CN115968515A

CN115968515A - Battery, electric equipment, method and equipment for preparing battery

Info

Publication number: CN115968515A
Application number: CN202280005742.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈兴地; 孙占宇; 王鹏; 秦峰; 黄小腾
Original assignee: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-18
Filing date: 2022-02-18
Publication date: 2023-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2042-02-18
Also published as: CN115968515B; CN117613498A; CN219067027U; WO2023155133A1

Abstract

A battery, a powered device, a method of making a battery, and a device are provided. The battery includes: the battery module comprises N rows of battery monomers, each row of battery monomers in the N rows of battery monomers comprises a plurality of battery monomers arranged along a first direction, the N rows of battery monomers are arranged along a second direction, the plurality of battery modules are arranged along the second direction, a first gap is formed between every two adjacent battery modules, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1; the blocking component is arranged in the first gap and used for preventing particles from entering the first gap from the first end of the first gap in the third direction; wherein the first gap has an opening at the first end, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The technical scheme of the embodiment of the application can improve the safety performance of the battery.

Description

Battery, electric equipment, method and equipment for preparing battery

Technical Field

The application relates to the technical field of batteries, in particular to a battery, electric equipment, a method for preparing the battery and equipment.

Background

With the increasing environmental pollution, the new energy industry is receiving more and more attention. In the new energy industry, battery technology is an important factor regarding its development.

In addition to improving the performance of batteries, safety issues are also a considerable problem in the development of battery technology. If the safety problem of the battery cannot be guaranteed, the battery cannot be used. Therefore, how to enhance the safety of the battery is a technical problem to be solved urgently in the battery technology.

Disclosure of Invention

The application provides a battery, electric equipment, a method and equipment for preparing the battery, which can improve the safety performance of the battery.

In a first aspect, a battery is provided, comprising: the battery module comprises N rows of battery cells, each row of battery cells in the N rows of battery cells comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, the N rows of battery cells are arranged along a second direction, the plurality of battery modules are arranged along the second direction, a first gap is formed between every two adjacent battery modules, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1; a blocking member disposed in the first gap for preventing particles from entering the first gap from a first end of the first gap in a third direction; wherein the first gap has an opening at the first end, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

In the embodiment, each battery module comprises a plurality of rows of battery cells, and the first gaps between adjacent battery modules are provided with the blocking parts, and the blocking parts can block particles from entering the first gaps at the first ends of the first gaps in the third direction. Therefore, the short circuit caused by the fact that the particles penetrate through the insulating layer of the single battery after entering the first gap can be prevented, and the safety performance of the battery is improved.

In one possible implementation, the blocking component includes a first blocking strip disposed at the first end and extending in the first direction to block the opening of the first gap at the first end. The first clearance is blocked by arranging the first blocking strip, so that particles can be prevented from entering the first clearance from the first end, and the particles are prevented from puncturing the insulating layer of the single battery to cause short circuit; meanwhile, the first barrier strip can also inhibit the deformation of the connection part of the top cover of the battery cell and the shell of the battery cell, namely limit the expansion space of the connection part and avoid the cracking of the connection part.

In a possible implementation manner, the blocking component further includes a second blocking strip, the second blocking strip is disposed at a second end and extends along the first direction to block the first gap at the second end, and the second blocking strip is used for preventing the adhesive at the second end from entering the first gap; the second end and the first end are two ends of the first gap opposite to each other in the third direction. Through the arrangement, the occurrence of a lithium precipitation phenomenon caused by the fact that the adhesive enters the first gap from the second end can be prevented, so that the reduction of the battery capacity is avoided, and meanwhile, the safety performance of the battery is also improved. Meanwhile, the portion of the first gap not filled with the first barrier rib and the second barrier rib provides an expansion space for the battery cell.

In a possible implementation manner, the blocking component further includes a third blocking strip, which is disposed at a third end and a fourth end and extends in the third direction to block the first gap at the third end and the fourth end; the third end and the fourth end are two ends of the first gap opposite to each other in the first direction. By providing a third barrier strip, the first gap can be blocked from the third and fourth ends to prevent particles from entering the first gap from the third and fourth ends.

In a possible implementation, the blocking component further includes a fourth blocking strip extending in the third direction and connecting the first blocking strip and the second blocking strip. In this way, the first barrier rib, the second barrier rib and the fourth barrier rib are connected to form a frame structure, further enhancing the structural stability of the barrier member.

In one possible implementation manner, the fourth barrier rib is disposed at a second gap between adjacent battery cells in each column of battery cells, and a width of the fourth barrier rib in the first direction is greater than a maximum width of the second gap in the first direction. In the same row of battery cells, the adjacent battery cells have the second gap therebetween, and by arranging the fourth barrier rib at the second gap and arranging the width of the fourth barrier rib in the first direction to be larger than the maximum width of the second gap in the first direction, particles can be prevented from entering the first gap from the second gap, and the adhesive can also be prevented from entering the first gap from the second gap.

In one possible implementation, the blocking member includes a blocking plate extending in the first direction and filling the first gap. Therefore, particles and adhesive can be prevented from entering the first gap, and the phenomena of short circuit and lithium precipitation are avoided.

