Battery module, battery and electric apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a battery module, a battery and an electric apparatus. The battery module comprises: at least two columns of battery cells, each column of battery cells comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; spacers, each of which is sandwiched between two adjacent columns of battery cells in a second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction; and end components, which are located at ends of the at least two columns of battery cells in the first direction, wherein each spacer comprises coupling portions which extend beyond the at least two columns of battery cells in the first direction, and each end component comprises receiving spaces which are located in the end component, each receiving space being configured to receive at least part of the coupling portion, and the spacers being coupled to the end components by means of the coupling portions, so as to constrain a separation motion between the spacers and the end components in the first direction. The battery comprises a battery module. The electric apparatus comprises a battery module or a battery.

Description

Battery modules, batteries and electrical equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present disclosure is based on and claims priority to an application with CN application number 202311132758.6 and filing date September 5, 2023. The disclosure content of the CN application is hereby incorporated into the present disclosure as a whole. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery module, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry. In this context, electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of sustainable automotive development. Battery technology, in turn, is a crucial factor in the development of electric vehicles.

[0005] There is a constant demand for improvements in battery technology, such as increased strength and reliability.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] One of the purposes of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a battery module, a battery, and an electrical device that can effectively improve strength and / or reliability.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a battery module comprising: at least two columns of battery cells, each column of battery cells comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction; a spacer sandwiched between two adjacent columns of battery cells along a second direction, the second direction intersecting with the first direction; an end member located at the end portions of the at least two columns of battery cells along the first direction; wherein the spacer comprises a coupling portion extending beyond the at least two columns of battery cells along the first direction, the end member comprises a receiving space within the end member, the receiving space being used to receive at least a portion of the coupling portion, the spacer being coupled to the end member via the coupling portion to constrain the separation movement between the spacer and the end member along the first direction.

[0009] In the battery module of the present invention, the spacers between the columns of battery cells and the end pieces at the ends of the battery cell arrays are partially received within the end pieces and coupled to each other, thereby limiting the tendency for separation between the two due to battery cell expansion. This effectively restricts the potential expansion of the battery cells, thereby improving strength and reliability.

[0010] In some embodiments, the spacer includes a main body portion located between two adjacent columns of battery cells, the coupling portion includes an inserting portion connected to the main body portion, and the inserting portion is located in the receiving space.

[0011] Providing a main body portion and an insert portion connected to each other for the spacer helps to simplify the manufacture of the spacer having the function of spacing battery cells in rows and resisting expansion. By inserting the insert portion into the receiving space, the installation and matching of the spacer and the end component are facilitated.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plug-in portion is at least partially formed by bending an end portion of the spacer along the first direction.

[0013] By directly bending at least a portion of the plug portion on the end portion of the spacer itself, the need for additional coupling components to form a connection joint with the main body of the spacer is reduced, thereby reducing process complexity and potential failure points.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plug-in portion is formed as a sleeve structure or a plate-shaped structure.

[0015] Providing a sleeve- or plate-shaped plug-in structure located in the receiving space facilitates easy production and configuration of the plug-in portion of the coupling portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plate-like structure includes at least two sub-plates stacked along the first direction.

[0017] Providing the sub-plates stacked in the first direction helps to increase the strength of the plate structure of the plug-in portion, thereby improving the restraint performance on the separation tendency between the spacer and the end member in the first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the coupling portion further includes a connecting portion, and the connecting portion is used to connect the plug portion with the main body portion.

[0019] Providing the coupling portion with a connecting portion interconnecting the plug portion and the main body portion helps to adjust the distance between the plug portion and the main body portion as needed, so as to adapt to the assembly requirements of the spacer and the end piece.

[0020] In some embodiments, the coupling portion further includes a stacking portion, the stacking portion is connected to the plug-in portion, and the stacking portion is at least partially stacked with the connecting portion along the second direction.

[0021] By providing the coupling portion with a laminated portion that is also connected to the plug-in portion and is also at least partially laminated with the connecting portion, it is helpful to provide increased strength to the connection structure between the plug-in portion and the main body portion so as to improve the restraint performance against the separation tendency between the spacer and the end part along the first direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plug portion protrudes on at least one side of the main body along the second direction.

[0023] Providing the plug-in portion with a protruding structure extending beyond the main body portion in the second direction helps to increase the force bearing area of ​​the plug-in portion during the period of resisting the separation tendency between the spacer and the end component in the first direction and reduce stress concentration on the plug-in portion, thereby helping to improve the restraint performance.

[0024] In some embodiments, the end member is provided with a groove, the groove being recessed from a first surface of the end member facing the at least two columns of battery cells, and the receiving space is located in the groove.

[0025] Providing a groove recessed from the inner surface of the end member into the end member facilitates easy production and configuration of the receiving space of the end member, which is located within the groove and does not interfere with the engagement of the rest of the inner surface with adjacent or adjoining battery cells.

[0026] In some embodiments, the end member includes a hole extending along a third direction, the hole being connected to the groove so that a fastener passes through the hole and is connected to the plug portion located in the groove, and the third direction, the second direction and the first direction intersect each other.

[0027] Providing a hole for the fastener to pass through in a third direction intersecting both the second direction and the first direction facilitates the insertion of the fastener and its cooperation with the plug-in portion, and facilitates convenient positioning between the end member and the spacer through force transmission of the fastener.

[0028] In some embodiments, the hole passes through the end member along the third direction, so that the fastener passes through the end member and fixes the battery module in a box for accommodating the battery module.

[0029] By using the same fasteners to connect the spacer and the end member as well as the end member and the case, a simplified battery assembly process is provided, which helps to improve the production efficiency of the battery.

[0030] In some embodiments, the groove extends along a third direction to at least one end surface of the end component to form an opening on at least one end surface of the end component, and the opening is used to guide the plug-in part into the groove, and the third direction, the second direction and the first direction intersect each other.

[0031] Providing an end member opening for guiding the plug-in portion through the end member opening in a third direction intersecting both the second direction and the first direction facilitates insertion of the plug-in portion and engagement with the groove.

[0032] In some embodiments, the groove includes a first sub-groove and a second sub-groove that intersect and connect with each other, the second sub-groove is connected to the first surface via the first sub-groove, along the second direction, the size of the second sub-groove is larger than the size of the first sub-groove, and the inner wall of the second sub-groove is used to stop the plug-in part.

[0033] The groove has a sub-groove with a larger size along the second direction in the direction away from the battery cell, which helps to provide a snap-on stop for the plug-in portion through the inner wall surface of the end component, thereby helping to save assembly space.

