Battery module with directional exhaust, battery box and battery pack

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of battery technology, specifically disclosing a directional venting battery module, including several battery cells, a tray, a venting plate, and a gas collecting block. The venting plate is located below the tray, and a gas storage space is formed between the venting plate and the tray. The gas storage space includes several independent sub-spaces, each corresponding to a first vent hole on the side wall of the tray. The sub-spaces are connected to the venting chamber of the gas collecting block through the first vent holes. The gas collecting block has an outlet that communicates with the venting chamber. The sub-spaces, first vent holes, venting chambers, and outlets form a venting channel. Gas generated by each row of battery cells in the battery module is discharged through the corresponding venting channel, preventing heat propagation between adjacent rows or columns of cells, thus ensuring good safety performance. This invention also provides a battery box and a battery pack, including the above-mentioned directional venting battery module, which also exhibit good safety performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a directional venting battery module, battery box, and battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] In the design of traditional battery packs, the bottoms of all the cells within a battery module are typically connected as a single unit. When one cell in the module experiences thermal runaway, it can easily trigger thermal runaway in adjacent cells, causing a chain reaction. The entire battery module is at risk of thermal runaway, resulting in poor safety performance. Furthermore, when thermal runaway occurs, a large amount of gas is released from the cells. The small, interconnected spaces within the battery module prevent the timely removal of gas and flames, causing them to spread randomly and unpredictably throughout the pack. This unpredictable spread can easily ignite other components, creating a dangerous situation.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a directional venting battery module, battery box, and battery pack to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a directional venting battery module, battery box, and battery pack. The battery module is equipped with a venting plate, which can separate the battery cells within the battery module, preventing heat spread between adjacent cells. Furthermore, the gas inside the battery cells can be vented from the location of the runaway battery cell to the outside of the battery pack through the venting channel, resulting in good safety performance.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a directional venting battery module, the directional venting battery module comprising:

[0007] Several battery cells;

[0008] The tray contains several of the battery cells, and the side wall of the tray is provided with several first vent holes along its height direction.

[0009] An exhaust plate is disposed below the tray, and an air storage space is formed between the exhaust plate and the bottom wall of the tray. The air storage space includes several independent sub-spaces, and each sub-space is connected to a first exhaust hole.

[0010] A gas collecting block is connected to the upper end face of the tray, and an exhaust chamber is formed between the gas collecting block and the tray. The exhaust chamber is connected to the first exhaust hole, and an exhaust port is provided on the gas collecting block. The exhaust port is connected to the exhaust chamber.

[0011] Optionally, the edge of the exhaust plate extends upward with a flange, which is sealed to the tray.

[0012] Optionally, the exhaust plate is provided with a plurality of connecting ribs protruding upwards, the upper end face of the connecting ribs being connected to the bottom wall of the tray, and the connecting ribs dividing the gas storage space into a plurality of sub-spaces.

[0013] Optionally, the gas collection block includes a base plate and a side plate connected to the base plate. The end of the side plate is connected to the upper surface of the tray. The exhaust chamber is formed between the base plate, the side plate, and the tray. The gas outlet is disposed on the side plate or the base plate.

[0014] Optionally, a sealing element is provided between the gas collecting block and the tray, and the upper and lower end faces of the sealing element abut against the gas collecting block and the tray, respectively.

[0015] Optionally, the directional exhaust battery module includes a fixing member, the gas collection block is provided with a fixing hole, and one end of the fixing member passes through the fixing hole and is detachably connected to the tray.

[0016] Optionally, the lower end face of the tray is provided with a groove, the exhaust plate is disposed in the groove, and the exhaust plate is connected to the bottom wall of the groove.

[0017] Optionally, the height of the exhaust plate is less than or equal to the depth of the groove.

[0018] Optionally, the exhaust plate is welded to the tray, and the battery cell is fixedly connected to the tray with structural adhesive.

