Battery pack for a double layer module

Abstract

The application provides a battery pack for a double-layer module, comprising a battery module, which comprises a pair of battery assemblies; each battery assembly comprises a support tray and a battery core group; the support tray is provided with a plurality of through holes; the pressure relief valves of a plurality of single battery cores in the battery core group are arranged in the through holes in a one-to-one correspondence; the pressure relief valves of the pair of battery core groups are arranged oppositely; the support tray is provided with a plurality of pressure relief holes; a module bracket is arranged between the pair of support trays, and the module bracket is provided with a first pressure relief channel; a pressure relief cavity is arranged between the pair of support trays; the through holes, the pressure relief cavity, the first pressure relief channel and the pressure relief holes are communicated; a box body is arranged in the battery module; the box body is provided with a third pressure relief channel; and the third pressure relief channel and the pressure relief holes are communicated. The double-layer battery assembly in the battery pack in the embodiment of the application can effectively prevent gas and flame from spreading randomly in the battery pack, effectively prevent heat runaway from spreading, and prevent more serious fires or explosions from being caused.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery pack technology, and more particularly to battery packs for dual-layer modules. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the demand for lightweight vehicles has been increasing, especially in the field of new energy vehicles. Driving range has always been a bottleneck restricting performance development. In existing technologies, improving driving range usually starts from increasing the total energy of the battery, which usually includes increasing the energy density of the battery pack or increasing the number of modules. In order to improve the space utilization of electric vehicles, a double-layer module arrangement is usually carried out. The emergence of the double-layer module structure can effectively utilize the envelope space and improve the driving range of electric vehicles.

[0003] In the design of existing dual-layer module battery packs, due to sealing difficulties, it is usually difficult to design a dedicated venting and pressure relief channel. Since dual-layer module battery packs do not have a dedicated venting and pressure relief channel, when the cells on the module experience thermal runaway, a large amount of gas is released instantly inside the cells, accompanied by flames. Because there is no directional venting channel to guide these gases and flames, they will spread randomly throughout the battery pack, easily igniting other components and causing other normally functioning cells to also experience thermal runaway. This can lead to the spread of thermal runaway and easily cause fires or explosions, indicating a need for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of this invention is to provide a battery pack that prevents the spread of thermal runaway.

[0005] A battery pack for a dual-layer module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0006] A battery module comprising a pair of battery components stacked along the height direction;

[0007] Each of the battery components includes a support tray and a cell assembly. The support tray has several through holes along its height. The pressure relief valves of several individual cells in the cell assembly are correspondingly arranged at the several through holes. A pair of pressure relief valves of the cell assembly are arranged facing each other along the height direction. The support tray is also provided with several pressure relief holes.

[0008] A module bracket is disposed between a pair of support trays arranged along the height direction, and the module bracket is provided with a first pressure relief channel; wherein a pressure relief cavity is provided between the pair of support trays arranged along the height direction, and the through hole, the pressure relief cavity, the first pressure relief channel and the pressure relief hole are connected.

[0009] The battery module is housed within the housing. The housing is provided with a third pressure relief channel, which is connected to the pressure relief hole.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each of the support trays includes a tray body having a mounting groove and a tray extension disposed on the circumferential edge of the tray body, and each of the tray bodies is provided with a plurality of through holes along its own height direction;

[0011] The pressure relief cavity is provided between a pair of tray bodies arranged along the height direction, and the module bracket is provided between a pair of tray extensions arranged along the height direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the tray extension and the module bracket are rectangular rings.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes:

[0014] A fireproof board is disposed between a pair of said pallet bodies arranged along the height direction, and the through holes located on the upper pallet body and the through holes located on the lower pallet body are separated by the fireproof board.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the box body is provided with side beams and a plurality of first cross beams, the side beams enclosing a frame structure, and the third pressure relief channel is provided inside the side beams;

[0016] Several first crossbeams are disposed inside the frame structure and connected to the side beams. The several first crossbeams divide the frame structure into multiple areas, and each area is provided with the battery module.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first crossbeam is provided with a second pressure relief channel, and the first pressure relief channel, the pressure relief hole, the second pressure relief channel and the third pressure relief channel are connected.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a pair of support trays are symmetrically arranged along the height direction, and the tray extension located on the lower side is provided with a plurality of pressure relief holes, the pressure relief holes, the second pressure relief channel and the third pressure relief channel.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the side beam is provided with an explosion-proof valve, and the explosion-proof valve is connected to the third pressure relief channel.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the module bracket and a pair of tray extensions arranged along the height direction are connected by locking members to clamp the fireproof plate.

