Batteries, electrical devices, methods and apparatus for manufacturing batteries

Abstract

A battery (10), an electrical device, a method (600) for preparing the battery (10), and an apparatus (700) for preparing the battery (10). The battery (10) includes: a plurality of battery cells (20), including a first battery cell (20a) and a second battery cell (20b), wherein a pressure relief mechanism (213) is provided on a first wall (20la) of the first battery cell (20a) and a second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b); a thermal management component (30) for containing fluid to regulate the temperature of the plurality of battery cells (20), the thermal management component (30) being attached to the first wall (20la) of the first battery cell (20a) and the first wall (20lb) of the second battery cell (20b), the thermal management component (30) having a pressure relief area (301) at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) for discharging the emissions of the first battery cell (20a) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is actuated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of batteries, and more specifically, to a battery, an electrical device, a method and apparatus for manufacturing a battery. Background Technology

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry. In this context, electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of the automotive industry's sustainable development. And for electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0003] In the development of battery technology, besides improving battery performance, safety is also a crucial issue that cannot be ignored. If battery safety cannot be guaranteed, then the battery is unusable. Therefore, how to enhance battery safety is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved in battery technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a battery, an electrical device, a method for manufacturing a battery, and an apparatus for manufacturing a battery, which can enhance battery safety.

[0005] In a first aspect, a battery is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells, including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, wherein a pressure relief mechanism is provided on a first wall of the first battery cell and a second wall of the second battery cell, the pressure relief mechanism being actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell having the pressure relief mechanism reaches a threshold; and a thermal management component for containing fluid to regulate the temperature of the plurality of battery cells, the thermal management component being attached to the first wall of the first battery cell and the first wall of the second battery cell, the first wall of the second battery cell being different from the second wall of the second battery cell, the thermal management component having a pressure relief region at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell, the pressure relief region being used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is actuated.

[0006] According to the technical solution of this application embodiment, in a battery with multiple battery cells, the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is disposed on the first wall of the first battery cell, and the pressure relief mechanism of the second battery cell is disposed on the second wall of the second battery cell. The thermal management component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism is located and the first wall of the second battery cell where no pressure relief mechanism is provided. Therefore, the first wall of the second battery cell attached to the thermal management component can be designed entirely as a heat dissipation surface. This technical solution can effectively increase the overall heat dissipation area of ​​the battery, thereby improving the battery's safety performance and facilitating the development of fast charging technology. Furthermore, since the thermal management component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism is located and the first wall of the second battery cell where no pressure relief mechanism is provided, the thermal management component only needs to provide a pressure relief area at the location corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell to discharge the emissions from the first battery cell, while the area corresponding to the second battery cell can still contain fluid to regulate the temperature of the second battery cell, further improving the overall performance of the battery.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the thermal management component includes a flow channel for containing the fluid, wherein the flow channel is not provided in the pressure relief area.

[0008] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the thermal management component corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is set as a pressure relief area. No flow channels or fluid are provided in the pressure relief area to prevent the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell from impacting the flow channels in the thermal management component, wasting the fluid in the thermal management component, and affecting the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component on multiple battery cells.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the thermal management component has the flow channel at a location corresponding to the first wall of the second battery cell.

[0010] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the flow channel in the thermal management component can be configured to fully cover the first wall of the second battery cell. The fully covered flow channel can play a good role in temperature regulation of the second battery cell, thereby improving the overall performance of the battery.

[0011] In some possible implementations, electrode terminals are provided on the second wall of the first battery cell and the second wall of the second battery cell; the second wall of the first battery cell is a wall opposite to the first wall of the first battery cell, and the second wall of the second battery cell is a wall opposite to the first wall of the second battery cell.

[0012] In this embodiment, the second wall in the first battery cell, where the electrode terminals are located, is opposite to the first wall where the pressure relief mechanism is located. This maximizes the distance between the emissions from the first battery cell discharged through the pressure relief mechanism and the electrode terminals, ensuring battery safety. Simultaneously, the second wall in the second battery cell, where the pressure relief mechanism is located, is also opposite to the first wall attached to the thermal management component. This minimizes the impact of emissions from the second battery cell discharged through the pressure relief mechanism on the thermal management component. Furthermore, in the second battery cell, both the electrode terminals and the pressure relief mechanism are located on the second wall, facilitating their processing and installation and improving battery production efficiency.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the first battery cell and the second battery cell satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell is greater than the specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell; the energy density of the first battery cell is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell; or, the flue gas temperature emitted by the first battery cell when its pressure relief mechanism is actuated is higher than the flue gas temperature emitted by the second battery cell when its pressure relief mechanism is actuated.

[0014] According to the technical solution of this embodiment, the probability of thermal runaway in the second battery cell is lower than that in the first battery cell. Alternatively, even if thermal runaway occurs in the second battery cell, the temperature of the exhaust gas emitted by the second battery cell is lower than that of the first battery cell when its pressure relief mechanism is activated. Therefore, the impact of emissions from the second battery cell released through its pressure relief mechanism on the second battery cell can be reduced, improving battery safety. Furthermore, compared to the second battery cell, the first battery cell can release more electricity per unit mass; and / or, the first battery cell can store more electricity per unit mass, thus contributing to improved overall battery performance.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the first battery cell and the second battery cell satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell is greater than or equal to 180 mAh / g, and the specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell is less than or equal to 170 mAh / g; the mass energy density of the first battery cell is greater than or equal to 230 Wh / kg, and the mass energy density of the second battery cell is less than or equal to 220 Wh / kg; or, the temperature of the flue gas emitted by the first battery cell when its pressure relief mechanism is actuated is greater than or equal to 600°C, and the temperature of the flue gas emitted by the second battery cell when its pressure relief mechanism is actuated is less than or equal to 500°C.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the plurality of battery cells includes at least one of the second battery cells, and the ratio of the number of the at least one second battery cell to the number of the plurality of battery cells ranges from 20% to 50%.

[0017] The technical solution of this embodiment ensures that the ratio of at least one second battery cell to the total number of battery cells is less than or equal to 50%, guaranteeing that the number of first battery cells accounts for more than half of the total number of battery cells in the entire battery. This ensures superior overall electrical performance of the battery, such as higher energy density. Furthermore, a ratio of at least one second battery cell to the total number of battery cells is greater than or equal to 20%, ensuring effective temperature regulation of the second battery cells and surrounding first battery cells by the thermal management component, thereby improving the overall performance of the battery.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the plurality of battery cells includes a column of battery cells arranged along a first direction, wherein a second battery cell is provided every N first battery cells, where N is a positive integer and N≤4.

[0019] The technical solution of this embodiment allows the ratio of the number of second battery cells in a row of battery cells to the total number of battery cells in the row to be between 20% and 50%. This enables the thermal management component to effectively regulate the temperature of the row of battery cells, while also ensuring that the row of battery cells has a high energy density. Furthermore, by spacing one second battery cell between every N first battery cells in a row, the second battery cells are evenly distributed within the row, allowing the thermal management component to provide uniform temperature regulation and further enhancing the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component on the row of battery cells.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the second battery cell is disposed in the edge region of the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] Since the thermal management component has a good temperature regulation effect on the second battery cell, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the second battery cell can be set in the edge region of multiple battery cells, so that the thermal management component can regulate the temperature of the second battery cell located in the edge region of multiple battery cells, reduce the impact of the external environment on the second battery cell, and improve the overall performance of the battery.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the battery further includes: a collection chamber for collecting the emissions from the first battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is actuated; and a buffer disposed in the collection chamber for improving the compressive strength of the collection chamber.

[0023] The technical solution of this embodiment includes a buffer element in the collection chamber for collecting emissions from the first battery cell. Compared to a hollow structure, the buffer element provides cushioning and energy absorption within the collection chamber, resulting in better compressive strength. In other words, when external pressure acts on the battery, the collection chamber with the buffer element can absorb most or all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the impact of external pressure on thermal management components and electrical components such as battery cells in the electrical cavity, improving the battery's compressive strength and safety performance. In some applications, the battery can be installed in the chassis of an electric vehicle and provide power for the vehicle's operation. Specifically, the battery's collection chamber faces the chassis of the electric vehicle relative to the electrical cavity. During operation, the electric vehicle may be subjected to bumps, impacts from flying stones, and other adverse conditions, which can impact the chassis of the electric vehicle and even the battery mounted on the chassis, as well as cause bottom ball strikes. Through the technical solution of this application embodiment, the buffer in the collection cavity can provide good shock resistance and bottom ball strike protection, reduce or eliminate the impact of adverse conditions encountered by electric vehicles during driving on the battery, enhance the battery's shock resistance and safety performance, and thus further improve the safety performance of electric vehicles.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the thermal management component is a wall of the collection chamber, and the buffer is attached to the surface of the thermal management component away from the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] The technical solution of this embodiment, by attaching a buffer to the thermal management component, can improve the pressure resistance of the thermal management component and reduce or eliminate damage to the thermal management component caused by external pressure. In addition to its pressure-resistant buffering function, the buffer also serves as a heat insulation function, keeping the fluid in the thermal management component warm and preventing temperature changes in the fluid, thereby further ensuring the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component and improving battery performance.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the buffer is provided with an opening that is positioned opposite a pressure relief area in the thermal management component, the opening being used to allow emissions from the first battery cell passing through the pressure relief area.