[0019] Secondly, the present invention provides a battery box, the battery box including a box body and a directional exhaust battery module as described in any of the above-mentioned solutions, wherein a plurality of directional exhaust battery modules are provided, and a plurality of installation positions are provided in the box body, wherein each installation position contains one directional exhaust battery module.

[0020] Optionally, a second vent is provided on the side wall of the housing, and an explosion-proof valve is provided on the second vent. The second vent is connected to the air outlet through a vent pipe.

[0021] Optionally, a plurality of the second exhaust port, the air guide pipe, and the explosion-proof valve are provided, and the second exhaust port, the air guide pipe, and the explosion-proof valve are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the battery module for directional exhaust.

[0022] Thirdly, the present invention provides a battery pack including the battery box of any of the above-described embodiments.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0024] This invention provides a directional venting battery module, which includes several battery cells, a tray, a venting plate, and a gas collecting block. The venting plate is located below the tray, and several independent sub-spaces are formed between the venting plate and the tray. Several first vent holes are provided on the side wall of the tray along its height direction. The sub-spaces are arranged one-to-one with the first vent holes, and each sub-space is connected to a first vent hole. The first vent holes are connected to the venting chamber of the gas collecting block. The gas collecting block is provided with an outlet, which is connected to the venting chamber. Thus, relatively independent venting channels are formed between the sub-spaces, the first vent holes, the venting chamber, and the outlet. This can separate the battery cells in the battery module, prevent heat spread between adjacent rows or columns of battery cells, and allow the gas inside the battery cells to be directionally vented from the location of the runaway battery cell to the outside of the battery module through the venting channels, resulting in good safety performance.

[0025] Secondly, the present invention provides a battery box, including a box body and the aforementioned directional exhaust battery modules. Several directional exhaust battery modules are provided, and several installation positions are provided inside the box body. Each installation position contains one directional exhaust battery module. The directional exhaust battery modules can timely discharge a large amount of gas generated when the battery module experiences thermal runaway through the air guide pipe and the second exhaust hole on the box body. Furthermore, adjacent directional exhaust battery modules will not affect each other, avoiding chain reactions and protecting the safety of users.

[0026] Thirdly, the present invention provides a battery pack including the aforementioned battery box. The battery pack has good safety performance. When a battery module in the battery box experiences thermal runaway, it can promptly guide away gas and flames, preventing them from spreading randomly throughout the battery pack and igniting other components. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the directional exhaust battery module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the directional exhaust battery module provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view of the tray provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of section AA;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exhaust plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas collecting block provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gas collecting block provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the battery box provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the picture:

[0036] 100. Battery cell; 101. Pressure relief valve;

[0037] 200, Tray; 201, First through hole; 202, First vent hole; 203, Groove;

[0038] 300. Exhaust plate; 301. Flange; 302. Subspace; 303. Connecting rib;

[0039] 400. Gas collection block; 410. Base plate; 420. Side plate; 421. Gas outlet; 430. Fixing hole; 440. Sealing element;

[0040] 500. Fasteners;

[0041] 600, Structural adhesive;

[0042] 700. Enclosure; 701. Installation location; 702. Second vent; 703. Explosion-proof valve;

[0043] 800, air delivery tube. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0048] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a directional venting battery module. The directional venting battery module includes several battery cells 100, a tray 200, and a venting plate 300. The battery cells 100 are all installed within the tray 200. The bottom wall of the tray 200 has several through holes 201, which are arranged in an array along a first direction and a second direction. Each battery cell 100 corresponds to one through hole 201. The side wall of the tray 200 has several first vent holes 202 along its height direction. The first vent holes 202 penetrate the side wall of the tray 200. It should be noted that the diameter of the first vent holes 202 is smaller than the thickness of the side wall. Furthermore, the first direction described in this embodiment is... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The middle X-axis direction, the second direction is Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the Y-axis direction, the height direction of the pallet 200 sidewall is... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The Z-axis direction is shown in the figure. The exhaust plate 300 is located below the tray 200, and an air storage space is formed between the exhaust plate 300 and the bottom wall of the tray 200. The air storage space includes several independent sub-spaces 302, each sub-space being connected to a first exhaust hole. The air collecting block is connected to the upper end face of the tray, and an exhaust chamber is formed between the air collecting block and the tray. The exhaust chamber is connected to the first exhaust hole. An air outlet is provided on the air collecting block, and the air outlet is connected to the exhaust chamber.

