Battery device

Abstract

A battery apparatus (100) includes a battery cell pack including a plurality of battery cells (118). The battery apparatus further includes a structure (104) disposed on a top of the battery cell pack, the structure including an insulating material (106), and a housing (102) in which the battery cell pack and the structure are arranged. At least an upper surface (110) of the structure has heat and fire resistant properties. The insulating material includes a plurality of weakened portions or cutouts (112) extending through the insulating material. The structure is arranged such that, in the event of a cell (118a) burnout, a venting passage (116) is formed through the weakened portions or cutouts in the insulating material over the cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally pertains to the field of batteries. More specifically, this disclosure relates to reducing the spread of fire within battery cell packs. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the global demand for battery devices has increased rapidly. High-efficiency batteries are needed in vehicles and mobile devices, and these high-efficiency batteries are required as backup solutions to support essential functions during power outages or interruptions.

[0003] If a battery cell experiences a severe failure, it may thermally run away. In this state, flammable gases and flames may be generated, potentially affecting other equipment near the affected cell. Because several battery cells are typically arranged together in a battery pack, flammable gases or flames caused by thermal runaway in one cell can spread to other cells. This chain reaction from a failed cell can lead to a larger failure or even a fire or explosion of the entire battery pack or equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide an improved battery device.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery device is provided. The battery device includes a battery cell pack comprising a plurality of battery cells. The battery cell pack may also be referred to as a cell pack or an assembly of battery cells.

[0006] The battery device further includes a structure disposed on top of the battery cell pack. This structure includes insulating material.

[0007] The battery device further includes a housing, the battery cell pack, and the structure arranged within the housing.

[0008] At least the upper surface of the structure has heat-resistant and fire-resistant properties. The insulating material includes multiple weakened portions or cutouts extending through the insulating material. The structure is arranged (or positioned) such that in the event of a cell burnout (thermal runaway, overheating) in one of the plurality of battery cells, a venting passage is formed above the cell through the weakened portions or cutouts in the insulating material.

[0009] The upper / top surface of the structure is the surface furthest from the battery cell pack, and the lower / bottom surface of the structure is the surface closest to the battery cell pack. Depending on the embodiment, these terms are used throughout this disclosure to describe the internal relationships between different components / features of the battery device. The terms upper / lower, up / down, top / bottom, etc., do not necessarily define the position or orientation of components in a larger frame of reference, such as their orientation relative to the Earth.

[0010] In the event of thermal runaway or burnout of one of the multiple battery cells, hot combustion gases and / or flames may be generated within or by that cell. Many battery cells release such gases / flames in the longitudinal direction rather than the lateral direction (towards adjacent battery cells). For example, the battery cell may have internal features to prevent lateral release of flames / gases. Alternatively, external features, such as retaining features, may have the same effect in preventing flame / gas propagation.

[0011] A structure positioned on top of the battery cell pack prevents the spread of fire between cells within the pack. This structure can be arranged such that the insulation material prevents fire and combustion gases from reaching adjacent cells (affected / critical cells) from above. Ventilation pathways formed above critical cells through weakened sections or cuts in the insulation material provide a passageway through which gases and flames can escape / release above the structure. This structure then forms a barrier between the flame / gas and the battery cell pack. Therefore, the fire-resistant and heat-resistant properties of the upper surface of this structure prevent flames and gases from reaching other cells in the battery cell pack, thus limiting the failure and destruction of the battery cell pack.

[0012] Due to the increased pressure caused by the formation of flames and gases, ventilation pathways can be formed through weakened sections or cuts in the insulation material. For example, when the pressure increases, a pre-cut or weakened section above the affected (burnt) unit may give way (collapse / open) to form a ventilation pathway.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the insulating material in this structure can be less than or substantially equal to 1 W / m·K.

[0014] For example, the thermal conductivity of insulating materials can be lower than 0.8 W / m·K, such as (lower than) 0.5 W / m·K.

[0015] The low thermal conductivity of insulating materials can help isolate affected cells or prevent other cells in the battery pack from overheating in the event of cell overheating (burnout, thermal runaway).

[0016] According to some embodiments, the insulating material can be electrically insulating.

