Battery module cover mitigating thermal runaway

By designing venting features and elastic sealing elements on the battery module cover, the problem of high-temperature gas diffusion during thermal runaway events is solved, thereby reducing the propagation of thermal runaway within the battery module and improving the safety of the battery module.

CN116266659BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-30GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211244175.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-12-17
Filing Date
2022-10-12
Publication Date
2026-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2042-10-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing battery modules, during thermal runaway events, high-temperature gases can easily leak from one battery cell to adjacent battery cells, causing the thermal runaway event to spread within the module and affect the entire battery array.

Method used

A battery module cover is designed, including venting features such as vent openings and gasket segments, configured to vent high-temperature gas from the first battery cell and away from the second battery cell, maintain contact under high-temperature gas pressure through an elastic sealing element, reduce gas transfer, and absorb heat energy through a heat sink.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the transfer of high-temperature gas from one battery cell to another, controls the propagation of thermal runaway events, and protects the overall safety of the battery module.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A battery module includes a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell, and an insulating member positioned between them. The battery module also includes a battery module housing surrounded by an external environment and configured to house each of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the insulating member. The battery module additionally includes a battery module cover mounted to the battery module housing. The battery module cover includes venting features configured to expel hot gases from the first battery cell and redirect the hot gases directly away from the second battery cell to the external environment. The cover is thus configured to minimize the transfer of hot gases from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and control the propagation of thermal runaway events within the battery module.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a top cover for a battery module configured to remove heat and mitigate thermal runaway events in the battery module. Background Technology

[0002] A battery module or array may include multiple battery cells arranged relatively close to each other. Batteries can be broadly classified into primary batteries and secondary batteries. Primary batteries (also known as disposable batteries) are designed to be used until depleted, after which they can be easily replaced with new batteries. Secondary batteries (often referred to as rechargeable batteries) employ specific chemistry that allows such batteries to be repeatedly recharged and reused, thus offering economic, environmental, and ease-of-use benefits compared to primary batteries.

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be used to power a variety of items such as toys, consumer electronics, and motor vehicles. The specific chemical composition of rechargeable batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), along with external factors, can cause internal reaction rates that generate a considerable amount of heat. These chemical reactions can result in the battery generating more heat than it can efficiently extract. Prolonged exposure of battery cells to elevated temperatures can lead to thermal runaway events. Consequently, a thermal runaway event initiating within a single cell can cause heat to spread to adjacent cells in the module, thus affecting the entire battery array. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The battery module includes a first battery cell and an adjacent second battery cell, and an insulating component positioned between them. The battery module also includes a battery module housing surrounded by an external environment (e.g., the surrounding environment) and configured to house each of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the insulating component. The battery module additionally includes a battery module cover mounted to the battery module housing. The battery module cover includes venting features configured to expel hot gases from the first battery cell and redirect the hot gases directly away from the second battery cell to the external environment. The cover is thus configured to minimize the transfer of hot gases from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and control the propagation of thermal runaway events within the battery module.

[0005] The battery module cover may include a vent opening configured to allow high-temperature gases to escape from the first battery cell. Specifically, the vent opening may be formed in a stamped steel battery module cover.

[0006] At least one of the discharge openings may have an inverted scoop shape configured to guide hot gas away from the second battery cell; for example, the discharge opening may have a cheese grater shape. The discharge opening may be positioned relative to the first and second battery cells such that the discharge opening discharges the rising hot gas at the uppermost or highest level of the battery module casing.

[0007] The battery module cover can be arranged in a cover plane perpendicular to the first and second battery cells. The inverted scoop shape can be configured to guide high-temperature gas at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the cover plane.

[0008] The exhaust feature may include a liner segment configured to cover the exhaust opening and be blown off by hot gas from the exhaust opening, thereby venting the hot gas from the first battery cell to the external environment.

[0009] The gasket segments can be glued to the battery module cover.

[0010] The padding segments may be made of mica.

