Battery pack, electric equipment, energy storage equipment and thermal runaway detection method of battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack, electric equipment, energy storage equipment and a thermal runaway detection method of the battery pack, the battery pack comprises a shell, at least one battery cell arranged in the shell and an anti-explosion valve arranged on the shell wall of the shell, the anti-explosion valve comprises a valve body and a top cover, and a travel switch is arranged between the valve body and the top cover; the valve body and the top cover are used for making relative movement when the internal and external pressure difference of the shell is larger than a pressure difference threshold value so as to release gas in the shell. The travel switch is in a first on-off state when the valve body and the top cover do not move relatively and is in a second on-off state when the valve body and the top cover move relatively, and the different on-off states of the travel switch are used for a battery controller of the battery pack to detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway or not. The embodiment of the invention is beneficial to improving the accuracy of thermal runaway detection of the battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery pack, an electrical device, an energy storage device, and a thermal runaway detection method for a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] As battery cells age or are overcharged, they can experience thermal runaway, releasing large amounts of flammable gases and heat into the battery pack, potentially causing serious safety incidents.

[0003] Therefore, how to accurately detect whether a battery pack has thermal runaway is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a battery pack, an electrical device, an energy storage device and a thermal runaway detection method for a battery pack, which can accurately detect whether a battery pack is experiencing thermal runaway.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a battery pack, comprising a housing, at least one battery cell disposed within the housing, and an explosion-proof valve disposed on a wall of the housing, the explosion-proof valve comprising a valve body and a top cover, with a travel switch disposed between the valve body and the top cover; the valve body and the top cover are configured to move relative to each other when a pressure differential between the inside and outside of the housing exceeds a pressure differential threshold, thereby releasing gas within the housing;

[0006] The limit switch is in a first switching state when there is no relative movement between the valve body and the top cover, and is in a second switching state when there is relative movement between the valve body and the top cover. The different switching states of the limit switch are used for the battery controller of the battery pack to detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway.

[0007] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, a travel switch is arranged between the valve body and the top cover, and the valve body and the top cover will undergo relative movement when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell is greater than the pressure difference threshold, so as to drive the switching state of the travel switch to adjust. Therefore, the switching state of the travel switch in the embodiment of the present application can accurately reflect the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack and the opening and closing state of the explosion-proof valve, which is conducive to accurately detecting whether the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the switching state of the travel switch, thereby improving the accuracy of thermal runaway detection of the battery pack.

[0008] In some embodiments, the limit switch includes: a first end arranged on the valve body and a second end arranged on the top cover; when no relative movement occurs between the valve body and the top cover, the first end and the second end are electrically contacted to put the limit switch in a first switching state; when relative movement occurs between the valve body and the top cover, the first end and the second end are disconnected from electrical contact to put the limit switch in a second switching state.

[0009] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the limit switch includes a first end arranged on the valve body and a second end arranged on the top cover. Since the relative movement of the valve body and the top cover can drive the relative position between the first end and the second end to change, the limit switch is in different switching states. Therefore, the switching state of the limit switch in the embodiment of the present application can accurately reflect the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack and the opening and closing state of the explosion-proof valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, a connecting rod is further provided on a side of the top cover close to the valve body, and the second end is provided on the connecting rod.

[0011] In some embodiments, the valve body includes a groove for accommodating the connecting rod, and the first end is disposed in the groove, which is beneficial for saving the size of the explosion-proof valve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof valve also includes: a temperature detection module arranged on the valve body, wherein the temperature detection signal output by the temperature detection module is used for the battery controller to detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway, which is conducive to further improving the accuracy of battery pack thermal runaway detection.

[0013] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof valve further includes an elastic component, wherein the elastic component is disposed between the top cover and the valve body; the elastic component is configured to switch the travel switch from the second switching state to the first switching state.

[0014] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, an elastic component is arranged between the top cover and the valve body in the explosion-proof valve, so that when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell is greater than the pressure difference threshold, the explosion-proof valve will switch to an open state, and when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell is not greater than the pressure difference threshold, the explosion-proof valve will switch to a closed state. The opening and closing states of the explosion-proof valve can accurately reflect the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack, which is conducive to accurately detecting whether the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the opening and closing states of the explosion-proof valve.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present application provides an electrical device comprising a battery pack as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present application provides an energy storage device, comprising a battery pack as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a method for detecting thermal runaway of a battery pack, which is applied to a battery controller of any battery pack according to the first aspect above; the method comprises:

[0018] Obtain the switch status of the travel switch in the explosion-proof valve;

[0019] Detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway according to the switch status and obtain the thermal runaway detection result;

[0020] Output prompt information based on thermal runaway detection results.

[0021] In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the valve body and top cover of the battery pack in the embodiments of the present application undergo relative movement when the internal and external pressure differential of the housing exceeds a pressure differential threshold, thereby driving the on / off state of the limit switch to adjust. The on / off state of the limit switch in the embodiments of the present application accurately reflects the internal and external pressure differential of the battery pack and the open / close state of the explosion-proof valve. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, the battery controller can accurately detect whether the battery pack has experienced thermal runaway based on the on / off state of the limit switch. Furthermore, by outputting prompt information based on the thermal runaway detection results, users or fire control equipment can promptly implement corresponding measures based on the prompt information, thereby helping to reduce the extent of damage to the battery pack or electrical equipment caused by thermal runaway.