[0027] According to the technical solution of this embodiment, the buffer also needs to be provided with an opening at the position corresponding to the pressure relief area so that the discharge can pass through, preventing the buffer from blocking the discharge path of the discharge, thereby preventing the discharge from affecting the first battery cell and ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the buffer is provided with a venting channel for discharging the emissions from the first battery cell into the buffer.

[0029] The technical solution of this embodiment provides a venting channel within the buffer component, which can be used to discharge emissions from the first battery cell, particularly high-temperature gases and / or liquids in the emissions. This prevents the high-temperature emissions from becoming confined within the buffer component, thereby preventing potential safety hazards. Furthermore, the emissions can dissipate heat during their flow through the venting channel. This channel extends the movement path of the emissions within the collection chamber. If the emissions are then discharged to the outside of the battery via the collection chamber, the temperature of the emissions will be lower after traveling a longer path, thus reducing the impact of the emissions on the external environment of the battery and further enhancing the safety of battery use.

[0030] In some possible implementations, a buffer is provided in the collection chamber corresponding to the position of the second battery cell to protect the second battery cell and enhance the overall performance of the battery.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the buffer is made of porous energy-absorbing material and / or thermal insulation material.

[0032] When the buffer is made of porous energy-absorbing material, it can absorb external pressure when applied to the battery, thus resisting most or all of the external pressure and reducing or eliminating its impact on the thermal management components and individual battery cells. When the buffer is made of insulating material, it can keep the fluid in the thermal management components warm, preventing temperature changes and further ensuring the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management components, thereby improving battery performance.

[0033] In a second aspect, an electrical device is provided, comprising: a battery as described in the first aspect or any possible embodiment of the first aspect, the battery being used to provide electrical energy.

[0034] Thirdly, a method for manufacturing a battery is provided, comprising: providing a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, wherein a pressure relief mechanism is provided on a first wall of the first battery cell and a second wall of the second battery cell, the pressure relief mechanism being actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell having the pressure relief mechanism reaches a threshold; providing a thermal management component for containing fluid to regulate the temperature of the plurality of battery cells; attaching the thermal management component to the first wall of the first battery cell and the first wall of the second battery cell; wherein the first wall of the second battery cell is different from the second wall of the second battery cell, and the thermal management component is provided with a pressure relief region at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell, the pressure relief region being used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is actuated.

[0035] Fourthly, an apparatus for manufacturing a battery is provided, comprising: a providing module for: providing a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell, wherein a pressure relief mechanism is provided on a first wall of the first battery cell and a second wall of the second battery cell, the pressure relief mechanism being actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell having the pressure relief mechanism reaches a threshold; providing a thermal management component for containing fluid to regulate the temperature of the plurality of battery cells; and an mounting module for attaching the thermal management component to the first wall of the first battery cell and the first wall of the second battery cell, wherein the first wall of the second battery cell is different from the second wall of the second battery cell, and the thermal management component having a pressure relief region at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell, the pressure relief region being used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell when the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is actuated.

[0036] According to the technical solution of this application embodiment, in a battery with multiple battery cells, the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is disposed on the first wall of the first battery cell, and the pressure relief mechanism of the second battery cell is disposed on the second wall of the second battery cell. The thermal management component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism is located and the first wall of the second battery cell where no pressure relief mechanism is provided. Therefore, the first wall of the second battery cell attached to the thermal management component can be designed entirely as a heat dissipation surface. This technical solution can effectively increase the overall heat dissipation area of ​​the battery, thereby improving the battery's safety performance and facilitating the development of fast charging technology. Furthermore, since the thermal management component is attached to the first wall of the first battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism is located and the first wall of the second battery cell where no pressure relief mechanism is provided, the thermal management component only needs to provide a pressure relief area at the location corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell to discharge the emissions from the first battery cell, while the area corresponding to the second battery cell can still contain fluid to regulate the temperature of the second battery cell, further improving the overall performance of the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0037] 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.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle disclosed in one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery disclosed in one embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery disclosed in one embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part A in the middle;

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part B in the middle section;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a battery disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a battery disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional exploded view of the thermal management component in the illustrated embodiment;

[0048] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 Another exploded three-dimensional view of the thermal management component in the illustrated embodiment;

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a buffer component disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A schematic plan view of a buffer component;

[0052] Figure 15 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for preparing a battery disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for preparing a battery disclosed in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of this application by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application, that is, this application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not vertical in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range. "Parallel" is not parallel in the strict sense, but within the allowable tolerance range.

[0057] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of this application. It should also be noted in the description of this application that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific 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 throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0061] In this application, a battery refers to a physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide electrical energy. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a casing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The casing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0062] Optionally, the battery cell may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited in this regard. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited in this regard either. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, cuboid / square battery cells, and pouch battery cells, and this application embodiment is not limited in this regard either.

[0063] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell primarily functions by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, and the uncoated current collector protrudes beyond the coated current collector, serving as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector, and the uncoated current collector protrudes beyond the coated current collector, serving as the negative electrode tab. The negative current collector can be made of copper, and the negative active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. To ensure that a large current can be carried without melting, multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked together, and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked together. The diaphragm can be made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), etc. Furthermore, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure; the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0064] The development of battery technology must take into account multiple design factors, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge / discharge rate and other performance parameters. In addition, battery safety also needs to be considered.

[0065] For batteries, the main safety hazards come from the charging and discharging processes. To improve battery safety, pressure relief mechanisms are generally incorporated into individual battery cells. A pressure relief mechanism is a component or part that activates when the internal pressure or temperature of a battery cell reaches a predetermined threshold to release that pressure or temperature. This predetermined threshold can be adjusted according to different design requirements. The predetermined threshold may depend on one or more of the materials used in the positive electrode, negative electrode, electrolyte, and separator within the battery cell. The pressure relief mechanism can employ pressure-sensitive or temperature-sensitive components or parts; that is, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches the predetermined threshold, the pressure relief mechanism is activated, thereby creating a channel for the release of internal pressure or temperature.

[0066] The term "actuation" as used in this application refers to the activation of the pressure relief mechanism, thereby releasing the internal pressure and temperature of the battery cell. The activation of the pressure relief mechanism may include, but is not limited to, at least a portion of the mechanism rupturing, tearing, or melting. Upon activation, the high-temperature, high-pressure substances inside the battery cell are discharged as waste from the mechanism. This method allows for pressure relief of the battery cell under controlled pressure or temperature, thereby preventing potentially more serious accidents.

[0067] The emissions from battery cells mentioned in this application include, but are not limited to: electrolyte, dissolved or split positive and negative electrode plates, fragments of the separator, high-temperature and high-pressure gases generated by the reaction, flames, etc.

[0068] The pressure relief mechanism on a battery cell has a significant impact on battery safety. For example, when a battery cell experiences a short circuit or overcharging, it may lead to thermal runaway, causing a sudden increase in pressure or temperature. In such cases, the pressure relief mechanism can be activated to release internal pressure and temperature, preventing the battery cell from exploding or catching fire.

[0069] In addition to installing pressure relief mechanisms on individual battery cells to ensure battery safety, a thermal management component can also be installed in the housing containing the battery cells. This thermal management component can be used to contain fluid to regulate the temperature of multiple battery cells. The fluid can be a liquid or a gas, and temperature regulation refers to heating or cooling multiple battery cells. When cooling or lowering the temperature of the battery cells, the thermal management component is used to contain cooling fluid to lower the temperature of multiple battery cells. In this case, the thermal management component can also be called a cooling component, cooling system, or cooling plate, and the fluid it contains can be called a cooling medium or cooling fluid, more specifically, a coolant or a cooling gas. Alternatively, the thermal management component can also be used to heat up multiple battery cells, but this application embodiment is not limited to this. Optionally, the fluid can be circulating to achieve better temperature regulation. Optionally, the fluid can be water, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or air, etc.

[0070] In some implementations, a thermal management component can be used to separate the interior of the battery casing into an electrical cavity that houses the individual battery cells and a collection cavity that collects emissions. When the pressure relief mechanism is actuated, emissions from the battery cells pass through the thermal management component into the collection cavity, but do not enter the electrical cavity or only a small amount enters the electrical cavity, thereby reducing the impact of emissions on the busbars in the electrical cavity and thus enhancing battery safety.

