Patent Description:
During use of a battery, a circuit board of the battery generates a large amount of heat. To avoid excessively high temperature of the battery, the battery needs to be subjected to heat dissipation. A current conventional heat dissipation method is to add a heat dissipation member between cells, but with such heat dissipation method, limited heat is dissipated for the circuit board.

In view of this, it is necessary to provide a battery module and an electric device to improve heat dissipation for a circuit board.

An embodiment of this application provides a battery module, including a housing assembly, a cell assembly, a circuit board, and a first connecting member. The housing assembly includes a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall is provided with a first through hole. The second side wall is provided with a second through hole. The cell assembly is accommodated in the housing assembly. Each cell assembly includes cells. The cell includes a cell housing, an electrode assembly disposed in the cell housing, and an electrode terminal connecting to the electrode assembly and led out of the cell housing. The circuit board connects to the electrode terminal. The first connecting member connects to the circuit board. The first connecting member is disposed in the first through hole and the second through hole. The first connecting member is provided with a first channel. The first channel communicates with the first through hole and the second through hole.

The first connecting member dissipates heat of the circuit board out of the first through hole and the second through hole to an external environment via the first channel, improving heat dissipation for the circuit board, thereby lowering temperature of the battery module.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first side wall and the second side wall are disposed opposite each other in a first direction. The first side wall is provided with a first protrusion facing towards the second side wall. The first protrusion is at least partially disposed in the first channel.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first side wall is provided with a first protrusion facing towards the second side wall, and the first protrusion connects to an edge of the first through hole. The first protrusion is provided with a first hole. The first hole communicates with the first through hole. The first protrusion is at least partially disposed in the first channel, or the first connecting member is partially located in the first hole.

the first connecting member is partially located in the first hole. An adhesive is provided between the first protrusion and the first connecting member. A gap between the first protrusion and the first connecting member is sealed through the adhesive, so that water entering the housing assembly can be reduced, thereby reducing a risk of short circuit caused by the water entering the battery module.

Optionally, the second side wall is provided with a second protrusion facing towards the first side wall, and the second protrusion is at least partially disposed in the first channel.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second side wall is provided with a second protrusion facing towards the first side wall. The second protrusion connects to an edge of the second through hole. The second protrusion is provided with a second hole. The second hole communicates with the second through hole. The second protrusion is at least partially disposed in the first channel, or the first connecting member is partially located in the second hole.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first connecting member is partially located in the second hole. An adhesive is provided between the second protrusion and the first connecting member. A gap between the second protrusion and the first connecting member is sealed through the adhesive, so that water entering the housing assembly can be reduced, thereby reducing a risk of short circuit caused by the water entering the battery module.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first protrusion is disposed in the first channel. The first connecting member is connected to the first side wall.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first connecting member is in contact connection with the first side wall.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first connecting member is connected to the first side wall through glue and the like.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in the first direction X, a projection of the first through hole is larger than and covers a projection of the second through hole. A diameter of the first through hole being larger than a diameter of the second through hole enhances convection of air, further improving heat dissipation.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, a thermally conductive member is further included. The thermally conductive member is disposed between the first connecting member and the electrode terminal.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the circuit board is provided with a plurality of third through holes. One electrode terminal passes through the third through hole to connect to the circuit board. In a third direction, a projection of the first connecting member is located between projections of adjacent third through holes. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, implementing better heat dissipation for electrode terminals located on two sides of the first connecting member.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in the third direction, the projection of the first connecting member and the projection of the third through hole are away from each other, reducing intervention of the first connecting member and the electrode terminal.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, a second connecting member is further included. The second connecting member includes a first component disposed between adjacent cells. The first component connects to the first connecting member. The first side wall and the second side wall are disposed opposite each other in the first direction, and in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a projection of the first component and a projection of the cell housing at least partially overlap. The first component being disposed between the adjacent cells increases a contact area between the first component and the cell housing, thereby improving heat dissipation for the adjacent cells.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second connecting member further includes a second component connecting to the first component. The second component extends from between adjacent cells. The second component is bent toward the adjacent cells and is in contact connection with the cell. In the first direction, a projection of the second component and a projection of the adjacent cells at least partially overlap. Provision of the second component increases a contact area between the second connecting member and the cell housing, thereby further improving heat dissipation for the cell.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second component is in contact connection with the housing assembly. Heat is transferred to the housing assembly and is dissipated through the housing assembly, thereby further improving heat dissipation for the battery module.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are integrally formed through bending to enhance structural strength of the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, surfaces of the first connecting member and the second connecting member are provided with an insulation layer.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the cell housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The electrode assembly is disposed on the first portion. The second portion connects to the first portion. The electrode terminal extends from the second portion. The first portion and the second portion fit to form a third depression. The first connecting member is at least partially disposed in the third depression.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, a first structural member is further included. The first structural member is provided with a fourth depression. The circuit board is disposed in the fourth depression. The first structural member is provided with a first opening and a second opening. The first connecting member is disposed at the first opening and the second opening. The first connecting member is at least partially located in the second depression.

