Electrical connector and energy storage apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of batteries, and specifically relates to an electrical connector and an energy storage apparatus. The technical problem of an energy storage apparatus being unable operate normally due to the high temperature of an electrical connector is solved. The electrical connector is used for implementing parallel connection of battery cells in a same battery pack and series connection between two adjacent battery packs, and the electrical connector is provided with a heat exchange channel for transmitting a heat exchange medium. Heat concentrated on the electrical connector can be taken out after being transferred from the electrical connector to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel.

Description

Electrical connector and energy storage device Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of batteries, and in particular relates to an electrical connector and an energy storage device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, common energy storage devices are constructed by connecting multiple battery packs (also referred to as large-capacity batteries or battery modules) in series using electrical connectors.

[0003] Temperature control of energy storage devices has always been a hot topic in this field. When the current is too large, it will cause the electrical connectors to overheat, affecting the normal operation of the energy storage device. In addition, because the poles of the single cells in the battery pack are where the heat is most concentrated, when the local heat of the poles is too high, the temperature of the electrical connectors connected to them will also soar, affecting the normal operation of the energy storage device.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector and an energy storage device to solve the technical problem that the energy storage device cannot operate normally due to the high temperature of the electrical connector.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides an electrical connector for achieving parallel connection of single cells in a battery pack and series connection between two adjacent battery packs; the electrical connector is provided with a heat exchange channel for transmitting a heat exchange medium.

[0007] The present invention provides a heat exchange channel in the electrical connector, which is used to transmit a heat exchange medium. The heat concentrated on the electrical connector can be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel and then the heat is taken out.

[0008] Furthermore, two types of electrical connectors may be used, wherein the first type of electrical connector has the following structure:

[0009] The first type of electrical connector includes a connecting plate and conductive plates arranged on both sides of the connecting plate; one side of the conductive plate is used to electrically connect to the first polarity terminals of all single cells in one battery pack, and the other side of the conductive plate is used to electrically connect to the second polarity terminals of all single cells in another battery pack, wherein the polarity of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are opposite;

[0010] The heat exchange channel is provided in at least one of the connecting plate and the conductive plate. For example, at least one heat exchange channel can be provided directly on the connecting plate; or heat exchange channels can be provided on both the connecting plate and the conductive plate. When the heat exchange channel is provided on the conductive plate, it is preferably provided on both conductive plates.

[0011] Because the electrical connector is directly connected to the first and second polarity terminals, heat concentrated on the first and second polarity terminals can be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel, where it is then dissipated. Similarly, when the ambient temperature is too low and the individual cells may not start properly, the heat exchange medium, electrical connector, first and second polarity terminals can be used to raise the temperature of each individual cell.

[0012] Furthermore, the connecting plate and the conductive plate are an integrated piece.

[0013] Furthermore, each conductive plate is provided with a screw hole for fixing to the first polarity terminal or the second polarity terminal of each single battery cell. The screw hole is isolated from the heat exchange channel. Compared with other methods such as welding, riveting or clamping, screw connection is easier and has a simpler structure.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting plate and the conductive plates on either side of the connecting plate are located in the same plane, forming a flat plate-like structure. This flat plate-like structure is easy to manufacture and can also save space in the height direction of the battery pack. When multiple battery packs are used to form an energy storage device, the space saved in the height direction also helps to improve the overall energy density of the energy storage device.

[0015] Furthermore, the heat exchange channel is located in the conductive plates on both sides, the axis of the heat exchange channel is parallel to the axis in the length direction of the conductive plate, extends along the length direction of the conductive plate, and passes through the conductive plate.

[0016] Furthermore, through holes are provided in the areas of the conductive plate corresponding to the first polarity terminals and the second polarity terminals, and the through holes penetrate the conductive plate along the thickness direction of the conductive plate, thereby further reducing the weight of the electrical connector.

[0017] Furthermore, the thickness of the connecting plate is greater than that of the conductive plate; and the lower surface of the connecting plate and the lower surfaces of the conductive plates on both sides are located in the same plane.

[0018] Furthermore, the heat exchange channel is located in the connecting plate, and the axis of the heat exchange channel is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting plate, extending along the longitudinal direction of the connecting plate and penetrating the connecting plate. When the heat exchange channel is not provided in the conductive plate, the thickness of the conductive plate can be appropriately reduced.

[0019] Furthermore, in each battery pack corresponding to the second type of electrical connector, the single cells are arranged along the x direction; the heat exchange channel on the second type of electrical connector includes at least one first sub-heat exchange channel;

[0020] The second type of electrical connector has the following structure:

[0021] The electrical connector includes an electrical connector body, and at least one first sub-heat exchange channel is provided in the electrical connector body;

[0022] The first sub-heat exchange channel extends along the x direction and serves as a flow cavity for the insulating heat exchange medium;

[0023] The bottom plate of the electrical connector body is provided with a plurality of first through holes penetrating the first sub-heat exchange channel;

[0024] A plurality of first through holes are arranged in a rectangular array on the bottom plate of the electrical connector body, and are arranged in two columns in the y direction, with the first through holes in one column corresponding one-to-one to the first polarity terminals of all the single cells in one battery pack; and the first through holes in the other column corresponding one-to-one to the second polarity terminals of all the single cells in another battery pack; wherein the polarity of the first polarity terminals and the second polarity terminals are opposite;

[0025] The orthographic projection area of ​​the first through hole on the xy plane is slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the first portion of the corresponding polarity terminal on the xy plane, ensuring that the first portion of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel through the first through hole.

[0026] In the second type of electrical connector, the original structure of the first type of electrical connector, which separated the heat exchange channel from the polarity terminals, has been optimized to a structure where the polarity terminals are located within the heat exchange channel. Multiple first through-holes are provided through the heat exchange channel wall, allowing the polarity terminals of the single cells to extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel. In other words, part of the polarity terminal structure is located within the first sub-heat exchange channel cavity, in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0027] Compared with the effect of the first type of electrical connector where the heat exchange medium indirectly exchanges heat with the polarity terminal through the electrical connector, firstly, it has a shorter heat exchange path (shortened from "heat exchange medium-electrical connector-polarity terminal" to "heat exchange medium-polarity terminal"), which can improve the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium; secondly, it has a larger heat exchange area (increased from "the upper end surface of the polarity terminal, the upper end surface is the fixed part of the polarity terminal and the electrical connector" to "the part of the structure of the polarity terminal located in the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel"), which improves the heat exchange efficiency, and thus can further improve the heat exchange efficiency of such battery packs and energy storage devices.

[0028] Furthermore, two or one first sub-heat exchange channels are usually provided in the main body of the electrical connector;

[0029] When two first heat exchange sub-channels are opened, the two first heat exchange sub-channels are isolated from each other, and the two rows of first through holes in the y direction are respectively connected to the two first heat exchange sub-channels.

[0030] Furthermore, the electrical connector body is a split component, comprising a first base and two first sealing top plates. Two mutually isolated first grooves are defined in the first base. The two first sealing top plates are respectively sealed and fixed to the open ends of the two first grooves, forming two first sub-heat exchange channels. The first through hole is defined in the first base. The split structure of the electrical connector allows for sealing between the first through hole and the corresponding polarity terminal by welding, thereby improving the sealing performance of this area.

[0031] Furthermore, at least one third sub-heat exchange channel is provided in the main body of the electrical connector, and the third sub-heat exchange channel is located between the two first sub-heat exchange channels; the third sub-heat exchange channel extends along the x direction and serves as a flow cavity for the insulating heat exchange medium. Based on the third sub-heat exchange channel, the heat exchange performance of the electrical connector can be further improved.

[0032] When a first heat exchange sub-channel is opened, the two rows of first through holes in the y direction are both connected to the first heat exchange sub-channel. Compared with the structure of two first heat exchange sub-channels, the heat exchange performance is better, but more heat exchange medium is consumed.

[0033] Furthermore, the electrical connector body is a split component, comprising a second base and a second sealing top plate. A second groove is defined in the second base; the second sealing top plate is sealed and secured to the open end of the second groove, forming a first sub-heat exchange channel. The first through-hole is defined in the second base. The split structure of the electrical connector allows for sealing between the first through-hole and the corresponding polarity terminal through welding, improving the sealing performance of this area.