[0049] Generally, each cell 100 is equipped with a pressure relief valve 101 at its bottom. When a cell 100 experiences thermal runaway, the gas inside the cell 100 can break through the pressure relief valve 101 and enter the sub-space 302 of the gas storage space through the first through hole 201. It is then discharged outside the gas storage space through the first exhaust hole 202. Since each sub-space 302 is not interconnected, independent exhaust channels are formed between the sub-space 302, the first exhaust hole 202, the exhaust chamber, and the exhaust port 421. In some embodiments, the first exhaust hole 202 is located on the side wall of the tray 200 along the first direction. Thus, each row of cells 100 in the directional exhaust battery module corresponds to an independent exhaust channel. This ensures that when a cell 100 experiences thermal runaway, it will not affect cells in adjacent rows, preventing a chain reaction between cells 100 in adjacent rows within the directional exhaust battery module, controlling the thermal spread trend, and reducing the damage to the directional exhaust battery module.

[0050] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, compared to the previous method of opening vents at the bottom of the battery module, the exhaust channel outlet is located above the directional exhaust battery module, making the exhaust position away from the center of heat spread, reducing the intensity of combustion, and achieving better control of heat spread. To further improve the effect of controlling heat spread, inert gases such as nitrogen or helium can be filled into the exhaust channel to reduce its oxygen content, shorten the combustion time, and achieve better flame retardant effect.

[0051] In other embodiments, the first vent 202 can also be disposed on the side wall of the tray 200 along the second direction. In this case, each subspace 302 corresponds to a row of cells in the directional venting battery module, so that each row of cells 100 in the directional venting battery module corresponds to an independent venting channel. This ensures that when a cell 100 experiences thermal runaway, it will not affect the cells 100 in adjacent rows, thus avoiding a chain reaction between cells 100 in adjacent rows in the directional venting battery module, controlling the thermal spread trend, and reducing the degree of damage to the directional venting battery module.

[0052] As an optional technical solution, see Figure 2 and Figure 5 The edge of the exhaust plate 300 extends upward with a flange 301, which is sealed to the tray 200, thereby creating a closed gas storage space between the exhaust plate 300 and the tray 200, preventing gas and flame from spreading randomly throughout the directional exhaust battery module.

[0053] As an optional technical solution, the exhaust plate 300 is provided with several connecting ribs 303 protruding upwards. The upper end face of the connecting ribs 303 is connected to the bottom wall of the tray 200. The two ends of the connecting ribs 303 along the first direction are connected to the flange 301. The connecting ribs 303 can divide the gas storage space into several sub-spaces 302, thereby separating adjacent rows or columns of cells to better control the trend of heat spread and ensure the safety of users. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting ribs 303 are wavy to avoid the first through hole 201, so that the pressure relief valve 101 can be opened smoothly.

