Battery box and battery module

Abstract

The application discloses a battery box and a battery module, and belongs to the technical field of power batteries. The battery box comprises a bottom plate assembly and a side beam assembly surrounding the four sides of the bottom plate assembly, the bottom plate assembly is divided into a first area and a second area, the first area is provided with battery cells, and the second area is provided with a support plate; the bottom plate assembly comprises an outer plate and an inner plate, the outer plate and the inner plate form a first pressure relief cavity, and the battery cells are blocked on one side of the first pressure relief cavity; the support plate and the inner plate form a second pressure relief cavity, the other side of the first pressure relief cavity is communicated with the second pressure relief cavity; the inner cavity of the side beam assembly forms a third pressure relief cavity, the second pressure relief cavity is communicated with the third pressure relief cavity, and a pressure relief valve communicated with the third pressure relief cavity is mounted on the side beam assembly. The battery box and the battery module have the advantages that high-temperature substances can be cooled, the temperature of the high-temperature substances is lower than the ignition point when the high-temperature substances reach the position of the pressure relief valve, fire is prevented, and the safety and reliability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to a battery housing and a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] The battery casing of a large cylindrical battery includes a housing cavity for accommodating the battery cells. The battery casing is equipped with a pressure relief valve. When a battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the material enters the pressure relief valve from the housing cavity. The pressure relief path is relatively short, and the cooling effect during the pressure relief process is not ideal. The ejected high-temperature material is prone to combustion, causing heat spread and potentially leading to a fire. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery housing and battery module that cools high-temperature materials so that when the high-temperature materials reach the pressure relief valve position, the temperature is below the ignition point, preventing fire and improving safety and reliability.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] On one hand, a battery housing is provided, including a base plate assembly and side beam assemblies surrounding the base plate assembly. The base plate assembly is divided into a first region and a second region. The first region is provided with battery cells, and the second region is provided with a support plate.

[0006] The base plate assembly includes an outer plate and an inner plate, the outer plate and the inner plate forming a first pressure relief cavity, and the battery cell is sealed on one side of the first pressure relief cavity;

[0007] The support plate and the inner plate form a second pressure relief chamber, and the other side of the first pressure relief chamber is connected to the second pressure relief chamber;

[0008] The inner cavity of the side beam assembly forms a third pressure relief chamber, the second pressure relief chamber is connected to the third pressure relief chamber, and a pressure relief valve connected to the third pressure relief chamber is installed on the side beam assembly.

[0009] Optionally, the inner plate includes a support plate and a spacer plate, the battery cell is sealed on one side of the first through hole of the support plate, the spacer plate and the support plate form the second pressure relief chamber, and the first pressure relief chamber and the second pressure relief chamber are connected through the second through hole on the spacer plate.

[0010] Optionally, a filter screen is provided on the second through hole of the spacer plate.

[0011] Optionally, a phase change material layer is attached to the filter plate.

[0012] Optionally, the outer panel is a steel plate.

[0013] Optionally, the third pressure relief chamber is provided with an isolation wall, so that the third pressure relief chamber includes multiple interconnected chambers.

[0014] Optionally, the cross-section of the second region is an isosceles trapezoid, and the side beam assembly includes a first side beam and a second side beam symmetrically connected to both ends of the first side beam. The second side beam is provided with a pressure relief hole, and the second pressure relief chamber and the third pressure relief chamber are connected through the pressure relief hole.

[0015] Optionally, the second side beam has an L-shaped cross-section and includes a horizontal side beam and a vertical side beam that are interconnected. The horizontal side beam is located in the second region, and the second pressure relief chamber is connected to the horizontal side beam.

[0016] Optionally, the two second side beams are symmetrical along a symmetrical plane, and two pressure relief valves are provided. The two pressure relief valves are installed on the side of the first region away from the second region, and the two pressure relief valves are symmetrical along the symmetrical plane.

[0017] Optionally, the assembly also includes a connecting plate and fasteners, the fasteners passing sequentially through the connecting plate, the base plate assembly, and the side beam assembly to connect the connecting plate, the base plate assembly, and the side beam assembly.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a first crossbeam for dividing the first region into multiple mounting areas, each mounting area for mounting a group of the battery cells.

[0019] Optionally, the first crossbeam is a cross beam.

[0020] Optionally, a second crossbeam is also included, which is used to separate the first area and the second area, the second area being used to install electrical components.

[0021] On the other hand, a battery module is provided, including a battery cell and the aforementioned battery housing, wherein the battery cell is disposed in a first region.