[0011] The venting feature may additionally include a resilient sealing element positioned between the insulating component and the battery module cover to maintain contact with the module cover under the pressure of the high-temperature gas generated by the first battery cell. Therefore, the resilient sealing element can be configured to facilitate the discharge of the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the external environment through the vent opening.

[0012] The resilient sealing element may include a channel configured to engage and nest insulating components and minimize deformation of the insulating components under pressure from high-temperature gases. Furthermore, the resilient sealing element may include a lateral section disposed distal to the channel and configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from high-temperature gases, thereby minimizing the transfer or leakage of gas between the first and second battery cells.

[0013] The resilient sealing element can be made of silicon.

[0014] The battery module may additionally include a heat sink arranged opposite the battery module cover, mounted to the battery module housing, and configured to absorb heat energy from the first and second battery cells.

[0015] A mobile vehicle is also disclosed, which has a power source and the battery module disclosed above, the battery module being configured to supply electrical energy to the power source.

[0016] This invention also includes the following technical solutions:

[0017] Option 1. A battery module, comprising:

[0018] The first battery cell, the adjacent second battery cell, and the insulating component positioned between them;

[0019] A battery module enclosure, which is surrounded by an external environment, and configured to house each of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the insulating component; and

[0020] A battery module cover, which is mounted to the battery module housing and includes a venting feature configured to expel high-temperature gas from the first battery cell and redirect the high-temperature gas away from the second battery cell directly to the external environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and controlling the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery module.

[0021] Option 2. The battery module according to Option 1, wherein the exhaust feature includes an exhaust opening configured to exhaust the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell.

[0022] Option 3. The battery module according to Option 2, characterized in that at least one of the discharge openings has an inverted spoon shape, the inverted spoon shape being configured to guide the high-temperature gas away from the second battery cell.

[0023] Option 4. The battery module according to Option 3, characterized in that the battery module cover is arranged in the cover plane, and wherein the inverted spoon shape is configured to guide the high-temperature gas at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the cover plane.

[0024] Option 5. The battery module according to Option 2, characterized in that the exhaust feature includes a liner segment configured to cover the exhaust opening and be blown out of the exhaust opening by the high-temperature gas, thereby exhausting the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the external environment.

[0025] Option 6. The battery module according to Option 5, wherein the gasket segment is glued to the battery module cover.

[0026] Option 7. The battery module according to Option 5, characterized in that the gasket segment is made of mica.

[0027] Option 8. The battery module according to Option 2, wherein the venting feature additionally includes an elastic sealing element positioned between the insulating member and the battery module cover, and configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover under the pressure of the high-temperature gas generated by the first battery cell, and to facilitate the discharge of the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the external environment through the venting opening.

[0028] Solution 9. The battery module according to Solution 8, characterized in that the elastic sealing element comprises:

[0029] A channel configured to engage and nest the insulating components, and to minimize deformation of the insulating components under pressure from the high-temperature gas; and

[0030] A transverse section, arranged on the far side of the channel, is configured to remain in contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high-temperature gas, thereby minimizing the transfer of gas between the first and second battery cells.

[0031] Option 10. The battery module according to Option 8, wherein the elastic sealing element is made of silicon.

[0032] Option 11. A mobile vehicle, comprising:

[0033] A power source configured to generate power source torque; and

[0034] A battery module configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery system comprising:

[0035] The first battery cell, the adjacent second battery cell, and the insulating component positioned between them;

[0036] A battery module enclosure, which is surrounded by the surrounding environment, and configured to house each of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the insulating component; and

[0037] A battery module cover, which is mounted to the battery module housing and includes a venting feature configured to expel high-temperature gas from the first battery cell and redirect the high-temperature gas away from the second battery cell directly to the surrounding environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and controlling the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery module.

[0038] Option 12. The motor vehicle according to Option 11, characterized in that the exhaust feature includes an exhaust opening configured to exhaust the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell.

