Battery module and energy storage device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a battery module and an energy storage device. The battery module comprises a first battery cell assembly and a first busbar assembly. The first battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of first battery cells, the plurality of first battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and each first battery cell comprises a first battery cell body and a first electrode terminal extending from the first battery cell body. The first busbar assembly comprises a first insulating member and a plurality of first busbars, the first insulating member and the first battery cell bodies are arranged in a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The plurality of first busbars are arranged at intervals. The first insulating member is provided with a plurality of first openings. The first busbars are connected to the first insulating member, each first busbar is provided with a welding area, and the welding area is welded to the first electrode terminals of at least two first battery cells. When viewed in the second direction, each welding area is located in the corresponding first opening.

Description

Battery modules and energy storage devices Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery module and an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Rechargeable battery cells are those that can be recharged after being discharged, allowing the active materials to be reactivated and reused. Rechargeable battery cells are widely used in electronic devices and energy storage devices.

[0003] Battery modules typically consist of multiple cells to meet the voltage requirements of electronic devices. Simplifying the structure of battery modules has been a key research focus in the development of battery technology.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a battery module and an energy storage device that can simplify the structure of the battery module.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery module, which includes a first cell assembly and a first busbar assembly. The first cell assembly includes a plurality of first cells arranged along a first direction. Each first cell includes a first cell body and a first electrode terminal extending from the first cell body. The first busbar assembly includes a first insulating member and a plurality of first busbars. The first insulating member and the first cell body are arranged along a second direction, perpendicular to the second direction. The plurality of first busbars are spaced apart. The first insulating member has a plurality of first openings. The first busbars are connected to the first insulating member and have welding areas welded to the first electrode terminals of at least two first cells. Viewed along the second direction, the welding areas are located within the first openings.

[0007] By using a first opening for welding, the welding process can be simplified, and the risk of metal particles generated during welding adhering to the first battery cell can be reduced. The first insulating component and multiple first busbars can be integrated together before being assembled with the first battery cell assembly, which helps simplify the assembly process and the structure of the battery module. The first insulating component can support and fix the first busbars, reducing the risk of the first busbars shifting when the battery module is subjected to external forces, thus improving the stability of the busbars. The first insulating component can cover the first electrode terminals along the second direction, improving the insulation effect.

[0008] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, a plurality of first openings are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of first busbars.

[0009] In one or more of the above alternative embodiments, a portion of each first busbar is opposite to a first opening in a direction opposite to the second direction, which facilitates the welding of the first busbar and the first electrode terminal.

[0010] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first insulating member includes an insulating base and a buffer portion, the buffer portion extending from the insulating base by bending. A first opening is provided in the insulating base, and a first busbar is fixed to the insulating base.

[0011] The buffer section can cushion the battery module when it is subjected to external forces, reducing the stress at the connection between the insulating base and the first busbar, lowering the risk of the first busbar detaching from the insulating base, and improving the safety and reliability of the battery module. The buffer section can also elastically deform when the first cell assembly expands to release the tensile force on the first insulator, reducing the stress at the connection between the insulating base and the first busbar, lowering the risk of the first busbar detaching from the insulating base and the risk of the first insulator breaking, thus improving the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0012] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first insulating member includes a plurality of insulating bases and a plurality of buffer portions, the buffer portions being located between adjacent insulating bases, and the two ends of the buffer portions being respectively connected to two insulating bases.

[0013] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, each insulating base is provided with a first opening, and each insulating base is fixed to a first busbar.

[0014] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, along the second direction, the projection of the first busbar is separate from the projection of the buffer portion. When the first cell assembly expands, the buffer portion and the first busbar are separated, which helps to reduce the risk of interference between the first busbar and the buffer portion.

[0015] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, along the first direction, a portion of the buffer portion is located between adjacent first electrode terminals. The buffer portion protrudes towards the first cell body, and can utilize the space between adjacent first electrode terminals, thereby improving space utilization. The buffer portion can separate the first electrode terminals of two adjacent first cells, reducing the risk of short circuit between the first electrode terminals of the two first cells.

[0016] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the insulating base includes a base and a first protrusion. The base is connected to the first busbar. The first protrusion protrudes from the surface of the base away from the first cell body, a first opening extends through the first protrusion in a second direction, and the first protrusion extends beyond the first busbar in a direction opposite to the second direction. The first protrusion is configured to support a conductor located on the side of the base away from the first cell body, reducing the risk of an external conductor conducting the two first busbars through the two first openings, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module.

[0017] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, a first recess is provided on the side of the first protrusion facing the first busbar, and when viewed along the second direction, the first protrusion covers a portion of the first busbar. The first protrusion can provide a limit for the first busbar, improving the stability of the first busbar.

[0018] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first bus assembly includes a first sampling element. The insulating base includes a base, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion. The base is connected to the first bus assembly, and both the second and third protrusions extend beyond the surface of the base away from the first cell body. Viewed along a second direction, the second protrusion is located between the first opening and the third protrusion, and a portion of the first sampling element is disposed between the second and third protrusions. The second and third protrusions can limit the first sampling element from both sides, helping to improve the stability of the first sampling element.

[0019] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first bus assembly includes a first sampling element, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the first insulator away from the first cell body, and the first sampling element is connected to at least one first bus assembly.

[0020] The first insulating component, the first sampling component, and multiple first busbars can be integrated together before being assembled with the first cell assembly, which helps simplify the assembly process. The first insulating component can support and fix the first busbars and the first sampling component, reducing the risk of displacement of the first busbars and the first sampling component when the battery module is subjected to external forces, and improving the stability of current collection and sampling. The first insulating component can cover the first electrode terminals along the second direction, improving the insulation effect.

[0021] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first sampling member includes a sampling body and a plurality of sampling parts, the plurality of sampling parts being spaced apart from the sampling body along a first direction. The sampling body is disposed on the side of the first insulating member away from the first cell body, the sampling parts are connected to the first busbar, and a portion of the sampling parts is located within a first opening.

[0022] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first busbar is thermally fused to the surface of the first insulator facing the first cell body, which helps to improve the stability of the first busbar.

[0023] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, each first electrode terminal includes a welding portion and a connecting portion, the connecting portion connecting the welding portion and the first cell body. Multiple first cells include a first single-cell cell, a second single-cell cell, a third single-cell cell, and a fourth single-cell cell arranged sequentially. A first busbar is located on the side of the welding portion away from the first cell body; the welding portion of the first single-cell cell is stacked with the first busbar; the welding portions of the second single-cell cell, the third single-cell cell, and the fourth single-cell cell are also stacked with the first busbar. The first busbar has a first welding area and a second welding area; the first welding area is welded to the welding portion of the first single-cell cell; the second welding area is welded to the welding portions of the second single-cell cell, the third single-cell cell, and the fourth single-cell cell; the first welding area and the second welding area are spaced apart. Viewed along a second direction, both the first welding area and the second welding area are located within a first opening.

[0024] The first busbar connects at least four first cells, which helps reduce the number of first busbars, the space and weight they occupy, increase energy density, and reduce costs. Welding the first electrode terminals of the four first cells to the first welding area and the second welding area of ​​the first busbar reduces the power required for a single welding operation, reduces welding heat generation, and simplifies welding. The first opening exposes the first welding area and the second welding area, reducing the risk of the first insulator interfering with the welding of the first busbar to the first electrode terminals.

[0025] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the solder portions of the second and third individual battery cells are stacked to form a first stacked region. A portion of the solder portion of the second individual battery cell is located between the solder portions of the first and third individual battery cells. The first stacked region can support the solder portion of the first individual battery cell, improving the stability of the connection between the solder portion of the first individual battery cell and the first soldered region.