[0071] The electrical cavity is used to house multiple battery cells and busbar components. The electrical cavity can be sealed or unsealed. It provides mounting space for the battery cells and busbar components. In some embodiments, the electrical cavity may also include structures for securing the battery cells. The shape of the electrical cavity can be determined based on the number of battery cells and busbar components it houses. In some embodiments, the electrical cavity can be square with six walls. Because the battery cells within the electrical cavity form a high voltage output through electrical connections, the electrical cavity can also be referred to as a "high-voltage cavity."

[0072] A busbar is used to achieve electrical connection between multiple battery cells, such as in parallel, series, or a combination thereof. The busbar achieves electrical connection between battery cells by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells. In some embodiments, the busbar can be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells by welding. Corresponding to a "high-voltage chamber," the electrical connection formed by the busbar can also be called a "high-voltage connection."

[0073] The collection chamber, used to collect emissions, can be sealed or unsealed. In some embodiments, the collection chamber may contain air or other gases. There is no electrical connection within the collection chamber to a voltage output; corresponding to a "high-voltage chamber," the collection chamber can also be referred to as a "low-pressure chamber." Optionally, the collection chamber may also contain a liquid, such as a cooling medium, or a component may be provided to contain the liquid for further cooling of the emissions entering the collection chamber. Further optionally, the gas or liquid within the collection chamber is circulated.

[0074] However, in this embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism of the battery cell is positioned towards the thermal management component. This pressure relief mechanism has poor heat dissipation effect, and the area in the thermal management component corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the battery cell needs to be used to discharge the battery cell's emissions, thus it cannot accommodate fluid to regulate the battery cell's temperature. This results in a reduction in the area of ​​the thermal management component used to regulate the battery cell's temperature. With the development of battery charging and discharging technology, the heat of the battery cell will increase significantly during fast charging. The small temperature regulation area in the thermal management component may cause the battery cell to have a high temperature rise, which is not conducive to fast charging and may also bring certain safety hazards.

[0075] In view of this, this application provides a technical solution in which, among the multiple battery cells, only the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell is arranged opposite to the thermal management component, while the pressure relief mechanism of the second battery cell is not arranged opposite to the thermal management component. Therefore, the side of the second battery cell facing the thermal management component can be entirely a heat dissipation surface. This technical solution increases the overall heat dissipation area of ​​the battery, further improving battery safety performance and facilitating the development of fast charging technology. Furthermore, the thermal management component only needs to have a pressure relief area at the location corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism of the first battery cell to discharge the emissions from the first battery cell, while the area corresponding to the second battery cell can still contain fluid to regulate the temperature of the second battery cell. This technical solution increases the temperature regulation area in the thermal management component used to regulate the temperature of multiple battery cells, further improving battery safety performance.

[0076] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to various battery-powered devices, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, ships, and spacecraft. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft.

[0077] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are not limited to the devices described above, but can also be applied to all devices that use batteries. However, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments are all illustrated using electric vehicles as examples.

[0078] For example, such as Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of this application. Vehicle 1 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 motor 11, a controller 12, and a battery 10 can be installed inside vehicle 1. The controller 12 controls the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 11. For example, the battery 10 can be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used to power vehicle 1; for example, it can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1's electrical system, such as meeting the power requirements for starting, navigation, and operation. In another embodiment of this application, the battery 10 can not only serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1 but also as the driving power source, replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas to provide driving power to vehicle 1.

[0079] To meet diverse power demands, a battery can comprise multiple individual cells, which can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both. A battery can also be called a battery pack. Optionally, multiple individual cells can first be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of both to form a battery. In other words, multiple individual cells can be directly assembled into a battery, or they can first be assembled into battery modules, and then the battery modules can be assembled into a battery.

[0080] For example, such as Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a battery 10 according to an embodiment of this application. The battery 10 may include multiple battery cells 20. The battery 10 may also include a housing (or cover), the interior of which is a hollow structure, and the multiple battery cells 20 are housed within the housing. Figure 2 As shown, the housing may include two parts, referred to here as the first part 111 and the second part 112, which are fastened together. The shapes of the first part 111 and the second part 112 can be determined according to the combined shape of multiple battery cells 20. Both the first part 111 and the second part 112 may have an opening. For example, both the first part 111 and the second part 112 may be hollow cuboids with only one open face. The openings of the first part 111 and the second part 112 are opposite to each other, and the first part 111 and the second part 112 are fastened together to form a housing with a closed cavity. Multiple battery cells 20 are connected in parallel, series, or mixed configurations and placed inside the housing formed by the fastening of the first part 111 and the second part 112.

[0081] Optionally, the battery 10 may also include other structures, which will not be described in detail here. For example, the battery 10 may also include a busbar component for realizing the electrical connection between multiple battery cells 20, such as parallel, series, or mixed connection. Specifically, the busbar component can realize the electrical connection between battery cells 20 by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. Further, the busbar component can be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electrical energy of the multiple battery cells 20 can be further led out through the housing by a conductive mechanism. Optionally, the conductive mechanism may also be part of the busbar component.

[0082] The number of battery cells 20 can be set to any value depending on different power requirements. Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed to achieve a larger capacity or power. Since each battery 10 may contain a large number of battery cells 20, for ease of installation, the battery cells 20 can be grouped, with each group of battery cells 20 forming a battery module. The number of battery cells 20 included in a battery module is unlimited and can be set according to requirements.

[0083] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows two structural schematics of battery cells 20 according to an embodiment of this application. Each battery cell 20 includes one or more electrode assemblies 22, a housing 211, and a cover plate 212. The walls of the housing 211 and the cover plate 212 are both referred to as the walls of the battery cell 20. The shape of the housing 211 depends on the combined shape of the one or more electrode assemblies 22. For example, the housing 211 can be a hollow cuboid, cube, or cylinder, and one face of the housing 211 has an opening so that one or more electrode assemblies 22 can be placed inside the housing 211. For example, when the housing 211 is a hollow cuboid or cube, one plane of the housing 211 is an open face, meaning that this plane does not have a wall, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 211. When the housing 211 can be a hollow cylinder, the end face of the housing 211 is an open face, meaning that this end face does not have a wall, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 211. The cover plate 212 covers the opening and is connected to the housing 211 to form a closed cavity for placing the electrode assemblies 22. The casing 211 is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolyte solution.

[0084] The battery cell 20 may also include two electrode terminals 214, which can be disposed on a cover plate 212. The cover plate 212 is typically flat, and the two electrode terminals 214 are fixed to the flat surface of the cover plate 212. The two electrode terminals 214 are a positive electrode terminal 214a and a negative electrode terminal 214b, respectively. Each electrode terminal 214 is provided with a corresponding connecting member 23, or a current collector 23, which is located between the cover plate 212 and the electrode assembly 22, and is used to electrically connect the electrode assembly 22 and the electrode terminal 214.

[0085] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each electrode assembly 22 has a first tab 221a and a second tab 222a. The first tab 221a and the second tab 222a have opposite polarities. For example, when the first tab 221a is a positive tab, the second tab 222a is a negative tab. The first tab 221a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 is connected to an electrode terminal via a connecting member 23, and the second tab 222a of one or more electrode assemblies 22 is connected to another electrode terminal via another connecting member 23. For example, the positive electrode terminal 214a is connected to the positive tab via a connecting member 23, and the negative electrode terminal 214b is connected to the negative tab via another connecting member 23.

[0086] In this battery cell 20, depending on actual usage requirements, the electrode assembly 22 can be configured as a single unit or multiple units, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell 20 contains four independent electrode assemblies 22.

[0087] As an example, a pressure relief mechanism 213 may also be provided on one wall of the battery cell 20. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated to release the internal pressure or temperature when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold.

[0088] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode terminal 214 are disposed on different walls of the battery cell 20. As an example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the electrode terminals 214 of the battery cell 20 can be disposed on the top wall of the battery cell 20, i.e., the cover plate 212. The pressure relief mechanism 213 is disposed on another wall of the battery cell 20, different from the top wall; for example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 is disposed on the bottom wall 215 opposite to the top wall. For ease of demonstration, Figure 3 The bottom wall 215 is separated from the housing 211, but this does not limit the bottom side of the housing 211 to have an opening.

[0089] In this embodiment, the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode terminal 214 are disposed on different walls of the battery cell 20. This allows the discharge from the battery cell 20 to be further away from the electrode terminal 214 when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated, thereby reducing the impact of the discharge on the electrode terminal 214 and the busbar component, and thus enhancing the safety of the battery.

[0090] Furthermore, when the electrode terminal 214 is disposed on the cover plate 212 of the battery cell 20, the pressure relief mechanism 213 is disposed on the bottom wall 215 of the battery cell 20. This allows the emissions from the battery cell 20 to be discharged towards the bottom of the battery 10 when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated. In this way, on the one hand, the danger of the emissions can be reduced by utilizing thermal management components at the bottom of the battery 10, and on the other hand, the bottom of the battery 10 is usually far away from the user, thereby reducing the harm to the user.

