Battery pack

Abstract

The present application discloses a battery pack, comprising at least one battery cell and a housing used for enclosing the battery cell, wherein the battery cell comprises a top sealing area. The battery pack further comprises a connecting structure and a temperature sensor. The connecting structure is located on the outer side of the top sealing area and provided with first through holes. The temperature sensor comprises a temperature sensing head and supporting legs, wherein the temperature sensing head is arranged in the top sealing area, and the supporting legs extend through the first through holes. In the battery pack, the temperature sensor is arranged in the top sealing area, thus being conducive to monitoring a high-temperature area of the battery cell, and improving monitoring accuracy. In addition, the supporting legs of the temperature sensor can extend through the first through holes of the connecting structure, thereby facilitating the positioning and fixing of the temperature sensor.

Description

battery pack Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] Lithium-ion battery cells exhibit different electrical properties at high and low temperatures. High temperatures, in particular, pose a significant safety risk during the charging and discharging process. Therefore, using NTC (negative temperature coefficient thermistor) temperature sensors to monitor cell temperature is particularly important.

[0003] Currently, soft-pack battery cell packs typically use linear NTCs to monitor cell temperature. These sensors consist of a temperature sensor and a flexible lead connected to the sensor. The sensor needs to be secured with tape, and an area for the wires needs to be set up. Furthermore, the linear NTC is placed on the outermost cell or on the side of the cell pack, but this area is not the highest temperature zone for the cells, resulting in inaccurate temperature measurements.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery pack that can monitor the high-temperature area of ​​the battery cell.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A battery pack includes at least one battery cell and a housing for wrapping the battery cell, wherein the battery cell includes a top seal area, and the battery pack further includes:

[0008] A connecting structure is located outside the top sealing area, and the connecting structure is provided with a first through hole;

[0009] The temperature sensor includes a temperature sensing head and a support leg. The temperature sensing head is arranged in the top sealing area, and the support leg is passed through the first through hole.

[0010] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the connection structure includes an adapter plate, and the adapter plate is provided with the first through hole.

[0011] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the adapter plate is provided with a second through hole, and the second through hole and the first through hole are substantially located in the same top sealing area.

[0012] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the opening area of ​​the second through hole is greater than or equal to 7mm 2 and less than or equal to 70mm 2 .

[0013] Optionally, in the above battery pack, two second through holes are provided, and the two second through holes are respectively located on both sides of the first through hole.

[0014] Optionally, in the above-mentioned battery pack, the connection structure includes a BMS board (i.e., a BMS battery protection board), a bracket is arranged between the BMS board and the outer shell, the bracket is provided with a third through hole capable of passing the temperature sensing head, and the BMS board is provided with the first through hole capable of passing the support leg.

[0015] Optionally, in the above battery pack, a side wall of the third through hole extends in a direction away from a side of the BMS board and protrudes from the bracket to form a first protrusion.

[0016] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the first protrusion is provided with at least one radial through groove.

[0017] Optionally, in the above battery pack, a fourth through hole is formed on the side wall of the first protrusion.

[0018] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the side wall of the third through hole extends toward a side close to the BMS board and protrudes from the bracket to form a second protrusion.

[0019] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the distance from the lowest point of the temperature sensing head to the shell to which it is close is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 3.5 mm.

[0020] Optionally, in the above battery pack, thermally conductive adhesive is provided between the temperature sensing head and the outer shell, so that the temperature sensor is connected to the top sealing area through the thermally conductive adhesive.

[0021] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the temperature sensing head is wrapped with a first insulating layer, and the legs are at least partially wrapped with a second insulating layer.

[0022] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are epoxy resin.

[0023] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the legs are fixed to the first through holes by UV glue.

[0024] Optionally, in the above battery pack, the legs are capable of contacting side walls of the first through hole.

[0025] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the battery pack provided by this application, by placing a temperature sensor in the top seal area, facilitates monitoring of the high-temperature area of ​​the battery cell and improves monitoring accuracy. Furthermore, the temperature sensor leg can be inserted into the first through-hole of the connecting structure, facilitating the positioning and fixing of the temperature sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the adapter plate provided in Example 1 of the present application;

[0029] FIG3 is an exploded view of the structure of the battery pack provided in Example 1 of the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in Example 1 of the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the battery pack provided in Example 2 of the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery pack provided in Example 2 of the present application;

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the second protrusion provided in Example 2 of the present application.

