Patent Description:
Energy conservation and emission reduction are crucial to sustainable development of the automobile industry. In this context, electric vehicles, with their advantages in energy conservation and environmental protection, have become an important part of sustainable development of the automobile industry. For electric vehicles, battery technology is an important factor in connection with their development. Exemplary battery assemblies are, inter alia, disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In the development of battery technology, safety of batteries is another non-negligible issue in addition to performance improvement. If the safety of a battery cannot be guaranteed, the battery cannot be used or will lead to a serious safety incident. Therefore, how safety performance of batteries is enhanced is an urgent technical problem that needs to be solved in battery technology.

Embodiments of this application are intended to provide a battery, an electric device, and a battery manufacturing method to reduce the failure probability of the battery by improving rigidity of battery grouping, and thus improve safety performance of the battery.

A first aspect of this application provides a battery according to claim <NUM>. The battery includes at least one row of battery cells, a carrying assembly, and a connecting member, where each row of the battery cells includes at least two battery cells arranged along a first direction; the carrying assembly is configured to carry the at least one row of battery cells; and the connecting member includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate fixedly connected to each other, where the first connecting plate is perpendicular to the second connecting plate, the first connecting plate extends in the first direction, the first connecting plate is connected to at least some battery cells in the at least one row of battery cells, and the second connecting plate is configured to be fixedly connected to the carrying assembly of the battery.

In the battery provided in embodiment of this application, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate in the connecting member are fixedly connected and disposed perpendicular to each other. The first connecting plate is parallel to each row of battery cells, and side surfaces of the first connecting plate can be fixedly connected to at least two battery cells in one row of battery cells. The second connecting plate can be fixedly connected to the carrying assembly in the battery, so that multiple battery cells can be fastened to the carrying assembly in the battery via the connecting member. The carrying assembly includes but is not limited to a top cover for a housing of the battery, an insulation layer inside the battery, a mica plate and other structural members that can be fixedly connected to the housing of the battery. In this embodiment of this application, the battery cell is fastened to the connecting member and the connecting member is connected to the carrying assembly in the battery, and the second connecting plate of the connecting member can provide a connecting plane for the multiple battery cells, so as to increase the connecting area between the multiple battery cells and the carrying assembly, thereby enhancing connection stability between the multiple battery cells and the carrying assembly. In addition, the first connecting plate can restrain the multiple battery cells, thereby enhancing rigidity of the battery and reducing failure probability of the battery.

In some embodiments, the first connecting plate includes multiple connection zones, each connection zone being connected to the side surface of at least one battery cell, with the connection zone being a cambered surface. Therefore, the connection zones can be better connected to the side surface of the cylindrical battery cell, increasing the contact area between the battery cell and the first connecting plate, thereby reinforcing the connection between the battery cell and the first connecting plate.

In some embodiments, the second connecting plate is provided with a groove on a side near the first connecting plate, where the groove matches the first connecting plate in shape, and part of the first connecting plate is placed in the groove to connect the first connecting plate to the second connecting plate. Therefore, placing part of the first connecting plate into the second connecting plate can increase the contact area between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, thereby reinforcing the connection between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate.

In some embodiments, the first connecting plate is provided with at least one first water cooling channel inside, where the first connecting plate includes a first water inlet and a first water outlet both communicating with the at least one first water cooling channel. Therefore, water can be injected into the first water cooling channel through the first water inlet, the water can absorb heat emitted by the battery cells during circulation in the first water cooling channel, and the water absorbing heat flows out from the first water outlet to cool down the battery cells.

In some embodiments, the battery includes multiple connecting members, multiple first water inlets in multiple first connecting plates of the multiple connecting members communicate with each other, and multiple first water outlets in the multiple first connecting plates communicate with each other. This can improve the efficiency of injecting water into the multiple first water cooling channels and discharging water from the multiple first water cooling channels.

In some embodiments, the battery further includes at least one water cooling plate, where the water cooling plate is located between at least two rows of battery cells, the water cooling plate is provided with at least one second water cooling channel inside, and the water cooling plate includes a second water inlet and a second water outlet both communicating with the at least one second water cooling channel. Therefore, water can be injected into the second water cooling channel through the second water inlet, the water can absorb heat emitted by the battery cells during circulation in the second water cooling channel, and the water absorbing heat flows out from the second water outlet to cool down the battery cells.

