An isolation component, a battery module, a battery, and an electrical device.

Abstract

This application provides an isolation component, a battery module, a battery, and an electrical device, relating to the field of battery technology. The isolation component, used between battery cells, includes an isolation member and an elastic member. The isolation member has two opposing abutment surfaces along its thickness direction. The elastic member protrudes from at least one abutment surface of the isolation member. The isolation component can be used between battery cells to prevent or suppress heat transfer between them, minimizing thermal runaway and its effects. Simultaneously, the elastic member on the abutment surface of the isolation member can absorb tolerances in the length direction of the battery module, ensuring the preload of the battery module is appropriate. This guarantees the battery module passes strength tests and reduces the risk of battery cell failure.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2022216933691, filed on July 4, 2022, entitled “An isolation component, battery module, battery and power supply device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to an isolation component, a battery module, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Technology

[0004] Lithium-ion battery energy storage is currently the main method of electrical energy storage and is widely used in power, electric vehicles and other related equipment. From the perspective of lithium-ion battery fire and explosion accidents, it often starts with the failure of a single battery in the module and thermal runaway. The heat generated by the thermal runaway of a single battery is then transferred to the adjacent batteries, which in turn triggers a chain reaction, causing the entire battery system to burn out. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, this application provides an isolation component, a battery module, a battery, and an electrical device that can prevent or suppress heat transfer between individual battery cells.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an isolation assembly for placement between battery cells, comprising: an isolation member and an elastic member, the isolation member having two opposing abutment surfaces along its thickness direction. The elastic member protrudes from at least one abutment surface of the isolation member.

[0007] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the isolation component can be used to be disposed between battery cells to prevent or suppress heat transfer between battery cells, and limit the thermal runaway battery and its effects to a minimum; at the same time, an elastic element is provided on the contact surface of the isolation component, which can absorb the tolerance in the length direction of the battery module, so that the preload of the battery module is in a suitable state, which can not only ensure that the battery module passes the strength test, but also reduce the risk of battery cells dropping.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least two elastic members are provided on at least one abutting surface of the separator. The abutting surface of the separator is used to abut the large surface of the battery cell. When at least two elastic members are provided on the abutting surface of the separator, the abutting surface has at least two support points, which is beneficial for the battery cell to stably abut against the abutting surface of the separator assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the elastic members are strip-shaped, and a through channel is formed between at least two elastic members to allow airflow. After the ends of at least two elastic members abut against the large surface of the battery cell, a through channel for airflow is formed between the large surface of the battery cell, the abutting surface, and the two elastic members, which is beneficial for heat dissipation of the battery cell.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least two elastic elements are parallel to each other. The air inlet and outlet of the channel formed by the parallel elastic elements are the same size, which facilitates airflow.

[0011] In some embodiments, the separator is a rectangular separator plate, and the length direction of the elastic member is parallel to the edge of the separator plate. The edge of the rectangular separator plate is generally aligned with the edge of the battery cell. When the length direction of the elastic member is parallel to the edge of the separator plate, it is beneficial for the battery cell to be subjected to uniform force after the elastic member abuts against the battery cell.

[0012] In some embodiments, the isolation assembly includes two strip-shaped elastic members located at opposite ends of the isolation plate. The two strip-shaped elastic members can stably abut against the ends of the large surface of the battery cell along the height or length direction, and a through channel is formed between the two elastic members to allow airflow, which is beneficial for heat dissipation of the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the isolation assembly further includes a cooling flexible bag containing a cooling medium, the cooling flexible bag being disposed on at least one contact surface of the isolation member. The cooling medium in the cooling flexible bag can absorb the heat released by the battery cells, thereby improving the cooling effect of the battery cells.

[0014] In some embodiments, a cooling flexible bag is disposed at the center of the contact surface of the separator. After the separator assembly is disposed between the battery cells, the cooling flexible bag can contact or approach the large surface of the battery cells, improving the cooling effect of the battery cells.

[0015] In some embodiments, the separator has a perforated structure extending through the thickness direction. The perforated structure facilitates airflow, thereby improving the heat dissipation of the battery cell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the height of the separator in the thickness direction before compression of the elastic element is 1.5–2.5 mm, and the height of the elastic element in the thickness direction of the separator after compression is 0.9–2.4 mm. The elastic element has good elasticity, which can absorb tolerances in the length direction of the battery module, ensuring that the preload of the battery module is in a suitable state. This guarantees that the battery module passes the strength test and reduces the risk of individual battery cells dropping out of their rated capacity. Furthermore, because the elastic element is small in size after compression, it does not occupy much space, thus ensuring that the battery has a high energy density.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides a battery module, which includes multiple battery cells and multiple isolation components as described in the above embodiments, wherein the isolation components are disposed between two adjacent battery cells.

