Battery and electric device

Abstract

The application provides a battery and a power utilization device. The battery comprises a box body, a cover body, a battery monomer and a bearing assembly. The bottom of the box body is provided with an opening, the cover body is fixedly connected to the opening, a plurality of battery monomers are arranged in the box body, the top cover plate of the battery monomer is inverted in the box body towards the opening, and the bearing assembly is arranged between the battery monomer and the cover body to support the battery monomer. According to the application, the structural stability and safety of the battery can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of battery technology, and in particular relates to a battery and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the emergence of new energy vehicles has played a huge role in promoting social development and environmental protection. As a rechargeable battery, the power source of new energy vehicles is widely used in the field of new energy vehicles.

[0003] In existing technologies, the energy density of batteries is not high, which leads to wasted space and affects the performance of electrical devices. Furthermore, existing batteries have poor rigidity, making them prone to thermal runaway in the event of an impact, which affects the safety of electrical devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery and an electrical device that can improve the battery's energy density and safety.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery, including a housing, a cover, individual battery cells, and a support assembly. The housing has an opening at its bottom; the cover closes to the opening and is fixedly connected to the housing; multiple individual battery cells are disposed within the housing, with the top covers of the individual battery cells facing the opening and inverted within the housing; the support assembly is disposed between the individual battery cells and the cover to support and carry the individual battery cells.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the opening is set at the bottom of the box, the battery cell is set inside the box, the top cover is set facing the opening, and the cover is closed to the opening. A load-bearing component is set between the battery cell and the cover to support the battery cell, which can enhance the overall rigidity of the battery, reduce the probability of damage in a collision, and improve the safety of the battery.

[0007] In some embodiments, the carrier component includes a motherboard and a carrier strip connected to the motherboard, the motherboard abutting against the cover and the carrier strip abutting against the battery cell.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the support strip can play the role of supporting the battery cell.

[0009] In some embodiments, the carrier strip is provided with a plurality of carrier components, the plurality of carrier strips being spaced apart along the motherboard in a first direction and extending on the motherboard in a second direction.

[0010] In the above technical solution, multiple load-bearing components support multiple battery cells, thereby improving the stability of the battery structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the top cover includes a functional area and a shoulder, the functional area being provided with electrode terminals, and the shoulder being located on both sides of the functional area along a first direction, with the battery cell abutting against the support strip via the shoulder.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the functional area containing the electrode terminals is located between the shoulders, which provides a certain degree of protection for the electrode terminals. This allows the battery cells to overlap the support strip via the shoulders, preventing damage to the functional area due to stress and extending the lifespan of the battery cells.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrode terminals are disposed between two adjacent support bars, and the electrode terminals are spaced apart from the cover.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the electrode terminals do not come into contact with the cover, so that the electrode terminals can perform their functions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thickness of the carrier strip is greater than the extension height of the electrode terminal in the thickness direction of the motherboard.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the electrode terminals are suspended between the support bars.

[0017] In some embodiments, the shoulders of two adjacent battery cells abut against the same support strip.

[0018] In the above technical solution, adjacent battery cells in the first direction share the same support strip, which can minimize the number of support strips and facilitate the manufacturing of the support component.

[0019] In some embodiments, in the first direction, the width D1 of the support strip and the extension width D2 of the shoulder satisfy: 0.5D2≤D1≤2D2.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the support bar is prevented from only supporting one side of the battery cell due to offset, and the support bar only contacts the shoulders of two adjacent battery cells, thus avoiding contact with the functional area and affecting the function of the battery cell.

[0021] In some embodiments, the functional area is further provided with a pressure relief mechanism, which is spaced apart from the cover. In a first direction, electrode terminals are provided on both sides of the pressure relief mechanism.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the pressure relief mechanism is suspended between the support bars, which can provide a larger pressure relief space for the pressure relief mechanism, reduce the risk of emissions, and improve battery safety.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electrode terminals of two adjacent battery cells are electrically connected by a busbar. In the second direction, the extension length of one of the two adjacent carrier bars is less than the extension length of the other to form a clearance notch, which is used to avoid the busbar.

[0024] The above technical solution enables the load-bearing components to be better adapted to the battery structure, facilitating the connection of individual battery cells in series, parallel, and mixed configurations.

[0025] In some embodiments, the support strip is integrally formed with or detachably connected to the motherboard to facilitate the manufacture of the support assembly or to adjust the position of the support strip according to the arrangement of the battery cells.

[0026] In some embodiments, the motherboard is fixedly connected to the cover to increase the structural robustness of the battery.

[0027] In some embodiments, the carrier component is made of an insulating material, or the surface of the carrier component is covered with an insulating material.

[0028] In some embodiments, the thickness of the support strip in the thickness direction of the motherboard is a first dimension H1, wherein the first dimension H1 satisfies 5mm≤H1≤30mm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ratio H1 / M of the first dimension H1 to the weight M of a single battery cell satisfies 0.5mm / Kg ≤ H1 / M ≤ 50mm / Kg.

