Battery cells and battery packs

Abstract

To provide a battery cell that can improve the stability and reliability of the battery cell, enable an explosion-proof valve to be normally turned on, and reduce potential safety hazards. [Solution] A battery cell (10) includes a battery core (100), a case (200), an explosion-proof valve (210), and a first supporter (300). The battery core is mounted within the case, and the explosion-proof valve is mounted on the bottom of the case. The first supporter is mounted within the case, and the battery core is mounted on the first supporter. A first through-hole (330) is opened in the first supporter. The first supporter and the bottom of the case surround and form an accommodation space (350). The explosion-proof valve is located within the accommodation space, and the first through-hole communicates with the accommodation space, allowing gas generated in the battery core to flow into the accommodation space through the first through-hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application with the application number 202421540580.9, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on July 1, 2024, and all the contents of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of batteries, for example, battery cells and battery packs.

Background Art

[0003] In the related art, since the explosion-proof valve of some battery cells is provided at the bottom of the case, the safety performance of the battery module can be improved.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the related art, the battery core in the battery cell is usually directly connected to the bottom of the case. In this way, during the process of assembling and using the battery core, it is easy for the explosion-proof valve to be pushed or touched, resulting in the invalidation of the battery core. At the same time, the battery core is in direct contact with the explosion-proof valve. In this case, when the battery core undergoes thermal runaway, there is a possibility that the explosion-proof valve cannot be turned on normally, thus increasing the potential safety hazard.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This application provides a battery cell that can improve the stability and reliability of the battery cell, enable the explosion-proof valve to be turned on normally, and reduce the potential safety hazard.

[0006] This application includes a battery core, a case in which the battery core is provided and an explosion-proof valve is provided at the bottom, It comprises a first supporter, which is provided inside the case and has a battery core, and which surrounds the bottom of the case and a housing space in which an explosion-proof valve is located, and which has a first through-hole that communicates with the housing space, We provide battery cells.

[0007] As one technical proposal for a battery cell, the first supporter comprises a first support portion and a second support portion to which are connected, the first support portion having a first through hole and being provided with a battery core, and the side of the second support portion away from the first support portion is connected to the bottom of the case.

[0008] One proposed design for the battery cell involves providing multiple first through-holes, with these multiple first through-holes spaced apart.

[0009] One proposed design for the battery cell is such that the projection of the battery core and the projection of the first through-hole overlap along the height direction of the battery core.

[0010] One proposed design for the battery cell involves providing a second through-hole in the second support portion, creating a gap between the side wall of the case and the first supporter, and configuring the second through-hole to connect the housing space with the gap.

[0011] As one technical proposal for the battery cell, a second through-hole is provided in the second support portion, the second support portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, the side wall of the case is in contact with the outer surface of the second support portion, the inner surface of the second support portion is located within the housing space, and the second through-hole penetrates both the inner surface and the outer surface of the second support portion.

[0012] One proposed design for the battery cell involves providing multiple second through-holes, with these holes spaced apart.

[0013] One proposed design for a battery cell further comprises a second supporter located on top of the battery core and within the case, and a cover plate assembly provided on the second supporter and fitted over an opening in the case near the top of the battery core.

[0014] One proposed design for a battery cell involves a cover plate assembly that includes positive and negative electrode columns connected to the battery core, with a second supporter having a protrusion positioned between the positive and negative electrode columns that protrudes toward the battery core.

[0015] One proposed technology for the battery cell is that the height of the protrusion is 0.2 mm or more.

[0016] This application provides a battery pack that offers high reliability and stability, and can improve its safety performance to reduce potential safety hazards.

[0017] This invention provides a battery pack comprising a battery module having multiple battery cells and a liquid cooling plate connected to the side of the battery module.