[0034] in:

[0035] 1- shell, 11- top sealing area,

[0036] 2-temperature sensor, 21-temperature sensing head, 22-support leg,

[0037] 3-first through hole, 41-adapter board, 411-second through hole, 42-BMS board,

[0038] 5-bracket, 51-third through hole, 52-first protrusion, 521-radial through groove, 522-fourth through hole, 53-second protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] In the description of the utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientations or positional relationships in which the utility model product is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present application and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 , an embodiment of the present application provides a battery pack.

[0042] First, the battery comprises at least one battery cell and a casing 1 for enclosing the cell. The cell includes a top seal area 11. The battery pack also includes a connection structure and a temperature sensor 2. The connection structure is located outside the top seal area 11 and defines a first through-hole 3. The temperature sensor 2 includes a temperature sensing head 21 and a leg 22. The temperature sensing head 21 is located within the top seal area 11, and the leg 22 extends through the first through-hole 3. It should be noted that the top seal area 11 of the battery cell includes a sealed edge where the cell tab protrudes from one end, and the casing 1 enclosing the cell at that end. It should be noted that the casing 1 can be a cylindrical structure with both ends open or a shell structure with one end open. Furthermore, when the battery includes multiple cells, the temperature sensor 2 is located in the space enclosed by the top seal areas 11 of two adjacent cells. Furthermore, there is no specific limit on the number of temperature sensors 2 provided in a battery pack; those skilled in the art can design the temperature sensor 2 based on actual needs.

[0043] The battery pack provided in the embodiment of the present application, by placing the temperature sensor 2 in the top seal area 11, facilitates monitoring of the high-temperature area of ​​the battery cell and improves monitoring accuracy. Furthermore, the legs 22 of the temperature sensor 2 can pass through the first through-hole 3 of the connecting structure, facilitating the positioning and securing of the temperature sensor 2.

[0044] In a specific implementation, the legs 22 are rigid. Compared to flexible leads, they are easier to pass through the first through-hole 3. They also generate friction with the sidewalls of the first through-hole 3, preventing the temperature sensor 2 from moving and facilitating the positioning of the temperature sensor 2. In other words, the rigid legs 22 can be inserted through the first through-hole 3. The material of the rigid legs 22 is preferably, but not limited to, hard metal. The specific material type of the legs 22 can be designed by those skilled in the art based on actual needs.

[0045] During specific implementation, the leg 22 includes a first leg and a second leg. There are two first through holes 3, and the first leg and the second leg can pass through the two first through holes 3 respectively. It should be noted that the first leg includes a first part, a bent part, and a second part connected in sequence, wherein the first part is connected to the temperature sensing head 21. The second leg has the same structure as the first leg and is symmetrically arranged. The spacing between the second part of the first leg and the second part of the first leg is adapted to the spacing between the two first through holes 3, so that the first leg and the second leg can pass through the two first through holes 3 at the same time, but is not limited to this. For example, the first through hole 3 can be a long strip through hole, or a round hole, and the two legs 22 can pass through the first through hole 3 and the two legs 22 are not parallel to each other, so that the legs 22 are in contact with the side walls of the first through hole 3. The number of the first through holes 3 and the shape of the openings can be specifically designed by those skilled in the art according to actual needs. The legs 22 can be connected to an external control device to monitor the temperature of the battery cell.

[0046] Exemplary embodiment 1

[0047] As shown in Figures 2-4 , in a specific implementation, the connection structure includes an adapter plate 41, which defines a first through hole 3 and a second through hole 411. The second through hole 411 and the first through hole 3 are substantially located in the top seal area 11 of the same battery cell, facilitating observation of the positional relationship between the temperature sensor 2 and the battery cell and providing space for securing the temperature sensor 2 to the battery cell.