[0022] Optionally, it also includes electrical components disposed on the support plate.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] This invention provides a battery casing and battery module. When one or more battery cells experience thermal runaway, the high-temperature material ejected from the thermally runaway cell diffuses within a first pressure relief chamber. This first pressure relief layer is separated from the cell layer, ensuring that pressure relief does not affect other cells on the inner plate, thus preventing other cells from being affected. The first, second, and third pressure relief chambers form a pressure relief channel. After passing through this channel, the high-temperature material is released through a pressure relief valve. As the high-temperature material passes through the first, second, and third pressure relief chambers, each chamber structure carries away a significant amount of heat, resulting in three stages of cooling. By the time the high-temperature material reaches the pressure relief valve in the casing, it is already below its ignition point, preventing fire and enhancing safety and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery box structure from one perspective, provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point I

[0028] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the battery box from another perspective provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second side beam provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1. Base plate assembly; 11. Outer plate; 12. Inner plate; 121. Bearing plate; 1211. First through hole; 122. Spare plate; 13. Filter plate; 1A. First pressure relief chamber;

[0032] 2. Side beam assembly; 21. Isolation wall; 22. First side beam; 23. Second side beam; 231. Horizontal side beam; 2311. Pressure relief hole; 232. Vertical side beam; 24. Third side beam; 25. Fourth side beam; 2A. Third pressure relief chamber;

[0033] 3. Support plate; 3A. Second pressure relief chamber;

[0034] 4. Pressure relief valve; 5. Connecting plate; 6. Fasteners; 7. Fixing components; 8. First crossbeam; 9. Second crossbeam;

[0035] M, Region 1; N, Region 2. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] This embodiment provides a battery module, including electrical components, battery cells, and a battery housing, with the electrical components and battery cells housed within the battery housing. To prevent individual battery cells in the battery module from malfunctioning and damaging other battery cells, electrical components, and the control system, this embodiment provides a battery housing.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the battery box includes a base plate assembly 1 and a side beam assembly 2 surrounding the base plate assembly 1. The base plate assembly 1 is divided into a first region M and a second region N. The first region M is equipped with battery cells, and the second region N is equipped with a support plate 3. The base plate assembly 1 includes an outer plate 11 and an inner plate 12, which form a first pressure relief chamber 1A. The battery cells are sealed on one side of the first pressure relief chamber 1A. The support plate 3 and the inner plate 12 form a second pressure relief chamber 3A, and the other side of the first pressure relief chamber 1A is connected to the second pressure relief chamber 3A. The inner cavity of the side beam assembly 2 forms a third pressure relief chamber 2A, which is connected to the third pressure relief chamber 2A. A pressure relief valve 4 connected to the third pressure relief chamber 2A is installed on the side beam assembly 2.

[0041] When one or more battery cells experience thermal runaway, the high-temperature material ejected from the runaway cell diffuses within the first pressure relief chamber 1A. This first pressure relief layer is separated from the cell layer containing the runaway cell, ensuring that pressure relief does not affect other cells on the inner plate 12, thus preventing other cells from being affected. The first pressure relief chamber 1A, the second pressure relief chamber 3A, and the third pressure relief chamber 2A form a pressure relief channel. After passing through this channel, the high-temperature material is released through the pressure relief valve 4. As the high-temperature material passes through the first pressure relief chamber 1A, the second pressure relief chamber 3A, and the third pressure relief chamber 2A, the three pressure relief chambers each carry away a significant amount of heat, resulting in three stages of cooling. By the time the high-temperature material reaches the pressure relief valve 4, it is already below its ignition point, preventing fire and ensuring greater safety and reliability.

[0042] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, the inner plate 12 includes a support plate 121 and a spacer plate 122. The battery cell is sealed on one side of the first through hole 1211 of the support plate 121. The high-temperature material ejected by the battery cell that has experienced thermal runaway enters the first pressure relief chamber 1A through the first through hole 1211 and diffuses, thereby separating the first pressure relief chamber 1A from the battery cell. In this embodiment, the battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, and the first through hole 1211 is a circular hole. The bottom area of ​​the cylindrical battery cell is not less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole 1211, ensuring that the high-temperature material enters the first pressure relief chamber 1A as much as possible and avoids leakage that could affect other battery cells. Specifically, the support plate 121 has multiple first through holes 1211, which are arranged in multiple rows or in a matrix, making the support plate 121 a honeycomb plate.

[0043] In other embodiments, the battery cell can also be a square battery cell, etc., and the structure of the carrier plate 121 and the first through hole 1211, etc., can be set accordingly, without limitation.