[0018] As one technical proposal for the battery pack, the case has a first and second surface adjacent to each other, the area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface, the second surfaces of two adjacent cases are connected to each other, and the liquid cooling plate is connected to the first surface of the case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention include at least the following. This invention provides a battery cell comprising a battery core, a case, an explosion-proof valve, and a first supporter. The battery core is provided inside the case, and the explosion-proof valve is provided at the bottom of the case. The first supporter is provided inside the case, and the battery core is provided inside the first supporter, with a first through-hole provided in the first supporter, and the first supporter and the bottom of the case enclose a housing space, the explosion-proof valve is located inside the housing space, and the first through-hole communicates with the housing space, thereby allowing gas generated in the battery core to flow into the housing space through the first through-hole. By installing the first supporter, the battery core and the explosion-proof valve at the bottom of the case do not come into direct contact, so that phenomena such as the battery core and the explosion-proof valve pushing against or touching each other during the process of assembling the battery cell can be avoided, ensuring that the explosion-proof valve can operate normally, and improving the stability and reliability of the battery cell. Simultaneously, the first supporter and the bottom of the case enclose a containment space, which allows the high-temperature, high-pressure gas generated when the battery core experiences thermal runaway to collect within the containment space. When the gas reaches a certain pressure, it triggers the explosion-proof valve to release the pressure. The structural design of the battery cell in this invention improves its safety performance and saves costs.

[0020] This invention provides a battery pack that offers high reliability and stability, and can improve its safety performance to reduce potential safety hazards. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] To further clarify the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application, hereinafter, while referring to the drawings in the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described. The described embodiments are only some, rather than all, of the embodiments of this application. Usually, the assemblies of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different arrangements.

[0023] Therefore, hereinafter, the detailed description of the embodiments of this application related to the drawings is not for the purpose of limiting the scope of this application claimed, but represents the selected embodiments of this application.

[0024] Similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it is not necessary to further define and interpret it in subsequent drawings.

[0025] In the description of this application, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this application is usually placed when in use. It is only for facilitating the description of this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the mentioned device or element must have a specific orientation and be configured and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as limiting this application. Also, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are only for separate description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0026] In the description of this application, unless there are specific and clear regulations and limitations, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral connection, and it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. A person skilled in the art can understand the meaning of the terms in this application according to the situation.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise explicitly provided and limited, the presence of a first feature "above" or "below" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or it may include contact between the first and second features via other features between them, without direct contact. Furthermore, the presence of a first feature "above," "above," and "on the top surface" of a second feature may include the first feature being directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is greater than that of the second feature. The presence of a first feature "below," "below," and "on the bottom surface" of a second feature may include the first feature being directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0028] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below, and examples of these embodiments are shown in the drawings. Among these, reference numerals that are the same or similar from beginning to end indicate the same or similar elements, or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative and are for interpretation purposes only, and should not be understood as limiting this application.

[0029] This embodiment provides a battery cell that is highly stable and reliable, reduces the chances of explosion-proof valve failure during assembly, allows the explosion-proof valve to function properly in the event of thermal runaway, and reduces potential safety hazards.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the battery cell 10 mainly comprises a battery core 100, a case 200, an explosion-proof valve 210, and a first supporter 300. The battery core 100 is provided inside the case 200, and the explosion-proof valve 210 is provided at the bottom of the case 200. The first supporter 300 is provided inside the case 200, and the battery core 100 is provided inside the first supporter 300. A first through-hole 330 is provided in the first supporter 300, and the first supporter 300 and the bottom of the case 200 surround a housing space 350. The explosion-proof valve 210 is located inside the housing space 350, and the first through-hole 330 communicates with the housing space 350, so that the gas generated in the battery core 100 can flow into the housing space 350 through the first through-hole 330.