[0018] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the isolation component is disposed between the battery cells to prevent or suppress heat transfer between the battery cells, thereby limiting the thermal runaway battery and its impact to a minimum. At the same time, an elastic element is provided on the contact surface of the isolation component. The elastic element can absorb the tolerance in the length direction of the battery module, so that the preload of the battery module is in a suitable state, which can not only ensure that the battery module passes the strength test, but also reduce the risk of battery cells dropping.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery cell has a first transition region with bends at both ends along its length, and the elastic element does not abut against the first transition region. The strength of the first transition region is low, and the force exerted by the elastic element on the battery cell is the reaction force of the assembly force or expansion force applied by the battery cell to the elastic element, which can reach up to 20,000 N. The elastic element does not abut against the first transition region, thereby avoiding large deformation of the first transition region after being squeezed by a high reaction force.

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery cell has welded areas and curved second transition areas at both ends along its height direction, and the elastic element does not abut against the second transition areas and welded areas. The second transition areas and welded areas have low strength, and the force exerted by the elastic element on the battery cell is the reaction force of the assembly force or expansion force applied by the battery cell to the elastic element, which can reach up to 20,000 N. The elastic element does not abut against the second transition areas and welded areas, thereby avoiding large deformation of the first transition area after the high reaction force squeezes the second transition areas and welded areas.

[0021] Thirdly, this application provides a battery that includes the battery module described in the above embodiments.

[0022] Fourthly, this application provides an electrical device that includes the battery described in the above embodiments, the electrical device being used to provide electrical energy.

[0023] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle structure according to some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery according to some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell according to some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation component according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a side view of the isolation component according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a side view of the isolation component according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation component according to the third embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation component according to the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation component according to the fifth embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module according to some embodiments of this application.

[0035] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0036] 1000 - Vehicles;

[0037] 100 - Battery; 200 - Controller; 300 - Motor;

[0038] 10-Box body; 11-First part; 12-Second part;

[0039] 20-Battery cell; 21-End cap; 22-Housing casing; 23-Electrode assembly;

[0040] 30-Isolation component; 400-Isolation part; 401-Abutting surface; 402-Hollow structure; 500-Elastic part; 600-Cooling flexible bag; 40-Battery module; 24-First transition area; 25-Second transition area; 26-Welding area; 50-First isolation component; 60-Second isolation component. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein 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 specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0044] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments 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, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0047] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0050] The inventors have noted that lithium-ion battery systems are temperature-sensitive; excessively high temperatures can easily cause thermal runaway, leading to fire, combustion, and explosion. Therefore, ensuring that the temperature of a lithium-ion battery remains within a reasonable range throughout its entire lifespan is a crucial measure to prevent fires and explosions. Lithium-ion battery fires and explosions often begin with a single cell malfunctioning and experiencing thermal runaway. The heat generated by this runaway cell is then transferred to neighboring cells, triggering a chain reaction that ultimately destroys the entire battery system.

[0051] In order to prevent or suppress heat transfer between individual battery cells, the applicant has discovered that isolation components can be set between individual battery cells in a battery module. These isolation components can prevent or suppress heat transfer between individual battery cells, thus limiting thermal runaway batteries and their effects to a minimum.

[0052] Furthermore, the inventors also discovered that when the thickness of the battery cell and the separator is close to the lower limit, the preload of the assembled battery module in the length direction is insufficient. In this case, the module strength is supported only by the end plate, the module main frequency is too low, and the risk of failure in the strength test is high. When the thickness of the battery cell and the separator is close to the upper limit, the preload of the assembled battery module in the length direction is too large, and the battery cell is at risk of falling, resulting in a smaller battery capacity and insufficient electrolyte flow.