In some embodiments, the second water inlet communicates with the first water inlet, and the second water outlet communicates with the first water outlet. This can improve the efficiency of injecting water into the multiple first water cooling channels and second water cooling channels and discharging water from the multiple first water cooling channels and second water cooling channels.

In some embodiments, each row of battery cells includes endpoint battery cells located at the outermost of two ends in the first direction, and at least one end of the second connecting plate including two endpoint battery cells at one end in the first direction extends to inner sides of outer contours of the two endpoint battery cells. Therefore, when the two rows of battery cells on two sides of the connecting member are electrically connected, the two ends of the second connecting plate in the first direction can provide an avoidance space for the two rows of battery cells, making it easier for the two rows of battery cells on two sides of the connecting member to be electrically connected.

In some embodiments, the connecting member is provided between every two adjacent rows of the battery cells, so as to further improve stability of the battery.

In some embodiments, the battery includes two rows of battery cells in a second direction, where the connecting members are located on two sides of the two rows of battery cells back away from each other, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the connecting member is used for restraining the overall periphery of the multiple battery cells or the periphery of the battery module formed by the multiple battery cells, so as to further improve the stability of the battery.

In some embodiments, the second connecting plate is connected to at least some battery cells in at least one row of battery cells, so as to further reinforce the connection between the connecting member and the battery cells.

In some embodiments, the battery further includes a connecting piece, where the connecting piece is provided on at least one side of the second connecting plate in a second direction, the second connecting plate is fixedly connected to the carrying assembly via the connecting piece, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the second connecting plate is fixedly connected to the carrying assembly via the connecting piece.

In some embodiments, the connecting piece is provided on both sides of the second connecting plate in the second direction, so that forces on two sides of the second connecting plate are more evenly distributed to enhance the connection stability between the second connecting plate and the carrying assembly.

In some embodiments, the battery further includes a reinforcing structure, the reinforcing structure connecting the second connecting plate to the first connecting plate. This reduces the possibility of the first connecting plate being broken or damaged, thereby enhancing the connection between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate.

A second aspect of the embodiments of this application provides an electric device, where the electric device includes the battery according to any one of the foregoing embodiments.

A third aspect of an embodiment of this application provides a battery manufacturing method according to claim <NUM>, where the battery manufacturing method includes:.

To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention and in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments and the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description show merely some embodiments of the present invention, and a person of ordinary skill in the art may derive other embodiments from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts.

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more comprehensible, the following describes this application in detail with reference to accompanying drawings and embodiments. Apparently, the described embodiments are merely some but not all of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of this application.

It should be understood that the terms used in the specification is merely intended for describing particular exemplary embodiments and is not intended set limitations. Unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular forms "one", "a" and "the" as used in the specification may also be expressed to include the plural forms. The terms "include", "comprise", "contain", and "have" are non-exclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, components, and/or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, components, parts, and/or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described in the specification are not to be construed as necessarily requiring that they be performed in a particular order in which they are described or illustrated, unless the order of performance is clearly indicated. It should further be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

Although the terms first, second, third, and the like may be used in the specification to describe multiple elements, parts, zones, layers, and/or sections, such elements, parts, zones, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by such terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, zone, layer, or section from another zone, layer, or section. Unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms are used in the specification without implying order or sequence. Accordingly, the first element, part, zone, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, part, zone, layer, or section without departing from the instructions of the exemplary embodiment.

For ease of description, relative space position relation terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures, such as "inside", "outside", "inner side", "outer side", "under", "below", "on", "above", and the like. These relative space position relation terms are intended to include different orientations of an apparatus in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if a means in a drawing is flipped over, an element described as being "under" or "below" another element or feature will then be oriented as being "on" or "above" the another element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary term "below. " may include both up and down orientations. The apparatus may be oriented in other ways, for example, rotated <NUM> degrees or positioned in another direction, and the relative spatial relation descriptors used in the text are interpreted accordingly.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of this application. The vehicle <NUM> may be a fossil fuel vehicle, a natural-gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, where the new energy vehicle may be a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a range-extended vehicle, or the like. A motor <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a battery <NUM> may be provided inside the vehicle <NUM>, where the controller <NUM> is configured to control the battery <NUM> to supply power to the motor <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may be disposed at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be configured to supply power to the vehicle <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may be used as an operational power source for the vehicle <NUM> which is configured for a circuit system of the vehicle <NUM>, for example, to satisfy power needs of start, navigation, and running of the vehicle <NUM>. In another embodiment of this application, the battery <NUM> can be used not only as the operational power source for the vehicle <NUM>, but also as a driving power source for the vehicle <NUM>, replacing or partially replacing fossil fuel or natural gas to provide driving traction for the vehicle <NUM>.