[0031] Based on the above design, in this embodiment, the battery core 100 can be set to a shape such as a rectangle. The explosion-proof valve 210 is provided at the bottom of the case 200. In this way, when the battery core 100 experiences thermal runaway, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas generated in the battery core 100 can be discharged from the bottom of the battery cell 10 through the explosion-proof valve 210. This prevents the high-temperature, high-pressure gas from damaging electronic components such as the poles and tabs at the top of the battery cell 10, achieving the objective of separating electricity and gas, and improving the safety of the battery cell 10.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first supporter 300 is located at the bottom of the case 200, and the battery core 100 is provided on the first supporter 300. The installation of the first supporter 300 provides a certain level of support to the battery core 100. At the same time, the first supporter 300 and the bottom of the case 200 surround a housing space 350, and the first supporter 300 is provided with a first through-hole 330. In this configuration, when the battery core 100 experiences thermal runaway, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas generated in the battery core 100 can flow into the housing space 350 through the first through-hole 330. When the gas in the housing space 350 reaches a certain pressure, the explosion-proof valve 210 is turned on to release the pressure, preventing the thermal runaway from propagating to the battery cell 10 and thus avoiding the risk of explosion, thereby improving safety performance.

[0033] The installation of the first supporter 300 prevents direct contact between the battery core 100 and the explosion-proof valve 210 at the bottom of the case 200. This avoids phenomena such as the battery core 100 and the explosion-proof valve 210 pushing against or touching each other during the assembly process of the battery cell 10, ensuring that the explosion-proof valve 210 can operate normally and improving the stability and reliability of the battery cell 10. At the same time, the first supporter 300 and the bottom of the case 200 surround a containment space 350. In this way, when the battery core 100 experiences thermal runaway, the generated high-temperature, high-pressure gas can collect in the containment space 350. When the gas reaches a certain pressure, it triggers the explosion-proof valve 210 to release the pressure. The battery core 100 does not directly contact the explosion-proof valve 210, preventing the valve from accurately sensing the gas pressure and failing to turn on in a timely manner. The structural design of the battery cell 10 in this embodiment improves its safety performance and saves costs.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first supporter 300 can be manufactured by processing a PP insulating plastic material, reducing the weight of the battery cell 10, making it easier to assemble and saving costs.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the first supporter 300 comprises a first support portion 310 and a second support portion 320, the first support portion 310 is connected to the second support portion 320, the first support portion 310 has a first through hole 330, the battery core 100 is provided in the first support portion 310, and the side of the second support portion 320 away from the first support portion 310 is connected to the bottom of the case 200.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first support portion 310 and the second support portion 320 are integrally molded to improve the stability and strength of the first supporter 300. The first support portion 310 is configured to support the battery core 100, and the second support portion 320 can hold the first support portion 310 at a certain distance from the bottom of the case 200, which is advantageous for forming the housing space 350.

[0037] In this embodiment, the height of the second support portion 320 can be set to a value such as 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, multiple first through-holes 330 are provided, and these multiple first through-holes 330 are spaced apart. For example, the number of first through-holes 330 in this embodiment can be set to 5, 10, 15, or the like, so that when the battery core 100 experiences thermal runaway, gas can flow from the first through-holes 330 into the containment space 350 in a timely manner, thereby improving the safety of the battery cell 10.

[0039] In this embodiment, the projection of the battery core 100 and the projection of the first through-hole 330 overlap along the height direction of the battery core 100. In this way, each first through-hole 330 can be covered by the bottom of the battery core 100, improving the utilization rate of the first through-hole 330. When the battery core 100 experiences thermal runaway, gas can be released from the first through-hole 330 in a timely manner, improving the safety of the battery cell 10.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a second through-hole 340 is provided in the second support portion 320, one end of the second through-hole 340 is in communication with the housing space 350, and the other end of the second through-hole 340 is in thermal conduction communication with the case 200. In this way, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas in the housing space 350 can communicate with the case 200 through the second through-hole 340. Since a liquid cooling plate 21 is usually provided on the outer wall of the case 200, the heat from the gas can be transferred to the liquid cooling plate 21, thereby cooling the gas and thus achieving a cooling effect on the battery cell 10, avoiding the phenomenon of thermal runaway propagation to the battery cell 10 and improving the safety and stability of the battery cell 10.