[0053] Based on the above considerations, in order to prevent or suppress heat transfer between battery cells and ensure that the preload of the battery module is in a suitable state, the inventors, after in-depth research, designed an isolation component. The isolation component can be used to install between battery cells to prevent or suppress heat transfer between battery cells, limiting the thermal runaway battery and its effects to a minimum. At the same time, an elastic element is provided on the contact surface of the isolation component. The elastic element can absorb the tolerance in the length direction of the battery module, so that the preload of the battery module is in a suitable state, which can not only ensure that the battery module passes the strength test, but also reduce the risk of battery cells dropping.

[0054] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. A battery generally includes a battery housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells, which prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0055] Battery cells can include lithium-ion rechargeable battery cells, lithium-ion primary battery cells, lithium-sulfur battery cells, sodium-lithium-ion battery cells, sodium-ion battery cells, or magnesium-ion battery cells, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to these. Battery cells can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to these either. Battery cells are generally classified into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and pouch battery cells.

[0056] A single 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 positive current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, 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 negative current collector protrudes beyond the coated one, serving as the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. To ensure that a large current can pass through without melting, there are multiple positive electrode tabs stacked together, and there are multiple negative electrode tabs stacked together. The separator can be made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), etc. Furthermore, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0057] The battery cell also includes a current collector, which is used to electrically connect the tabs and electrode terminals of the battery cell to deliver electrical energy from the electrode assembly to the electrode terminals, and then to the outside of the battery cell via the electrode terminals. Multiple battery cells are electrically connected through a current collector to realize series, parallel or mixed connection of multiple battery cells.

[0058] The battery also includes sampling terminals and a battery management system. The sampling terminals are connected to the busbar and are used to collect information from individual battery cells, such as voltage or temperature. The sampling terminals transmit the collected information from individual battery cells to the battery management system. When the battery management system detects that the information from a battery cell exceeds the normal range, it limits the battery's output power to achieve safety protection.

[0059] It is understood that the power devices applicable to the use of batteries described in the embodiments of this application can take many forms, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers.

[0060] The battery cells and batteries described in the embodiments of this application are not limited to the electrical devices described above, but can also be applied to all electrical devices that use battery cells and batteries. However, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments are all illustrated using electric vehicles as an example.

[0061] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle 1000 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a range-extended electric vehicle, etc. A battery 100 is disposed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 can be used to power the vehicle 1000; for example, the battery 100 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. The controller 200 is used to control the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, the battery 100 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle 1000.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2This is an exploded view of a battery provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and a battery cell 20, with the battery cell 20 housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 provides a space for the battery cell 20 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 may include a first portion 11 and a second portion 12, which overlap each other, jointly defining a space for accommodating the battery cell 20. The second portion 12 may be a hollow structure with one open end, and the first portion 11 may be a plate-like structure, covering the open side of the second portion 12 so that the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 jointly define the space; alternatively, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 may both be hollow structures with one open side, with the open side of the first portion 11 covering the open side of the second portion 12. Of course, the housing 10 formed by the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 can have various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0064] In battery 100, there can be multiple battery cells 20, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 20 are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the entire assembly of the multiple battery cells 20 is housed within the housing 10. Alternatively, battery 100 can also be composed of multiple battery cells 20 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is also housed within the housing 10. Battery 100 may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar component for electrical connection between the multiple battery cells 20.

[0065] Each battery cell 20 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 20 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery cell 20 refers to the smallest unit that makes up the battery. For example... Figure 3 The battery cell 20 includes an end cap 21, a housing 22, an electrode assembly 23, and other functional components.

[0067] End cap 21 refers to a component that covers the opening of housing 22 to isolate the internal environment of battery cell 20 from the external environment. The shape of end cap 21 can be adapted to the shape of housing 22 to fit it. Optionally, end cap 21 can be made of a material with certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that end cap 21 is not easily deformed under pressure and impact, giving battery cell 20 higher structural strength and improved safety performance. Functional components such as electrode terminals can be provided on end cap 21. Electrode terminals can be used for electrical connection with electrode assembly 23 for outputting or inputting electrical energy into battery cell 20. In some embodiments, end cap 21 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of battery cell 20 reaches a threshold. The material of end cap 21 can also be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this application embodiment does not impose special limitations on this. In some embodiments, an insulating element may be provided on the inner side of the end cap 21. The insulating element can be used to isolate the electrical connection components within the housing 22 from the end cap 21 to reduce the risk of short circuits. For example, the insulating element may be made of plastic, rubber, etc.