[0091] Optionally, in another embodiment of this application, the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode terminal 214 are disposed on the same wall of the battery cell 20. As an example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, both the electrode terminal 214 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be located on the top wall of the battery cell 20, i.e., the cover plate 212.

[0092] By placing the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode terminal 214 on the same wall of the battery cell 20, such as on the cover plate 212 of the battery cell 20, it is convenient to process and install the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode terminal 214, which is beneficial to improving the production efficiency of the battery 10.

[0093] The aforementioned pressure relief mechanism 213 can be part of the wall it is located on, or it can be a separate structure from the wall it is located on, fixed to the wall by means such as welding. For example, in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is part of the bottom wall 215, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be formed by setting a notch on the bottom wall 215. The thickness of the bottom wall 215 corresponding to the notch is less than the thickness of the pressure relief mechanism 213 in other areas except for the notch. The notch is the weakest point of the pressure relief mechanism 213. When too much gas is generated by the battery cell 20, causing the internal pressure of the casing 211 to rise and reach a threshold, or when the internal reaction of the battery cell 20 generates heat, causing the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 to rise and reach a threshold, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can rupture at the notch, resulting in communication between the inside and outside of the casing 211. The gas pressure and temperature are released outward through the rupture of the pressure relief mechanism 213, thereby preventing the battery cell 20 from exploding.

[0094] Furthermore, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be any of the possible pressure relief mechanisms, and this application embodiment is not limited to any particular one. For example, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be a temperature-sensitive pressure relief mechanism, which is configured to melt when the internal temperature of the battery cell 20 with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold; and / or, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be a pressure-sensitive pressure relief mechanism, which is configured to rupture when the internal gas pressure of the battery cell 20 with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold.

[0095] Figure 5 Another schematic structural diagram of a battery 10 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0096] like Figure 5 As shown, the battery 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 20, the plurality of battery cells 20 including a first battery cell 20a and a second battery cell 20b, a pressure relief mechanism 213 is provided on a first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and a second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, the pressure relief mechanism 213 is used to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 on which the pressure relief mechanism 213 is provided reaches a threshold.

[0097] A thermal management component 30 is used to contain fluid to regulate the temperature of multiple battery cells 20. The thermal management component 30 is attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b. The first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b is different from the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b. The thermal management component 30 has a pressure relief area 301 at a position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a. The pressure relief area 301 is used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell 20a when the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is actuated.

[0098] In some embodiments of this application, among the plurality of battery cells 20, the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may have the same shape, facilitating installation within the casing of the battery 10. As an example, both the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may be cuboid structures. The first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b can be understood as walls facing the same direction within the cuboid structure. Similarly, the second wall 202a of the first battery cell 20a and the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b can be understood as another wall facing the same direction within the cuboid structure.

[0099] As another example, the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b can both be cylindrical structures or other three-dimensional structures. The first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b can be understood as walls facing the same direction in the three-dimensional structure. Similarly, the second wall 202a of the first battery cell 20a and the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b can be understood as another wall facing the same direction in the three-dimensional structure.

[0100] With the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b facing the same direction, the thermal management component 30 can be conveniently attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b.

[0101] Optionally, in its specific form, the thermal management component 30 can be a plate-shaped component, a tubular component, or other types of components. The thermal management component 30 can contain fluid to regulate the temperature of the multiple battery cells 20. Furthermore, in its specific installation method, the thermal management component 30 can be fixed to the multiple battery cells 20 by means of fasteners, so that it is attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b. Alternatively, the thermal management component 30 can also be fixed to other structural components of the battery 10, such as a housing, so that it is attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b.

[0102] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the thermal management component 30 can be a plate-shaped component. On one hand, the plate-shaped thermal management component 30 can comprehensively cover the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b over a large area, thereby improving the temperature regulation capability of the thermal management component 30 and enhancing the safety of the battery 10. On the other hand, the plate-shaped thermal management component 30 can also be used to isolate the space where the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b are located from the space where the emissions from the first battery cell 20a are located, preventing the emissions from affecting the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b.

[0103] Because a pressure relief mechanism 213 is provided in the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a, this pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated to release the internal pressure of the first battery cell 20a when the internal pressure or temperature reaches a threshold. Therefore, in the thermal management component 30 attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a, a pressure relief area 301 is provided corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213. This pressure relief area 301 is used to discharge the emissions from the first battery cell 20a when the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is actuated. Through the cooperation between the thermal management component 30 and the first battery cell 20a, the first battery cell 20a can release its internal pressure through the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the pressure relief area 301 in the thermal management component 30, preventing the first battery cell 20a from exploding and improving the safety performance of the battery 10. Optionally, the pressure relief area 301 can be a through hole penetrating the thermal management component 30, or a weak area that is easily damaged by the discharge when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated, such as an area with less thickness or strength.

[0104] Meanwhile, the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is not located on the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, but on a second wall 202b, which is different from the first wall 201b. The first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, which is attached to the thermal management component 30, can be entirely designed as a heat dissipation surface, thereby increasing the overall heat dissipation area of ​​the battery 10. Therefore, for the second battery cell 20b, on the one hand, the pressure relief mechanism 213 can release internal pressure to prevent explosion and improve the safety performance of the battery 10; on the other hand, the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b, which is attached to the thermal management component 30, can be entirely a heat dissipation surface, further improving the safety performance of the battery 10 by increasing the overall heat dissipation area of ​​the battery 10.

[0105] In summary, through the technical solution of this application embodiment, in the plurality of battery cells 20 of the battery 10, the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is disposed on the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a, and the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is disposed on the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b. The thermal management component 30 is attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is not disposed. Therefore, the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b attached to the thermal management component 30 can be designed entirely as a heat dissipation surface. Through this technical solution, the overall heat dissipation area of ​​the battery 10 can be effectively increased, thereby further improving the safety performance of the battery and facilitating the development of battery fast charging technology.

[0106] Furthermore, since the thermal management component 30 is attached to the first wall 201a where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is located in the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b where the pressure relief mechanism 213 is not located in the second battery cell 20b, the thermal management component 30 only needs to have a pressure relief area 301 at the location corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a to discharge the emissions from the first battery cell 20a. The area corresponding to the second battery cell 20b can still contain fluid to regulate the temperature of the second battery cell 20b. Through this technical solution, while both the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b can release internal pressure through their pressure relief mechanisms 213, the overall heat dissipation area of ​​the battery 10 can be increased, further improving the safety performance of the battery 10.

[0107] Optionally, in the first battery cell 20, the first wall 201a with the pressure relief mechanism 213 is not provided with the electrode terminal 214. In other words, the electrode terminal 214 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 are provided on different walls of the first battery cell 20a.

[0108] With this technical solution, in the first battery cell 20a, the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the electrode terminal 214 are disposed on different walls, so that when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated, the emissions from the first battery cell 20a are far away from the electrode terminal 214, thereby reducing the impact of the emissions on the electrode terminal 214 and its related components, thus further enhancing the safety of the battery 10.

[0109] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the first battery cell 20a, the electrode terminal 214 can be disposed on the second wall 202a of the first battery cell 20a. Optionally, the second wall 202a is a wall opposite to the first wall 201a. Through this technical solution, the emissions of the first battery cell 20a can be kept as far away from its electrode terminal 214 as possible, thus ensuring the safety performance of the battery 10.

[0110] for Figure 5 The first battery cell 20a shown is an optional embodiment, and its specific structure can be found above. Figure 3 The related technical solutions of the embodiments shown.

[0111] Specifically, in the second battery cell 20b, the first wall 201b attached to the thermal management component 30 is not provided with electrode terminals 214, so that the entire area of ​​the first wall 201b is a heat dissipation surface, and the thermal management component 30 can regulate the temperature of the entire area of ​​the first wall 201b.

[0112] As an example, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, which is provided with a pressure relief mechanism 213, can be disposed opposite to the first wall 201b attached to the thermal management component 30, so as to minimize the impact of the emissions from the second battery cell 20b discharged through the pressure relief mechanism 213 on the thermal management component 30.

[0113] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the second battery cell 20b, the electrode terminal 214 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 can be disposed on the same wall, that is, both the electrode terminal 214 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 are disposed on the second wall 202b, so as to facilitate the processing and installation of the electrode terminal 214 and the pressure relief mechanism 213 in the second battery cell 20b, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery 10.

[0114] for Figure 5 The second battery cell 20b shown is an optional embodiment, and its specific structure can be found above. Figure 4 The related technical solutions of the embodiments shown.

[0115] As explained above, because the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is located on the first wall 201a attached to the thermal management component 30, and the emissions from the first battery cell 20a are discharged through the pressure relief area 301 in the thermal management component 30, the thermal management component 30 can isolate the emissions from the first battery cell 20a, thus minimizing the impact of the emissions on the first battery cell 20a. However, the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the second battery cell 20b is not located on the first wall 201b attached to the thermal management component 30. Therefore, the thermal management component 30 cannot isolate the emissions from the second battery cell 20b, resulting in a greater impact of the emissions on the second battery cell 20b.