[0030] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electrical device including a battery cell according to any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the battery cell is used to provide electrical energy. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the battery assembly structure according to some embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion of a battery according to some embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery carrier component in some embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single battery cell in some embodiments of the present application;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the battery shown.

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B in the circle;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a collision testing apparatus for performing collision testing on batteries according to some embodiments of this application.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cover according to some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a battery cell according to some embodiments of this application.

[0042] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings for the specific embodiments are as follows:

[0043] 1000, Vehicle; 100, Battery; 200, Controller; 300, Motor; 1, Housing; 101, Top; 102, Bottom; 103, Opening; 11, Support Plate; 12, Side Plate; 2, Cover; 21, Main Body; 22, Fitting Part; 3, Battery Cell; 301, Functional Area; 302, Shoulder; 31, Top Cover; 311, Electrode Terminals; 312, Pressure Relief Mechanism; 32, Housing; 33, Electrode Assembly; 34, Busbar Component; 4, Bearing Assembly; 41, Main Board; 42, Bearing Strip; 43, Clearance Notch;

[0044] A. Collision testing device; A1. Impact head; A2. Launching device; A3. Frame;

[0045] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0048] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0052] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0053] In this application, the term "parallel" includes not only the case of absolute parallelism, but also the case of approximate parallelism as commonly understood in engineering; similarly, "perpendicular" includes not only the case of absolute perpendicularity, but also the case of approximate perpendicularity as commonly understood in engineering.

[0054] In this application, the battery cell may include lithium-ion secondary battery cell, lithium-ion primary battery cell, lithium-sulfur battery cell, sodium lithium-ion battery cell, sodium-ion battery cell, or magnesium-ion battery cell, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0055] In this application, a battery refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application can be a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells. In a battery, multiple battery cells can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof; a combination thereof means that multiple battery cells are connected in both series and parallel. Multiple battery cells can be directly connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells is housed within a housing. Alternatively, a battery can be formed by first connecting multiple battery cells in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to create a battery, and then connecting these batteries in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a whole, which is then housed within a housing.

[0056] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0057] In related technologies, the opening of the battery box is usually facing upwards in the vertical direction, the battery cells are fixed to the bottom of the battery, and the electrode terminals face the cover covering the opening of the box.

[0058] However, in the battery configured as described above, the inventors noticed that, since the bottom of the battery is bonded to the device when it is installed in the device and the individual battery cells are fixed to the bottom of the battery, the top of the battery, which is more susceptible to impact, has poor rigidity. Furthermore, during an impact, the individual battery cells inside the battery experience uneven stress, making the battery prone to damage, resulting in poor battery safety and affecting the battery's performance.

[0059] Therefore, this application provides a battery with an opening at the bottom of a housing, a battery cell placed upside down inside the housing, a top cover facing the opening, and a cover fitting over the opening. A support component is provided between the battery cell and the cover to support the battery cell, which enhances the overall rigidity of the battery, reduces the probability of damage in a collision, and improves battery safety. Furthermore, by adjusting the ratio of the thickness of the support component to the weight of the battery cell, the overall structural strength of the battery can be adjusted while maintaining its energy density, further improving battery performance.

[0060] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and electrical devices powered by batteries.

[0061] Electrical devices can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. 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, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the above-mentioned electrical devices.

[0062] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are not limited to the electrical devices described above, but for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments are all illustrated using a vehicle 1000 as an example.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A battery 100 is installed inside vehicle 1000, and the battery 1000 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1000.

[0064] Battery 100 can be used to power vehicle 1000; for example, battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1000. Vehicle 1000 may also include controller 200 and motor 300. Controller 200 controls the battery 100 to supply power to motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving. In some embodiments of this application, battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1000 but also as the driving power source for vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for vehicle 1000.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 includes a housing 1, a cover 2, battery cells 3, and a support assembly 4. The bottom 102 of the housing 1 has an opening 103. The cover 2 closes to the opening 103 and is fixedly connected to the housing 1. Multiple battery cells 3 are disposed inside the housing 1, with the top cover 31 of each battery cell 3 facing upside down towards the opening 103 within the housing 1. The support assembly 4 is disposed between the battery cells 3 and the cover 2 to support and carry the battery cells 3.

[0066] The opening 103 of the housing 1 is located at the bottom 102, where the bottom 102 refers to the bottom 102 in the thickness direction of the housing 1, and the opening 103 faces downward in the thickness direction of the housing 1. For ease of description, in this embodiment, the thickness direction of the housing 1 is taken as the third direction, i.e., the Z direction. The housing 1 also has a top 101 in the third direction Z, and the top 101 and the bottom 102 are opposite to each other along the third direction Z. It should be understood that in the following content, in order to indicate the arrangement direction of the battery cells 3 and other factors, the first direction and the second direction will be defined in detail, which will not be described in detail here.