[0068] The housing 22 is a component used to cooperate with the end cap 21 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. This internal environment can accommodate the electrode assembly 23, electrolyte, and other components. The housing 22 and the end cap 21 can be independent components. An opening can be provided on the housing 22, and the end cap 21 can be used to close the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. Alternatively, the end cap 21 and the housing 22 can be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 21 and the housing 22 can form a common connecting surface before other components are inserted into the housing. When it is necessary to encapsulate the interior of the housing 22, the end cap 21 closes the housing 22. The housing 22 can be of various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing 22 can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 23. The material of the housing 22 can be various, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0069] Electrode assembly 23 is the component in the battery cell 20 where electrochemical reactions occur. The casing 22 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 23. The electrode assembly 23 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and typically a separator is provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets containing active material constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, while the portions without active material each constitute a tab. The positive and negative tabs may be located together at one end of the main body or separately at both ends of the main body. During the charging and discharging process of the battery, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the electrode terminals to form a current loop.

[0070] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 4-6 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation component according to the first embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a side view of the isolation component according to the first embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a side view of the isolation component according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0071] This application provides an isolation assembly 30 for placement between battery cells, comprising: an isolation member 400 and an elastic member 500, wherein the isolation member 400 has two opposing abutment surfaces 401 along its thickness direction. The elastic member 500 protrudes from at least one abutment surface 401 of the isolation member 400.

[0072] The separator 400 is a component used to separate two battery cells or between a battery cell and an end plate, thereby preventing the two battery cells from directly contacting each other or the battery cell from directly contacting the end plate.

[0073] As an example, the spacer 400 can be a plate-like structure.

[0074] The contact surface 401 is the surface used to contact the large surface of the battery cell.

[0075] The elastic element 500 is a protruding component of the separator 400 made of a material with a low elastic modulus. The elastic modulus of the elastic element 500 is less than that of the separator 400. When subjected to the assembly force of the battery module 40 or the expansion force of the battery cell, the elastic element 500 can undergo a large deformation along the direction of the force.

[0076] As an example, the elastic element 500 is made of rubber material.

[0077] The isolation component 30 can be used to prevent or suppress heat transfer between battery cells, limiting the thermal runaway battery and its effects to a minimum. At the same time, an elastic element 500 is provided on the contact surface 401 of the isolation component 400. The elastic element 500 can absorb the tolerance in the length direction of the battery module 40, so that the preload of the battery module 40 is in a suitable state, which can not only ensure that the battery module 40 passes the strength test, but also reduce the risk of battery cells dropping.

[0078] Please see Figure 5 Optionally, the elastic element 500 protrudes from the two abutting surfaces 401 of the separator 400.

[0079] When both abutment surfaces 401 of the separator 400 are provided with elastic elements 500, the separator assembly 30 can be disposed between two battery cells or between a battery cell and an end plate. When the separator assembly 30 can be disposed between two battery cells, the separator assembly 30 abuts against one adjacent battery cell with the elastic element 500 and directly abuts against another adjacent battery cell with one abutment surface 401.

[0080] Please see Figure 6 Optionally, the elastic element 500 protrudes only from one abutment surface 401 of the isolation element 400.

[0081] When the separator 400 has only one abutment surface 401 with an elastic element 500, the separator assembly 30 can be disposed between two battery cells or between a battery cell and an end plate. When the separator assembly 30 is disposed between two battery cells, the separator assembly 30 abuts against one adjacent battery cell with the elastic element 500 and directly abuts against another adjacent battery cell with one abutment surface 401.

[0082] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer to... Figure 5 and 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation component according to the third embodiment of this application. At least two elastic members 500 are provided on at least one abutment surface 401 of the isolation member 400.

[0083] For example, please refer to Figure 5 Two elastic elements 500 are provided on at least one abutment surface 401 of the separator 400; see also Figure 7 At least one abutment surface 401 of the isolation member 400 is provided with three elastic members 500; in some other embodiments, at least one abutment surface 401 of the isolation member 400 is provided with four, five or more elastic members 500.

[0084] The contact surface 401 of the separator 400 is used to contact the large surface of the battery cell. When at least two elastic members 500 are provided on the contact surface 401 of the separator 400, the contact surface 401 has at least two support points, which is conducive to the stable contact of the battery cell with the contact surface 401 of the separator assembly 30.

[0085] When both abutment surfaces 401 of the separator 400 are provided with elastic elements 500, the number of elastic elements 500 provided on the two abutment surfaces 401 can be the same or different.