[0041] In some embodiments, a second through-hole 340 is provided in the second support portion 320, the second support portion 320 has an inner surface and an outer surface, the side wall of the case 200 is in contact with the outer surface of the second support portion 320, the inner surface of the second support portion 320 is located within the housing space 350, and the second through-hole 340 penetrates both the inner and outer surfaces of the second support portion 320. In other words, the outer surface of the second support portion 320 is in direct contact with the side wall of the case 200, thereby enabling the high-temperature gas to quickly pass through the second through-hole 340 and achieve heat exchange with the side wall of the case 200, thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0042] In some embodiments, the side wall of the case 200 and the first supporter 300 are formed with a gap surrounding them, and the second through-hole 340 is configured to connect the housing space 350 with the gap. In this way, the high-temperature gas flowing through the second through-hole 340 collects in the gap and can exchange heat with the side wall of the case 200. Such a structural design is advantageous for assembling the first supporter 300 and the case 200, avoiding interference between the two and improving assembly efficiency.

[0043] In this embodiment, there may be multiple second through-holes 340, and the multiple second through-holes 340 may be spaced apart. In this way, the efficiency of heat exchange by which high-temperature, high-pressure gas flows into the case 200 and is cooled by the liquid cooling plate 21 is increased, improving the safety performance of the battery cell 10 and reducing or avoiding the phenomenon of thermal runaway propagation in the battery cell 10.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the battery cell 10 in this embodiment further comprises a second supporter 400 and a cover plate assembly 500, wherein the second supporter 400 is provided on the top of the battery core 100 and is located inside the case 200, the cover plate assembly 500 is provided on the second supporter 400 and the cover plate assembly 500 is fitted over the opening of the case 200.

[0045] The installation of the second supporter 400 provides a certain level of support to the cover plate assembly 500, improving the stability and reliability of the battery cell 10. At the same time, the second supporter 400 works in cooperation with the first supporter 300 to provide a certain level of fixation and protection to the battery core 100, preventing vertical movement of the battery core 100 inside the case 200, avoiding contact between the tabs and the positive and negative electrode sheets of the battery core 100 and the case 200, and preventing short circuits.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second supporter 400 can be manufactured using PP insulating plastic material, reducing the weight of the battery cell 10, making it easier to assemble and saving costs.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the cover plate assembly 500 includes a positive electrode column 510 and a negative electrode column 520, both of which are connected to the battery core 100. The second supporter 400 has a protrusion 410 that protrudes toward the battery core 100, and the protrusion 410 is located between the positive electrode column 510 and the negative electrode column 520. The positive electrode column 510 is connected to the battery core 100 by a positive current collector 530, and the negative electrode column 520 is connected to the battery core 100 by a negative current collector 540. The installation of the protrusion 410 prevents the risk of short circuits and overlapping connections occurring between the positive current collector 530 and the negative current collector 540, thereby improving the safety performance of the battery cell 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, the height dimension of the protrusion 410 can be set to 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, and so on.

[0049] In this embodiment, the battery core 100 employs a structure in which multiple core packs are connected in parallel, and the number of core packs is two or more.

[0050] In this embodiment, the dimensional relationships of the length L, height H, and thickness T of the battery core 100 can be set such that: length L / thickness T ≥ 0.5, length L / height H ≤ 1.5, and thickness T / height H ≥ 0.6.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment further provides a battery pack comprising a battery module 20 and a liquid cooling plate 21, the liquid cooling plate 21 being connected to the side of the battery module 20, and the battery module 20 comprising a plurality or more battery cells 10.

[0052] The case 200 has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface are adjacent to each other, the area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface, the second surfaces of the case 200 of two adjacent battery cells 10 are connected to each other, and the liquid cooling plate 21 is connected to the first surface of the case 200.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first surface is the large surface of case 200, and the second surface is the narrow surface of case 200.