[0021] In summary, the beneficial effects 5 of the battery pack for dual-layer modules provided by the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] In practical applications, the battery pack in this embodiment of the invention uses a double-layer battery assembly, wherein the individual battery cells are cylindrical. Since the explosion-proof valve of the cylindrical battery cell is located at the bottom of the cell, the double-layer battery assembly employs an installation structure where the bottoms of the individual battery cells face each other. When the battery...

[0023] During thermal runaway, the generated gas and flame will concentrate through the through-holes into the pressure relief cavity formed between a pair of support trays arranged along the height direction, and then the generated gas and flame will flow towards the module.

[0024] The first pressure relief channel of the bracket flows into the pressure relief hole of the support tray, and finally into the third pressure relief channel of the box. The third pressure relief channel guides away the gas and flame, effectively preventing the gas and flame from spreading randomly inside the battery pack, effectively preventing thermal runaway and preventing more serious fires or explosions.

[0025] 5. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part from the description itself.

[0026] As will become apparent from the description, or as will be learned through the practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

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

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the battery pack in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the image;

[0030] Figure 4 This is another internal structure diagram of the battery pack in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the supporting tray structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the module bracket structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled state of the battery pack in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Icons: 1-Battery assembly, 11-Support tray, 111-Through hole, 112-Pressure relief hole, 113-Tray body.

[0035] 114-Tray extension, 12-Battery cell assembly, 2-Module bracket, 21-First pressure relief channel, 3-Pressure relief cavity, 4-First crossbeam, 41-Second pressure relief channel, 5-Fireproof plate, 6-Box body, 7-Side beam, 71-Third pressure relief channel, 72-Explosion-proof valve, 8-Locking component. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To better understand and implement this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, 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 this invention.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0039] The following is a reference appendix. Figures 1-6 This paper describes a battery pack and power supply device for a dual-layer module according to embodiments of the present invention. Some embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0040] In recent years, the demand for lightweight vehicles has been increasing, especially in the field of new energy vehicles. Driving range has always been a bottleneck restricting performance development. In existing technologies, improving driving range usually starts from increasing the total energy of the battery, which usually includes increasing the energy density of the battery pack or increasing the number of modules. In order to improve the space utilization of electric vehicles, a double-layer module arrangement is usually carried out. The emergence of the double-layer module structure can effectively utilize the envelope space and improve the driving range of electric vehicles.

[0041] In the design of existing dual-layer module battery packs, due to sealing difficulties, it is usually difficult to design a dedicated venting and pressure relief channel. Since dual-layer module battery packs do not have a dedicated venting and pressure relief channel, when the cells on the module experience thermal runaway, a large amount of gas is released instantly inside the cells, accompanied by flames. Because there is no directional venting channel to guide these gases and flames, they will spread randomly throughout the battery pack, easily igniting other components and causing other normally functioning cells to also experience thermal runaway. This can lead to the spread of thermal runaway and easily cause fires or explosions, indicating a need for improvement.

[0042] In view of this, the battery pack in the embodiments of the present invention is equipped with a special exhaust and pressure relief structure for the double-layer module, which directs the gases and flames away in a directional manner in the event of thermal runaway, preventing the spread of thermal runaway.

[0043] Please refer to the appendix for details. Figures 1-6 The battery pack in this embodiment of the invention includes a battery module, a module bracket 2, and a housing 6.