[0034] A second aspect of the present invention provides an energy storage device comprising at least two battery packs, each battery pack having at least two single cells, and also comprising an electrical connector for realizing parallel connection of the single cells in the battery pack and series connection between two adjacent battery packs; the electrical connector is the above-mentioned first type electrical connector or second type connector.

[0035] When the electrical connector in the energy storage device is the first type of electrical connector mentioned above:

[0036] Furthermore, a heat exchange tube is clamped on the first polarity terminal and / or the second polarity terminal. The heat exchange tube on the first polarity terminal is pressed against the first polarity terminal by the conductive plate fixed on the first polarity terminal, and the heat exchange tube on the second polarity terminal is pressed against the second polarity terminal by the conductive plate fixed on the second polarity terminal.

[0037] When the electrical connector in the energy storage device is the second type of electrical connector mentioned above:

[0038] The first polarity terminals of all the single cells on one battery pack extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel through the corresponding first through holes, and the second polarity terminals of all the single cells on the other battery pack extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel through the corresponding first through holes; each first through hole is sealedly connected to the corresponding first polarity terminal and second polarity terminal, and electrical connection is conducted between the electrical connector and the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal.

[0039] Furthermore, when the electrical connector body is an integrated piece, the top ends of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are connected to the electrical connector body by welding.

[0040] Furthermore, the main body of the electrical connector is a split component, including a first base and two first sealing top plates; two first grooves isolated from each other are opened on the first base; the two first sealing top plates are respectively sealed and fixed on the open ends of the two first grooves to form two first sub-heat exchange channels; the first through holes are opened on the first base; the area around each first through hole on the first base is welded and sealed to the corresponding first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal.

[0041] Furthermore, the main body of the electrical connector is a split component, including a second base and a second sealing top plate; a second groove is opened in the second base; the second sealing top plate is sealed and fixed to the open end of the second groove to form a first sub-heat exchange channel; the first through hole is opened on the second base; the area around each first through hole on the second base is welded and sealed with the corresponding first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal.

[0042] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a shell; multiple single cells are arranged in the inner cavity of the shell along the x-direction; the shell is provided with at least one shared chamber, and the inner cavity of the shared chamber is connected to the inner cavities of all single cells; avoidance holes are opened on the top plate of the shell corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single cell; the polarity terminals of each single cell extend out of the avoidance holes, and the top plate area of ​​the shell corresponding to the avoidance holes is fixedly sealed with the shell of the single cell.

[0043] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0044] 1. The present invention provides a heat exchange channel within the electrical connector for transmitting a heat exchange medium. Heat concentrated on the electrical connector can be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat exchange medium within the heat exchange channel, where it is then carried away.

[0045] 2. The first type of electrical connector is directly connected to the first and second polarity terminals. Heat concentrated on the first and second polarity terminals can be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel, where it is then dissipated. Similarly, when the ambient temperature is too low and the individual cells may not start properly, the heat exchange medium, electrical connector, first and second polarity terminals can be used to heat each individual cell.

[0046] 3. The second type of electrical connector optimizes the structure of isolating the heat exchange channel from the polarity terminal in the first type of electrical connector to a structure in which the polarity terminal is located within the heat exchange channel (specifically, the first sub-heat exchange channel), and multiple first through holes are opened through the wall of the heat exchange channel to allow the polarity terminals of the single battery cells to extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel; that is, part of the structure of the polarity terminal is located in the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel, in direct contact with the insulating heat exchange medium.

[0047] Compared with the first type of electrical connector, in which the heat exchange medium indirectly exchanges heat with the polarity terminal through the electrical connector, first, it has a shorter heat exchange path (shortened from "heat exchange medium-electrical connector-polarity terminal" to "heat exchange medium-polarity terminal"), which can improve the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium; secondly, it has a larger heat exchange area (increased from "the upper end surface of the polarity terminal, the upper end surface is the fixed part of the polarity terminal and the electrical connector" to "the partial structure of the polarity terminal located in the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel"), which improves the heat exchange efficiency, and thus can further improve the heat exchange efficiency of such battery packs and energy storage devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electrical connector according to Example 1;

[0049] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electrical connector according to Example 2;

[0050] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an electrical connector according to Example 3;

[0051] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of an energy storage device according to Example 4;

[0052] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of an energy storage device according to Example 4;

[0053] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of another energy storage device according to Example 4;

[0054] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of another energy storage device according to Example 4;

[0055] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the energy storage device of Example 5;

[0056] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a pole adapter in Example 5;

[0057] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of the pole adapter in Example 5;

[0058] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device of Example 5;

[0059] FIG12 is a structural diagram of the electrical connector in Example 6;

[0060] FIG13 is a second structural diagram of the electrical connector in Example 6;

[0061] FIG14 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in Example 6;

[0062] FIG15 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector provided with a third sub-heat exchange channel;

[0063] FIG16 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in Example 7;

[0064] FIG17 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in Example 8;

[0065] FIG18 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in Example 9;

[0066] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of the energy storage device in Example 10;

[0067] FIG20 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device in Example 10;

[0068] FIG21 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device in Example 11;

[0069] FIG22 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device in Example 12;

[0070] FIG23 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device in Example 13;

[0071] FIG24 is a schematic structural diagram of the first energy storage device in Example 14;

[0072] FIG25 is a cross-sectional view of the first energy storage device in Example 14;

[0073] FIG26 is a schematic structural diagram of a second energy storage device in Example 14;

[0074] FIG27 is a cross-sectional view of a second energy storage device in Example 14;

[0075] FIG28 is a cross-sectional view of a third energy storage device in Example 14;

[0076] FIG29 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth energy storage device in Example 14;

[0077] FIG30 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth energy storage device in Example 14;

[0078] The accompanying drawings are marked as follows: 1. electrical connector; 11. connecting plate; 111. lower surface of connecting plate; 12. conductive plate; 121. lower surface of conductive plate; 13. heat exchange channel; 14. screw hole; 15. through hole; 2. battery pack; 21. single cell; 22. single cell pole; 3. pole adapter; 31. pole adapter body; 32. electrical connecting pole; 33. first hole; 34. conductive pole; 35. clamping portion; 4. heat exchange tube; 41. Shell; 411. Shell top plate; 412. Shell bottom plate; 221. First polarity terminal; 222. Second polarity terminal; 223. First part of polarity terminal; 224. Annular groove; 225. O-ring; 43. Battery pack; 44. Electrical connector; 441. Electrical connector body; 442. First sub-heat exchange channel; 443. First through hole; 444. Electrical connector body bottom plate; 445. First base; 446. First sealing top plate; 447. First groove; 448. Second base; 449. Second sealing top plate; 440. Second groove; 5. Electrolyte shared chamber; 6. Gas shared chamber; 7. Avoidance hole; 8. Sealing connector; 9. Boss; 10. Third sub-heat exchange channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention is given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary persons in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0080] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art may make similar generalizations without violating the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0081] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "top," "bottom," and so on, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and so on, are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0082] Embodiments 1 to 5 provide an electrical connector and an energy storage device, wherein the electrical connector is used to realize parallel connection of single cells in the same battery pack and series connection between two adjacent battery packs; it includes a connecting plate located in the middle and conductive plates arranged on both sides of the connecting plate; the conductive plate on one side is used to electrically connect to the first polarity terminals of all single cells on one battery pack, and the conductive plate on the other side is used to electrically connect to the second polarity terminals of all single cells on another battery pack, wherein the polarities of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are opposite; a heat exchange channel for transmitting a heat exchange medium is provided in at least one of the connecting plate and the conductive plate.

[0083] The first polarity terminals or second polarity terminals of all single cells in the battery pack must be arranged on the same side.

[0084] The first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are the positive and negative poles on the single battery, or are positive and negative pole adapters added to the positive and negative poles of the single battery.