[0054] In this embodiment, the liquid cooling plate 21 is bonded to the side surface (i.e., the first surface) of the case 200 with a thermal conductive adhesive or structural adhesive, thereby achieving the objective of heat exchange between the liquid cooling plate 21 and the case 200. The liquid cooling plate 21 is bonded to two opposing sides (i.e., the first surface) of the case 200, increasing the heat exchange area and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0055] Because the battery pack has a battery module 20, it is highly reliable and stable, improving its safety performance and reducing potential safety hazards.

[0056] In this specification, reference terms such as “several examples” and “other examples” mean that the features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with such examples are included in at least one example of this application. Schematic representations of terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same examples. Furthermore, the described features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10...Battery cells, 20...Battery modules, 21...Liquid cooling plates, 100...battery core, 200...case, 210...explosion-proof valve, 300...First supporter, 310...First support part, 320...Second support part, 330...First through hole, 340...Second through hole, 350...Accommodation space, 400...Second supporter, 410...Protruding part, 500... Cover plate assembly, 510... Positive pole, 520... Negative pole, 530... Positive current collector, 540... Negative current collector.

Claims

1. Battery core (100), A case (200) in which the battery core (100) is provided and an explosion-proof valve (210) is provided at the bottom, The first supporter (300) is provided within the case (200) and is provided with a battery core (100), and is formed by surrounding the bottom of the case (200) and a housing space (350) in which the explosion-proof valve (210) is located, and has a first through-hole (330) that communicates with the housing space (350), The first supporter (300) comprises a first support portion (310) and a second support portion (320) to which it is connected, and the first support portion (310) and the second support portion (320) are integrally molded. Battery cell.

2. The first support portion (310) has a first through hole (330) and is provided with the battery core (100), and the side of the second support portion (320) away from the first support portion (310) is connected to the bottom of the case (200), The battery cell according to claim 1.

3. Multiple first through holes (330) are provided, and the multiple first through holes (330) are spaced apart. The battery cell according to claim 1.

4. Along the height direction of the battery core (100), the projection of the battery core (100) and the projection of the first through hole (330) overlap. The battery cell according to claim 1.

5. A second through-hole (340) is provided in the second support portion (320), and a gap is formed between the side wall of the case (200) and the first supporter (300), and the second through-hole (340) is configured to connect the housing space (350) and the gap. A battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second support portion (320) has a second through hole (340), the second support portion (320) has an inner surface and an outer surface, the side wall of the case (200) is in contact with the outer surface of the second support portion (320), the inner surface of the second support portion (320) is located within the housing space (350), and the second through hole (340) penetrates both the inner surface and the outer surface of the second support portion (320). A battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. Multiple second through holes (340) are provided, and the multiple second through holes (340) are spaced apart. The battery cell according to claim 5.

8. A second supporter (400) is provided on the top of the battery core (100) and located inside the case (200), The second supporter (400) further comprises a cover plate assembly (500) provided on the case (200) that fits over an opening on the side of the case (200) closer to the top of the battery core (100), A battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. Each of the cover plate assemblies (500) is provided with a positive electrode column (510) and a negative electrode column (520) connected to the battery core (100), and the second supporter (400) has a protrusion (410) located between the positive electrode column (510) and the negative electrode column (520) that protrudes toward the battery core (100). The battery cell according to claim 8.

10. The height of the aforementioned protrusion (410) is 0.2 mm or more. The battery cell according to claim 9.

11. A battery module (20) comprising a battery cell (10) according to any one of the multiple claims 1 to 4, and a liquid cooling plate (21) connected to the side of the battery module (20), Battery pack.

12. The case (200) has a first surface and a second surface adjacent to each other, the area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface, the second surfaces of two adjacent cases (200) are connected to each other, and the liquid cooling plate (21) is connected to the first surface of the case (200). The battery pack according to claim 11.

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