[0039] Option 13. The mobile vehicle according to Option 12, characterized in that:

[0040] At least one of the discharge openings has an inverted spoon shape, the inverted spoon shape being configured to guide the high-temperature gas away from the second battery cell;

[0041] The battery module cover is arranged in the cover plane; and

[0042] The inverted spoon shape is configured to guide the high-temperature gas at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the lid plane.

[0043] Option 14. The motor vehicle according to Option 12, characterized in that the exhaust feature includes a liner segment configured to cover the exhaust opening and from which the high-temperature gas is blown, thereby discharging the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the surrounding environment.

[0044] Option 15. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, characterized in that the padding segment is glued to the battery module cover.

[0045] Option 16. The motor vehicle according to Option 14, characterized in that the padding segment is made of mica.

[0046] Option 17. The motor vehicle according to Option 12, characterized in that the exhaust feature additionally includes an elastic sealing element positioned between the insulating member and the battery module cover, and configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover under the pressure of the high-temperature gas generated by the first battery cell, and to facilitate the exhaust of the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the surrounding environment through the exhaust opening.

[0047] Option 18. The motor vehicle according to Option 17, characterized in that the resilient sealing element comprises:

[0048] A channel configured to engage and nest the insulating components, and to minimize deformation of the insulating components under pressure from the high-temperature gas; and

[0049] A transverse section, arranged on the far side of the channel, is configured to remain in contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high-temperature gas, thereby minimizing the transfer of gas between the first and second battery cells.

[0050] Option 19. The motor vehicle according to Option 17, characterized in that the resilient sealing element is made of silicon.

[0051] Option 20. A mobile vehicle, comprising:

[0052] A power source configured to generate power source torque; and

[0053] A battery module configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery module comprising:

[0054] The first battery cell, the adjacent second battery cell, and the insulating component positioned between them;

[0055] A battery module enclosure, which is surrounded by the surrounding environment, and configured to house each of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the insulating component; and

[0056] A battery module cover, which is mounted to the battery module housing and includes a vent opening configured to discharge high-temperature gas from the first battery cell and redirect the high-temperature gas away from the second battery cell directly to the surrounding environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of the high-temperature gas from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and controlling the propagation of thermal runaway events in the battery module.

[0057] The above features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as other features and advantages, will readily become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and preferred modes described herein for carrying out the disclosed embodiments and preferred modes, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle employing multiple power sources and a battery system having battery cells arranged in multiple modules configured to generate and store electrical energy.

[0059] Figure 2 In accordance with this disclosure, Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of a battery module, which has a battery module casing and a battery module cover with a discharge opening.

[0060] Figure 3 In accordance with this disclosure, Figure 1 The schematic perspective view of the battery module shown in the figure has a battery module casing and a battery module cover with a discharge opening, wherein the battery module cover includes a gasket segment covering the discharge opening.

[0061] Figure 4 In accordance with this disclosure, Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional plan view of a battery module having a battery module cover with channels that engage and nest insulating components.

[0062] Figure 5 In accordance with this disclosure, Figure 2 The schematic cross-sectional plan view of the battery module shown in the figure has a resilient sealing element positioned between an insulating component and a battery module cover, the resilient sealing element having a channel for engaging and nesting the insulating component.

[0063] Figure 6 In accordance with this disclosure, Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic close-up view of a specific section of the battery module, depicting a cross-section of the resilient sealing element. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms (such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc.) are used illustratively in connection with the accompanying drawings and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure (as defined by the appended claims). Furthermore, the teachings may be described herein with respect to functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may include a large number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 The diagram depicts a mobile vehicle 10 having a power system 12. Vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, commercial vehicles, industrial vehicles, passenger vehicles, aircraft, ships, trains, etc. It is also envisioned that vehicle 10 may be a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a boat, a personal mobile device, a robot, etc., to achieve the purposes of this disclosure. The power system 12 includes a power source 14 configured to generate a power source torque T (in...). Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram), it is used to propel the vehicle 10 relative to the road surface 18 via driven wheels 16. The power source 14 is depicted as an electric generator.