[0067] The cover 2 is fixedly connected to the housing 1 by closing the opening 103. The cover 2 is located at the bottom 102 of the housing 1 and covers the opening 103. Multiple battery cells 3 are disposed inside the housing 1. The top cover 31 of the battery cells 3 faces the opening 103, meaning the bottom of the battery cells 3 is located at the top 101 of the housing 1 in the third direction Z, while the top cover 31 of the battery 100 faces the bottom 102. This indicates that the battery cells 3 are inverted relative to the housing 1 in the third direction Z. By inverting the battery cells 3 to the housing 1, the battery cells 3 are positioned at the top 101 of the battery 100, thereby increasing the rigidity of the top 101 of the battery 100 and improving the safety of the battery 100. Furthermore, the top cover 31 of the battery cells 3 facing the bottom 102 of the battery 100 increases the energy density of the battery 100 and improves its usability.

[0068] With the top cover 31 of the battery cell 3 facing the opening 103, the top cover 31 of the battery cell 3 faces the cover 2 disposed in the opening 103. A support component 4 is disposed between the battery cell 3 and the cover 2 to support and carry the battery cell 3. Since the support component 4 is disposed between the battery cell 3 and the cover 2, the battery cell 3, the support component 4, and the cover 2 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom along the third direction Z. The support component 4 provides support and load-bearing for the battery cell 3, that is, the support component 4 abuts against the top cover 31 of the battery cell 3, thereby increasing the structural strength of the battery 100, improving the stress performance of the battery 100, and reducing the possibility of damage to the battery 100 in a collision.

[0069] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support component 4 of the battery 100 in some embodiments of this application. Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the carrier component 4 includes a motherboard 41 and a carrier strip 42, with the motherboard 41 abutting against the cover 2 and the carrier strip 42 abutting against the battery cell 3.

[0070] The contact refers to the contact between the main board 41 and the cover 2, and between the support strip 42 and the battery cell 3, but without fixation between them. The main board 41 abuts against the cover 2, and the support strip 42 abuts against the battery cell 3. In other words, the support components 4 abut against the cover 2 and the battery cell 3 respectively, to provide support for the battery cell 3 and maintain the distance between the battery cell 3 and the cover 3.

[0071] In some embodiments of this application, multiple carrier bars 42 are provided, and the multiple carrier bars 42 are spaced apart along the motherboard 41 in a first direction and extend on the motherboard 41 in a second direction.

[0072] The support strip 42 is formed in the shape of a strip and extends in the second direction. Multiple support strips 42 are spaced apart on the main board 41 in the first direction, meaning the support strips 42 are arranged along the first direction to support the battery cells 3 at multiple locations. The first and second directions are perpendicular to each other. Since the support assembly 4 is arranged parallel to the top 101 and bottom 102 of the housing 1 in the third direction Z, the first, second, and third directions Z are perpendicular to each other. For ease of explanation, in the following text, the first and second directions will be referred to as the X and Y directions, respectively. It can be understood that when the angle between the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z is 85°-95°, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be considered perpendicular to each other. It should be understood that the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can also be other perpendicular directions.

[0073] The support bar 42 is located on the side of the motherboard 41 that is close to the battery cell 3. It protrudes from the battery cell 3 along the third direction Z and abuts against the battery cell 3. Therefore, it can support the battery cell 3 and improve the stability of the battery 100 structure.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell 3 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the top cover plate 31 includes a functional area 301 and a shoulder 302. The functional area 301 is provided with an electrode terminal 311, and the shoulder 302 is located on both sides of the functional area 301 along the first direction X. The battery cell 3 is mounted on the support strip 42 through the shoulder 302.

[0075] Functional area 301 refers to the area on the top cover 31 where the battery cell 3 can perform its own function, or where the battery cell 3 can interact with the outside world, such as the electrode terminal 311 that allows the battery cell 3 to be electrically connected to the outside world. Since functional area 301 usually contains components such as electrode terminal 311, functional area 301 should not be subjected to force during the use of battery 100. Shoulder 302 refers to the area on the top cover 31 other than functional area 301 that can bear force.

[0076] By positioning the functional area 301, which has electrode terminals 311, between the shoulders 302, the shoulders 302 can provide a certain degree of protection for the functional area 301. This allows the battery cell 3 to overlap the support strip 42 via the shoulders 302, preventing damage to the electrode terminals 311 of the functional area 301 due to stress and extending the lifespan of the battery cell 3.

[0077] In some embodiments of this application, the electrode terminal 311 is disposed between two adjacent support bars 42, and the electrode terminal 311 is spaced apart from the cover 2.