[0017] When hot gases and flames pass through the ventilation passages, they may be released above the structure. The housing or other equipment within the housing may be affected by the hot gases and flames, which could, for example, cause molten metal or other foreign objects to fall onto or otherwise come into contact with the upper surface of the structure. Embodiments where the insulating material is electrically insulating or non-conductive can prevent electrical short circuits between cells or between the battery cell pack and other components / equipment due to such foreign objects.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the insulating material can withstand temperatures of at least 800°C.

[0019] The insulating material can further withstand temperatures of at least 800°C for at least 60 seconds.

[0020] For example, insulating materials can withstand temperatures of at least 900°C, such as 1000°C.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the thickness of the insulating material can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0022] For example, the thickness can range from 0.7 mm to 3.5 mm. More specifically, the thickness can range from 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the insulating material may include a fluoroelastomer material.

[0024] For example, insulating materials may include FKM or FFKM (perfluoroelastomers). Such materials can have heat-resistant and electrically insulating properties.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the structure may further include a covering or coating on a heat-resistant and fire-resistant upper surface forming the structure. The covering may include a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material. The covering (or coating) may further include multiple weakened portions or pre-cuts forming flaps (doors / covers / ports). Ventilation passages may further include an open flap among the multiple flaps formed by the weakened portions or pre-cuts in the covering or coating, because the flaps can be opened by pressure increases caused by the burning of the unit (thermal runaway).

[0026] For example, flaps can be formed by creating (cutting) a pre-cut through part or all of the overlay or coating. Alternatively, flaps can be formed by weakening a portion of the overlay or coating material.

[0027] The weakened portion or pre-cut can form at least part of the outline or trajectory of a shape such as a circle, ellipse, or square, thereby giving the fold its shape.

[0028] The cover / coating can be formed (or arranged / positioned) such that the flap is positioned above a weakened portion / pre-cut in the insulating material, which in turn is arranged (or positioned) above the battery cell. Therefore, the flap can open due to increased pressure caused by the burning of the cell beneath the flap.

[0029] Once opened, the flap can be completely released from the cover / coating. Alternatively, the flap can remain partially attached to the cover / coating and open like a door.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the cover or coating may be electrically insulating.

[0031] A cover / coating, including electrically insulating material, can protect the insulating material from foreign objects that may come into contact with the cover / coating, such as from combustion gases or flames. Embodiments where the cover / coating is electrically insulating or non-conductive can prevent electrical short circuits between cells or between the battery cell pack and other components / equipment.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the cover or coating can withstand a temperature of at least 1000°C for at least 15 seconds.

[0033] For example, the coating / cover can withstand 1200°C for at least 15 seconds. More specifically, the coating / cover can withstand 1500°C for at least 15 seconds.

[0034] For example, the coating layer / layer can withstand 1000°C for at least 20 seconds. More specifically, the coating layer / layer can withstand 1000°C for at least 30 seconds.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the covering or coating may include or be composed of mica or ceramic.

[0036] Materials such as mica or ceramics can provide thin layers / coatings with heat-resistant and fire-resistant properties.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the cover or coating may have a thickness such that the flap can be opened by the increased pressure caused by the burning of the unit.

[0038] For example, in embodiments where the flaps of the cover / coating are still partially attached to the cover / coating when in the open state, the thickness of the cover / coating can be adaptively adjusted so that the portion of the flap still in contact with the cover / coating can be bent upwards (to open the flap) by increased pressure caused by a failure of the unit below.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the thickness of the cover layer or coating can be less than 300 μm.

[0040] For example, the thickness of the capping layer / coating can be less than 250 μm. More specifically, the thickness of the capping layer / coating can be less than 200 μm, such as 180 μm.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the structure may further include an adhesive for attaching the insulating material to the cover or coating.

[0042] Adhesives can form part of a covering / coating or an insulating material. Alternatively, adhesives can form separate layers / coatings.

[0043] Air bubbles / cavitation, for example, can form between the cover / coating and the insulation layer, potentially increasing the risk of lateral fire spread beneath the cover / coating. Using adhesives to attach the insulation to the cover can reduce the risk of air bubbles / cavitation forming between the insulation and the cover / coating.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the structure may further include a conductive layer that can be arranged to contact a battery cell pack to electrically connect multiple battery cells. The conductive layer may include multiple openings, and a venting passage may further include an opening among the multiple openings in the conductive layer.