[0085] In Examples 1 to 5, the electrical connector can be used to connect the individual cells in the same battery pack in parallel, and can also connect two adjacent battery packs in series. This makes the electrical connection between the individual cells and between the battery packs simpler and more practical when multiple battery packs form an electric vehicle battery pack, or when multiple battery packs form an energy storage device. At the same time, a heat exchange channel is opened in the electrical connector, which is used to transmit a heat exchange medium. The heat concentrated on the electrical connector can be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel and then the heat is carried away. In addition, because the electrical connector is directly connected to the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal, the heat concentrated on the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal can also be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel and then the heat is carried away. Similarly, when the ambient temperature is too low and the individual cells may not start normally, the temperature of each individual cell can be increased by using the heat exchange medium, the electrical connector, the first polarity terminal, and the second polarity terminal.

[0086] The electrical connector can adopt different structural forms, which are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0087] Example 1

[0088] In this embodiment, the electrical connector 1 is a single piece, as shown in Figure 1. It is a flat plate-shaped structure comprising a central connecting plate 11 and conductive plates 12 disposed on either side of the connecting plate 11. Heat exchange channels 13 are defined within the conductive plates 12 on either side. By injecting a heat exchange medium into the heat exchange channels 13, the temperature of the electrical connector 1 is lowered or raised.

[0089] The electrical connector 1 is made of a metal material with good electrical and thermal conductivity, such as silver, copper, aluminum, etc. However, considering the cost and thermal and electrical conductivity, aluminum is generally selected as the material of the electrical connector 1.

[0090] The connection method between the electrical connector 1 and the first polarity terminal or the second polarity terminal of the single battery 21 can be screw connection (with screw holes 14 on the conductive plate 12), welding or riveting can also be used. However, considering the convenience of connection, this embodiment preferably uses screw connection to fix the two. Four screws can be used for connection for each polarity terminal. Four screw holes 14 are opened in the conductive plate 12 area corresponding to each polarity terminal (such as the dotted box area in Figure 1, which is the conductive plate 12 area corresponding to one polarity terminal). Preferably, the four screw holes 14 are arranged in a rectangular shape. More preferably, the screw holes 14 in this embodiment can be set as long strips. The setting of the long strip holes can compensate for the horizontal dimensional error when multiple battery packs are connected in series, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection.

[0091] Since the electrical connector 1 is directly connected to the polarity terminal, in order to ensure that the heat exchange medium flowing in the heat exchange channel 13 is not charged, an electrically insulating heat exchange medium such as insulating oil or fluorinated liquid can be used. In view of the high thermal conductivity of fluorinated liquid (usually between 0.15 and 0.4 W / (m·K)), fluorinated liquid is preferred in this embodiment.

[0092] As can be seen from the figure, the axis of the heat exchange channel 13 in this embodiment is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conductive plate 12, extending along the longitudinal direction of the conductive plate 12 and penetrating the conductive plate 12. In other embodiments, the heat exchange channel 13 can be serpentine, S-shaped, or other curved forms, but these are more difficult to manufacture than in this embodiment.

[0093] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the heat exchange channel 13 and the screw holes 14 on the conductive plate 12 need to be isolated from each other.

[0094] To improve heat exchange efficiency, multiple heat exchange channels 13 can be provided in the conductive plate 12, and heat exchange channels 13 can also be provided in the connecting plate 11, depending on actual conditions. However, it should be noted that providing multiple heat exchange channels 13 may affect the strength of the electrical connector 1. Therefore, this embodiment considers providing two heat exchange channels 13 in each conductive plate 12, without affecting the strength of the electrical connector 1.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, the conductive plate 12 is directly connected to the polarity terminals of each single battery 21, and the heat exchange channel 13 is opened in the conductive plate 12. The heat concentrated on each polarity terminal can be more effectively transferred from the electrical connector 1 to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel 13 and then the heat is taken out.

[0096] Example 2

[0097] Different from the first embodiment, this embodiment provides through holes 15 in the areas of the conductive plate 12 corresponding to the polarity terminals.

[0098] As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment defines a through hole 15 at the center of the rectangular area surrounded by four screw holes 14. This through hole 15 is used to connect to the welding holes of the positive and negative electrode adapter 3 fixed to the positive and negative electrodes of the single battery 21. The specific structure of the positive and negative electrode adapter 3 is described in detail in Example 5.

[0099] Example 3

[0100] Unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, the overall structure of the electrical connector 1 of this embodiment is not a flat plate structure. The thickness of the connecting plate 11 is greater than that of the conductive plate 12. The lower surface 111 of the connecting plate and the lower surfaces 121 of the conductive plates on both sides are located in the same plane, while the upper surface of the connecting plate 11 is higher than the lower surfaces 121 of the conductive plates on both sides.

[0101] Specifically, as shown in FIG3 , the cross section of the electrical connector 1 of this embodiment is similar to a “convex” shape, the connecting plate 11 has a relatively large thickness, and the conductive plate 12 has a relatively small thickness.

[0102] The heat exchange channel 13 is located within the connecting plate 11. The axis of the heat exchange channel 13 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting plate 11, extending along the longitudinal direction of the connecting plate 11 and penetrating the connecting plate 11. In other embodiments, the heat exchange channel 13 can be serpentine, S-shaped, or other curved forms, but these are more difficult to manufacture than in this embodiment.

[0103] To improve heat exchange efficiency, multiple heat exchange channels 13 can be provided in the connecting plate 11 according to actual conditions. However, it should be noted that providing multiple heat exchange channels 13 may affect the strength of the electrical connector 1. Therefore, this embodiment considers providing two heat exchange channels 13 in the connecting plate 11 without affecting the strength of the electrical connector 1.

[0104] In this embodiment, the heat exchange channel 13 is provided within the connecting plate 11. Compared to Example 1, since the heat exchange channel 13 is not provided within the conductive plate 12, the thickness of the conductive plates 12 on both sides can be reduced, allowing the conductive plates 12 to have a certain degree of deformation. When the tops of the polarity terminals on the same side of the battery pack are not in the same plane, the deformation of the conductive plates 12 can ensure a reliable connection between the conductive plates and all polarity terminals. In addition, by reducing the thickness of the conductive plates 12 on both sides, the overall weight of the electrical connector 1 can be reduced.

[0105] Example 4

[0106] This embodiment provides an energy storage device, which can be used as a power battery for electric vehicles or as an energy storage system for power stations.

[0107] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the energy storage device includes at least two battery packs 2, each battery pack 2 has at least two single cells 21, and each single cell 21 is located on the first polarity terminal or the second polarity terminal on the same side. A heat exchange tube 4 is clamped on the first polarity terminal or the second polarity terminal. It can be seen from the figure that in this embodiment, the first polarity terminal or the second polarity terminal is a positive and negative pole adapter 3 added to the positive and negative poles of the single cell 21.

[0108] The heat exchange tube 4 can remove the heat concentrated on the first polarity terminal or the second polarity terminal of each single battery 21 or transfer external heat to the single battery 21. In Figures 4 and 5, two adjacent battery packs 2 are connected by the electrical connector 1 described in Example 1; in Figures 6 and 7, two adjacent battery packs 2 are connected by the electrical connector 1 described in Example 3.

[0109] The heat exchange tube 4 can be a liquid cooling tube, a copper tube, a copper busbar or a heat pipe.

[0110] Among them, the conductive plate 12 on one side of the electrical connector 1 is connected to the first polarity terminals of all the single cells 21 on one battery pack 2, and correspondingly, the conductive plate 12 on the other side is connected to the second polarity terminals of all the single cells 21 on another battery pack 2; that is, in the energy storage device of this embodiment, the single cells 21 in the battery pack 2 are connected in parallel through the electrical connector 1, and adjacent battery packs 2 are connected in series through the electrical connector 1.

[0111] In existing energy storage devices, each single cell 21 within a battery pack 2 is connected in series using multiple connectors, and then connected in parallel between the battery packs 2 using another connector. This requires a large number of electrical connectors 1, resulting in a relatively complex structure. Furthermore, existing energy storage devices that utilize a series-first, parallel-later arrangement are prone to generating circulating current on the high-voltage side. To suppress this phenomenon, a specialized circulating current suppression device is required, and existing energy storage devices also require a junction box. The energy storage device of this embodiment, however, utilizes a parallel-first, series-later electrical connection method, requiring significantly fewer electrical connectors 1 than existing energy storage devices, and also avoids generating circulating current (thereby eliminating the need for a circulating current suppression device). Furthermore, no additional junction box is required. Therefore, compared to existing energy storage devices, the electrical connection method employed in this embodiment is simpler in structure, requires fewer additional accessories for the entire device, and is simpler in system. While being able to store and provide the same amount of electrical energy, the manufacturing and use costs of the energy storage device employed in this embodiment are also reduced to a certain extent.