An embodiment of this application further provides an electric device, including the battery module according to any one of the foregoing embodiments.

In the foregoing battery module and electric device, the first connecting member dissipates heat of the circuit board and the cell assembly out of the first through hole and the second through hole to an external environment via the first channel, improving heat dissipation for the circuit board, thereby lowering temperature of the battery module.

This application will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the following specific embodiments.

Apparently, the described embodiments are only some rather than all of the embodiments of this application.

When a component is deemed as being "provided on" another component, it may be directly provided on the another component, or there may be a component in between. When a component is deemed as being "connected to" another component, it may be directly connected to the another component, or there may be a component in between.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein shall have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and/or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

It can be understood that when two components are parallel with or perpendicular to each other, a specified included angle may be present between the two components, and the included angle between the two components have an allowable tolerance of <NUM>-±<NUM>%. For example, when two components that are perpendicular to each other have a tolerance, and one component tilts close to or away from the other component, a tolerance range between the two components is greater than <NUM>° and is less than or equal to <NUM>°. When projections of two components are the same or overlap, the two components have an allowable tolerance of <NUM>-±<NUM>%. For example, one component has the same projection as the other component in shape, and projection areas have a tolerance of <NUM>-±<NUM>%.

The following describes in detail some embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings. In absence of conflicts, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an embodiment of this application provides a battery module <NUM>, including a housing assembly <NUM>, a cell assembly <NUM>, a circuit board <NUM>, and a first connecting member <NUM>. The housing assembly <NUM> is provided with a first through hole 10a and a second through hole 10b, where the first through hole 10a and the second through hole 10b communicate with the outside. The cell assembly <NUM> is disposed in the housing assembly <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> is disposed in the housing assembly <NUM> and connects to the cell assembly <NUM>. The first connecting member <NUM> is located below the circuit board <NUM>, the first connecting member <NUM> is provided with a first channel 40a, and the first channel 40a communicates with the first through hole 10a and the second through hole 10b. The first connecting member <NUM> dissipates heat of the circuit board <NUM> and the cell assembly <NUM> out of the first through hole 10a and the second through hole 10b to an external environment via the first channel 40a, improving heat dissipation for the circuit board <NUM>, thereby lowering temperature of the battery module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first connecting member <NUM> is in contact connection with the circuit board <NUM>. In another embodiment, a gap is provided between the first connecting member <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first connecting member <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM> are connected via the thermally conductive member. Optionally, the thermally conductive member includes at least one of a thermally conductive adhesive or a thermally conductive sheet.

In an embodiment, the battery module <NUM> may use outside air to take away heat of the circuit board <NUM> and the cell assembly <NUM> through flow of air. In an embodiment, the battery module <NUM> may be applied to a device that is in a static state during use, and when the battery module <NUM> is in a static state, heat dissipation can be implemented through natural air flow or an external air cooling device. In an embodiment, the battery module <NUM> may be applied to a device that is in a dynamic state during use, for example, a drone or an electric motor bicycle. Because air flow velocity is quicker during moving of the device, quick heat dissipation for the battery module <NUM> can be implemented.