In one possible implementation, the blocking plate is a first thermal management component for regulating the temperature of the battery cell. For example, the blocking plate is a water cooling plate and is used for cooling or heating the battery cells. For another example, the blocking plate is a heat insulating plate for insulating the temperature between the adjacent battery modules.

In one possible implementation, the battery module further includes: the battery pack comprises N-1 partition plates, the partition plates extend along the first direction and are arranged between two adjacent rows of single batteries, and the partition plates are fixedly connected with each single battery in the two adjacent rows of single batteries. Therefore, the partition plate is fixedly connected with each battery monomer, and all the battery monomers in the same battery module form a whole, so that the overall structural strength of the battery is improved; meanwhile, the separator can prevent particles and adhesives from entering a gap between two adjacent rows of single batteries.

In one possible implementation, the end of the partition in the first direction is provided with a fixing structure by which the partition is fixed to a case for accommodating the battery module. Therefore, each single battery in the battery is fixed on the box body through the partition plate and the fixing structure, so that the load of each single battery can be transmitted to the box body, and the structural strength of the battery is guaranteed; under this condition, the battery module outside can no longer set up the curb plate, and the box middle part also need not set up roof beam isotructure again, can promote the inside space utilization of battery by great limit to promote the energy density of battery.

In one possible implementation manner, the fixing structure includes a fixing plate, and the fixing plate is fixedly connected to the end portion of the separator and fixedly connected to the battery cell located at the end portion of the separator. In this way, the fixing effect on the battery cell can be further enhanced.

In a possible implementation manner, a second thermal management component is disposed between two adjacent columns of battery cells in the battery module, the second thermal management component extends along the first direction, and the second thermal management component is configured to adjust the temperature of the battery cells. For example, the second thermal management component may be a water-cooling plate, and the battery cells may be cooled or heated quickly and efficiently by providing the water-cooling plate extending in the first direction in two adjacent rows of battery cells in the same battery module.

In one possible implementation, the blocking member abuts against a wall of the battery cell having the largest surface area. Thus, the blocking component can prevent particles from entering the first gap and prevent the particles from puncturing the surface with the largest surface area of the battery cell to cause short circuit and the like.

In a second aspect, there is provided an electric device, including the battery in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, where the battery is configured to provide electric energy.

In a third aspect, a method for preparing a battery is provided, comprising: providing a plurality of battery modules, wherein each battery cell in the N rows of battery cells comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, the N rows of battery cells are arranged along a second direction, the plurality of battery modules are arranged along the second direction, a first gap is formed between every two adjacent battery modules, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1; providing a blocking member arranged in the first gap for preventing particles from entering the first gap from a first end of the first gap in a third direction; wherein the first gap has an opening at the first end, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for preparing a battery, comprising means for performing the method of the third aspect described above.

In an embodiment of the present application, each battery module includes a plurality of rows of battery cells, and a first gap between adjacent battery modules is provided with a blocking member capable of blocking particles from entering the first gap at the first end. Therefore, the short circuit caused by the fact that the particles penetrate through the insulating layer of the single battery after entering the first gap can be prevented, and the safety performance of the battery is improved.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments of the present application will be briefly described below, and it is obvious that the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and it is obvious for a person skilled in the art to obtain other drawings based on the drawings without any creative effort.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a barrier member of an embodiment of the present application mated with a battery module;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a barrier member of an embodiment of the present application mated with a battery module;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 9 is a schematic view of a barrier member according to an embodiment of the present application engaged with a battery module;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a schematic view of a barrier member according to an embodiment of the present application engaged with a battery module;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged schematic view of region B of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a barrier member of an embodiment of the present application mated with a battery module;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 18 is a schematic flow chart of a method of manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application.

In the drawings, the figures are not drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are provided to illustrate the principles of the application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the application, i.e., the application is not limited to the described embodiments.

In the description of the present application, it is to be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and the like, indicate an orientation or positional relationship that is merely for convenience in describing the application and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referenced devices or elements must be in a particular orientation, constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "vertical" is not strictly vertical, but is within the tolerance of the error. "parallel" is not strictly parallel but within the tolerance of the error.

The directional terms used in the following description are intended to refer to directions shown in the drawings, and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the present application. In the description of the present application, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, e.g., as meaning either a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral connection; may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood as appropriate by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The term "and/or" in this application is only one kind of association relationship describing the association object, and means that there may be three kinds of relationships, for example, a and/or B, and may mean: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character "/" in this application generally indicates that the former and latter related objects are in an "or" relationship.

In the present application, the battery cell may include a lithium ion secondary battery, a lithium ion primary battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a sodium lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a magnesium ion battery, or the like, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The battery cell may be a cylinder, a flat body, a rectangular parallelepiped, or other shapes, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The battery cells are generally divided into three types in an encapsulation manner: the cylindrical battery monomer, the square battery monomer and the soft package battery monomer are not limited in the embodiment of the application.

Reference to a battery in embodiments of the present application refers to a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery referred to in the present application may include a battery pack and the like. Batteries generally include a case for enclosing one or more battery cells. The box can avoid liquid or other foreign matters to influence the charge or discharge of battery cells.