[0045] For example, the conductive layer (and / or the structure as a whole) may be arranged / positioned such that at least one opening is arranged / positioned above each battery cell of the battery cell pack. However, it should be understood that the conductive layer may be in direct or indirect electrical contact with each battery cell electrically connected through the conductive layer.

[0046] The conductive layer may include, for example, nickel. The thickness of the conductive layer may be, for example, less than 0.3 mm, such as 0.2 mm or 0.15 mm.

[0047] According to some embodiments, a first side of the insulating material may be arranged to be in physical contact with a conductive layer, and a second side opposite to the first side may be arranged to be in physical contact with a cover layer or coating.

[0048] In other words, no other layer is formed between the insulating material and the conductive layer, nor between the insulating layer and the cover / coating layer.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the structure may further include an adhesive for attaching the insulating material to the conductive layer.

[0050] Air bubbles / cavitation, for example, can form between the conductive layer and the insulating layer / material, potentially increasing the risk of lateral fire spread between them. Using adhesives to attach the insulating material to the conductive layer can reduce the risk of air bubbles / cavitation forming between them.

[0051] In some embodiments, an adhesive may be used to attach a first side of the insulating material to a conductive layer, and / or another adhesive may be used to attach a second side of the insulating material to a cover layer / coating.

[0052] According to some embodiments, a cell among the plurality of battery cells (i.e., a cell on which a vent passage is formed) may include a vent port adapted to release internal pressure and / or gas. The vent port may be in fluid communication with the vent passage.

[0053] Vent ports (vents, outlets) can be included in the upper part of the battery cell, such as the upper surface of the battery cell. Vent ports can introduce combustion gases and flames upward into the ventilation path.

[0054] It should be understood that some or all of the battery cells may include such vent ports.

[0055] Similarly, it should be understood that, at a more general level, the structure can be arranged on the battery cell pack (e.g., aligned with the cells of the battery cell pack) such that, in the event of thermal runaway (burnout) of the cells involved, venting passages are formed above each cell or at least one of the cells in the battery cell pack.

[0056] According to some embodiments, one of the plurality of battery cells may include a heat-resistant and fire-resistant sidewall.

[0057] Sidewalls can form a shield between a cell and other cell units in the battery cell pack. It should be understood that some or all of the cell units in the battery cell pack may each include heat- and fire-resistant sidewalls. Such sidewalls / shields can reduce the risk of lateral spread of flames and heated gases to other cells adjacent to the faulty cell.

[0058] Heat-resistant and fire-resistant sidewalls can be disposed inside the outer surface of the battery cell, can form part of the outer surface of the battery cell, or can be disposed on the outer surface of the battery cell.

[0059] The sidewalls may include, for example, mica or ceramic, or be composed of mica or ceramic.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the battery device may further include a metal frame. The metal frame may include multiple compartments adapted for inserting individual battery cells.

[0061] The metal frame can act as a holding device, thus keeping the battery cells in place.

[0062] If a cell fails (or if it experiences thermal runaway), it may rupture laterally, potentially causing multiple neighboring cells to fail. A metal frame can act as a shield, separating the battery cell from the other cells in the battery pack. This shield prevents flames and heated gases from spreading laterally to other cells adjacent to the failed cell.

[0063] Furthermore, even without failure, battery cells can reach high temperatures. A metal frame can help address thermal issues, a common problem in high-energy-density cell packs.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the metal frame may include a metal with a thermal conductivity of at least 150 W / m·k.

[0065] For example, the metal frame may include a metal with a thermal conductivity of at least 180 W / m·K. More specifically, the metal frame may include a metal with a thermal conductivity of at least 200 W / m·K, such as aluminum with a thermal conductivity of 247 W / m·K.

[0066] A metal frame, including metals with high thermal conductivity (e.g., ≥ 150 W / m·K), can conduct heat away from the faulty cell. This frame enables uniform heat distribution within the package, which minimizes the risk of thermal runaway and extends cell life.

[0067] The metal frame can conduct heat to specific areas where different climate control measures can be implemented, such as convection cooling, active cooling, or heating.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the battery device may further include a cooling element arranged in thermal connection with a metal frame. For example, the housing of the battery device may further include a heat sink arranged in thermal connection with a metal frame. Typically, the operating principle of the cooling element may be based on passive or active cooling. As an alternative to a heat sink in the form of, for example, the metal wall of the housing, the cooling element may be based on piezoelectric cooling, evaporative cooling, or the use of a coolant.