The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application is a single physical module that includes one or more battery cells for providing a higher voltage and capacity. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the battery <NUM> mentioned in this application may include a battery module <NUM>, a battery pack, or the like. The battery <NUM> typically includes a box <NUM> configured to enclose one or more battery cells. The box <NUM> can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting charging or discharging of the battery cell.

Multiple battery cells may be connected in series and/or in parallel through a pole for various application scenarios. In some high-power application scenarios such as an electric vehicle, the application of the battery includes three levels: a battery cell, a battery module, and a battery pack. The battery module is formed by electrically connecting a specific quantity of battery cells and putting the battery cells into a frame to protect the battery cells from external impact, heat, vibration, and the like. The battery pack is a final state of a battery system assembled in an electric vehicle. Generally, a battery pack includes a box configured to package one or more battery cells. The box can prevent liquids or other foreign matter from affecting charging or discharging of the battery cell. A box typically includes a cover and a box housing. Most existing battery packs are formed by assembling various control and protection systems such as a battery management system (BMS) and a thermal management component on one or more battery modules. With the development of technologies, the battery module may be omitted, that is, the battery pack is directly formed using battery cells. With this improvement, weight energy density and volumetric energy density of the battery system are improved, and a quantity of components is remarkably reduced. The battery mentioned in this application includes a battery module or a battery pack.

In this 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. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or of other shapes, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application either. Battery cells are typically divided into three types by packaging method: cylindrical cell, prismatic cell, and pouch cell. The type of battery is not limited in the embodiments of this application either.

In order to improve safety of battery cells in case of thermal runaway, an electrical connection part and an explosion-proof valve of the battery cell can be respectively set on two sides of the battery cell, such as respectively on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell, so that a structure design without thermal diffusion can be more easily implemented for the battery cell, thereby improving the safety of the battery cells and reducing the possibility of thermal runaway of the battery cells. In a case that multiple battery cells are grouped to form a battery module and a battery pack, because the electrical connection part and explosion-proof valve of the battery cell are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell, both end surfaces of the battery cell are not flat plane structures, and the grouped batteries cannot provide a relatively flat surface for connection with the box, box cover, and other carrying assemblies of the battery pack, causing the connection between the battery cell and the carrying assemblies of the battery pack less stable.

In such a battery pack structure, the battery cell needs to be connected to the carrying assembly by bonding. However, when the electrically connected side of the battery cell is bonded to the carrying assembly, an adhesive layer is thick and uneven in thickness, resulting in a high risk of electrical connection failure of the battery cell. In addition, the electrically connected side directly bears the force on the box, which also leads to a high risk of electrical connection failure. When the explosion-proof valve side of the battery cell is connected to the carrying assembly, the adhesive covers the explosion-proof valve, making it difficult for the explosion-proof valve to exhaust smoothly, and reducing the safety of the battery cell.

When the upper and lower end surfaces of the battery cell cannot be connected to the battery pack structure using structural adhesive, all the battery cells can only be restrained by the peripheral restraint members such as end plates or side plates on the periphery of the battery module. In other words, when the multiple battery cells are arranged in multiple rows and columns, the battery restraint member are only in contact with the outer side of the outermost row or column of battery cells, so as to restrain all the battery cells and implement grouping of the multiple battery cells. If only the battery cells located on the periphery are constrained, multiple battery cells located inward of them are less constrained, making it impossible to ensure that every battery cell is positioned with effective displacement restrictions. As a result, the overall rigidity of the battery is poor, and the amplitude of the middle part of the battery is large, leading to a high risk of failure. The main frequency of the entire battery pack is low, making it prone to resonance. Given the many problems of the foregoing battery, the inventors have developed a new battery, that is, the battery in this application. Multiple battery cells are fastened to a connecting member, and the connecting member is connected to a carrying assembly of the battery, providing a connecting plane for the multiple battery cells. This increases the connecting area between the multiple battery cells and the carrying assembly, enhances connection stability between the multiple battery cells and the carrying assembly, improves rigidity of the battery, and reduces failure probability of the battery.