[0116] Therefore, in order to reduce the impact of emissions from the second battery cell 20b on the second battery cell 20b, and to comprehensively improve the overall performance of the battery 10, the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

[0117] (1) The specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a is greater than that of the cathode material of the second battery cell 20b.

[0118] (2) The energy density of the first battery cell 20a is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell 20b; or,

[0119] (3) The temperature of the flue gas emitted by the first battery cell 20a when its pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated is higher than the temperature of the flue gas emitted by the second battery cell 20b when its pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated.

[0120] When the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b satisfy the above conditions (1) and / or conditions (2), the second battery cell 20b is less prone to thermal runaway than the first battery cell 20a. Therefore, the probability of the internal pressure or temperature in the second battery cell 20b reaching the threshold is lower. In other words, the probability of the second battery cell 20b releasing emissions through its pressure relief mechanism 213 is lower, which can reduce the impact of the emissions released by the second battery cell 20b through its pressure relief mechanism 213 on the second battery cell 20b and improve the safety of the battery 10.

[0121] As an example and not a limitation, the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a includes, but is not limited to, nickel-cobalt-manganese (NiCoMn, NCM) ternary materials, such as NCM 811, NCM 622, NCM 523, etc.; the cathode material of the second battery cell 20b includes, but is not limited to, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO, LFP) materials, lithium titanate (LiTiO) materials, or NCM 111, etc.

[0122] Based on this, compared to the second battery cell 20b, the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a has a larger specific capacity, which can be the mass specific capacity (or specific capacity) or the volumetric specific capacity. Therefore, the first battery cell 20a can release more electricity per unit mass / unit volume. And / or, the first battery cell 20a has a higher energy density, which can be the mass energy density or the volumetric energy density. Therefore, the first battery cell 20a can store more electricity per unit mass / unit volume, thus improving the electrical performance of the battery 10.

[0123] When the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b meet the above condition (3), even if the second battery cell 20b experiences thermal runaway, the flue gas emitted by the second battery cell 20b will have a lower temperature than that of the first battery cell 20a when its pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated. Therefore, the impact of the emissions released by the second battery cell 20b through its pressure relief mechanism 213 on the second battery cell 20b can also be reduced, thereby improving the safety of the battery 10.

[0124] Furthermore, by way of example and not limitation, the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b may satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

[0125] (1a) The specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell 20a is greater than or equal to 180 mAh / g, and the specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell 20b is less than or equal to 170 mAh / g.

[0126] (2a) The mass energy density of the first battery cell 20a is greater than or equal to 230 Wh / kg, and the mass energy density of the second battery cell 20b is less than or equal to 220 Wh / kg; or...

[0127] (3a) The temperature of the flue gas emitted by the first battery cell 20a when its pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated is greater than or equal to 600°C, and the temperature of the flue gas emitted by the second battery cell 20b when its pressure relief mechanism 213 is activated is less than or equal to 500°C.

[0128] Optionally, in the above condition (3a), in addition to meeting the temperature threshold, the flue gas emitted by the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b can also meet the time threshold. For example, the flue gas emitted by the first battery cell 20a when its pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated has a temperature greater than or equal to 600°C and a duration greater than or equal to 3s.

[0129] In some embodiments of this application, the thermal management component 30 may include a flow channel 330 for containing fluid, wherein no fluid is provided in the pressure relief region 301.

[0130] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A magnified view of part A in the diagram.

[0131] like Figure 6 As shown, the thermal management component 30 may include a first heat-conducting plate 310 and a second heat-conducting plate 320. The first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second heat-conducting plate 320 form a flow channel 330 for containing fluid. The first heat-conducting plate 310 is located between and attached to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the second heat-conducting plate 320.

[0132] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the pressure relief region 301 in the thermal management component 30 corresponds to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a. The pressure relief region 301 is not provided with a flow channel 330, and therefore no fluid is provided in the pressure relief region 301.

[0133] With this technical solution, the area in the thermal management component 30 corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is set as a pressure relief area 301. The pressure relief area 301 is not provided with a flow channel 330 and fluid, so as to prevent the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20 from impacting the flow channel 330 in the thermal management component 30 when it is actuated, wasting the fluid in the thermal management component 30, and affecting the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component 30 on multiple battery cells 20.

[0134] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the area in the first heat-conducting plate 310 corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is the first pressure relief area 311, and the area in the second heat-conducting plate 320 corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is the second pressure relief area 321. The first pressure relief area 311 and the second pressure relief area 321 together form the pressure relief area 301 in the embodiment of this application.

[0135] As an example, the first pressure relief region 311 and / or the second pressure relief region 321 may be weak areas. The strength of the first pressure relief region 311 may be less than the strength of other regions in the first heat-conducting plate 310, and / or the strength of the second pressure relief region 321 may be less than the strength of other regions in the second heat-conducting plate 320.

[0136] Optionally, the first pressure relief region 311 and / or the second pressure relief region 321 are provided with a groove that is opposite to the pressure relief mechanism 213. The bottom wall of the groove forms a weak area. When the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated, the discharge of the first battery cell 20a can break through the bottom wall of the groove and be released.

[0137] Optionally, weak areas can also be formed in the first heat-conducting plate 310 and / or the second heat-conducting plate 320 as the first pressure relief area 311 and / or the second pressure relief area 321 in other ways. For example, grooves can be set in the first heat-conducting plate 310 to form a weak area as the first pressure relief area 311, etc. This application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0138] As another example, the first pressure relief region 311 and / or the second pressure relief region 321 can be through holes. When the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated, the emissions from the first battery cell 20a can be directly released through the first pressure relief region 311 and / or the second pressure relief region 321 in the form of through holes.

[0139] Of course, in other examples, in the first pressure relief region 311 and the second pressure relief region 321, one can be a through hole and the other can be designed as a weak area. The through hole allows the emissions from the first battery cell 20a to pass through, while the weak area can block the external influence on the pressure relief mechanism 213 and the first battery cell 20a, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the battery 10.

[0140] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 A magnified view of part B in the diagram.

[0141] Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, the thermal management component 30 has a flow channel 330 at a position corresponding to the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b.

[0142] In addition to being located between and attached to the first wall 201a and the second heat-conducting plate 320 of the first battery cell 20a, the first heat-conducting plate 310 is also located between and attached to the first wall 201b and the second heat-conducting plate 320 of the second battery cell 20b.

[0143] Optionally, the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b is not provided with a pressure relief mechanism 213. Therefore, the flow channel 330 can be provided to fully cover the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b. The fully covered flow channel 330 can play a good role in temperature regulation of the second battery cell 20b.

[0144] Optionally, among the plurality of battery cells 20 of the battery 10, a second battery cell 20b is disposed in the edge region of the plurality of battery cells 20.

[0145] Because the battery cells 20 located at the edges of the multiple battery cells 20 are more susceptible to external environmental interference, while the battery cells 20 located in the center of the multiple battery cells 20 are less susceptible to external environmental interference, the battery cells 20 located at the edges of the multiple battery cells 20 especially require the thermal management component 30 to regulate their temperature so that they can be kept within a suitable temperature range and have good working performance and safety performance.

[0146] As described above, since the thermal management component 30 facilitates good temperature regulation of the second battery cell 20b, in the technical solution of this application embodiment, the second battery cell 20b can be disposed in the edge region of the plurality of battery cells 20, so that the thermal management component 30 can regulate the temperature of the second battery cell 20b located in the edge region of the plurality of battery cells 20, reduce the impact of the external environment on the plurality of second battery cells 20b, and improve the overall performance of the battery 10.

[0147] Furthermore, since the energy density of the first battery cell 20a may be higher than that of the second battery cell 20b, the temperature of the emissions from the first battery cell 20a may also be higher than that from the second battery cell 20a. Therefore, in order to prevent the higher-temperature emissions from the first battery cell 20a from being directly discharged outside the battery 10 and causing safety hazards, in some possible embodiments, the second battery cell 20b may be positioned close to the discharge valve of the battery 10, while the first battery cell 20a may be positioned away from the discharge valve of the battery 10. The discharge valve of the battery 10 may be located in the casing of the battery 10 and used to discharge the emissions from the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b to the outside of the battery 10.

[0148] With this technical solution, the first battery cell 20a is far from the discharge valve of the battery 10. The emissions from the first battery cell 20a can pass through a certain discharge path in the battery 10 before being discharged outside the battery 10, thereby reducing the impact of the high-temperature emissions from the first battery cell 20a on the outside world and improving the safety performance of the battery 10.

[0149] Optionally, among the plurality of battery cells 20 of the battery 10, at least one first battery cell 20a and at least one second battery cell 20b may be included.

[0150] As mentioned above, the thermal management component 30 has a good temperature regulation effect on the second battery cell 20b, while the first battery cell 20a has superior electrical performance, such as higher energy density. By controlling the number of the first battery cell 20a and the second battery cell 20b in the battery 10 within a preset ratio range, the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component 30 and the energy density of the battery 10 can be balanced, so that the overall performance of the battery 10 reaches the optimal level.

