Battery connecting assembly and battery module

Abstract

A battery connecting assembly and a battery module. The battery connecting assembly comprises: an end plate (5); a base (1), which is fixedly connected to the end plate (5), wherein the base (1) is provided with a limiting hole (10); a first electrically-conductive connector (2), which comprises a limiting portion (21) and a connecting portion (23), wherein the limiting portion (21) is movably mounted in the limiting hole (10), and is engaged with and limited by a side wall at an opening of the limiting hole (10) in the axial direction of the limiting hole (10), and the connecting portion (23) is at least partially located outside the limiting hole (10), and can perform a reciprocating motion in the limiting hole (10) in the axial direction of the limiting hole (10) and drive the limiting portion (21) to perform a reciprocating motion in a direction away from or close to the opening of the limiting hole (10); and a second electrically-conductive connector (3), which is electrically connected to the connecting portion (23).

Description

Battery connectors and battery modules Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of hydraulic technology, and in particular to a battery connection assembly and a battery module provided with the battery connection assembly.

[0002] Background of the Invention

[0003] Battery modules in related technologies generally include a circuit board, end plates, and multiple battery cells arranged in sequence between the end plates. Adjacent battery cells are connected in series or parallel via conductive connectors (such as aluminum or copper bars, or other conductive connectors). The battery cells at the ends are electrically connected to the end plates via conductive connectors (such as aluminum or copper bars, or other conductive connectors), which are then connected to the circuit board, allowing the circuit board to control and monitor the charging and discharging process of the battery cells.

[0004] In the actual production process, when the battery cells and the end plates are electrically connected via conductive connectors, the relative positions of the two often have large installation errors due to actual assembly conditions.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of the present application is to provide a battery connection assembly and a battery module that can solve the problem of large installation errors in the electrical connection positions between battery cells and end plates.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] A battery connection assembly comprises: an end plate; a base fixedly connected to the end plate, the base having a limiting hole; a first conductive connector, comprising a limiting portion and a connecting portion, the limiting portion being movably mounted in the limiting hole and being engaged and limited with the side wall at the limiting hole opening in the axial direction of the limiting hole; at least a portion of the connecting portion is located outside the limiting hole and can move back and forth in the limiting hole along the axial direction of the limiting hole, and drive the limiting portion to move back and forth in a direction away from or close to the limiting hole opening; a second conductive connector, electrically connected to the connecting portion.

[0009] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, an end surface of the connection portion located outside the opening of the limiting hole is connected to the second conductive connection member.

[0010] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, a threaded hole is provided on the end face of the connection portion located outside the opening of the limiting hole, and the axial direction of the threaded hole is parallel to the plane where the end plate is located; the threaded hole is connected to the second conductive connector by a fastener.

[0011] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, the limiting portion is a first polygonal column structure; at least part of the hole section in the limiting hole is set to a polygonal inner hole structure that is compatible with the limiting portion; the first polygonal column structure is embedded in the polygonal inner hole structure and is clamped and limited with its circumferential side wall.

[0012] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, the connecting part is a second polygonal column structure; the opening of the limiting hole is a polygonal opening structure adapted to the connecting part; the second polygonal column structure is embedded in the polygonal opening structure and is clamped and limited with its circumferential side wall.

[0013] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, a limiting step is provided at the junction of the side surfaces of the limiting portion and the connecting portion on the orthographic projection of the plane where the opening of the limiting hole is located, and the limiting step is at least partially located radially outside the opening.

[0014] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, the first side surface of the base is provided with a mounting opening which is in communication with the limiting hole and allows the first conductive connector to pass through.

[0015] Optionally, a hollow area is provided inside the base.

[0016] Optionally, the hollow area is communicated with the installation port.

[0017] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, the second conductive connector includes: a first connection plate area, used to electrically connect to the electrode of the battery cell, and the first connection plate area is covered on the mounting port; a second connection plate area, bent relative to the first connection plate area, and the second connection plate area is used to electrically connect to the connection part.

[0018] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, the end plate and the base are integrally molded components.

[0019] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery connection assembly, the base is located on the outer side of the end plate and is flush with the side edge of the end plate.

[0020] A battery module comprises: a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side; the battery connection assembly described above, wherein the end plate in the battery connection assembly is located at at least one end of the plurality of battery cells arranged side by side; and a second conductive connector in the battery connection assembly is electrically connected to the electrodes of the battery cells.