[0078] Since the functional area 301 is located between two shoulders 302, which overlap the support strip 42, the electrode terminals 311 of the functional area 301 are also located between two adjacent support strips 42. The electrode terminals 311 are spaced apart from the cover 2, meaning that the electrode terminals 311 do not contact the cover 2. The electrode terminals 311 can be regarded as being suspended between the two support strips 42, so as to draw out the electrical energy of the battery cell 3 through the electrode terminals 311, thereby improving the availability of the battery cell 3.

[0079] In some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the carrier strip 42 is greater than the extension height of the electrode terminal 311 in the thickness direction of the motherboard 41.

[0080] The thickness direction of the motherboard 41 is also the thickness direction of the housing 1, which is the third direction Z. In the third direction Z, the thickness of the support strip 42 is greater than the extension height of the electrode terminal 311, which allows the electrode terminal 311 to be suspended between adjacent support strips 42, avoiding contact with other components and affecting its function.

[0081] In some embodiments of this application, the shoulders 302 of two adjacent battery cells 3 overlap the same support strip 42.

[0082] In the housing 1, one battery cell 3 or multiple battery cells 3 can be set. When multiple battery cells 3 are set in the housing 1, the multiple battery cells 3 are arranged adjacent to each other in the housing 1. Since the support strip 42 is set at intervals along the main board 41 in the first direction X, the shoulder 302 is located on both sides of the functional area 301 in the first direction X, so that the shoulder 302 is located at the junction of adjacent battery cells 3, thereby allowing the shoulder 302 of two adjacent battery cells 3 to overlap on the same support strip 4.

[0083] This allows adjacent battery cells 3 in the first direction X to share the same support strip 42, thereby minimizing the number of support strips 42 and facilitating the manufacturing of the support assembly 4.

[0084] In some embodiments of this application, in the first direction X, the width D1 of the support strip 42 and the extension width D2 of the shoulder 302 satisfy: 0.5D2≤D1≤2D2.

[0085] When the width D1 of the support strip 42 is greater than or equal to 0.5 times the extension width D2 of the shoulder 302, it can provide sufficient support for the battery cell 3. When the support strip 42 supports two adjacent battery cells 3 at the same time, the width of the support strip 42 in the length direction X is less than or equal to twice the extension width of the shoulder 302, so that the support strip 42 only contacts the shoulders 302 of the two adjacent battery cells 3, and avoids contact with the functional area 301, which would affect the function of the battery cell 3.

[0086] Preferably, the relationship between the width D1 of the support strip 42 and the extension width D2 of the shoulder 302 can satisfy D2≤D1≤2D2. Since the support strip 42 may be offset between adjacent battery cells 3, the width of the support strip 42 in the length direction X is greater than or equal to the extension width of the shoulder 302. This allows the support strip 42 to support two adjacent battery cells 3 simultaneously, without the problem that the battery 100 can only support one due to offset, resulting in poor structural stability due to uneven stress.

[0087] In some embodiments of this application, the functional area 301 is further provided with a pressure relief mechanism 312, which is spaced apart from the cover 2. In the first direction X, the electrode terminals 311 are disposed on both sides of the pressure relief mechanism 312.

[0088] The pressure relief mechanism 312 is a component or part that is actuated to release internal pressure when the internal pressure of the battery cell 3 reaches a predetermined threshold. That is, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 3 reaches the predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism 312 actuates or is activated to a certain state, thereby releasing the internal pressure of the battery cell 3. The actuation of the pressure relief mechanism 312 may include, but is not limited to: at least a part of the pressure relief mechanism 312 ruptures, breaks, tears, or opens, thereby forming an opening or channel for internal pressure release. At this time, the high-temperature, high-pressure substances inside the battery cell 3 are discharged outwards from the actuated part as exhaust materials. In this way, the battery cell 3 can be depressurized under controllable pressure, thereby avoiding potentially more serious accidents. The pressure relief mechanism 312 can take the form of an explosion-proof valve, a gas valve, a pressure relief valve, or a safety valve, and can specifically employ a pressure-sensitive element or structure.

[0089] By positioning the electrode terminals 311 on both sides of the pressure relief mechanism 312, the impact of the pressure relief mechanism 312 on the electrode terminals 311 during pressure relief can be reduced. Furthermore, the pressure relief mechanism 312 is spaced apart from the cover 2, meaning it does not contact the cover 2, thus providing a larger pressure relief space for the pressure relief mechanism 312, reducing the risk of emissions, and improving the safety of the battery 100.

[0090] Refer again Figure 4 ,like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the electrode terminals 311 of two adjacent battery cells 3 are electrically connected by a busbar 34. In the second direction Y, the extension length of one of the two adjacent carrier bars 42 is less than the extension length of the other to form a clearance notch 43, which is used to avoid the busbar 34.

[0091] The busbar component 34 is a component that enables electrical connection between multiple battery cells 3. The busbar component 34 is connected across the electrode terminals 311 of adjacent battery cells 3 to connect multiple battery cells 3 in series, parallel, or mixed connections. Since the busbar component 34 is connected across the electrode terminals 311 of adjacent battery cells 3 in the first direction X, at least a portion of the carrier bar 42 extending along the second direction Y needs to avoid it to form an avoidance gap 43.