[0066] like Figure 1As shown, the power system 12 may also include an additional power source 20, such as an internal combustion engine. Power sources 14 and 20 can work together to power the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 additionally includes an electronic controller 22 and a battery system 24 configured to generate and store electrical energy through a heat-generating electrochemical reaction for supplying electrical energy to power sources 14 and 20. The electronic controller 22 may be a central processing unit (CPU) that regulates various functions of the vehicle 10, or a power system control module (PCM) configured to control the power system 12 to generate a predetermined amount of power source torque T. The battery system 24 may be connected to power sources 14 and 20, the electronic controller 22, and other vehicle systems via a high-voltage bus 25. Although the battery system 24 is described herein primarily with respect to the vehicle environment, this does not preclude the use of this battery system to power other non-vehicle systems.

[0067] like Figure 2-5 As shown, the battery system 24 may include one or more segments, such as a battery array or module 26. Figure 2 As shown, battery module 26 includes multiple battery cells, such as a first battery cell 28-1 and an adjacent, directly adjacent second battery cell 28-2, all of which extend generally upward (i.e., in the Z direction), as shown in Figure 2-5 As seen in the diagram. Although one module 26 and two battery cells 28-1, 28-2 are shown, this does not preclude the possibility that the battery system 24 may have a greater number of such modules and battery cells. The battery module 26 also includes an insulating component or thermal barrier 30 disposed between the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. The insulating component 30 may be made of a high-temperature polymer foam with a reinforcing substructure. Specifically, the insulating component 30 is configured to limit the amount of heat transfer between adjacent battery cells 28-1, 28-2 during operation of the battery module 26. During the alternating expansion of the cells during charging and the contraction of the cells during discharging, the insulating component 30 is also configured to maintain consistent and uniform contact with the first cell 28-1 and the second cell 28-2.

[0068] As in Figure 2-5 As shown, battery module 26 also includes a heat sink 32. The heat sink 32 is generally positioned below each of the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2, and is in direct contact with each of the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2, thereby absorbing heat energy from the first and second battery cells. As shown, the heat sink 32 can be in direct physical contact with the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. The heat sink 32 can be configured as a coolant plate having a plurality of coolant channels in… Figure 4The first coolant passage 34-1 and the second coolant passage 34-2 are shown respectively. The coolant passages 34-1 and 34-2 are specifically configured to circulate coolant 36 (in...). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram), and thereby removes heat energy from the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2 when the battery module 26 generates / stores electrical energy. Figure 4 As shown, a first coolant channel 34-1 may be arranged near the first battery cell 28-1, and a second coolant channel 34-2 may be arranged near the second battery cell 28-2.

[0069] Generally, during normal operation of module 26, insulating component 30 is effective in absorbing thermal energy (which is released by the first unit 28-1 and the second unit 28-2) and facilitating thermal transfer to heat sink 32. However, during extreme conditions, such as in the event of thermal runaway (which occurs via... Figure 4 During the period indicated by number 44 in the diagram, the amount of heat released by the cell experiencing the event will typically saturate the insulating component 30 and exceed its capacity to absorb heat and effectively transfer it to the heat sink 32. As a result, the excess heat will typically be transferred between adjacent cells 28-1, 28-2, leading to the propagation of thermal runaway through the battery module 26. The term "thermal runaway event" broadly refers to an uncontrolled increase in temperature within a battery system. During a thermal runaway event, heat generation within the battery system or battery cell exceeds heat dissipation, thus resulting in a further increase in temperature. Thermal runaway events can be triggered by a variety of conditions, including short circuits within the battery, improper battery use, physical abuse, manufacturing defects, or exposure of the battery to extreme external temperatures.