[0112] In this embodiment, to ensure a closer fit between the heat exchange tube 4 and the first and second polarity terminals, thereby facilitating heat exchange, the heat exchange tube 4 on the first polarity terminal of each single cell 21 in one battery pack 2 is pressed against the first polarity terminal by the side conductive plate 12. Similarly, the heat exchange tube 4 on the second polarity terminal of each single cell 21 in the other battery pack 2 is pressed against the second polarity terminal by the side conductive plate 12. Specifically, screws can be used to connect the conductive plate 12 to the first and second polarity terminals.

[0113] By introducing a heat exchange medium into the heat transfer channel, the heat concentrated on the electrical connector 1 can be transferred from the electrical connector 1 to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel 13, and then the heat can be carried away. In addition, because the heat transfer channel in this embodiment is opened in the conductive plate 12, and the conductive plate 12 is directly connected to the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal, the heat concentrated on the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal can also be more effectively transferred from the conductive plate 12 to the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange channel 13, and then the heat can be carried away. Similarly, when the ambient temperature is too low and the single battery 21 may not start normally, the heat exchange medium, the electrical connector 1, the first polarity terminal, and the second polarity terminal can also be used to heat each single battery 21.

[0114] Example 5

[0115] This embodiment is an energy storage device. Different from the fourth embodiment, two adjacent battery packs 2 in this embodiment are connected via the electrical connector 1 described in the second embodiment.

[0116] As shown in FIG8 , the through holes 15 on the conductive plates 12 on both sides are respectively connected to the welding holes on the pole adapter 3 serving as the polarity terminal.

[0117] The structure of the pole adapter 3 in this embodiment is shown in FIG9 and FIG10 , and includes a pole adapter body 31 and an electrical connection post 32 provided on the pole adapter 3 ;

[0118] The pole adapter body 31 is a rectangular block. In some other embodiments, the pole adapter body 31 can also be cylindrical. It can be made of metal materials with good electrical and thermal conductivity, such as silver, copper, and aluminum. However, aluminum is generally used as the pole adapter 3 material for cost and electrical and thermal conductivity considerations.

[0119] In this embodiment, the electrical connection column 32 is a cylinder fixed to the bottom of the pole adapter body 31 , and the cross section of the cylinder is adapted to the cross section of the single cell pole 22 ; the electrical connection column 32 is connected to the single cell pole 22 .

[0120] In order to facilitate the connection between the electrical connection column 32 and the single cell pole 22, the present embodiment opens a first hole 33 on the pole adapter body 31. The first hole 33 can be a through hole or a blind hole. When it is a through hole, it can be a stepped through hole, which is connected to the single cell pole 22 by screw connection. When it is a blind hole, the bottom of the blind hole can be welded to the single cell pole 22 to achieve the connection between the two. Compared with the screw connection method, the reliability of the welding connection is higher. Therefore, the first hole 33 of the present embodiment is preferably a blind hole, and the welding connection is selected. In order to eliminate welding stress, a first through hole that passes through the blind hole can be opened at the bottom of the blind hole. It can also be understood that the structure of the first hole 33 is a stepped hole, with the large hole of the stepped hole close to the top surface of the pole adapter body 31 and the small hole close to the bottom surface of the pole adapter body 31, as shown in Figure 10.

[0121] Taking into account the difference in conduction cross-sections and the fact that the conductivity of a hollow conductor is weaker than that of a solid conductor, after connecting the pole adapter 3 to the single cell pole 22 , this embodiment can fix the conductive post 34 in the first hole 33 to improve the conductivity of the pole adapter 3 .

[0122] The first hole 33 can be a round hole, a square hole or other special holes; in order to adapt to the shape of the pole, a round hole is preferred in this embodiment. The shape of the conductive column 34 is adapted to the first hole 33 and is a cylinder. Its outer diameter can be slightly larger than the aperture of the first hole 33. It is connected to the first hole 33 in an interference fit manner. In order to facilitate its fixation in the first hole 33, a chamfer can be set on the end face of the conductive column 34. The height of the conductive column 34 can be the same as the depth of the first hole 33, or slightly smaller than the depth of the first hole 33. The height of the conductive column 34 is not limited in this embodiment. The material of the conductive column 34 is the same as that of the pole adapter body 31.

[0123] In this embodiment, the pole adapter 3 is provided with a clamping portion 35 for mounting a heat transfer tube. After constructing a battery pack 2 using cells 21 equipped with this pole adapter 3, a heat transfer tube is installed in the clamping portion 35 of the pole adapter 3. Heat concentrated on the pole is transferred from the pole adapter 3 to the heat transfer tube, which then dissipates the heat. Similarly, if the ambient temperature is too low and the cells 21 may not start properly, the external temperature control device can also use the heat transfer tube to raise the temperature of each cell 21.

[0124] The clamping portion 35 can be a through hole or a through groove opened on the pole adapter body 31, and the through hole or the through groove extends along the x direction and penetrates both ends of the pole adapter body 31; the size of the through hole or the through groove needs to ensure that the heat exchange tube 4 is tightly clamped therein to ensure installation stability while also ensuring the heat transfer effect between the heat exchange tube 4 and the pole adapter 3.

[0125] When assembling the energy storage device in this embodiment, the electrical connector 1 and each pole adapter 3 can be fixed as a single piece, and this single piece can be directly fixed to each single cell pole 22. Specifically, the entire single piece can be welded to the single cell pole 22 through the through hole 15 of the electrical connector 1 and the first hole 33 on the pole adapter 3. Finally, the heat exchange tube 4 is inserted into the clamping portion 35. Of course, this assembly method may make the heat exchange tube 4 difficult to insert. However, compared with the structure shown in Figure 4, due to the through hole 15 in the electrical connector 1, the energy storage device of this embodiment is lighter than the energy storage device shown in Figure 4.

[0126] In the above embodiment, a heat exchange channel is provided on the electrical connector. The heat concentrated on the electrical connector can be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat transfer medium in the heat exchange channel and then the heat is removed. For the sake of distinction, the electrical connector in the above embodiment is defined as a first-class electrical connector below;

[0127] However, in the above embodiment, the electrical connector is fixed on the upper end surface of the polarity terminal of each single cell. The heat concentrated on the polarity terminal needs to be transferred from the electrical connector to the heat transfer medium in the heat exchange channel and then taken out. The heat exchange path is long, which affects the heat exchange effect of the polarity terminal.

[0128] To avoid the above problems, Examples 6 to 14 provide another type of electrical connector (second type electrical connector) and energy storage device; the electrical connector is used to achieve parallel connection of individual cells within the same battery pack and series connection between two adjacent battery packs; in addition, it can also achieve heat exchange of the battery pack. Heat exchange here can be understood as: heat dissipation of the battery pack or heating of the battery pack; when the temperature of the battery pack is higher than a set threshold, the battery pack is cooled by passing a heat exchange medium with a lower temperature into the electrical connector; when the temperature of the battery pack is lower than the set threshold, the battery pack is heated by passing a heat exchange medium with a higher temperature into the electrical connector; by controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium, it is ensured that the battery pack always operates at a normal operating temperature.

[0129] This type of battery pack includes multiple single cells arranged in the same direction; for ease of description, the arrangement direction of the single cells is defined as the x-direction in Examples 6 to 14; the height direction of the single cells is defined as the z-direction; and the direction perpendicular to both the x- and z-directions is defined as the y-direction; which is consistent with the directions defined in the background technology.

[0130] The battery pack may further include a shell, and a plurality of single cells are arranged along the x direction and placed in an inner cavity of the shell.

[0131] Examples 6 to 14 do not specifically limit the housing structure, and at least the following two structures can be used:

[0132] The first structure includes a cylinder with open ends at both ends (i.e., the end parallel to the yz plane is the open end) and end plates fixed to the two open ends of the cylinder (i.e., the end plates are parallel to the yz plane);

[0133] The second structure includes a cylinder with open ends at the top and bottom (i.e., the ports parallel to the xy plane are open ends) and an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate fixed to the open ends of the top and bottom of the cylinder respectively (i.e., the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate are both parallel to the xy plane, and the lower cover plate can be an integral structure with the cylinder);

[0134] A shared chamber may also be provided in the housing.