[0034] In some embodiments, the groove passes through the end component along the first direction, and the coupling portion includes an extension portion extending from the plug-in portion toward a second surface of the end component facing away from the at least two columns of battery cells, the extension portion extends in the second direction, and the second surface is used to stop the extension portion.

[0035] The coupling portion has a protruding portion extending from the outer surface of the end member in a direction away from the battery cell, which helps provide a snap-fit ​​stop for the protruding portion through the outer surface of the end member, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the end member.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second surface includes a recessed platform for accommodating the protrusion.

[0037] Providing a recessed platform on the second surface to accommodate the protruding portion helps to alleviate the protruding interference of the protruding portion along the first direction and helps to reduce the possibility of warping of the edge of the protruding portion.

[0038] In some embodiments, the extension is fixedly connected to the end piece.

[0039] By fixing the protruding portion to the end member, the connection strength is increased, thereby improving the restraint performance against the separation tendency between the spacer and the end member in the first direction.

[0040] In some embodiments, along the third direction, the size of the plug-in portion is smaller than the size of the main body portion, and the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction intersect with each other.

[0041] By providing a plug with reduced dimensions, weight reduction requirements are helped and handling of the assembly of the plug is facilitated.

[0042] In some embodiments, the end components located at the ends of the at least two columns of battery cells along the first direction are integrally formed structures.

[0043] Providing an integrally formed end member extending continuously along the second direction helps to enhance the structural integrity of the battery module, thereby reducing assembly complexity and potential failure points compared to a plurality of separately provided end members.

[0044] In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery, comprising: a box; and the above-mentioned battery module, wherein the battery module is accommodated in the box.

[0045] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electrical device comprising the above-mentioned battery module or the above-mentioned battery.

[0046] By having the features of the embodiments of the present application, the provided battery and electrical equipment can obtain the benefits described with respect to the battery module.

[0047] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without any creative work.

[0049] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0050] FIG2 is an exploded view of the structure of some components of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0051] FIG3 is an exploded view of the structure of some components of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0052] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a spacer of the battery module of FIG2 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0053] FIG5 is a partial enlarged view of an end portion of the spacer of FIG4 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0054] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of an end component of the battery module of FIG2 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0055] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the battery module of FIG2 installed in a box according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0056] FIG8 is a partial enlarged view of the left side of the box body of FIG7 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0057] FIG9 is a partial enlarged view of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0058] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a spacer of the battery module of FIG9 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0059] FIG11 is a partial enlarged view of an end portion of the spacer of FIG10 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0060] FIG12 is a partial enlarged view of an end portion of the spacer of FIG10 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0061] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of an end member of the battery module of FIG9 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0062] FIG14 is a partial enlarged view of the groove of the end member of FIG13 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0063] FIG15 is a partial enlarged view of a battery module provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0064] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a spacer of the battery module of FIG15 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0065] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of an end member of the battery module of FIG15 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0066] FIG18 is a partial enlarged view of the sink of the end member of FIG17 provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0067] FIG19 is an exploded view of a battery structure provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0068] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of a box provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0069] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0070] Marking instructions: 100, vehicle; 101, axle; 102, wheel; 103, motor; 104, controller; 200, battery; 300, battery module; 1, spacer; 10, main body; 11, coupling part; 111, plug-in part; 112, connecting part; 113, stacking part; 114, protruding part; 2, end part; 20, receiving space; 21, hole; 22, first surface; 23, groove; 231, first sub-groove; 232, second sub-groove; 24, opening; 25, second surface; 26, sink; 3, battery cell; 4, fixing belt; 5, fastener; 6, cover; 7, box body; 71, module mounting beam; 72, module mounting hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0072] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0073] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the technical features indicated. In addition, the term "perpendicular" does not mean perpendicular in the strict sense, but rather means within the allowable error range. The term "parallel" does not mean parallel in the strict sense, but rather means within the allowable error range.

[0074] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0075] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0076] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined. Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups, and "multiple sheets" refers to more than two sheets, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0077] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood based on the specific circumstances.

[0079] Currently, market developments indicate that power batteries are becoming increasingly widely used. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal, wind, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. As power battery applications continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0080] To increase the volumetric energy density of batteries, battery modules have been used that combine multiple rows of battery cells. These modules form relatively independent structures, where, for example, the rows of battery cells in the structure can be manipulated as a whole, such as during transfer and installation. It is noted that battery cells expand during charge and discharge cycles. As they expand, the volume of the battery cells tends to increase. If the battery module is not strong enough, the module may deform significantly, squeezing the surrounding structure around the module installation location, leading to potential structural failure and reliability issues.

[0081] Based on the above considerations, in order to further improve reliability and / or strength, a battery module was designed after in-depth research, including: at least two columns of battery cells, each column of battery cells including a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction; a spacer, sandwiched between two adjacent columns of battery cells along a second direction, the second direction intersecting with the first direction; an end member, located at the end of at least two columns of battery cells along the first direction; wherein the spacer includes a coupling portion extending beyond at least two columns of battery cells along the first direction, the end member includes a receiving space located within the end member, the receiving space being used to receive at least a portion of the coupling portion, and the spacer is coupled to the end member via the coupling portion to constrain the separation movement between the spacer and the end member along the first direction.

[0082] In the proposed new battery module, the spacers between columns of battery cells and the end pieces at the ends of each column are partially housed within the end pieces and coupled to each other, limiting the tendency for separation between the two due to battery cell expansion. This effectively restricts potential battery cell expansion, contributing to improvements in strength and reliability.

[0083] The battery modules and / or batteries disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical equipment such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. The battery modules and / or batteries disclosed in this application can be used to form a power supply system for the electrical equipment.

[0084] An embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device using a battery as a power source, wherein the battery is configured to provide electrical energy to the electrical device. The electrical device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a portable device, a laptop computer, an electric vehicle, an electric car, a ship, a spacecraft, an electric toy, and an electric tool, etc. For example, the spacecraft includes an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, and a spacecraft, etc. The electric toy includes a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, an electric car toy, an electric ship toy, and an electric airplane toy, etc. The electric tool includes a metal cutting power tool, a grinding power tool, an assembly power tool, and a railway power tool, such as an electric drill, an electric grinder, an electric wrench, an electric screwdriver, an electric hammer, an impact drill, a concrete vibrator, and an electric planer.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a structural diagram of a vehicle 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The electrical equipment may be a vehicle 100, such as a new energy vehicle, which may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle, etc.; or the device using the battery may also be a drone or a ship, etc. The vehicle 100 includes a battery 200, which is used to provide electrical energy for the operation of the vehicle. The vehicle 100 also includes an axle 101, wheels 102 connected to the axle 101, a motor 103, and a controller 104. The motor 103 is used to drive the axle 101 to rotate, the controller 104 is used to control the operation of the motor 103, and the battery 200 is used to provide electrical energy for the operation of the motor 103 and other components in the vehicle.