[0022] In some embodiments, detecting whether a battery pack is in thermal runaway according to the switch state and obtaining a thermal runaway detection result includes:

[0023] The battery pack is detected to determine whether thermal runaway occurs based on the switch status and the environmental parameter information of the battery pack, and a thermal runaway detection result is obtained.

[0024] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, by further combining the switching state of the limit switch with the environmental parameter information of the battery pack to detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway, it is beneficial to further improve the accuracy of thermal runaway detection of the battery pack.

[0025] In some embodiments, detecting whether a battery pack is in thermal runaway according to the switch state and environmental parameter information of the battery pack to obtain a thermal runaway detection result includes:

[0026] If the switch state is the second switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter meets the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack has thermal runaway.

[0027] In some embodiments, outputting prompt information based on the thermal runaway detection result includes:

[0028] Output alarm prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection results.

[0029] In some embodiments, detecting whether a battery pack is in thermal runaway according to the switch state and environmental parameter information of the battery pack to obtain a thermal runaway detection result includes:

[0030] If the switch state is the second switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter does not meet the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack does not have thermal runaway; or,

[0031] If the switch state is the first switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter meets the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack does not experience thermal runaway.

[0032] In some embodiments, outputting prompt information based on the thermal runaway detection result includes:

[0033] Output warning information based on thermal runaway detection results.

[0034] In some embodiments, the environmental parameter information includes: temperature parameter information, and / or humidity parameter information.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a thermal runaway detection device for a battery pack, which is applied to a battery controller of any battery pack according to the first aspect above; the device comprises:

[0036] An acquisition module is used to obtain the switch status of the travel switch in the explosion-proof valve;

[0037] A detection module is used to detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway according to the switch status and obtain a thermal runaway detection result;

[0038] The output module is used to output prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection results.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a battery controller comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment of the thermal runaway detection method for the battery pack are implemented.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment of the thermal runaway detection method for a battery pack are implemented.

[0041] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment of the thermal runaway detection method for a battery pack.

[0042] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the explosion-proof valve provided in some embodiments of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0046] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the explosion-proof valve provided in some embodiments of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an explosion-proof valve provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an explosion-proof valve provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an explosion-proof valve provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of an explosion-proof valve provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0051] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an explosion-proof valve provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0052] Figure 9 A schematic flow chart of a thermal runaway detection method for a battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0053] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of gas discharge when thermal runaway occurs in any cell of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the overall process of the thermal runaway detection method for the battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0055] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the overall process of the thermal runaway detection method for the battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0056] Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of a thermal runaway detection device for a battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the term "include" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more (including two), unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0060] Typically, battery packs in electrical devices or energy storage devices can experience thermal runaway over time or due to special circumstances such as overcharging. Thermal runaway releases large amounts of flammable gases and heat into the battery pack, potentially causing serious safety incidents. Therefore, accurately detecting thermal runaway in battery packs is an urgent issue.

[0061] The electrical devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may be, but are not limited to, electric toys, electric tools, battery vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. The electric toys may include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc., and the spacecraft may include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0062] In order to solve the problem of how to accurately detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway, the embodiment of the present application proposes to set a limit switch between the valve body and the top cover, and the valve body and the top cover will move relative to each other when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell is greater than the pressure difference threshold, so as to drive the switching state of the limit switch to adjust. Therefore, the switching state of the limit switch in the embodiment of the present application can accurately reflect the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack and the opening and closing state of the explosion-proof valve, which is conducive to accurately detecting whether the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the switching state of the limit switch, thereby improving the accuracy of battery pack thermal runaway detection.

[0063] In some embodiments, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application, such as Figure 1As shown, the battery pack in the embodiment of the present application may include, but is not limited to, a housing 10, at least one battery cell 11 disposed in the housing 10, and an explosion-proof valve 12 disposed on the shell wall of the housing 10. The explosion-proof valve 12 can switch from a closed state to an open state when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack exceeds a pressure difference threshold, so that the gas in the housing 10 can be discharged (or referred to as a pressure relief and exhaust process), thereby preventing the battery pack from exploding due to an excessive pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack.

[0064] For example, the explosion-proof valve 12 can be provided on the side wall of the housing 10, or on the upper wall of the housing 10, or on the lower wall of the housing 10. It should be noted that, Figure 1 The explosion-proof valve 12 is provided on the side wall of the housing 10 as an example, which is more conducive to the discharge of gas in the housing 10. Of course, the explosion-proof valve 12 can also be provided at other positions of the housing 10.

[0065] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the explosion-proof valve provided in some embodiments of the present application Figure 1 , Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the explosion-proof valve provided in some embodiments of the present application Figure 2 ,like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the explosion-proof valve 12 in the embodiment of the present application may include but is not limited to a valve body 120 and a top cover 121. The valve body 120 may be fitted into a reserved hole on the shell wall of the battery pack, and the top cover 121 may cover the explosion-proof valve opening.

[0066] The valve body 120 and the top cover 121 in the embodiment of the present application can be used to move relative to each other when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 10 is greater than a pressure difference threshold, so that the explosion-proof valve 12 switches to an open state to release the gas in the housing 10. For example, when the pressure difference between the air pressure inside the housing 10 and the air pressure outside the housing 10 is greater than the pressure difference threshold, the top cover 121 will move toward the outside of the housing 10, so that the explosion-proof valve 12 switches to an open state to facilitate the release of the gas in the housing 10. It should be understood that when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 10 is not greater than the pressure difference threshold, the explosion-proof valve 12 can be in a closed state. The explosion-proof valve 12 can be a disposable explosion-proof valve or a reusable explosion-proof valve.