[0135] It should be noted that:

[0136] The shared chamber can be a shared electrolyte chamber, the inner cavity of which communicates with the inner cavity of each individual cell. This shared electrolyte chamber provides each individual cell with a unified electrolyte environment, ensuring electrolyte uniformity within each cell and improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of the battery pack. The shared electrolyte chamber is a liquid channel extending along the length of the housing, located between the housing bottom plate and each individual cell. This liquid channel can be integrally formed with the housing bottom plate, or formed by providing a support member between the lower cover plate of the individual cell and the housing bottom plate.

[0137] The above-mentioned shared chamber can also be a gas shared chamber provided on the top plate of the housing, which covers the gas ports on the top of each single cell in the battery pack. It should be noted that the gas port here includes the following two meanings:

[0138] 1) The gas port is a first through hole directly opened on the upper cover of the single cell and passing through the inner cavity of the single cell;

[0139] At this time, the inner cavity of the gas sharing chamber is connected with the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single cell through the gas port. Based on the gas sharing chamber, the gas area of ​​each single cell can be connected to achieve gas balance, so that the gas of each single cell is shared to ensure the consistency of each single cell, which improves the cycle life of the battery pack to a certain extent; when any single cell suffers thermal runaway, the smoke in the inner cavity of the single cell enters the gas sharing chamber and is discharged through the gas sharing chamber, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0140] 2) The gas port is an explosion vent or explosion-proof port provided on the upper cover of the single cell, and an explosion vent membrane is provided at the explosion vent or explosion-proof port;

[0141] At this time, the gas sharing chamber is used as an explosion-proof channel. When the explosion-proof membrane at the gas port of any single battery is broken by the internal smoke, the internal cavity of the single battery and the gas sharing chamber are connected, and the internal smoke is discharged through the gas sharing chamber, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0142] The above-mentioned shared chamber can also be a gas-liquid shared chamber. Through a gas-liquid shared chamber, each single battery can be placed in a unified electrolyte environment and gas environment, thereby improving the performance and charge-discharge cycle life of the battery pack.

[0143] In order to facilitate the electrical connection of a battery pack with an outer shell, avoidance holes are provided on the outer shell top plate (in the outer shell of the first structure, the outer shell top plate is the cylindrical top plate; in the outer shell of the second structure, the outer shell top plate is the upper cover plate) corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single cell; the polarity terminals of each single cell extend out of the corresponding avoidance hole to serve as the polarity terminals of the battery pack, and the area of ​​the outer shell top plate corresponding to the avoidance hole is fixedly sealed with the single cell shell, so that the avoidance hole area of ​​the outer shell top plate is sealed.

[0144] It should be noted that the single cell polarity terminal described here can be a single cell pole. If, in order to avoid the single cell pole being unable to smoothly extend out of the avoidance hole as a polarity terminal or the height of the extended avoidance hole does not meet the set requirements, a pole adapter can also be connected to the single cell pole, and the overall structure of the single cell pole and the pole adapter can be used as the single cell polarity terminal.

[0145] In order to achieve the function that the electrical connector can realize the parallel connection of each single cell in the same battery pack and the series connection between two adjacent battery packs, and can also realize the heat exchange function of the battery pack, Examples 6 to 14 adopt the inventive concept similar to Examples 1 to 5, and electrically connect part of the structure of the electrical connector to the first polarity terminals of all single cells on one battery pack, and electrically connect another part of the structure of the electrical connector to the second polarity terminals of all single cells on another battery pack (wherein the polarity of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are opposite), so as to realize the parallel connection of each single cell in the same battery pack and the series connection between two adjacent battery packs, and at the same time open a heat exchange channel in the electrical connector for heat exchange. However, unlike Examples 1 to 5, Examples 6 to 14 consider optimizing the structure of the electrical connector and adopting a direct heat exchange method so that the polarity terminals are in direct contact with the heat exchange medium to realize heat exchange of the electrical connector and the polarity terminals.

[0146] Based on this inventive concept, Examples 6 to 14 adjust the structure of the electrical connector, optimizing the structure in which the heat exchange channel of the electrical connector is isolated from the polarity terminal in Examples 1 to 5 to a structure in which the polarity terminal is located within the heat exchange channel. Specifically, the electrical connectors of Examples 6 to 14 include an electrical connector body, in which at least one first sub-heat exchange channel is provided; the first sub-heat exchange channel extends along the x-direction and serves as a flow chamber for an insulating heat exchange medium; and the two ends of the first sub-heat exchange channel serve as a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.

[0147] The bottom plate of the electrical connector body is provided with a plurality of first through holes extending through the first sub-heat exchange channels; the plurality of first through holes are arranged in a rectangular array on the bottom plate of the electrical connector body. In the x-direction, the plurality of first through holes are arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein the number of rows is equal to the number of first polarity terminals or second polarity terminals in the battery pack; and in the y-direction, the plurality of first through holes are arranged in two columns, wherein the first through holes in one column correspond one-to-one to the first polarity terminals of all single cells in one battery pack; and the first through holes in the other column correspond one-to-one to the second polarity terminals of all single cells in another battery pack; wherein the first polarity terminals and the second polarity terminals have opposite polarity.

[0148] In addition, the orthographic projection area of ​​the first through hole in the xy plane is slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the first portion of the corresponding polarity terminal in the xy plane, ensuring that the first portion of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel through the first through hole.

[0149] It should be noted that:

[0150] 1. The first portion of the polarity terminal is the portion that extends into the first sub-heat exchange channel. In some cases, the cross-sectional areas of the first portion and the remaining portions of the polarity terminal are exactly the same. Therefore, it can be considered that it is only necessary that "the orthographic projection area of ​​the first through-hole on the xy plane is slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the corresponding polarity terminal on the xy plane" to ensure that the first portion of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel.

[0151] 2. Typically, the shape of the first through-hole matches the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal. If the first through-hole is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal is circular, and the diameter of the first through-hole needs to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first portion of the polarity terminal. If the first through-hole is square, the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal is square, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole needs to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion of the polarity terminal. Of course, the shape of the first through-hole does not need to match the cross-sectional shape of the polarity terminal, as long as the first portion of the corresponding polarity terminal can pass through the first through-hole and extend into the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel.

[0152] 3. The first polarity terminals or second polarity terminals of all single cells in the battery pack must be set on the same side;

[0153] After the above-mentioned electrical connector is fixed on the top of the two battery packs, each first polarity terminal of one battery pack extends into the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel through the corresponding first through hole, and each second polarity terminal of the other battery pack extends into the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel through the corresponding first through hole. Each polarity terminal is sealed and connected to the first through hole, and electrical connection is carried out between the electrical connector and the polarity terminal.

[0154] In Examples 6 through 14, this electrical connector enables parallel connection of individual cells within a battery pack, as well as series connection between two adjacent battery packs. This makes the electrical connections between individual cells and between battery packs simpler and more practical when multiple battery packs form an energy storage device. Furthermore, a first sub-heat exchange channel is defined within the electrical connector. The inner cavity of this first sub-heat exchange channel serves as a flow chamber for the heat exchange medium. Heat concentrated on the electrical connector is transferred from the electrical connector to the heat transfer medium within the first sub-heat exchange channel, where it is then removed. In addition, part of the structure of the polarity terminal is located in the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel and is in direct contact with the heat exchange medium. Compared with the first type of electrical connector, in which the heat exchange medium indirectly exchanges heat with the polarity terminal through the electrical connector, first, it has a shorter heat exchange path (shortened from "heat exchange medium-electrical connector-polarity terminal" to "heat exchange medium-polarity terminal"), which can improve the utilization efficiency of the heat exchange medium; secondly, it has a larger heat exchange area (increased from "the upper end surface of the polarity terminal, the upper end surface is the fixing part of the polarity terminal and the electrical connector" to "the part of the structure of the polarity terminal located in the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel"), which improves the heat exchange efficiency, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency of such battery packs and energy storage devices.