[0070] like Figure 2-5 As shown, battery module 26 also includes a battery module housing 38, which is surrounded by an environment or surrounding environment 40 outside the battery module housing. Battery module housing 38 is configured to house each of the first battery cell 28-1, the second battery cell 28-2, the insulating component 30, and the heat sink 32. Figure 2As specifically indicated, the battery module housing 38 includes transverse walls 38-1, 38-2, 38-3, 38-4, and a base plate 38-5 for mounting or incorporating the heat sink 32. The battery module 26 also includes a battery module cover 42, generally positioned above the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2, and attached to the transverse walls 38-1, 38-2, 38-3, 38-4 of the battery module housing 38. For example, in the event of thermal runaway in the first battery cell 28-1, the excess gas generated by such an event will cause a highly elevated internal pressure that tends to distort the battery module cover 42 and allow gas to leak across or around the insulating member 30 to the adjacent second battery cell 28-2. Such leakage of hot gas will increase the likelihood of thermal runaway from the first battery cell 28-1 to the second battery cell 28-2 in the battery module 26, thereby creating a chain reaction and affecting the entire battery module.

[0071] As shown, the battery module cover 42 is arranged in the XY plane, generally parallel to the heat sink 32, and generally perpendicular to the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. The battery module cover 42 is mounted to the battery module housing 38 and includes a venting feature 46 configured to expel hot gas from one of the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. The venting feature 46 is additionally configured to deflect (i.e., deflect or circumvent) the hot gas away from the second battery cell directly into the surrounding environment 40. The battery module cover 42 is thus configured to minimize the transfer of hot gas from one of the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2 to the other of the two cells, and to control the propagation of the thermal runaway event 44 in the battery module 26. Although either the first battery cell 28-1 or the second battery cell 28-2 may generate hot gas due to the thermal runaway event 44, this disclosure will specifically focus on the exemplary case where the first battery cell generates said gas.

[0072] Specific reference Figure 2The exhaust feature 46 may include an array of exhaust openings, depicted as a first set of exhaust openings 46-1 corresponding to the first battery cell 28-1 and a second set of exhaust openings 46-2 corresponding to the second battery cell 28-2. The battery module cover 42 may be formed of mild steel (e.g., stamped), with the exhaust openings 46 formed into the battery module cover. The exhaust openings 46-1, 46-2 are arranged relative to the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2 such that the exhaust openings exhaust rising high-temperature gases from the uppermost / highest level within the battery module enclosure 38. Specifically, the exhaust openings 46-1 are configured to operate as chimneys to exhaust high-temperature gases 48 from the first battery cell 28-1, which has experienced a thermal runaway event 44, and to deflect the high-temperature gases away from the second battery cell 28-2 by providing a direct path to the surrounding environment 40.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the exhaust openings 46-1, 46-2 may have an inverted scoop shape 49, configured to guide the high-temperature gas 48 generated by the first battery cell 28-1 away from the second battery cell 28-2. The inverted scoop shape 49 may specifically be configured to guide the high-temperature gas 48 at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the cover's XY plane. An array of exhaust openings with said inverted scoop shape 49 (such as an array of exhaust openings with said inverted scoop shape 49 having a first exhaust opening 46-1 and a second exhaust opening 46-2) may be generally defined as having an oriented "cheese shredder" profile relative to the environment 40. The inverted scoop shape 49 of the exhaust openings may be formed directly (e.g., stamped) into the structure of the battery module cover 42.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the venting feature 46 may include a gasket segment 50 attached to the battery module cover 42 and configured to cover a corresponding venting opening (e.g., a first venting opening 46-1 and a second venting opening 46-2). The gasket segment 50 is specifically configured to partially or completely vent from the venting opening 46-1 via pressure from the hot gas 48. This use of the hot gas 48 to open the venting opening 46-1 allows the battery module cover 42 to vent the hot gas 48 from the battery cell 28-1 to the surrounding environment 40. For the material's resistance to elevated temperatures, the gasket segment 50 may be made of, for example, mica and bonded to the battery module cover 42 over the venting opening 46. Specifically, the adhesive used to attach the gasket segment 50 may be selected to maintain the attachment of the gasket segment to the battery module cover 42 under normal module operating conditions, but to lose this attachment under high gas pressure during thermal runaway.