[0026] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first busbar includes a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a first bent portion. The first bent portion connects the first flat portion and the second flat portion. Along the second direction, the first flat portion is closer to the first cell body than the second flat portion. A first welding area is located on the first flat portion, and a second welding area is located on the second flat portion.

[0027] By setting the first bending portion, the first flat portion and the second flat portion can be misaligned in the second direction, which helps to achieve the stacking of the first flat portion and the welding portion of the first single cell, as well as the stacking of the second flat portion, the welding portion of the fourth single cell, the welding portion of the second single cell, and the welding portion of the third single cell, thereby improving the flatness of the welding portions of the four first cells.

[0028] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the plurality of first cells includes a fifth individual cell and a sixth individual cell. The welding portions of the second, third, fourth, and fifth individual cells are stacked with the first busbar. A second welding area is welded to the welding portions of the second, third, fourth, and fifth individual cells. The welding portion of the sixth individual cell is stacked with the first busbar. The first busbar has a third welding area, which is welded to the welding portion of the sixth individual cell. The first, second, and third welding areas are arranged sequentially at intervals. Viewed along a second direction, the first, second, and third welding areas are all located within a first opening.

[0029] The first busbar connects six first cells, which helps reduce the number of first busbars, the space and weight they occupy, increase energy density, and reduce costs. Welding the first electrode terminals of the six first cells to the first welding area, the second welding area, and the third welding area reduces the power required for a single welding operation, reduces welding heat generation, and simplifies welding. The first opening exposes the first welding area, the second welding area, and the third welding area, reducing the risk of the first insulator interfering with the welding of the first busbar to the first electrode terminals.

[0030] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first busbar includes a first flat portion, a first bent portion, a second flat portion, a second bent portion, and a third flat portion; the first bent portion connects the first flat portion and the second flat portion, and the second bent portion connects the second flat portion and the third flat portion. Along a second direction, the first flat portion is closer to the first cell body than the second flat portion, and the second flat portion is closer to the first cell body than the third flat portion. A first welding area is located on the first flat portion, a second welding area is located on the second flat portion, and a third welding area is located on the third flat portion.

[0031] By setting the first bend and the second bend, the first flat part, the second flat part and the third flat part can be misaligned in the second direction, which helps to achieve the connection between the first busbar and the welding part of the six first cells and improves the flatness of the welding part of the six first cells.

[0032] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first electrode terminal of each first cell includes a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal. Along the second direction, each first positive terminal and each first negative terminal have equal lengths outside the body of the first cell. The equal length of the first electrode terminals reduces the cutting process of the first electrode terminals, simplifying the manufacturing process of the first cell and the assembly process of multiple first cells.

[0033] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first bus assembly includes a second bus member, the second bus member including a first positive bus member and a first negative bus member. The first positive bus member connects at least two first cells in parallel, and the first negative bus member connects at least two first cells in parallel. The first positive bus member is connected to the positive terminal of the first cell assembly, and the first negative bus member is connected to the negative terminal of the first cell assembly.

[0034] The first positive busbar can collect the current from at least two first cells, and the first negative busbar can collect the current from at least two first cells. By setting the first positive busbar and the first negative busbar, the resistance can be reduced and the input efficiency and / or output efficiency of the current can be improved.

[0035] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first electrode terminal includes a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal, which extend from opposite sides of the first cell body, respectively. The battery module includes a second bus assembly, with the first and second bus assemblies located on opposite sides of the first cell assembly along a second direction, and the second bus assembly includes a third bus member. Each first bus member is connected to a portion of the first positive terminal and a portion of the first negative terminal, and each third bus member is connected to a portion of the first positive terminal and a portion of the first negative terminal.

[0036] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the battery module includes a second cell assembly, a third bus assembly, and a fourth bus assembly. The first cell assembly and the second cell assembly are arranged along a second direction. The third bus assembly and the fourth bus assembly are located on both sides of the second cell assembly along the second direction and are connected to the second cell assembly. The second bus assembly is connected to the third bus assembly. By providing four bus assemblies, multiple first cells of the first cell assembly and multiple second cells of the second cell assembly can be connected, which helps to realize the charging and discharging of the first and second cells.

[0037] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the battery module includes a first conductive element and a second conductive element. The first conductive element is connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of the first cell assembly, and the second conductive element is connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the first cell assembly. The first and second conductive elements are configured to connect to other devices. Along a direction opposite to the second direction, the first and second conductive elements are located on the same side of the first cell assembly; along the first direction, the first cell connected to the first conductive element and the first cell connected to the second conductive element are arranged adjacent to each other. The adjacent arrangement of the first and second conductive elements facilitates the connection of multiple battery modules into a group.

[0038] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the first conductive element includes a first conductive portion and two second conductive portions. The first conductive portion is connected to the first battery cell, and the two second conductive portions are respectively connected to the two ends of the first conductive portion along a third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0039] The second conductive element includes a third conductive portion and two fourth conductive portions. The third conductive portion is connected to the first battery cell, and the two fourth conductive portions are respectively connected to the two ends of the third conductive portion along a third direction. In the first direction, the two second conductive portions are spaced apart from the two fourth conductive portions.

[0040] In one or more of the above alternative embodiments, the first insulating element comprises a thermoformed sheet. The thermoformed sheet is lightweight and compact, which helps to improve the energy density of the battery module.

[0041] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the thickness of the first insulating element is 0.14mm-8.0mm.

[0042] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the battery module includes a housing, the housing includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed along a first direction, and a first cell assembly is disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0043] In one or more of the above optional embodiments, the battery module includes an elastic element housed in a housing, and the first cell assembly and the elastic element are arranged along a first direction.

[0044] Secondly, this application provides an energy storage device including a plurality of battery modules according to any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the plurality of battery modules are connected. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described below.

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a battery module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery module provided in some embodiments of this application, viewed in the direction opposite to that of a third party;

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first or second battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of Figure 1 at the circular frame;

[0051] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of Figure 3 at box A;

[0052] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the first bus component structure provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the explosion shown in Figure 7;

[0054] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of Figure 8 at the circular frame;

[0055] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first bus component provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of Figure 10 at the circular frame;

[0057] Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first busbar assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of Figure 12 at the circular frame;

[0059] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a first busbar and a plurality of first electrode terminals provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of Figure 14 at the boxed area;

[0061] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first busbar provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 17 is a partial schematic diagram of a battery module provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a first busbar and a plurality of first electrode terminals provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 19 is an enlarged view of Figure 18 at the boxed area;

[0065] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a first busbar and a plurality of first electrode terminals provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 21 is an enlarged view of Figure 20 at the boxed area;

[0067] Figure 22 is an enlarged view of Figure 3 at box B;

[0068] Figure 23 is an enlarged view of Figure 3 at box C;

[0069] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy storage device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 25 is an enlarged view of the circular frame in Figure 24.

[0071] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0072] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: Detailed Implementation

[0073] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0074] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy. In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments.

[0075] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0076] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, "parallel" includes not only the case of absolute parallelism, but also the case of approximate parallelism as commonly understood in engineering; similarly, "perpendicular" also includes not only the case of absolute perpendicularity, but also the case of approximate perpendicularity as commonly understood in engineering. For example, if the angle between two directions is 80°-90°, the two directions can be considered perpendicular; if the angle between two directions is 0°-10°, the two directions can be considered parallel.

[0078] The battery module and energy storage device of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the battery module 1000 of this embodiment includes a first cell assembly 1a. The first cell assembly 1a includes a plurality of first cells 11, which are arranged along a first direction X.

