of the battery module to ensure efficient current transmission and provide sufficient support and stability.

[0074] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the flexible circuit board 4 is a bendable and foldable circuit board with excellent flexibility. It is typically composed of an insulating substrate and a conductive material, offering high flexibility and reliability. The flexible circuit board 4 can be custom manufactured according to the design requirements of the battery module and is used to connect the busbars and other components of the battery module. It provides the necessary electrical connections, supports signal transmission and power distribution, and occupies a relatively small space within the battery module.

[0075] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the ends of the flexible printed circuit board 4 are fixed to the busbar support assembly 5, and the flexible printed circuit board 4 abuts against the side of the copper busbar 3 facing away from the end plate 2. Furthermore, corresponding to the second mounting holes described above, a plurality of fourth mounting holes 43 are formed on the flexible printed circuit board 4, thereby enabling the flexible printed circuit board 4 to be secured to the end plate 2 via connectors such as bolts. Furthermore, the flexible printed circuit board 4 is provided with clearance holes 42, which are adapted to mate with the first arched portion 311 described above, thereby making way for the first arched portion 311. Furthermore, the flexible printed circuit board 4 is also formed with a third arched portion 41, adapted to mate with the second arched portion 312 described above.

[0076] The present application strengthens the stability of the copper busbar 3 by arranging the copper busbar 3 in the accommodating groove formed by the end plate 2, while reducing various parts such as the module output pole copper busbar 20, the module output pole base 40, the mounting bolts 50 and the output pole protective cover 60, thereby avoiding the fragmentation and dispersion in the traditional assembly process. This will greatly simplify the assembly process of the battery module, reduce the steps and complexity required for assembly, and thus improve production efficiency. By integrating key components such as the copper busbar 3, the busbar bracket assembly 5, and the flexible circuit board 4 into the battery module, the connection points between independent parts are reduced, thereby reducing the connection problems that may occur during assembly. This will improve the stability of the battery module, promote the consistency of production quality, and reduce potential failures caused by connection problems. By directly fixing the copper busbar 3 in the battery module and connecting it to the output pole of the end plate 2, it helps to improve the signal transmission and power transmission efficiency of the battery module. This will help to improve the performance and safety of the entire battery pack, ensure the efficient transmission of electric energy and reliable connection between modules. The integrated battery module design reduces the physical space occupied by individual components, thereby providing more space within the battery pack for the integration of other functions or components, such as temperature control systems and protective devices. The design of the retaining plate 22, protrusions, and mounting holes on the end plate 2, as well as the fixing clips 33 on the copper busbar 3, help ensure that the battery module is correctly positioned and fixed during assembly, thus preventing unnecessary movement and loosening.

[0077] In summary, this technical solution brings many beneficial effects to the design and production of battery modules and battery packs by integrating key components, simplifying the assembly process, improving stability and quality consistency, enhancing performance and safety, reducing space occupancy, better fixing and positioning modules, and facilitating overall system integration.

[0078] In a second aspect of the present application, a battery pack is further proposed, which includes a plurality of the battery modules described above, and the plurality of battery modules are connected via the copper busbar 3 described above.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art may still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or substitute equivalents for some of the technical features therein. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application. Industrial Applicability

[0080] This technical solution brings many beneficial effects to the design and production of battery modules and battery packs by integrating key components, simplifying the assembly process, improving stability and quality consistency, enhancing performance and safety, reducing space occupancy, better fixing and positioning modules, and facilitating overall system integration.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that ,include: Battery cell group; End plates are arranged on both sides of the battery cell group along the battery cell stacking direction, and a receiving groove is formed on a side of the end plate away from the battery cell group; The copper busbar is fixedly disposed in the receiving groove and connected to the output pole of the battery cell group.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that , also includes: A busbar support assembly is arranged on the battery cell group; The flexible circuit board is arranged on the busbar support assembly and abuts against a side of the copper busbar away from the end plate.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that , the end plate comprises: An end plate body, one side of which is suitable for abutting against the battery cell group; A limiting plate is arranged along a first preset direction on a side of the end plate body away from the battery cell group, and there are at least two limiting plates, and the accommodating groove is formed between the two limiting plates; The first protrusion is arranged on the side of the end plate body away from the battery cell group. The first protrusion is provided with a first mounting hole. The first mounting hole is arranged along a second preset direction and is suitable for fixing the copper busbar.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that , the copper busbar comprises: A copper busbar body, which is disposed in the receiving groove; An output pole aluminum bar is fixed to the end of the copper bar body and is suitable for connecting to the output pole of the end plate; A fixing buckle is arranged on the copper busbar body and can be matched and connected with the first mounting hole.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that A first arched portion is formed on the copper busbar body, the first arched portion is suitable for cooperating with the first protrusion, and the fixing buckle is arranged on the first arched portion.

6. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that , the end plate also includes: The second protrusion is arranged on the side of the end plate body away from the battery cell group. The second protrusion is provided with a second mounting hole. The second mounting hole is arranged along a second preset direction and is suitable for fixing the flexible circuit board.

7. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that , the end plate also includes: The third protrusion is arranged on the side of the end plate body away from the battery cell group. The third protrusion is provided with a third mounting hole. The third mounting hole is arranged along a third preset direction and is suitable for fixing the battery module on the battery pack shell.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that A second arched portion is formed on the copper busbar body, and the second arched portion is suitable for cooperating with the third protrusion.

9. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that The flexible circuit board is provided with a clearance hole, and the clearance hole is suitable for cooperating with the first arched portion.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that ,include: The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of battery modules are provided and connected by the copper busbar.

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