[0021] During battery production or use, when the battery connection assembly provided by the present application is used to electrically connect the battery cell and the end plate, even if there is a large installation error in the relative position of the battery cell and the end plate, the error can be offset or reduced by adjusting the relative position of the end plate and the battery cell and adjusting the relative position of the first conductive connector within the limiting hole of the base. Therefore, the battery connection assembly can timely adjust and eliminate the connection error between the circuit board located outside the end plate and the battery cell located inside the end plate, thereby ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the connection at that location. This is not only convenient for operation, but also helps to avoid failure of components due to excessive stretching / extrusion, thereby ensuring the normal life of the components at that location.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. 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 these drawings without any creative work.

[0024] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of an end plate and a battery cell provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG2 is an enlarged view of a local area in FIG1 .

[0026] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a first conductive connector provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIG4 is a front view of the arrangement structure of the end plate and the battery cells provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG5 is an enlarged view of a local area in FIG4 .

[0029] FIG6 is an axonometric view of a battery module provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0030] FIG7 is an enlarged view of a local area in FIG6 .

[0031] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] 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.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, an embodiment of the present application provides a battery connection assembly, which includes an end plate, a base 1, a first conductive connector 2, and a second conductive connector 3. The base 1, which can also be referred to as an output pole base, is fixedly connected to the end plate 5 and is provided with a limit hole 10. The first conductive connector 2 includes a limit portion 21 and a connection portion 23. The limit portion 21 is movably mounted within the limit hole 10 and is locked and limited with the side wall at the opening of the limit hole 10 in the axial direction of the limit hole. At least a portion of the connection portion 23 is located outside the limit hole 10 and can reciprocate within the limit hole 10 along the axial direction of the limit hole, driving the limit portion 21 to reciprocate in a direction away from or toward the opening of the limit hole 10. The second conductive connector 3 is electrically connected to the connection portion 23. Moreover, as shown in Figure 7, the second conductive connector 3 is also connected to the positive / negative electrodes of the battery cell via copper bars or aluminum bars, or is directly electrically connected to the positive / negative electrodes of the battery cell.

[0034] During the production or use of the battery, when the battery connection assembly provided by the present application is used to electrically connect the battery cell 6 and the end plate 5, even if there is a large installation error in the relative position of the battery cell 6 and the end plate 5, the error can be offset or reduced by adjusting the relative position of the end plate 5 and the battery cell 6 (for example, the relative position in the x / y direction shown in FIG1 ) and adjusting the relative position of the first conductive connector 2 in the limiting hole 10 of the base 1. It can be seen that through the battery connection assembly, the connection error between the circuit board located outside the end plate and the battery cell located inside the end plate can be adjusted and eliminated in a timely manner to ensure the connection validity and reliability of the position. In this way, it is not only convenient to operate, but also helps to avoid failure of components due to excessive stretching / extrusion, etc., and ensure the normal life of the components at this position.

[0035] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1 and 2:

[0036] a. Since the extrusion pressure / arrangement density (i.e., arrangement gap) between the end plate 5 and the battery cell 6 can be adjusted within a certain range, the relative positions of the two in the y direction can be adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the end plate 5 in the y direction, the installation error of the first conductive connector 2 and the second conductive connector 3 in the y direction can be resolved.

[0037] b. Since there are no strict restrictions on the relative positions of the end plate 5 and the battery cell 6 in the x-direction, as long as the end plate 5 can squeeze and position the battery cell 6, the end plate 5 can move slightly in the x-direction. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the end plate 5 in the x-direction, the installation error of the first conductive connector 2 and the second conductive connector 3 in the x-direction can be solved.

[0038] c. Because the top and bottom of the battery module require the installation of other components such as water cooling plates, top plates, and bottom plates, the flatness requirements for the top and bottom of the battery module are relatively high. Therefore, the adjustment space for the end plate 5 in the z-direction is limited. If there is a large deviation between the first and second conductive connectors 2 and 3 in the z-direction, the z-direction deviation can be eliminated by moving the first conductive connector 2 axially along the limiting hole 10 of the base 1 toward the second conductive connector 3.

[0039] It can be seen that the above-mentioned adjustment method can ensure the alignment and effective connection of the first conductive connector 2 and the second conductive connector 3, thereby ensuring the accurate connection between the battery cell 6 and the end plate 5.