[0086] Battery 200 may include a housing and battery cells or a battery module formed by battery cells. The housing has a hollow interior, and the battery cells are housed within the housing. The housing provides a storage space for the battery cells and may include mounting features for the battery cells. The housing may include a first portion and a second portion, which overlap to define a storage space for the battery cells. Furthermore, the connection between the first and second portions may be sealed by a sealant, such as a sealing ring or sealant.

[0087] Referring to Figures 2 to 18, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery module 300, comprising at least two columns of battery cells 3, a spacer 1, and an end member 2. Each column of battery cells 3 includes a plurality of battery cells 3 arranged along a first direction X. The spacer 1 is sandwiched between two adjacent columns of battery cells 3 along a second direction Y. The second direction Y intersects with the first direction X. The end member 2 is located at the end of at least two columns of battery cells 3 along the first direction X. The spacer 1 includes a coupling portion 11 extending beyond at least two columns of battery cells 3 along the first direction X, and the end member 2 includes a receiving space 20 located within the end member 2, the receiving space 20 being used to receive at least a portion of the coupling portion 11. The spacer 1 is coupled to the end member 2 via the coupling portion 11 to constrain the separation movement between the spacer 1 and the end member 2 along the first direction X.

[0088] The first direction X refers to the arrangement direction of the battery cells 3 in the same column, which can be a longitudinal direction. The second direction Y refers to the direction in which the columns are placed one after another, which can be a transverse direction. The second direction Y can be perpendicular to the first direction X. Although Figures 2 and 3 show three columns of battery cells 3, each column having a specific number of battery cells 3, the battery module 300 may include two or more columns of battery cells 3, and each column having a greater or lesser number of battery cells 3.

[0089] Battery cells 3 are the basic units for converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Multiple battery cells 3 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration refers to a combination of series and parallel connections. Each battery cell 3 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. Battery cells can be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes. Battery cells 3 can include a housing, an electrode assembly, and an end cap. The housing has an opening, and the electrode assembly is housed within the housing. The end cap seals the housing opening. The end cap includes an end cap body and, mounted thereon, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and an explosion-proof valve. One or more electrode assemblies can be stacked. An electrode assembly can include a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. The electrode assembly can be a wound structure formed by winding the positive electrode sheet, separator, and negative electrode sheet, or a stacked structure formed by stacking the positive electrode sheet, separator, and negative electrode sheet. The electrode assembly also includes a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab. The positive electrode tab can be a positive electrode current collector in the positive electrode sheet that is not coated with a positive electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode tab can be a negative electrode current collector in the negative electrode sheet that is not coated with a negative electrode active material layer. The positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab are connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal respectively through adapters. For example, the battery cells 3 arranged in each column can be aligned with each other and have the same orientation, for example, in the case of a flat body, the large surfaces face each other. For example, such a large surface of the battery cell 3 can be the main expansion surface of the battery cell 3 compared to the other narrower surfaces of the battery cell 3.

[0090] The spacer 1 is used to separate two adjacent columns of battery cells 3. The spacer 1 can be a sheet or plate. As shown in Figure 3, the main body 10 of the spacer 1 located between the two adjacent columns of battery cells 3 can have a height corresponding to the main body of the battery cell 3, so that the space between the two adjacent columns of battery cells 3 can be occupied by the main body 10 of the spacer 1. The spacer 1 can be bonded to the battery cells 3 by gluing, or pressed against the battery cells 3 by foam. For example, in the case of a flat body, bonding and / or pressing occurs on the narrow lateral surface of the battery cell 3. This type of spacer 1 itself can be used to provide insulation and / or thermal insulation, etc.

[0091] The end member 2 is used to provide a barrier at the end of each column of battery cells 3 along the first direction X. The end member 2 may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and may have mounting features for mounting the battery module 300 in a box and an appropriate shape and size.

[0092] The coupling portion 11 of the spacer 1 extends beyond the battery cells 3 along the first direction X, which means that the coupling portion 11 of the spacer 1 is located outside the battery cells 3 at the outermost edge of each column of battery cells 3 along the first direction X. In this way, the coupling portion 11 facilitates interaction with the structure of the end member 2 (such as the receiving space 20 or other structures described below) without interfering with the battery cells 3 in each column.

[0093] The receiving space 20 is located in the end piece 2, which means that the receiving space 20 is at least partially defined by a cavity in the outer peripheral contour of the end piece 2, and this cavity may or may not pass through the end piece 2 in at least one direction relative to the end piece 2. When the receiving space 20 receives at least a portion of the coupling portion 11, the portion of the coupling portion 11 is positioned within the range of the receiving space 20.

[0094] The coupling of the spacer 1 to the end member 2 via the coupling portion 11 means that the two are in a cooperation that constrains or limits the separation movement, such as mechanical cooperation and / or connection cooperation and / or shape cooperation.

[0095] The battery module provided in the embodiments of the present application helps to achieve the requirements in terms of reliability and strength by effectively restraining the possible expansion of the battery cells.

[0096] Please refer to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, and 16. According to some embodiments of the present application, the spacer 1 includes a main body 10 located between two adjacent columns of battery cells 3, and the coupling portion 11 includes a plug-in portion 111 connected to the main body 10, and the plug-in portion 111 is located in the receiving space 20.

[0097] The main body portion 10 of the spacer 1 means the portion that occupies most of the volume of the spacer 1 relative to the rest of the spacer 1. The main body portion 10 may extend in the space between two adjacent columns of battery cells 3.

[0098] The plug-in portion 111 is connected to the main body 10 , which means that they can be formed as one piece or connected by separate parts.

[0099] The plug-in portion 111 is located in the receiving space 20, which means that the plug-in portion 111 can be inserted into the receiving space 20 from outside the receiving space 20. This insertion direction may include a first direction X, a second direction Y and / or a third direction Z. The third direction Z intersects with the first direction X and the second direction Y. Optionally, the third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0100] By providing the spacer 1 with a main body portion 10 and a plug-in portion 111 that are connected to each other, it helps to simplify the manufacture of the spacer 1 having the function of spacing battery cells in rows and resisting expansion. By inserting the plug-in portion 111 into the receiving space 20, it helps to facilitate the installation and matching of the spacer 1 and the end component 2.

[0101] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12. According to some embodiments of the present application, the plug-in portion 111 is at least partially formed by bending the end portion of the spacer 1 along the first direction X.