[0069] These embodiments provide improved thermal management within the battery device because the metal frame can conduct heat to the cooling element, where cooling can occur.

[0070] According to the above embodiments, the metal frame can therefore prevent thermal runaway of the cells by stabilizing the temperature on the battery cell pack or by conducting heat to areas where cooling can occur. By forming a physical barrier to prevent the spread of flames and / or gases, and / or by conducting heat away from the affected cells, the metal frame can further protect cells around / near the faulty cell.

[0071] It should be noted that other embodiments using all possible combinations of the features described in the above embodiments are conceivable. Therefore, this disclosure also relates to all possible combinations of the features mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0072] The exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the following figures:

[0073] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of battery devices according to some embodiments;

[0074] Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of structures according to some embodiments;

[0075] Figure 3These are schematic diagrams of battery cell packs and structures according to some embodiments;

[0076] Figure 4 This is an illustration of a metal frame according to some embodiments;

[0077] Figure 5 These are schematic diagrams of cooling elements in the form of battery cell packs, structures, frames, and heat sinks according to some embodiments; and

[0078] Figure 6 These are illustrations of cooling elements in the form of battery cell packs, structures, frames, and heat sinks, according to some embodiments.

[0079] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are therefore provided to illustrate the overall structure of the embodiment. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0080] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to achieve thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0081] refer to Figure 1 The present invention will describe a battery device according to some embodiments.

[0082] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery device 100. The battery device 100 includes a housing 102, a battery cell pack 105, and a structure 104 arranged inside the housing.

[0083] The battery cell pack 105 includes a plurality of battery cells 118, 118a. The battery cell pack further includes (optionally) a holding device 108 for holding the battery cells 118, 118a in place. Different types of holding devices for arranging battery cells in the battery cell pack can be used. In this figure, the holding device 108 surrounds at least a portion of each battery cell 118, 118a for holding the battery cells 118, 118a in place.

[0084] Structure 104 is arranged on top of battery cell pack 105. This structure includes an insulating material 106 and has a top surface 110 that is fire-resistant and heat-resistant. The insulating material 106 has a plurality of weakened portions or pre-cuts 112 extending from the bottom surface (in contact with battery cells 118, 118a and the retaining device 108) through the insulating material 106 to the top surface 110. The insulating material has a thickness h1, which can be, for example, in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm. Structure 104 is positioned such that (in the shown cross-section), two weakened portions or pre-cuts 112 are arranged above each battery cell 118.

[0085] To illustrate the principle of the protection provided by structure 104, it can be assumed that one of the battery cells 118a has failed and is in thermal runaway (or burnout), represented by a flame. Due to the burnout of cell 118a, gas and flame 114 are formed, and the pressure within cell 118a increases. Insulating material 106 prevents the flame and gas 114 from reaching the other cells 118 of the battery cell pack 105. The pressure from the gas / flame 114 has created a venting passage 116 through a weakened / pre-cut opening in the insulating material 106 above the failed cell 118a, through which the gas / flame 114 can escape to the volume 103 above structure 104, i.e., the space within housing 102 located between the upper surface of structure 104 and the wall of housing 102.

[0086] When pressure (and temperature) increases, the insulating material 106 above the battery cell 118a may collapse, for example, on top of the battery cell 118a. For example, material in or between weakened portions / pre-cuts may collapse. Such collapse can leave an opening in the insulating material 106 layer through which gas / flame 114 can escape, thus forming a venting passage 116 (part of it).

[0087] Alternatively, increased pressure / temperature can widen the pre-cut through the insulation material to form a channel (ventilation passage 116) through which gas / flame 114 can be released above the structure.

[0088] Furthermore, the increased pressure of the heated gas / flame causes the weakest part of the wall-bound gas / flame (i.e., the weakened part / pre-cut 112) to give rise to the possibility of releasing gas / flame 114.

[0089] Once the gas / flame 114 has passed through the ventilation passage, the gas and flame 114 will be separated from other units 118 by structure 104. The heat-resistant and fire-resistant upper surface 110 and insulating material 106 of this structure will protect the unit package / battery unit pack from further spread of fire.