[0155] It should be noted that:

[0156] 1. Because the polarity terminals in Examples 6 through 14 are in direct contact with the heat exchange medium, the ideal heat exchange medium should possess excellent insulation, high specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity, good flame retardancy, low cost, suitable operating temperature, long life, and be non-corrosive. In Examples 6 through 14, the heat exchange medium is a common insulating heat exchange medium in the prior art, including, but not limited to, insulating oil and fluorinated liquid.

[0157] 2. The electrical connector is made of metal material with good conductivity.

[0158] 3. The electrical connector and the top of the battery pack should be insulated. Usually, there is a certain gap between the two. In some cases, an insulating pad, insulating film or insulating paint can be added between the top of the battery pack and the electrical connector to achieve insulation between the two.

[0159] The electrical connector can adopt different structural forms. The following describes in detail the electrical connectors with different structures and the corresponding energy storage devices in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0160] Example 6

[0161] This embodiment is an electrical connector 44, as specifically shown in Figures 12 to 14. As can be seen from the figures, the electrical connector 44 of this embodiment includes an electrical connector body 441, two mutually isolated first sub-heat exchange channels 442 are provided in the electrical connector body 441, and a plurality of first through holes 443 penetrating the first sub-heat exchange channels 442 are provided on the bottom plate 444 of the electrical connector body.

[0162] The electrical connector body 441 of the present invention is plate-shaped or columnar, with no specific restrictions on its cross-sectional shape. Since the electrical connector 44 in this embodiment is placed on top of the planar battery pack 43, and considering structural regularity, it can be seen from the figure that the electrical connector body 441 in this embodiment is a rectangular plate. In other embodiments, columns of other structural forms may also be used. The electrical connector body 441 is made of a metal material with relatively good electrical and thermal conductivity, such as silver, copper, or aluminum. However, aluminum is generally selected as the material for the electrical connector body 441 due to cost, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity considerations.

[0163] The first heat exchange sub-channel 442 is a channel extending along the length of the electrical connector body 441. In the present invention, after the electrical connector body 441 is secured to the top of the battery pack 43, its length aligns with the arrangement direction of the individual cells 21 (i.e., the x-direction). Therefore, the first heat exchange sub-channel 442 can be considered to extend along the x-direction. The interior of the first heat exchange sub-channel 442 serves as a channel for the flow of heat exchange medium, and its two end ports serve as the liquid inlet and outlet.

[0164] In this embodiment, the axis of the first heat exchange sub-channel 442 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electrical connector body 441, extends along the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector body 441, and penetrates the electrical connector body 441. In other embodiments, the first heat exchange sub-channel 442 may be serpentine, S-shaped, or other curved forms, but these are more difficult to manufacture than in this embodiment.

[0165] The above-mentioned multiple first through holes 443 are opened on the bottom plate 444 of the electrical connector body and are connected to the first sub-heat exchange channel 442. As can be seen from the figure, this embodiment includes a total of 20 first through holes 443, and the 20 first through holes 443 are arranged in a matrix array, arranged as 2 columns in the y direction and arranged as 10 rows in the x direction. One column of the first through holes 443 in the y direction corresponds one-to-one to the first polarity terminals 221 of all single cells 21 on one battery pack 43; the other column of the first through holes 443 corresponds one-to-one to the second polarity terminals 222 of all single cells 21 on another battery pack 43; the polarities of the first polarity terminals 221 and the second polarity terminals 222 are opposite.

[0166] The number of the first through holes 443 is consistent with the number of polarity terminals of the single cells 21 in the battery pack 43 . In other embodiments, the number of the first through holes 443 can be adjusted according to the number of polarity terminals of the single cells 21 in the battery pack 43 .

[0167] In order to ensure that the first portion 223 of the polarity terminal of each single battery 21 can smoothly extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the corresponding first through hole 443, the orthographic projection area of ​​the first through hole 443 in this embodiment on the xy plane is slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the first portion 223 of the corresponding polarity terminal on the xy plane, ensuring that the first portion 223 of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the first through hole 443.

[0168] In this embodiment, the shape of the first through hole 443 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the first part 223 of the polarity terminal. The shape of the first through hole 443 is circular, the cross-section of the first part 223 of the polarity terminal is also circular, and the diameter of the first through hole 443 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first part 223 of the polarity terminal. In some other embodiments, the shape of the first through hole 443 and the cross-sectional shape of the first part 223 of the polarity terminal can be different, as long as it is ensured that the first part 223 of the polarity terminal can be inserted into the first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the first through hole 443.

[0169] In order to further improve the heat exchange efficiency, according to actual conditions, as shown in Figure 15, a third sub-heat exchange channel 10 isolated from the above-mentioned two first sub-heat exchange channels can be opened in the electrical connector body 441. The third sub-heat exchange channel 10 is located between the two first sub-heat exchange channels and serves as a heat exchange channel.

[0170] The third sub-heat exchange channel and the two first sub-heat exchange channels may be connected in parallel or in series.

[0171] Example 7

[0172] This embodiment is also an electrical connector 44 . Unlike the sixth embodiment, the electrical connector body 441 of this embodiment is a split component, and its structure is shown in FIG. 16 .

[0173] In Figure 16, the electrical connector body 441 includes a first base 445 and two first sealing top plates 446; the first through hole 443 is opened on the first base 445, and two first grooves 447 extending along the x direction and arranged along the y direction are opened on the first base 445. The two first sealing top plates 446 are respectively sealed and fixed at the top open ends of the two first grooves 447 to form two first sub-heat exchange channels 442.

[0174] Through the split design, the edge of the first through hole 443 on the electrical connector 44 (i.e., the area around the first through hole on the first base 445) and the corresponding polarity terminal can be sealed and fixed by welding. For details, please refer to Example 11.

[0175] Example 8

[0176] This embodiment is an electrical connector 44 of another structure. Unlike Example 6, as shown in Figure 17, a first sub-heat exchange channel 442 is provided in the main body 441 of the electrical connector of this embodiment; that is, in this embodiment, the first polarity terminals 221 of all single cells 21 on one battery pack 43 and the second polarity terminals 222 of all single cells 21 on another battery pack 43 are all located in the same first sub-heat exchange channel 442.

[0177] In this embodiment, sealing plates may be added at both ends of the first heat exchange sub-channel 442 , and holes may be opened in the sealing plates to serve as the liquid inlet and liquid outlet, respectively.

[0178] Example 9

[0179] Different from the eighth embodiment, the electrical connector body 441 of this embodiment is a split component, and its structure is shown in FIG18 .

[0180] In Figure 18, the electrical connector body 441 includes a second base 448 and a second sealing top plate 449; the first through hole 443 is opened on the second base 448, and at the same time, a second groove 440 is opened in the second base 448 along the x direction; the second sealing top plate 449 is sealed and fixed at the open end of the second groove 440 to form a first sub-heat exchange channel 442.

[0181] Through the split design, the first through hole 443 in the electrical connector 44 and the corresponding polarity terminal can also be sealed and fixed by welding. For details, please refer to Example 13.

[0182] Example 10

[0183] This embodiment is an energy storage device, including an electrical connector 44 and at least two battery packs 43 , wherein the electrical connector 44 is the electrical connector 44 in Embodiment 6.

[0184] As shown in FIG19 and FIG20 , they are a schematic structural diagram and a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device of this embodiment, in which an energy storage device having two battery packs 43 is taken as an example.

[0185] As can be seen from the figure, the battery pack 43 of this embodiment includes ten cells 21 arranged along the x-direction. The cells 21 in this embodiment are prismatic cells, each with an internal cavity comprising an electrolyte region and a gas region. In other embodiments, the number of cells 21 can be adjusted based on actual needs, as can the shape of the cells 21.

[0186] The electrical connector 44 is arranged on the top of the two battery groups 43, wherein the first polarity terminals 221 of all the single batteries 21 on one battery group 43 extend into the corresponding first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the corresponding first through hole 443, and the second polarity terminals 222 of all the single batteries 21 on the other battery group 43 extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the corresponding first through hole 443.

[0187] As can be seen from Figure 20, in this embodiment, the top ends of the first polarity terminal 221 and the second polarity terminal 222 are in contact with the electrical connector body 441 in the first sub-heat exchange channel 442. In order to improve the stability between the two, in this embodiment, the electrical connector body 441 can be welded to the top ends of the first polarity terminal 221 and the second polarity terminal 222 from the outer surface of the electrical connector. The conductive performance between the electrical connector and the polarity terminals can be further improved by welding.