[0102] The end of the spacer 1 along the first direction X refers to the end of the spacer 1 closest to the end member 2. Bending to form the plug-in portion 111 means that the bent end of the spacer 1 is deformed, for example, changing relative to its original shape that is naturally continuous with the main body 10 of the spacer 1. The bending direction can be along the plane containing the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , by bending the end of the spacer 1 , for example, a hollow cylindrical portion can be formed. This can be formed by rolling the edge of the end of the spacer 1 back toward the main body 10 of the spacer 1 .

[0104] As shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, by bending the end of the spacer 1, one or more protrusions along the second direction Y can be formed, for example. This can be formed by bending at different angles at one or more positions away from the edge of the end of the spacer 1.

[0105] By directly bending the end of the spacer 1 to form at least a portion of the plug-in portion 111 , the need for additional coupling components to form a connection joint with the main body 10 of the spacer 1 is reduced, thereby reducing process complexity and potential failure points.

[0106] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, and 16. In some embodiments, the plug-in portion 111 is formed as a sleeve structure or a plate structure.

[0107] A sleeve structure refers to a hollow cylindrical structure. The hollow cylindrical structure of the sleeve is used to receive a fastener (e.g., a bolt or, more generally, a retaining pin). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sleeve structure can be cylindrical. However, the shape of the sleeve structure is not limited thereto; for example, the sleeve structure can be prismatic.

[0108] A plate-like structure refers to a planar structure whose thickness is smaller than other dimensions. A plate-like structure can have a single layer or multiple layers. As shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12, a plate-like structure can be single-layered, double-layered, or both. As shown in Figure 16, a plate-like structure can be single-layered. However, the number of layers in a plate-like structure is not limited to this; for example, a plate-like structure can have three or more layers.

[0109] A sleeve structure or a plate-like structure may be additionally connected as the plug-in portion 111 , or the sleeve structure or the plate-like structure may be formed by bending (such as the bending action described above).

[0110] Providing a sleeve or plate-shaped plug-in structure located in the receiving space 20 facilitates easy production and configuration of the plug-in portion 111 of the coupling portion 11 .

[0111] Please refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, the plate-like structure includes at least two sub-plates stacked along a first direction X.

[0112] The sub-boards are stacked along the first direction X, which means that their thicknesses are arranged along the first direction X. The sub-boards of adjacent layers may be fixedly connected, which may include welding or bonding, etc. The connection may be formed continuously or intermittently in the stacking region.

[0113] As shown in FIG11 , the plate-like structure has two stacked sub-plates on one side of the main body 10 relative to the second direction Y and one sub-plate on the other side of the main body 10 relative to the second direction Y by bending.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 12 , the plate-like structure has two layers of sub-plates stacked on either side of the main body 10 relative to the second direction Y by bending.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 , although gaps are shown between the laminated sub-plates, the laminated sub-plates may be in contact with each other and fixedly connected to each other as described above.

[0116] Providing the sub-plates stacked along the first direction X helps to increase the strength of the plate structure of the plug-in portion 111 , thereby improving the restraint performance on the separation tendency between the spacer 1 and the end member 2 along the first direction X.

[0117] Please refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, the coupling portion 11 further includes a connecting portion 112 . The connecting portion 112 is used to connect the plug portion 111 to the main body 10 .

[0118] The connecting portion 112 is a structure that connects to the plug portion 111 at one end and to the main body 10 at the other end. At least a portion of the connecting portion 112 may extend beyond at least two columns of battery cells 3 along the first direction X, so as to provide the plug portion 111 at a specific location outside the battery cells 3 at the outermost edge of each column of battery cells 3 along the first direction X. The connecting portion 112 may be a separate component for connection, a continuous portion of the main body 10 of the spacer 1, a continuous portion of the plug portion 111, or both the plug portion 111 and the connecting portion 112 may be formed by the ends of the spacer 1. As shown in FIG. 5 , the connecting portion 112 may be coplanar with the main body 10 of the spacer 1.

[0119] Providing the coupling portion 11 with a connecting portion 112 interconnecting the plug portion 111 and the main body 10 facilitates adjusting the distance between the plug portion 111 and the main body 10 as needed to accommodate assembly requirements of the spacer 1 and the end member 2 .

[0120] 4 and 5 , in some embodiments, the coupling portion 11 further includes a stacking portion 113 , which is connected to the plug-in portion 111 and is at least partially stacked with the connecting portion 112 along the second direction Y.

[0121] The stacking portion 113 and the connecting portion 112 are stacked along the second direction Y, which means that their thicknesses are arranged along the second direction Y. The stacking portion 113 and the connecting portion 112 can be fixedly connected, which may include welding or bonding, and the connection can be formed continuously or intermittently in the stacking region.

[0122] The connection between the laminated portion 113 and the plug-in portion 111 means that the laminated portion 113 and the plug-in portion 111 are connected by separate components, or the laminated portion 113 is a continuous portion of the plug-in portion 111 .

[0123] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a connecting portion 112 can be formed at the end of the spacer 1 along the first direction X, and a plug-in portion 111, such as a sleeve structure, can be formed by bending on the side of the connecting portion 112 away from the main body portion 10. When the plug-in portion 111 is formed, an end can be left at the end, and the end can be folded back and overlapped on the connecting portion 112, so that the end forms a stacking portion 113.

[0124] By providing the coupling portion 11 with a stacking portion 113 which is also connected to the plug-in portion 111 and is also at least partially stacked with the connecting portion 112, it is helpful to provide increased strength to the connection structure between the plug-in portion 111 and the main body portion 10 so as to improve the restraint performance against the separation tendency between the spacer 1 and the end portion 2 along the first direction X.

[0125] Please refer to FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 , FIG. 10 , FIG. 11 , and FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, the plug portion 111 protrudes along the second direction Y on at least one side of the main body 10 .

[0126] The protrusion of the plug-in portion 111 in the second direction Y means that the plug-in portion 111 is formed with an extended surface or shape for hindering the separation movement or separation trend between the spacer 1 and the end part 2 along the first direction X, and this surface or shape can be used to cooperate with a separate fastener, and / or directly cooperate with at least a portion of the end part 2.

[0127] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sleeve-shaped plug-in portion 111 protrudes from both sides of the main body 10 along the second direction Y. For example, the plug-in portion 111 may protrude to the same or different degrees on both sides. Alternatively, the sleeve-shaped plug-in portion 111 may protrude from only one side of the main body 10 along the second direction Y.

[0128] As shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12, the plate-shaped plug-in portion 111 protrudes from both sides of the main body 10 along the second direction Y. For example, the protrusions on both sides may be the same or different. This results in the spacer 1 having a T-shaped end along the first direction X. Alternatively, the plate-shaped plug-in portion 111 may protrude only from one side of the main body 10 along the second direction Y. This results in the spacer 1 having an L-shaped end along the first direction X.