[0080] The first cell 11 can be a lithium-ion cell, sodium-lithium-ion cell, sodium-ion cell, magnesium-ion cell, or other types of cells. The cell can be a hard-shell cell or a soft-pack cell. The cell can be a prismatic cell, a cylindrical cell, or other irregularly shaped cells.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first cell 11 includes a first cell body 111 and a first electrode terminal 112 extending from the first cell body 111.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first cell body 111 includes a cell housing and an electrode assembly (not shown), the electrode assembly being housed within the cell housing, and a first electrode terminal 112 being connected to the electrode assembly and led out from the cell housing.

[0083] The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The first cell 11 mainly relies on the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode to operate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first electrode terminal 112 includes a first positive terminal 112a and a first negative terminal 112b, wherein the first positive terminal 112a is connected to the positive electrode plate and the first negative terminal 112b is connected to the negative electrode plate.

[0085] One end of the first positive terminal 112a extends outside the cell housing and is used for electrical connection with an external circuit. The other end of the first positive terminal 112a extends inside the cell housing and is used for connection with the positive electrode plate. One end of the first negative terminal 112b extends outside the cell housing and is used for electrical connection with an external circuit. The other end of the first negative terminal 112b extends inside the cell housing and is used for connection with the negative electrode plate.

[0086] The first positive terminal 112a and the first negative terminal 112b are used to electrically connect the electrode assembly to an external circuit to enable the charging and discharging of the first battery cell 11.

[0087] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4, the first positive terminal 112a and the first negative terminal 112b extend from both ends of the first cell body 111 along the second direction Y, respectively. In other embodiments, the first positive terminal 112a and the first negative terminal 112b extend from the same side of the first cell body 111.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first cell 11 is a pouch cell. The cell casing is made of aluminum-plastic film or steel-plastic film.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first cell assembly 1a includes a plurality of supports 12. One support 12 is fixed to a first cell 11, and a first electrode terminal 112 extends from the support 12.

[0090] In some embodiments, each bracket 12 includes a first sub-bracket 12a and a second sub-bracket 12b, which are respectively fixed to the two ends of the first cell body 111 along the second direction Y. The first positive terminal 112a extends from the first sub-bracket 1212a, and the first negative terminal 112b extends from the second sub-bracket 12b.

[0091] In some embodiments, the bracket 12 and the cell housing are integrally formed, for example by low-pressure injection molding.

[0092] In some embodiments, the plurality of first cells 11 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed manner means that the plurality of first cells 11 are connected in both series and parallel.

[0093] In some embodiments, the battery module 1000 includes a first busbar assembly 2, which is connected to the first cell assembly 1a and connects a plurality of first cells 11 of the first cell assembly 1a.

[0094] Referring to Figures 2, 5 to 13, in some embodiments, the first busbar assembly 2 includes a first insulating member 21 and a plurality of first busbars 22. The first insulating member 21 and the first cell body 111 are arranged along the second direction Y, and the plurality of first busbars 22 are spaced apart. The first busbars 22 are connected to the first electrode terminal 112.

[0095] For example, a plurality of first busbars 22 are spaced apart along a first direction X.

[0096] For example, the first bus 22 is connected to the first electrode terminals 112 of at least two first cells 11.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 21 has a plurality of first openings 211. The first busbar 22 is connected to the first insulating member 21. Referring to Figures 5 and 17, the first busbar 22 has a welding area W, which is welded to the first electrode terminals 112 of at least two first cells 11. Viewed along the second direction Y, the welding area W is located within the first openings 211.

[0098] Welding through the first opening 211 simplifies the welding process and reduces the risk of metal particles generated during welding adhering to the first cell 11.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first busbar 22 is connected to the first electrode terminal 112 by laser welding.

[0100] The shapes of the multiple first openings 211 can be the same or different. The dimensions of the multiple first openings 211 along the first direction X can be the same or different.

[0101] The number of first openings 211 and the number of first busbars 22 can be the same or different.

[0102] In some examples, the number of first openings 211 is the same as the number of first busbars 22, and the multiple first openings 211 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple first busbars 22, which helps to simplify the assembly process of the first busbars 22 and the first insulator 21. One first opening 211 corresponds to one first busbar 22. Viewed along the second direction Y, at least a portion of a first busbar 22 is located within one first opening 211.

[0103] In some other examples, the number of first openings 211 is less than the number of first busbars 22, and one first opening 211 can expose multiple first busbars 22. In still other examples, the number of first openings 211 is less than the number of first busbars 22, and one first opening 211 can expose at least two first busbars 22. In yet another example, the number of first openings 211 is more than the number of first busbars 22, and multiple first openings 211 expose different portions of a first busbar 22.

[0104] In some examples, a portion of each first busbar 22 is opposite to a first opening 211 in a direction opposite to the second direction Y. The first opening 211 is located on the side of the first busbar 22 away from the first cell body 111, which facilitates the soldering of the first busbar 22 and the first electrode terminal 112.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first busbar assembly 2 includes a first sampling element 23, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the first insulator 21 away from the first cell body 111, and the first sampling element 23 is connected to at least one first busbar assembly 22.

[0106] The first sampling element 23 is configured to transmit an electrical signal of the first cell assembly 1a. Exemplarily, the electrical signal may include at least one of a voltage signal, a current signal, and a temperature signal.

[0107] The first sampling element 23 can be connected to a portion of the multiple first busbars 22, or it can be connected to each of the first busbars 22.

[0108] In this embodiment, the first insulating member 21, the first sampling member 23, and multiple first busbars 22 can be integrated together before being assembled with the first cell assembly 1a, which helps simplify the assembly process. The first insulating member 21 can support and fix the first busbars 22 and the first sampling members 23, reducing the risk of displacement of the first busbars 22 and the first sampling members 23 when the battery module 1000 is subjected to external forces, and improving the stability of current charging and sampling. The first insulating member 21 can cover the first electrode terminal 112 along the second direction Y, improving the insulation effect.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first insulating element 21 comprises a thermoformed sheet. The thermoformed sheet is lightweight and compact, which helps to increase the energy density of the battery module 1000.

[0110] As an example, a flat, rigid plastic sheet can be heated to soften it, then vacuum-adsorbed onto the surface of a mold, and after cooling, it can be molded to form the first insulating part 21.

[0111] In some embodiments, the materials of the thermoforming sheet include, but are not limited to, PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), PS (Polystyrene), or PP (Polypropylene).

[0112] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first insulating member 21 is 0.14mm-8.0mm. Exemplarily, the thickness of the first insulating member 21 is 0.14mm, 0.2mm, 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm or 5mm.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 21 includes an insulating base 212 and a buffer portion 213, the buffer portion 213 extending from the insulating base 212 by bending. A first opening 211 is provided on the insulating base 212, and a first busbar 22 is fixed to the insulating base 212.

[0114] As an example, the buffer portion 213 can be bent once from the insulating base 212, or it can be bent multiple times. For example, the buffer portion 213 can be bent into an arched structure.

[0115] The insulating base 212 may have one first opening 211 or multiple first openings 211.

[0116] The buffer portion 213 can buffer the battery module 1000 when it is subjected to external forces, reducing the stress at the connection between the insulating base 212 and the first busbar 22, reducing the risk of the first busbar 22 detaching from the insulating base 212, and improving the safety and reliability of the battery module 1000. The buffer portion 213 can elastically deform when the cell assembly 1 expands to release the tensile force on the first insulating member 21, reducing the stress at the connection between the insulating base 212 and the first busbar 22, reducing the risk of the first busbar 22 detaching from the insulating base 212 and the risk of the first insulating member 21 breaking, thus improving the safety and reliability of the battery module 1000.