The battery monomer comprises an electrode assembly and electrolyte, wherein the electrode assembly comprises a positive plate, a negative plate and an isolating membrane. The battery cell mainly depends on metal ions moving between the positive plate and the negative plate to work. The positive plate comprises a positive current collector and a positive active substance layer, wherein the positive active substance layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, the current collector which is not coated with the positive active substance layer protrudes out of the current collector which is coated with the positive active substance layer, and the current collector which is not coated with the positive active substance layer is used as a positive pole lug. Taking a lithium ion battery as an example, the material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum, and the positive electrode active material may be lithium cobaltate, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate, or the like. The negative pole piece includes negative current collector and negative pole active substance layer, and the negative pole active substance layer coats in the surface of negative current collector, and the mass flow body protrusion in the mass flow body of coating the negative pole active substance layer of uncoated negative pole active substance layer, the mass flow body of uncoated negative pole active substance layer is as negative pole utmost point ear. The material of the negative electrode collector may be copper, and the negative electrode active material may be carbon, silicon, or the like. In order to ensure that the fuse is not fused when a large current is passed, the number of the positive electrode tabs is multiple and the positive electrode tabs are stacked together, and the number of the negative electrode tabs is multiple and the negative electrode tabs are stacked together. The material of the isolation film can be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or the like. In addition, the electrode assembly may have a winding structure or a lamination structure, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

In order to meet different power requirements, a battery may include a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells may be connected in series or in parallel or in series-parallel, and the series-parallel refers to a mixture of series connection and parallel connection. Alternatively, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series or in parallel or in series-parallel to form a battery module, and a plurality of battery modules may be connected in series or in parallel or in series-parallel to form a battery. That is, a plurality of battery cells may directly constitute a battery, or a battery module may be first constituted and then a battery may be constituted. The battery is further arranged in the electric equipment to provide electric energy for the electric equipment.

The development of battery technology should take into consideration various design factors such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge and discharge rate, safety, etc. In the production and assembly process of the battery, external impurities such as particles can fall into the space between adjacent battery modules, and the particles can puncture the insulating layer of the battery cell to cause the occurrence of short circuit and the like, thereby affecting the safety performance of the battery.

In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a technical solution, in which a blocking member is disposed at a gap between adjacent battery modules including a plurality of rows of battery cells to prevent particles from entering the gap, so as to prevent short circuit and the like caused by the particles penetrating an insulation layer of the battery cells.

The technical scheme described in the embodiment of the application is applicable to various devices using batteries, such as mobile phones, portable devices, notebook computers, battery cars, electric toys, electric tools, electric vehicles, ships, spacecrafts and the like, and the spacecrafts comprise airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, spacecrafts and the like.

It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to be applied to the above-described devices, but may also be applied to all devices using batteries, and for brevity of description, the following embodiments are all described by taking an electric vehicle as an example.

For example, as shown in fig. 1, which is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle 1 may be a fuel automobile, a gas automobile, or a new energy automobile, and the new energy automobile may be a pure electric automobile, a hybrid electric automobile, or an extended range automobile. The vehicle 1 may be provided with a motor 40, a controller 30 and a battery 10, the controller 30 being configured to control the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 40. For example, the battery 10 may be provided at the bottom or the head or tail of the vehicle 1. The battery 10 may be used for power supply of the vehicle 1, for example, the battery 10 may be used as an operation power supply of the vehicle 1 for a circuit system of the vehicle 1, for example, for power demand for operation at the start, navigation, and running of the vehicle 1. In another embodiment of the present application, the battery 10 may be used not only as an operation power source of the vehicle 1 but also as a driving power source of the vehicle 1 instead of or in part of fuel or natural gas to provide driving power to the vehicle 1.

To meet different power usage requirements, the battery 10 may include a plurality of battery cells. For example, as shown in fig. 2, which is a schematic structural diagram of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 20. The battery 10 may further include a case 11, the inside of the case 11 is a hollow structure, and the plurality of battery cells 20 are accommodated in the case 11. For example, a plurality of battery cells 20 are connected in parallel or in series or in a combination of series and parallel to each other and then placed in the case 11.

Optionally, the battery 10 may also include other structures, which are not described in detail herein. For example, the battery 10 may further include a bus member for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 20, such as in parallel or in series-parallel. Specifically, the bus member may achieve electrical connection between the battery cells 20 by connecting electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. Further, the bus bar member may be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electric energy of the plurality of battery cells 20 can be further led out through the box body by the conductive mechanism. Alternatively, the conductive means may also belong to the bus bar member.

The number of the battery cells 20 may be set to any number according to different power requirements. A plurality of battery cells 20 may be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel to achieve greater capacity or power. Since the number of the battery cells 20 included in each battery 10 may be large, the battery cells 20 may be arranged in groups for convenience of installation, each group of the battery cells 20 constituting a battery module. The number of the battery cells 20 included in the battery module is not limited and may be set as required. The battery may include a plurality of battery modules that may be connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel.