[0188] Because the heat exchange medium flows in the first sub-heat exchange channel 442, the sealing between the first through hole 443 and the corresponding polarity terminal (including the first polarity terminal 221 and the second polarity terminal 222) is particularly important. As can be seen from Figure 20, in this embodiment, an annular groove 224 extending along the circumference of each polarity terminal is opened; and an O-ring 225 is embedded in the annular groove 224. The outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 225 is pressed against the area of ​​the electrical connector body 441 around the first through hole 443 to achieve sealing between the first through hole 443 and the corresponding polarity terminal.

[0189] In addition, this embodiment can also provide an electrolyte sharing chamber at the bottom of the battery pack 43 to connect the electrolyte areas within the cavities of all the individual cells 21, thereby achieving electrolyte sharing. The electrolyte sharing chamber can be a hollow member provided at the bottom of the battery pack 43, with through holes provided in the hollow member and the lower cover of the individual cells 21, thereby achieving electrolyte sharing.

[0190] In some other embodiments, a gas sharing chamber may be provided on the top of the battery pack 43 to connect the gas areas in the inner cavities of all the single batteries 21 to achieve a gas balance effect.

[0191] For the specific structures of the electrolyte shared chamber and the gas shared chamber, reference may be made to the first hollow member and the second hollow member described in Chinese patent CN117477186A and the electrolyte shared channel described in CN115275453A.

[0192] Example 11

[0193] This embodiment is also an energy storage device. Unlike the embodiment 10, this embodiment adopts the electrical connector 44 described in the embodiment 7.

[0194] As shown in FIG21 , it includes the electrical connector 44 and two battery packs 43 described in Example 7;

[0195] The structure of the battery pack 43 is the same as that of embodiment 10 and will not be described again here.

[0196] In this embodiment, the edge of the first through hole 443 (the area around the first through hole 443 on the first base 445) is welded to the corresponding first polarity terminal 221 and the second polarity terminal 222 to achieve sealing between the two (welding can also improve the stability of the electrical connector 44 on the polarity terminals, thereby improving the electrical conductivity between the two). This can be achieved specifically through the following process:

[0197] First, position the first base 445 on top of the two battery groups 43 so that the first polarity terminals 221 of all the single batteries 21 in one battery group 43 extend through the corresponding first through-holes 443 into the corresponding first sub-heat exchange channel 442, and the second polarity terminals 222 of all the single batteries 21 in the other battery group 43 extend through the corresponding first through-holes 443 into the corresponding other first sub-heat exchange channel 442.

[0198] Next, extend the welding head from the open end of the first groove 447 into the edge of the first through hole 443, and weld the edge of each first through hole 443 to the outer wall of the corresponding polarity terminal to achieve sealing; the area shown in a in Figure 21 is the welding area.

[0199] Finally, the two first sealing top plates 446 are respectively sealed and welded to the open ends of the two first grooves 447. In other embodiments, other connection methods such as screw connection can also be used to seal and fix the first sealing top plates 446 to the open ends of the first grooves 447.

[0200] In this embodiment, the welding head is inserted from the open end of the first groove 447 without any obstruction, and the sealing welding of the first through hole 443 and the corresponding polarity terminal can be completed at one time. The process is simple and the sealing effect is good.

[0201] It should be noted that the welding head mentioned here refers to the component of the welding equipment extending into the part to be welded. If arc welding or argon arc welding is used, the welding head here refers to the end of the welding rod. If laser welding is used, the welding head here refers to the laser beam.

[0202] Example 12

[0203] This embodiment is also an energy storage device. Unlike the embodiment 10, this embodiment adopts the electrical connector 44 described in the embodiment 8.

[0204] As shown in FIG22 , it includes the electrical connector 44 and two battery packs 43 described in Example 8;

[0205] The structure of the battery pack 43 is the same as that of embodiment 10 and will not be described again here.

[0206] The electrical connector 44 is arranged on the top of the two battery groups 43, wherein the first polarity terminals 221 of all the single cells 21 on one battery group 43 extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the corresponding first through-holes 443, and the second polarity terminals 222 of all the single cells 21 on the other battery group 43 also extend into the same first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the corresponding first through-holes 443; the sealing method between each polarity terminal and the first through-hole 443 is the same as that in Example 10 and will not be repeated here.

[0207] As can be seen from Figure 22, similar to Example 10, in this embodiment, the top ends of the first polarity terminal 221 and the second polarity terminal 222 are in contact with the electrical connector body 441 in the first sub-heat exchange channel 442. In order to improve the stability between the two, in this embodiment, the electrical connector body 441 can be welded to the top ends of the first polarity terminal 221 and the second polarity terminal 222 from the outer surface of the electrical connector. The conductive performance between the electrical connector and the polarity terminals can be further improved by welding.

[0208] Example 13

[0209] This embodiment is also an energy storage device. Unlike the embodiment 12, this embodiment adopts the electrical connector 44 described in the embodiment 9.

[0210] As shown in FIG23 , it includes the electrical connector 44 and two battery packs 43 described in Example 9;

[0211] The structure of the battery pack 43 is the same as that of embodiment 10 and will not be described again here.

[0212] Similar to Example 11, this embodiment achieves sealing between the first polarity terminal 221 and the second polarity terminal 222 by welding the edge of the first through hole 443 (the area around the first through hole 443 on the second base 448) to the corresponding first polarity terminal 221 and the second polarity terminal 222 (welding can also improve the stability of the electrical connector 44 on the polarity terminal, thereby improving the electrical conductivity between the two). This can be achieved through the following process:

[0213] First, position the second base 448 on top of the two battery groups 43 so that the first polarity terminals 221 of all the single batteries 21 in one battery group 43 extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the corresponding first through-holes 443, and the second polarity terminals 222 of all the single batteries 21 in the other battery group 43 extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel 442 through the corresponding first through-holes 443.

[0214] Next, extend the welding head from the open end of the second groove 440 into the edge of the first through hole 443, and weld the edge of each first through hole 443 to the outer wall of the corresponding polarity terminal to achieve sealing; the area shown in b in Figure 23 is the welding area.

[0215] Finally, the second sealing top plate 449 is sealed and welded to the open end of the second groove 440. In other embodiments, the second sealing top plate 449 can also be sealed and fixed to the open end of the second groove 440 by other connection methods such as screw connection.

[0216] In this embodiment, the welding head is inserted from the open end of the second groove 440 without any obstruction, and the sealing welding of the first through hole 443 and the corresponding polarity terminal can be completed at one time. The process is simple and the sealing effect is good.

[0217] It should be noted that the welding head mentioned here refers to the component of the welding equipment extending into the part to be welded. If arc welding or argon arc welding is used, the welding head here refers to the end of the welding rod. If laser welding is used, the welding head here refers to the laser beam.

[0218] Example 14

[0219] This embodiment is another energy storage device. Different from Embodiments 10 to 13, the battery pack 43 in the energy storage device of this embodiment further has a housing 41 . The specific structure is shown in FIG. 24 to FIG. 30 .

[0220] FIG24 and FIG25 take the battery pack 43 of embodiment 10 as an example in which a housing 41 is added;

[0221] FIG26 and FIG27 take the battery pack 43 of Example 11 as an example in which a housing 41 is added;

[0222] FIG28 takes the battery pack 43 of Example 12 as an example in which a housing 41 is added;

[0223] FIG29 and FIG30 take the battery pack 43 of Example 13 as an example in which a housing 41 is added;

[0224] As can be seen from the above figures, this embodiment adds a housing 41 to the battery pack 43 of Examples 10 to 13. The individual cells 21 are arranged within the interior of the housing 41, and the housing top plate 411 defines escape holes 7 through which the polarity terminals of each cell 21 extend. In this embodiment, the polarity terminals of the cell 21 are cell 21 poles, which are taller than those of conventional cell 21 poles. Each cell 21 polarity terminal extends through the corresponding escape hole 7, and a sealing connector 8 is added between the escape hole 7 and the polarity terminal to achieve a secure seal between the area of ​​the housing top plate 411 corresponding to the escape hole 7 and the cell 21 housing.