[0092] In a pair of adjacent support bars 42, one bar has a shorter extension length than the other, meaning that support bars 42 with longer extension lengths alternate with those with shorter extension lengths. Optionally, the length of the support bars 42 can also be adjusted according to the arrangement of the busbar components 34. Furthermore, the extension length of the support bars 42 in the second direction Y indicates only the total length of the support bars 42 in the second direction Y. That is to say, the clearance notch 43 can be provided at one end of the support bar 42 or in the middle of the support bar 42, depending on the arrangement of the busbar components 34. This embodiment of the application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0093] By providing an avoidance notch 43 on the support bar 42, the support component 4 can be better adapted to the structure of the battery 100, making it easier for the battery cells 3 to be connected in series, in parallel, or in a mixed configuration.

[0094] In some embodiments of this application, the support strip 42 is integrally formed with the motherboard 41 or is detachably connected.

[0095] When the support strip 42 and the main board 41 are integrally formed, the manufacturing of the support component 4 is facilitated. When the support strip 42 and the main board 41 are detachably connected, the position of the support strip 42 can be easily adjusted according to the arrangement of the battery cells 3, making the support component 4 applicable to a wider range of scenarios.

[0096] In some embodiments of this application, the motherboard 41 may be fixedly connected to the cover 2 to increase the structural robustness of the battery 100. Optionally, the motherboard 41 may also abut against the cover 2; this application does not limit this aspect.

[0097] In some embodiments of this application, the carrier component 4 is made of an insulating material, or the surface of the carrier component 4 is covered with an insulating material.

[0098] To avoid affecting the electrical connections between the battery cells 3, the support component 4 is an insulating component. It is understood that the support component 4 can be made entirely of insulating material, or its surface can be covered with insulating material to provide overall insulation. When the support component 4 is an object covered with insulating material, the core material can be metal, insulating material, or composite material, etc., with the core material covered with insulating material. At the same time, the support component 4 should have a certain degree of hardness and elasticity to support the battery cells 3 while also being able to deform to a certain extent when subjected to impact, thus protecting the battery cells 3.

[0099] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the battery. Figure 7 for Figure 6 An enlarged view of point B in the circle. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the support strip 42 in the thickness direction of the motherboard 41 is a first dimension H1, and the first dimension H1 satisfies 5mm≤H1≤30mm.

[0100] The thickness direction of the motherboard 41 is also the thickness direction of the housing 1, which is the third direction Z. The support strip 42 has a certain thickness in the third direction Z, which allows it to protrude from the motherboard 41 and support the battery cell 3. The support strip 42 has a first dimension, which allows the top cover plate 31 of the battery cell 3 to maintain a certain distance from the cover 2, thereby maintaining a moderate energy density of the battery 100.

[0101] In some embodiments of this application, the ratio H1 / M of the first dimension H1 to the weight M of a single battery cell 3 satisfies 0.5mm / Kg≤H1 / M≤50mm / Kg.

[0102] The ratio H1 / M of the first dimension H1 to the weight M of a single battery cell 3 indicates the energy density and structural strength of the battery 100. If this ratio is too large, the energy density of the battery 100 will be too low. If it is too small, the structural strength of the battery 100 will be insufficient, leading to a safety accident in a collision. Therefore, the range of H1 / M is 0.5 mm / kg ≤ H1 / M ≤ 50 mm / kg. Preferably, the range of H1 / M is 1 mm / kg ≤ H1 / M ≤ 30 mm / kg. Within this range, the battery 100 has good energy density and suitable structural strength.

[0103] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a collision testing apparatus A for performing collision tests on a battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application. To verify that a battery 100 with a first distance H1 to a single battery cell 3 weight M ratio H1 / M within a suitable range has good performance, the battery 100 is, exemplarily, subjected to a collision test using the collision testing apparatus A. Figure 8 As shown, the collision testing device A includes an impact head A1, a launching device A2, and a frame A3. During the test, the battery 100 is placed on the frame A3, so that the impact head A1, driven by the launching device A2, impacts the battery 100 at a certain speed. The test conditions can be selected as follows: the impact direction is the third direction Z, the impact location is the weakest point of the battery 100, and the impact energy is 90J.

[0104] Since battery 100 is used in electrical devices such as vehicle 1000, and is installed in vehicle 1000 via top 101, impacting the bottom 102 of battery 100 in a third-direction Z-axis can simulate the scenario after battery 100 is installed in vehicle 1000. The weak point of battery 100 indicates the location where battery 100 is easily damaged; this point is typically within a 240mm radius of the geometric center of battery 100. Impacting the weak point of battery 100 can simulate the state of battery 100 after being impacted at a location with weak structural strength. The impact energy is 90J, which can be equivalent to impacting battery 100 with impact head A1 at a speed of 4.2m / s. It is understood that other impact energies can also be used to impact battery 100, such as 120J (impact speed 4.9m / s) or 150J (impact speed 5.5m / s). In actual experiments, the battery 100 can be impacted multiple times with a single impact energy, or multiple impact energies can be used to impact the battery 100 multiple times.