[0117] In some embodiments, referring to FIG10, the first insulating member 21 includes a plurality of insulating bases 212 and a plurality of buffer portions 213. The buffer portions 213 are located between adjacent insulating bases 212, and their two ends are respectively connected to two insulating bases 212. Each insulating base 212 may be fixed to one first busbar 22 or to multiple first busbars 22.

[0118] In some embodiments, there are multiple buffer sections 213. The structures of the multiple buffer sections 213 may be the same or different.

[0119] In some embodiments, a plurality of insulating bases 212 and a plurality of buffer portions 213 are alternately arranged along a first direction X.

[0120] In some embodiments, each insulating base 212 is provided with a first opening 211, and each insulating base 212 is fixed to a first busbar 22.

[0121] In some embodiments, the buffer portion 213 protrudes from the insulating base 212 along the second direction Y.

[0122] In some embodiments, along the second direction Y, the projection of the first busbar 22 is separate from the projection of the buffer portion 213. When the first cell assembly 1a expands, the buffer portion 213 and the first busbar 22 are separated, which helps to reduce the risk of interference between the first busbar 22 and the buffer portion 213.

[0123] In some embodiments, along the first direction X, a portion of the buffer portion 213 is located between adjacent first electrode terminals 112.

[0124] The buffer portion 213 protrudes towards the first cell body 111. The buffer portion 213 can utilize the space between adjacent first electrode terminals 112, thereby improving space utilization. The buffer portion 213 can separate the first electrode terminals 112 of two adjacent first cells 11, reducing the risk of short circuit between the first electrode terminals 112 of the two first cells 11.

[0125] In some embodiments, the insulating base 212 includes a base 2121 and a first protrusion 2122, the base 2121 being connected to the first busbar 22. The first protrusion 2122 protrudes from the surface of the base 2121 away from the first cell body 111.

[0126] The first opening 211 penetrates the first protrusion 2122 along the second direction Y, and the first protrusion 2122 extends beyond the first busbar 22 in the opposite direction to the second direction Y.

[0127] The first protrusion 2122 is configured to support the conductor located on the side of the base 2121 away from the first cell body 111, reducing the risk that the external conductor will conduct the two first busbars 22 through the two first openings 211, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery module 1000.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first protrusion 2122 has a first recess 2126 on the side facing the first busbar 22. Referring to FIG9, viewed along the second direction Y, the first protrusion 2122 covers a portion of the first busbar 22. The first protrusion 2122 can provide a limit for the first busbar 22, improving the stability of the first busbar 22.

[0129] In some embodiments, there are multiple insulating bases 212, and at least one insulating base 212 includes a base 2121 and a first protrusion 2122.

[0130] In some embodiments, each insulating base 212 includes a base 2121 and a first protrusion 2122.

[0131] In some embodiments, the insulating base 212 includes a base 2121, a second protrusion 2123, and a third protrusion 2124. The base 2121 is connected to the first busbar 22, and both the second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124 protrude from the surface of the base 2121 away from the first cell body 111. Viewed along the second direction Y, the second protrusion 2123 is located between the first opening 211 and the third protrusion 2124, and a portion of the first sampling member 23 is disposed between the second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124. The second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124 can limit the first sampling member 23 from both sides, which helps to improve the stability of the first sampling member 23.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first sampling member 23 includes a sampling body 231 and a plurality of sampling portions 232, which are spaced apart along a first direction X on the sampling body 231. The sampling body 231 is disposed on the side of the first insulating member 21 away from the first cell body 111, and the sampling portions 232 are connected to the first busbar 22, with a portion of the sampling portions 232 located within the first opening 211.

[0133] For example, the sampling unit 232 can collect information of the first cell 11, such as current, voltage, temperature, etc., through the first bus 22.

[0134] In some embodiments, the sampling body 231 is fixed between the second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124. Optionally, the sampling body 231 is clamped between the second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124 by an interference fit. Optionally, the sampling body 231 is bonded to the first insulating member 21, and the sampling body 231 is fixed between the second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124.

[0135] In some embodiments, the sampling body 231 and the second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124 are clearance-fitted, with a gap of less than 1 mm. When the first cell assembly 1a expands, the first insulating member 21 may be stretched, and the sampling body 231 can move relative to the second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124, thereby reducing the tensile force on the sampling body 231, reducing the friction between the sampling body 231 and the second protrusion 2123 and the friction between the sampling body 231 and the third protrusion 2124, and reducing the risk of failure of the sampling body 231.

[0136] In some embodiments, a plurality of sampling units 232 are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of first busbars 22. One sampling unit 232 is welded to one first busbar 22. Optionally, the sampling unit 232 and the first busbar 22 are laser welded.

[0137] In some embodiments, along the third direction Z, a portion of the sampling body 231 is fixed between the second protrusion 2123 and the third protrusion 2124, and the third direction Z, the second direction Y, and the first direction X are perpendicular to each other.

[0138] In some embodiments, the insulating base 212 includes two second protrusions 2123, which are spaced apart along a first direction X. The sampling portion 232 can pass between the two second protrusions 2123.

[0139] In some embodiments, each insulating base 212 includes a second protrusion 2123 and a third protrusion 2124.

[0140] In some embodiments, the height of the second protrusion 2123 protruding from the base 2121 is greater than the height of the first protrusion 2122 protruding from the base 2121.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first busbar 22 may be fixed to the first insulating member 21 by adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, heat fusion bonding or other means.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first busbar 22 is thermally fused to the surface of the first insulator 21 facing the first cell body 111.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first busbar 22 is provided with a third opening 22a, and the first insulating member 21 is provided with a fourth protrusion 2125 on the side facing the first cell body 111, the fourth protrusion 2125 being disposed in the third opening 22a. The fourth protrusion 2125 can be fixed to the first busbar 22 by hot pressing.

[0144] In some embodiments, at least two first positive terminals 112a of the first cells 11 are connected in parallel to form the positive terminal of the first cell assembly 1a, and at least two first negative terminals 112b of the first cells 11 are connected in parallel to form the negative terminal of the first cell assembly 1a.

[0145] The first busbar assembly 2 includes a second busbar 24, which includes a first positive busbar 24a and a first negative busbar 24b. The first positive busbar 24a is connected to the positive terminal of the first cell assembly 1a, and connects at least two first cells 11 in parallel. The first negative busbar 24b is connected to the negative terminal of the first cell assembly 1a, and connects at least two first cells 11 in parallel.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 21 is provided with a second opening 214. The second bus member 24 is connected to the first insulating member 21, and when viewed along the second direction Y, a portion of the first positive bus member 24a and a portion of the first negative bus member 24b are located within the second opening 214.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first opening 211 and the second opening 214 are spaced apart along a first direction X.

[0148] In some embodiments, there are two second openings 214. Along the second direction Y, one second opening 214 is disposed opposite to the first positive busbar 24a, and the other second opening 214 is disposed opposite to the first negative busbar 24b.

[0149] In some embodiments, the battery module 1000 includes a first conductive element 8 and a second conductive element 9. The first conductive element 8 is connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of the first cell assembly 1a, and the second conductive element 9 is connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the first cell assembly 1a. The first conductive element 8 and the second conductive element 9 are configured to connect to other devices.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first positive busbar 24a is connected to the first conductive element 8, and the first negative busbar 24b is connected to the second conductive element 9.