[0129] By providing the plug-in portion 111 with a protruding structure extending beyond the main body portion 10 along the second direction Y, it helps to increase the force-bearing area of ​​the plug-in portion 111 during the period of resisting the separation tendency between the spacer 1 and the end part 2 along the first direction X and reduce the stress concentration on the plug-in portion 111, thereby helping to improve the constraint performance.

[0130] Please refer to Figures 6, 13, 14, 17 and 18. According to some embodiments of the present application, the end component 2 is provided with a groove 23, which is recessed from the first surface 22 of the end component 2 facing at least two columns of battery cells 3, and the receiving space 20 is located in the groove 23.

[0131] The first surface 22 of the end member 2 faces at least two columns of battery cells 3, which means that the first surface 22 is the inner side surface of the end member 2 adjacent to or abutting the outermost battery cells 3 of each column of battery cells 3 along the first direction X. Except for the groove 23, the rest of the first surface 22 can conform to the adjacent or abutting surface of the battery cell 3 (e.g., the large surface in the case of the flat body mentioned above), for example, can be flat.

[0132] The recessed groove 23 from the first surface 22 means that the recessed groove 23, at least in the first direction X, is away from the battery cell 3 and forms a material-deficient portion of the end member 2. The recessed groove 23 will have an access opening on the first surface 22 of the end member 2. The access opening may be rectangular or have another shape. When the recessed groove 23 does not extend through the end member 2, the recessed groove 23 will have an inner wall on the side opposite the access opening. The inner wall may conform to the adjacent or abutting outer surface of the plug-in portion 111, such as a corresponding partial cylindrical shape when the plug-in portion 111 is a sleeve structure, or the inner wall may be planar.

[0133] The receiving space 20 is located in the groove 23 , which means that the groove 23 has a sufficient recessed depth for receiving the plug-in portion 111 , and optionally also for receiving at least a portion of the connecting portion 112 and / or the laminated portion 113 .

[0134] By providing a groove 23 recessed from the inner surface of the end member 2 into the end member 2, it is helpful to easily make and configure the receiving space 20 of the end member 2. The receiving space 20 is located in the groove 23 and will not interfere with the engagement of the rest of the inner surface with the adjacent or adjacent battery cells 3.

[0135] Please refer to Figures 2 to 8. In some embodiments, the end component 2 includes a hole 21 extending along the third direction Z. The hole 21 is connected to the groove 23 so that the fastener 5 passes through the hole 21 and is connected to the plug-in portion 111 located in the groove 23. The third direction Z, the second direction Y and the first direction X intersect each other.

[0136] The third direction Z intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Y. Optionally, the third direction Z is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. When the first direction X is longitudinal and the second direction Y is transverse, the third direction Z may be a vertical or height direction.

[0137] As shown in FIG6 , the corresponding holes 21 and grooves 23 are aligned in the third direction Z. As the fastener 5 is inserted from, for example, the upper surface of the end piece 2, it passes through the hole section before the groove 23, then connects with the plug 111 in the section of the groove 23 that receives the plug 111, and optionally continues to pass through the hole section after the groove 23. When the plug 111 tends to leave the groove 23, due to the continuity of the fastener 5, the separation force applied to one section of the fastener 5 is transmitted to the remaining sections of the fastener 5, and such remaining sections interact with the end piece 2 through the hole wall, resulting in the separation force being resisted.

[0138] As shown in Figure 6 , when the inserting portion 111 is a sleeve structure extending along the third direction Z, the fastener 5 is connected to the sleeve structure by passing through the sleeve structure. Therefore, the connection at least includes a connection that transmits the separation force. In this way, the fastener 5 at least acts as a stop pin, conveniently achieving a mechanical connection that constrains or limits the separation movement between the spacer 1 and the end member 2. Alternatively, the fastener 5 and the inserting portion 111 can be fixedly connected, for example, but not limited to, by a threaded fit or an interference fit.

[0139] By providing a hole 21 for the fastener 5 to pass through in the third direction Z intersecting with both the second direction Y and the first direction X, it helps to insert the fastener 5 and cooperate with the plug-in part 111, and helps to conveniently achieve the limitation between the end part 2 and the spacer 1 through the force transmission of the fastener 5.

[0140] 7 and 8 , in some embodiments, the hole 21 passes through the end member 2 along the third direction Z, so that the fastener 5 passes through the end member 2 and fixes the battery module 300 in the box 7 for accommodating the battery module 300 .

[0141] The hole 21 passing through the end member 2 along the third direction Z means that the hole 21 is open at both ends along the third direction Z. The end member 2 is formed as a mounting feature of the battery module 300 relative to the case 7 so that the same fastener 5 also mounts the battery module 300 to the case 7 through the end member 2 .

[0142] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the box body 7 can be closed by the cover 6, including a module mounting beam 71 located at the corner of the box body 7 and a module mounting hole 72 provided in the module mounting beam 71. When the battery module 300 combined with the spacer 1 and the end member 2 is accommodated in the box body 7, the fastener 5 passes through the hole 21 and enters the module mounting hole 72 to fix the battery module 300 in the box body 7. To this end, the fastener 5 and the module mounting hole 72 can include an external thread and an internal thread, respectively. As described above, when the fastener 5 passes through the hole 21, the fastener 5 is connected to the plug-in portion 111. In addition, the plug-in portion 111 can be separated from the main body 10 of the spacer 1 by the connecting portion 112, and the connecting portion 112 can also be at least partially received in the groove 23.

[0143] By using the same fastener 5 to connect the spacer 1 and the end member 2 as well as the end member 2 and the case 7 , a simplified battery assembly process is provided, which helps to improve the production efficiency of the battery.

[0144] In the aforementioned embodiment of the fastener 5, the constraint or restriction of the separation movement between the spacer 1 and the end part 2 is obtained by, for example, the fastener 5 acting as an intermediate part, and the constraint or restriction of the separation movement can also be obtained at least partially by direct cooperation between the spacer 1 and the end part 2. Such direct cooperation means that the shapes of the respective corresponding parts of the spacer 1 and the end part 2 can be engaged and stopped with each other, for example, shape-fitting, thereby resulting in the separation movement or separation trend between the spacer 1 and the end part 2 being hindered, as described in the reference embodiment below.

[0145] Please refer to Figures 13 and 14. According to some embodiments of the present application, the groove 23 extends along the third direction Z to at least one end surface of the end component 2 to form an opening 24 on at least one end surface of the end component 2. The opening 24 is used to guide the plug-in portion 111 into the groove 23. The third direction Z, the second direction Y and the first direction X intersect with each other.