[0105] After the battery 100 is impacted by the collision test device A, it is observed at ambient temperature for 2 hours to detect whether the battery 100 catches fire or explodes. Optionally, after the battery 100 is impacted by the collision test device A, the battery 100 can also be tested for its casing protection level, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0106] Table 1 shows the test results of the collision test on battery 100 using the above method when the first distance H1, the weight M of a single battery cell 3, and the value of H1 / M are used respectively.

[0107] Table 1

[0108] No. H1(mm) M(Kg) H1 / M (mm / Kg) crash test Example 1 5 10 0.5 No fire, no explosion Example 2 10 5 2 No fire, no explosion Example 3 15 3 5 No fire, no explosion Example 4 30 1 30 No fire, no explosion Example 5 25 0.5 50 No fire, no explosion Comparative Example 1 3 5 0.2 Fire, explosion Comparative Example 2 52 1 52 Fire, explosion

[0109] As shown in Table 1, when H1 satisfies 5mm≤H1≤30mm and H1 / M satisfies 0.5mm / Kg≤H1 / M≤50mm / Kg, the battery 100 will not catch fire or explode in a collision test of a certain intensity, and has good safety.

[0110] In some alternative embodiments, the battery cell 3 may not be mounted on the support bar 42, but may be fixedly connected to the support bar 42.

[0111] At this time, the first dimension H1 satisfies 0.5mm≤H1≤30mm, and the ratio of the first dimension H1 to the weight M of a single battery cell 3, H1 / M, satisfies 0.05mm / Kg≤H1 / M≤50mm / Kg. Within this range, the battery 100 has good energy density and suitable structural strength.

[0112] To verify that a battery 100 with a first dimension H1 and a single cell weight M within a suitable range (H1 / M) has good performance, a structural strength test can be performed on the battery 100. For example, during the structural strength test of the battery 100, multiple tests such as shear strength test and compressive strength test can be used to determine the structural strength of the battery 100.

[0113] In a shear strength test, for example, the battery 100 can be fixed between the clamps of a shear testing machine. Then, the testing head of the shear testing machine moves the battery 100 at a speed of 5 mm / min along either the first direction X or the second direction Y. When the housing 1 is damaged, the tensile force F applied by the testing head is recorded. The projected area of ​​the battery 100 in the third direction Z is taken as area A, and the value of F / A is the shear strength that the battery 100 can withstand.

[0114] In the compressive strength test, for example, a compression head can be used to apply pressure to the battery 100 in the third direction Z and the first direction X or the second direction Y, and push it into the battery 100 at a speed of 2 m / s. The compression is stopped when the compression force reaches 50 kN or the deformation of the battery 100 reaches 30%, and held for 10 minutes. After the compressive strength test, the battery 100 is left to stand at ambient temperature for 2 hours for observation.

[0115] Optionally, the structural strength of the battery 100 can also be tested through other structural strength tests, which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0116] Table 2 shows the test results of the structural strength of the battery 100 using the above method when the battery cell 3 is fixed on the support bar 42, with different values ​​for the first distance H1, the weight M of the single battery cell 3, and the value of H1 / M.

[0117] Table 2

[0118]

[0119]

[0120] As shown in Table 2, when H1 satisfies 0.5mm≤H1≤30mm and H1 / M satisfies 0.05mm / Kg≤H1 / M≤50mm / Kg, battery 100 has good structural strength in the strength structure test.

[0121] It should be understood that the above description of some embodiments of the battery 100 is merely exemplary, and the battery 100 may also have other structures.

[0122] Refer again Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ,like Figure 2as well as Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1 includes a support plate 11 and side plates 12. The support plate 11 is located at the top 101, and the side plates 12 are distributed around the opening 103. That is, the support plate 11 and the side plates 12 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom along the third direction Z. The support plate 11 is a plate extending along the first direction X, and the side plates 12 are plates extending along the third direction Z. The side plates 12 surround the support plate 11, and an opening 103 is formed at the bottom 102, making the housing 1 a hollow structure. The battery cell 3 is located on the support plate 11, which can increase the rigidity of the top 101 of the battery 100 and reduce the possibility of damage to the battery 100 in a collision.

[0123] Optionally, the side plate 12 can be integrally formed with the support plate 11, or it can be fixedly connected to the support plate 11 by at least one of welding, bonding, fasteners or hot melt self-tapping screw processes. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0124] In some optional embodiments, a channel (not shown in the figure) is embedded inside the support plate 11. Since the battery cell 3 is disposed on the support plate 11, and the bottom 102 of the battery cell 3 is in contact with the support plate 11, for the sake of the performance of the battery 100, a channel is embedded inside the support plate 11, through which a gas or liquid as a heat transfer medium is passed, which can regulate the temperature of the battery 100 when the battery 100 is working, thereby increasing the life and availability of the battery 100.