[0067] Optionally, the explosion-proof valve 12 can be a reusable explosion-proof valve. For example, when the pressure difference between the air pressure inside the housing 10 and the air pressure outside the housing 10 is not greater than a pressure difference threshold, the top cover 121 will move closer to the inside of the housing 10, causing the explosion-proof valve 12 to switch to a closed state.

[0068] like Figure 3As shown, a travel switch 122 may be provided between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121 in the embodiment of the present application. The travel switch 122 may adjust the switch state of the travel switch 122 according to the relative movement between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121.

[0069] Exemplarily, the limit switch 122 can be in a first switching state (or called a conducting state) when there is no relative movement between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121, and in a second switching state (or called a disconnecting state) when there is relative movement between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121.

[0070] The different switch states of the limit switch 122 in the embodiment of the present application can be used by a battery controller of the battery pack to detect whether the battery pack is experiencing thermal runaway. The battery controller and the limit switch 122 in the embodiment of the present application can communicate with each other so that the battery controller can detect the switch state of the limit switch 122. For example, the battery controller and the limit switch 122 can be electrically connected, or wirelessly connected.

[0071] It should be noted that the battery controller in the embodiment of the present application can be set inside the battery pack or can be set outside the battery pack, and this is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. For example, the battery controller in the embodiment of the present application can include but is not limited to a battery management system (BMS).

[0072] In summary, the battery pack according to the embodiments of the present application includes a housing, at least one battery cell disposed within the housing, and an explosion-proof valve disposed on the housing wall. The explosion-proof valve includes a valve body and a top cover, with a travel switch disposed between the valve body and the top cover. The valve body and the top cover are configured to move relative to each other when the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the housing exceeds a pressure differential threshold, thereby releasing gas from the housing. The travel switch is in a first switching state when there is no relative movement between the valve body and the top cover, and in a second switching state when there is relative movement between the valve body and the top cover. The different switch states of the travel switch are used by the battery pack's battery controller to detect whether the battery pack is experiencing thermal runaway. As can be seen, by disposing the travel switch between the valve body and the top cover, and by causing the valve body and the top cover to move relative to each other when the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the housing exceeds the pressure differential threshold, thereby adjusting the switch state of the travel switch, the switch state of the travel switch in the embodiments of the present application can accurately reflect the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the battery pack and the open / close state of the explosion-proof valve. This facilitates accurate detection of thermal runaway in the battery pack based on the switch state of the travel switch, thereby improving the accuracy of thermal runaway detection.

[0073] In some embodiments, Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the explosion-proof valve provided in some other embodiments of the present application. Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the explosion-proof valve provided in other embodiments of the present application is as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the travel switch 122 of the embodiment of the present application may include: a first end P1 provided on the valve body 120 and a second end P2 provided on the top cover 121. The relative movement of the valve body 120 and the top cover 121 can cause the relative position between the first end P1 and the second end P2 to change.

[0074] For example, Figure 4 As shown, when there is no relative movement between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121, the first end P1 and the second end P2 can be electrically connected to make the travel switch 122 in the first switching state. Figure 5 As shown, when relative movement occurs between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121 , that is, a distance is generated between the first end P1 and the second end P2 , the first end P1 and the second end P2 lose electrical contact, so that the travel switch 122 is in the second switching state.

[0075] For example, the battery controller in the embodiment of the present application can be electrically connected to the first end P1 and the second end P2 of the limit switch 122 via signal lines, so that when the first end P1 and the second end P2 are in electrical contact, the battery controller can detect the conduction signal of the limit switch 122, thereby determining that the limit switch 122 is in the first switch state. As another example, when the first end P1 and the second end P2 are out of electrical contact, the battery controller cannot detect the conduction signal of the limit switch 122, thereby determining that the limit switch 122 is in the second switch state.

[0076] It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, the limit switch includes a first end arranged on the valve body and a second end arranged on the top cover. Since the relative movement of the valve body and the top cover can drive the relative position between the first end and the second end to change, the limit switch is in different switching states. Therefore, the switching state of the limit switch in the embodiment of the present application can accurately reflect the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack and the opening and closing state of the explosion-proof valve.

[0077] In some embodiments, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the explosion-proof valve provided in some other embodiments of the present application. Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the explosion-proof valve provided in other embodiments of the present application is as follows: Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a connecting rod CR may be further provided on a side of the top cover 121 close to the valve body 120 in the embodiment of the present application, wherein the second end P2 may be provided on the connecting rod CR.

[0078] For example, Figure 6 As shown, when there is no relative movement between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121, the first end P1 can be electrically connected to the second end P2 through the connecting rod CR, wherein the connecting rod CR can be a conductive material, or the connecting rod CR can be a non-conductive material, but the connecting rod CR can be provided with a conductive material for connecting the first end P1 and the second end P2.

[0079] Of course, the second end P2 can also be set on the side of the connecting rod CR close to the first end P1, that is, when there is no relative movement between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121, the first end P1 can be directly electrically contacted with the second end P2, wherein the connecting rod CR can be a non-conductive material.

[0080] Another example is, Figure 7 As shown, when relative movement occurs between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121 , the top cover 121 and the connecting rod CR move toward the outside of the housing, so that the first end P1 and the second end P2 can be disconnected from electrical contact.

[0081] Furthermore, in order to save the size of the explosion-proof valve, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the valve body 120 in the embodiment of the present application may include a groove for accommodating the connecting rod CR, and the first end P1 may be provided in the groove.