[0090] refer to Figure 2 The structure according to some embodiments will be described.

[0091] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of structure 104. Except for being formed by the cover / coating layer 120, the insulating material 106, and the conductive layer 122, structure 104 can be considered equivalent to the reference structure. Figure 1 The structure described is 104.

[0092] The cover layer / coating 120 comprises a heat- and fire-resistant material and forms the heat- and fire-resistant top surface of structure 104. The cover layer / coating 120 further includes a plurality of weakened portions / pre-cuts 124. The shapes of each weakened portion / pre-cut 124 are each defined to form a flap 132. The thickness h2 of the cover layer / coating 120 is such that increased pressure beneath the flap 132 can open the flap 132. For example, the thickness h2 can be less than 300 μm.

[0093] A cover layer / coating 120 is arranged to contact the upper surface 126 of the insulating material 106. The insulating material 106 includes a plurality of weakened portions / pre-cuts 112. Structure 104 is preferably assembled or arranged such that each weakened portion / pre-cut 112 in the insulating material 106 is aligned with a corresponding weakened portion / pre-cut 124 in the cover layer / coating 120. The lower surface 128 of the insulating material 106 (opposite to the upper surface 126) is arranged to contact a conductive layer 122 including a plurality of openings 130. Again, structure 104 is preferably assembled or arranged such that each opening 130 in the conductive layer 122 is aligned with a corresponding weakened portion / pre-cut 112 in the insulating material 106. Accordingly, any weakened portion / pre-cut 124 in the cover layer / coating 120 is coaxially arranged with the corresponding weakened portion / pre-cut 112 in the insulating material 106 and the corresponding opening 130 in the conductive layer 122.

[0094] refer to Figure 3 The present invention will describe a battery device according to some embodiments.

[0095] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of structure 104 arranged above battery cell pack 105.

[0096] Structure 104 includes a cover layer / coating 120, an insulating material 106, and a conductive layer 122. An adhesive 138 is disposed between the cover layer / coating 120 and the insulating material 106 to attach the cover layer / coating 120 to the insulating material 106. Furthermore, an adhesive 140 is disposed between the insulating material 106 and the conductive layer 122 to attach the conductive layer 122 to the insulating material 106. The adhesives 138 and 140 may each be provided as adhesive layers.

[0097] The capping layer / coating 120 includes a plurality of weakened portions / pre-cuts 124. The shape of each weakened portion / pre-cut 124 is defined to form a flap 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the weakened portions / pre-cuts 124 extend through the entire thickness of the capping layer / coating 120. Furthermore, the insulating material 106 includes a plurality of weakened portions / pre-cuts 112, and the conductive layer 122 includes a plurality of openings 130. The weakened portions / pre-cuts and openings can be combined as follows: Figure 2 Aligned as described.

[0098] A connector 134 is formed between the battery cell and the conductive layer 122. The conductive layer 122 here electrically connects each battery cell in the battery cell pack to each other (in series or in parallel). The battery cell 118 includes a vent port 136 adapted to release internal pressure and / or gas. Figure 3 The leftmost battery cell depicted in the image is shown with a closed vent port 136.

[0099] Referring to the battery cell designated 118a, events following a battery cell failure or burnout will now be described. Upon burnout, battery cell 118a generates heated gas (and / or flame) 114. Due to the increased pressure within battery cell 118a, the heated gas (and / or flame) can cause the vent port 136a to open. The pressure exerted by the released gas 114 then enters the corresponding opening in the conductive layer 122 above battery cell 118a, causing a weakened portion / pre-cut in the insulating material 106 above the opening to rupture (collapse) or open, thereby allowing gas 114 to pass through the insulating material 106 up to the cover / coating 120. Similarly, the pressure of gas 114 will cause a weakened portion / pre-cut in the cover / coating corresponding to battery cell 118a to rupture or open, forming an open flap 132a, thereby allowing gas 114 to exit structure 104 through the opening left by the open flap 132a. Ventilation passage 116 is thus formed in structure 104, thereby extending over conductive layer 122, insulating material 106 and cover / coating 120.