[0048] In a specific implementation, the opening area of ​​the second through hole 411 is greater than or equal to 7mm 2 and less than or equal to 70mm 2 In this way, while ensuring easy observation and providing operating space without affecting the strength of the structure itself, the second through hole can also play a role in reducing weight, reducing the weight of the connection structure and thus the weight of the battery. However, the opening area of ​​the second through hole 411 is not limited to this. The opening shape and opening area of ​​the second through hole 411 can be specifically designed by those skilled in the art according to actual needs.

[0049] In a specific implementation, two second through holes 411 are provided, one on either side of the first through hole 3, to facilitate multi-directional and multi-angle observation of the positional relationship between the temperature sensor 2 and the battery cell. It should be noted that the other number of second through holes 411 can also be provided as long as it can provide observation. The shape, number, and specific location of the second through holes 411 can be specifically designed by those skilled in the art based on actual needs.

[0050] In a specific implementation, the distance between the lowest point of the temperature sensor 21 and the housing 1 it is proximate to is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 3.5 mm. This not only prevents the temperature sensor 2 from being too close to the housing 1, but also prevents particles and films on the surface of the housing 1 from affecting the temperature measurement results, thereby improving measurement reliability. Furthermore, it prevents excessive distance from affecting the temperature sensing effect of the temperature sensor 2. However, this is not limiting. The distance between the lowest point of the temperature sensor 21 and the housing 1 it is proximate to can be specifically designed by those skilled in the art based on actual needs.

[0051] During specific implementation, thermal conductive glue is provided between the temperature sensing head 21 and the outer shell 1 to quickly transfer heat. That is, thermal conductive glue is used to connect the temperature sensing head 21 and the end shell of the top sealing area 11 of the outer shell 1. And the effect of the thermal conductive glue connecting the outer shell 1 and the temperature sensing head 21 can be observed through the second through hole 411 to obtain a better heat channel connection effect. It should be noted that the main function of the thermal conductive glue is to fill the tiny gaps between the materials, reduce the interface contact thermal resistance, and improve the conduction efficiency of heat energy. It can fill the unevenness and tiny defects on the surface of the material, forming a closer contact, thereby effectively transmitting heat energy. The thermal conductive glue is a paste-like substance before it is solidified, and can solidify into a solid substance within a certain period of time after contact with air. The specific type of thermal conductive glue can be specifically designed by those skilled in the art according to actual needs.

[0052] During specific implementation, the temperature sensing head 21 is wrapped with a first insulating layer, and the leg 22 is at least partially wrapped with a second insulating layer to prevent short circuits. The first insulating layer and the second insulating layer include epoxy resin glue. It should be noted that epoxy resin glue has strong adhesion and resistance to chemical corrosion, and can work in a wide temperature range. It has relatively good bonding strength and durability. However, it is not limited to this. The material types of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer can be specifically designed by those skilled in the art according to actual needs. The end of the second part of the leg is a non-insulating area (that is, the first insulating layer is not provided), and the end is a welding area. After the welding operation of the end is completed, the leg needs to be insulated and fixed by UV glue. The curing speed of UV glue is very fast, and it can usually be completely cured in a few seconds. It is suitable for scenarios requiring high precision and fast curing, such as electronic assembly and optical device bonding. However, it is not limited to this. The type of glue used in the welding area can be specifically designed by those skilled in the art according to actual needs.

[0053] Exemplary embodiment 2

[0054] As shown in FIG5-FIG7, the second embodiment of the present application provides a battery pack. The difference between the second embodiment of the present application and the first embodiment is that:

[0055] In a specific implementation, the connection structure includes a BMS (Battery Management System) battery protection board 42 (i.e., a BMS board). A bracket 5 is provided between the BMS board 42 and the housing 1. The bracket 5 has a third through hole 51 through which the temperature sensor 21 can pass. The BMS board 42 has a first through hole 3 through which the legs 22 can pass. The third through hole 51 facilitates the proximity of the temperature sensor 21 to the battery cell housing 1 and also serves as a positioning mechanism.