The technical solution described in embodiments of this application is applicable not only to a battery including battery cells that are not flat on both upper and lower sides, but also to a battery including battery cells that are not flat on one side. In addition, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are applicable to various apparatuses that use batteries, for example, mobile phones, portable devices, notebook computers, electric bicycles, electric toys, electric tools, electric vehicles, ships, and spacecrafts. For example, spacecrafts include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spaceships.

As shown in <FIG>, the battery <NUM> according to the embodiments of this application includes at least one row of battery cells <NUM>, a carrying assembly <NUM>, and a connecting member <NUM>. Each row of battery cells <NUM> includes at least two battery cells <NUM> arranged along a first direction. The carrying assembly <NUM> is used to carry the at least one row of battery cells <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> includes a first connecting plate <NUM> and a second connecting plate <NUM> that are fixedly connected. The first connecting plate <NUM> is perpendicular to the second connecting plate <NUM>, and the first connecting plate <NUM> extends in the first direction. The first connecting plate <NUM> is connected to at least some battery cells <NUM> in the at least one row of battery cells <NUM>, and the second connecting plate <NUM> is configured to be fixedly connected to the carrying assembly <NUM> of the battery <NUM>.

In this embodiment of this application, the battery cells <NUM> may be rectangular batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, or the like. The battery cell <NUM> is of a structure in which an electrical connection structure protruding from one end surface and an explosion-proof valve is formed on the other end surface; or may be of a structure in which both the electrical connection structure and the additional components such as the explosion-proof valve are on a same side; or may be of a battery cell structure in which neither the electrical connection structure nor the explosion-proof valve protrudes from the outer shell of the battery cell <NUM>.

At least one row of battery cells <NUM> consists of at least two battery cells <NUM> arranged side by side in a first direction, and the at least two battery cells <NUM> can be connected in parallel or in series. The at least one row of battery cells <NUM> may be connected to a connecting member <NUM> so as to be connected to the carrying assembly <NUM> of the battery <NUM> via the connecting member <NUM>.

The first direction may be a thickness direction of the battery <NUM> or the battery cell <NUM>. For example, when the battery cell <NUM> is a cylindrical battery cell, the first direction is a direction perpendicular to an axis of the battery cell <NUM>.

The carrying assembly <NUM> is a structure that is connected to the battery cells <NUM> in the battery <NUM> to support and fasten the battery cells <NUM>. The carrying assembly <NUM> includes but is not limited to a box, a side wall of the box, a top cover of the box, an insulation piece or a mica plate inside the battery, and the like.

The connecting member <NUM> is configured to connect the battery cell <NUM> to the carrying assembly <NUM>. Specifically, the first connecting plate <NUM> in the connecting member <NUM> is configured to connect to the battery cell <NUM>, and the second connecting plate <NUM> in the connecting member <NUM> is configured to connect to the carrying assembly <NUM>, so as to connect the battery cell <NUM> to the carrying assembly <NUM>.

The first connecting plate <NUM> is connected to a side surface of the battery cell <NUM>, and the first connecting plate <NUM> matches a side surface of the battery cell <NUM> in shape, so as to be stably connected to the battery cell <NUM>. Specifically, if the battery cell <NUM> is cylindrical, the first connecting plate <NUM> is formed with a cambered surface to fit with the cylindrical battery cell <NUM>. If the battery cell <NUM> is a rectangular battery, the first connecting plate <NUM> has an overall flat shape that matches a side surface of the rectangular battery in shape.

The second connecting plate <NUM> is configured to connect to the carrying assembly <NUM>, and the whole second connecting plate <NUM> may be flat to provide a relatively flat plane for connecting to the carrying assembly <NUM>.

The first connecting plate <NUM> is perpendicular to the second connecting plate <NUM>, so as to form a semi-open accommodating space between the first connecting plate <NUM> and the second connecting plate <NUM> for fastening the multiple battery cells <NUM> in the accommodating space.