[0151] By way of example and not limitation, in some possible implementations, the ratio of the number of at least one second battery cell 20b to the number of the plurality of battery cells 20 ranges from 20% to 50%.

[0152] Specifically, the ratio of at least one second battery cell 20b to the total number of battery cells 20 is less than or equal to 50%, ensuring that the number of first battery cells 20a accounts for more than half of the total number of battery cells 20 in the entire battery 10, thereby ensuring a high energy density of the battery 10. Furthermore, the ratio of at least one second battery cell 20b to the total number of battery cells 20 is greater than or equal to 20%, ensuring the effective temperature regulation of the second battery cells 20b and the surrounding first battery cells 20a by the thermal management component 30, thus improving the overall safety performance of the battery 10.

[0153] Optionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of battery cells 20 includes a column of battery cells 20 arranged along a first direction, wherein a second battery cell 20b is spaced apart between every N first battery cells 20a in the column of battery cells 20, where N is a positive integer and N≤4.

[0154] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Two three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the battery 10 provided in the embodiments of this application are shown.

[0155] As an example, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the battery 10 may include two rows of battery cells 20, and multiple battery cells 20 in each row of battery cells 20 are arranged along a first direction x, and the two rows of battery cells 20 are arranged along a second direction y.

[0156] like Figure 8 As shown, in a row of battery cells 20, a second battery cell 20b is provided every other first battery cell 20a. In other words, in a row of battery cells 20, the first battery cells 20a and the second battery cells 20b are arranged alternately. In this row of battery cells 20, the ratio of the number of first battery cells 20a to the number of second battery cells 20b is 1:1.

[0157] like Figure 9 As shown, in a row of battery cells 20, a second battery cell 20b is provided every two first battery cells 20a. In this row of battery cells 20, the ratio of the number of first battery cells 20a to the number of second battery cells 20b is 2:1.

[0158] Apart from Figure 8 and Figure 9In addition to the embodiment shown, a second battery cell 20b may be provided every three or four first battery cells 20a in a row of battery cells 20. In this case, the ratio of the number of first battery cells 20a to the number of second battery cells 20b may be 3:1 or 4:1.

[0159] This technical solution allows the ratio of the number of second battery cells 20b in a row of battery cells 20 to the total number of battery cells 20 in that row to be between 20% and 50%. This enables the thermal management component 30 to effectively regulate the temperature of the row of battery cells 20, while also ensuring that the row of battery cells 20 has a high energy density. Furthermore, by placing a second battery cell 20b at intervals between every N first battery cells 20a in a row of battery cells 20, the second battery cells 20b are evenly distributed within the row of battery cells 20. This allows the thermal management component 30 to provide uniform temperature regulation for the row of battery cells 20, further enhancing its temperature regulation effect.

[0160] Alternatively, in some implementations, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in the two rows of battery cells 20, the arrangement of each row of battery cells 20 is the same. In the second direction y, two adjacent battery cells 20 are the same type of battery cell, that is, two adjacent battery cells 20 are either the first battery cell 20a or the second battery cell 20b.

[0161] Of course, in other embodiments, adjacent battery cells 20 in the second direction y can also be of different types. For example, in the second direction y, a second battery cell 20b is spaced apart between every N first battery cells 20a. In this way, the second battery cells 20b can be evenly distributed in the multiple rows of battery cells 20 in the second direction y, thereby further improving the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component 30 on the multiple rows of battery cells 20.

[0162] Understandable Figure 8 and Figure 9 The number of columns of battery cells 20 and the number of battery cells 20 in each column are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. This application does not make any specific limitation on the number or arrangement of the battery cells 20.

[0163] As an example, in Figure 8 and Figure 9In this configuration, the first walls 201a of multiple first battery cells 20a and the first walls 201b of multiple second battery cells 20b are located on the same plane, and these first walls 201a and 201b of multiple first battery cells 20a and multiple second battery cells 20b can be collectively referred to as the first walls 201 of multiple battery cells 20. Similarly, the second walls 202a of multiple first battery cells 20a and the second walls 202b of multiple second battery cells 20b are also located on the same plane, and these second walls 202a of multiple first battery cells 20a and multiple second walls 202b of multiple second battery cells 20b can be collectively referred to as the second walls 202 of multiple battery cells 20.

[0164] Among them, the first wall 201 of the plurality of battery cells 20 is the wall of the plurality of battery cells 20 facing the thermal management component 30, and the second wall 202 of the plurality of battery cells 20 is the wall of the plurality of battery cells 20 away from the thermal management component 30.

[0165] Corresponding to Figure 8 and Figure 9 Multiple pressure relief mechanisms 213 (not shown in the figure) of multiple first battery cells 20a are disposed in the first wall 201. Multiple pressure relief areas 301 are disposed in the thermal management component 30. The multiple pressure relief areas 301 correspond one-to-one with the multiple pressure relief mechanisms 213 of the multiple first battery cells 20a and are disposed at intervals in the thermal management component 30.

[0166] As an example, Figure 10 and Figure 11 It shows Figure 8 The above are two three-dimensional exploded structural diagrams of the thermal management component 30 in the embodiment shown.

[0167] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the thermal management component 30 includes a first heat-conducting plate 310 and a second heat-conducting plate 320 disposed opposite to each other. Optionally, as an example, the first heat-conducting plate 310 may be a flat plate structure, and the second heat-conducting plate 320 may have a recessed portion recessed in a direction away from the first heat-conducting plate 310 to form a flow channel 330 between the first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second heat-conducting plate 320. Alternatively, in other examples, the second heat-conducting plate 320 may be a flat plate structure, and the first heat-conducting plate 310 may have a recessed portion recessed in a direction away from the second heat-conducting plate 320 to form a flow channel 330 between the first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second heat-conducting plate 320. Or, in other examples, both the first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second heat-conducting plate 320 may have recessed portions to form a flow channel 330 between the first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second heat-conducting plate 320. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific manner in which the flow channel 330 is formed.

[0168] Optionally, in Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the first pressure relief region 311 in the first heat-conducting plate 310 can be a through-hole structure, the size of which can be designed to match the size of the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a. Additionally, the second pressure relief region 321 in the second heat-conducting plate 320 can be a weak area structure, the size of which can be designed to match the size of the through-hole structure.

[0169] In other embodiments, the design schemes for the first pressure relief region 311 in the first heat-conducting plate 310 and the second pressure relief region 321 in the second heat-conducting plate 320 can be found above. Figure 6 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments are not repeated here. The specific forms of the first pressure relief region 311 and the second pressure relief region 321 are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0170] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, in this example, flow channel 330 is a strip flow channel 330. Combined with... Figure 8 and Figure 10 As can be seen, corresponding to a row of battery cells 20, the thermal management component 30 is provided with a row of pressure relief areas 301 and two strip-shaped flow channels 330. The two strip-shaped flow channels 330 and the row of pressure relief areas 301 extend along the first direction x, and in the second direction y, the two strip-shaped flow channels 330 are located on both sides of the row of pressure relief areas 301.

[0171] In this embodiment, the flow channel 330 in the thermal management component 30 is easy to process, but it does not completely correspond to and cover the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b. Therefore, the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component 30 is not optimal.

[0172] In order to further improve the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component 30, Figure 10 Based on the strip flow channel shown, as Figure 11 As shown, the flow channel 330 also includes a connecting section 331, which is used to connect two strip flow channels corresponding to a row of battery cells 20. The connecting section 331 is located between two adjacent pressure relief regions 301 and is provided corresponding to the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b.

[0173] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, in the area of ​​the thermal management component 30 corresponding to multiple battery cells 20, except for the area where the pressure relief area 301 is provided in the area corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a, other areas can be provided with flow channels to fully regulate the temperature of multiple battery cells 20, so that the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component 30 reaches the optimal level and the safety performance of the battery 10 is guaranteed.

[0174] Figure 12Another schematic structural diagram of a battery 10 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0175] like Figure 12 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the battery 10 further includes: a collection chamber 11b for collecting the emissions of the first battery cell 20a when the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is actuated; and a buffer 40 disposed in the collection chamber 11b for improving the compressive strength of the collection chamber 11b.

[0176] Specifically, in this embodiment, the battery 10 may further include an electrical cavity 11a and a collection cavity 11b. A thermal management component 30 is used to isolate the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b. The electrical cavity 11a is used to accommodate multiple battery cells 20, and the collection cavity 11b is used to collect emissions from the first battery cell 20a when the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is actuated.

[0177] In this embodiment, a thermal management component 30 is used to isolate the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b. That is, the electrical cavity 11a, which houses multiple battery cells 20, is separated from the collection cavity 11b, which collects emissions. Thus, when the pressure relief mechanism 213 is actuated, emissions from the first battery cell 20a enter the collection cavity 11b but do not enter or only partially enter the electrical cavity 11a, thereby not affecting the electrical connections in the electrical cavity 11a and enhancing the safety of the battery 10.