[0075] As in Figure 5-6As shown, the venting feature 46 may additionally include a resilient sealing element 52. Each sealing element 52 may be positioned between the corresponding insulating member 30 and the battery module cover 42. The resilient sealing element 52 may be made of a heat-resistant flexible material (such as silicon). The resilient sealing element 52 is specifically configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover 42 under the pressure of the high-temperature gases generated by the battery cells 28-1, 28-2. The resilient sealing element 52 thereby, for example, facilitates the discharge of the high-temperature gases 48 from the first battery cell 28-1 to the surrounding environment 40 through the vent opening 46.

[0076] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A close-up view of section 6 is shown in the image. Figure 6 As shown, each resilient sealing element 52 may include (i.e., define) a channel 54 configured to engage and nest the insulating member 30. This configuration of the mating portion between the resilient sealing element 52 and the insulating member 30 is intended to minimize deformation of the insulating member under pressure, such as from a high-temperature gas 48. Each resilient sealing element 52 may also include lateral sections 56-1 and 56-2 disposed distal to the channel 54. The lateral sections 56-1 and 56-2 are configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover 42 under pressure from a high-temperature gas (such as gas 48), thereby minimizing the transfer or leakage of the gas between the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2. Alternatively, as Figure 4 As shown, the (multiple) channels 54 can be directly incorporated into the battery module cover 42 to engage and nest the (multiple) insulating components 30, thereby maintaining the separation between the respective battery cells (e.g., the first battery cell 28-1 and the second battery cell 28-2) and minimizing the deformation of the respective (multiple) insulating components under increased pressure.

[0077] In general, during operation of battery module 26, venting feature 46 is configured to automatically transfer excess thermal energy directly to the surrounding environment, which is generated by a thermal runaway event in a specific battery cell of the battery module. This transfer of excess thermal energy away from battery module 26 is intended to control the propagation of thermal runaway to other neighboring cells within the battery module. Specifically, venting feature 46 may include vent openings (e.g., 46-1, 46-2) and support structures to minimize the transfer of hot gases from the thermally runaway cell to neighboring cells, and thereby facilitate the transfer of such gases to the surrounding environment 40. Therefore, the battery module cover 42 with venting feature 46 is particularly effective in mitigating the propagation of thermal runaway between individual battery cells within battery module 26 without requiring additional external hardware or controls.

[0078] Detailed description and accompanying drawings are provided to support and describe this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While some best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, features of the embodiments shown in the drawings or the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be construed as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the features described in one of the examples of embodiments may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments to form other embodiments not described in words or without reference to the drawings. Therefore, other such embodiments fall within the framework of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and an insulating component positioned therebetween; a battery module enclosure surrounded by an external environment and configured to house each of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the insulating component; and a battery module cover mounted to the battery module enclosure and comprising a venting feature configured to vent high temperature gases from the first battery cell and to divert the high temperature gases directly away from the second battery cell to the external environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and controlling the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery module; wherein the venting feature comprises: a vent opening configured to vent the high temperature gases from the first battery cell; and a resilient sealing element positioned between the insulating component and the battery module cover and configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high temperature gases generated by the first battery cell and to facilitate the venting of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to the external environment through the vent opening; and wherein the resilient sealing element comprises: a channel configured to engage and nest the insulating component and to minimize the distortion of the insulating component under pressure from the high temperature gases; and a lateral section disposed distal to the channel and configured to contact high temperature gases and to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high temperature gases, thereby minimizing the transfer of gases between the first battery cell and the second battery cell. At least one of the vent openings has a scoop shape configured to direct the high temperature gases away from the second battery cell.

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The battery module cover is disposed in a cover plane, and wherein the scoop shape is configured to direct the high temperature gases at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the cover plane.

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, The venting feature comprises a gasket segment configured to cover the vent opening and to be blown out of the vent opening by the high temperature gases, thereby venting the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to the external environment.

4. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The gasket segment is glued to the battery module cover.