[0044] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the spacer plate 122 and the support plate 3 form a second pressure relief chamber 3A. The first pressure relief chamber 1A and the second pressure relief chamber 3A are connected through a second through hole on the spacer plate 122. Optionally, a filter plate 13 is provided on the second through hole of the spacer plate 122. The filter plate 13 has many small holes to prevent large particles from entering the second pressure relief chamber 3A, avoiding blockage of the pressure relief channel by high-temperature substances ejected from the battery cell, thus preventing unsuccessful pressure relief. The filter plate 13 filters high-temperature substances, and can be replaced periodically. In this embodiment, a phase change material layer is attached to the filter plate 13, which can significantly reduce the temperature of the high-temperature substances.

[0045] Optionally, the outer plate 11 is made of steel plate, which has a high melting point, is not easily melted, and can cool down high-temperature substances.

[0046] Optionally, such as Figure 5As shown, the third pressure relief chamber 2A is equipped with isolation walls 21, making the third pressure relief chamber 2A comprise multiple interconnected cavities. Multiple isolation walls 21 can be arranged in parallel at intervals to form an S-shaped cavity; or multiple isolation walls 21 can be arranged at intervals, with included angles between them, forming multiple cavities. The isolation walls 21 have openings, allowing the cavities to communicate with each other; or multiple isolation walls 21 of different shapes can be arranged, such as T-shaped, L-shaped, multiple consecutive L-shaped, cross-shaped, concave, or a combination thereof, making the third pressure relief chamber 2A form a "maze" cavity structure. The specific structural shape and splicing shape of the isolation walls 21 can refer to existing technologies to form a simple or complex maze shape, without limitation. When a high-temperature substance flows in the third pressure relief chamber 2A, increasing the length of the third pressure relief chamber 2A prolongs the pressure relief time, thereby reducing the temperature of the high-temperature substance.

[0047] Optionally, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cross-section of the second region N is an isosceles trapezoid. The side beam assembly 2 includes a first side beam 22 and a second side beam 23 symmetrically connected to both ends of the first side beam 22. The second side beam 23 is provided with a pressure relief hole 2311. The second pressure relief chamber 3A and the third pressure relief chamber 2A are connected through the pressure relief hole 2311. Pressure relief holes 2311 are opened on the two symmetrical second side beams 23. High-temperature substances are output from the two second side beams 23 to both sides, so that the high-temperature substances are dispersed, which is conducive to reducing the temperature.

[0048] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second side beam 23 has an L-shaped cross-section and includes a horizontal side beam 231 and a vertical side beam 232 that are interconnected. The horizontal side beam 231 is located in the second region N, and the second pressure relief chamber 3A is connected to the horizontal side beam 231. By setting the L-shaped side beam assembly 2, the length of the third pressure relief chamber 2A is extended. In this embodiment, the horizontal side beam 231 has multiple cavities arranged in the horizontal direction, and the vertical side beam 232 has multiple cavities arranged in the vertical direction. The isolation wall 21 has openings to connect the cavities.

[0049] Optionally, the two second side beams 23 are symmetrical along the symmetrical plane, and two pressure relief valves 4 are provided. The two pressure relief valves 4 are installed on the side of the first region M away from the second region N, which extends the high-temperature material transport path. The two pressure relief valves 4 are symmetrical along the symmetrical plane, that is, the two side beams 23 and the two pressure relief valves 4 are symmetrical along the same symmetrical plane, which reduces the pressure relief pressure of the pressure relief valves 4 and improves reliability.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the side beam assembly 2 also includes a fourth side beam 25 parallel to the first side beam 22, a third side beam 24 connecting the second side beam 23 and the fourth side beam 25, and a pressure relief valve 4 installed on the fourth side beam 25. The output path of the high-temperature material in the third pressure relief chamber 2A is the second side beam 23, the third side beam 24, the fourth side beam 25 and the pressure relief valve 4 on the corresponding side.

[0051] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery box also includes a connecting plate 5 and a fastener 6. The fastener 6 passes through the connecting plate 5, the bottom plate assembly 1 and the side beam assembly 2 in sequence, so as to connect the connecting plate 5, the bottom plate assembly 1 and the side beam assembly 2.