[0100] When hot gas reaches the structure and the battery cell housing ( Figure 3When these gases are in the space between (not shown), they can cause metal particles from the battery device casing or other components to melt and fall onto the structure. However, as the top surface of the structure (which is in Figure 3 In the embodiments shown, corresponding to the covering / coating 120 (which may be, for example, ceramic or mica), such metal particles falling on the structure will not affect the rest of the structure, and in particular, prevent the fire from spreading to other units.

[0101] Both the insulation layer and the cover layer 120 prevent the lateral spread of faults (or fire) occurring within the unit. The insulation layer provides upward ventilation to prevent the lateral spread of fire, and the cover layer / coating 120 protects the insulation layer from damage by other components falling onto the structure. The cover layer / coating 120 also provides protection against unwanted electrical short circuits.

[0102] Here, each battery cell further includes a heat-resistant and fire-resistant sidewall 142.

[0103] refer to Figure 4 The metal frame 144 according to some embodiments will be described.

[0104] Figure 4 This is an illustration of a battery cell pack 105. The battery cell pack 105 includes a plurality of battery cells 118. As can be seen, each battery cell 118 is arranged in a corresponding compartment 146 of a metal frame 144. The shape of the plurality of compartments 146 is preferably determined to correspond to the shape of the battery cells 118. Here, the plurality of compartments 146 are cylindrical. As shown, the metal frame 144 further does not necessarily cover all surfaces of each battery cell 118. Preferably, the metal frame 144 provides coverage and protection for the side surfaces of each battery cell 118. Furthermore, the metal frame 144 improves thermal management in the event of thermal runaway of one battery cell, as well as during normal operation of the battery cell (e.g., when charging and / or discharging the battery cell).

[0105] refer to Figure 5 The present invention will describe a battery device according to some embodiments.

[0106] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of structure 104, battery cell pack 105, metal frame 144, and cooling elements such as heat sink 148. Structure 104 includes a cover layer / coating 120, insulating material 106, and conductive layer 122.

[0107] The capping layer / coating 120 includes a plurality of weakened portions / pre-cuts 124. The shape of each weakened portion / pre-cut 124 is defined to form a flap 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the weakened portions / pre-cuts 124 extend through the entire thickness of the capping layer / coating 120. Furthermore, the insulating material 106 includes a plurality of weakened portions / pre-cuts 112, and the conductive layer 122 includes a plurality of openings 130. The weakened portions / pre-cuts and openings can be combined as follows: Figure 2 Aligned as described.

[0108] A connector 134 is formed between the battery cell and the conductive layer 122. The conductive layer 122 electrically connects each battery cell in the battery cell pack to each other. The battery cell 118 includes a vent port 136 adapted to release internal pressure and / or gas. Figure 3 The leftmost battery cell depicted in the image is shown with a closed vent port 136.

[0109] The battery cell pack 105 includes a plurality of battery cells 118, 118a. The battery cell pack further includes (optionally) a holding device 108 for holding the battery cells 118, 118a in place. Different types of holding devices for arranging battery cells in the battery cell pack can be used. In this figure, the holding device 108 surrounds at least a portion of each battery cell 118, 118a for holding the battery cells 118, 118a in place. It should be understood that the holding device 108 may include several separate parts, such as... Figure 6 This is shown more clearly in the text.

[0110] generally, Figure 5 The structure 104 of the embodiment shown can be equivalent to the reference. Figures 1 to 3 The described structure 104. Similarly, except for the further provision of a metal frame 144, Figure 5 The battery device shown in the embodiment can be considered equivalent to the reference. Figures 1 to 3 The battery device described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0111] The metal frame 144 provides a compartment suitable for holding a single battery cell. The metal frame 144 is further connected to a heat sink 148. Therefore, heat generated by the battery cell can be conducted to the heat sink 148 via the metal frame 144 for thermal control of the battery cell. Figure 5 The heat sink 148 depicted provides an alternative to or in addition to passive cooling, where the cooling element may be based on active cooling, such as, for example, piezoelectric cooling, evaporative cooling, or the use of coolant.