[0086] As an example, the elastic elements 500 of the two abutting surfaces 401 of the separator 400 can be one and two respectively; or one and three respectively; or two and three respectively; or both two; or both three.

[0087] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the elastic element 500 is strip-shaped, and a through channel is formed between at least two elastic elements 500 to allow airflow.

[0088] After the ends of at least two elastic members 500 abut against the large surface of the battery cell, a through channel for airflow is formed between the large surface of the battery cell, the abutment surface 401, and the two elastic members 500, which is beneficial for heat dissipation of the battery cell.

[0089] When both abutment surfaces 401 of the separator 400 are provided with elastic elements 500, the elastic elements 500 provided on the two abutment surfaces 401 may be the same or different.

[0090] As an example, the elastic elements 500 of the two abutting surfaces 401 of the separator 400 can be strip-shaped or other shapes, such as circles, ovals, triangles, squares, rectangles, rhombuses or other regular or irregular shapes; or both can be strip-shaped.

[0091] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, at least two elastic members 500 are parallel to each other.

[0092] The air inlet and outlet of the channel formed by the parallel elastic elements 500 are the same size, which is conducive to the flow of air.

[0093] It should be noted that when at least two elastic elements 500 are arranged in a cross configuration, a through channel for airflow cannot be formed between the large surface of the battery cell, the contact surface 401, and the two elastic elements 500, which is not conducive to the heat dissipation of the battery cell.

[0094] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the isolation member 400 is a rectangular isolation plate, and the length direction of the elastic member 500 is parallel to the edge of the isolation plate.

[0095] The edges of the rectangular separator are generally aligned with the edges of the battery cells. When the length of the elastic element 500 is parallel to the edge of the separator, it is beneficial for the battery cells to be subjected to uniform force after the elastic element 500 comes into contact with the battery cells.

[0096] Optionally, the partition plate has a long side and a short side, and the length direction of the elastic element 500 is parallel to the long side or the short side of the partition plate.

[0097] Optionally, the partition plate has a long side and a short side, and the length direction of the elastic element 500 is parallel to the long side of the partition plate.

[0098] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the isolation assembly 30 includes two strip-shaped elastic members 500, which are located at both ends of the isolation plate.

[0099] Two strip-shaped elastic elements 500 can stably abut against the two ends of the large surface of the battery cell along the height or length direction, and a through channel is formed between the two elastic elements 500 to allow airflow, which is beneficial to the heat dissipation of the battery cell.

[0100] Optionally, the isolation plate has two ends along the length direction and two ends along the width direction. When the two elastic members 500 are located at the two ends along the length direction of the isolation plate, the two strip elastic members 500 are parallel to the two short sides of the isolation plate. When the two elastic members 500 are located at the two ends along the width direction of the isolation plate, the two strip elastic members 500 are parallel to the two long sides of the isolation plate.

[0101] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer to... Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation assembly according to the fourth embodiment of this application. The isolation assembly 30 also includes a cooling flexible bag 600 containing a cooling medium, and the cooling flexible bag 600 is disposed on at least one contact surface 401 of the isolation member 400.

[0102] The Cooling Flexible Bag 600 is a sealed bag that can deform under compressive force.

[0103] As an example, the cooling flexible bag 600 is made of polymer materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, etc.

[0104] The cooling medium is a fluid with a high specific heat capacity that can absorb heat and is in a liquid state at the battery operating temperature.

[0105] As an example, the cooling medium is water, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, or glycerol.

[0106] The cooling medium in the cooling flexible bag 600 can absorb the heat released by the battery cells, thereby improving the cooling effect of the battery cells.

[0107] Optionally, the cooling flexible bag 600 has a multi-layer structure to prevent the cooling medium from overflowing after local damage.

[0108] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, a cooling flexible bag 600 is disposed in the middle of the contact surface 401 of the separator 400.

[0109] After the isolation component 30 is placed between the battery cells, the cooling flexible bag 600 can contact or approach the large surface of the battery cells, thereby improving the cooling effect of the battery cells.

[0110] Optionally, the isolation assembly 30 includes two strip-shaped elastic members 500, which are located at both ends of the isolation plate, forming a heat dissipation space between the two elastic members 500, and the cooling flexible bag 600 is disposed in the heat dissipation space.

[0111] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, please refer to... Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation component according to the fifth embodiment of this application. The isolation member 400 has a hollow structure 402 that extends through the thickness direction.