[0146] Due to the presence of the opening 24, the plug-in portion 111 can be guided into the groove 23 at a position where the spacer 1 and the end member 2 intersect each other along the first direction X, or vice versa, that is, the component to be moved is the end member 2 having the opening 24. Guiding the plug-in portion 111 from the opening 24 along the third direction Z facilitates the installation and fit of the plug-in portion 111 having a protrusion with an increased lateral dimension away from the battery cell 3 in the first direction X.

[0147] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the opening 24 can have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as or slightly larger than the groove 23 to facilitate guidance. The groove 23 can extend along the third direction Z to both end faces of the end member 2 to form openings 24 on both end faces of the end member 2, which helps to reduce the assembly orientation requirements of the end member 2.

[0148] Providing an end piece opening 24 for guiding the plug part 111 through in a third direction Z intersecting both the second direction Y and the first direction X facilitates insertion of the plug part 111 and engagement with the groove 23 .

[0149] Please refer to Figures 13 and 14. According to some embodiments of the present application, the groove 23 includes a first sub-groove 231 and a second sub-groove 232 that intersect and connect with each other. The second sub-groove 232 is connected to the first surface 22 via the first sub-groove 231. Along the second direction Y, the size of the second sub-groove 232 is larger than the size of the first sub-groove 231. The inner wall of the second sub-groove 232 is used to stop the plug-in portion 111.

[0150] The first sub-groove 231 and the second sub-groove 232, which are connected to each other and to the inner surface of the end member 2 in the first direction X, can be regarded as depressions that are sequentially away from the first surface 22 and away from the battery cell 3. The second direction dimension of the second sub-groove 232 is greater than the second direction dimension of the first sub-groove 231, which means a larger lateral dimension for accommodating the plug-in portion 111 having a protrusion with an increased lateral dimension away from the battery cell 3 in the first direction X. Such a second sub-groove 232 will form an inner wall facing the interior of the receiving space 20. The contact between the plug-in portion 111 and the inner wall will hinder the occurrence or progress of the separation movement between the spacer 1 and the end member 2 along the first direction, that is, the separation force can be resisted at the contact interface between the two. In other words, the inner wall of the second sub-groove 232 forms a stop for the plug-in portion 111.

[0151] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first sub-groove 231 can extend along a first direction X, while the second sub-groove 232 can extend along a second direction Y on both sides of the first sub-groove 231. When the first and second sub-grooves 231 and 232 have relatively narrow widths, the groove 23 can form a T-shaped groove overall. If the second sub-groove 232 extends along the second direction Y on only one side of the first sub-groove 231, the groove 23 can form an L-shaped groove overall. The T-shaped groove of the former can accommodate the plug-in portion 111 of a T-shaped plate-like structure as shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12, while the L-shaped groove of the latter can accommodate the plug-in portion 111 of an L-shaped plate-like structure. The first sub-groove 231 or the second sub-groove 232 can be configured differently to match different shapes of the plug-in portion 111, thereby providing a stop for the plug-in portion 111.

[0152] The groove 23 has a larger sub-groove along the second direction Y in the direction away from the battery cell 3, which helps to provide a snap-on stop for the plug-in portion 111 through the inner wall surface of the end component 2, helping to save assembly space.

[0153] Please refer to Figures 15, 16, 17, and 18. According to some embodiments of the present application, the groove 23 passes through the end component 2 along the first direction X, and the coupling portion 11 includes an extension portion 114 extending from the plug-in portion 111 toward the second surface 25 of the end component 2 facing away from at least two columns of battery cells 3. The extension portion 114 extends in the second direction Y, and the second surface 25 is used to stop the extension portion 114.

[0154] The groove 23 extends through the end member 2 along the first direction X, meaning that the receiving space 20 extends continuously between the first surface 22 of the end member 2 and the second surface 25 of the end member 2 and has an entry opening and an exit opening. The second surface 25 of the end member 2 faces away from at least two columns of battery cells 3, meaning that the second surface 25 is the outer surface of the end member 2 that is away from the outermost battery cell 3 of each column of battery cells 3 along the first direction X. The second surface 25 can be, for example, planar.

[0155] The protrusion 114 protruding from the second surface 25 means that the protrusion 114 has a portion located outside the groove 23. The protrusion 114 can be a separate component connected to the plug-in portion 111, or a continuous portion of the plug-in portion 111. In the latter case, the protrusion 114 can be formed at least in part by bending the end of the spacer 1 along the first direction X. As shown in Figure 16, the protrusion 114 can be formed into a plate-like structure. The protrusion 114 extending in the second direction Y means that the protrusion 114 protrudes on at least one side of the main body 10 along the second direction Y.

[0156] The extension 114 has a surface or shape designed to hinder the separation movement or expansion of the separation tendency between the spacer 1 and the end member 2 along the first direction X. This surface or shape can be directly engaged with the second surface 25 of the end member 2. The contact between the extension 114 and the second surface 25 hinders the occurrence or progress of the separation movement between the spacer 1 and the end member 2 along the first direction, meaning that the separation force can be resisted at the contact interface between the two. In other words, the second surface 25 forms a stop for the extension 114. As shown in FIG16 , the extension 114 and the plug-in portion 111 can form an L-shape at the end of the spacer 1 along the first direction X.

[0157] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the through groove 23 may be in an elongated shape along the third direction Z. If the coupling portion 11 having the protruding portion 114 needs to be inserted from the first surface 22, the final configuration of the protruding portion 114 may be formed after being inserted through the through groove 23. For example, in the case of the aforementioned bent end portion, the protruding portion 114 may be inserted in a straight configuration and then bent after insertion.

[0158] The coupling portion 11 has a protruding portion 114 extending from the outer surface of the end member 2 in a direction away from the battery cell 3 , which helps provide a snap-fit ​​stop for the protruding portion 114 through the outer surface of the end member 2 , thereby simplifying the manufacture of the end member 2 .

[0159] Please refer to FIG. 15 , FIG. 17 , and FIG. 18 . According to some embodiments of the present application, the second surface 25 includes a recessed platform 26 for accommodating the protruding portion 114 .

[0160] The recessed platform 26 is a recessed portion recessed from the second surface 25, which is used to place at least a portion of the protruding portion 114 so as to reduce the height of the protruding portion 114 exceeding the area of ​​the second surface 25 around the recessed platform 26 in the first direction X. The recessed platform 26 is connected to the groove 23 and extends in the same direction as the protruding portion 114 extends in the second direction Y.

[0161] When the protruding portion 114 is received in the recessed portion 26 , the depth of the recessed portion 26 can protect the edge of the protruding portion 114 facing the battery cell 3 .

[0162] Providing the recessed platform 26 on the second surface 25 to accommodate the protruding portion helps to alleviate the protruding interference of the protruding portion 114 along the first direction X, and helps to reduce the possibility of warping of the edge of the protruding portion 114.