[0054] For example, the exhaust plate 300 in this embodiment can be manufactured by stamping. By stamping the exhaust plate 300 downwards, a plurality of downwardly protruding strip-shaped bumps are formed on the exhaust plate 300, connecting ribs 303 are formed between adjacent strip-shaped bumps, and a sub-space 202 is formed between the strip-shaped bumps and the bottom wall of the tray 200. Of course, in other embodiments, the exhaust plate 300 can also be integrally injection molded by a mold, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0055] Further, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The gas collecting block 400 includes a base plate 410 and a side plate 420 connected to each other, forming a shell structure between the base plate 410 and the side plate 420. One end of the side plate 420 has an opening, and the end of the side plate 420 with the opening side is connected to the upper end face of the tray 200, thereby forming an exhaust chamber between the base plate 410, the side plate 420 and the tray 200. The exhaust chamber is connected to the upper ports of a plurality of first exhaust holes 202, and the side plate 420 is provided with an exhaust port 421, which is connected to the exhaust chamber. When a battery cell 100 experiences thermal runaway, gas is discharged from the first exhaust hole 202 into the exhaust chamber of the gas collecting block 400, and then discharged from the battery module through the exhaust port 421. Of course, in other embodiments, the exhaust port 421 can also be provided on the base plate of the gas collecting block 400, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0056] See also Figure 1 To improve the reliability of the exhaust chamber sealing, a sealing element 440 is provided between the gas collecting block 400 and the tray 200. The upper end face of the sealing element 440 abuts against the open end of the gas collecting block 400, and the lower end face of the sealing element 440 abuts against the upper end face of the tray 200. The sealing element 440 ensures good sealing performance of the exhaust chamber and makes it less likely for gas leakage to occur.

[0057] As an optional solution, the directional venting battery module also includes a fixing member 500. The gas collecting block 400 has a fixing hole 430, and one end of the fixing member 500 passes through the fixing hole 430 and is detachably connected to the tray 200. In some embodiments, the fixing member 500 can be bolts or screws, etc. This detachable installation method facilitates the periodic replacement of the seal 440 to ensure good sealing performance of the venting chamber.

[0058] See also Figure 2 In this embodiment, the lower end face of the tray 200 is provided with a groove 203, and the exhaust plate 300 is disposed in the groove 203, with the flange 301 connected to the bottom wall of the groove 203. Furthermore, the height of the exhaust plate 300 is less than or equal to the depth of the groove 203, so that the exhaust plate 300 can be completely located within the groove 203 of the tray 200 and will not protrude from the lower end face of the tray 200. This reduces the space occupied by the exhaust plate 300, improves space utilization, and is beneficial to increasing the energy density of the directional exhaust battery module.

[0059] In some embodiments, the flange 301 of the exhaust plate 300 is fully welded to the tray 200, and the connecting rib 303 is connected to the tray 200 by penetration welding, thereby ensuring good sealing performance of the gas storage space between the exhaust plate 300 and the tray 200, and the sealing is relatively reliable. In addition, in this embodiment, the battery cell 100 and the tray 200 are fixedly connected by structural adhesive 600, and the fixing effect is good.

[0060] This embodiment also provides a battery box, such as Figure 8 As shown, the device includes a housing 700 and the aforementioned directional venting battery modules. Several directional venting battery modules are provided, and the housing 700 has several mounting positions 701, with one directional venting battery module located in each mounting position 701. Exemplarily, this embodiment uses four mounting positions 701 and four directional venting battery modules as an example for explanation.

[0061] In this embodiment, a second exhaust port 702 is provided on the side wall of the housing 700, and an explosion-proof valve 703 is provided on the second exhaust port 702. The second exhaust port 702 is connected to the exhaust port 421 through the air guide pipe 800. A directional exhaust channel is formed within the housing 700 through the gas storage space, the first exhaust port 202, the exhaust chamber, the air guide pipe 800, and the second exhaust port 702. This allows a large amount of gas and flame to be discharged into the gas collection block 400 through the corresponding gas storage space and the first exhaust port 202 when a certain battery cell 100 experiences thermal runaway. The gas is then discharged from the exhaust port of the housing 700 through the air guide pipe 800. The explosion-proof valve 703 at the exhaust port functions as an exhaust and pressure relief valve, and the air guide pipe 800 prevents the gas and flame from spreading randomly throughout the housing 700, achieving a directional exhaust effect. As an optional solution, a welded joint is provided at one end of the second exhaust port 702 located inside the tray 200, and the air guide pipe 800 is fixedly connected to the welded joint by a clamp. In some embodiments, the air duct 800 and the air outlet 421 of the air collecting block 400 can also be fixedly connected by a clamp, and the clamp has a good fixing effect.