As shown in fig. 3, which is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 20 includes one or more electrode assemblies 22, a case 211, and a cover plate 212. The housing 211 and cover 212 form a housing or battery compartment 21. The walls of the housing 211 and the cover plate 212 are referred to as the walls of the battery cell 20, wherein for a cuboid battery cell 20, the walls of the housing 211 include a bottom wall and four side walls. The case 211 is determined according to the shape of one or more electrode assemblies 22 after being combined, for example, the case 211 may be a hollow rectangular parallelepiped or a square or a cylinder, and one of the faces of the case 211 has an opening so that one or more electrode assemblies 22 can be placed in the case 211. For example, when the housing 211 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped or square, one of the planes of the housing 211 is an open plane, i.e., the plane has no wall body so that the housing 211 communicates inside and outside. When the housing 211 may be a hollow cylinder, the end surface of the housing 211 is an open surface, i.e., the end surface has no wall body so that the housing 211 is communicated with the inside and the outside. The cap plate 212 covers the opening and is connected with the case 211 to form a closed cavity in which the electrode assembly 22 is placed. The case 211 is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolytic solution.

The battery cell 20 may further include two electrode terminals 214, and the two electrode terminals 214 may be disposed on the cap plate 212. The cap plate 212 is generally in the shape of a flat plate, and two electrode terminals 214 are fixed to the flat surface of the cap plate 212, the two electrode terminals 214 being a positive electrode terminal 214a and a negative electrode terminal 214b, respectively. One connecting member 23, which may also be referred to as a current collecting member 23, is disposed at each of the electrode terminals 214 between the cap plate 212 and the electrode assembly 22 to electrically connect the electrode assembly 22 and the electrode terminals 214.

As shown in fig. 3, each electrode assembly 22 has a first tab 221a and a second tab 222a. The first tab 221a and the second tab 222a have opposite polarities. For example, when the first tab 221a is a positive tab, the second tab 222a is a negative tab. The first tab 221a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 is connected to one electrode terminal through one connecting member 23, and the second tab 222a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 is connected to the other electrode terminal through the other connecting member 23. For example, the positive electrode terminal 214a is connected to a positive electrode tab through one connecting member 23, and the negative electrode terminal 214b is connected to a negative electrode tab through the other connecting member 23.

In the battery cell 20, the electrode assembly 22 may be provided singly or in plurality according to actual use requirements, and as shown in fig. 3, 4 independent electrode assemblies 22 are provided in the battery cell 20.

The battery cell 20 may further include a pressure relief mechanism 213. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated to relieve the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a threshold value.

The pressure relief mechanism 213 may be any of various possible pressure relief structures, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 may be a temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism configured to be able to melt when the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold value; and/or, pressure relief mechanism 213 may be a pressure sensitive pressure relief mechanism configured to rupture when the internal air pressure of battery cell 20 in which pressure relief mechanism 213 is disposed reaches a threshold value.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 4, the battery 10 includes a plurality of battery modules 50 and a blocking member 501. The battery module 50 includes N rows of battery cells 20, each of the N rows of battery cells 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged in a first direction, the N rows of battery cells 20 are arranged in a second direction, the plurality of battery modules 50 are arranged in the second direction, a first gap 500 is formed between adjacent battery modules 50, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1. A blocking member 501 is arranged in the first gap 500 for preventing particles from entering the first gap 500 from a first end of the first gap 500 in the third direction. The first gap 500 has an opening at a first end, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

The particles may be impurities generated in the production, assembly, incoming material or use process of the battery, such as welding slag generated in the welding process, metal particles generated in the rework file and the like, dust generated in the incoming material, particles generated due to abrasion in the use process and the like, the particles may be metal particles, and may also be non-metal particles, such as plastic particles and polymer particles, the size of the particles may be smaller than 1mm or 2mm, and the size or the material of the particles is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

Each of the N columns of the battery cells 20 is arranged in a first direction, for example, an x direction in fig. 4. The N rows of the battery cells 20 are arranged in the second direction, and the plurality of battery modules 50 are arranged in the second direction, for example, the y direction in fig. 4. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, for example, the third direction may be a z-direction. In a state where the battery is placed normally, for example, in a normal operating state, the third direction is parallel to the gravitational direction G.

A blocking member 501 is provided at the first gap 500 for preventing particles from entering the first gap 500 from the first end 50a of the first gap 500 in the third direction. When the battery module 50 is vertically placed in the case, the first end 50a may be an end of the battery module 50 facing away from the bottom of the case in the third direction, that is, the first end 50a is an end of the first gap facing away from the bottom of the case in the third direction. For example, the blocking member 501 is disposed at the first end 50a and extends in the x-direction, and the length of the blocking member 501 is the same as that of the battery module in the x-direction to prevent particles from entering the first gap 500 from the first end 50 a. Optionally, in a third direction, the z-direction, the blocking member 501 is flush with the battery module 50. The blocking member 501 may also be slightly higher or lower than the battery module 50 as long as the substantially flush of the blocking member 501 with the battery module 50 can be achieved.

As shown in fig. 4, N is 2, i.e., each battery module 50 includes two rows of battery cells. N may also be other numbers greater than 2, which is not limited in this application.

Alternatively, the material of the blocking member 501 may be one of foam, plastic, rubber pad, and polycarbonate.