The housing assembly <NUM> includes a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM>, the first through hole 10a is provided on the first side wall <NUM>, and the second through hole 10b is provided on the second side wall <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> are disposed opposite each other in a first direction X. In the first direction X, the first through hole 10a passes through the first side wall <NUM>, and the second through hole 10b passes through the second side wall <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first through hole 10a and the second through hole 10b are both provided in plurality and are the same in quantity, and in the first direction X, a projection of the first through hole 10a and a projection of the second through hole 10b overlap. When the battery module <NUM> moves in the first direction X or an air flow direction of the external air cooling device is in the first direction X, the first through hole 10a is an air inlet, and the second through hole 10b is an air outlet. Air enters through the first through hole 10a, flows through the first channel 40a, and flows out of the second through hole 10b, improving heat dissipation. It can be understood that when the battery module <NUM> moves in a direction opposite to the first direction X or an air flow direction of the external air cooling device is in a direction opposite to the first direction X, the first through hole 10a is an air outlet, and the second through hole 10b is an air inlet.

In an embodiment, in the first direction X, a projection of the first through hole 10a is larger than and covers a projection of the second through hole 10b. When the battery module <NUM> moves in the first direction X or an air flow direction of the external air cooling device is in the first direction X, the first through hole 10a is an air inlet, and the second through hole 10b is an air outlet, with a diameter of the first through hole 10a being larger than a diameter of the second through hole 10b, so as to enhance convection of air, further improving heat dissipation.

In another embodiment, the first through hole 10a and the second through hole 10b are different in quantity. One first through hole 10a corresponds to a plurality of second through holes 10b, or one second through hole 10b corresponds to a plurality of first through holes 10a. For example, one first through hole 10a corresponds to two second through holes 10b, one end of the first connecting member <NUM> is disposed in the first through hole 10a, and another end thereof is provided with two branches, where the two branches are both provided with the first channel 40a, and the two branches are correspondingly disposed in the two second through holes 10b.

In an embodiment, the housing assembly <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> includes a first side wall <NUM> and a second side wall <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> has a first space, and the cell assembly <NUM> is disposed in the first space. The second housing <NUM> connects to the first housing <NUM> to enclose the first space.

In an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> has a second space, and the cell assembly <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the second space. In an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are connected through a snap-fitted manner such as a fastener fitting a fastening hole. In another embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may alternatively be fixedly connected through a fastener such as a screw or a bonding manner such as bonding through adhesive.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the first side wall <NUM> is provided with a first protrusion <NUM>, the first protrusion <NUM> is disposed facing towards the second side wall <NUM>, and the first protrusion <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first channel 40a. Optionally, the first protrusion <NUM> is disposed in the first direction X.

the first protrusion <NUM> is disposed surrounding part of a periphery of the first through hole 10a, and the first protrusion <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first channel 40a. The first protrusion <NUM> is connected to the first connecting member <NUM> through a first adhesive (not shown in the figure) to fasten the first connecting member <NUM>. Optionally, the first protrusion <NUM> is disposed in the first channel 40a, and the first connecting member <NUM> is connected to the first side wall <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> is in contact connection with the first side wall <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> is connected to the first side wall <NUM> through glue and the like.

the first protrusion <NUM> is disposed surrounding the periphery of the first through hole 10a. Further, the first protrusion <NUM> is connected to an edge of the first through hole 10a in a surrounding manner. The first protrusion <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first channel 40a. The first protrusion <NUM> connects to the first connecting member <NUM> and is disposed in the first channel 40a. The first protrusion <NUM> is provided with a first hole <NUM>, where the first hole <NUM> communicates with the first through hole 10a. A first adhesive is provided between the first protrusion <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM>, and a gap between the first protrusion <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM> is sealed through the first adhesive, so that water entering the housing assembly <NUM> can be reduced, thereby reducing a risk of short circuit caused by the water entering the battery module <NUM>. the first adhesive includes a sealant. the first protrusion <NUM> is disposed in the first channel 40a, and the first connecting member <NUM> is connected to the first side wall <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> is in contact connection with the first side wall <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> is connected to the first side wall <NUM> through glue and the like.

the first connecting member <NUM> is partially located in the first hole <NUM>. An adhesive is provided between the first protrusion <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM>, and a gap between the first protrusion <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM> is sealed through the adhesive, so that water entering the housing assembly <NUM> can be reduced, thereby reducing a risk of short circuit caused by the water entering the battery module <NUM>. Optionally, the adhesive includes a sealant.