[0044] Specifically, the battery module includes a pair of battery components 1 stacked vertically along the height direction. Each battery component 1 includes a support tray 11 and a cell assembly 12. The support tray 11 has several through holes 111 extending along its height direction. The pressure relief valves of several individual cells in the cell assembly 12 are correspondingly located at the several through holes 111. The pressure relief valves of the pair of cell assemblies 12 arranged along the height direction face each other. The support tray 11 also has several pressure relief holes 112. The module bracket 2 is disposed between the pair of support trays 11 arranged along the height direction and has a first pressure relief channel 21. A pressure relief cavity 3 is disposed between the pair of support trays 11 arranged along the height direction. The through holes 111, the pressure relief cavity 3, the first pressure relief channel 21, and the pressure relief holes 112 are connected. The battery module is disposed inside a housing 6. The housing 6 has a third pressure relief channel 71, which is connected to the pressure relief holes 112.

[0045] In practical applications, the double-layer battery assembly 1 in the battery pack of this embodiment of the invention has a cylindrical battery cell in the battery assembly 1. Since the explosion-proof valve 72 of the cylindrical battery cell is located at the bottom of the cell itself, the double-layer battery assembly 1 adopts an installation structure in which the bottoms of the individual battery cells face each other. When the battery overheats and runs away, the generated gas and flame will be concentrated in the pressure relief cavity 3 formed between a pair of support trays 11 arranged along the height direction through the through hole 111. Then the generated gas and flame will flow to the first pressure relief channel 21 of the module bracket 2, then to the pressure relief hole 112 of the support tray 11, and finally flow into the third pressure relief channel 71 of the housing 6. The gas and flame are guided away through the third pressure relief channel 71, which effectively prevents the gas and flame from spreading randomly inside the battery pack and effectively prevents the spread of thermal runaway, so as to prevent more serious fires or explosions.

[0046] Further applications revealed that arranging a double-layer module within the battery pack can effectively improve the driving range of electric vehicles, but it increases the thickness of the battery pack. Therefore, in order to reduce the overall thickness of the battery pack, the structure of the support tray 11 was improved, and the installation position of the module bracket 2 was also adjusted accordingly, thereby reducing the thickness of the battery pack to a certain extent and achieving miniaturization and lightness.

[0047] Please refer to the appendix for details. Figures 1-6 In the battery pack of this embodiment, each support tray 11 includes a tray body 113 with a mounting groove and a tray extension 114 disposed on the circumferential edge of the tray body 113, and each tray body 113 is provided with a plurality of through holes 111 along its own height direction; a pressure relief cavity 3 is provided between a pair of tray bodies 113 disposed along the height direction, and the module bracket 2 is disposed between a pair of tray extensions 114 disposed along the height direction.

[0048] In practical applications, the battery module of the battery pack in this embodiment of the invention is provided with a pair of support trays 11. Since the support trays 11 form a tray body 113 with mounting grooves, this means that the tray body 113 itself has a certain thickness, so that a mounting gap is formed between the pair of tray extensions 114 for mounting the module bracket 2. Therefore, the cell assembly 12 is correspondingly installed at the mounting groove of the tray body 113, and the module bracket 2 is correspondingly installed at the tray extension 114. The cell assembly 12 is disposed in the module bracket 2, so the cell assembly 12 and the module bracket 2 overlap in height, making the structure more compact, reducing the thickness of the battery pack to a certain extent, and achieving miniaturization and portability.

[0049] It is known that when the battery overheats and runs away, the generated gas and flame will concentrate in the pressure relief chamber 3. Then, the generated gas and flame will flow towards the edge of the support tray 11, and then flow into the first pressure relief channel 21 of the module bracket 2, then into the pressure relief hole 112 of the support tray 11, and finally into the third pressure relief channel 71 of the housing 6. The third pressure relief channel 71 guides away these gases and flames, effectively preventing the gas and flames from spreading randomly inside the battery pack, effectively preventing the spread of thermal runaway, and preventing more serious fires or explosions.

[0050] Existing battery packs are usually made into a square shell shape. In order to adapt to the square shell shape, the battery pack in this embodiment of the invention has a rectangular ring shape for both the tray extension 114 and the module bracket 2.

[0051] Of course, in some other embodiments, the tray extension 114 and the module bracket 2 may be circular.

[0052] Further application revealed that, due to the dual-layer module configuration of this battery pack, when a single cell in one of the cell groups 12 experiences thermal runaway, the generated gas and flames will be sprayed towards the bottom of the single cell in the opposite cell group 12, thereby triggering thermal runaway. Therefore, in order to prevent the generated gas and flames from spraying towards the bottom of the individual cells in the opposite module and triggering thermal runaway, this battery pack uses a fireproof plate 5 to block and prevent the thermal runaway from spreading between the dual-layer modules.