In the present embodiment, each battery module 50 includes a plurality of rows of battery cells 20, and the first gap 500 between adjacent battery modules 50 is provided with a blocking member 501, and the blocking member 501 is capable of blocking particles at the first end 50 a. In this way, particles are prevented from entering the first gap 500 from the first end 50a and thus piercing the insulating layer of the battery cell 20 to cause a short circuit, thereby improving the safety of the battery 10.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a blocking member engaged with a battery module. Alternatively, in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 5, the blocking member 501 includes a first blocking strip 5011, and the first blocking strip 5011 is disposed at the first end 50a and extends in the first direction to close the opening of the first gap 500 at the first end 50 a.

The first barrier strip 5011 may be an elongated strip extending in a first direction, i.e., the x-direction, and the length thereof in the x-direction may be the same as the length of the battery module 50 in the x-direction. The first dam 5011 is used to close the first gap 500 at the first end 50a, for example, the width of the first dam 5011 is the same as the width of the first gap 500 in the second direction, i.e., the y-direction. In this way, the first barrier 5011 may prevent particles from entering the first gap 500 from the first end 50a along the third direction, and prevent the particles from puncturing the insulating layer of the battery cell 20 to cause a short circuit.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the top cover of the battery cell 20 and the housing of the battery cell 20 are connected together by welding, wherein a part of the welding area is located at the first end of the surface 20a of the battery cell 20. Since the first barrier 5011 is disposed at the first end 50a, when the partial area is expanded, for example, in the second direction, the first barrier 5011 can restrict the expansion of the welded area to prevent the welded area from being deformed largely to fail. In this way, the first barrier 5011 can suppress deformation of the connection portion of the cap of the battery cell 20 and the case of the battery cell 20, i.e., restrict the expansion space of the connection portion, and prevent the connection portion from being cracked.

Fig. 6 is a schematic structural view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 7 is a schematic view of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure engaged with a battery module. Optionally, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, the blocking member 501 further includes a second blocking strip 5012, the second blocking strip 5012 being disposed at the second end 50b and extending in the first direction to block the first gap 500 at the second end 50b, the second blocking strip 5012 being for preventing the adhesive at the second end 50b from entering the first gap 500. The second end 50b and the first end 50a are two opposite ends of the first gap 500 in the third direction, respectively.

Alternatively, the second end 50b is the end of the battery module 50 facing the bottom of the case in the third direction, that is, the second end 50b is the end of the first gap 500 facing the bottom of the case in the third direction.

Alternatively, in an embodiment of the present application, the battery cell 20 may be connected to the lower case of the battery 10 by bonding. The second barrier strip 5012 may be an elongated strip extending in the first direction, i.e., the x-direction, and the length thereof in the x-direction may be the same as the length of the battery module 50 in the x-direction. The second stop strip 5012 closes the first gap 500 at the second end 50b, e.g., the width of the second stop strip 5012 is the same as the width of the first gap 500 in the second direction. In this way, the second barrier strip 5012 can prevent the adhesive at the second end 50b from entering the first gap 500 and prevent the occurrence of a lithium separation phenomenon, thereby preventing a capacity drop of the battery 10 and improving the safety of the battery 10.

The second barrier strip 5012 is disposed at the second end 50b, and a portion of the first gap 500 not filled by the second barrier strip 5012 and the first barrier strip 5011 provides a space for the battery cell 20 to expand in the second direction.

Fig. 8 is a structural view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application, and fig. 9 is a view illustrating a barrier member coupled to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the blocking member 501 further includes a third blocking strip 5013, and the third blocking strip 5013 is disposed at the third end 50c and the fourth end 50d and extends in the third direction to block the first gap 500 at the third end 50c and the fourth end 50 d. The third end 50c and the fourth end 50d are two ends of the first gap 500 opposite in the first direction, respectively.

By providing the third barrier strip 5013, the first gap 500 can be blocked from the third end 50c and the fourth end 50d to prevent particles from entering the first gap 500 from the third end 50c and the fourth end 50 d.

Alternatively, in an embodiment of the present application, the first barrier strip 5011, the third barrier strip 5013, and the second barrier strip 5012 may be sequentially connected to form a frame structure, and a portion of the first gap 500 not filled by the frame structure provides an expansion space for the battery cell 20 in the second direction.

Fig. 10 is a structural view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application, and fig. 11 is a view illustrating a barrier member coupled to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present application. Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 10 and 11, the blocking member 501 further comprises a fourth barrier strip 5014, the fourth barrier strip 5014 extending in a third direction and connecting the first barrier strip 5011 and said second barrier strip 5012. Thus, the first barrier strip 5011, the second barrier strip 5012, and the fourth barrier strip 5014 are connected to form a frame structure, which enhances the structural stability of the barrier member 501.

Alternatively, a fourth barrier rib 5014 may be further formed on the basis of a frame structure in which the first barrier rib 5011, the third barrier rib 5013 and the second barrier rib 5012 are sequentially connected, so that the structural stability of the frame structure is further enhanced.

Fig. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application, and fig. 13 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a region B in fig. 12. Alternatively, in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 10 to 13 in combination, the fourth barrier 5014 is disposed at the second gap 600 between the adjacent battery cells 20 in each column of the battery cells 20, and a width of the fourth barrier 5014 in the first direction is greater than a maximum width of the second gap 600 in the first direction.