In another embodiment, a surface of the first side wall <NUM> facing towards the second side wall <NUM> is provided with a first depression (not shown in the figure), and one end of the first connecting member <NUM> is disposed in the first depression. Optionally, the first depression is disposed surrounding the periphery of the first through hole 10a. Optionally, a first adhesive is provided between the first depression and the first connecting member <NUM>. A gap between the first depression and the first connecting member <NUM> is sealed through the first adhesive, so that water entering the housing assembly <NUM> can be reduced, thereby reducing a risk of short circuit caused by the water entering the battery module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second side wall <NUM> is provided with a second protrusion <NUM>, the second protrusion <NUM> is disposed facing towards the first side wall <NUM>, and the second protrusion <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first channel 40a and may be used to fasten the first connecting member <NUM>. Optionally, the second protrusion <NUM> is disposed in a direction opposite to the first direction X.

Optionally, the second protrusion <NUM> is disposed surrounding part of a periphery of the second through hole 10b, and the second protrusion <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first channel 40a. The second protrusion <NUM> is connected to the first connecting member <NUM> through a second adhesive (not shown in the figure) to fasten the first connecting member <NUM>. Optionally, the second protrusion <NUM> is disposed in the first channel 40a, and the first connecting member <NUM> is connected to the second side wall <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> is in contact connection with the second side wall <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> is connected to the second side wall <NUM> through glue and the like.

Optionally, the second protrusion <NUM> is disposed surrounding the periphery of the second through hole 10b. Further, the second protrusion <NUM> is connected to an edge of the second through hole 10b in a surrounding manner. The second protrusion <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first channel 40a. The second protrusion <NUM> is connected to one end of the first connecting member <NUM> away from the first protrusion <NUM>. The second protrusion <NUM> is disposed in the first channel 40a. The second protrusion <NUM> is provided with a second hole <NUM>, where the second hole <NUM> communicates with the second through hole 10b. A second adhesive is provided between the second protrusion <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM>, and a gap between the second protrusion <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM> is sealed through the second adhesive, so that water entering the housing assembly <NUM> can be reduced, thereby reducing a risk of short circuit caused by the water entering the battery module <NUM>. Optionally, the second adhesive includes a sealant. Optionally, the second protrusion <NUM> is disposed in the first channel 40a, and the first connecting member <NUM> is connected to the second side wall <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> is in contact connection with the second side wall <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> is connected to the second side wall <NUM> through glue and the like.

In another embodiment, the first connecting member <NUM> is partially located in the second hole <NUM>. An adhesive is provided between the second protrusion <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM>, and a gap between the second protrusion <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM> is sealed through the adhesive, so that water entering the housing assembly <NUM> can be reduced, thereby reducing a risk of short circuit caused by the water entering the battery module <NUM>. Optionally, the adhesive includes a sealant.

In another embodiment, a surface of the second side wall <NUM> facing towards the first side wall <NUM> is provided with a second depression (not shown in the figure), and the second depression and the first depression fit to fasten two ends of the first connecting member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the cell assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of cells <NUM> stacked in a second direction Y. The cell <NUM> includes a cell housing <NUM>, an electrode assembly (not shown in the figure) disposed in the cell housing <NUM>, and an electrode terminal <NUM> connected to the electrode assembly and led out of the cell housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a wound structure formed by a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator through winding. In some other embodiments, the electrode assembly may alternatively be of a laminated structure, that is, the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate are sequentially stacked to form an electrode assembly unit, and then a plurality of electrode assembly units are stacked to form the electrode assembly. In an embodiment, the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. Optionally, the cell housing <NUM> includes an aluminum-plastic film. Optionally, the cell <NUM> includes a pouch cell. In an embodiment, in a third direction Z, a projection of the circuit board <NUM> and a projection of a part of the electrode terminal <NUM> extending from the cell housing <NUM> overlap, where the third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

In an embodiment, the cell housing <NUM> includes a first portion 211a and a second portion 211b, where the first portion 211a accommodates the electrode assembly, the second portion 211b connects to the first portion 211a, and the electrode terminal <NUM> extends from the second portion 211b. The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b fit to form a third depression 211c. The first connecting member <NUM> is at least partially located in the third depression 211c to use space of the third depression 211c, reducing space occupied by the first connecting member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the electrode terminal <NUM> is connected to the circuit board <NUM> and can conduct heat to the circuit board <NUM>, resulting in high temperature of the circuit board <NUM>. In this application, the first connecting member <NUM> is disposed below the circuit board <NUM>, so that heat is dissipated out of the first through hole 10a and the second through hole 10b to an external environment via the first channel 40a, improving heat dissipation for the circuit board <NUM>.