In the battery <NUM> according to this embodiment of this application, the first connecting plate <NUM> and second connecting plate <NUM> in the connecting member <NUM> are fixedly connected and disposed perpendicular to each other. The first connecting plate <NUM> is parallel to each row of battery cells <NUM>, and side surfaces of the first connecting plate <NUM> can be fixedly connected to at least two battery cells <NUM> in one row of battery cells <NUM>. The second connecting plate <NUM> can be fixedly connected to the carrying assembly <NUM> in the battery <NUM>, so that the multiple battery cells <NUM> can be fastened to the carrying assembly <NUM> via the connecting member <NUM>. Since the battery cells <NUM> are fastened to the connecting member <NUM> and the connecting member <NUM> is connected to the carrying assembly <NUM>, the second connecting plate <NUM> of the connecting member <NUM> can provide a connecting plane for the multiple battery cells <NUM>, so as to increase the connecting area between the multiple battery cells <NUM> and the carrying assembly <NUM>, thereby enhancing connection stability between the multiple battery cells <NUM> and the carrying assembly <NUM>. In addition, the first connecting plate <NUM> can restrain the multiple battery cells <NUM>, thereby enhancing rigidity of the battery <NUM> and reducing failure probability of the battery <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the side surfaces of the first connecting plate <NUM> can be fixedly connected to all battery cells <NUM> in one row of battery cells <NUM> to increase the number of battery cells <NUM> connected to the first connecting plate <NUM>, so that the connecting member <NUM> provides a connection plane for more battery cells <NUM>, further increasing the stability of the battery <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> includes multiple rows of battery cells <NUM>, and a connecting member <NUM> is provided between each two adjacent rows of battery cells <NUM>. Each two adjacent rows of battery cells <NUM> are connected to the first connecting plate <NUM> of one connecting member <NUM>, so as to connect to the carrying assembly <NUM> via the connecting member <NUM>. This can further increase the stability of the battery <NUM>. Further, the first connecting plate <NUM> is bonded to the battery cells <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first connecting plate <NUM> includes multiple connection zones <NUM>, each connection zone <NUM> being connected to the side surface of at least one battery cell <NUM>, with the connection zone <NUM> being a cambered surface.

In this embodiment of this application, the connection zone <NUM> of the first connecting plate <NUM> is configured to connect to the side surface of the battery cell <NUM>, that is, to one of the side surfaces connecting the upper and lower end surfaces of the battery cell <NUM>, so as to connect the multiple battery cells <NUM> and the first connecting plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the battery cell <NUM> is a cylindrical battery cell, the cylindrical battery cell has an overall cambered side surface, so when the connection zone <NUM> is a cambered surface, the connection zone <NUM> can be better connected to a side surface of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM>, increasing the contact area between the battery cell <NUM> and the first connecting plate <NUM>, and reinforcing the connection between the battery cell <NUM> and the first connecting plate <NUM>.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, two adjacent connection zones <NUM> in the first direction have opposite opening directions. Two adjacent connection zones <NUM> on the same first connecting plate <NUM> have opposite opening directions, so that both sides of the first connecting plate <NUM> can be connected to the battery cells <NUM> when the first connecting plate <NUM> is placed between two rows of battery cells <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This can increase the available area on the first connecting plate <NUM> and reduce material waste. In addition, in the second direction in <FIG>, two adjacent connection zones <NUM> may be have the same or different opening directions. This is not specifically limited in this embodiment of this application.

Further, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the battery cell <NUM> has flat side surfaces, for example, when the battery cell <NUM> is a flat battery cell or a rectangular battery cell, the multiple connection zones <NUM> on the first connecting plate <NUM> are flat and connected as one for better connection with the side surfaces of the battery cell.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second connecting plate <NUM> is provided with a groove <NUM> on a side near the first connecting plate <NUM>, where the groove <NUM> matches the first connecting plate <NUM> in shape, and part of the first connecting plate <NUM> is placed in the groove <NUM> to connect the first connecting plate <NUM> to the second connecting plate <NUM>.

In this embodiment of this application, the groove <NUM> is disposed on a side surface of the second connecting plate <NUM> for connecting with the first connecting plate <NUM>, and the shape of the groove <NUM> is substantially the same as the shape of the first connecting plate <NUM> so that the upper side of the first connecting plate <NUM> can be inserted into the groove <NUM> to connect the first connecting plate <NUM> to the second connecting plate <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, when the first connecting plate <NUM> has multiple connection zones <NUM> with cambered surfaces, the groove <NUM> is in a wavy shape. Correspondingly, when the connection zones <NUM> are flat, the groove <NUM> is in a long-strip shape. In this embodiment of this application, part of the first connecting plate <NUM> is inserted into the second connecting plate <NUM>, which can increase the contact area between the first connecting plate <NUM> and the second connecting plate <NUM>, thereby reinforcing the connection between the first connecting plate <NUM> and the second connecting plate <NUM>. Further, the groove <NUM> may run through the second connecting plate <NUM> to further increase the contact area between the first connecting plate <NUM> and the second connecting plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first connecting plate <NUM> is bonded to the second connecting plate <NUM>, or the first connecting plate <NUM> is welded to the second connecting plate <NUM>. In this case, the first connecting plate <NUM> and the second connecting plate <NUM> may be directly bonded or welded together. Alternatively, the first connecting plate <NUM> may be further fixedly connected by bonding or brazing after snap-connected to the second connecting plate <NUM> via the groove <NUM>, so as to reinforce the connection between the first connecting plate <NUM> and the second connecting plate <NUM>. Further, the first connecting plate <NUM> and the second connecting plate <NUM> may alternatively be an integrally formed structure.