[0163] Please refer to Figures 15, 16, 17, and 18. In some embodiments, the extension portion 114 is fixedly connected to the end member 2.

[0164] The protrusion 114 protrudes from the second surface 25 and extends in the second direction Y, so that the protrusion 114 can be fixedly connected to the second surface 25 of the end member 2. When the second surface 25 includes a recessed portion 26 and the protrusion 114 is accommodated therein, the protrusion 114 can be fixedly connected to the recessed portion 26 of the second surface 25. The fixed connection can include welding or bonding, etc., and the connection can be formed continuously or at intervals in the protrusion 114.

[0165] By fixing the protruding portion 114 to the end member 2 , the connection strength is increased, so as to improve the restraint performance against the separation tendency between the spacer 1 and the end member 2 along the first direction X.

[0166] 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , and 16 , in some embodiments, along the third direction Z, the size of the plug-in portion 111 is smaller than that of the main body 10 , and the third direction Z, the second direction Y, and the first direction X intersect with each other.

[0167] When the third direction Z is a vertical direction or a height direction, the height of the inserting portion 111 of the coupling portion 11 is smaller than the height of the main body portion 10 of the spacer 1 .

[0168] Optionally, along the third direction Z, the dimensions of the connecting portion 112 are equal to those of the plug-in portion 111. Optionally, along the third direction Z, the dimensions of the protruding portion 114 are equal to those of the plug-in portion 111. Alternatively, the coupling portion 11 can be formed by bending the end of the spacer 1. Unnecessary height portions of the end can be removed prior to bending, or the removal step can be performed during or after bending. For example, in the case of a sheet-like spacer 1, the coupling portion 11 can be formed by bending the narrowed strip-shaped end of the sheet-like spacer 1.

[0169] Although FIG. 10 shows that the third dimension of the plug portion 111 is equal to the third dimension of the main body 10 , the height of the plug portion 111 of the coupling portion 11 may be reduced relative to the height of the main body 10 .

[0170] By providing the plug-in portion 111 with a reduced size, the weight reduction requirement is met and the assembly of the plug-in portion 111 is facilitated.

[0171] 2 , 6 , 9 , 13 , 15 , and 17 , the end members 2 located at the ends of at least two rows of battery cells 3 along the first direction X are integrally formed structures.

[0172] At the end portion along the first direction X, the integrally formed end piece 2 extends along the second direction Y across all columns of battery cells 3 and also across the spacers 1 between adjacent columns of battery cells 3 .

[0173] Providing an integrally formed end member 2 extending continuously along the second direction Y helps to enhance the structural integrity of the battery module 300 , thereby reducing assembly complexity and potential failure points compared to multiple end members provided separately.

[0174] Optionally, the battery module 300 further includes at least one fixing strap 4 enclosing the periphery of the end member 2 and at least two columns of battery cells 3. As shown in Figures 2, 9, 15, and 19, enclosure means wrapping around the entire periphery. This enclosure wraps the lateral sides of the battery module 300 along the first direction X and the second direction Y, and may be preloaded to provide tightening. The fixing straps 4 may include steel ties and / or plastic ties. Optionally, one fixing strap 4 is positioned near one end of the end member 2 along the third direction Z, and another fixing strap 4 is positioned near the other end of the end member 2 along the third direction Z. By providing the fixing straps 4, the constraint on the potential expansion of the battery cells 3 is further improved, and it helps to provide a relatively independent battery module 300 for easy picking and placement during subsequent installation.

[0175] The embodiment of the present application further provides a battery, including a box body 7 and the above-mentioned battery module 300 , wherein the battery module 300 is disposed in the box body 7 .

[0176] Referring to Figures 19 and 20 , the housing 7 is the component that houses and supports the battery cells 3. The housing 7 can be integrally formed or assembled by splicing. The material of the housing 7 can be, but is not limited to, metal, plastic, inorganic non-metallic materials, or wood. Optionally, the housing 7 is provided with weight-reducing holes, such as hollow holes formed in the housing 7.

[0177] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the box body 7 can be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and include a module mounting beam 71 and a module mounting hole 72 provided in the module mounting beam 71. Two module mounting beams 71 are provided in parallel at two opposite corners of the bottom of the box body 7, and each module mounting beam 71 has four module mounting holes 72. With the help of the holes (including hole 21) provided as mounting features on the end member 2, the battery module 300 can be fixed in the box body 7, for example, by fasteners 5. The top of the box body 7 is an open structure, and the cover 6 can close the box body 7 and optionally provide a seal at the closing interface.

[0178] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the module mounting beam 71 forms a step portion along the third direction Z, so the third direction dimension or height of the end component 2 can be reduced. As a result, the height of the end component 2 will be smaller than the height of the battery cell 3 and smaller than the height of the main body 10 of the spacer 1.

[0179] The hole 21 of the end member 2 communicating with the groove 23 is aligned with the module mounting hole 72 , and a fastener 5 such as a bolt extends through the hole 21 and enters the module mounting hole 72 for fixing.

[0180] By using the same fastener 5 to connect the spacer 1 and the end member 2 as well as the end member 2 and the case 7 , a simplified battery assembly process is provided, which helps to improve the production efficiency of the battery.

[0181] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electrical device, comprising the above-mentioned battery module 300 or battery.

[0182] By having the features of the present application, the provided battery and powered device can obtain the benefits described with respect to the battery module 300 .

[0183] The structure and assembly of some embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to Figures 2 to 20:

[0184] As shown in Figures 2 to 8, 19, and 20, the battery cells 3 are arranged in rows with their large surfaces pressed together, with a middle partition 1 clamped between the rows. Sleeve structures extend from both sides of the spacer 1 as the plug-in portion 111, and rectangular grooves 23 matching the size of the sleeves are designed at the corresponding positions of the end plates of the end components 2. When the end components 2 clamp the front and back sides of the battery cells 3, the sleeves extend into the rectangular grooves 23. All battery cells 3 and the end components 2 are then tied and fixed by a steel belt serving as a fixing belt 4. A through hole 21 is provided at the position of the end component 2 corresponding to the groove 23, allowing a long bolt serving as a fastener 5 to pass through the sleeves of the end component 2 and the spacer 1 and be locked to the module mounting beam 71 in the box body 7.

[0185] The spacer 1 has sleeves at both ends as plug-in parts 111, and there is a sleeve connection area as a connection part 112 between the sleeve and the partition body 10 as the main body of the spacer 1. The height of the sleeve connection area is consistent with that of the sleeve.