In an embodiment, temperature around the electrode terminal <NUM> is higher than temperature around the electrode assembly. The electrode terminal <NUM> and the electrode assembly have a great temperature difference, causing damage to the cell <NUM> under a long-term cycling condition and shortening service life of the battery module <NUM>. In this application, the first connecting member <NUM> is disposed in the third depression 211c and is located at a position of the electrode terminal <NUM>, which can take away heat around the electrode terminal <NUM> and lower temperature of the electrode terminal <NUM> of the cell <NUM> in a timely manner, thereby reducing temperature difference between the electrode terminal <NUM> and the electrode assembly and prolonging service life of the battery module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the circuit board <NUM> is provided with an electronic component, and the first connecting member <NUM> can further improve heat dissipation for the electronic component, prolonging service life of the electronic component and the circuit board <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the electrode terminal <NUM> is provided with a welding portion 212a extending out of the cell housing <NUM>, where the welding portion 212a is formed by the electrode terminal <NUM> through bending. The electrode terminals <NUM> of adjacent cells <NUM> are bent toward each other and are connected to the circuit board <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electrode terminal <NUM> includes a first terminal 212b and a second terminal 212c, the first terminal 212b and the second terminal 212c are opposite in polarity, one of the first terminal 212b and the second terminal 212c is a positive electrode terminal, and the other is a negative electrode terminal. In the third direction Z, a projection of the first terminal 212b of a cell <NUM> and a projection of the second terminal 212c of an adjacent cell <NUM> at least partially overlap. The third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The first terminal 212b and the second terminal 212c of adjacent cells are bent toward each other, and the welding portion 212a of the first terminal 212b and the welding portion 212a of the second terminal 212c are stacked and connected with each other. The welding portions 212a of adjacent cells <NUM> are connected with each other, so that the welding portions 212a are connected to the circuit board <NUM>, reducing steps of a manufacture process.

In another embodiment, in the third direction Z, the projection of the first terminal 212b of the cell <NUM> and a projection of the first terminal 212b of the adjacent cell <NUM> may also at least partially overlap; and the first terminal 212b of the cell <NUM> and the first terminal 212b of the adjacent cell <NUM> are connected through the circuit board <NUM> to implement parallel connection between the cells <NUM>.

In an embodiment, for the electrode terminal <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM>, the thermally conductive member connects the first connecting member <NUM> and the electrode terminal <NUM> and transfers heat of the electrode terminal <NUM> to the first connecting member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the circuit board <NUM> is provided with a plurality of groups of communicating holes disposed in the first direction X, where each group of the communicating holes includes a plurality of third through holes <NUM>, and the plurality of third through holes <NUM> are disposed in the second direction Y. the third through hole <NUM> extends in the first direction X. The electrode terminal <NUM> passes through the third through hole <NUM> and connects to the circuit board <NUM> through the welding portion 212a. Further, the welding portion 212a and the circuit board <NUM> are connected through welding, where the welding includes laser welding, ultrasonic welding, and the like. In another embodiment, the welding portion 212a and the circuit board <NUM> may alternatively be connected through another manner such as a conductive adhesive. In an embodiment, the circuit board <NUM> may be a circuit board with a battery management system to implement intelligent management and maintenance of all battery units, reduce overcharge and over discharge of a battery, prolong service life of the battery, and monitor a condition of the battery.

In some embodiments, the circuit board <NUM> includes a conductive sheet (not shown in the figure), where the welding portion 212a is welded to the conductive sheet.

In an embodiment, when observed in a direction opposite to the third direction Z, the first connecting member <NUM> is disposed between adjacent third through holes <NUM>, implementing better heat dissipation for the welding portions 212a located on two sides of the first connecting member <NUM>. In the third direction Z, a projection of the first connecting member <NUM> is located between projections of adjacent third through holes <NUM>. Further, in the third direction Z, the projection of the first connecting member <NUM> and the projection of the third through hole <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, reducing interference between the first connecting member <NUM> and the electrode terminal <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first connecting member <NUM> includes a thermally conductive material, for example, aluminum. In an embodiment, the first connecting member <NUM> includes a thermally conductive metal material and a thermally conductive insulation material, where the insulation material may cover an outer surface of the thermally conductive metal material to enhance insulation between the first connecting member <NUM>, the cell, and the circuit board.