In the same row of the battery cells 20 with the second gap 600 between the adjacent battery cells 20, by providing the fourth barrier 5014 at the second gap 600 and providing the fourth barrier 5014 with a width in the first direction greater than the maximum width of the second gap 600 in the first direction, it is possible to prevent particles from entering the first gap 500 from the second gap 600 and also to prevent the adhesive from entering the first gap 500 from the second gap 600. That is, when the round angle of the battery cell 20 is large, the particles and the adhesive may be prevented from entering the first gap 500 by the above-described arrangement.

Fig. 14 is a structural view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present application, and fig. 15 is a view illustrating a barrier member engaged with a battery module. Alternatively, in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 14 and 15, the blocking member 501 includes a blocking plate 5015, the blocking plate 5015 extending in the first direction and filling the first gap 500. In this way, particles and adhesive can be prevented from entering the first gap 500, and occurrence of phenomena such as short circuit and lithium deposition can be avoided.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the blocking plate 5015 is a first thermal management member for adjusting the temperature of the battery cell 20. For example, the blocking plate 5015 is a water cooling plate for cooling or heating the battery cell 20. For another example, the blocking plate 5015 is a heat insulating plate for insulating the temperature between the adjacent battery modules 50.

Fig. 16 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 16, the battery module 50 further includes N-1 partition plates 503, the partition plates 503 extend along the first direction and are disposed between two adjacent rows of the battery cells 20, and the partition plates 503 are fixedly connected to each battery cell 20 in the two adjacent rows of the battery cells 20. In this way, the partition 503 is fixedly connected with each battery cell 20, and all the battery cells 20 in the same battery module 50 form a whole, so that the overall structural strength of the battery 10 is improved; meanwhile, the partition 503 prevents particles and adhesives from entering the gap between two adjacent rows of the battery cells 20.

Alternatively, in an embodiment of the present application, the end of the partition 503 in the first direction is provided with a fixing structure 504, and the partition 503 is fixed to a case for accommodating the battery module 50 by the fixing structure 504.

A partition 503 is provided between two adjacent rows of the battery cells 20 of the battery module 50, the partition 503 is fixedly connected to each battery cell 20 in the two rows of the battery cells 20, a fixing structure 504 is provided at an end of the partition 503, and the partition 503 is fixed to the case by the fixing structure 504. In this way, each battery cell 20 in the battery 10 is fixed to the case by the partition 503 and the fixing structure 504, and thus each battery cell 20 can transmit its load to the case, ensuring the structural strength of the battery 10; under the condition, the outer side of the battery module 50 can be not provided with a side plate, the middle part of the box body does not need to be provided with a beam and other structures, the space utilization rate in the battery can be improved to a greater extent, and therefore the energy density of the battery is improved.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the fixing structure 504 includes a fixing plate 505, and the fixing plate 505 is fixedly connected to an end of the partition 503 and fixedly connected to the battery cell 20 at the end of the partition 503. For example, for a rectangular battery cell 20, the fixing plate 505 may be vertically connected to the partition 503 and connected to two adjacent side walls of the rectangular battery cell 20 respectively with the partition 503, thereby further enhancing the fixing effect of the battery cell 20.

Alternatively, the fixing plate 505 may be made of the same material as the partition 503, for example, metal, plastic or composite material. The thickness of the fixing plate 505 may be the same as that of the partition 503. The material or thickness of the fixing plate 505 may be different from that of the partition 503, for example, the fixing plate 505 may be provided with a higher strength or thickness, but the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

Optionally, the connection between the partition 503 and the fixing plate 505 may be resistance welding, resistance riveting, self-Piercing riveting (SPR), locking bolt, or clamping; the fixing plate 505 may be fixed to the box body by a connection method such as resistance welding, resistance riveting, self-piercing riveting, lock bolt or snap-fit, but the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

Optionally, the fixing plate 505 and the battery cell 20 may be fixedly connected by bonding, for example, by structural adhesive, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the fixing plate 505 includes a first connection portion 506 formed to extend in a first direction away from the battery module 50, and the first connection portion 506 is used to connect to a wall of the case. For example, taking the bottom wall of the connecting box as an example, the first connecting portion 506 may be formed at a position where the fixing plate 505 is close to the bottom wall and extend in a direction away from the battery module 50, that is, outward, and the bottom wall of the connecting box is connected by the first connecting portion 506. Of course, the first connection portion 506 of the fixing plate 505 may be connected to a side wall of the case, which is not limited in the present application.

The first connection portion 506 may be parallel to a wall of the connected case, for example, the first connection portion 506 is parallel to a bottom wall of the case. The area of the first connection portion 506 may be set according to the fixing manner with the wall of the connected case to satisfy a desired fixing effect.

Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present application, the first connection portion 506 may be formed by bending the fixing plate 505. For example, the first connection part 506 may be formed by bending an edge of the fixing plate 505 near the connected wall in a direction away from the battery module 50. Taking the bottom wall of the connecting box as an example, the lower edge of the fixing plate 505 may be bent outward to form the first connecting portion 506. In this way, the first connection portion 506 is integrally constructed with the main body of the fixing plate 505, so that the connection performance can be enhanced.