[0125] In some alternative embodiments, the channel may also be disposed between the battery cell 3 and the support plate 11 as a thermal management component, or formed as any other component capable of regulating the temperature of the battery 100. This application embodiment is not limited to this.

[0126] In some optional embodiments, the housing 1 can be a simple three-dimensional structure such as a cuboid or cylinder, or a complex three-dimensional structure composed of simple three-dimensional structures such as cuboids or cylinders. The material of the housing 1 can be an alloy material such as aluminum alloy or iron alloy, a polymer material such as polycarbonate or polyisocyanurate foam, or a composite material such as glass fiber and epoxy resin. To improve the sealing performance of the housing 1, a sealing element, such as sealant or sealing ring, can also be provided between the cover 2 and the side plate 12. This application embodiment does not limit any of the above feasible settings.

[0127] In some optional embodiments, the battery 100 may contain multiple battery cells 3, which may be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 3 are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells 3 may be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 3 is housed within the housing 1. Alternatively, the battery 100 may be composed of multiple battery cells 3 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery 100 module, and then these modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is then housed within the housing 1.

[0128] Each battery cell 3 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 3 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0129] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover 2 of the battery 100 according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 9 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the box 1 further includes a cover 2 disposed at the opening 103. The cover 2 is fixedly connected to the side plate 12, thereby covering the opening 103 and giving the box 1 a relatively sealed structure.

[0130] The cover 2 includes a main body 21 and a mating part 22. The mating part 22 is disposed circumferentially on the main body 21 and matches the side plate 12. That is, the main body 21 covers the opening 103 formed by the side plate 12, and the mating part 22 is fixed to the side plate 12, thus fixing the cover 2 to the side plate 12. Optionally, the mating part 22 and the side plate 12 can be bolted together, or the mating part 22 and the side plate 12 can be fixedly connected in other ways.

[0131] On the third direction Z, the main body 21 protrudes from the extension surface of the bottom 102 relative to the mating part 22. This allows for a relatively larger distance between the battery cell 3 disposed inside the housing 1 and the cover 2, making way for the busbar component 34 or the support assembly 4. It should be understood that the distance of the protrusion of the main body 21 relative to the mating part 22 should be selected based on the energy density of the battery 100, and should not be too large, resulting in an increase in the volume of the battery 100 while reducing the energy density of the battery 100.

[0132] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a battery cell 3 according to some embodiments of this application. The battery cell 3 refers to the smallest unit that makes up the battery 100. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the battery cell 3 also includes a top cover plate 31, a housing 32, an electrode assembly 33, and other functional components.

[0133] The top cover 31 is a component that covers the opening of the housing 32 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 3 from the external environment. The shape of the top cover 31 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 32 to fit it. Optionally, the top cover 31 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that the top cover 31 is less prone to deformation under pressure and impact, allowing the battery cell 3 to have higher structural strength and improved safety performance. Functional components such as electrode terminals 311 and explosion-proof valves are provided on the top cover 31. The electrode terminals 311 can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly 33 for outputting or inputting electrical energy into the battery cell 3. In some embodiments, the top cover 31 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism 312 for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 3 reaches a threshold. The material of the top cover 31 can also be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this. In some embodiments, an insulating element may be provided on the inner side of the top cover plate 31. The insulating element can be used to isolate the electrical connection plate inside the housing 32 from the top cover plate 31 to reduce the risk of short circuit. For example, the insulating element may be made of plastic, rubber, etc.

[0134] The housing 32 is a component used to cooperate with the top cover plate 31 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 3. The formed internal environment can accommodate the electrode assembly 33, electrolyte (not shown in the figure), and other components. The housing 32 and the top cover plate 31 can be independent components. An opening can be provided on the housing 32, and the top cover plate 31 can be used to close the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 3. Alternatively, the top cover plate 31 and the housing 32 can be integrated. Specifically, the top cover plate 31 and the housing 32 can form a common connecting surface before other components are inserted into the housing. When it is necessary to encapsulate the interior of the housing 32, the top cover plate 31 closes the housing 32. The housing 32 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing 32 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 33. The material of the housing 32 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0135] Electrode assembly 33 is the component in the battery cell 3 where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The casing 32 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 33. The electrode assembly 33 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode plates, and typically a separator is provided between the positive and negative electrode plates. The portions of the positive and negative electrode plates containing active material constitute the main body of the electrode assembly 33, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode plates without active material each constitute a tab. The positive and negative tabs may be located together at one end of the main body or separately at both ends of the main body. During the charging and discharging process of the battery 100, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the electrode terminals 311 to form a current loop.