[0151] In some embodiments, a first positive busbar 24a is connected to the first positive terminals 112a of the three first cells 11. The first positive busbar 24a includes a first positive welding region 24a1 and a second positive welding region 24a2. The first positive welding region 24a1, the first conductive element 8, and two of the first positive terminals 112a are stacked and welded together, wherein the two first positive terminals 112a are closer to the first busbar 22 than the other first positive terminal 112a. The second positive welding region 24a2 and the remaining first positive terminal 112a are stacked and welded together.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first negative busbar 24b is connected to the first negative terminals 112b of the three first cells 11. The first negative busbar 24b includes a first negative welding region 24b1 and a second negative welding region 24b2. The first negative welding region 24b1, the second conductive element 9, and two of the first negative terminals 112b are stacked and welded together, wherein the two first negative terminals 112b are closer to the first busbar 22 than the other first negative terminal 112b. The second negative welding region 24b2 and the remaining first negative terminals 112b are stacked and welded together.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first conductive element 8 and the second conductive element 9 are located on the same side of the first cell assembly 1a in a direction opposite to the second direction Y. Along the first direction X, the first cell 11 connected to the first conductive element 8 and the first cell 11 connected to the second conductive element 9 are arranged adjacent to each other. The adjacent arrangement of the first conductive element 8 and the second conductive element 9 facilitates the connection of multiple battery modules 1000 into a group.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first conductive element 8 includes a first conductive portion 81 and two second conductive portions 82. The first conductive portion 81 is connected to the first battery cell 11, and the two second conductive portions 82 are respectively connected to the two ends of the first conductive portion 81 along the third direction Z. The first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0155] In some embodiments, each first electrode terminal 112 includes a welding portion 1121 and a connecting portion 1122, the connecting portion 1122 connecting the welding portion 1121 and the first cell body 111. Exemplarily, the welding portion 1121 is bent relative to the connecting portion 1122.

[0156] The first conductive element 8 is located on the side of the welding portion 1121 of the first battery cell 11 near the body 111 of the first battery cell. The first conductive element 8 and the welding portion 1121 are stacked, which is beneficial for welding the first conductive element 8 and the welding portion 1121. Optionally, the first conductive element 8 and the welding portion 1121 are laser welded.

[0157] The second conductive element 9 includes a third conductive portion 91 and two fourth conductive portions 92. The third conductive portion 91 is connected to the first battery cell 11, and the two fourth conductive portions 92 are respectively connected to the two ends of the third conductive portion 91 along the third direction Z. In the first direction X, the two second conductive portions 92 are respectively spaced apart from the two fourth conductive portions 92.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second conductive element 9 is located on the side of the welding portion 1121 of the first cell 11 near the first cell body 111. The second conductive element 9 and the welding portion 1121 are stacked, which facilitates the welding of the second conductive element 9 and the welding portion 1121. Optionally, the second conductive element 9 and the welding portion 1121 are laser welded.

[0159] When multiple battery modules 1000 are assembled into a group via conductive connectors, both second conductive parts 82 are used to connect with the conductive connectors, and both fourth conductive parts 92 can be used to connect with the conductive connectors. By providing two second conductive parts 82 and two fourth conductive parts 92, the arrangement of the conductive connectors can be more flexible, which helps to reduce the size of the conductive connectors.

[0160] In some embodiments, the battery module 1000 includes a first insulating frame 10a and a second insulating frame 10b, which are spaced apart along a third direction Z. The first insulating frame 10a and the second insulating frame 10b are connected to the first cell assembly 1a. Two second conductive parts 82 are respectively fixed to the first insulating frame 10a and the second insulating frame 10b, and two fourth conductive parts 92 are respectively fixed to the first insulating frame 10a and the second insulating frame 10b.

[0161] The first insulating frame 10a and the second insulating frame 10b can fix the first conductive element 8 and the second conductive element 9, thereby increasing the creepage distance and improving the insulation effect.

[0162] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 18 and 19, the plurality of first cells 11 include a first single cell 11a, a second single cell 11b, a third single cell 11c, and a fourth single cell 11d arranged sequentially. A first busbar 22 is located on the side of the solder portion 1121 away from the first cell body 111. The solder portion 1121 of the first single cell 11a is stacked with the first busbar 22, and the solder portions 1121 of the second single cell 11b, the third single cell 11c, the fourth single cell 11d, and the first busbar 22 are stacked together.

[0163] For example, the first busbar 22 and a portion of the welding portion 1121 of the first single cell 11a are stacked along the second direction Y.

[0164] The stacking order of the welding portions 1121 of the second cell 11b, the third cell 11c, and the fourth cell 11d can be flexibly set as needed. For example, the first busbar 22, the welding portions 1121 of the fourth cell 11d, the second cell 11b, and the third cell 11c can be stacked sequentially along the second direction Y.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first busbar 22 is provided with a first welding area W1 and a second welding area W2. The first welding area W1 is welded to the welding portion 1121 of the first single cell 11a, and the second welding area W2 is welded to the welding portions 1121 of the second single cell 11b, the third single cell 11c, and the fourth single cell 11d. The first welding area W1 and the second welding area W2 are arranged at intervals. Referring to FIG17, when viewed along the second direction Y, both the first welding area W1 and the second welding area W2 are located within the first opening 211.

[0166] The first busbar 22 connects at least four first cells 11, which helps reduce the number of first busbars 22, reduce the space and weight occupied by the first busbar 22, increase energy density, and reduce cost. Welding the first electrode terminals 112 of the four first cells 11 to the first welding area W1 and the second welding area W2 of the first busbar 22 can reduce the power required for a single welding operation, reduce welding heat generation, and reduce welding difficulty. The first opening 211 exposes the first welding area W1 and the second welding area W2, reducing the risk of the first insulating component 21 interfering with the welding of the first busbar 22 to the first electrode terminals 112.

[0167] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the solder portions 1121 of the second individual cell 11b and the solder portions 1121 of the third individual cell 11c are stacked to form a first stacked region 1121a. A portion of the solder portion 1121 of the second individual cell 11b is located between the solder portions 1121 of the first individual cell 11a and the solder portions 1121 of the third individual cell 11c. The first stacked region 1121a can support the solder portion 1121 of the first individual cell 11a, improving the stability of the connection between the solder portion 1121 of the first individual cell 11a and the first soldered region W1.

[0168] In some embodiments, the projection of the first welding region W1 and the projection of the first stacked region 1121a are separated along the second direction Y, which helps to simplify the welding process.

[0169] In some embodiments, along the first direction X, portions of the connection portion 1122 of the second cell 11b and the connection portion 1122 of the third cell 11c are stacked to form a second stacked region 1122a. The first stacked region 1121a is perpendicular to the second stacked region 1122a. Simultaneously providing the first stacked region 1121a and the second stacked region 1122a increases the contact area between the first electrode terminal 112 of the third cell 11c and the first electrode terminal 112 of the second cell 11b, thereby improving the current carrying capacity. The second stacked region 1122a is perpendicular to the first stacked region 1121a, which helps support the first stacked region 1121a and improves the stability of the connection between the first stacked region 1121a and the first busbar 22.

[0170] In some embodiments, the connection portion 1122 of the second cell 11b and the connection portion 1122 of the third cell 11c are symmetrically arranged.

[0171] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a first busbar 22 is connected to four first battery cells. The first busbar 22 includes a first flat portion 221, a second flat portion 222, and a first bent portion 224. The first bent portion 224 connects the first flat portion 221 and the second flat portion 222. Along the second direction Y, the first flat portion 221 is closer to the first battery cell body 111 than the second flat portion 222. A first welding area W1 is provided on the first flat portion 221, and a second welding area W2 is provided on the second flat portion 222.

[0172] By setting the first bending portion 224, the first flat portion 221 and the second flat portion 222 can be misaligned in the second direction Y, which helps to achieve the stacking of the first flat portion 221 with the welding portion 1121 of the first single cell 11a, as well as the stacking of the second flat portion 222, the welding portion 1121 of the fourth single cell 11d, the welding portion 1121 of the second single cell 11b, and the welding portion 1121 of the third single cell 11c, thereby improving the flatness of the welding portions 1121 of the four first cells 11.