[0082] For example, Figure 6 As shown, when there is no relative movement between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121, the connecting rod CR can be located in the groove, and the end of the connecting rod CR close to the valve body 120 can fit with the first end P1 in the groove, so that the first end P1 and the second end P2 can be in electrical contact.

[0083] Another example is, Figure 7 As shown, when relative movement occurs between the valve body 120 and the top cover 121, the top cover 121 and the connecting rod CR will move toward the outside of the shell, and the end of the connecting rod CR close to the valve body 120 is separated from the first end P1 in the groove by a certain distance, so that the first end P1 and the second end P2 can be disconnected from electrical contact.

[0084] Furthermore, in order to further improve the accuracy of battery pack thermal runaway detection, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the explosion-proof valve in the embodiment of the present application may further include: a temperature detection module 123 disposed on the valve body 120, wherein the temperature detection module 123 can be used to detect the ambient temperature parameters of the location. It should be understood that when the explosion-proof valve of the battery pack is in the open state, the temperature detection module 123 can detect the temperature parameters of the gas discharged from the battery pack; when the explosion-proof valve of the battery pack is in the closed state, the temperature detection module 123 can detect the temperature parameters within the battery pack.

[0085] The temperature detection signal output by the temperature detection module 123 in the embodiment of the present application can be used by the battery controller to detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway, so that the battery controller can further perform thermal runaway detection based on the switching state of the limit switch in combination with the temperature detection signal output by the temperature detection module, thereby helping to further improve the accuracy of thermal runaway detection of the battery pack.

[0086] For example, the temperature detection module 123 in the embodiment of the present application may include but is not limited to a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) temperature sensor, or a temperature detection circuit.

[0087] It should be understood that the battery controller and the temperature detection module 123 in the embodiment of the present application can communicate with each other so that the battery controller can detect the temperature detection signal output by the temperature detection module 123. For example, the battery controller and the temperature detection module 123 can be electrically connected via a signal line (such as Figure 6 or Figure 7 As shown), or, the battery controller and the temperature detection module 123 can be connected wirelessly, etc.

[0088] It should be noted that the battery pack in the embodiment of the present application may further include: a humidity detection module disposed on the explosion-proof valve, or a humidity detection module disposed elsewhere in the battery pack, wherein the humidity detection module can be used to detect the ambient humidity parameters of the location. The humidity detection signal output by the humidity detection module in the embodiment of the present application can be used by the battery controller to detect whether the battery pack has experienced thermal runaway. The battery controller can further perform thermal runaway detection based on the on / off state of the limit switch and the humidity detection signal output by the humidity detection module, thereby further improving the accuracy of thermal runaway detection of the battery pack.

[0089] It should be understood that the temperature detection module and humidity detection module in the embodiment of the present application can also be integrated into a temperature and humidity detection module; of course, the temperature detection module and humidity detection module in the embodiment of the present application can also adopt other settings, and the settings of the temperature detection module and humidity detection module in the embodiment of the present application will no longer be illustrated one by one.

[0090] In some embodiments, Figure 8 The schematic diagram of the explosion-proof valve provided in other embodiments of the present application is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the explosion-proof valve in the embodiment of the present application may further include an elastic component 124, wherein the elastic component 124 can be arranged between the top cover 121 and the valve body 120; the elastic component 124 can be configured to switch the travel switch from the second switching state to the first switching state.

[0091] In the embodiment of the present application, an elastic component 124 is provided between the top cover 121 and the valve body 120 so that when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell 10 is greater than the pressure difference threshold, the valve body 120 and the top cover 121 can move separately, and when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell 10 is not greater than the pressure difference threshold, the valve body 120 and the top cover 121 can move closer to each other until they fit together, so that the limit switch can be switched from the second switching state to the first switching state.

[0092] For example, the elastic component 124 in the embodiment of the present application may include but is not limited to a spring, wherein one end of the elastic component 124 may be disposed on the valve body 120 , and the other end of the elastic component 124 may be disposed on the top cover 121 .

[0093] It should be understood that when the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the housing 10 is greater than the pressure differential threshold, the internal and external pressure differential can offset the elastic force of the elastic component 124, and the top cover 121 will gradually move toward the outside of the housing 10, causing the explosion-proof valve 12 to gradually switch to the open state, that is, the travel switch gradually switches from the first switch state to the second switch state, so as to facilitate the discharge of gas from the housing 10. Furthermore, after the gas in the housing 10 is discharged, when the internal and external pressure differential of the housing 10 is no greater than the pressure differential threshold, the internal and external pressure differential cannot offset the elastic force of the elastic component 124, and the top cover 121 will gradually move toward the inside of the housing 10, causing the explosion-proof valve 12 to gradually switch to the closed state, that is, the travel switch gradually switches from the second switch state to the first switch state.

[0094] It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, an elastic component is provided between the top cover and the valve body in the explosion-proof valve, so that when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell is greater than the pressure difference threshold, the explosion-proof valve will switch to an open state, and when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell is not greater than the pressure difference threshold, the explosion-proof valve will switch to a closed state. The opening and closing states of the explosion-proof valve can accurately reflect the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack, which is conducive to accurately detecting whether the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the opening and closing states of the explosion-proof valve.