[0136] In some optional embodiments of this application, the battery 100 includes a housing 1, a cover 2, multiple battery cells 3, and a support assembly 4. The cover 2 covers the opening 103 at the bottom 102 of the housing 1 and is fixedly connected to the housing 1. The multiple battery cells 3 are disposed inside the housing 1. The top cover 31 is inverted and positioned facing the opening 103 in the housing 1. The support assembly 4 is disposed between the battery cells 3 and the cover 2, and includes a main board 41 and support bars 42 connected to the main board 41. The main board 41 abuts against the cover 2, and the support bars 42 abut against the battery cells 3 to support and carry the battery cells 3. Multiple support bars 42 are provided, and the multiple support bars 42 are spaced apart along the main board 41 in a first direction X and extend along the main board 41 in a second direction Y. The top cover plate 31 of the battery cell 3 includes a functional area 301 with electrode terminals 311 and shoulders 302 disposed on both sides of the functional area 301 along the first direction X. The battery cell 3 abuts against the support strip 42 through the shoulders 302, so that the electrode terminals 311 are located between adjacent support strips 42 and spaced apart from the cover 2, thereby protecting the electrode terminals 311. In the thickness direction of the main board 41, i.e., the third direction Z, the thickness of the support strip 42 is a first dimension H1. When the first dimension H1 satisfies 5mm≤H1≤30mm, and the ratio of the first dimension H1 to the weight M of a single battery cell 3, H1 / M, satisfies 0.5mm / Kg≤H1 / M≤50mm / Kg, as shown in Table 1, the battery 100 will not catch fire or explode in a certain intensity collision test, and has good safety.

[0137] In some cases, the battery 100 of this application embodiment can increase the rigidity of the housing 1 and the energy density of the battery 100 by inverting the battery cell 3 inside the housing 1; and the structural strength of the battery 100 can be enhanced by supporting the battery cell 3 by the bearing component 4, reducing the probability of damage to it in a collision, so that the battery 100 has better safety.

[0138] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0139] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A battery, comprising: The box (1) has an opening (103) at its bottom (102); A cover (2) is fitted over the opening (103), and the cover (2) is fixedly connected to the box body (1); Multiple battery cells (3) are disposed inside the housing (1). The top cover plate (31) of the battery cell (3) is inverted in the housing (1) facing the opening (103). The top cover plate (31) is provided with electrode terminals (311). A support component (4) is disposed between the battery cell (3) and the cover (2) to support and carry the battery cell (3). The carrier component (4) includes multiple carrier strips (42), which abut against the battery cell (3). The electrode terminals (311) of two adjacent battery cells (3) are electrically connected through a busbar (34). The extension length of one of the two adjacent carrier strips (42) is less than the extension length of the other to form a clearance gap (43), which is used to avoid the busbar (34).

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The support component (4) includes a main board (41), the support strip (42) is connected to the main board (41), the main board (41) abuts against the cover (2), and the support strip (42) abuts against the battery cell (3).

3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein, Multiple of the carrier bars (42) are spaced apart along the main board (41) in a first direction and extend along the main board (41) in a second direction.

4. The battery according to claim 3, wherein, The top cover plate (31) includes a functional area (301) and a shoulder (302). The functional area (301) is provided with electrode terminals (311). The shoulder (302) is located on both sides of the functional area (301) along the first direction. The battery cell (3) abuts against the support strip (42) through the shoulder (302). The battery cell (3) includes an electrode assembly (33), which is connected to the electrode terminal (311).

5. The battery according to claim 4, wherein, The electrode terminal (311) is disposed between two adjacent support bars (42), and the electrode terminal (311) is spaced apart from the cover (2).

6. The battery according to claim 5, wherein, In the thickness direction of the motherboard (41), the thickness of the support strip (42) is greater than the extension height of the electrode terminal (311).

7. The battery according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein, The shoulders (302) of two adjacent battery cells (3) abut against the same support strip (42).

8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein, In the first direction, the width D1 of the support strip (42) and the extension width D2 of the shoulder (302) satisfy: 0.5D2≤D1≤2D2.

9. The battery according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein, The functional area (301) is also provided with a pressure relief mechanism (312), which is spaced apart from the cover (2). In the first direction, the electrode terminals (311) are located on both sides of the pressure relief mechanism (312).

10. The battery according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The support strip (42) is integrally formed with the main board (41) or can be detachably connected.

11. The battery according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The motherboard (41) is fixedly connected to the cover (2).

12. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The support component (4) is made of insulating material, or the surface of the support component (4) is covered with insulating material.

13. The battery according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, In the thickness direction of the motherboard (41), the thickness of the support strip (42) is a first dimension H1, which satisfies 5mm≤H1≤30mm.

14. The battery according to claim 13, wherein, The ratio H1 / M of the first dimension H1 to the weight M of a single battery cell (3) satisfies 0.5mm / Kg≤H1 / M≤50mm / Kg.

15. An electrical device comprising a battery according to any one of claims 1-14, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

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