[0173] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6, 14 to 16, the plurality of first cells 11 includes a fifth single cell 11e, and the first single cell 11a, second single cell 11b, third single cell 11c, fourth single cell 11d, and fifth single cell 11e are arranged sequentially. The welding portions 1121 of the second single cell 11b, the third single cell 11c, the fourth single cell 11d, and the fifth single cell 11e are stacked with the first busbar 22. The second welding region W2 is welded to the welding portions 1121 of the second single cell 11b, the third single cell 11c, the fourth single cell 11d, and the fifth single cell 11e.

[0174] For example, the first busbar 22, the welding portion 1121 of the fifth single cell 11e, the welding portion 1121 of the fourth single cell 11d, the welding portion 1121 of the second single cell 11b, and the welding portion 1121 of the third single cell 11c are stacked sequentially along the second direction Y.

[0175] The first busbar 22 connects at least five first cells 11, which helps to reduce the number of first busbars 22, reduce the space and weight occupied by the first busbars 22, increase energy density, and reduce costs.

[0176] In some embodiments, the plurality of first cells 11 includes a sixth single cell 11f, and the first single cell 11a, the second single cell 11b, the third single cell 11c, the fourth single cell 11d, the fifth single cell 11e, and the sixth single cell 11f are arranged sequentially. The welding portion 1121 of the sixth single cell 11f is stacked with the first busbar 22.

[0177] The first busbar 22 is provided with a third welding area W3, which is welded to the welding part 1121 of the sixth individual cell 11f. The first welding area W1, the second welding area W2, and the third welding area W3 are arranged alternately. Referring to Figure 2, when viewed along the second direction Y, the first welding area W1, the second welding area W2, and the third welding area W3 are all located within the first opening 211.

[0178] The first busbar 22 connects six first cells 11, which helps reduce the number of first busbars 22, reduce the space and weight occupied by the first busbars 22, increase energy density, and reduce costs. Welding the first electrode terminals 112 of the six first cells 11 to the first welding area W1, the second welding area W2, and the third welding area W3 can reduce the power required for a single welding operation, reduce welding heat generation, and reduce welding difficulty. The first opening 211 exposes the first welding area W1, the second welding area W2, and the third welding area W3, reducing the risk of the first insulating component 21 interfering with the welding of the first busbar 22 and the first electrode terminals 112.

[0179] In some embodiments, the solder portions 1121 of the fourth cell 11d and the fifth cell 11e are stacked to form a third stacked region 1121b. A portion of the solder portion 1121 of the sixth cell 11f is stacked with the third stacked region 1121b, and a portion of the solder portion 1121 of the fifth cell 11e is located between the solder portions 1121 of the fourth cell 11d and the sixth cell 11f. The third stacked region 1121b can support the solder portion 1121 of the sixth cell 11f, improving the stability of the connection between the solder portion 1121 of the sixth cell 11f and the third soldered region 1121b.

[0180] In some embodiments, the projection of the third welding region W3 and the projection of the third stacked region 1121b are separated along the second direction Y, which helps to simplify the welding process.

[0181] In some embodiments, along the first direction X, portions of the connection portion 1122 of the fourth cell 11d and the connection portion 1122 of the fifth cell 11e are stacked to form a fourth stacked region 1122b. A third stacked region 1121b is perpendicular to the fourth stacked region 1122b. Simultaneously providing both the third and fourth stacked regions 1121b increases the contact area between the first electrode terminal 112 of the fourth cell 11d and the first electrode terminal 112 of the fifth cell 11e, thereby improving current carrying capacity. The fourth stacked region 1122b is perpendicular to the third stacked region 1121b, which helps support the third stacked region 1121b and improves the stability of the connection between the third stacked region 1121b and the first busbar 22.

[0182] In some embodiments, the connection portion 1122 of the fourth cell 11d and the connection portion 1122 of the fifth cell 11e are symmetrically arranged.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first single cell 11a, the second single cell 11b, and the third single cell 11c are connected in parallel, the fourth single cell 11d, the fifth single cell 11e, and the sixth single cell 11f are connected in parallel, and the first single cell 11a and the sixth single cell 11f are connected in series.

[0184] The first busbar 22 connects the six first cells 11 to form a multi-parallel series structure, which helps to reduce the number of first busbars 22.

[0185] In some embodiments, the welding portions 1121 of the second single cell 11b, the third single cell 11c, the fourth single cell 11d, and the fifth single cell 11e are connected by welding, and a portion of the current of the four first cells 11 can be transmitted through the welding portions 1121 of the four first cells 11; the first busbar 22 can have a small thickness, which helps to reduce the difficulty of the welding process.

[0186] In some embodiments, referring to FIG15, the first busbar 22 includes a first flat portion 221, a first bent portion 224, a second flat portion 222, a second bent portion 225, and a third flat portion 223. The first bent portion 224 connects the first flat portion 221 and the second flat portion 222, and the second bent portion 225 connects the second flat portion 222 and the third flat portion 223.

[0187] Along the second direction Y, the first flat portion 221 is closer to the first cell body 111 than the second flat portion 222, and the second flat portion 222 is closer to the first cell body 111 than the third flat portion 223. The first welding area W1 is located on the first flat portion 221, the second welding area W2 is located on the second flat portion 222, and the third welding area W3 is located on the third flat portion 223.

[0188] By setting the first bending portion 224 and the second bending portion 225, the first flat portion 221, the second flat portion 222 and the third flat portion 223 can be misaligned in the second direction Y, which helps to realize the connection between the first busbar 22 and the welding portion 1121 of the six first battery cells 11 and improves the flatness of the welding portion 1121 of the six first battery cells 11.

[0189] In some embodiments, the third flat portion 223 is fixed to the first insulating member 21. For example, a third opening 22a is provided on the third flat portion 223.

[0190] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG4, which shows a schematic diagram of the first electrode terminal 112 without bending. Along the second direction Y, the length of the first positive terminal 112a and the first negative terminal 112b outside the first cell body 111 is L, and the lengths of the first positive terminal 112a and the first negative terminal 112b outside the first cell body 111 of each first cell 11 are equal. "Equal" includes not only absolute equality but also approximately equality as commonly understood in engineering. For example, equality includes a difference of 0-10%.

[0191] The first electrode terminals 112 are all the same length, which can reduce the cutting process of the first electrode terminals 112, simplify the manufacturing process of the first battery cell 11 and the grouping process of multiple first battery cells 11.

[0192] Referring to Figures 2, 18, and 19, in some embodiments, the battery module 1000 includes a second busbar assembly 3, with the first busbar assembly 2 and the second busbar assembly 3 located on opposite sides of the first cell assembly 1a along the second direction Y. The second busbar assembly 3 includes a second insulating member 31 and a plurality of third busbars 32. The first cell assembly 1a and the second insulating member 31 are arranged along the second direction Y, and the plurality of third busbars 32 are spaced apart along the first direction X. The third busbars 32 are fixed to the second insulating member 31 and connected to the first electrode terminal 112.

[0193] The first positive terminal 112a and the first negative terminal 112b extend from the two ends of the first cell body 111 along the second direction Y, respectively. Each first bus 22 is connected to a portion of the first positive terminal 112a and a portion of the first negative terminal 112b of the first cell 11, and each third bus 32 is connected to a portion of the first positive terminal 112a and a portion of the first negative terminal 112b, thereby realizing the parallel and series connection of the first cells 11.

[0194] For example, each first busbar 22 connects the first positive terminal 112a and the first negative terminal 112b of the three first cells 11. The first busbar 22 connects the three first cells 11 in parallel and then in series.