[0062] As an optional solution, four second vents 702, four vent pipes 800, and four explosion-proof valves 703 are provided. The second vents 702, four vent pipes 800, and four explosion-proof valves 703 are set one-to-one with the directional venting battery modules. The large amount of gas generated when the battery module experiences thermal runaway can be discharged in time through the vent pipes 800 and the second vents 702 on the housing 700. Furthermore, adjacent directional venting battery modules will not affect each other, avoiding chain reactions and protecting the safety of the users.

[0063] This embodiment also provides a battery pack, including the aforementioned battery box. The battery pack has good safety performance. When a battery module inside the battery box experiences thermal runaway, it can promptly guide away gas and flames, preventing them from spreading randomly throughout the battery pack and igniting other components.

[0064] 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 will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. 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 box characterized by, The battery box includes a box body (700) and a battery module with directional ventilation, and the battery module with directional ventilation is provided in several parts; The directional exhaust battery module includes: Several battery cells (100); A tray (200) is provided, and a plurality of the battery cells (100) are installed inside the tray (200). A plurality of first vent holes (202) are provided on the side wall of the tray (200) along its height direction. An exhaust plate (300) is disposed below the tray (200), and an air storage space is formed between the exhaust plate (300) and the bottom wall of the tray (200). The air storage space includes several independent sub-spaces (302), and each sub-space (302) is connected to a first exhaust hole (202). A gas collecting block (400) is connected to the upper end face of the tray (200), and an exhaust chamber is formed between the gas collecting block (400) and the tray (200). The exhaust chamber is connected to the first exhaust hole (202). An exhaust port (421) is provided on the gas collecting block (400), and the exhaust port (421) is connected to the exhaust chamber. The side wall of the housing (700) is provided with a second exhaust port (702), and the second exhaust port (702) is provided with an explosion-proof valve (703). The second exhaust port (702) is connected to the air outlet (421) through an air guide pipe (800).

2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The exhaust plate (300) has an upwardly extending flange (301) at its edge, and the flange (301) is sealed to the tray (200).

3. The battery box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust plate (300) is provided with a plurality of connecting ribs (303) protruding upwards. The upper end face of the connecting ribs (303) is connected to the bottom wall of the tray (200). The connecting ribs (303) divide the gas storage space into a plurality of sub-spaces (302).

4. The battery box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas collection block (400) includes a base plate (410) and a side plate (420) connected to the base plate (410). The end of the side plate (420) is connected to the upper surface of the tray (200). The exhaust chamber is formed between the base plate (410), the side plate (420) and the tray (200). The air outlet (421) is disposed on the side plate (420) or the base plate (410).

5. The battery box according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing element (440) is provided between the gas collecting block (400) and the tray (200), and the upper and lower end faces of the sealing element (440) abut against the gas collecting block (400) and the tray (200) respectively.

6. The battery box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The directional exhaust battery module includes a fixing member (500), and the gas collection block (400) is provided with a fixing hole (430). One end of the fixing member (500) passes through the fixing hole (430) and is detachably connected to the tray (200).

7. The battery box according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The lower end face of the tray (200) is provided with a groove (203), and the exhaust plate (300) is disposed in the groove (203), and the exhaust plate (300) is connected to the bottom wall of the groove (203).

8. The battery box according to claim 7, characterized in that, The height of the exhaust plate (300) is less than or equal to the depth of the groove (203).

9. The battery box according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The exhaust plate (300) is welded to the tray (200), and the battery cell (100) is fixedly connected to the tray (200) by structural adhesive (600).

10. The battery box according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The housing (700) has several installation positions (701), and each installation position (701) has a directional exhaust battery module.

11. The battery box according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The second exhaust port (702), the air guide pipe (800), and the explosion-proof valve (703) are each provided in multiples, and the second exhaust port (702), the air guide pipe (800), and the explosion-proof valve (703) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the directional exhaust battery module.

12. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery box includes any one of claims 1-11 above.

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