[0095] In some embodiments, an embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device, which may include the battery pack provided in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In some embodiments, an embodiment of the present application provides an energy storage device, which may include the battery pack provided in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0097] In some embodiments, Figure 9This is a flow chart of a method for detecting thermal runaway of a battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application. In the embodiments of the present application, the method is applied to the battery controller of the battery pack in the above embodiment as an example for explanation. The relevant contents of the battery pack in the embodiments of the present application can refer to the relevant contents in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here. Figure 9 As shown, the method of the embodiment of the present application may include the following steps:

[0098] Step S901: Acquire the switch status of the travel switch in the explosion-proof valve.

[0099] In this step, the battery controller can detect and obtain the switch state of the travel switch in the explosion-proof valve. The travel switch can be in a first switch state (or called an on state) when there is no relative movement between the valve body and the top cover, and in a second switch state (or called an off state) when there is relative movement between the valve body and the top cover.

[0100] Step S902: Detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway according to the switch state, and obtain a thermal runaway detection result.

[0101] In this step, the battery controller can detect whether the battery pack has experienced thermal runaway based on the on / off state of the limit switch and obtain a thermal runaway detection result. The thermal runaway detection result can be used to indicate that the battery pack has experienced thermal runaway, the thermal runaway detection result can be used to indicate that the battery pack has not experienced thermal runaway, or the thermal runaway detection result can be used to indicate that the battery pack is in a normal state.

[0102] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, "the battery pack has not experienced thermal runaway" may mean that, although the battery pack has not temporarily experienced thermal runaway, it has experienced warning signs before thermal runaway. In the embodiments of the present application, "the battery pack is in a normal state" may mean that the battery pack has not temporarily experienced thermal runaway and has not experienced warning signs before thermal runaway.

[0103] Since the valve body and the top cover in the battery pack in the embodiment of the present application will undergo relative movement when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell is greater than the pressure difference threshold, thereby driving the adjustment of the switching state of the limit switch, the switching state of the limit switch in the embodiment of the present application can accurately reflect the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack and the opening and closing state of the explosion-proof valve. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the battery controller can accurately detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway according to the switching state of the limit switch.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the battery controller may detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the switch state of the travel switch to obtain a thermal runaway detection result.

[0105] Exemplarily, if the switch state of the limit switch is the second switch state, the battery controller can determine that the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the switch state of the limit switch, that is, the thermal runaway detection result can be used to indicate that the battery pack has thermal runaway.

[0106] As another example, if the switching state of the limit switch is the first switching state, the battery controller can determine that the battery pack is in a normal state based on the switching state of the limit switch, that is, the thermal runaway detection result can be used to indicate that the battery pack is in a normal state.

[0107] In another possible implementation, the battery controller may detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway according to the switch status and environmental parameter information of the battery pack, and obtain a thermal runaway detection result.

[0108] The environmental parameter information of the battery pack in the embodiments of the present application can be used to indicate the environmental parameter information inside the battery pack. For example, the environmental parameter information may include, but is not limited to, temperature parameter information and / or humidity parameter information. The temperature parameter information can be used to indicate the ambient temperature parameter of the location, and the humidity parameter information can be used to indicate the ambient humidity parameter of the location.

[0109] For example, when the environmental parameter information includes temperature parameter information, the battery controller may obtain the temperature parameter information by receiving temperature detection information output by a temperature detection module provided on the valve body of the explosion-proof valve.

[0110] As another example, when the environmental parameter information includes humidity parameter information, the battery controller can obtain the humidity parameter information by receiving humidity detection information output by a humidity detection module arranged on the valve body of the explosion-proof valve, or a humidity detection module arranged at other locations in the battery pack.

[0111] Of course, the battery controller can also obtain the environmental parameter information of the battery pack through other means.

[0112] In this implementation, the battery controller can further detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the switch state of the travel switch and the environmental parameter information of the battery pack to obtain a thermal runaway detection result.

[0113] Exemplarily, if the switch state of the travel switch is the second switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter meets the preset threshold, the battery controller can determine that the battery pack has thermal runaway.

[0114] For example, when the environmental parameter information includes temperature parameter information and / or humidity parameter information, if the switching state of the limit switch is the second switching state, and the temperature parameter information indicates that the environmental temperature parameter meets the preset temperature threshold and / or the humidity parameter information indicates that the environmental humidity parameter meets the preset humidity threshold, the battery controller can determine that the battery pack has thermal runaway.

[0115] In another exemplary embodiment, if the switch state of the travel switch is the second switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter does not meet the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack does not experience thermal runaway.

[0116] For example, when the environmental parameter information includes temperature parameter information, if the switch state of the travel switch is the second switch state, and the temperature parameter information indicates that the environmental temperature parameter does not meet the preset temperature threshold, the battery controller can determine that the battery pack does not have thermal runaway.

[0117] For another example, when the environmental parameter information includes humidity parameter information, if the switch state of the travel switch is the second switch state, and the humidity parameter information indicates that the environmental humidity parameter does not meet the preset humidity threshold, the battery controller can determine that the battery pack does not have thermal runaway.

[0118] For another example, when the environmental parameter information includes temperature parameter information and humidity parameter information, if the switching state of the travel switch is the second switching state, and the temperature parameter information indicates that the environmental temperature parameter does not meet the preset temperature threshold and the humidity parameter information indicates that the environmental humidity parameter does not meet the preset humidity threshold, the battery controller can determine that the battery pack does not have thermal runaway.

[0119] In another exemplary embodiment, if the switch state is the first switch state and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter meets the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack does not experience thermal runaway.