[0195] For example, the third bus 32 connects the first positive terminal 112a and the first negative terminal 112b of the three first cells 11, connecting the three first cells 11 in parallel and then in series.

[0196] For example, the second insulator 31 may have a substantially identical structure to the first insulator 21. The third busbar 32 may have a substantially identical structure to the first busbar 22.

[0197] For example, the second insulator 31 is provided with a plurality of fourth openings (not shown). A portion of each third busbar 32 is opposite to the fourth opening along the second direction Y.

[0198] In some embodiments, the second bus assembly 3 includes a second sampling element (not shown) disposed on the second insulator 31.

[0199] In some embodiments, the battery module 1000 includes a first cell assembly 1a and a second cell assembly 1b, which are arranged along a second direction Y.

[0200] The second battery cell assembly 1b includes a plurality of second battery cells 13 arranged along a first direction X. Each second battery cell 13 includes a second battery cell body 131 and second electrode terminals 132 extending from the second battery cell body 131. The second electrode terminals 132 include a second positive electrode terminal 132a and a second negative electrode terminal 132b. The second positive electrode terminal 132a is used to connect to a positive electrode plate, and the second negative electrode terminal 132b is used to connect to a negative electrode plate.

[0201] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4, the second positive electrode terminal 132a and the second negative electrode terminal 132b extend from the two ends of the second cell body 131 along the second direction Y, respectively.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second cell 13 is a pouch cell. The second cell body 131 includes a cell housing and an electrode assembly, the cell housing being made of aluminum-plastic film or steel-plastic film.

[0203] The battery module 1000 includes a third busbar assembly 4, which includes a third insulator 41 and a plurality of fourth busbars 42. The third insulator 41 and the second cell assembly 1b are arranged along a second direction Y, and the plurality of fourth busbars 42 are spaced apart along a first direction X. The fourth busbars 42 are fixed to the third insulator 41 and connected to the second electrode terminal 132.

[0204] For example, the fourth busbar 42 connects three second positive electrode terminals 132a and three second negative electrode terminals 132b, and the fourth busbar 42 connects the three second cells 13 in parallel and then in series.

[0205] For example, the third insulator 41 may have a substantially the same structure as the first insulator 21. The fourth busbar 42 may have a substantially the same structure as the first busbar 22.

[0206] For example, the third insulating member 41 is provided with a plurality of fifth openings (not shown in the figure). Along a direction opposite to the second direction Y, a portion of each fourth busbar 42 is opposite to a fifth opening (not shown in the figure).

[0207] In some embodiments, the third bus assembly 4 includes a third sampling element (not shown) disposed on the third insulator 41.

[0208] In some embodiments, the battery module 1000 includes a fourth bus assembly 5, which includes a fourth insulator 51 and a plurality of fifth bus 52. The second cell assembly 1b and the fourth insulator 51 are arranged along a second direction Y, and the plurality of fifth bus 52 are spaced apart along a first direction X. The fifth bus 52 is fixed to the fourth insulator 51 and connected to the second electrode terminal 132.

[0209] For example, the fifth bus 52 connects three second positive electrode terminals 132a and three second negative electrode terminals 132b, and the fifth bus 52 connects the three second cells 13 in parallel and then in series.

[0210] For example, the fourth insulator 51 may have a substantially the same structure as the first insulator 21. The fifth busbar 52 may have a substantially the same structure as the first busbar 22.

[0211] For example, the fourth insulator 51 is provided with a plurality of sixth openings (not shown). A portion of each fifth busbar 52 is opposite to the sixth opening along the second direction Y.

[0212] In some embodiments, the fourth bus assembly 5 includes a fourth sampling element (not shown) disposed on the fourth insulating member 51.

[0213] The first busbar assembly 2 and the second busbar assembly 3 are located on both sides of the first cell assembly 1a along the second direction Y, and are connected to the first cell assembly 1a. The third busbar assembly 4 and the fourth busbar assembly 5 are located on both sides of the second cell assembly 1b along the second direction Y, and are connected to the second cell assembly 1b. The second busbar assembly 3 is connected to the third busbar assembly 4.

[0214] By setting up four busbar components, multiple first cells 11 of the first cell assembly 1a and multiple second cells 13 of the second cell assembly 1b can be connected, which helps to realize the charging and discharging of the first cells 11 and the second cells 13.

[0215] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 22 and 23, the battery module 1000 includes a third conductive element 10c and a fourth conductive element 10d, wherein the third conductive element 10c is connected to the second busbar assembly 3 and the third busbar assembly 4, and the fourth conductive element 10d is connected to the second busbar assembly 3 and the third busbar assembly 4.

[0216] The third conductive element 10c and the fourth conductive element 10d connect the second bus assembly 3 and the third bus assembly 4 so that the first battery cell assembly 1a and the second battery cell assembly 1b form an electrical circuit.

[0217] In some embodiments, the battery module 1000 includes a housing 6, in which a portion of the first cell assembly 1a is housed. The housing 6 may be a square, cylindrical, or other shaped housing. The housing 6 may be a metal housing, a plastic housing, a metal-plastic composite housing, or a housing made of other materials.

[0218] The shell 6 can be a one-piece molded shell or it can be assembled from multiple independently molded parts.

[0219] In some embodiments, the housing 6 includes a first sidewall 61 and a second sidewall 62 disposed along a first direction X, and a first battery cell assembly 1a is disposed between the first sidewall 61 and the second sidewall 62.

[0220] In some embodiments, the second cell assembly 1b is disposed between the first sidewall 61 and the second sidewall 62.

[0221] In some embodiments, the housing 6 includes a fastener 63, which connects the first sidewall 61 and the second sidewall 62.

[0222] In some embodiments, there are multiple fasteners 63.

[0223] In some embodiments, a plurality of fasteners 63 are arranged along the second direction Y.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first insulating member 21 is connected to the first sidewall 61 and the second sidewall 62, which helps to fix the first insulating member 21 and improve the stability of the first insulating member 21, the first busbar 22 and the first sampling member 23.

[0225] As an example, one end of the first insulating member 21 may be connected to the first sidewall 61 by adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, heat fusion connection or other means, and the other end of the first insulating member 21 may be connected to the second sidewall 62 by adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, heat fusion connection or other means.

[0226] In some embodiments, the third conductive element 10c connects the third busbar 32 of the second busbar assembly 3 closest to the second sidewall 62 and the fourth busbar 4 of the third busbar assembly 4 closest to the second sidewall 62. The fourth conductive element 10d connects the third busbar 32 of the second busbar assembly 3 closest to the first sidewall 61 and the fourth busbar 4 of the third busbar assembly 4 closest to the first sidewall 61.

[0227] In some embodiments, the battery module 1000 includes an elastic element 7, which is housed in a housing 6, and the first cell assembly 1a and the elastic element 7 are arranged along a first direction X.

[0228] There may be one or more elastic elements 7. For example, multiple elastic elements 7 are arranged along the second direction Y.

[0229] The elastic element 7 can be entirely housed in the housing 6, or it can be partially housed in the housing 6.

[0230] When the battery module 1000 is subjected to external force, the elastic element 7 can play a buffering role through elastic deformation, thereby reducing the impact force on the first cell assembly 1a, reducing the risk of failure of the first cell assembly 1a, and improving the reliability and safety of the battery module 1000.

[0231] When the first battery cell 11 is charging, it will expand. The elastic element 7 can release the expansion force of the first battery cell 11 by deformation, reduce the pressure on the first battery cell 11, and improve the charging and discharging performance of the first battery cell 11.