In some embodiments, the connecting member <NUM> is a plastic member. Plastic is insulating, and a plastic connecting member <NUM> can reduce influence of the connecting member <NUM> on the battery cell <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the connecting member <NUM> is a metal member, making the connecting member <NUM> more rigid and harder. When the connecting member <NUM> is a metal member, the surface of the connecting member <NUM> is coated with an insulation layer to reduce influence of the connecting member <NUM> on the battery cell <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, at least one first water cooling channel <NUM> is provided in the first connecting plate <NUM>, and the first connecting plate <NUM> includes a first water inlet (not shown in the figure) and a first water outlet (not shown in the figure) both communicating with the at least one first water cooling channel <NUM>.

In this embodiment of this application, as shown in <FIG>, the first connecting plate <NUM> may also be used for a cooling structure for cooling the battery cell <NUM> fastened to the first connecting plate <NUM>. Water can be injected into the first water cooling channel <NUM> through the first water inlet, the water can absorb heat emitted by the battery cells <NUM> during circulation in the first water cooling channel <NUM>, and the water absorbing heat flows out from the first water outlet to cool down the battery cells <NUM>. Further, the first water cooling channel <NUM> may extend from one end of the first connecting plate <NUM> to the other end in the first direction, so that the water in the first water cooling channel <NUM> can absorb as much heat as possible from the battery cell <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> includes multiple connecting members <NUM>, first water inlets in multiple first connecting plates <NUM> of the multiple connecting members <NUM> communicate with each other, and first water outlets in the multiple first connecting plates <NUM> communicate with each other. The multiple first water inlets communicate with each other. Therefore, when water needs to be injected into multiple first water cooling channels <NUM>, water can be injected through only one first water inlet, the water can enter all the first water cooling channels <NUM> through the first water inlets in communication, and the water in all first water cooling channels <NUM> can flow out through one first water outlet, thereby improving the efficiency of injecting water into and discharging water from the multiple first water cooling channels <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the battery <NUM> further includes at least one water cooling plate <NUM>, where the water cooling plate <NUM> is located between at least two rows of battery cells <NUM>, the water cooling plate <NUM> is provided with at least one second water cooling channel <NUM> inside, and the water cooling plate <NUM> includes a second water inlet and a second water outlet both communicating with the at least one second water cooling channel <NUM>.

In this embodiment of this application, the water cooling plate <NUM> is a structure capable of absorbing heat from the battery cells <NUM> to cool down the battery cells <NUM>. The structure and shape of the water cooling plate <NUM> can be substantially the same as the first connecting plate <NUM>. The water cooling plate <NUM> is provided with the second water cooling channel <NUM>. Water can be injected into the second water cooling channel <NUM> through the second water inlet, water can absorb heat emitted by the battery cells <NUM> during circulation in the second water cooling channel <NUM>, and the water absorbing heat flows out from the second water outlet (not shown in the figure) to cool down the battery cells <NUM>. Further, the water cooling plate <NUM> may be connected to two rows of battery cells <NUM> on two sides of the water cooling plate <NUM> to fasten the battery cells <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second water inlet communicates with the first water inlet, and the second water outlet communicates with the first water outlet. The second water inlet on the water cooling plate <NUM> communicates with the first water inlet on the first connecting plate <NUM>, and the second water outlet on the water cooling plate <NUM> communicates with the second water outlet on the first connecting plate <NUM>. When water needs to be injected into multiple first water cooling channels <NUM> and second water cooling channels <NUM>, water can be injected through only one first water inlet, and the water can enter all first water cooling channel <NUM> and second water cooling channels <NUM> through the first water inlets and second water inlets in communication, and the water in all first water cooling channels <NUM> and second water cooling channels <NUM> can flow out through one first water outlet, thereby improving the efficiency of injecting water into and discharging water from the multiple first water cooling channels <NUM> and the multiple second water cooling channels <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, in a second direction, the battery <NUM> includes two rows of battery cells <NUM>, where the connecting members <NUM> are located on two sides of the two rows of battery cells <NUM> back away from each other, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