[0053] Please refer to the appendix for details. Figures 1-6 In this embodiment of the invention, the battery pack also includes a fireproof plate 5, which is disposed between a pair of tray bodies 113 disposed along the height direction, and the through hole 111 located on the upper tray body 113 and the through hole 111 located on the tray body 113 are separated by the fireproof plate 5.

[0054] In practical applications, when a single cell in the cell group 12 of one layer of the battery pack in this embodiment of the invention experiences thermal runaway, the generated gas and flame will be sprayed towards the fireproof plate 5, flowing along the fireproof plate 5 towards the edge of the support tray 11, then flowing into the first pressure relief channel 21 of the module bracket 2, then into the pressure relief hole 112 of the support tray 11, and finally into the third pressure relief channel 71 of the housing 6. The third pressure relief channel 71 guides away these gases and flames, effectively preventing the gas and flames from spreading randomly throughout the battery pack, effectively preventing the spread of thermal runaway, and preventing more serious fires or explosions. Furthermore, it also effectively prevents the generated gas and flames from spraying onto the bottom of individual cells in the opposing module and causing thermal runaway, preventing the spread of thermal runaway between the two-layer modules.

[0055] Among them, the fireproof board 5 can be specifically a mica board, such as a high-temperature resistant mica board, which can be made by bonding mica paper with silicone water, heating and pressing, wherein the mica content is about 90% and the silicone water content is 10%.

[0056] Further applications revealed that, in order to increase the battery capacity of the battery pack, multiple battery modules are usually set up inside the battery pack. In order to enable multiple battery modules to reasonably discharge the generated gas and flames in the event of thermal runaway, the structure of the housing 6 of this battery pack has been improved.

[0057] Please refer to the appendix for details. Figures 1-6 In the battery pack of this embodiment of the invention, the housing 6 is provided with side beams 7 and several first crossbeams 4. The side beams 7 form a frame structure and a third pressure relief channel 71 is provided inside the side beams 7. The several first crossbeams 4 are located inside the frame structure and connected to the side beams 7. The several first crossbeams 4 divide the frame structure into multiple areas, and each area is provided with a battery module.

[0058] Specifically, the first crossbeam 4 is provided with a second pressure relief channel 41, and the first pressure relief channel 21, the pressure relief hole 112, the second pressure relief channel 41 and the third pressure relief channel 71 are connected.

[0059] In practical applications, the battery pack of the present invention has multiple battery modules and multiple first crossbeams 4 arranged in an alternating manner, such that a battery module is placed between two first crossbeams 4. When the battery overheats and runs away, the generated gas and flame will be concentrated in the pressure relief cavity 3 formed between a pair of support trays 11 arranged along the height direction through the through hole 111. Then the generated gas and flame will flow to the first pressure relief channel 21 of the module bracket 2, and then to the pressure relief hole 112 of the support tray 11. First, it flows into the second pressure relief channel 41 of the first crossbeam 4, and then into the third pressure relief channel 71 of the housing 6. The gas and flame are guided away through the third pressure relief channel 71, effectively preventing the gas and flame from spreading randomly inside the battery pack, effectively preventing the spread of thermal runaway, and preventing more serious fires or explosions.

[0060] Furthermore, from a positional perspective, the gas and flame generated by the battery module will flow to the first crossbeams 4 on both sides, and then be guided away through the second pressure relief channel 41, effectively preventing the gas and flame from spreading randomly throughout the battery pack, effectively preventing thermal runaway from spreading, and thus preventing more serious fires or explosions.

[0061] The specific gas and flame guiding structures can be found in the appendix. Figures 1-6 The side beam 7 is equipped with an explosion-proof valve 72, which is connected to the third pressure relief channel 71. Specifically, the side beam 7 can be U-shaped.

[0062] In practical applications, when the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the generated gas and flames will flow to the second pressure relief channel 41 in the first crossbeam 4, then to the third pressure relief channel 71 in the side beam 7, and finally burst at the explosion-proof valve 72, automatically opening the pressure relief to prevent the battery pack from exploding.