[0120] For example, when the environmental parameter information includes temperature parameter information and / or humidity parameter information, if the switching state of the travel switch is the first switching state, and the temperature parameter information indicates that the environmental temperature parameter meets the preset temperature threshold and / or the humidity parameter information indicates that the environmental humidity parameter meets the preset humidity threshold, the battery controller can determine that the battery pack has not experienced thermal runaway.

[0121] As another example, if the switch state is the first switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter does not meet the preset threshold, the battery controller may determine that the battery pack is in a normal state.

[0122] It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, by further combining the environmental parameter information of the battery pack to detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway on the basis of the switch state of the limit switch, it is beneficial to further improve the accuracy of thermal runaway detection of the battery pack.

[0123] Step S903: outputting prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection result.

[0124] In this step, the battery controller can output prompt information based on the thermal runaway detection results, wherein the prompt information may include but is not limited to: alarm prompt information or early warning prompt information, so that users or fire control equipment can promptly execute corresponding measures (for example, fire measures and / or emergency measures, etc.) according to the prompt information, thereby helping to reduce the degree of damage to the battery pack or electrical equipment after thermal runaway.

[0125] In one possible implementation, if the thermal runaway detection result is used to indicate that the battery pack has thermal runaway, the battery controller may output an alarm prompt message based on the thermal runaway detection result.

[0126] For example, if the battery pack is used in an electrical device and the thermal runaway detection result indicates that the battery pack has experienced thermal runaway, the battery controller can output an alarm prompt information to the control terminal of the electrical device or the user terminal corresponding to the electrical device based on the thermal runaway detection result, so that appropriate fire prevention measures can be implemented in a timely manner. Of course, if the electrical device also includes a fire prevention control device, the battery controller can directly output the alarm prompt information to the fire prevention control device so that the fire prevention control device can implement appropriate fire prevention measures in a timely manner.

[0127] For another example, when a battery pack is used in an energy storage device, if the thermal runaway detection result is used to indicate that the battery pack has thermal runaway, the battery controller can output an alarm prompt information to the control terminal or fire control device corresponding to the energy storage device based on the thermal runaway detection result, so that the fire control device can execute corresponding fire prevention measures in a timely manner.

[0128] In another possible implementation, if the thermal runaway detection result indicates that the battery pack has not experienced thermal runaway, the battery controller may output a warning prompt message based on the thermal runaway detection result. It should be noted that the battery pack not experiencing thermal runaway in the embodiments of the present application may mean that although the battery pack has not yet experienced thermal runaway, a warning phenomenon prior to thermal runaway has occurred.

[0129] For example, when the battery pack is applied to an electrical device, if the thermal runaway detection result is used to indicate that the battery pack has not experienced thermal runaway, the battery controller can output early warning information to the control end of the electrical device or the user end corresponding to the electrical device based on the thermal runaway detection result.

[0130] For another example, when the battery pack is used in an energy storage device, if the thermal runaway detection result indicates that the battery pack has not experienced thermal runaway, the battery controller may output a warning prompt message to a control terminal corresponding to the energy storage device.

[0131] Of course, the battery controller can also output prompt information in other ways based on the thermal runaway detection results.

[0132] In summary, in the embodiment of the present application, a thermal runaway detection result is obtained by detecting whether the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the switch state of the travel switch in the explosion-proof valve. Furthermore, a prompt message is output based on the thermal runaway detection result. Since the valve body and the top cover in the battery pack in the embodiment of the present application will undergo relative movement when the internal and external pressure difference of the shell is greater than the pressure difference threshold, thereby driving the switch state adjustment of the travel switch, the switch state of the travel switch in the embodiment of the present application can accurately reflect the internal and external pressure difference of the battery pack and the opening and closing state of the explosion-proof valve. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the battery controller can accurately detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway based on the switch state of the travel switch. In addition, by outputting prompt information based on the thermal runaway detection result, users or fire control equipment can promptly execute corresponding measures based on the prompt information, thereby helping to reduce the degree of damage to the battery pack or electrical equipment after thermal runaway.

[0133] In some embodiments, based on the above embodiments, for ease of understanding, the following embodiments of the present application take the temperature detection module provided on the valve body of the explosion-proof valve, and the environmental parameter information including temperature parameter information as an example to exemplarily introduce and illustrate the relevant contents of thermal runaway detection of the battery pack in the embodiments of the present application.

[0134] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of gas discharge when thermal runaway occurs in any cell of the battery pack provided in the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, the battery pack of the embodiment of the present application may include a housing, wherein the housing may include a bottom plate 101 and a top cover 102. The bottom plate 101 and the top cover 102 may form a sealed space. Each battery cell 11 in the embodiment of the present application may be arranged on the bottom plate 101, and the explosion-proof valve 12 may be arranged on the side of the top cover 102 to facilitate pressure relief and exhaust.

[0135] When any battery cell experiences thermal runaway, the battery cell will release high-temperature flue gas G into the battery pack, causing the air pressure in the battery pack to increase rapidly. When the internal and external pressure difference of the shell is greater than the pressure difference threshold, the explosion-proof valve 12 switches to the open state (the limit switch switches to the disconnected state), and the thermal runaway flue gas can be discharged through the explosion-proof valve 12 along the path P, thereby achieving pressure relief and exhaust. It should be understood that in the process of the thermal runaway flue gas being discharged through the explosion-proof valve 12, the temperature detection module on the explosion-proof valve 12 can detect the temperature parameter information of the thermal runaway flue gas and report it to the battery controller, so that the battery controller can detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway according to the switch state of the limit switch and the temperature parameter information of the thermal runaway flue gas, and output prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection result.