[0186] End piece 2 is provided with a through hole 21 at a position opposite to spacer 1 (between adjacent rows of battery cells 3). When the battery module 300 is placed in housing 7, a long bolt serving as fastener 5 can pass through hole 21 and module mounting hole 72, securing the battery module 300 to housing 7. Furthermore, a rectangular recess 23 is provided on the inner side of end piece 2, opposite to spacer 1.

[0187] Spacers 1 are clamped between adjacent rows of battery cells 3 and then compressed from front to back by end pieces 2. During compression, the sleeves of spacers 1 align with grooves 23 in end pieces 2. After compression, securing straps 4 are attached to the top and bottom to secure the entire battery module 300.

[0188] After the battery module 300 is placed in the box 7, the bolts are inserted through the holes 21 to lock the battery module 300 on the module mounting beam 71. Specifically, the bolts pass through the holes 21, through the sleeves, and through the module mounting holes 72, thereby fixing the battery module 300 on the module mounting beam 71.

[0189] Module mounting beams 71 are provided at the front and rear end positions of the box body 7 corresponding to the end components, and module mounting holes 72 are provided at the corresponding hole positions on the module mounting beams 71 .

[0190] When the battery cells 3 expand through cycles, the battery module is subjected to expansion forces in the longitudinal direction, tending to lengthen. The bolts, through the sleeves, hold the battery module in place, ensuring minimal or no change in length, and protecting the internal structure of the box from damage caused by deformation of the battery module.

[0191] As shown in Figures 9 to 14 , spacer 1 is clamped between adjacent rows of battery cells 3. Spacer 1 and end member 2 are nested and connected through opening 24 of end member 2. The protruding plate-like structure of spacer 1, which serves as the insertion portion 111, can be inserted from above into opening 24 of end member 2, entering the T-slot within end member 2.

[0192] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the spacer 1 is clamped between adjacent columns of battery cells 3, and the end portion (e.g., strip-shaped) of the spacer 1 used to form the plug-in portion 111 is inserted into the through groove 23 and bent to form an extension portion 114. After the extension portion 114 and the sinking platform 26 are butt-welded, the spacer 1 and the end member 2 are connected and fixed.

[0193] The battery module 300 of the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 14 and Figures 15 to 18 may also have holes as mounting features corresponding to the battery module 300 of the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 8, Figures 19 and Figure 20, for locking in the box 7 in the above-mentioned corresponding manner.

[0194] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various improvements may be made thereto and components may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but encompasses all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module (300), characterized in that: include: At least two columns of battery cells (3), each column of battery cells (3) comprising a plurality of battery cells (3) arranged along a first direction (X); A spacer (1) is sandwiched between two adjacent rows of battery cells (3) along a second direction (Y), wherein the second direction (Y) intersects with the first direction (X); an end member (2) located at the end of the at least two columns of battery cells (3) along the first direction (X); The spacer (1) includes a coupling portion (11) extending beyond the at least two columns of battery cells (3) along the first direction (X), the end component (2) includes a receiving space (20) located within the end component (2), and the receiving space (20) is used to receive at least a portion of the coupling portion (11). The spacer (1) is coupled to the end component (2) via the coupling portion (11) to constrain the separation movement between the spacer (1) and the end component (2) along the first direction (X).

2. The battery module (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spacer (1) includes a main body (10) located between two adjacent rows of battery cells (3); the coupling portion (11) includes a plug-in portion (111) connected to the main body (10); and the plug-in portion (111) is located in the receiving space (20).

3. The battery module (300) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plug-in portion (111) is at least partially formed by bending the end portion of the spacer (1) along the first direction (X).

4. The battery module (300) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The plug-in portion (111) is formed into a sleeve structure or a plate-shaped structure.

5. The battery module (300) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plate-like structure includes at least two sub-plates stacked along the first direction.

6. The battery module (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The coupling portion (11) further comprises a connecting portion (112), and the connecting portion (112) is used to connect the plug portion (111) with the main body portion (10).

7. The battery module (300) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The coupling portion (11) further includes a stacking portion (113), the stacking portion (113) being connected to the plug-in portion (111), and the stacking portion (113) being at least partially stacked with the connecting portion (112) along the second direction (Y).

8. The battery module (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The plug-in portion (111) protrudes on at least one side of the main body (10) along the second direction (Y).

9. The battery module (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The end member (2) is provided with a groove (23), the groove (23) being recessed from a first surface (22) of the end member (2) facing the at least two columns of battery cells (3), and the receiving space (20) is located in the groove (23).

10. The battery module (300) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The end member (2) includes a hole (21) extending along a third direction (Z), the hole (21) being connected to the groove (23) so that the fastener (5) passes through the hole (21) and is connected to the plug-in portion (111) located in the groove (23), and the third direction (Z), the second direction (Y) and the first direction (X) intersect each other.

11. The battery module (300) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The hole (21) passes through the end member (2) along the third direction (Z) so that the fastener (5) passes through the end member (2) and fixes the battery module (300) in a box (7) for accommodating the battery module (300).

12. The battery module (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The groove (23) extends along a third direction (Z) to at least one end face of the end component (2) to form an opening (24) on at least one end face of the end component (2), and the opening (24) is used to guide the plug-in portion (111) into the groove (23), and the third direction (Z), the second direction (Y) and the first direction (X) intersect each other.

13. The battery module (300) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The groove (23) comprises a first sub-groove (231) and a second sub-groove (232) that intersect and communicate with each other, the second sub-groove (232) being connected to the first surface (22) via the first sub-groove (231), and along the second direction (Y), the size of the second sub-groove (232) is larger than the size of the first sub-groove (231), and the inner wall of the second sub-groove (232) is used to stop the plug-in portion (111).

14. The battery module (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: The groove (23) passes through the end member (2) along the first direction (X), and the coupling portion (11) includes a protruding portion (114) extending from the plug-in portion (111) toward a second surface (25) of the end member (2) facing away from the at least two rows of battery cells (3). The protruding portion (114) extends in the second direction (Y), and the second surface (25) is used to stop the protruding portion (114).

15. The battery module (300) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second surface (25) includes a recessed platform (26) for accommodating the protruding portion (114).

16. The battery module (300) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The protruding portion (114) is fixedly connected to the end member (2).

17. The battery module (300) according to any one of claims 2 to 16, characterized in that: Along the third direction (Z), the size of the plug-in portion (111) is smaller than the size of the main body portion (10), and the third direction (Z), the second direction (Y) and the first direction (X) intersect with each other.

18. The battery module (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: The end components (2) located at the ends of the at least two rows of battery cells (3) along the first direction (X) are integrally formed structures.

19. A battery (200), characterized in that include: Box (7); According to any one of claims 1 to 18, the battery module (300) is accommodated in the box (7).

20. An electrical device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a battery module (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or a battery (200) according to claim 19.

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