In this embodiment of this application, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the battery <NUM> has two rows of battery cells <NUM> at the outermost side in the first direction, and a connecting member <NUM> is provided on an outer side of each of the two rows of battery cells <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> is used for restraining the overall periphery of the multiple battery cells <NUM> or the periphery of the battery <NUM> formed by multiple battery cells <NUM>, further increasing the stability of the battery <NUM>. Further, two connecting members <NUM> may further be provided on two sides of the battery <NUM> in the first direction, such that the periphery of each side of the battery <NUM> is restrained by the connecting member <NUM>, further increasing the stability of the battery <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second connecting plate <NUM> is connected to at least some battery cells <NUM> in at least one row of battery cells <NUM>. Specifically, a side surface of the second connecting plate <NUM> close to the multiple battery cells <NUM> is connected to a shoulder of the battery cells <NUM>, where the shoulder can be understood as a zone on the upper or lower end surface of the battery cell <NUM> other than the part on which the explosion-proof valve and the electrical connection structure are disposed. The second connecting plate <NUM> is connected to the battery cell <NUM> to further enhance connection stability between the connecting member <NUM> and the battery cell <NUM>. Further, the second connecting plate <NUM> may be connected to all battery cells <NUM> in the row of battery cells <NUM> located below. Further, the second connecting plate <NUM> is bonded to the multiple battery cells <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each row of battery cells <NUM> includes endpoint battery cells <NUM> located at the outermost of two ends in the first direction, and at least one end of the second connecting plate <NUM> including two endpoint battery cells <NUM> at one end in the first direction extends to inner sides of outer contours of the two endpoint battery cells <NUM>.

In this embodiment of this application, as shown in <FIG>, in the second direction, each side of the first connecting plate <NUM> of the connecting member <NUM> may be connected to one row of battery cells <NUM>, such that the second connecting plate <NUM> has two battery cells at each end in the first direction. The endpoint battery cell <NUM> is the outermost battery cell <NUM> in each row of battery cells <NUM> in the first direction, and at least one end of the second connecting plate <NUM> extends to inner sides of outer contours of the two endpoint battery cells <NUM>, such that one end of the second connecting plate <NUM> does not cover the upper ends of the two endpoint battery cells <NUM>. When the two rows of battery cells <NUM> on both sides of the connecting member <NUM> are electrically connected, the two ends of the second connecting plate <NUM> in the first direction can provide an avoidance space for the two rows of battery cells <NUM> (zone D in <FIG>), making it easier for the two rows of battery cells <NUM> on both sides of the connecting member <NUM> to be electrically connected.

In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> further includes a connecting piece <NUM>. The connecting piece <NUM> is provided on at least one side of the second connecting plate <NUM> in the second direction, the second connecting plate <NUM> is fixedly connected to the carrying assembly <NUM> via the connecting piece <NUM>, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