[0232] In some embodiments, there is one elastic member 7; a portion of the elastic member 7 is disposed between the first sidewall 61 and the first cell assembly 1a, and another portion of the elastic member 7 is disposed between the first sidewall 61 and the second cell assembly 1b. Alternatively, there are two elastic members 7, one elastic member 7 is disposed between the first sidewall 61 and the first cell assembly 1a, and the other elastic member 7 is disposed between the first sidewall 61 and the second cell assembly 1b.

[0233] In some embodiments, the elastic element 7 may be made elastic by using an elastic material, an elastic structure or other means.

[0234] For example, the elastic element 7 may be made of rubber, foam, or other elastic materials. Alternatively, the elastic element 7 may also be made of a rigid material, which achieves elasticity by employing a bending structure, a spiral structure, or other structures.

[0235] In some embodiments, the elastic element 7 is a sheet metal part with a bending structure.

[0236] Referring to Figures 24 and 25, an embodiment of this application provides an energy storage device 3000, which includes a plurality of battery modules 1000 provided in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0237] The 3000 energy storage device can be used in energy storage power stations, wind power generation systems, solar power generation systems, etc.

[0238] In some embodiments, the energy storage device 3000 includes a plurality of conductive connectors 2000, each conductive connector 2000 connecting at least two battery modules 1000. The conductive connectors 2000 connect the plurality of battery modules 1000 in series, parallel, or mixed connections.

[0239] As an example, conductive connector 2000 connects the first conductive element 8 of one battery module 1000 and the second conductive element 9 of another battery module 1000 to connect the two battery modules 1000 in series. Conductive connector 2000 also connects the first conductive element 8 of one battery module 1000 and the first conductive element 8 of another battery module 1000 to connect the two battery modules 1000 in parallel.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: The first battery cell assembly includes a plurality of first battery cells, which are arranged along a first direction. Each first battery cell includes a first battery cell body and a first electrode terminal extending from the first battery cell body. The first busbar assembly includes a first insulating member and a plurality of first busbars. The first insulating member and the first cell body are arranged along a second direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction. The plurality of first busbars are spaced apart. The first insulating member has a plurality of first openings; the first busbar is connected to the first insulating member, and the first busbar has a welding area, which is welded to at least two first electrode terminals of the first battery cell. When viewed along the second direction, the welding area is located within the first openings.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first openings are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first busbars.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Along a direction opposite to the second direction, a portion of each of the first manifolds is opposite to one of the first openings.

4. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first insulating member includes an insulating base and a buffer portion, wherein the buffer portion extends from the insulating base by bending. The first opening is located on the insulating base, and the first busbar is fixed to the insulating base.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, Along the second direction, the projection of the first busbar is separate from the projection of the buffer section.

6. The battery module according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Along the first direction, a portion of the buffer portion is located between adjacent first electrode terminals.

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein, The insulating base includes: The base is connected to the first busbar. A first protrusion protrudes from the base surface away from the first cell body, and a first opening extends through the first protrusion along the second direction. In a direction opposite to the second direction, the first protrusion extends beyond the first busbar.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The first protrusion has a first recess on the side facing the first busbar. When viewed along the second direction, the first protrusion covers a portion of the first busbar.

9. The battery module according to any one of claims 4-8, wherein, The first bus component includes a first sampling element; The insulating base includes a base, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion. The base is connected to the first busbar, and the second and third protrusions both protrude from the surface of the base away from the first cell body. Viewed along the second direction, the second protrusion is located between the first opening and the third protrusion, and a portion of the first sampling member is disposed between the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

10. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The first busbar assembly includes a first sampling element, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the first insulator away from the first cell body, and the first sampling element is connected to at least one of the first busbar assemblies.

11. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The first busbar is heat-fused and fixed to the surface of the first insulating member facing the first battery cell body.

12. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, Each first electrode terminal includes a welding portion and a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion connects the welding portion and the first cell body; The plurality of first cells include a first single cell, a second single cell, a third single cell, and a fourth single cell arranged sequentially. The first busbar is located on the side of the welding portion away from the first cell body. The welding portion of the first single cell is stacked with the first busbar. The welding portions of the second single cell, the third single cell, and the fourth single cell are stacked with the first busbar. The first busbar has a first welding area and a second welding area. The first welding area is welded to the welding part of the first single cell. The second welding area is welded to the welding parts of the second single cell, the third single cell, and the fourth single cell. The first welding area and the second welding area are arranged at intervals. Viewed along the second direction, both the first welding area and the second welding area are located within the first opening.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The welding portions of the second and third individual cells are stacked to form a first stacked region, with a portion of the welding portion of the second individual cell located between the welding portions of the first and third individual cells.

14. The battery module according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The plurality of first cells includes a fifth single cell and a sixth single cell; The welding portions of the second single cell, the third single cell, the fourth single cell, and the fifth single cell are stacked with the first busbar. The second welding area is welded to the welding part of the second single cell, the welding part of the third single cell, the welding part of the fourth single cell, and the welding part of the fifth single cell; The welding portion of the sixth individual battery cell is stacked with the first busbar; The first busbar is provided with a third welding area, which is welded to the welding part of the sixth individual battery cell; The first welding area, the second welding area, and the third welding area are arranged sequentially at intervals. Viewed along the second direction, the first welding area, the second welding area, and the third welding area are all located within the first opening.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first busbar includes a first flat portion, a first bent portion, a second flat portion, a second bent portion, and a third flat portion; the first bent portion connects the first flat portion and the second flat portion, and the second bent portion connects the second flat portion and the third flat portion; Along the second direction, the first flat portion is closer to the first cell body than the second flat portion, and the second flat portion is closer to the first cell body than the third flat portion; The first welding area is located on the first flat portion, the second welding area is located on the second flat portion, and the third welding area is located on the third flat portion.

16. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, Each of the first battery cells has a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal; along the second direction, each of the first positive terminal and each of the first negative terminals has an equal length outside the body of the first battery cell.

17. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The first busbar assembly includes a second busbar, which includes a first positive busbar and a first negative busbar. The first positive busbar connects at least two of the first battery cells in parallel, and the first negative busbar connects at least two of the first battery cells in parallel. The first positive busbar is connected to the positive terminal of the first cell assembly, and the first negative busbar is connected to the negative terminal of the first cell assembly.

18. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein, The first electrode terminal includes a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal, which extend from opposite sides of the first cell body, respectively. The battery module includes a second busbar assembly, the first busbar assembly and the second busbar assembly are respectively located on both sides of the first cell assembly along the second direction, and the second busbar assembly includes a third busbar component; Each of the first busbars is connected to a portion of the first positive terminal and a portion of the first negative terminal, and each of the third busbars is connected to a portion of the first positive terminal and a portion of the first negative terminal.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein, The battery module includes a second cell assembly, a third bus assembly, and a fourth bus assembly. The first cell assembly and the second cell assembly are arranged along the second direction. The third bus assembly and the fourth bus assembly are located on both sides of the second cell assembly along the second direction and are connected to the second cell assembly. The second bus component is connected to the third bus component.

20. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein, The battery module includes a first conductive component and a second conductive component. The first conductive component is connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of the first battery cell assembly, and the second conductive component is connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the first battery cell assembly. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are configured to connect to other devices; Along a direction opposite to the second direction, the first conductive element and the second conductive element are located on the same side of the first cell assembly; along the first direction, the first cell connected to the first conductive element and the first cell connected to the second conductive element are arranged adjacent to each other.

21. The battery module according to any one of claims 1-20, wherein, The first insulating element includes a vacuum-formed sheet.

22. An energy storage device comprising a plurality of battery modules according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein the plurality of battery modules are connected together.

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