In an embodiment, in the first direction X, two ends of the first connecting member <NUM> protrude out of the circuit board <NUM>, facilitating assembly and reducing interference between the circuit board <NUM> and the first connecting member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the battery module <NUM> further includes a first structural member <NUM>, where the first structural member <NUM> includes a top plate 50a and a side plate 50b connecting to a peripheral side of the top plate 50a, the top plate 50a and the side plate 50b form a fourth depression <NUM>, and the circuit board <NUM> is disposed in the fourth depression <NUM>. The side plate 50b is provided with a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM>, where the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction X. One end of the first connecting member <NUM> is disposed at the first opening <NUM>, and another end thereof is disposed at the second opening <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> is disposed between the top plate 50a and the first connecting member <NUM>, and the first connecting member <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the fourth depression <NUM> to limit the circuit board <NUM> in the fourth depression <NUM>. Optionally, in the first direction X, the projection of the first connecting member <NUM> and a projection of the side plate 50b partially overlap, enabling the first connecting member <NUM> to be partially disposed in the fourth depression <NUM>. Optionally, in the first direction X, the projection of the first connecting member <NUM> and the projection of the side plate 50b overlap, so that the first connecting member <NUM> is entirely disposed in the fourth depression <NUM>. Optionally, two ends of the first connecting member <NUM> protrude out of the side plate 50b and are connected to the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM>, facilitating limitation on a position of the first connecting member <NUM>. Optionally, an insulation layer is provided in the fourth depression <NUM> to bond and fasten the circuit board <NUM>, the first connecting member <NUM>, and the first structural member <NUM>. The insulation layer may be formed of an insulation material cured after being injected into the fourth depression <NUM>. The insulation materialincludes at least one of a thermally conductive adhesive or a potting adhesive.

In an embodiment, the first connecting member <NUM> is disposed at the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> through a third adhesive. Optionally, the third adhesive includes a sealant.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the battery module <NUM> includes a second connecting member <NUM>. The second connecting member <NUM> connects to the first connecting member <NUM>, and surfaces of the first connecting member <NUM> and the second connecting member <NUM> are provided with an insulation layer, reducing a risk of short circuit between the first connecting member <NUM> and the second connecting member <NUM> and the cell <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second connecting member <NUM> includes a first component <NUM>, and the first connecting member <NUM> and the first component <NUM> are disposed in the third direction Z. The first component <NUM> is disposed between adjacent cells <NUM>, implementing heat dissipation for the adjacent cells <NUM>. In the second direction Y, a projection of the first component <NUM> and a projection of the cell housing <NUM> at least partially overlap. Optionally, in the second direction Y, the projection of the first component <NUM> is located in a projection area of the cell housing <NUM>. The first component <NUM> being disposed between the adjacent cells <NUM> enables two surfaces of the cell <NUM> disposed in the second direction Y both to be in contact connection with the first component <NUM> and the first component <NUM> to cover two surfaces of the cell housing <NUM>, increasing a contact area between the first component <NUM> and the cell housing <NUM> and improving heat dissipation for the adjacent cells <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first component <NUM> is bonded to the cell housing <NUM> through a fourth adhesive 61a.

In an embodiment, the second connecting member <NUM> further includes a second component <NUM>, where the second component <NUM> connects to the first component <NUM>. The second component <NUM> extends from between adjacent cells <NUM> and is bent toward the cell <NUM>, enabling the second component <NUM> to be in contact connection with the cell housing <NUM>. In the first direction X, a projection of the second component <NUM> and a projection of the cell <NUM> at least partially overlap. The second component <NUM> being in contact connection with the cell housing <NUM> increases a contact area between the second connecting member <NUM> and the cell housing <NUM>, so that heat is conducted to the second component <NUM> through the cell housing <NUM> and then conducted to the first connecting member <NUM> through the second component <NUM>, thereby improving heat dissipation for the cell <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second component <NUM> is in contact connection with the housing assembly <NUM>, so that heat is transferred to the housing assembly <NUM> and is dissipated by the housing assembly <NUM>, thereby further improving heat dissipation for the battery module <NUM>.