5. The battery module of claim 4, wherein, The gasket segment is composed of mica.

6. The battery module of claim 4, wherein, The resilient sealing element is composed of silicon.

7. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, 8. A motorized vehicle comprising: a power source configured to generate a power source torque; and a battery module configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery module comprising: a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and an insulating component positioned therebetween; a battery module enclosure surrounded by a surrounding environment and configured to house each of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the insulating component; and a battery module cover mounted to the battery module enclosure and comprising a venting feature configured to vent high temperature gases from the first battery cell and to divert the high temperature gases directly away from the second battery cell to the surrounding environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and controlling the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery module. ​ A battery module cover mounted to the battery module enclosure and including a venting feature configured to vent high temperature gases from the first battery cell and to divert the high temperature gases directly away from the second battery cell to the ambient environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and controlling the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery module; wherein the venting feature includes: a vent opening configured to vent the high temperature gases from the first battery cell; and a resilient sealing element positioned between the insulating component and the battery module cover and configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high temperature gases generated by the first battery cell and to facilitate venting of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to an external environment through the vent opening; and wherein the resilient sealing element includes: a channel configured to engage and nest the insulating component and to minimize deformation of the insulating component under pressure from the high temperature gases; and a lateral section disposed distal to the channel and configured to contact high temperature gases and to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high temperature gases, thereby minimizing the transfer of gases between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

9. The motorized vehicle of claim 8, wherein: at least one of the vent openings has a scoop shape configured to direct the high temperature gases away from the second battery cell; the battery module cover is disposed in a cover plane; and the scoop shape is configured to direct the high temperature gases at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the cover plane.

10. The motorized vehicle of claim 8, wherein, the venting feature includes a gasket segment configured to cover the vent opening and to be blown out of the vent opening by the high temperature gases, thereby venting the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to the ambient environment.

11. The motorized vehicle of claim 10, wherein, the gasket segment is glued to the battery module cover.

12. The motorized vehicle of claim 10, wherein, the gasket segment is composed of mica.

13. The motorized vehicle of claim 8, wherein, the resilient sealing element is composed of silicone.

14. A motorized vehicle comprising: a power source configured to generate a power source torque; and a battery module configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the battery module including: a first battery cell, an adjacent second battery cell, and an insulating component positioned therebetween; a battery module enclosure surrounded by an ambient environment and configured to house each of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the insulating component; and a battery module cover mounted to the battery module enclosure and including a venting feature configured to vent high temperature gases from the first battery cell and to divert the high temperature gases directly away from the second battery cell to the ambient environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and controlling the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery module; wherein the venting feature includes: a vent opening configured to vent the high temperature gases from the first battery cell; and a resilient sealing element positioned between the insulating component and the battery module cover and configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high temperature gases generated by the first battery cell and to facilitate venting of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to an external environment through the vent opening; and wherein the resilient sealing element includes: a channel configured to engage and nest the insulating component and to minimize deformation of the insulating component under pressure from the high temperature gases; and a lateral section disposed distal to the channel and configured to contact high temperature gases and to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high temperature gases, thereby minimizing the transfer of gases between the first battery cell and the second battery cell. A battery module cover mounted to the battery module enclosure and including a venting feature configured to vent high temperature gases from the first battery cell and divert the high temperature gases directly away from the second battery cell to the ambient environment, thereby minimizing the transfer of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to the second battery cell and controlling the propagation of a thermal runaway event in the battery module; wherein the venting feature includes: a vent opening configured to vent the high temperature gases from the first battery cell; and a resilient sealing element positioned between the insulating component and the battery module cover and configured to maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high temperature gases generated by the first battery cell and facilitate venting of the high temperature gases from the first battery cell to an external environment through the vent opening; and wherein the resilient sealing element includes: a channel configured to engage and nest the insulating component and minimize deformation of the insulating component under pressure from the high temperature gases; and a lateral section disposed distal to the channel and configured to contact high temperature gases and maintain contact with the battery module cover under pressure from the high temperature gases, thereby minimizing the transfer of gases between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

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