[0040] During specific implementation, the connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 is located at the end face outside the opening of the limiting hole 10 and is connected to the second conductive connector 3. The connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 and the second conductive connector 3 can be fastened together by fasteners 4 such as screws / bolts / studs. At this time, the connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 is located at the end face outside the opening of the limiting hole 10 and is provided with a threaded hole 24, and the axial direction of the threaded hole 24 is parallel to the plane where the end plate is located; correspondingly, the position of the second conductive connector 3 for connecting with the connecting portion 23 is provided with a through hole adapted to the fastener 4 such as screws / bolts / studs. However, it is not limited to this. In other specific embodiments, the first conductive connector 2 and the second conductive connector 3 can also be connected by snap-fitting, plug-in tight fit, welding, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the limiting portion 21 of the first conductive connector 2 is preferably a first polygonal cylindrical structure; correspondingly, at least a portion of the hole section within the limiting hole 10 is configured as a polygonal inner hole structure that matches the first polygonal cylindrical structure. That is, the outer cross-sectional contour of the limiting portion 21 is polygonal, the inner cross-sectional contour of the limiting hole 10 is polygonal that matches the limiting portion 21, and the first polygonal cylindrical structure is embedded in the polygonal inner hole structure and is engaged and limited by its circumferential sidewalls. This effectively prevents the first conductive connector 2 from rotating within the limiting hole, thereby ensuring a stable connection between the battery cell 6 and the end plate 5. In specific implementations, the limiting portion 21 of the first conductive connector 2 can be designed as a cylindrical structure with a triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal cross-section, or it can be designed as a cylindrical structure with a semicircular, trapezoidal, or other irregular cross-section. Correspondingly, the cross section of the hole section in the limiting hole 10 for accommodating the limiting portion 21 should be adapted to the cross section of the column of the limiting portion 21 to ensure that the two can be embedded and circumferentially engaged and limited. In this regard, technicians can implement it according to actual needs during the design or manufacturing process.

[0042] Furthermore, the connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 is a second polygonal column structure; correspondingly, the aperture of the limiting hole 10 of the base 1 is a polygonal opening structure adapted to the second polygonal column structure, and the second polygonal column structure is embedded in the polygonal opening structure and is clamped and limited with its circumferential side wall. Specifically, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the limiting hole 10, and the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 23 is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the limiting hole 10, thereby facilitating processing. At this time, a limiting step 22 is formed at the junction of the side surfaces of the limiting portion 21 and the connecting portion 23, and on the orthographic projection of the plane where the aperture of the limiting hole 10 is located, the limiting step 22 is at least partially located radially outside the aperture of the limiting hole 10, thereby clamping the limiting portion 21 in the limiting hole 10, preventing the first conductive connector 2 and the base 1 from separating. In specific implementations, the connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 can be designed as a columnar structure with a triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal cross-section. Alternatively, the connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 can be designed as a columnar structure with a semicircular, trapezoidal, or other irregular cross-section. Accordingly, the cross-section of the aperture of the limiting hole 10 should be compatible with the cross-section of the columnar structure of the connecting portion 23 to ensure that the two can be embedded and circumferentially engaged. In this regard, technicians can implement specific implementations based on actual needs during the design or manufacturing process. It should be noted here that, in order to facilitate processing and manufacturing, the limiting portion 21 and the connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 are generally columnar structures with the same cross-sectional shape but different cross-sectional areas (the cross-sectional area of ​​the limiting portion 21 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion 23), and the limiting step 22 can be a slope structure with a gradually increasing cross-sectional area from the connecting portion 23 to the limiting portion 21, or it can be a right-angle step formed by the limiting portion 21 protruding relative to the connecting portion 23, or any other structure that can limit the limiting portion 21 within the limiting hole 10.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first side surface 11 of the base 1 is provided with an installation opening 111 that communicates with the retaining hole 10 and allows the first conductive connector 2 to pass through. For details, see the dashed area in Figure 2 . Through the installation opening 111, the first conductive connector 2 can be conveniently inserted into the retaining hole 10 of the base 1. The connecting portion 23 of the first conductive connector 2 can then be extended out of the retaining hole 10 to connect with the second conductive connector 3. When removing or replacing the first conductive connector 2, the installation opening 111 also facilitates its installation and disassembly.

[0044] In some embodiments, a hollow area 112 is provided inside the base 1. Specifically, referring to Figures 2 and 5 , the interior of the base 1 is a hollow structure, which is divided by a partition to form the hollow area 112 inside the base 1. The hollow area 112 not only saves materials during the manufacturing process and helps reduce the weight of the battery, but also, when the hollow area 112 is connected to the installation port 111, it is also convenient to insert a hand or tool into the hollow area 112 and then clamp the first conductive connector 2, thereby conveniently removing the first conductive connector 2 from the limiting hole 10.