The first connection portion 506 is connected to the wall of the case, so that the fixing plate 505 is fixedly connected to the wall of the case, and the load of the battery cell 20 is transmitted to the wall of the case, thereby securing the structural strength of the battery 10.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the fixing plate 505 further includes a second connecting portion 507 formed to extend in the first direction away from the battery module 100, and the second connecting portion 507 is used to connect the fixing plate 505 and the partition 503. For example, at the position where the fixing plate 505 is connected to the partition 503, a second connection part 507 may be formed to extend away from the battery module 100, that is, outward, and the fixing plate 505 is fixedly connected to the partition 503 through the second connection part 507.

Alternatively, the second connection portion 507 may simultaneously achieve the connection between the fixing plates 505 in addition to the connection of the partition 503. For example, one fixing plate 505 is provided for each row of battery cells 20 in the battery module 100, and the partition 503 in the battery module 100 is fixed to two corresponding fixing plates 505 of two rows of battery cells 20 by second connection portions 507.

The second connection portion 507 may be parallel to the partition 503. The area of the second connection portion 507 may be set according to a fixing manner to satisfy a desired fixing effect.

Alternatively, in an embodiment of the present application, the second connection portion 507 may be formed by bending the fixing plate 505. For example, the second connection part 507 may be formed by bending an edge of the fixing plate 505 adjacent to the separator 503 in a direction away from the battery module 100. In this way, the second connection portion 507 is integrally formed with the body of the fixing plate 505, so that the connection performance can be enhanced.

Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present application, the partition 503 may be integrally formed with the fixing plates 505 at two ends of one of the two adjacent rows of battery cells 20, so that only the fixing plates 505 need to be disposed for the other row of battery cells 20; alternatively, the partition 503 may be integrally formed with the fixing plates 505 corresponding to two adjacent rows of the battery cells 20.

Fig. 17 is a schematic structural view of another battery module according to an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 17, a second thermal management component 701 is disposed between two adjacent columns of battery cells 20 in the battery module 50, the second thermal management component 701 extends along the first direction, and the second thermal management component 701 is configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cells 20. For example, the second thermal management component may be a water-cooling plate, and the battery cells 20 may be cooled or heated quickly and efficiently by arranging the water-cooling plate extending in the first direction in two adjacent columns of the battery cells 20 in the same battery module 50.

Optionally, the length of the second thermal management member 701 in the first direction is less than the length of the battery module 50. For example, as shown in fig. 17, the second thermal management member 701 does not protrude from the battery module 50 in the first direction, each row of the battery cells 20 is connected to the bottom wall of the case by bonding, and the second thermal management member 701 is sandwiched between two adjacent rows of the battery cells 20 and abuts against the two adjacent rows of the battery cells 20. Meanwhile, the second thermal management component 701 can also fill a gap between two adjacent rows of battery cells 20, so that particles and adhesives are prevented from entering the gap, and the phenomena of short circuit and lithium precipitation are avoided.

Alternatively, in an embodiment of the present application, the blocking member 501 abuts against the wall of the battery cell 20 having the largest surface area. For example, the blocking member 501 abuts the surface 20a of the largest wall of the battery cell, so that the blocking member can prevent particles from entering the first gap, and prevent short circuit and the like caused by the particles piercing the surface of the largest surface area of the battery cell.

Optionally, the blocking member 501 may also abut against a wall with the smallest surface area of the battery cells 20, which may be disposed according to the arrangement of the battery cells 20, and this is not limited in this embodiment of the application.

It should be understood that relevant portions in the embodiments of the present application may be mutually referred, and are not described again for brevity.

An embodiment of the present application further provides a power consumption device, which may include the battery 10 in the foregoing embodiment. Optionally, the electric device may be a vehicle 1, a ship, a spacecraft, or the like, but the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

The battery 10 and the electric device according to the embodiment of the present application are described above, and the method and the device for manufacturing the battery according to the embodiment of the present application will be described below, wherein the parts not described in detail can be referred to the foregoing embodiments.

Fig. 18 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 300 of preparing a battery according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 13, the method 300 may include:

310, providing a plurality of battery modules 50, the battery modules 50 comprising: each of the N rows of the battery cells 20, the N rows of the battery cells 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged in a first direction, the N rows of the battery cells are arranged in a second direction, the plurality of battery modules 50 are arranged in the second direction, a first gap 500 is formed between adjacent battery modules 50, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1;

320, a blocking member 501 is provided, the blocking member 501 being arranged in the first gap 500 for preventing particles from entering the first gap 500 from the first end 50a of the first gap 500 in the third direction. The first gap 500 has an opening at the first end 50a, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

Fig. 19 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 400 for preparing a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 14, the apparatus for preparing a battery 400 may include a first providing module 410 and a second providing module 420.

The first providing module 410 is used for providing a plurality of battery modules 50, each battery module 50 includes N rows of battery cells 20, each battery cell 20 of the N rows of battery cells 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 20 arranged along a first direction, the N rows of battery cells 20 are arranged along a second direction, the plurality of battery modules 50 are arranged along the second direction, a first gap is formed between adjacent battery modules 50, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1.