[0225] The sealing connector 8 includes a hollow member; the bottom of the hollow member is used to seal and connect with the first area of ​​the single cell 21, and the top of the hollow member is sealed and connected with the second area of ​​the outer shell top plate 411; wherein the first area is the area around any polarity terminal on the upper cover plate of the single cell 21 of any single cell 21; wherein the area around the polarity terminal is the area around the insulating sealing gasket on the polarity terminal. The insulating sealing gasket is a part on the single cell 21 used to insulate the polarity terminal from the upper cover plate of the single cell 21. The second area is the area of ​​the outer shell top plate 411 corresponding to any avoidance hole 7 on the outer shell top plate 411. The area of ​​the outer shell top plate 411 corresponding to the avoidance hole 7 is the area around any avoidance hole 7 on the outer surface of the outer shell top plate 411; or the area of ​​the outer shell top plate 411 corresponding to the avoidance hole 7 is the hole wall of the avoidance hole 7.

[0226] A liquid channel extending along the x-direction is provided between the housing bottom plate 412 and each unit battery 21 , serving as an electrolyte shared chamber 5 .

[0227] In Figures 24 to 30, a boss 9 extending along the x-direction is provided on the top plate 411 of the outer shell, and a gas channel is opened on the boss 9. The gas channel is connected to the inner cavity of the outer shell 41 and serves as a gas sharing chamber 6, which is connected to the gas area of ​​the inner cavity of each single battery 21; when the inner cavity of the single battery 21 produces gas, the inner cavity of the gas channel can also be used as a gas containing chamber to alleviate the problem of swelling of the outer shell 41 caused by gas production.

[0228] In some other embodiments, only the electrolyte sharing chamber 5 or the gas sharing chamber 6 may be provided.

[0229] The electrical connector 44 is disposed above the housing top plates 411 of the two battery packs 43 , with a certain gap between the electrical connector 44 and the housing top plates 411 .

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that: It is used to realize the parallel connection of each single battery in the same battery pack and the series connection between two adjacent battery packs; a heat exchange channel for transmitting heat exchange medium is provided on the electrical connector.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes a connecting plate and conductive plates arranged on both sides of the connecting plate; the conductive plate on one side is used to electrically connect to the first polarity terminals of all single cells on one battery pack, and the conductive plate on the other side is used to electrically connect to the second polarity terminals of all single cells on another battery pack, wherein the polarities of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are opposite; The heat exchange channel is opened in at least one of the connecting plate and the conductive plate.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting plate and the conductive plate are an integrated part.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each conductive plate is provided with a screw hole for fixedly connecting with the first polarity terminal or the second polarity terminal of each single battery, and the screw hole is isolated from the heat exchange channel.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting plate and the conductive plates on both sides of the connecting plate are located in the same plane and are in a flat plate structure as a whole.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heat exchange channel is located in the conductive plates on both sides. The axis of the heat exchange channel is parallel to the axis of the length direction of the conductive plate, extends along the length direction of the conductive plate, and passes through the conductive plate.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: Through holes are provided in regions of the conductive plate corresponding to the first polarity terminals and the second polarity terminals, and the through holes penetrate the conductive plate along the thickness direction of the conductive plate.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness of the connecting plate is greater than that of the conductive plate; the lower surface of the connecting plate and the lower surfaces of the conductive plates on both sides are located in the same plane.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The heat exchange channel is located in the connecting plate, the axis of the heat exchange channel is parallel to the axis of the length direction of the connecting plate, extends along the length direction of the connecting plate, and passes through the connecting plate.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In each battery pack, the individual cells are arranged along the x direction; The heat exchange channel includes at least one first sub-heat exchange channel; The electrical connector includes an electrical connector body, and at least one first sub-heat exchange channel is provided in the electrical connector body; The first sub-heat exchange channel extends along the x direction and serves as a flow cavity for the insulating heat exchange medium; The bottom plate of the main body of the electrical connector is provided with a plurality of first through holes penetrating the first sub-heat exchange channel; A plurality of first through holes are arranged in a rectangular array on the bottom plate of the main body of the electrical connector, and are arranged in two columns in the y direction, wherein the first through holes in one column correspond one-to-one to the first polarity terminals of all the single cells on one battery pack; and the first through holes in another column correspond one-to-one to the second polarity terminals of all the single cells on another battery pack; wherein the polarities of the first polarity terminals and the second polarity terminals are opposite; The orthographic projection area of ​​the first through hole on the xy plane is slightly larger than the orthographic projection area of ​​the first portion of the corresponding polarity terminal on the xy plane, ensuring that the first portion of the corresponding polarity terminal can extend into the inner cavity of the first sub-heat exchange channel through the first through hole.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: Two mutually isolated first sub-heat exchange channels are arranged in the main body of the electrical connector; and the two rows of first through holes are respectively connected with the first sub-heat exchange channels corresponding to the respective ones.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The main body of the electrical connector is a split part, including a first base and two first sealing top plates; two mutually isolated first grooves are opened on the first base; the two first sealing top plates are respectively sealed and fixed on the open ends of the two first grooves to form two first sub-heat exchange channels; the first through hole is opened on the first base.

13. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The heat exchange channel also includes at least one third sub-heat exchange channel; At least one third heat exchange sub-channel is opened in the main body of the electrical connector; the third heat exchange sub-channel is located between the two first heat exchange sub-channels; the third heat exchange sub-channel extends along the x direction and serves as an insulating heat exchange medium flow cavity.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: A first sub-heat exchange channel is arranged in the main body of the electrical connector; and both rows of first through holes are connected to the first sub-heat exchange channel.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: The main body of the electrical connector is a split part, including a second base and a second sealing top plate; a second groove is opened in the second base; the second sealing top plate is sealed and fixed at the open end of the second groove to form a first sub-heat exchange channel; and a first through hole is opened on the second base.

16. An energy storage device, comprising at least two battery packs, each battery pack having at least two single cells, characterized in that: It also includes an electrical connector that realizes parallel connection of each single battery in the battery pack and series connection between two adjacent battery packs; the electrical connector is the electrical connector as described in claim 1.

17. The energy storage device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The electrical connection is the electrical connection according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

18. The energy storage device according to claim 17, characterized in that: A heat exchanger is mounted on the first polarity terminal and / or the second polarity terminal. The heat exchanger on the first polarity terminal is clamped to the first polarity terminal by a conductor fixed on the first polarity terminal, and the heat exchanger on the second polarity terminal is clamped to the second polarity terminal by a conductor fixed on the second polarity terminal.

19. The energy storage device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The electrical connector is the electrical connector according to any one of claims 10 to 16; the first polarity terminals of all single cells on one battery pack extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel through the corresponding first through holes, and the second polarity terminals of all single cells on another battery pack extend into the first sub-heat exchange channel through the corresponding first through holes; each first through hole is sealedly connected to the corresponding first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal, and the electrical connector is conductive to the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal.

20. The energy storage device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The top ends of the first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal are connected to the main body of the electrical connector by welding.

21. The energy storage device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The main body of the electrical connector is a split part; it includes a first base and two first sealing top plates; two mutually isolated first grooves are provided on the first base; the two first sealing top plates are respectively sealed and fixed at the open ends of the two first grooves to form two first sub-heat exchange channels; the first through hole is provided on the first base; The area around each first through hole on the first base is welded and sealed to the corresponding first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal.

22. The energy storage device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The main body of the electrical connector is a split component, including a second base and a second sealing top plate; a second groove is opened in the second base; the second sealing top plate is sealed and fixed to the open end of the second groove to form a first sub-heat exchange channel; the first through hole is opened on the second base; the area around each first through hole on the second base is welded and sealed to the corresponding first polarity terminal and the second polarity terminal.

23. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: The battery pack further comprises a shell; a plurality of single cells are arranged in the inner cavity of the shell along the x direction; The housing is provided with at least one shared chamber, and the inner chamber of the shared chamber is connected with the inner chambers of all the single cells; The outer shell top plate is provided with avoidance holes corresponding to the polarity terminals of each single battery; the polarity terminals of each single battery extend out of the avoidance holes, and the outer shell top plate area corresponding to the avoidance holes is fixedly sealed with the single battery shell.

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