[0045] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7 , the second conductive connector 3 includes a first connecting plate region 31 and a second connecting plate region 32 , which form a bent plate structure. The first connecting plate region 31 covers the side mounting opening 111 of the base 1 and is used to electrically connect to the electrodes of the battery cell 6 ; the second connecting plate region 32 is bent relative to the first connecting plate region 31 and is used to electrically connect to the connecting portion 23 .

[0046] In specific implementations, the end plate 5 and the base 1 may be integrally formed components, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 . However, this is not limiting. In other possible embodiments, the base 1 may be fixed to the end plate 5 by other means, such as welding or fastening. This application does not impose specific limitations on this, and those skilled in the art may design the components based on actual needs.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 and 2 , in a specific implementation, the base 1 is generally located on the outer side of the end plate 5, with the first side 11 of the base 1 flush with the first side edge 51 of the end plate 5, and at least a portion of the second conductive connector 3 abutting the first side 11. This facilitates assembly of the end plate, battery cells, battery connection components, etc., and helps ensure stable connections between the various components.

[0048] In summary, the present invention further provides a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells 6 arranged side by side, and the battery connection assembly described above. An end plate 5 is provided at at least one end of the plurality of battery cells 6 arranged side by side; a base 1 in the battery connection assembly is fixedly connected to the end plate 5; and a second conductive connector 3 in the battery connection assembly is electrically connected to an electrode of the battery cell 6.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed.

[0050] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0051] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is intended to enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is intended to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A battery connection assembly, characterized in that: include: End plate (5); A base (1) is fixedly connected to the end plate (5), and the base (1) has a limiting hole (10); The first conductive connecting member (2) comprises a limiting portion (21) and a connecting portion (23); the limiting portion (21) is movably mounted in the limiting hole (10) and is engaged with the side wall at the opening of the limiting hole (10) in the axial direction of the limiting hole (10) for limiting position; at least a portion of the connecting portion (23) is located outside the limiting hole (10) and can reciprocate in the limiting hole (10) along the axial direction of the limiting hole (10), and drive the limiting portion (21) to reciprocate in a direction away from or close to the opening of the limiting hole (10); The second conductive connecting member (3) is electrically connected to the connecting portion (23).

2. The battery connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end surface of the connecting portion (23) located outside the opening of the limiting hole (10) is connected to the second conductive connecting member (3).

3. The battery connection assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A threaded hole (24) is provided on the end surface of the connection portion (23) located outside the opening of the limiting hole (10), and the axial direction of the threaded hole (24) is parallel to the plane where the end plate (5) is located; The threaded hole (24) is connected to the second conductive connecting member (3) via a fastener (4).

4. The battery connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The limiting portion (21) is a first polygonal column structure; at least part of the hole section in the limiting hole (10) is arranged as a polygonal inner hole structure adapted to the limiting portion (21); the first polygonal column structure is embedded in the polygonal inner hole structure and is engaged with its circumferential side wall for limiting.

5. The battery connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The connecting portion (23) is a second polygonal column structure; the opening of the limiting hole (10) is a polygonal opening structure adapted to the connecting portion (23); the second polygonal column structure is embedded in the polygonal opening structure and is clamped and limited with its circumferential side wall.

6. The battery connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A limiting step (22) is provided at the junction of the side surfaces of the limiting portion (21) and the connecting portion (23); in the orthographic projection of the plane where the opening of the limiting hole (10) is located, the limiting step (22) is at least partially located radially outside the opening.

7. The battery connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first side surface (11) of the base (1) is provided with an installation opening (111) which is in communication with the limiting hole (10) and allows the first conductive connecting member (2) to pass through.

8. The battery connection assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: A hollow area (112) is provided inside the base (1).

9. The battery connection assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The hollow area (112) is in communication with the installation opening (111).

10. The battery connection assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The second conductive connecting member (3) comprises: A first connection plate area (31) electrically connected to an electrode of a battery unit (6), wherein the first connection plate area (31) is covered on the installation opening (111); The second connecting plate area (32) is bent relative to the first connecting plate area (31), and the second connecting plate area (32) is electrically connected to the connecting portion (23).

11. The battery connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The end plate (5) and the base (1) are integrally formed components.

12. The battery connection assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The base (1) is located on the outer side of the end plate (5) and is flush with the side edge of the end plate (5).

13. A battery module, characterized in that: include: A plurality of battery cells (6) arranged side by side; According to any one of claims 1 to 12, the end plate (5) in the battery connection assembly is located at at least one end of the plurality of battery cells (6) arranged side by side; and the second conductive connector (3) in the battery connection assembly is electrically connected to the electrode of the battery cell (6).

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