Further, the first component <NUM> includes a first connecting portion <NUM> and a second connecting portion <NUM>. The first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> connect to the first connecting member <NUM>. The first connecting portion <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM> are disposed opposite each other in the second direction Y, where the first connecting portion <NUM> is in contact connection with one of two adjacent cells <NUM>, and the second connecting portion <NUM> is in contact connection with the other of the two adjacent cells <NUM>. The second component <NUM> includes a third connecting portion <NUM> and a fourth connecting portion <NUM>. The third connecting portion <NUM> connects to the first connecting portion <NUM> and extends from between adjacent cells <NUM>. The third connecting portion <NUM> is bent toward a cell <NUM> connected to the first connecting portion <NUM> and is in contact connection with the cell <NUM>. The fourth connecting portion <NUM> connects to the second connecting portion <NUM> and extends from between adjacent cells <NUM>. The third connecting portion <NUM> is bent toward a cell <NUM> connected to the second connecting portion <NUM> and is in contact connection with the cell <NUM>. A contact area between the second component <NUM> and the adjacent cells <NUM> is further increased, thereby further improving heat dissipation for the cell <NUM>.

Further, the cell housing <NUM> includes a first side face 21a, a second side face 21b, and a third side face 21c. The first connecting portion <NUM> connects to a plurality of third connecting portions <NUM>, and the second connecting portion <NUM> connects to a plurality of fourth connecting portions <NUM>. One of the third connecting portions <NUM> and one of the fourth connecting portions <NUM> extend from between adjacent cells <NUM> and are in contact connection with the first side face 21a, another one of the third connecting portions <NUM> and another one of the fourth connecting portions <NUM> extend from between adjacent cells <NUM> and are in contact connection with the second side face 21b, still another one of the third connecting portions <NUM> and still another one of the fourth connecting portions <NUM> extend from between adjacent cells <NUM> and are in contact connection with the third side face 21c, and the second component <NUM> is disposed at the periphery of the cell housing <NUM>, further improving heat dissipation for the cell <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the third connecting portions <NUM> and the fourth connecting portions <NUM> may be connected to the first housing <NUM> to transfer heat to the first housing <NUM>, further improving heat dissipation for the battery module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first connecting member <NUM> and the second connecting member <NUM> are integrally formed through bending to enhance structural strength of the first connecting member <NUM> and the second connecting member <NUM>. Optionally, the first connecting member <NUM> and the second connecting member <NUM> are an aluminum shell.

Claim 1:
A battery module (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing assembly (<NUM>) comprising a first side wall (<NUM>) and a second side wall (<NUM>), wherein the first side wall (<NUM>) is provided with a first through hole (10a), and the second side wall (<NUM>) is provided with a second through hole (10b); and wherein the first side wall (<NUM>) is provided with a first protrusion (<NUM>) facing towards the second side wall (<NUM>), the first protrusion (<NUM>) connects to an edge of the first through hole (10a), the first protrusion (<NUM>) is provided with a first hole (<NUM>), the first hole (<NUM>) communicates with the first through hole (10a);
a cell assembly (<NUM>) accommodated in the housing assembly (<NUM>), wherein the cell assembly (<NUM>) comprises cells (<NUM>); each cell (<NUM>) comprises a cell housing (<NUM>), an electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal (<NUM>); the electrode assembly is disposed in the cell housing (<NUM>), and the electrode terminal (<NUM>) is connected to the electrode assembly and is led out of the cell housing (<NUM>);
a circuit board (<NUM>) connecting to the electrode terminal (<NUM>); and
a first connected member (<NUM>) disposed between the circuit board (<NUM>) and the cell housing (<NUM>), wherein the first connecting member (<NUM>) is provided with a first channel (40a), and the first channel (40a) communicates with the first through hole (10a) and the second through hole (10b);
wherein the first connecting member (<NUM>) is partially located in the first hole (<NUM>), an adhesive is provided between the first protrusion (<NUM>) and the first connecting member (<NUM>), a gap between the first protrusion (<NUM>) and the first connecting member (<NUM>) is sealed by the adhesive.