[0112] Referring to battery cell 118a, events following a battery cell failure or burnout will now be described. Upon burnout, battery cell 118a generates heated gas (and / or flame) 114. Due to the increased pressure within battery cell 118a, the heated gas (and / or flame) can cause the vent port 136a to open. The pressure exerted by the released gas 114 then enters the corresponding opening in the conductive layer 122 above battery cell 118a, causing a weakened portion / pre-cut in the insulating material 106 above the opening to rupture or open, thereby allowing gas 114 to pass through the insulating material 106 up to the cover layer / coating 120. Similarly, the pressure of gas 114 will cause a weakened portion / pre-cut in the cover layer / coating corresponding to battery cell 118a to rupture or open, forming an open flap 132a, thereby allowing gas 114 to exit structure 104 through the opening left by the open flap 132a. Ventilation passage 116 is thus formed in structure 104, thereby extending over conductive layer 122, insulating material 106 and cover / coating 120.

[0113] refer to Figure 6 The present invention will describe a battery device according to some embodiments.

[0114] Figure 6 This is a diagram of structure 104, battery cell pack 105, metal frame 144, and heat sink 148. In summary, Figure 6 Showing Figure 5 A perspective view of an embodiment is shown. The holding device 108, which holds the battery cell 118, can be seen more clearly here. Here, the holding device 108 includes an upper holding unit and a lower holding unit, which are arranged to engage with the upper and lower portions of each battery cell, respectively. The conductive layer 122 and the insulating material 106 are also visible in the depicted view.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0116] Although the features and elements are described above in specific combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without other features and elements, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.

[0117] Furthermore, variations of the disclosed embodiments are those that a person skilled in the art can understand and make by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. The mere fact that certain features are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these features cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A battery device (100), comprising: A battery cell pack (105) comprising a plurality of battery cells (118). A layered structure (104) is disposed on top of the battery cell pack, the layered structure including a conductive layer (122), an insulating material (106) and a cover layer (120) or coating forming the upper surface of the layered structure; as well as The housing (102) contains the battery cell pack and the layered structure; wherein, The conductive layer is arranged to contact the battery cell pack to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells, and the conductive layer includes a plurality of openings (130). The insulating material includes a plurality of weakened portions (112) extending through the insulating material. The covering or coating includes a heat- and fire-resistant material and further includes a plurality of weakened portions (124) forming a flap (132), the heat- and fire-resistant material including mica or ceramic, the flap being capable of opening by an increase in pressure caused by the burning of the battery cell; and The layered structure is arranged such that, in the event of a cell (118a) burning out among the plurality of battery cells, a venting passage (116) is formed above the cell (118a) through the following portion: The opening among the plurality of openings in the conductive layer. The weakened portion in the insulating material, and The open flap (132a) of the flap in the cover layer or coating. Each of the plurality of weakened portions (124) in the cover layer or coating (120) is arranged coaxially with a corresponding weakened portion (112) in the insulating material (106) and a corresponding opening (130) in the conductive layer (122).

2. The battery device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The thermal conductivity of the insulating material is less than or equal to 1 W / m·K.

3. The battery device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The insulating material is electrically insulating.

4. The battery device as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The thickness (h1) of the insulating material is in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

5. The battery device as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The insulating material includes fluoroelastomer materials.

6. The battery device as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The covering or coating is electrically insulating.

7. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The covering or coating layer has a thickness (h2) such that the flap can be opened by the increased pressure caused by the burning of the unit (118a).

8. The battery device as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The thickness of the covering layer or coating is less than 300 μm.

9. The battery device as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The layered structure further includes an adhesive (138) to attach the insulating material to the cover layer or coating.

10. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first side (126) of the insulating material is arranged to be in physical contact with the conductive layer, and the second side (128) opposite to the first side is arranged to be in physical contact with the covering layer or coating.

11. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The layered structure further includes an adhesive (140) to attach the insulating material to the conductive layer.

12. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The cell in the plurality of battery cells includes a vent port (136) adapted to release internal pressure and / or gas; and wherein the vent port is in fluid communication with the vent passage.

13. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The cell in the plurality of battery cells includes a heat-resistant and fire-resistant sidewall (142).

14. The battery device according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a metal frame (144), wherein, The metal frame includes multiple compartments (146) adapted to insert the individual battery cells.

15. The battery device of claim 14, wherein, The metal frame comprises a metal with a thermal conductivity of at least 150 W / m·K.

16. The battery device of claim 14, further comprising a cooling element (148) arranged to be thermally connected to the metal frame.

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