[0063] Further application revealed that, since a fireproof plate 5 is provided between a pair of tray bodies 113 arranged along the height direction, the gas and flame generated during thermal runaway will spray towards the fireproof plate 5. Therefore, the fireproof plate 5 needs to be fixed to prevent it from spraying off-center during thermal runaway. This battery pack uses a clamping structure to clamp the fireproof plate 5 to fix it.

[0064] Please refer to the appendix for details. Figures 1-6 In the battery pack of this embodiment of the invention, the module bracket 2 and a pair of tray extensions 114 arranged along the height direction are connected by locking members 8 to clamp the fireproof plate 5.

[0065] In practical applications, this battery pack uses locking components 8 to lock a pair of tray extensions 114 onto the module bracket 2, and then uses a pair of tray bodies 113 to clamp the fireproof plate 5, thereby fixing the fireproof plate 5 and preventing it from spraying off-center during thermal runaway. The locking components 8 can specifically be bolts or screws.

[0066] This invention discloses not only battery packs but also electrical devices including battery packs. These electrical devices can be, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, and spacecraft. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers.

[0067] The technical means disclosed in this invention are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack for a double layer module, characterized by, include: A battery module comprising a pair of battery components (1) stacked along the height direction; Each of the battery components (1) includes a support tray (11) and a cell assembly (12). The support tray (11) has a plurality of through holes (111) extending along its height. The pressure relief valves of a plurality of individual cells in the cell assembly (12) are correspondingly arranged at the plurality of through holes (111). The pressure relief valves of a pair of cell assemblies (12) arranged along the height direction face each other. The support tray (11) is also provided with a plurality of pressure relief holes (112). A module bracket (2) is disposed between a pair of support trays (11) arranged along the height direction, and the module bracket (2) is provided with a first pressure relief channel (21); wherein a pressure relief cavity (3) is provided between the pair of support trays (11) arranged along the height direction, and the through hole (111), the pressure relief cavity (3), the first pressure relief channel (21) and the pressure relief hole (112) are connected; The housing (6) contains the battery module, and the housing (6) is provided with a third pressure relief channel (71), which is connected to the pressure relief hole (112). Each of the support trays (11) includes a tray body (113) with a mounting groove and a tray extension (114) disposed on the circumferential edge of the tray body (113). Each tray body (113) has a plurality of through holes (111) through it along its height direction. A pressure relief cavity (3) is disposed between a pair of tray bodies (113) disposed along the height direction. The module bracket (2) is disposed between a pair of tray extensions (114) disposed along the height direction. The tray extension (114) located on the lower side has a plurality of pressure relief holes (112). The housing (6) is provided with side beams (7) and several first cross beams (4). The side beams (7) enclose a frame structure. The third pressure relief channel (71) is provided inside the side beams (7). Several first cross beams (4) are located inside the frame structure and connected to the side beams (7). The several first cross beams (4) divide the frame structure into multiple areas. Each area is provided with the battery module. The tray extension (114) located on the lower side is disposed on the top of the first crossbeam (4), the first crossbeam (4) is provided with a second pressure relief channel (41), and the first pressure relief channel (21), the pressure relief hole (112), the second pressure relief channel (41) and the third pressure relief channel (71) are connected.

2. The battery pack for a dual-layer module according to claim 1, characterized by, Both the tray extension (114) and the module bracket (2) are rectangular rings.

3. The battery pack for a dual-layer module according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: A fireproof plate (5) is disposed between a pair of tray bodies (113) arranged along the height direction, and the through hole (111) of the upper tray body (113) and the through hole (111) of the lower tray body (113) are separated by the fireproof plate (5).

4. The battery pack for a dual-layer module according to claim 1, wherein The pair of support trays (11) arranged symmetrically along the height direction.

5. The battery pack for a dual layer module of claim 1, wherein, The side beam (7) is equipped with an explosion-proof valve (72), which is connected to the third pressure relief channel (71).

6. The battery pack for a dual-layer module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The module bracket (2) and a pair of tray extensions (114) arranged along the height direction are connected by locking members (8) to clamp the fireproof plate (5).

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