[0056] In specific implementation, the sidewall of the third through hole 51 extends away from the BMS board 42 and protrudes from the bracket 5 to form a first raised portion 52. This increases the space between the bracket 5 and the top sealing area 11 of the housing 1, facilitates the folding of the battery cell tabs, and provides space for the edge sealing. The sidewall of the third through hole 51 extends toward the side closer to the BMS board 42 and protrudes from the bracket 5 to form a second raised portion 53. This increases the space between the BMS board 42 and the bracket 5, and provides guidance for the temperature sensor 21.

[0057] During specific implementation, the first protrusion 52 is provided with at least one radial through groove 521. The depth of the radial through groove 521 does not need to be greater than the axial length of the first protrusion 52, and those skilled in the art can make specific designs according to actual needs. The radial through groove 521 enables the thermal conductive adhesive to better contact the surface of the outer shell 1. During battery assembly, the third through hole 51 on the bracket 5 is aligned with the top sealing area 11, and thermal conductive adhesive is injected into the radial through groove 521 to connect the top sealing area 11 with the radial through groove 521. The BMS board 42 is installed on the bracket 5, and the temperature sensing head 21 of the temperature sensor 2 is inserted into the thermal conductive adhesive to connect the temperature sensor 2, the thermal conductive adhesive, and the top sealing area 11. When the battery cell generates heat, the heat is transferred to the temperature sensor 2 through the thermal conductive adhesive, and the temperature sensor 2 reads the battery cell temperature.

[0058] In a specific implementation, a fourth through hole 522 is opened on the side wall of the first protrusion 52 to facilitate the thermal conductive glue to pass through the fourth through hole 522, thereby increasing the contact area between the temperature sensing head 21 and the housing 1 and conducting temperature more accurately.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0060] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same and similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables professionals and technicians in this field to implement or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to professionals and technicians in this field, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but will comply with the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising at least one battery cell and a housing (1) for wrapping the battery cell, wherein the battery cell comprises a top sealing area (11), characterized in that: The battery pack further comprises: A connecting structure, located outside the top sealing area (11), the connecting structure being provided with a first through hole (3); A temperature sensor (2), the temperature sensor (2) comprising a temperature sensing head (21) and a support leg (22), the temperature sensing head (21) being arranged in the top sealing area (11), and the support leg (22) being passed through the first through hole (3).

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection structure comprises an adapter plate (41), and the adapter plate (41) is provided with the first through hole (3).

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adapter plate (41) is provided with a second through hole (411), and the second through hole (411) and the first through hole (3) are substantially located in the same top sealing area (11).

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that: The opening area of ​​the second through hole (411) is greater than or equal to 7 mm 2 And less than or equal to 70mm 2 .

5. The battery pack according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: Two second through holes (411) are provided, and the two second through holes (411) are respectively located on two sides of the first through hole (3).

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The connection structure comprises a battery management system (BMS) battery protection board (42), a bracket (5) is arranged between the BMS board (42) and the housing (1), the bracket (5) is provided with a third through hole (51) capable of passing the temperature sensing head (21), and the BMS board (42) is provided with the first through hole (3) capable of passing the support leg (22).

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The side wall of the third through hole (51) extends in a direction away from the side of the BMS board (42) and protrudes from the bracket (5) to form a first protrusion (52).

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first protruding portion (52) is provided with at least one radial through groove (521).

9. The battery pack according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The side wall of the first protruding portion (52) is provided with a fourth through hole (522).

10. The battery pack according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: The side wall of the third through hole (51) extends in a direction close to a side of the BMS board (42) and protrudes from the bracket (5) to form a second protruding portion (53).

11. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The distance between the lowest point of the temperature sensing head (21) and the housing (1) to which it is close is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 3.5 mm.

12. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: A heat-conducting adhesive is provided between the temperature sensing head (21) and the housing (1), so that the temperature sensor (2) is connected to the top sealing area (11) via the heat-conducting adhesive.

13. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The temperature sensing head (21) is wrapped with a first insulating layer, and the supporting leg (22) is at least partially wrapped with a second insulating layer.

14. The battery pack according to any one of claims 13, characterized in that: The first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are epoxy resin.

15. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The supporting leg (22) is fixed to the first through hole (3) by UV glue.

16. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The supporting leg (22) is capable of contacting a side wall of the first through hole (3).

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