[0112] The hollow structure 402 facilitates air circulation, thereby improving the heat dissipation of individual battery cells.

[0113] Optionally, the isolation assembly 30 includes two strip-shaped elastic members 500, which are located at both ends of the isolation plate, and the hollow structure 402 is located between the two elastic members 500.

[0114] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the height of the isolation member 400 in the thickness direction before the compression of the elastic member 500 is 1.5 to 2.5 mm, and the height of the elastic member 500 in the thickness direction of the isolation member 400 after compression is 0.9 to 2.4 mm.

[0115] As an example, the thickness direction height of the elastic element 500 compression front isolation element 400 is 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm or 2.5mm.

[0116] As an example, the height of the elastic element 500 along the thickness direction of the separator 400 after compression is 0.9mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm or 2.5mm.

[0117] The elastic element 500 has good elasticity, which can absorb the tolerance in the length direction of the battery module 40, so that the preload of the battery module 40 is in a suitable state. This ensures that the battery module 40 passes the strength test and reduces the risk of battery cell failure. Furthermore, because the elastic element 500 has a small compressed size, it does not occupy too much space, thus ensuring that the battery has a high energy density.

[0118] Optionally, the force acting on the elastic element 500 to compress the elastic element 500 from its original height of 1.5-2.5 mm to 0.9-2.4 mm includes the assembly force of the battery module 40 and the expansion force of the battery cell. The assembly force of the battery module 40 is 1000-6000 N, and the expansion force of the battery cell is 1000-20000 N.

[0119] Optionally, the height of the isolation member 400 in the thickness direction at the front of the compression of the elastic member 500 is 1.8 to 2.2 mm, and the height of the elastic member 500 in the thickness direction of the isolation member 400 after compression is 0.9 to 2.1 mm.

[0120] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery module according to some embodiments of this application.

[0121] This application provides a battery module 40, which includes a plurality of battery cells 20 and a plurality of isolation components 30 as described in the above embodiments, wherein the isolation components 30 are disposed between two adjacent battery cells 20.

[0122] The isolation component 30 is disposed between the battery cells 20 to prevent or suppress heat transfer between the battery cells 20, and to limit the thermal runaway battery and its effects to a minimum. At the same time, an elastic element 500 is provided on the contact surface 401 of the isolation component 400. The elastic element 500 can absorb the tolerance in the length direction of the battery module 40, so that the preload of the battery module 40 is in a suitable state, which can not only ensure that the battery module 40 passes the strength test, but also reduce the risk of the battery cells 20 dropping.

[0123] It should be noted that the multiple isolation components 30 in each battery may be the same or different. That is, the isolation components 30 may all be elastic members 500 protruding from only one abutment surface 401 of the isolation member 400, or all be elastic members 500 protruding from both abutment surfaces 401 of the isolation member 400, or some may be elastic members 500 protruding from only one abutment surface 401 of the isolation member 400, and the rest may be elastic members 500 protruding from both abutment surfaces 401 of the isolation member 400.

[0124] Optionally, the isolation component 30 includes a first isolation component 50 and a second isolation component 60. The first isolation component 50 is an isolation component 30 in which the elastic member 500 protrudes only from one abutment surface 401 of the isolation component 400. The second isolation component 60 is an isolation component 30 in which the elastic member 500 protrudes from both abutment surfaces 401 of the isolation component 400. The first isolation component 50 is disposed between the battery cell 20 and the end plate, and has the abutment surface 401 of the elastic member 500 facing the battery cell 20. The second isolation component 60 is disposed between two adjacent battery cells 20.

[0125] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the battery cell 20 has a first transition region 24 with bends at both ends along its length direction, and the elastic member 500 does not abut against the first transition region 24.

[0126] The first transition zone 24 is the area where the large surface and side surface of the battery cell 20 are connected. The first transition zone 24 may have a bending angle or a smooth curved surface.

[0127] The first transition zone 24 has low strength. The force exerted by the elastic member 500 on the battery cell 20 is the reaction force of the assembly force or expansion force applied by the battery cell 20 to the elastic member 500, which can reach up to 20,000 N. The elastic member 500 does not abut against the first transition zone 24, thereby avoiding the first transition zone 24 from undergoing large deformation after being squeezed by a high reaction force.

[0128] According to some embodiments of this application, optionally, the battery cell 20 has a welding area 26 and a curved second transition area 25 at both ends along its height direction, and the elastic member 500 does not abut against the second transition area 25 and the welding area 26.