In this embodiment of this application, the connecting piece <NUM> is a connecting member <NUM> for connecting the second connecting plate <NUM> and the carrying assembly <NUM>. The connecting piece <NUM> may be a plastic piece, a metal piece, or the like. Further, the connecting piece <NUM> is provided on the second connecting plate <NUM>, and the connecting piece <NUM> is configured to connect the second connecting plate <NUM> and the carrying assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to a height direction of the battery <NUM> or the battery cell <NUM>.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the connecting piece <NUM> is provided with a first mounting hole <NUM>, and correspondingly, a second mounting hole <NUM> matching the first mounting hole <NUM> is provided on the carrying assembly <NUM>, and a fastener <NUM> fastens the second connecting plate <NUM> to the carrying assembly <NUM> via the first mounting hole <NUM> and the second mounting hole <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The fastener <NUM> includes but is not limited to a screw, a bolt, and the like. Further, the first mounting hole <NUM> may alternatively be directly provided on the second connecting plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second connecting plate <NUM> and the carrying assembly <NUM> may be bonded or welded together.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the connecting piece <NUM> is provided on both sides of the second connecting plate <NUM> in the second direction. The two connecting pieces <NUM> located on the two sides of the second connecting plate <NUM> are both provided with the first mounting hole <NUM>, that is, both the connecting pieces <NUM> are connected to the carrying assembly <NUM> via the fastener <NUM>, so that forces on two sides of the second connecting plate <NUM> are more evenly distributed to enhance the connection stability between the second connecting plate <NUM> and the carrying assembly <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> further includes a reinforcing structure <NUM>, where the reinforcing structure <NUM> connects the second connecting plate <NUM> to the first connecting plate <NUM>, and the reinforcing structure <NUM> may be a reinforcement rib or the like. The reinforcing structure <NUM> is configured to connect a side surface of the first connecting plate <NUM> in the second direction and a bottom surface of the second connecting plate <NUM>, so as to reduce the possibility of the first connecting plate <NUM> being broken or damaged, thereby enhancing the connection between the first connecting plate <NUM> and the second connecting plate <NUM>. Further, when the second connecting plate <NUM> is provided with the connecting pieces <NUM> on both sides, the reinforcing structure <NUM> connects the first connecting plate <NUM>, the second connecting plate <NUM>, and the connecting pieces <NUM>, so as to increase the strength of the connecting pieces <NUM>.

An embodiment of a second aspect of this disclosure provides an electric device, where the electric device includes the battery <NUM> according to the foregoing embodiments in the first aspect.

The electric device according to this embodiment of this disclosure is motivated by the same inventive concept as the battery <NUM> according to the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect. Therefore, the electric device in this embodiment of this disclosure is capable of obtaining all of the beneficial effects of the battery <NUM> according to the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect. The electric device includes but is not limited to a cell phone, a portable device, a laptop computer, a battery car, an electric toy, a power tool, an electric vehicle, a ship, a spacecraft, and the like. For example, the spacecraft includes an aircraft, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spacecraft, and the like.

An embodiment in a third aspect of this disclosure provides a battery manufacturing method, and the battery manufacturing method includes the following steps.

Provide at least one row of battery cells, each row of the battery cells including at least two battery cells arranged along a first direction.

Provide a carrying assembly configured to carry the at least one row of battery cells.

Provide a connecting member, the connecting member including a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate fixedly connected to each other, where the first connecting plate is perpendicular to the second connecting plate, the first connecting plate extends in the first direction, the first connecting plate is connected to at least some battery cells in the at least one row of battery cells, and the second connecting plate is configured to be fixedly connected to the carrying assembly of the battery.

According to the battery manufacturing method provided in this embodiment of this application, in batteries manufactured according to the method, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate in the connecting member are fixedly connected and disposed perpendicular to each other. The first connecting plate is parallel to each row of battery cells, and side surfaces of the first connecting plate can be fixedly connected to at least two battery cells in one row of battery cells. The second connecting plate can be fixedly connected to the carrying assembly in the battery, so that multiple battery cells can be fastened to the carrying assembly via the connecting member. Since the battery cells are fastened to the connecting member and the connecting member is connected to the carrying assembly, the second connecting plate of the connecting member can provide a connecting plane for the multiple battery cells, so as to increase the connecting area between the multiple battery cells and the carrying assembly, thereby enhancing connection stability between the multiple battery cells and the carrying assembly. In addition, the first connecting plate can restrain the multiple battery cells, thereby enhancing rigidity of the battery and reducing failure probability of the battery.

Claim 1:
A battery (<NUM>), characterized by comprising:
at least one row of battery cells (<NUM>), each row of the battery cells (<NUM>) comprising at least two battery cells (<NUM>) arranged side by side along a first direction;
a carrying assembly (<NUM>), configured to carry the at least one row of battery cells (<NUM>); and
a connecting member (<NUM>), the connecting member (<NUM>) comprising a first connecting plate (<NUM>) and a second connecting plate (<NUM>) fixedly connected to each other, wherein the first connecting plate (<NUM>) is perpendicular to the second connecting plate (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the first connecting plate (<NUM>) extends in the first direction in parallel to each row of battery cells, the first connecting plate (<NUM>) is fixedly connected to at least some battery cells (<NUM>) in the at least one row of battery cells (<NUM>), and the second connecting plate (<NUM>) is configured to be fixedly connected to the carrying assembly (<NUM>) of the battery (<NUM>), such that multiple battery cells (<NUM>) are fastened to the carrying assembly (<NUM>) via the connecting member (<NUM>).