[0136] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the overall process of the thermal runaway detection method for the battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application Figure 1 ,like Figure 11 As shown, the battery controller in the embodiment of the present application can receive the switch status sent by the limit switch and the temperature parameter information sent by the temperature detection module. Furthermore, the battery controller can detect whether the battery pack is experiencing thermal runaway based on the switch status of the limit switch and the temperature parameter information of the thermal runaway flue gas.

[0137] Furthermore, if the thermal runaway detection result is used to indicate that the battery pack has thermal runaway, the battery controller can output alarm prompt information to the control end or fire control equipment based on the thermal runaway detection result, so that the fire control equipment can be controlled to execute corresponding fire fighting measures in a timely manner.

[0138] If the thermal runaway detection result is used to indicate that the battery pack has not experienced thermal runaway, the battery controller can output early warning information to the control end based on the thermal runaway detection result so that the control end can execute corresponding emergency measures, etc.

[0139] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the overall process of the thermal runaway detection method for the battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application Figure 2 ,like Figure 12 As shown, the method of the embodiment of the present application may include the following steps:

[0140] Step S1201: The battery controller obtains the switch status of the travel switch and the temperature parameter information of the temperature detection module.

[0141] Step S1202: The battery controller determines whether the travel switch is in the disconnected state according to the switch state of the travel switch.

[0142] If the travel switch is in the off state, execute step S1203; if the travel switch is in the on state, execute step S1204.

[0143] Step S1203: The battery controller determines whether the temperature parameter meets a preset temperature threshold according to the temperature parameter information.

[0144] If the temperature parameter meets the preset temperature threshold, step S1205 is executed; if the temperature parameter does not meet the preset temperature threshold, step S1206 is executed.

[0145] Step S1204: The battery controller determines whether the temperature parameter meets a preset temperature threshold based on the temperature parameter information.

[0146] If the temperature parameter meets the preset temperature threshold, step S1206 is executed; if the temperature parameter does not meet the preset temperature threshold, step S1207 is executed.

[0147] Step S1205: The battery controller determines that the battery pack has thermal runaway and outputs an alarm prompt message.

[0148] Step S1206: The battery controller determines that the battery pack does not experience thermal runaway and outputs a warning prompt message.

[0149] It should be noted that the battery pack not experiencing thermal runaway in the embodiments of the present application may mean that although the battery pack has not temporarily experienced thermal runaway, a warning phenomenon before thermal runaway has occurred.

[0150] Step S1207: The battery controller determines that the battery pack is in a normal state and does not need to output a prompt message.

[0151] It should be noted that the battery pack in the embodiments of the present application is in a normal state, which may mean that the battery pack not only does not temporarily experience thermal runaway but also does not experience any warning phenomenon before thermal runaway.

[0152] For the implementation methods of each step in the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the relevant content in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0153] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the battery controller first determines whether the travel switch is in the disconnected state, and then determines whether the temperature parameter meets the preset temperature threshold. Of course, the battery controller can also first determine whether the temperature parameter meets the preset temperature threshold, and then determine whether the travel switch is in the disconnected state. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the order of the above judgments.

[0154] In addition, the temperature parameter information in the above embodiment can also be replaced by humidity parameter information or other parameter information, or the battery controller can further combine humidity parameter information on the basis of combining the above temperature parameter information.

[0155] In summary, in the embodiments of the present application, a travel switch is provided between the valve body and the top cover of the explosion-proof valve, and a temperature detection module for detecting the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas is provided on the valve body. The explosion-proof valve can be opened to release exhaust when the battery cell is in thermal runaway, thereby driving the adjustment of the switch state of the travel switch. Since the switch state of the travel switch in the embodiments of the present application can accurately reflect the internal and external pressure differential of the battery pack and the open and closed state of the explosion-proof valve, and the temperature detection module can accurately detect the temperature of the thermal runaway flue gas, the battery controller in the embodiments of the present application can more accurately detect whether the battery pack is in thermal runaway based on the switch state of the travel switch and the temperature detection signal of the temperature detection module, thereby more accurately triggering the thermal runaway prompt information.

[0156] It should be understood that, although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown in sequence as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily performed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and these steps can be performed in other orders. Moreover, at least a portion of the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages, and these steps or stages are not necessarily performed at the same time, but can be performed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily to be performed in sequence, but can be performed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of steps or stages in other steps.

[0157] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present application also provide a thermal runaway detection device for implementing the aforementioned thermal runaway detection method for a battery pack. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the aforementioned method. Therefore, the specific limitations of the following embodiments of the thermal runaway detection device for one or more battery packs can be found in the aforementioned limitations of the thermal runaway detection method for a battery pack and will not be further elaborated here.

[0158] In some embodiments, Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal runaway detection device for the battery pack provided in some embodiments of the present application. The thermal runaway detection device for the battery pack provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the battery controller of the battery pack in the above embodiments of the present application. Figure 13 As shown, the thermal runaway detection device for a battery pack in an embodiment of the present application may include: an acquisition module 1301 , a detection module 1302 and an output module 1303 .

[0159] The acquisition module 1301 is used to obtain the switch status of the travel switch in the explosion-proof valve;

[0160] A detection module 1302 is configured to detect whether the battery pack has thermal runaway according to the switch state and obtain a thermal runaway detection result;

[0161] The output module 1303 is configured to output prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection result.