[0178] Furthermore, a buffer element 40 is also provided in the collection chamber 11b. Compared with the hollow structure, since the buffer element 40 can provide buffering and energy absorption in the collection chamber 11b, the collection chamber 11b with the buffer element 40 has better compressive strength. In other words, when external pressure is applied to the battery 10, the collection chamber 11b with the buffer element 40 can withstand and absorb most or even all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the impact of external pressure on the thermal management component 30 and electrical components such as the battery cell 20 in the electrical cavity 11a, and improving the compressive strength and safety performance of the battery 10.

[0179] In some application scenarios, the battery 10 can be installed in the chassis of an electric vehicle and provide power for the vehicle's operation. Specifically, the battery collection chamber 11b faces the chassis of the electric vehicle relative to the electrical chamber 11a. During operation, the electric vehicle may be subjected to adverse conditions such as bumps and impacts from flying stones, which can cause impacts on the chassis and even the battery mounted on it, as well as bottom ball strikes. Through the technical solution of this application embodiment, the buffer 40 in the collection chamber 11b can provide good shock resistance and bottom ball strike protection, reducing or eliminating the impact of adverse conditions encountered by the electric vehicle during operation on the battery, enhancing the impact resistance and safety performance of the battery 10, thereby further improving the safety performance of the electric vehicle.

[0180] Optionally, in order to improve the buffering effect of the buffer 40, the buffer 40 in this embodiment of the application may be a layered structure. In the collection cavity 11b, the buffer 40 of the layered structure 40 is set at the positions of the multiple battery cells 20.

[0181] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the thermal management component 30 has a wall shared by the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the thermal management component 30 can simultaneously serve as a wall of both the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b. That is, the thermal management component 30 (or a portion thereof) can directly function as a shared wall between the electrical cavity 11a and the collection cavity 11b. In this way, emissions from the first battery cell 20a can pass through the thermal management component 30 into the collection cavity 11b. Simultaneously, the presence of the thermal management component 30 helps to isolate the emissions from the electrical cavity 11a as much as possible, thereby reducing the hazardous nature of the emissions and enhancing the safety performance of the battery 10.

[0182] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the buffer 40 may be attached to the surface of the thermal management component 30 away from the plurality of battery cells 20, in the collection chamber 11b.

[0183] In this embodiment, the buffer 40 is disposed in the collection chamber 11b, which can improve the pressure resistance of the collection chamber 11b. Furthermore, the buffer 40 is attached to the thermal management component 30, which can improve the pressure resistance of the thermal management component 30, reduce or eliminate the damage caused by external pressure to the thermal management component 30, and ensure that the fluid in the thermal management component 30 does not leak, so as to play a good temperature regulation role.

[0184] Optionally, the aforementioned buffer 40 can be an insulating material. This insulating material buffer 40 can have a large area and be attached to the thermal management component 30, particularly to the flow channel 330 within the thermal management component 30. Therefore, in addition to its pressure-resistant buffering function, the buffer 40 also serves an insulating function, keeping the fluid in the thermal management component 30 warm and preventing temperature changes, further ensuring the temperature regulation effect of the thermal management component 30 and improving the performance of the battery 10.

[0185] Optionally, the aforementioned buffer 40 can be a porous energy-absorbing material. When external pressure is applied to the battery 10, the buffer 40 made of porous energy-absorbing material can absorb the external pressure, thus being able to withstand most or even all of the external pressure, thereby reducing or eliminating the impact of external pressure on electrical components such as the thermal management component 30 and the battery cell 20 in the electrical cavity 11a.

[0186] By way of example and not limitation, the material of the buffer 40 may specifically be foam, such as microcellular polypropylene (MPP) foam, silicone foam, etc., which can simultaneously possess energy absorption and heat insulation properties and can be appropriately used in the embodiments of this application.

[0187] Optionally, in one embodiment of this application, the collection cavity 11b may be formed by a thermal management component 30 and a protective component 50. For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the housing 11 also includes a protective member 50. The protective member 50 is used to protect the thermal management component 30, and the protective member 50 and the thermal management component 30 form a collection cavity 11b.

[0188] The collection chamber 11b formed by the protective component 50 and the thermal management component 30 does not occupy the space in the housing 11 that accommodates the battery cell 20. Therefore, a larger collection chamber 11b can be provided, which can effectively collect and buffer the emissions and reduce their danger.

[0189] Alternatively, in some embodiments of this application, the collection cavity 11b may be a sealed chamber. For example, the connection between the protective member 50 and the thermal management component 30 may be sealed by a sealing member.

[0190] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the collection chamber 11b may not be a sealed chamber. For example, the collection chamber 11b may be in communication with the external air of the battery 10, so that some of the emissions can be further discharged to the outside of the battery 10. Optionally, the protective member 50 may be provided with a discharge valve, through which the collection chamber 11b can be in communication with the external air of the battery 10.

[0191] Optionally, in this embodiment, the buffer 40 in the collection cavity 11b may be attached to the protective member 50 and / or the thermal management member 30. For example, it may be fixedly attached to the protective member 50 and / or the thermal management member 30 by a fastener.

[0192] As an example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the buffer 40 is attached to both the protective member 50 and the thermal management member 30. At this time, the buffer 40 is thicker, which can improve its rigidity and further enhance the impact resistance of the battery 10.

[0193] Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a buffer 40 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A planar schematic diagram of the buffer component 40.

[0194] In this embodiment, the design of the buffer 40 may be related to the location of the pressure relief region 301 in the thermal management component 30, that is, the design of the buffer 40 may be related to the location of the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a.

[0195] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the buffer 40 is provided with an opening 401, which is disposed opposite to the pressure relief area 301 in the thermal management component 30. The opening 401 is used to allow the emissions of the first battery cell 20a passing through the pressure relief area 301 to pass through.

[0196] When the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is activated, and the first battery cell 20a releases its internal pressure and discharges the discharge, the discharge has a large impact force and a high temperature. Therefore, in addition to the pressure relief area 301 provided in the thermal management component 30 to facilitate the passage of the discharge, the buffer 40 also needs to be provided with an opening 401 at the position corresponding to the pressure relief area 301 to allow the discharge to pass through, preventing the buffer 40 from blocking the discharge path of the discharge, thereby preventing the discharge from affecting the first battery cell 20a and ensuring the safety of the battery 10.

[0197] Alternatively, in addition to providing an opening 401 in the buffer 40 to allow the discharge of the first battery cell 20a to pass through, in other embodiments, the buffer 40 may not be attached to the thermal management component 30, and a gap may exist between the buffer 40 and the thermal management component 30, which can also allow the discharge of the first battery cell 20a to pass through without causing blockage of the discharge path.

[0198] Optionally, a buffer 40 is provided in the collection cavity 11b at a position corresponding to the second battery cell 20b to protect the second battery cell 20b.

[0199] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a plurality of pressure relief regions 301 are arranged along the first direction x, and a plurality of openings 401 are also arranged along the first direction x. A solid buffer portion 403 of a buffer member 40 is formed between two adjacent openings 401. The solid buffer portion 403 corresponds to the location of the second battery cell 20b among the plurality of battery cells 20, so as to protect the second battery cell 20b.

[0200] Of course, in the collection chamber 11b, in addition to the physical buffer portion 403 of the buffer member 40 provided at the position corresponding to the second battery cell 20b, the physical buffer portion 403 of the buffer member 40 may also be provided at the position corresponding to the first battery cell 20a, and the physical buffer portion is located around the opening 401.

[0201] Optionally, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the buffer 40 is provided with a gas guiding channel 402, which is used to guide the emissions of the first battery cell 20a out of the buffer 40.

[0202] When the emissions from the first battery cell 20a are discharged into the collection chamber 11b through the pressure relief area 301 of the thermal management component 30, the buffer 40 in the collection chamber 11b occupies part of the space, which is not conducive to the flow of high-temperature gas and / or high-temperature liquid in the emissions in the collection chamber 11b. Therefore, it is not conducive to the cooling of the emissions, which brings certain safety hazards to the battery 10.

[0203] Therefore, through the technical solution of this application embodiment, a venting channel 402 is provided in the buffer 40 to facilitate the discharge of the first battery cell 20a, especially high-temperature gas and / or high-temperature liquid in the discharge, so as to prevent the high-temperature discharge from being confined in the space of the buffer 40, thereby preventing potential safety hazards caused by the high-temperature discharge. In addition, the discharge can also dissipate heat during the flow of the discharge in the venting channel 402. The venting channel 402 can be used to extend the movement path of the discharge in the collection chamber 11b. If the discharge is discharged to the outside of the battery 10 through the collection chamber, the temperature of the discharge after the longer movement path is lower, thereby reducing the impact of the discharge on the external environment of the battery 10 and further enhancing the safety of the battery 10.