[0129] The second transition zone 25 is the area where the large surface and the bottom surface of the battery cell 20 are connected. The second transition zone 25 may have a bending angle or a smooth curved surface.

[0130] Welding area 26 is the area where the casing and end cap of the battery cell 20 are welded.

[0131] The second transition zone 25 and the welding zone 26 have low strength. The force exerted by the elastic element 500 on the battery cell 20 is the reaction force of the assembly force or expansion force applied by the battery cell 20 to the elastic element 500, which can reach up to 20,000 N. The elastic element 500 does not abut against the second transition zone 25, thereby avoiding the first transition zone 24 from undergoing large deformation after the high reaction force squeezes the second transition zone 25.

[0132] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 5 and 9This application provides an isolation component 30, which includes an isolation member 400 and an elastic member 500. The isolation member 400 is a rectangular isolation plate with two opposing abutment surfaces 401 along the thickness direction. Each abutment surface 401 is provided with two elastic members 500, and all elastic members 500 are strip-shaped. The two elastic members 500 of each abutment surface 401 are respectively disposed at both ends of the isolation plate along the width direction, and the two strip-shaped elastic members 500 are respectively parallel to the two long sides of the isolation plate. A through channel is formed between the two elastic members 500 to allow airflow. The isolation member 400 has a through-hole structure 402 along the thickness direction, which is located between the two elastic members 500. The height of the elastic member 500 in the thickness direction of the isolation member 400 before compression is 2 mm, and the height of the elastic member 500 in the thickness direction of the isolation member 400 after compression is 0.9 to 1.9 mm.

[0133] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 10 This application provides a battery module 40, which includes multiple battery cells 20 and multiple isolation components 30 as described in the above embodiments. The isolation components 30 include a first isolation component 50 and a second isolation component 60. The first isolation component 50 is an isolation component 30 in which the elastic member 500 protrudes only from one abutment surface 401 of the isolation component 400. The second isolation component 60 is an isolation component 30 in which the elastic member 500 protrudes from both abutment surfaces 401 of the isolation component 400. The first isolation component 50 is disposed between the battery cell 20 and the end plate, and the abutment surface 401 of the elastic member 500 faces the battery cell 20. The second isolation component 60 is disposed between two adjacent battery cells 20. The battery cell 20 has a curved first transition region 24 at both ends along its length direction and a welding region 26 and a curved second transition region 25 at both ends along its height direction. The elastic member 500 does not abut against the first transition region 24, the second transition region 25 and the welding region 26.

[0134] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. 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 module, characterized by, The battery module includes multiple battery cells and multiple isolation components, wherein the isolation components are disposed between two adjacent battery cells; The isolation component includes: an isolation member and an elastic member. The isolation member has two opposing abutment surfaces along the thickness direction. The elastic member protrudes from at least one of the abutment surfaces of the isolation member. The elastic member is strip-shaped. The height of the elastic member along the thickness direction of the isolation member before compression is 1.5~2.5mm. The height of the elastic member along the thickness direction of the isolation member after compression is 0.9~2.4mm. The isolation member is a rectangular isolation plate, the isolation plate having opposite long sides and short sides, and the length direction of the elastic member is parallel to the long side of the isolation plate; The battery cell has a first transition zone with bends at both ends along its length, and the elastic element does not abut against the first transition zone; The battery cell has a welding area and a curved second transition area at both ends along its height direction, and the elastic element does not abut against the second transition area and the welding area; The assembly force of the battery module is 1000~6000N, and the expansion force of the battery cell is 1000~20000N.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two elastic elements are provided on at least one of the abutting surfaces of the isolation member.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, A through channel is formed between the at least two of the elastic elements, allowing airflow to pass through.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least two elastic elements are parallel to each other.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The isolation assembly includes two strip-shaped elastic elements, which are located at opposite ends of the isolation plate.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The isolation assembly further includes a cooling flexible bag containing a cooling medium, the cooling flexible bag being disposed on at least one of the contact surfaces of the isolation member.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cooling flexible bag is disposed in the middle of the contact surface of the insulating member.

8. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The separator has a hollow structure that extends through the thickness direction.

9. A battery, characterized in that, The battery includes the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An electrical device, characterized in that, The electrical device includes the battery of claim 9, and the electrical device is used to provide electrical energy.

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