[0162] In some embodiments, the detection module 1302 is specifically configured to:

[0163] The battery pack is detected to determine whether thermal runaway occurs based on the switch status and the environmental parameter information of the battery pack, and a thermal runaway detection result is obtained.

[0164] In some embodiments, the detection module 1302 is specifically configured to:

[0165] If the switch state is the second switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter meets the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack has thermal runaway.

[0166] In some embodiments, the output module 1303 is specifically configured to:

[0167] Output alarm prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection results.

[0168] In some embodiments, the detection module 1302 is specifically configured to:

[0169] If the switch state is the second switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter does not meet the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack does not have thermal runaway; or,

[0170] If the switch state is the first switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter meets the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack does not experience thermal runaway.

[0171] In some embodiments, the output module 1303 is specifically configured to:

[0172] Output warning information based on thermal runaway detection results.

[0173] In some embodiments, the environmental parameter information includes: temperature parameter information, and / or humidity parameter information.

[0174] The thermal runaway detection device for a battery pack provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used to implement the technical solution in the thermal runaway detection method embodiment of the battery pack described above in the present application. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0175] Each module in the battery pack thermal runaway detection device described above can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Each module can be embedded in or independent of the battery controller's processor in hardware form, or stored in the battery controller's memory in software form, allowing the processor to call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0176] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application also provide a battery controller including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program. When the processor executes the computer program, the technical solution in the thermal runaway detection method embodiment of the above-mentioned battery pack of the present application is implemented. The implementation principle and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0177] In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the technical solution in the above-mentioned battery pack thermal runaway detection method embodiment of the present application is implemented. The implementation principle and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0178] In some embodiments, a computer program product is also provided, including a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the technical solution in the above-mentioned battery pack thermal runaway detection method embodiment of the present application. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0179] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 9 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 All or part of the process of the thermal runaway detection method of the battery pack shown can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the above-mentioned Figure 9 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 The process of the thermal runaway detection method for the battery pack shown. Among them, any reference to memory, database or other media used in the various embodiments provided in this application may include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The processors involved in the various embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processors, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, data processing logic devices based on quantum computing, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0180] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack includes a housing, at least one battery cell disposed in the housing, and an explosion-proof valve disposed on a wall of the housing, the explosion-proof valve including a valve body and a top cover, with a travel switch disposed between the valve body and the top cover; The valve body and the top cover are used to move relative to each other when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shell is greater than a pressure difference threshold, so as to release the gas in the shell; The travel switch is in a first switching state when no relative movement occurs between the valve body and the top cover, and is in a second switching state when relative movement occurs between the valve body and the top cover. The different switching states of the travel switch are used for the battery controller of the battery pack to detect whether thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The travel switch includes: a first end provided on the valve body and a second end provided on the top cover; When there is no relative movement between the valve body and the top cover, the first end and the second end are in electrical contact, so that the travel switch is in the first switching state; When relative movement occurs between the valve body and the top cover, the first end and the second end are disconnected from electrical contact, so that the travel switch is in the second switching state.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: A connecting rod is further provided on a side of the top cover close to the valve body, and the second end is provided on the connecting rod.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The valve body includes a groove capable of accommodating the connecting rod, and the first end is disposed in the groove.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The explosion-proof valve further includes: a temperature detection module provided on the valve body, wherein the temperature detection signal output by the temperature detection module is used by the battery controller to detect whether thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The explosion-proof valve further includes an elastic component, wherein the elastic component is disposed between the top cover and the valve body; the elastic component is configured to switch the travel switch from the second switching state to the first switching state.

7. An electrical device, characterized in that: Comprising the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An energy storage device, characterized in that: Comprising the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A method for detecting thermal runaway of a battery pack, characterized in that: The method is applied to a battery controller of a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6; the method comprises: Obtain the switch status of the travel switch in the explosion-proof valve; detecting whether thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack according to the switch state, and obtaining a thermal runaway detection result; Outputting prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection result.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The detecting whether thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack according to the switch state and obtaining a thermal runaway detection result includes: Whether thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack is detected according to the switch state and environmental parameter information of the battery pack, and a thermal runaway detection result is obtained.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The detecting whether thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack according to the switch state and the environmental parameter information of the battery pack, and obtaining a thermal runaway detection result, includes: If the switch state is the second switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter meets a preset threshold, it is determined that thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Outputting prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection result includes: Outputting alarm prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection result.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The detecting whether thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack according to the switch state and the environmental parameter information of the battery pack, and obtaining a thermal runaway detection result, includes: If the switch state is the second switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter does not meet the preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack does not have thermal runaway; or, If the switch state is the first switch state, and the environmental parameter information indicates that the environmental parameter meets a preset threshold, it is determined that the battery pack does not experience thermal runaway.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that Outputting prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection result includes: Outputting warning information according to the thermal runaway detection result.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that: The environmental parameter information includes: temperature parameter information and / or humidity parameter information.

16. A thermal runaway detection device for a battery pack, characterized in that: The device is applied to a battery controller of a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6; the device comprises: An acquisition module is used to obtain the switch status of the travel switch in the explosion-proof valve; a detection module, configured to detect whether thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack according to the switch state, and obtain a thermal runaway detection result; An output module is used to output prompt information according to the thermal runaway detection result.

17. A battery controller comprising: A memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and wherein the processor implements the steps of any one of the methods described in claims 9 to 15 when executing the computer program.

18. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15 are implemented.

19. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15 are implemented.

Images