[0204] Optionally, see Figure 13 and Figure 14 The venting channel 402 can be located between two adjacent rows of battery cells 20. Optionally, the venting channel 402 can be connected to the opening 401, so that the exhaust material passes through the opening 401 and then through the venting channel 402 to be discharged to the buffer 40. The cooperation between the opening 401 and the venting channel 402 can make the flow of exhaust material in the buffer 402 smoother, thereby further facilitating the cooling of the exhaust material.

[0205] like Figure 14 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the buffer 40 is designed to be adapted to the flow channel 330. In this buffer 40, except for the opening 401 and the air guide channel 402, all other solid buffer parts are provided corresponding to the flow channel 330. That is, while ensuring that the emissions from the first battery cell 20a can flow and be discharged, the buffer 40 maximizes its protection capability against the flow channel 330 in the thermal management component 30 and keeps the fluid in the flow channel 330 warm.

[0206] One embodiment of this application also provides an electrical device, which may include the battery 10 in the foregoing embodiments, the battery 10 being used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0207] Alternatively, the electrical equipment can be a vehicle, a ship, or a spacecraft.

[0208] The battery 10 and the power-consuming device of the present application embodiments have been described above. The method and apparatus for preparing the battery of the present application embodiments will be described below. For parts not described in detail, please refer to the foregoing embodiments.

[0209] Figure 15 A schematic flowchart of a method 600 for preparing a battery according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 15 As shown, the method 600 may include the following steps.

[0210] 601: Provide a plurality of battery cells 20, the plurality of battery cells 20 including a first battery cell 20a and a second battery cell 20b, wherein a pressure relief mechanism 213 is provided on a first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and a second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, the pressure relief mechanism 213 being actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold.

[0211] 602: Provide a thermal management component 30 for containing fluid to regulate the temperature of multiple battery cells 20.

[0212] 603: Attach the thermal management component 30 to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b.

[0213] The first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b is different from the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b. The thermal management component 30 is provided with a pressure relief area 301 at the position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a. The pressure relief area 301 is used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell 20a when the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is actuated.

[0214] Figure 16 A schematic block diagram of a battery fabrication apparatus 700 according to one embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 16 As shown, the battery manufacturing apparatus 700 may include a providing module 701 and an mounting module 702.

[0215] The module 701 is used to provide a plurality of battery cells 20, the plurality of battery cells 20 including a first battery cell 20a and a second battery cell 20b, wherein a pressure relief mechanism 213 is provided on a first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and a second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b, the pressure relief mechanism 213 being actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 provided with the pressure relief mechanism 213 reaches a threshold.

[0216] The module 701 is also configured to: provide a thermal management component 30 for containing fluid to regulate the temperature of the plurality of battery cells 20.

[0217] Mounting module 702 is used to attach thermal management component 30 to the first wall 201a of the first battery cell 20a and the first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b.

[0218] The first wall 201b of the second battery cell 20b is different from the second wall 202b of the second battery cell 20b. The thermal management component 30 is provided with a pressure relief area 301 at the position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a. The pressure relief area 301 is used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell 20a when the pressure relief mechanism 213 of the first battery cell 20a is actuated.

[0219] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery (10), characterized in that, include: Multiple battery cells (20), including a first battery cell (20a) and a second battery cell (20b), wherein a pressure relief mechanism (213) is provided on a first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and a second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b), the pressure relief mechanism (213) being actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell (20) provided with the pressure relief mechanism (213) reaches a threshold; A thermal management component (30) is provided for containing fluid to regulate the temperature of the plurality of battery cells (20). The thermal management component (30) is attached to the first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) without the pressure relief mechanism (213). The first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) is different from the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b). The first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) attached to the thermal management component (30) is entirely configured as a heat dissipation surface. The thermal management component (30) is provided with a pressure relief area at the position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a). The pressure relief area is used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell (20a) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is actuated.

2. The battery (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal management component (30) includes a flow channel (330) for containing the fluid, wherein the flow channel (330) is not provided in the pressure relief area.

3. The battery (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal management component (30) has the flow channel (330) provided at a position corresponding to the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b).

4. The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Electrode terminals (214) are provided on the second wall (202a) of the first battery cell (20a) and the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b). The second wall (202a) of the first battery cell (20a) is the wall opposite to the first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a), and the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b) is the wall opposite to the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b).

5. The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first battery cell (20a) and the second battery cell (20b) satisfy at least one of the following conditions: The specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell (20a) is greater than that of the cathode material of the second battery cell (20b); The energy density of the first battery cell (20a) is greater than the energy density of the second battery cell (20b); or, The temperature of the flue gas emitted by the first battery cell (20a) when its pressure relief mechanism (213) is activated is higher than the temperature of the flue gas emitted by the second battery cell (20b) when its pressure relief mechanism (213) is activated.

6. The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first battery cell (20a) and the second battery cell (20b) satisfy at least one of the following conditions: The specific capacity of the cathode material of the first battery cell (20a) is greater than or equal to 180 mAh / g, and the specific capacity of the cathode material of the second battery cell (20b) is less than or equal to 170 mAh / g. The first battery cell (20a) has a mass energy density greater than or equal to 230 Wh / kg, and the second battery cell (20b) has a mass energy density less than or equal to 220 Wh / kg; or, The first battery cell (20a) emits flue gas at a temperature greater than or equal to 600°C when its pressure relief mechanism (213) is activated, and the second battery cell (20b) emits flue gas at a temperature less than or equal to 500°C when its pressure relief mechanism (213) is activated.

7. The battery (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of battery cells (20) includes at least one second battery cell (20b), and the ratio of the number of at least one second battery cell (20b) to the number of the plurality of battery cells (20) ranges from 20% to 50%.

8. The battery (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plurality of battery cells (20) includes a column of battery cells (20) arranged along a first direction. In the column of battery cells (20), a second battery cell (20b) is provided every N first battery cells (20a), where N is a positive integer and N≤4.

9. The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second battery cell (20b) is disposed in the edge region of the plurality of battery cells (20).

10. The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The battery (10) also includes: Collection chamber (11b) is used to collect the emissions from the first battery cell (20a) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is actuated; A buffer (40) is disposed in the collection cavity (11b) to improve the compressive strength of the collection cavity (11b).

11. The battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The thermal management component (30) is a wall of the collection chamber (11b), and the buffer (40) is attached to the surface of the thermal management component (30) away from the plurality of battery cells (20).

12. The battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The buffer (40) is provided with an opening (401) which is disposed opposite to the pressure relief area in the thermal management component (30). The opening (401) is used to allow the emissions from the first battery cell (20a) passing through the pressure relief area to pass through.

13. The battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The buffer (40) is provided with a gas guide channel (402) for discharging the emissions from the first battery cell (20a) out of the buffer (40).

14. The battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, In the collection chamber (11b), the buffer (40) is provided at a position corresponding to the second battery cell (20b).

15. The battery (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The material of the buffer (40) is a porous energy-absorbing material and / or a thermal insulation material.

16. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, include: The battery (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is used to provide electrical energy.

17. A method for preparing a battery, characterized in that, include: A plurality of battery cells (20) are provided, the plurality of battery cells (20) including a first battery cell (20a) and a second battery cell (20b), wherein a pressure relief mechanism (213) is provided on a first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and a second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b), the pressure relief mechanism (213) being actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell (20) provided with the pressure relief mechanism (213) reaches a threshold; A thermal management component (30) is provided, the thermal management component (30) being used to contain fluid to regulate the temperature of the plurality of battery cells (20); The thermal management component (30) is attached to the first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell where the pressure relief mechanism (213) is not provided. The first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) attached to the thermal management component (30) is entirely configured as a heat dissipation surface. The first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) is different from the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b). The thermal management component (30) is provided with a pressure relief area at the position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a). The pressure relief area is used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell (20a) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is actuated.

18. An apparatus for manufacturing a battery, characterized in that, include: Provide module (701) for: A plurality of battery cells (20) are provided, the plurality of battery cells (20) including a first battery cell (20a) and a second battery cell (20b), wherein a pressure relief mechanism (213) is provided on a first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and a second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b), the pressure relief mechanism (213) being actuated to release the internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell (20) provided with the pressure relief mechanism (213) reaches a threshold; A thermal management component (30) is provided, the thermal management component (30) being used to contain fluid to regulate the temperature of the plurality of battery cells (20); The mounting module (702) is used to attach the thermal management component (30) to the first wall (201a) of the first battery cell (20a) and the first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) without the pressure relief mechanism (213). The first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) is different from the second wall (202b) of the second battery cell (20b). The first wall (201b) of the second battery cell (20b) attached to the thermal management component (30) is entirely configured as a heat dissipation surface. The thermal management component (30) is provided with a pressure relief area at the position corresponding to the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a). The pressure relief area is used to discharge the emissions of the first battery cell (20a) when the pressure relief mechanism (213) of the first battery cell (20a) is actuated.

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