[0052] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, the battery housing also includes a first crossbeam 8, which is used to divide the first region M into multiple installation areas. Each installation area is used to install a group of battery cells. The battery cells are grouped and modularized, reducing the number of components and costs. Furthermore, the first crossbeam 8 is connected to the base plate assembly 1 and the side beam assembly 2 via fasteners 7, improving structural strength. Specifically, the fastener 7 can be a combination of a long screw and a nut. The long screw passes through the base plate assembly 1 and the first crossbeam 8, and the nut abuts against the side of the base plate assembly 1 opposite to the first crossbeam 8. Optionally, the first crossbeam 8 is a crossbeam. In this embodiment, the crossbeam divides the first region M into four installation areas, further improving structural strength. In other embodiments, multiple first crossbeams 8 can be provided, dividing the first region M into eight or more installation areas. Multiple first crossbeams 8 can also be arranged in parallel intervals, so that multiple installation areas are arranged in a row or column, depending on the usage requirements, and are not limited thereto.

[0053] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, the battery housing also includes a second crossbeam 9, which is used to separate the first area M and the second area N. The second area N is used to install electrical components to prevent damage to the electrical components and control system when the battery cell goes out of control. Similarly, the second crossbeam 9 can optionally be connected to the base plate assembly 1 by means of a fastener 7.

[0054] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery housing, characterized in that, It includes a base plate assembly (1) and a side beam assembly (2) surrounding the base plate assembly (1). The base plate assembly (1) is divided into a first region (M) and a second region (N). The first region (M) is provided with a battery cell, and the second region (N) is provided with a support plate (3). The base plate assembly (1) includes an outer plate (11) and an inner plate (12), the outer plate (11) and the inner plate (12) forming a first pressure relief chamber (1A), and the battery cell is sealed on one side of the first pressure relief chamber (1A); The support plate (3) and the inner plate (12) form a second pressure relief chamber (3A), the second pressure relief chamber (3A) is located in the second region (N), and the other side of the first pressure relief chamber (1A) is connected to the second pressure relief chamber (3A); The inner cavity of the side beam assembly (2) forms a third pressure relief chamber (2A), the second pressure relief chamber (3A) is connected to the third pressure relief chamber (2A), and a pressure relief valve (4) connected to the third pressure relief chamber (2A) is installed on the side beam assembly (2). The third pressure relief chamber (2A) is provided with an isolation wall (21), so that the third pressure relief chamber (2A) includes multiple interconnected cavities, and the third pressure relief chamber (2A) forms a labyrinth cavity structure.

2. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner plate (12) includes a support plate (121) and a spacer plate (122). The battery cell is sealed on one side of the first through hole (1211) of the support plate (121). The spacer plate (122) and the support plate (3) form the second pressure relief chamber (3A). The first pressure relief chamber (1A) and the second pressure relief chamber (3A) are connected through the second through hole on the spacer plate (122).

3. The battery housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, A filter plate (13) is provided on the second through hole of the spacer plate (122).

4. The battery housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, A phase change material layer is attached to the filter plate (13).

5. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer plate (11) is a steel plate.

6. The battery housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross section of the second region (N) is an isosceles trapezoid. The side beam assembly (2) includes a first side beam (22) and a second side beam (23) symmetrically connected to both ends of the first side beam (22). The second side beam (23) is provided with a pressure relief hole (2311). The second pressure relief chamber (3A) and the third pressure relief chamber (2A) are connected through the pressure relief hole (2311).

7. The battery housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second side beam (23) has an L-shaped cross section and includes a horizontal side beam (231) and a vertical side beam (232) that are connected to each other. The horizontal side beam (231) is located in the second region (N), and the second pressure relief chamber (3A) is connected to the horizontal side beam (231).

8. The battery housing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The two second side beams (23) are symmetrical along the symmetry plane. There are two pressure relief valves (4). The two pressure relief valves (4) are installed on the side of the first region (M) away from the second region (N), and the two pressure relief valves (4) are symmetrical along the symmetry plane.

9. The battery housing according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting plate (5) and a fastener (6), the fastener (6) passing through the connecting plate (5), the base plate assembly (1) and the side beam assembly (2) in sequence, so as to connect the connecting plate (5), the base plate assembly (1) and the side beam assembly (2).

10. The battery housing according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a first crossbeam (8), which is used to divide the first region (M) into multiple installation areas, each of which is used to install a group of the battery cells.

11. The battery housing according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first crossbeam (8) is a cross beam.

12. The battery housing according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a second crossbeam (9) for separating the first region (M) and the second region (N), the second region (N) for mounting electrical components.

13. A battery module, characterized in that, It includes a battery cell and a battery housing as described in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the battery cell is disposed in a first region (M).

14. The battery module according to claim 13, characterized in that, It also includes electrical components, which are disposed on the support plate (3).

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