The second providing module 420 is configured to provide a blocking member 501, the blocking member 501 is disposed in the first gap 500, and is configured to prevent particles from entering the first gap 500 from the first end 50a of the first gap 500; wherein the first gap 500 has an opening at the first end 50a, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

While the application has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, various modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way as long as there is no structural conflict. The present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein but is to cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery (10), comprising:

a plurality of battery modules (50), wherein each battery module (50) comprises N columns of battery cells (20), each column of battery cells (20) in the N columns of battery cells (20) comprises a plurality of battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction, the N columns of battery cells (20) are arranged along a second direction, the plurality of battery modules (50) are arranged along the second direction, a first gap (500) is formed between adjacent battery modules (50), the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1;

a blocking member (501), the blocking member (501) being arranged at the first gap (500) for preventing particles from entering the first gap (500) from a first end (50 a) of the first gap (500) in a third direction; wherein the first gap (500) has an opening at the first end (50 a), the third direction being perpendicular to the first and second directions.

2. The battery (10) of claim 1, wherein the blocking member (501) comprises:

a first barrier strip (5011), the first barrier strip (5011) being disposed at the first end (50 a) and extending in the first direction to block the opening of the first gap (500) at the first end (50 a).

3. The battery (10) of claim 2, wherein the blocking member (501) further comprises:

a second barrier strip (5012), said second barrier strip (5012) being disposed at a second end (50 b) and extending in said first direction to close said second end (50 b) at said second end (50 b), said second barrier strip (5012) being adapted to prevent adhesive at said second end (50 b) from entering said first gap (500); wherein the second end (50 b) and the first end (50 a) are two ends of the first gap (500) opposite to each other in the third direction, respectively.

4. The battery (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the blocking member (501) further comprises:

a third barrier strip (5013), said third barrier strip (5013) being disposed at a third end (50 c) and a fourth end (50 d) and extending in said third direction to close said first gap (500) at said third end (50 c) and said fourth end (50 d); wherein the third end (50 c) and the fourth end (50 d) are two ends of the first gap (500) opposite to each other in the first direction, respectively.

5. The battery (10) of claim 3, wherein the barrier member (501) further comprises:

a fourth barrier strip (5014), said fourth barrier strip (5014) extending in said third direction and connecting said first barrier strip (5011) and said second barrier strip (5012).

6. The battery (10) of claim 5, wherein the fourth barrier strip (5014) is disposed at a second gap (600) between adjacent cells (20) in each column of cells (20), the fourth barrier strip (5014) having a width in the first direction that is greater than a maximum width of the second gap (600) in the first direction.

7. The battery (10) of claim 1, wherein the blocking member (501) comprises:

a blocking plate (5015), the blocking plate (5015) extending in the first direction and filling the first gap (500).

8. The battery (10) of claim 7, wherein the blocking plate (5015) is a first thermal management component to regulate the temperature of the battery cell (20).

9. The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the battery module (50) further comprises:

the battery pack comprises N-1 partition plates (503), the partition plates (503) extend along the first direction and are arranged between two adjacent rows of battery cells (20), and the partition plates (503) are fixedly connected with each battery cell (20) in the two adjacent rows of battery cells (20).

10. The battery (10) according to claim 9, wherein an end of the partition (503) in the first direction is provided with a fixing structure by which the partition (503) is fixed to a case for accommodating the battery module (50).

11. The battery (10) of claim 10, wherein the securing structure comprises a securing plate (505), the securing plate (505) being fixedly connected to the end of the separator (503) and to the battery cell (20) at the end of the separator (503).

12. The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a second thermal management member (701) is disposed between two adjacent columns of battery cells (20) in the battery module (50), the second thermal management member (701) extending in the first direction, the second thermal management member (701) being configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cells (20).

13. Battery (10) according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the blocking member (501) abuts the wall of the battery cell (20) with the largest surface area.

14. An electrical device, comprising: the battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the battery (10) being for providing electrical energy.

15. A method (300) of making a battery, comprising:

providing (310) a plurality of battery modules (50), wherein each battery module (50) in the N rows of battery cells (20) comprises a plurality of battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction, each battery cell (20) in the N rows of battery cells (20) comprises a plurality of battery cells (20) arranged along a second direction, a plurality of battery modules (50) are arranged along the second direction, a first gap (500) is formed between adjacent battery modules (50), the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1;

providing (320) a blocking member (501), the blocking member (501) being arranged at the first gap (500) for preventing particles from entering the first gap (500) from a first end (50 a) of the first gap (500) in a third direction; wherein the first gap (500) has an opening at the first end (50 a), the third direction being perpendicular to the first and second directions.

16. An apparatus (400) for preparing a battery, comprising:

a first providing module (410) for providing a plurality of battery modules (50), wherein each battery module (20) in the N rows of battery cells (20) includes a plurality of battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction, the N rows of battery cells (20) are arranged along a second direction, the plurality of battery modules (50) are arranged along the second direction, a first gap (500) is formed between adjacent battery modules (50), the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and N is an integer greater than 1;

a second providing module (420) for providing a blocking member (501), the blocking member (501) being arranged at the first gap (500) for preventing particles from entering the first gap (500) from a first end (50 a) of the first gap (500) in a third direction; wherein the first gap (500) has an opening at the first end (50 a), the third direction being perpendicular to the first and second directions.